Your daily bread

Few things feel more French than starting the day with a warm baguette under your arm, and in Aimargues you are spoiled for choice. Both bakeries are within easy walking distance of the house, making a morning bread run an easy and enjoyable daily ritual. For variety, head to Boulangerie Gilles 1975. Open from early morning, this large bakery offers everything from crusty baguettes and flaky croissants to pâtisserie, sandwiches and savoury snacks. It is ideal if everyone in the family wants something different. Particularly worth trying are the viennoiseries and local sweet treats. For the thrifty, ask about their “magic bags”: one savoury and one sweet. These contain the previous day’s unsold goodies at exceptional value. A quick few minutes in the oven is usually all it takes to bring yesterday’s pastries and breads beautifully back to life. For a more traditional, artisanal experience, visit Le Pain de nos Ancêtres. This smaller bakery is all about rustic craftsmanship, with naturally fermented breads, traditional methods and a more limited selection. Do not expect rows and rows of products; instead, expect carefully made loaves with real character, deep flavour and the sort of crisp crust and chewy interior that French country bread is famous for. It is the perfect stop if you want to bring home a loaf, some cheese and perhaps a bottle of wine for a simple but memorable lunch. ✦ Local products you must try: Fougasse d'Aigue Mortes, a delicious sweet brioche style bread covered in sugar and orange blossom water. Oreillettes, a thin, deep-fried sweet crispbread dusted with icing sugar. Savoury Fougasse, a laminated savoury bread made with grattons (fried pork or duck pieces) or anchovies for the perfect accompaniment to your aperitif on the terrace.