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Down in the Gers (32, Midi-Pyrenees) Vic-Fezensac holds its Pentecost (Whitsun) Festival - a Feria. The term comes from the latin for a “free day”, but is also associated in the Basque country (and other parts of southern France) with a version of a Bull-running/fighting festival. But don’t let that put you off - there is a real festival atmosphere with music and dancing throughout the 4 days.

Just about 25 minutes away is Nick & Karen Carpenter’s Domaine de Lauroux where this English couple are rapidly establishing a name for themselves and their Côtes de Gascogne wines, Floc de Gascogne and Armagnac. The Kitcheners have recently been quoted in the Telegraph (18 May 2007) as an example of Brits who have tackled the challenge of setting up a vvineyard in France! Great for visitors, as you can ask the questions about winemaking that you may be reticent to ask a Frenchman - and they have B&B and gite accommodation on the vineyard too!

FOR MORE INFO see www.vic-fezensac.com sponsored by Plaimont wines (www.plaimont.com), a large, successful co-operative producing excellent wines from the Côtes de St Mont VDQS, Madiran AC and sweet Pacherenc du Vic Bilh AC.