Colin Duncan Taylor
@colinduncantaylor.bsky.social
Author and explorer in the south of France, writing about the history and gastronomy of Occitanie and the Pyrenees.
Raimon de Miraval was a troubadour who truly lived his art. This poor knight fell hopelessly in love with the wives of the two brothers who owned the bigger château next door, and in his old age, he tried to save the Cathars from the Crusaders. www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/raimon-... #Frhistory
Raimon de Miraval – the trials and tribulations of a 12th century troubadour
A castle mound surrounded by wooded mountain slopes. Forlorn sections of crumbling fortifications. A plaque informing any visitor who can read Occitan that the troubadour Raimon de Miraval was born...
www.colinduncantaylor.com
October 29, 2025 at 10:38 AM
Raimon de Miraval was a troubadour who truly lived his art. This poor knight fell hopelessly in love with the wives of the two brothers who owned the bigger château next door, and in his old age, he tried to save the Cathars from the Crusaders. www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/raimon-... #Frhistory
In 1910, Armand Viguier built a pedal-powered aeroplane in his village church. When war broke out in 1914, he served successively as cavalryman, bomber pilot and fighter pilot. Learn more about his extraordinary career. #Frhistory #aviation www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/astonis...
Astonishing tales from the earliest days of French aviation
Péchaudier in the south of France is blessed with a pretty little church. For no obvious reason, it stands alone in open fields a kilometre outside its village. Viewed against the backdrop of the...
www.colinduncantaylor.com
October 17, 2025 at 6:33 AM
In 1910, Armand Viguier built a pedal-powered aeroplane in his village church. When war broke out in 1914, he served successively as cavalryman, bomber pilot and fighter pilot. Learn more about his extraordinary career. #Frhistory #aviation www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/astonis...
If you travel through the gorgeous countryside of the south of France with your eyes open, you will soon spot plenty of pigeonniers, or dovecotes. But you can also find some fine examples in the urban landscape of Toulouse. #FrHistory #Toulouse #pigeonniers www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/pigeonn...
Pigeonniers in the urban landscape of Toulouse
If you travel through the gorgeous countryside of Occitanie with your eyes open, you will soon spot plenty of pigeonniers , or dovecotes. There are 6,000 of them, and they are just as much a part of.....
www.colinduncantaylor.com
October 14, 2025 at 7:17 PM
If you travel through the gorgeous countryside of the south of France with your eyes open, you will soon spot plenty of pigeonniers, or dovecotes. But you can also find some fine examples in the urban landscape of Toulouse. #FrHistory #Toulouse #pigeonniers www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/pigeonn...
WHO WON THE BATTLE OF TOULOUSE IN 1814?
On a hill overlooking Toulouse stands a memorial to a pointless and bloody battle. There are two plaques beside it, one in French, one in Occitan, but there is an intriguing difference between the two texts. www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/who-won... #FrHistory
On a hill overlooking Toulouse stands a memorial to a pointless and bloody battle. There are two plaques beside it, one in French, one in Occitan, but there is an intriguing difference between the two texts. www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/who-won... #FrHistory
Who won the Battle of Toulouse, 10 April 1814?
If you are walking the GR46 long-distance footpath, or simply enjoy exploring Toulouse beyond the Place du Capitole, you may encounter this imposing memorial column on a hill behind Matabiau railway.....
www.colinduncantaylor.com
September 24, 2025 at 6:42 AM
WHO WON THE BATTLE OF TOULOUSE IN 1814?
On a hill overlooking Toulouse stands a memorial to a pointless and bloody battle. There are two plaques beside it, one in French, one in Occitan, but there is an intriguing difference between the two texts. www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/who-won... #FrHistory
On a hill overlooking Toulouse stands a memorial to a pointless and bloody battle. There are two plaques beside it, one in French, one in Occitan, but there is an intriguing difference between the two texts. www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/who-won... #FrHistory
When is an English cemetery not an English cemetery?
Two places to the east of Toulouse are known as le cimitière des anglais, or the English cemetery. The question is, are any Englishmen buried there? #FrHistory #Toulouse #history
www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/when-is...
Two places to the east of Toulouse are known as le cimitière des anglais, or the English cemetery. The question is, are any Englishmen buried there? #FrHistory #Toulouse #history
www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/when-is...
When is an English Cemetery not an English Cemetery?
Two places to the east of Toulouse are known as le cimitière des anglais , or the English cemetery. The question is, are any Englishmen buried there? This story follows on from my previous...
www.colinduncantaylor.com
September 16, 2025 at 6:07 AM
When is an English cemetery not an English cemetery?
Two places to the east of Toulouse are known as le cimitière des anglais, or the English cemetery. The question is, are any Englishmen buried there? #FrHistory #Toulouse #history
www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/when-is...
Two places to the east of Toulouse are known as le cimitière des anglais, or the English cemetery. The question is, are any Englishmen buried there? #FrHistory #Toulouse #history
www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/when-is...
At 10.17 on 21 September 2001, Toulouse was shaken by an explosion which killed 31 people. The cause? A fertiliser factory run by AZF. #Toulouse #sculpture #memorial www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/toulous...
Toulouse: in memory of the exploding fertiliser factory
"I have been living in the south of France for 20 years, and through my books and my blog, I endeavour to share my love for the history and gastronomy of Occitanie and the Pyrenees."
www.colinduncantaylor.com
September 11, 2025 at 6:40 AM
At 10.17 on 21 September 2001, Toulouse was shaken by an explosion which killed 31 people. The cause? A fertiliser factory run by AZF. #Toulouse #sculpture #memorial www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/toulous...
Naurouze is one of those places that seems to attract legends and history, as well as being notable from a geological and geographic perspective. #FrHistory www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/so-many...
So many reasons to visit Naurouze, not far from Toulouse
Naurouze is one of those places that seems to attract legends and history, as well as being notable from a geological and geographic perspective. It is located south-east of Toulouse, conveniently...
www.colinduncantaylor.com
August 5, 2025 at 5:39 AM
Naurouze is one of those places that seems to attract legends and history, as well as being notable from a geological and geographic perspective. #FrHistory www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/so-many...
During the Hundred Years’ War, English and French armies clashed frequently on the battlefield. At the Battle of Montégut-Lauragais, a French count confronted a French duke. #FrHistory www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/july-13...
July 1381: The Battle of Montégut-Lauragais (or the Battle of Revel)
A few days ago, I cycled through an ancient battlefield near my home. I thought I would share its story with you.
www.colinduncantaylor.com
July 28, 2025 at 7:17 AM
During the Hundred Years’ War, English and French armies clashed frequently on the battlefield. At the Battle of Montégut-Lauragais, a French count confronted a French duke. #FrHistory www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/july-13...
Discover how ice cream helped a young Italian establish a cafe in 1686 that was frequented by Voltaire, Rousseau, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Danton and Robespierre. #FrHistory www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/the-old...
The oldest café in Paris and the story of ice cream
Even someone like me who loves the south of France and the Pyrenees can be tempted to travel north from time to time. A few weeks ago, I visited the oldest café in Paris – Le Procope – and...
www.colinduncantaylor.com
July 16, 2025 at 9:08 AM
Discover how ice cream helped a young Italian establish a cafe in 1686 that was frequented by Voltaire, Rousseau, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Danton and Robespierre. #FrHistory www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/the-old...
Celebrating signing my publishing contract with Yale University Press. Another reason to love the Pyrenees! #FrHistory #Pyrenees #pyreneeshistory #lovepyrenees www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/proud-t...
Proud to be writing for Yale University Press
Please be indulgent and allow me to share a wonderful piece of publishing news!
www.colinduncantaylor.com
May 13, 2025 at 6:20 AM
Celebrating signing my publishing contract with Yale University Press. Another reason to love the Pyrenees! #FrHistory #Pyrenees #pyreneeshistory #lovepyrenees www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/proud-t...
Soult and Wellington never met face-to-face during all the years they spent fighting each other, but according to a tale I was told during a visit to the Château de Soult-Berg, this long-overdue encounter took place at the coronation of Queen Victoria in London. #FrHistory #Napoleon #Wellington
How Wellington finally laid his hands on Napoleon’s greatest general
My recent posts about Marshal Soult and the Battle of Toulouse have unearthed a memory: in 2018, I enjoyed the rare privilege of being given a guided tour of Soult’s home town, including the house...
www.colinduncantaylor.com
April 19, 2025 at 8:49 AM
Soult and Wellington never met face-to-face during all the years they spent fighting each other, but according to a tale I was told during a visit to the Château de Soult-Berg, this long-overdue encounter took place at the coronation of Queen Victoria in London. #FrHistory #Napoleon #Wellington
In a forest clearing halfway up a mountain in the French Pyrenees, five granite figures stare into the distance and dream of freedom. Who carved them, and what do they represent? #FrHistory #pyreneeshistory #lovepyrenees www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/the-res...
The Resistance, the Bolivian and some deadly caterpillars
In a forest clearing halfway up a mountain, five granite figures stare into the distance and dream of freedom. During the Second World War, freedom lay on the south side of the Pyrenees, and that...
www.colinduncantaylor.com
April 11, 2025 at 12:43 PM
In a forest clearing halfway up a mountain in the French Pyrenees, five granite figures stare into the distance and dream of freedom. Who carved them, and what do they represent? #FrHistory #pyreneeshistory #lovepyrenees www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/the-res...
THE PIG FARMER, THE ROMAN TILEMAKER AND NAPOLEON’S COMPANION IN EXILE. Most people visiting Las Cases barely glance at the château. Instead, they dive straight inside the farm shop to buy dried hams, sausages or fresh pork. And they never discover its curious story.
#FrHistory #Napoleon
#FrHistory #Napoleon
The pig farmer, the Roman tilemaker and Napoleon’s companion in exile
Most people visiting Las Cases barely glance at the château. Instead, they dive straight inside the farm shop to buy dried hams, sausages or fresh pork. The farm and château sit beside the main...
www.colinduncantaylor.com
April 7, 2025 at 9:49 AM
THE PIG FARMER, THE ROMAN TILEMAKER AND NAPOLEON’S COMPANION IN EXILE. Most people visiting Las Cases barely glance at the château. Instead, they dive straight inside the farm shop to buy dried hams, sausages or fresh pork. And they never discover its curious story.
#FrHistory #Napoleon
#FrHistory #Napoleon
Discover the FORTERESSE DE SALSES, built in 1497, besieged many times until it was made redundant in 1659 by the Treaty of the Pyrenees which moved the border 40 kilometres further south. www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/fortere... #FrHistory #lovepyrenees #pyreneeshistory
Forteresse de Salses: discovering history on the autoroutes of France
Last week, I found myself wondering if the Aire du Château de Salses is the most interesting rest area on the entire French motorway network. Located roughly half-way between Perpignan and Narbonne,.....
www.colinduncantaylor.com
March 25, 2025 at 10:51 AM
Discover the FORTERESSE DE SALSES, built in 1497, besieged many times until it was made redundant in 1659 by the Treaty of the Pyrenees which moved the border 40 kilometres further south. www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/fortere... #FrHistory #lovepyrenees #pyreneeshistory
A DRAMATIC TOMB FOR A FORGOTTEN PLAYWRIGHT
With a poet’s eye for drama, Henry Bataille knew exactly how he wanted to be buried. Although his dramatic output has passed into oblivion, his tomb is unforgettable. It may even give you nightmares. #FrHistory
With a poet’s eye for drama, Henry Bataille knew exactly how he wanted to be buried. Although his dramatic output has passed into oblivion, his tomb is unforgettable. It may even give you nightmares. #FrHistory
March 19, 2025 at 4:29 PM
A DRAMATIC TOMB FOR A FORGOTTEN PLAYWRIGHT
With a poet’s eye for drama, Henry Bataille knew exactly how he wanted to be buried. Although his dramatic output has passed into oblivion, his tomb is unforgettable. It may even give you nightmares. #FrHistory
With a poet’s eye for drama, Henry Bataille knew exactly how he wanted to be buried. Although his dramatic output has passed into oblivion, his tomb is unforgettable. It may even give you nightmares. #FrHistory
Take a stroll in the French Pyrenees and discover a wide range of Neolithic monuments in the space of 5km, including examples of menhir, dolmen, rock shelter and bridge. Can't go there yourself? Enjoy my photos and description. www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/a-famil... #FrHistory #lovepyrenees
A family stroll through prehistory in the Pyrenees
One of my favourite short walks in the Cerdagne is a five-kilometre balade néolithique , or Stone Age stroll, around the village of Eyne. As well as fine views of the Pyrenees, visitors of all ages...
www.colinduncantaylor.com
March 11, 2025 at 6:21 AM
Take a stroll in the French Pyrenees and discover a wide range of Neolithic monuments in the space of 5km, including examples of menhir, dolmen, rock shelter and bridge. Can't go there yourself? Enjoy my photos and description. www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/a-famil... #FrHistory #lovepyrenees
In 1859, Empress Eugénie climbed a mountain called La Rhune in grand style. Most modern visitors climb it with the help of a scenic mountain railway. Eugénie also did much to develop tourism in Biarritz and the western Pyrenees. www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/eugenie... #FrHistory #pyreneeshistory
Eugénie, the energetic empress
Small but challenging By Pyrenean standards, La Rhune is a modest mountain, but from its summit at 900 metres above sea-level, visitors can admire a 360-degree panorama. To the north-west,...
www.colinduncantaylor.com
March 9, 2025 at 9:25 AM
In 1859, Empress Eugénie climbed a mountain called La Rhune in grand style. Most modern visitors climb it with the help of a scenic mountain railway. Eugénie also did much to develop tourism in Biarritz and the western Pyrenees. www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/eugenie... #FrHistory #pyreneeshistory
Mostly based in the abbey of En Calcat, south-west France, Dom Robert’s tapestries were inspired by nature in general and the Montagne Noire in particular. Find out more about his life and work. www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/in-the-... #Frhistory
In the footsteps of Dom Robert
An old friend of mine from Paris came to visit me in the south of France, expecting sunshine. Instead, Tony was greeted by a rain-soaked sky, so I suggested we abandon thoughts of climbing a mountain....
www.colinduncantaylor.com
March 2, 2025 at 1:58 PM
Mostly based in the abbey of En Calcat, south-west France, Dom Robert’s tapestries were inspired by nature in general and the Montagne Noire in particular. Find out more about his life and work. www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/in-the-... #Frhistory
King Wamba and the Castle of the Vultures...discover a remote castle with splendid views and read the story of a rebellion against the last great king of the Visigoths. www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/king-wa...
#frhistory #lovepyrenees #pyreneeshistory
#frhistory #lovepyrenees #pyreneeshistory
King Wamba and the Castle of the Vultures
The earliest mention of the Castle of the Vultures appears in a book written by Julian, Bishop of Toledo, sometime around the year 674 CE. He calls it Vulteraria, but now it is known as the Château...
www.colinduncantaylor.com
March 1, 2025 at 10:49 AM
King Wamba and the Castle of the Vultures...discover a remote castle with splendid views and read the story of a rebellion against the last great king of the Visigoths. www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/king-wa...
#frhistory #lovepyrenees #pyreneeshistory
#frhistory #lovepyrenees #pyreneeshistory
Discover Romans, Christians and Saints at Lugdunum Convenarum in the French Pyrenees. #FrHistory #pyreneeshistory #lovepyrenees #lovehistory www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/romans-...
Romans, Christians and Saints
I am standing at a crossroads. To my right lie the foundations of the Roman temple. To my left, the remains of what may be the oldest Christian basilica in Gaul. Dominating the skyline to the...
www.colinduncantaylor.com
February 26, 2025 at 11:47 AM
Discover Romans, Christians and Saints at Lugdunum Convenarum in the French Pyrenees. #FrHistory #pyreneeshistory #lovepyrenees #lovehistory www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/romans-...
Excavations carried out inside a cave in the Spanish Pyrenees between 2011 and 2013 found silos which had been used to store grain around 7,000 years ago. Ever since, silos have made an important contribution to food security. www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/give-us...
#pyrenees #frenchhistory
#pyrenees #frenchhistory
‘Give us this day our daily bread’ – or food security in ancient times
The sixth line from the Lord’s Prayer asks God to provide us with the essentials that keep body and soul together. Long before those words were written, our distant ancestors took more practical...
www.colinduncantaylor.com
February 25, 2025 at 6:34 PM
Excavations carried out inside a cave in the Spanish Pyrenees between 2011 and 2013 found silos which had been used to store grain around 7,000 years ago. Ever since, silos have made an important contribution to food security. www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/give-us...
#pyrenees #frenchhistory
#pyrenees #frenchhistory
The French village of Durfort devoted itself to copper for six centuries. Today, there are many reminders of this industry, and the village council has recently signposted a 3.5km walk along the river where you can learn more.
www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/from-br...
#Frhistory #copper
www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/from-br...
#Frhistory #copper
February 19, 2025 at 12:13 PM
The French village of Durfort devoted itself to copper for six centuries. Today, there are many reminders of this industry, and the village council has recently signposted a 3.5km walk along the river where you can learn more.
www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/from-br...
#Frhistory #copper
www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/from-br...
#Frhistory #copper
Analysis of culinary remains – burnt and unburnt – that were discovered in a mountain village in the Montagne Noire, south of France, provides a fascinating insight into what people were eating seven or eight centuries ago.
#Frhistory
www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/burnt-o...
#Frhistory
www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/burnt-o...
February 13, 2025 at 8:12 AM
Analysis of culinary remains – burnt and unburnt – that were discovered in a mountain village in the Montagne Noire, south of France, provides a fascinating insight into what people were eating seven or eight centuries ago.
#Frhistory
www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/burnt-o...
#Frhistory
www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/burnt-o...
This afternoon's writing activity: a 15km run up the Montagne Noire with a purpose - delivering copies of my book to Suzanne and Mark, and signing them too, of course. You don't get that kind of service from Amazon. Oh, and I passed through the ruins of Castlar on the way.
February 11, 2025 at 5:55 PM
This afternoon's writing activity: a 15km run up the Montagne Noire with a purpose - delivering copies of my book to Suzanne and Mark, and signing them too, of course. You don't get that kind of service from Amazon. Oh, and I passed through the ruins of Castlar on the way.
Château de Montfa stands on a hill between Castres and Albi in southern France. First mentioned in 1275, it belonged to the family of the painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec-Montfa. Sadly, when Henri signed his paintings, he often used his initials: HTL, or even TL, with no sign of an M for Montfa.
November 14, 2024 at 6:41 PM
Château de Montfa stands on a hill between Castres and Albi in southern France. First mentioned in 1275, it belonged to the family of the painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec-Montfa. Sadly, when Henri signed his paintings, he often used his initials: HTL, or even TL, with no sign of an M for Montfa.