Our sixth year and eighth visit to this light-infused, fertile land, long renowned for its unique production of Armagnac, abundance of water, gentle people and ancient Roman heritage. I spent many hours visiting villages and marveling at the patina of magnificent decay on many of the old buildings, the care and precision with which each field is plowed and prepared for that year's crops. Despite record heat this summer reaching into the 40s Celsius (around 110 F), the landscape remains verdant and magical.