The selection of Malbec is down to Fabrice Durou, the winemaker from Chateau de Gaudou in Cahors, a well-respected domaine at Vire-sur-Lot. So here is a man who knows his grapes and has made a “micro-cuvee. It all shows a rather different approach to the marketing gimmick which Australian producer McGuigan put on in London recently when they created a temporary vineyard in the heart of the City of London - a fun idea, admittedly, but ephemeral! (see www.ukwinesonline.co.uk)

For more about the Cahors wines of Chateau de Gaudou see www.chateaudegaudou.com

A visit to Chateau Grinou (Monestier, 24 Dordogne, Aquitaine) south west of Bergerac, always takes longer than planned, and I always learn more than I expect.

On this ocassion it was to discover that Chateau Grinou is going organic! Now, whilst Guy Cuisset has a genuine concern for the well-being of the local environment and takes seriously his responsibilities as the current steward of the land and the flora and fauna of the domaine, he is no “tree-hugger”. His primary passion is to produce excellent wines. He does not compromise that objective, especially as there are so many other obstacles (weather, pest, disease) and constraints (bureaucratic, legal, financial) in the way. He is convinced that this approach, whilst being a good investment in the future health and viability of the vineyard, will produce better wines - wines which are more intense and show more of the real fruit character of the grape. The wines will evolve over the next few years as new techniques and fewer artificial interventions make subtle changes to the resulting wines.

The latest visit also included a walk through the vines, which demonstrate the complexity of the challenge. Every year is different, and every one of the 365 days of the year will be distinctively different from this year to last or next. This Spring was seriously wet with heavy downpours and sodden soil. This was followed by some very hot dry weather which dried the topsoil to an almost impenetrable concrete layer - making life very difficult when trying to get rid of the weeds between the vines - esepcially now that he can no longer apply selective weedkillers to deal with the problem.

Further on, he shows me his latest innovation - an organic water treatment plant - which collects all the waste water from the winery and treats it organically and aerobically before letting it flow into the local water course. It’s impressive with its bubbling air pumping through the water and the reed bed to filter the run-off. It may be a requirement of the EU, but few other vineyards are following his example.

It is easy to forget amongst all the hype, marketing and packaging that wine is an agricultural product, and that the winemaker is a farmer with his roots in the soil and environment of his domaine - he can see the benefits to local wildlife (some welcome, others not so), and recognises that his future and that of future generations is intimately invested in the “terroir” which makes his wines what they are.

Unfortunately the new Sauvingon Blanc (Bergerac Sec AC) is not yet available in the UK, so all the more reason to pay a visit to the domaine. English is spoken, but do not expect a fancy tasting room with award certificates, old barrels or ancient vineyard equipment - a plastic table in the middle of the stainless steel cuves is all you’ll get - plus a chance to taste some excellent wines and a small slice of Guy’s enthusiasm to take away!

For more info on Chateau Grinou and UK stockists - see www.frenchduck.co.uk/grinou.html

Travel from Paris to

• Rouen from £12
• Reims from £20.50
• Champagne Ardenne from £20.50
• Dijon from £25.50
• Tours from £20.50
• Avignon from £34
• Nice from £44 (overnight)

You can travel on high speed TGV trains which run at speeds of up to 186 mph across France, including the new Christian Lacroix trains running East of Paris.

Alternatively take a trip on comfortable, well-equipped regional trains, which will take you into the heart of your destination.

Or to wake up in your destination by taking an overnight Corail Lunéa train. Enjoy a comfortable night’s sleep in a flat bed and take advantage of having the whole day ahead of you.

Book train tickets within France with Rail Europe

So it is good news that a few of the “lesser” appellations, which nevertheless produce some excellent wines, have come together to make life a little simpler and their wines more identifiable:-

The National Institute of Appellations of Origin (INAO) has accepted the decision to launch a new appellation “Côtes de Bordeaux”. This will gather under a “common umbrella” four appellations. Côtes de Bordeaux is a union of four appellations - the Premières Côtes de Blaye, Premières Côtes de Bordeaux, Côtes de Castillon and Côtes de Francs (formerly Côtes de Bourg) – which represents around 16 % of the total Bordeaux production with a surface of 32,000 acres and a volume of 700,000 hl. The appellation will come into effect from the 2008 vintage.

For more information see the website

The beautiful lake of Annecy (74 Haute-Savoie, Rhone-Alpes) in the heart of alpine Savoy, is well worth a visit at any time. The town of Annecy has all the attractions of a modern city, but also has its medieval centre, and being lakeside it offers great views over this most picturesque of lakes - and you can take a boat trip or hire a self-drive boat to explore the lake. For the adventurous it makes an ideal stop on the route over the Alps to northern Italy - but is also on the TGV fast train network. A circuit of the lake by road is about 20+ miles, but is well worth it to see the lake in its various aspects - although there are plenty of places to stop off and just relax with the tranquil view.
On 2 August 2008 the Fete du Lac d’Annecy (Festival of the Lake) takes place which includes music, theatre and a market with the highlight being a spectacular firework display over the lake in the evening on the theme of “around the world in 80 minutes”!

For more info see www.annecy.fr

It sometimes seems that the French will use any excuse to hold a festival - and why not? Often it celebrates some local traditions or local speciality products, and the French can be very proud (often rightly so) of their produce, history and heritage.
Hence the village of Trie-sur-Baise (65 Hautes-Pyrenees, Midi-Pyrenees) celebrates the Pig (Fete du Cochon - la Pourcailhade) on 10 August 2008. The celebrations include piglet racing, a competition to make the longest boudin (sausage) and bizarrely a competition for the best imitator of a pig squealing! As one of the most important pig producing areas in France, there will also be plenty of pork and charcuterie to sample and buy with music and dancing into the night.
For more info see www.pourcailhade.com

The town of Grasse (06 Alpes-Maritimes, Provence) is famous for being the heart of the Provencal perfumery industry with evocative names such as Fragonard to entice you. Set up in the hills back from the Mediterranean coast, Grasse celebrates its 3-day Fete du Jasmin from 1-3 August 2008. The festival marks the beginning of the Jasmine harvest and features fireworks, dancing and a Jasmine parade.

Most visitors to Provence head for the spectacular Mediterranean coast and stylish seaside resorts, but you are missing much of the best of Provence if you don’t venture inland, where the scenery is stunning - and you can get great views of the sea.

The Côte d’Azur, the French Riviera: its sun, its beaches… and especially its backcountry, a true haven of well-being, brimming with authentic flavours and fragrances!!! Rising from the hills above the Mediterranean is the city of Grasse, the perfume capital of the world, surrounded by the charming Provencal landscape and villages of the Pays de Grasse, the regional name for this breathtaking and tranquil countryside. Together, they form the French Rivera’s most beautiful balcony.

For more info see www.ville-grasse.fr/jasminade

There is such a wealth of fairs (foires) and festivals (fetes) across France on wildly different themes (but often involving food or wine or both) that you could probably visit a different one every day of the year.

In the medieval heart of old Tours (37 Indre-et-Loire, Centre) there is a celebration of local basic and garlic (Foire à l’Ail et du Basilic) on 26 July 2008.

This colourful fair cum market has its roots in the Middle Ages when Tours was a major commercial centre, and now offers an excuse to decorate the streets of Vieux Tours with over 150 producers and exhibitors offering fresh basic and pungent garlic and in many different gastronomic creations, including the traditional Andouillettes Grillées au Vouvray - grilled chitterling sausages in sweet Vouvray wine - a local speciality!

Even if you cannot make that date, Tours is famous for its markets with a traditional style market every day somewhere in the city. I stumbled across the Flower Market (Marché aux Fleurs) running along the middle of Boulevard Béranger one Saturday morning which was so bright. colourful and fragrant that the memory lingers - also on Wednesday mornings.

Then on the first Friday of each month there is a Food market (Marché Gourmand) in the Place de la Resistance.

For more info see www.ligeris.com

Sigoules (24 Dordogne, Aquitaine) (see map) south of Bergerac celebrates local wine production on the weekend of 19/20 July 2008 with its Foire aux Vins with all the usual activities including ceremonies, a church mass, banquets, folk music and dancing, concerts - and opportunities to taste the wine and food of the local area which includes the wines of Bergerac AC and the Cotes de Duras AC.

It promises to be fun - plus there are plenty of good winemakers in the area.

For more info see www.pays-de-bergerac.com 

The village of Espelette (64 Pyrenees-Atlantiques, Aquitaine) in the Basque country of Southwest France devotes a weekend to celebrate the chilli pepper - Fete du Piment on 25/26 October 2008.

The Peppers of Espelette are recognised with Appellation Controllee status. Needing a lot of sun and heat to ripen, the peppers are traditionally woven into garlands and hund from the roofs of houses throughout the town to dry. So, the town is decorated with garlands of bright red peppers, and there are stands offering a whole range of gastronomic delights based on the fiery pepper - plus music, feasting etc - all with a Basque accent.!

For more info see www.pimentdespelette.com

The trouble with writing about “hidden” corners of France, is that you run the danger of sharing the secret with too many others. Places which I felt were “real France”, quiet, peaceful and unspoilt, have often changed in the last 20 years, becoming commercialised, crowded and bland. But, somehow the location and geography of the upper Lot Valley probably make this less likely.

Although I have made many visits to the lower Lot, especially around the town of Cahors and the Cahors AC vineyards, I had only ventured up-river once - and that was to the picturesque village of St Cirq-la-Popie - perched high on the limestone crags overlooking the valley about 20 miles distant. The valley even here is quite different to the lower Lot where the river, although still pleasingly curvaceous, tends to be wider.

Few vineyards are to be found upriver from Cahors, but the countryside of the Upper Lot and Célé valleys is spectacular - and quieter. The limestone crags and cliffs dominate the landscape offer breathtaking views - and although the roads are often narrow and distinctly bendy, this tends to have the effect of entering a land where time runs more slowly, where nature makes itself felt - and that is miles away from the tourist centres of the Dordogne. And the journey keeps unfolding as you head on up the valley - another 90 miles in our case.

Our objective was to get to meet with Americans Lance and Rain who have 3 cottages to rent near Entraygues-sur-Truyere ( 12 Aveyron, Midi-Pyrenees). Although we had been in contact by email, I was intrigued to discover how and why 2 Californians had settled in one of the lesser-known parts of France.

The journey up the valley provided at least part of the answer - this is a truly beautiful part of France - the valley becomes narrower, but still offers delightful villages, stunning views and plenty of opportunity to enjoy the river - whether just sitting on the bank in the shade or being more energetic with canoes or kayaks. Entraygues-sur-Truyere, which translates as “between the waters” - i.e. the river Lot and its tributary the Truyere - is everything you expect of a small rural French market town - with its bridges over the river and narrow streets - and the essentials - a bank, boulangerie, hotel, bar etc - and the quiet air of a place at peace with itself - especially on a hot summer afternoon.

The other reason for Lance and Rain choosing this spot also became clear when we found the “Sweet French Cottages” up a narrow track above the river a few kilometres out of town. We discovered a haven of tranquility - with delightful hosts and some wonderful holiday cottages - well, appointed, cleverly and carefully restored - but above all secluded and deep in the countryside - yet just a few miles from all the conveniences of the town - and in an area rich with local artisans producing wine, cheese, wine. pottery…… The local wines, Vins d’Entraygues et du Fel VDQS, had to be tasted of course (along with some wonderful goats cheese made by one of the neighbours)! The vineyards are often terraced high on the sides of the valley, and production is small - mostly drunk locally. The white we tasted from Domaine de Mejanassere was a blend of Chenin Blanc and Mauzac grapes - a light, refreshing dry wine with a pleasing floral nose and exotic fruit finish; the red (Gamay, Fer Servadou, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Savignon), whilst being a tad “rustic” was perfect with some local saucisson. Somehow these uncomplicated straightforward wines were a great match for the time and place!

Whilst many might aspire to the Californian lifestyle, these Californians have clearly found their home in the depths of France, and whilst they remain ambitious, they are relaxed and welcoming - a long way from the stereotypical loud American we’ve all met. Indeed, there is something about the place that seems to instill some sense of peace and contentment - the world of autoroutes, big business and conflict seems, and is, a long way away - whilst nature imposes its own sense of order to things - whether it be the landscape, the river or the weather.

It is certainly an area I intend to return to - there is so much to explore, especially guided by two people who know the area well, and are keen to share it with others. Their ambitions include developing artists retreats (with a studio planned) and themed stays based on the local food etc.

For more about Lance and Rain’s SWEET FRENCH COTTAGES - see www.frenchduck.com/latest OR to enquire about availability and rates etc, complete the form below:-

cforms contact form by delicious:days

The Bristol Wine and Food Fair (11-13 July 2008) seems to have been a great success - lots of interest and many interesting exhibitors, including the English-owned vineyard at Domaine Chater in the Côtes de Duras AC (47 Lot-et-Garonne, Aquitaine):-

Domaine Chater is a small vineyard that nestles in the rolling hills around the historic town of Duras in South-West France. We are passionate about making great wines and no compromises are made in the vineyard or the winery. Our white wines are refreshing and full of fruit while our reds are complex with layers of fruit and spice. Our range of wines has already won a huge amount of international recognition.

Although they only began producing wine in 2004, they have enjoyed significant success in gaining recognition for the quality of their wines. The Cotes de Duras is particularly renown for its Sauvignon Blancs, which they do indeed produce good Sauvignon, but unusually for the region their Cabernet and Merlot reds have drawn most praise:-

….two styles of red wines are produced at Domaine Chater; traditional (a majority of the wine aged in our stainless steel tanks) and oak aged (made from old vines and aged in 100% French Oak). Our traditional wines have the emphasis upon rich fruit flavours with subtle tannins and are great with red meat dishes. Chater oak aged wines are made with 40-year old vines and barrel-aged for 12 months in French oak barrels with one-third of the barrels being renewed every year - producing complex wines with layers of fruit, liquorice and spice. Great with red meat and rich sauces.

Importantly their wines are consistently rated by the Guide Hachette des Vins de France - what many consider to be the French wine bible, as entries are secured by blind tastings rather than paid adverts.

You can order online direct from France as they have a UK warehouse - and you can visit the domaine in St Sernin-de-Duras - just give them a call beforehand to ensure someone is around.

Domaine Chater
Vignoble de la Lègue, 47120 St Sernin de Duras, France (see map)
T:0033 553 64 67 14
Email: info@domainechater.com

For more info on the Côtes de Duras wine region see www.cotesdeduras.com

For the diary; Domaine Chater will be at the Duras Wine Festival on 10 August 2008 - see www.paysdeduras.com

Depending on your point of view, Paris is not at its best in July, and especially August. Parisiens exit the city in their millions, especially on the first weekends of July and August - heading for their “vacances”, often in other parts of France. Hence many things in the city are closed, and the proportion of tourists to locals can be overwhelming. It still seems strange to a Brit that the holiday “season” seems to stop abruptly at the end of August - timetables change, campsites close, attractions move into a “off-season” mode.

However, there are good things happening in Paris in mid-summer, as the website www.ete.paris.fr shows. There are the inevitable celebrations for the French National Day (Bastille Day) on 14 July - fireworks at the Trocadero and the Champ de Mars (by the Eiffel Tower).

Then there is the annual Paris Plages (beaches on the River Seine) voie Georges-Pompidou in the 4th arondissement, at the Bassin de la Villette near Stalingrad in the 19th et quai de la Gare, near the Bibliotheque Nationale in the 13th. Open from 21 July to 21 August they aim to create a seaside atmosphere with real sand and fun in the heart of the city.

There is also BMX racing and plenty of activities around the Canal d’Ourcq with boat rides along the canal for just €1 per person; pedalos, canoes, kayaks. Guided tours are also available following the route of the Canal which winds its way through the Paris suburbs, offering a different view of the city.

Free concerts in the Parisien parks, an ephemeral garden in the front of the Hotel de Ville, cinema, literature…….. not forgetting the final stage of the Tour de France finishing on the Champs Elysees on Sunday 27 July 2008

For more info see www.ete.paris.fr

The bed and breakfast offers spacious family bedrooms with a double bed, bunk beds and sofa bed. A cot is also available.
All bedrooms have en suite shower and toilet.
The accommodation offers a kitchen/dining room and lounge.
The B&B has plenty of free private parking and storage for bicycles.

The bedrooms are designed to incorporate the original features of the buildings whilst combining this with modern features such as the original oak beams which have being restored to provide a central feature in a number of the rooms. All bedrooms feature views over a cider apple orchard.

English owners Liz and Alan offer a warm welcome and plenty of advice on places to visit in the area. Ideally situated within an hour of Caen and 1h 20 minutes of Cherbourg, it makes an ideal stop within reach of the ferry ports. With all the attractions of Normandy (butter, cream, cheese, cider, calvados etc) there are the Normandy beaches, Mont St Michel all within reach.
SPECIAL OFFER - Three nights for the price of two for September, October and November 2008 PLUS discounts on ferry bookings!

cforms contact form by delicious:days

Against the setting of the Riviera and the Mediterranean, Cannes (06 Alpes-Maritimes, Provence) holds a series of spectacular pyrotechnic extravaganzas (Festival d’Art Pyrotechnique) in July and August 2008 with teams from around the world presenting their latest creations with accompanying soundtracks around the themes of legends, a live concert, Rhapsody in Rainbow, Lightning Dance and Franco-Russian history amongst others. Starting at 10pm these promise to be a real feast for the eyes.

From the Esterel mountains to the Pointe Croisette, the bay of Cannes forms a jewel case for great events. Cannes wanted to organize for its citizens, as well as for tourists, an international valued event in the very heart of the summer season, where it could take advantage of both : its magnificent natural scenery and its prestige.

These shows, given from a 300 meters seafront, in the splendid bay of Cannes, gave a surprising dimension to it. The reflection of the fireworks on the water and the acoustic relief, transported the public into a fairy tale world of successive frames.

For more info see www.festival-pyrotechnique-cannes.com

Brittany always seems a bit different to the rest of France, with its strong links to Celtic Cornwall, Wales, Ireland and Scotland - something to do with being on the fringes of a bigger land mass with a strong maritime tradition may have something to do with it.

Your knowledge of French pronunciation will be of little use in trying to articulate some of the place names (e.g. LE RELECQ-KERHUON on this year’s Tour de France route from Brest) - its can be indecipherable as Welsh appears to non-Welsh speakers.

Fortunately Lorient (56 Morbihan, Brittany) is easier to say, and will be the venue for the 2008 Interceltic Fesitval (Festival Interceltique) which runs from 1-10 August 2008.

This year Wales in the “guest of honour” and music and musicians from the Principality will feature throughout the event.

There will be a wealth of folk and traditional music and dancing from across the Celtic world, including the Chieftains, However, do not assume that this is all about folk music - there is rock, bagpipes, Welsh Male Voice Choirs, theatrical presentations (including one about the history of the Canal from Nantes to Brest) masterclasses - all promising to offer entertainment to suit most tastes.

For more info see www.festival-interceltique.com

Lorient is a significant port in southern Brittany with plenty of decent beaches in the area - see www.lorient-tourisme.com ( (A word of warning - the site offers an English language version but this is generated through Google’s translation tool - which often results in some rather strange phrases - so treat it with caution!)

Bayonne (64 Pyrenees Atlantiques, Aquitaine) in the heart of France’s Basque country and especially famous for its Bayonne Ham, celebrates its annual festival from 30 July to 03 August 2008.

Bayonne is ablaze in red & white with everyone dressed in the traditional white shirts and trousers and red neckerchiefs and sashes. The festival opens on the Wednesday night at 10p.m. in the town Hall square. The mythical King Leon of Bayonne appears on the balcony and celebrates his return by throwing the symbolic keys of the town to the crowd. Music, shouts and colours invade the town centre. Les Fêtes de Bayonne is the most important moment of the year for the inhabitants…no one would miss it !!! If you come to the Festival, you’ll enjoy the incredible atmosphere and enthusiasm, running of the young bulls, bullfights, bandas (music bands) in the streets …

Created in 1932, the frequentation to the festival is rising every year with people coming from all over France and beyond.

On the last night, people gather once again in front of the town hall to sing the farewell hymn “Pobre de mi”, which also closes the Pamplona San Fermin Festival.

For more info on Bayonne see www.bayonne-tourisme.com

The popularity of motorhomes has risen dramatically in recent years, as has the standard of the motorhomes themselves. All the models we offer are either brand new or at the most one year old. Add to this our selection of some of the best campsites in Europe, featuring all you need from pools and play areas to bars and restaurants and you have all the
ingredients for a truly memorable holiday.

France is well-organised for Motorhomes with modern and well-equipped campsites, even in the rural regions away from the popular tourist areas. And of course, Eurocamp has its own systems for selecting and monitoring sites. You need only watch the TV coverage of the Tour de France to see how many motorhomes (camping cars) embark on French roads in the summer. Fortunately it is a big place which absorbs so many tourists, except for the most popular coastal resorts.

Anthony Peregrine in the Times tried the deal out with a trip from Lyon.
For more info see the Eurocamp website and select Eurocamp Independent/

The service is based on a shuttle bus which will collect passengers directly outside the Western Docks and transport them onboard SpeedOne.

During the crossing passengers will be able to experience a range of retail and catering facilities before the shuttle bus drops them directly outside the port of Boulogne which is just a few minutes walk from both the town centre and forward transport links across France and beyond. The shuttle bus collects passengers outside Boulogne Port for the return sailing to Dover.
With a price of just £7.50 per person each way, regardless of duration of stay, book your foot passenger crossing today to avoid disappointment.

For more info see Speedferries

Brest (29 Finistere), Brittany’s major city and port hosts its International Maritime Festival from 11-17 July 2008.

With 25 nations represented, some 2000 mainly traditional boats, 15,000 sailors the event promises much over the 7 days - moored boats, parades of boats, racing, music and dance plus the launch of a newly-restored cutter ship.

Once again, Brest will be bringing together boats and crews from around the world and attracting all the fans. Nowhere else can you find such a variety of sailing boats, such a large number of small and large craft.

The crews that have been invited are the major contributors to the event, all true volunteers, who come along to enjoy meeting each other and sharing their great experience of the sea and the festival. The visitors are completely right. They like to find out about the sea, they love these magnificent or charming boats, which are so very different from those you see in today’s marinas, and in Brest, they can see them under sail moving around the harbour. They can find in Brest the authentic atmosphere of a real living port, as well as the emotion of a rare occasion. They can really feel like they are at the heart of maritime history…

For more info see www.brest2008.fr

The small appellation of Saint Sardos, (82 Tarn-et-Garonne, Midi-Pyrenees) some 50km west of Toulouse and south of Montauban is unique in having a blend of Syrah and Tannat as the principal grapes supplemented by Cabernet and Merlot. As such it reflects its geography between the Languedoc (where Syrah is important) and Madiran (where Tannat is king) with a dash of classic Bordeaux varietals. The result is a fruity, spicy red or rose wine, which for the best cuvees needs a couple of years to mature.

The wine fair takes place in the town of Saint-Sardos (82 Tarn-et-Garonne, Midi-Pyrenees) on Sunday 3 August 2008.

For more info see www.cave-saint-sardos.com (in French)

In the UK some of the wines of Saint Sardos are available from Devigne Wines in Edinburgh

The two appellations of Madiran AC (red) and Pacherenc du Vic Bilh AC (white) were created in 1948, and will be celebrating n July and August 2008.
These 2 appellations are typical of the South West of France - producing distinctively different styles of wine from lesser-known grape varieties - predominantly Tannat for the Madiran, Gros Manseng and Petit Manseng for the usually sweet Pacherenc-du-Vic Bilh. These are not necessaily “fashionable” wines but they are interesting, characterful, honest wines, which are no longer just rustic curiousities. Modern wine-making techniques enable skilled winemakers to produce more approachable wines whilst retaining the essential character which distinguishes them from the mainstream.
Didier Barre produces wonderfully rich and smooth Madiran at Domaine Berthoumieu - his sweet Pacherenc is a delicious, complex perfumed dessert wine. Another top producer is the Laplace family at Chateau d’Aydie.
The excellent co-operative Producteurs Plaimont produces good examples of the regions wines.
In August the Fete des Vins de Madiran takes place on the weekend of 14 and 15 August 2008 in the village of Madiran (32 Gers, Midi-Pyrenees).
From 4-14 July there are a series of events to celebrate, including daily “introduction to wine tasting” sessions at the Maison des Vins in Madiran, guided walks amongst the vineyards, music and barbecues - see www.civso.com (in French).

The departement of Gers (32 Midi-Pyrenees) in the heart of Gascony has built a reputation for creating its musical summer festivals – principally the internationally renowned Jazz in Marciac (1–17 August 2008) and Tempo Latino (24–27 July 2008) in Vic Fezensac.

These otherwise quiet small towns vibrate with music, and the streets are filled with people – and the events are also sponsored by the Cotes de St Mont VDQS wine co-operative (Plaimont) just to ensure that the atmosphere is convivial.

AMongst tge artists appearing at Marciac are Diana Krall and Herbie Hancock, whilst Tempo Latino has a latin jazz theme.

* YOUR WAY – inspiring highlights and itineraries, practical directory and grid-referenced maps help you plan your own Tour de France
* IN THE KNOW – from Provence’s Roman towns to Normandy’s D-Day beaches, incisive history coverage puts the sights in context
* DINE OUT –whether you crave oven-fresh bread and hand-made cheese or Michelin-starred haute cuisine, our extended listings take you to the best places to eat
* REST YOUR HEAD – handpicked sleeping options for every budget, from luxurious historic hotels to gîtes and Alpine refuges
* IMMERSE YOURSELF – our discerning arts and entertainment coverage includes world-famous galleries in Paris, theatre in Avignon and film in Cannes

Other titles include Paris, Provence and the Cote d’Azur, a Guide to Walking in France, Corsica and a French language guide - spend more than £25 and get free delivery too.

For more info see Lonely Planet Publications

The town of Cognac (16 Charente, Poitou-Charentes) becomes an even more attractive place to visit in July 2008 with the Blues Passions Festival (22–27 July 2008).

With more than 120 concerts, 80 of which are free, the range of music on offer is vast - i.e from Status Quo to Joan Baez and most music styles in between which an emphasis on Afro-American music.

For more info on the festival see www.bluespassions.com
The big Cognac houses (Martell, Remy-Martin, Hennesy) all have well-organised trips around their distilleries and tastings of their brandies. However, these are inevitably a bit “touristy” – there are plenty of smaller, family-run estates which also welcome visitors and provide a rather more individualised welcome – e.g Maison Deau at Gemozac, which also has a Botanic Garden to visit!

Together with themed and co-ordinated music the main facades of the gothic cathedral will be lit, as will some of the streets and the banks and bridges of the Eure river which runs through the town.

The Cathedral is often visible from some distance away in daylight across this rather flat part of southern Normandy, and should look even more impressive at night.

The Cathedral, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site has to be one of the “must see” destinations for any visitor to France. Started in the 12th Century it is considered the best Gothic cathedral in the whole of France.

For more info see www.chartres-tourisme.com 

The Gaillac AOC appellation celebrates the local wines over 3 days (8–10 August 2008) in the town of Gaillac (81 Tarn, Midi-Pyrenees) Famous for its wines made from local grape varieties such as Mauzac and L’En de l’El, a wide range of wines styles is produced from dry to sweet, white, rose, red, still. sparkling and perlé, which is a local lightly sparkling wine with some natural bubbles.

Situated in the north of the Tarn departement, the Gaillac Appellation area covers 2.500 hectares spread over 73 communes, for an AOC production of over 165.000 hectolitres.
Today, the appellation gathers around one hundred independent producers and 3 cooperative cellars.
The 3 different terroirs and the age of the vineyard enable Gaillac to offer numerous traditional grape varieties. The diversity of the Gaillac vineyard means that it can produce a great variety of elaborate wines, a wide range of dry, sweet and “perlé” white wines, red and rose wines as well as sparkling wines.

Our recommended producer in the region is Domaine de Labarthe, where the Albert family make consistently good wines which retain traditional character - try their Cuvée Guillaume (oaked red) and their dessert white “Grains d’Or” (golden grapes).

For more info on the wines of Gaillac see www.vins-gaillac.com

The winemakers of the Coteaux du Quercy VDQS celebrate their annual wine fair at Montprezat-du-Quercy (82 Tarn-et-Garonne, Midi-Pyrenees) on 8 August 2008.

Located between Montauban and Cahors (46 Lot, Midi-Pyrenees), these red and rose wines are unusually (for the south of France) based on Cabernet Franc (40–60% of the blend) with Malbec, Tannat, and Gamay being the other allowed varieties.

The name “Quercy” comes from the latin “quercus” for oak – and was the name given to a large area of South West France until the current departement system was introduced in 1790. The Coteaux du Quercy area was known as “Bas Quercy” and is dominated by the high “Causses” or moorland which still has a lot of “scrub oaks”.

The South West of France has strong connections with its Spanish neighbours on the other side of the Pyrenees.

These links were strengthened during the Spanish Civil War when many refugees sought sanctuary in the region and were welcomed. The traditions of bull-fighting, music and dance were keenly integrated in different areas. The Basque country traditions naturally span the border on the Atlantic side, but also Catalan and other influences have spread to the east.

Mont-de-Marsan (40 Landes, Aquitaine) holds its Arte Flamenco Festival from 7–12 July 2008.

Cahors with its Malbec (or Cot or Auxerrois) based wines remains one of my personal favourites – and these wines seem to improve year on year. This may be due to competition from South America, especially Argentina, where more overtly fruity and accessible Malbec wines are produced. However for me they lack the depth and intensity which good Cahors can offer. It’s also worth remembering that much of the Cahors vineyard is effectively less than 50 years old – the whole area was devastated by severe frost in 1956 which killed off most of the vines. Much changes in a vineyard in 50 years – vines mature, techniques improve, the best locations are revealed – and as exports increase winemakes have an incentive to strive to produce ever better wines.

You can try for yourself at the Fete du Vin de Cahors (Cahors Wine Festival) to be held at Puy l’Eveque (46 Lot, Midi-Pyrenees) on 9 August 2008 – about 20 miles west of Cahors town on the river Lot. This opens in the Salle des Fetes at 5pm (i.e. after the worst of the heat of the day) and offers visitors the chance to taste the wines of local independent winemakers, but a few bottles (or more) all accompanied by music and a banquet!