The small town of Maury is caught somewhere between its ancient past and a windfall of wine money that is sweeping it optimistically into the 21st century.  The town consists of one main street (the D 117) that runs through the town and doubles as the largest, no toll thoroughfare between Perpignan and the coast……..In other words, it is active.  The one and only café is located there, and it is exactly that spot where I found Richard last Saturday.

I am two minutes á pied from the center of town.  It really is a sad one.  There is an epicerie, boulangerie, and the mairie is pretty new, but that is about it.  The charcuterie has closed, there is no bank, but there is either a vision of tomorrow or a kitschy, but cute trompe d’oeil nod to a mini renaissance.  I have been told that the mairie of this town is very progressive and really wants to acknowledge the natural gifts of the area AND trade them cautiously for increased affluence and an improved standard of living.  It appears to be going reasonably well.

Boulangerie

Centre Ville

Saturday Market

"The Flower Shop"

"Bienvenue"