Our friends and neighbours, the family Cazotte are the proprietors of an interesting and unique enterprise, in our experience, that is, an approved 'distillery', one of only four permitted in the Tarn. The resulting raw liqueur (eau-de-vie) is produced from fruit supplied by local people for their own private liqueur production, or, bottled by the family Cazzotte for retail. The commercial end product is a variety of brandies, liqueurs, such as apple, pear, plum and our favourite vin de noix, (walnut wine). Distribution is to connoisseurs and restaurateurs as far afield as Paris, or to one of their charming shops, the closest of which is in Cordes-sur-Ciel just 10km distant.

We hope like us you will be fascinated by this thriving example of local industry and perhaps wish to browse, and taste the wares in the shops on a visit to Cordes-sur-Ciel or The Distillery.

Laurent and Marina will make you very welcome in their elegant shops 'Le Tonneau des Saveurs' (The Barrel of Flavours), or 'The Distillery Cazzotes' at Villeneuve sur Vere. In addition to the Cazotte liqueurs, you may sample regional honeys, foie gras, jams, relish, mustards, vinegars, etc. On a practical note, we recommend the shop as a source of innovative gifts for those at home!

'Le Tonneau de Saveurs' can be easily found in the street (right hand fork) immediately behind the fountain and statue at the bottom of Cordes main thoroughfare, 5 Grande rue de l'Horloge is 30 metres on the left. The shop is excellent for a good 'browse' when you visit to Cordes.

A final word of warning the liqueurs are not to be trifled with, however, perfect just before the afternoon siesta!

Contact: Laurent Cazottes, Tel/fax: +33 (0)5 63 56 85 39 cazottes@club-internet.fr