Unfortunately the blogger assigned to Stage 13 has been unable to complete his post. Rather than not post anything from the region I've put together a quick background to the area. I did not have time to make a dish so at the end of the post you will find a link to a recipe.
Thank you to Tammi at Tammi Tasting Terroir for Stage 12. Stage 13 begins in the mountains at the city of Rodez. I have never visited Rodez but after reading about the open-air market in front of the cathedral , I would certainly add it to my itinerary if I was in the region. Picture wonderful plump olives, and spices in all the colors of the rainbow.
The 13th stage runs 196km from Rodez to Revel, an arrondissement of Toulouse in the department of the Haute Garonne. Revel's market is even more well known.
'Revel, with its octagonal shape and original grid street pattern, is nearly unique in France as a perfect example of a bastide. (Bastides were fortified towns constructed in the south-west of France during the 100 Years' War). At the heart of the town the market square is bordered by medieval houses with galleries under the first floors. In the centre of the square a large tiled roof supported by a forest of ancient oak pillars and beams is topped by a belfry, once a watchtower. Saturday morning market, held under the massive central roof and all around the square, brings together people from Revel and from the surrounding villages and countryside.
Revel Market is classified as one of the 100 most beautiful markets in France. Open on Saturday mornings, local products sold, include farm bredveal, duck, charcuterie, cassoulet, cheeses.
Many producers in the region have guided tours and tastings - you can taste everything from honey to cheese to charcuterie.
Photo from La Ferme de Cabriole
Get 27, a mint liqueur has been manufactured in the town since the 18th century.
Cassoulet is a traditional dish of the region but as that has been covered already I'll direct you to a recipe for another dish you will find on the menu in the Haute Garonne - Duck Gizzard Salad.
Visit Lamb's Ears and Honey for Stage 14.
