Kitchen & Dining [see photos]

Attendees have the shared use of the cozy, self-service guest kitchen, "Urania" (muse of astronomy), which opens onto the library on one side and the dining room on the other, which exits to the garden where people enjoy dining en plein air for much of the year.

The kitchen is well equipped with an industrial five-burner, two-oven stainless steel professional cooker, two full-sized refrigerators, a coffeemaker, electric kettle, toaster, and a full range of cooking utensils, crockery and cutlery. There are ample working surfaces and a stainless steel island countertop to accommodate many people cooking individually. We also have a small barbecue for steaks and grilled vegetables, and an ancient bread oven that makes a roast like no other. Our favorite: Roasted wild boar (brought to us by our hunting neighbors) roasted with rosemary, garlic, and fresh wild Labastide figs. Pizza’s also good!

Meals can be taken on the terrace or in the new attendee dining room, “Terpsichore” (muse of dance), a cozy space with a wood-burning stove and art on the walls.

The kitchen is run like a co-op where everyone takes the responsibility to keep it tidy. Attendees alternate taking the garbage and recycled materials to the bins on the street. (There is a grid posted on the refrigerator to help keep track of whose turn is next.)

Mealtimes alternate with quiet hours to eliminate noise in the library while attendees are working. People usually cook for themselves though at times attendees are lucky enough to have in their midst a foodie who loves nothing more than to cook for others. Most groups are social at the end of a productive day, when oftentimes people get together for aperitifs, potluck dinner parties, readings and music.

This being southern France, eating is a highlight of many a stay at La Muse. Our library features many excellent cookbooks for a variety of cuisines. Shop for wonderful, fresh local products and produce in Carcassonne's outdoor market, at supermarkets, at the quaint grocer in a neighboring village, its trout farm, and from the food trucks that visit our village every week. The food sold by the vans is very good quality and well-priced. The schedule for the baker truck, the butcher truck and the general grocery truck are posted at La Muse.

Favorite attendee meals include a European breakfast (fresh breads and pastry, fruits, yogurt, cereal, coffee and tea), a lunch of cheese, olives, paté, grilled sardines or marinated anchovies and a garden fresh salad with a splash of rosé. The perfect dinner? Barbecued local trout or duck breast on the terrace during sunset!