Colin Duncan Taylor
@colinduncantaylor.bsky.social
Based in the south of France for 25 years, I am an author who specialises in history, landscapes and gastronomy on both sides of the Pyrenees.
The Oppidum d’Ensérune near Béziers is the best example in the south of France of a fortified Celtic settlement. A lawyer called Félix Mouret rode up here in 1895 and wondered why the ground beneath his horse’s hooves sounded hollow.
www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/oppidum... #FrHistory
www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/oppidum... #FrHistory
Oppidum d’Ensérune – as story of discovery with an equine twist — www.colinduncantaylor.com
OPPIDUM D’ENSÉRUNE – A STORY OF DISCOVERY WITH AN EQUINE TWIST / The Oppidum d’Ensérune near Béziers is the best example in the south of France of a fortified Celtic settlement. A lawyer called Félix ...
www.colinduncantaylor.com
February 10, 2026 at 11:57 AM
The Oppidum d’Ensérune near Béziers is the best example in the south of France of a fortified Celtic settlement. A lawyer called Félix Mouret rode up here in 1895 and wondered why the ground beneath his horse’s hooves sounded hollow.
www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/oppidum... #FrHistory
www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/oppidum... #FrHistory
My new book ‘The Pyrenees: A Human History’ will be published in hardback by Yale University Press in London on 25 August 2026, and in New Haven, Connecticut on 8 September 2026. It is available for pre-order now. EBook formats should appear before then too. www.colinduncantaylor.com/books/the-py...
A fascinating account of the Pyrenees and their people. — www.colinduncantaylor.com
www.colinduncantaylor.com
February 4, 2026 at 5:49 PM
My new book ‘The Pyrenees: A Human History’ will be published in hardback by Yale University Press in London on 25 August 2026, and in New Haven, Connecticut on 8 September 2026. It is available for pre-order now. EBook formats should appear before then too. www.colinduncantaylor.com/books/the-py...
The spoked-wheel fields of Montady are the result of a 13th-century project to transform a disease-ridden swamp into productive farmland: 400 hectares divided into 80 slices by 120 kilometres of drainage ditches. #Frhistory
www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/the-ext...
www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/the-ext...
The extraordinary field system of Montady — www.colinduncantaylor.com
THE EXTRAORDINARY FIELD SYSTEM OF MONTADY / The spoked-wheel fields of Montady are the result of a 13th-century project to transform a disease-ridden swamp into productive farmland: 400 hectares divid...
www.colinduncantaylor.com
January 16, 2026 at 10:13 AM
The spoked-wheel fields of Montady are the result of a 13th-century project to transform a disease-ridden swamp into productive farmland: 400 hectares divided into 80 slices by 120 kilometres of drainage ditches. #Frhistory
www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/the-ext...
www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/the-ext...
'Looted!' is a new book by Peter Elliott which tells the stories of four French families who had their artworks stolen by the Nazis. It is a thought-provoking read which encourages us to reflect on the role of art in our own lives. Read my review here: www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/book-re...
Book review: ‘Looted!’ by Peter Elliott — www.colinduncantaylor.com
REVIEW OF ‘LOOTED! THE NAZI ART PLUNDER OF JEWISH FAMILIES IN FRANCE’ BY PETER ELLIOTT / ‘ Looted! ’ traces the rags-to-riches story of four French Jewish families and recounts the development of th...
www.colinduncantaylor.com
January 13, 2026 at 6:36 AM
'Looted!' is a new book by Peter Elliott which tells the stories of four French families who had their artworks stolen by the Nazis. It is a thought-provoking read which encourages us to reflect on the role of art in our own lives. Read my review here: www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/book-re...
Today, Marianne is the symbol of the French republic, but she was not a real person. Like Eleanor Rigby or Maggie May, she was dreamt up for a song. www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/mariann... #FrHistory
Marianne, symbol of the French republic
A few weeks ago, my local town opened a museum dedicated to the symbol of the French Republic. This reminded me that Marianne was born here in Puylaurens, a hilltop town in Occitanie. Today in...
www.colinduncantaylor.com
December 17, 2025 at 9:58 AM
Today, Marianne is the symbol of the French republic, but she was not a real person. Like Eleanor Rigby or Maggie May, she was dreamt up for a song. www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/mariann... #FrHistory
One of the few surviving examples of a traditional dessert from the south of France is the mesturet (locals pronounce all the letters). Why did other Occitan pastries disappear, such as the rauzel, the feuilleté or the autrichien? #Frhistory #cooking www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/discove...
Discover and make mesturets – an elusive dessert from the south of France
One of the few surviving examples of a traditional dessert from the south of France is the mesturet (locals pronounce all the letters). It originated in the department of the Tarn, but its principal.....
www.colinduncantaylor.com
December 16, 2025 at 12:12 PM
One of the few surviving examples of a traditional dessert from the south of France is the mesturet (locals pronounce all the letters). Why did other Occitan pastries disappear, such as the rauzel, the feuilleté or the autrichien? #Frhistory #cooking www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/discove...
AX-3-DOMAINES YESTERDAY…the sun was shining, the pistes were ready but the ski lifts would remain idle until the opening of the season this weekend. So, I strapped a pair of micro-crampons onto my trail running shoes, sharpened the tips of my running poles and headed for the summits. #pyrenees
December 2, 2025 at 7:07 AM
AX-3-DOMAINES YESTERDAY…the sun was shining, the pistes were ready but the ski lifts would remain idle until the opening of the season this weekend. So, I strapped a pair of micro-crampons onto my trail running shoes, sharpened the tips of my running poles and headed for the summits. #pyrenees
In English, isatis tinctoria is commonly known as woad. In Toulouse it was pastel. Extracting the blue dye from these green leaves was a long and complicated process, but it generated enormous wealth for south-west France during the Renaissance. #FrHistory www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/the-sec...
The secret of pastel, or how to turn a green plant into blue and gold
Between 1460 and 1560, the merchants of Toulouse became extraordinarily rich thanks to a plant called isatis tinctoria. In the city, they built magnificent mansions, and in the surrounding...
www.colinduncantaylor.com
November 18, 2025 at 8:49 AM
In English, isatis tinctoria is commonly known as woad. In Toulouse it was pastel. Extracting the blue dye from these green leaves was a long and complicated process, but it generated enormous wealth for south-west France during the Renaissance. #FrHistory www.colinduncantaylor.com/blog/the-sec...
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