I bought this old bottle in the Vide Grenier in Laroque on Sunday as I thought anything labelled as above (basically meaning Abbot Saury’s Elixir of Youth) must have a bit of age to it , as of course it does. A little light Googling indicates that is France’s favourite panacea . It has been around since 1745, is composed of 11 herbs and plants and , it is still widely available today.

Obviously my next trick is to find some and drink it , strange to think I never before realised how easily accessible is the fountain of youth.