“The place was isolated, life there seemed easy, (…) we had means of transport available in case we needed to leave immediately”. This is how Bertrand described ‘Cadix’, where the Polish and Spanish codebreakers started work in October 1940. Their stay at the center may have given the impression of an idyll, especially when compared to the hardships of war that were affecting much of the European population at the time. In the early days of the center, the supply of intercepts was symbolic. Initially everyone in the villa had too much free time, which they tried to manage in their own way. Bertrand insisted on not fraternizing with the inhabitants of the surrounding villages and towns. The isolation of the center was, in its own way, a protective mechanism, for rumors had spread among the local population that something strange was going on at Chateau Les Fouzes, with which it was better to avoid contact. But complete isolation was not possible; the codebreakers were keen to diversify their time with excursions in the area. The attractions of the south of France lay within easy reach of a bike tour; Nîmes with its Roman monuments, papal Avignon and the picturesque arches of the Roman aqueduct at Pont du Gard. Somewhat out of necessity, somewhat out of curiosity, the Poles adopted tastes and customs of their French hosts, for example by participating in frog hunts. Private and public celebrations were invariably popular, becoming an opportunity to spend a few hours in a more relaxed atmosphere, amidst chatter and chants.