July brings an opportunity for art lovers in the Pyrénées-Orientales to experience great scenery, fine cuisine and inspired painting.

The great scenery is that of the Canigou Massif, and in particular the valley of El Llitera as it climbs past St Michel de Cuixa to the village of Taurinya.

The fine cuisine is at the Bar, Restaurant et Atelier Culturel known as El Taller in Taurinya where everything from a coffee to a banquet is available.

And the inspired painting is the work of Leeds born, Northumberland County cricketing artist Martin Bedford whose latest work will be exhibited for a month from July 4.

He is working on a set of ten paintings designed specifically for the space available in the large restaurant area, showing large French landscapes and the department’s mountains and valleys.