Close to the Belgian border on the way to Luxembourg the town of Charleville-Mézières (08 Ardennes, Champagne-Ardenne) holds a Drum Festival (Tambours de Fête )where the town beats to the…
The Independent (25 Aug 07) has a short guide to Toulouse (32 Haut-Garonne) by Simon Calder. By far the largest city in the Midi-Pyrenees it is a mix of ancient…
Between St Emilion (33 Gironde, Nouvelle Aquitaine) and Bergerac (24 Dordogne, Nouvelle Aquitaine) there is a special garden centred on an old 18th century farmhouse – combining both English and…
The SouthWest of France is predominantly associated with duck and goose, but in the Lot Valley above Cahors the town of Cajarc (46 Lot, Occitanie) prides itself as the centre…
Agen (47 Lot-et-Garonne, Nouvelle Aquitaine) is home to the famous Agen Prune - the gently baked moist plums which are a key feature of SW France cuisine. The delicacy (although…
In the southern Côtes du Rhône a series of Jazz concerts at vineyards is now available – sounds an ideal combination of sensual music, verdant surroundings and an opportunity to…
Nimes (30 Gard, Languedoc-Roussillon) celebrates the grape harvest with a 3–day festival centred around Bullfighting – Corridas, but you really do not have to get involved with the bulls to…
Nimes (30 Gard, Occitanie ) like many towns and cities on or close to the Mediterranean coast, has a long tradition of bullfighting and many of their festivities are centred…
see http://frenchduck.com/
Orleans (45 Loiret, Centre) celebrates Europe's last wild river, the Loire, with a meeting of French and foreign traditional riverboats. Nautical demonstrations, water shows, magical evenings, dinner-dances, Loire crafts and products village,…
see http://frenchduck.com
Vinsobres is one of the named Côtes du Rhône Villages – entitled to include the name of the village on the label – indicating a generally higher quality from vines grown…
The Ministry of Culture sponsors an annual open day on the third weekend of September when over 15,000 monuments and buildings throughout France which are normally closed to the public…
Fougerolles (70 Saone, ARA) on the edge of the Vosges mountains southwest of Alsace holds its annual Foire aux Beignets de Cerises (Cherry Doughnuts)and Kirsch (Cherry eau-de-vie) tastings - annually…
Locally produced Beef and Veal, capons (la poule noire de Barbezieux), snails, beans, chestnuts, goats cheese and truffles are just a few of the specialities available in the Charente departement.…
One of the joys in France in early summer is the arrival of the Cherry Harvest and whilst Cherries can be found in many parts of France, there are some…
Between Montauban (82 Tarn et Garonne, Occitanie) and Toulousethe town of Fronton celebrates a weekend of scents and flavours including the local wines from Fronton AC (previously known as the…
High in the Pyrenees southwest of Toulouse, the town of Bagneres de Luchon (31 Haut-Garonne, Occitanie) celebrates its annual Flower Festival bringing more colour to this already attractive town surrounded…
A festival to celebrate the connection between windmills and bread (Fete du Four au Moulin) including a demonstration of milling the flour in the traditional manner (wind permitting!) - plus…
Understanding and appreciating the styles of cuisine in France can enhance the enjoyment of what you are eating (or cooking) – much like wine, where I find a little additional…