Monday 23 December 2013

Week 52 2013

Hello!

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas and a happy and healthy 2014.

Many thanks for all the contributions and support throughout the previous year and I look forward to discovering all the many and varied events and activities in the Gironde and Dordogne regions next year!

Very best wishes,

Helen
notjustfortheholidays@orange.fr

Tuesday 17 December 2013

Week 51 2013



Hello!

If ice-skating is for you there are a few ’pop-up’ ice rinks in the area. Ice skating in Ste Foy la Grande is at the Place de la Mairie.

Ice skating also starts at the weekend in Libourne at Place Descazes.

You can ice-skate in Bordeaux at the Place Pey Berland which is in front of the Hotel de Ville.  €3 gets you skates and entry, open daily from 10h – 18h.

Wrap up warm and enjoy!

Have a good week,

Best wishes,

Helen


Week 51 2013


Monday 16 December


Tuesday 17 December

17 December 17h : Carol Service at Monteton.

17 December 20h15 :  The Immigrant is showing in VO at the Grandecran cinema in Libourne.
On the mean streets of Manhattan, Ewa falls prey to Bruno, a charming but wicked man who takes her in and forces her into prostitution.  Starring Jeremy Renner, Joaquin Phoenix and Marion Cotillard.

Wednesday 18 December

18 – 31 December : Non-stop Marche de Noel at Blasimon Salles de la Mairie.

Thursday 19 December


19 December 13h45 : The Immigrant is showing in VO at the Grandecran cinema in Libourne.

19 December 20h15 :  Mandela: Long walk to Freedom is showing in VO at the Grandecran in 
Libourne.
A chronicle of Nelson Mandela's life journey from his childhood in a rural village through to his inauguration as the first democratically elected president of South Africa.  Starring Idris Elba, Naomie Harris and Terry Pheto

Friday 20 December

20 December 19h : The Vitrine next door to the Grande Pineuilh Leclerc is holding an evening of Rouge et Or.  Featuring Spanish music and 6 appelations of red wine.  €12 entry and wear something red!

Saturday 21 December

21 – 22 December : St Medard de Guizieres is holding a Christmas market with a Brocante and Vide grenier at the Salle Polyvalente.

 

















21 December 16h : Carol Concert at the church in Savignac sur l'Isle.  Free entry.

 
21 December 18h30 : Christmas Concert de Gospel at the Chapelle Sainte Marguerite in Capitourlan, just to the north-east of Castillon.  Entry €5

21 December 19h 30 : Carol Concert at the Salles de la Mairie in Blasimon.  Christmas Carols in French and English.  Free entry.

21-22-23 December : Marche de Noel in Langon

21 – 30 December : Ice skating in Libourne at the Place Decazes

 




Sunday 22 December

22 December : Last Marche des Puces at Rauzan before Christmas.
22 December 20h30 :  Mandela: Long walk to Freedom is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

Coming up…

23 December 16h :   Mandela: Long walk to Freedom is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

24 December 16h : Christmas Eve church service at Montaton.

If you hear of any other Christmas carol concerts or services, please let me know.  I have a sneaking suspicion that there is a candle lit one in St Emilion, but I can't find any information. 

And finally…

Even Father Christmas needs to stop and take a rest from time to time…


Monday 9 December 2013

Week 50 2013



Hello!

I’m back in France and was delighted to touchdown with clear blue skies and a shining sun.  It’s lovely to visit friends and family, but there’s nothing quite like coming home! Christmas Markets are in full swing in the Gironde and the Dordogne but I managed to visit one beside the Cathedral in Exeter, Devon.

You can take the girl away from the brocantes, but you can’t keep her away from ‘antiquing’! I spent a very satisfying morning browsing Bourne Mill Antiques in Farnham – never again shall I complain about the cold in Rauzan, Bourne Mill was glacial!

Finally, The Fisherman’s Cot in Bickleigh, Tiverton, Devon is the alleged inspiration for the Simon and Garfunkel hit Bridge over Troubled Water. Help yourself to an extra advent chocolate if you got it right!

Plenty to do in the area this week, the Ice rink is up and running in Bordeaux, wrap up warm and have fun!

Best wishes,

Helen


Week 50 2013


Monday 9 December


Tuesday 10 December
10 December 14h15 : Zulu is showing in VO at the Grandecran cinema in Libourne (you can go 2 for the price of 1 on a Tuesday if you are an Orange customer)
Zulu is a 2013 English-language French-produced crime
film directed by Jérôme Salle. It was selected as the closing film at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival
To find out more about the film go to http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2249221/?ref_=nv_sr_2 

10 December 20h30 : 20h30. Eglise St Jean, Libourne. Concert accompanied by William Dongois, on cornet, and six instrumentalists with a program of English music from the 16th and 17th Centuries, directed by Jean Goujon. Tarif : 15 €, 12 € à l'avance et 8 € tarif réduit. Contact : Ensemble Choral de Libourne 05.57.84.35.25


10 December 20h15 : The Immigrant is playing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne. (you can go 2 for the price of 1 on a Tuesday if you are an Orange customer)
On the mean streets of Manhattan, Ewa falls prey to Bruno, a charming but wicked man who takes her in and forces her into prostitution.  Starring Jeremy Remer, Joaquin Phoenix and Marion Cotillard.

10 December 20h30 : Inside Llewyn Davis is showing in VO at La Breche Cinema in Ste Foy la Grande
A week in the life of a young singer as he navigates the Greenwich Village folk scene of 1961.  Starring Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan and John Goodman.

10 – 28 December : The Salle Cascante, Castillon, hosts an exhibition with a collection from the Scen’Arts.

Wednesday 11 December

11 December - 31 January : This is the couple that used to have Bois et Atelier in Gensac. They're opening up  place in just outside St Antoine de Breuilh (on the main road just before the village) for a few weeks.

11 December 14h – 18h : Apres midi de Noel.  All sorts of Christmas activities for children, held at the Mediatheque de Gensac




Thursday 12 December

12 December  18.00 h – Carol Service in English at the Church at Saussignac

12 December 19h30 : Zulu is playing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne

12 – 13 – 14 December : MADs present ‘The Nightingales’ at Chateau Issigeac.  It’s a comedy, satire and a happy ending that pulls out all the stops.  To find out more and to book tickets go to http://mads-theatre.org/MADS/Events_Bookings.html



















Friday 13 December

FRIDAY 13th DECEMBER between 14H30 -18H30
Join us to celebrate my Swedish grandmothers traditional St Lucia's Day with coffee & safron buns
Featuring JANINE'S ANTIQUE LINENS: like new antique tea towels, embroidered and damasked table cloths, bed & bath linens
La Forge, 26 route du Moulin Neuf, 33750 St Quentin de Baron
RSVP 06 31 85 65 20 or whatscookinginfrance@gmail.com

13 December 18h15 : Diana is playing in VO at La Breche Cinema in Ste Foy la Grande.
During the last two years of her life, Princess Diana embarks on a final rite of passage: a secret love affair with Pakistani heart surgeon Hasnat Khan.  Starring Naomi Watts, Naveen Andrews and Douglas Hodge.

13 December 21h45 : Zulu is playing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne

Saturday 14 December

14 December : Marché de Noël Salle Jacques Prévert et Place du 8 mai Rue Eugène Tricoche, 33220 Port-Sainte-Foy-et-Ponchapt

14 December 18h : Vernissage (official opening / viewing) for the Collection from Scen’Arts at the Salle Cascante in Castillon

14 December 20h : Gospel Concert at the church in Castelmoron D’Albret, Entrance €15 06 07 78 62 16

14 - 15 December : For the 4th time, winemakers from Alsace, Bourgogne, Champagne, Languedoc, Rhone and Ste Foy joind together for tasting and sales at the Salle des Fetes in Eynesse.  An excellent opportunity to taste some different wines.  

 


















14 – 15 December : Marche de Noel at Chateau Portillon in Flaujagues.

Sunday 15 December
15 December : Marche Noel and street entertainment at Castelmoron D’Albret.

15 December : Brocante de Noel in Coutras at the carpark at the Slles des Fetes du Sully

15 December : Rauzan Marche des Puces in the covered Market opposite the school.

15 December : Marche de Noel in Duras
15 December 20h30 : Zulu is playing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne

15 December 20h30 : The Immigrant is playing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne

Coming up…

16 December 20h45 : Diana is playing in VO at La Breche Cinema in Ste Foy la Grande




















And finally…

Are there any dishes that you really miss when you live in France? 
This one is mine…

Tuesday 3 December 2013

Week 49 2013

Hello,



Not just for the holiday is on holiday… a short trip over to the UK to visit family and friends and celebrate a landmark birthday! (not mine) 
I can’t see the river Dordogne from the window, but today I’m not far from the bridge, which is allegedly the Simon and Garfunkel ‘Bridge over troubled waters.’  Do you know where it is?

I hope I’ve included lots of events for the coming week, apologies if I’ve missed out anything, but please feel free to add any events as a message at the end of the blog.

Have a great week

Best wishes,

Helen


Week 49 2013


The Christmas market and the Antiques Fair at the Quinconces in Bordeaux are both running this week

Monday 2 December

Tuesday 3 December

3 – 21 December : Pellegrue Tourist Office is hosting a Christmas Market, open Tuesday – Friday all day and Saturday morning.

3 December 14h15 : The Immigrant is playing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.
On the mean streets of Manhattan, Ewa falls prey to Bruno, a charming but wicked man who takes her in and forces her into prostitution.  Starring Jeremy Remer, Joaquin Phoenix and Marion Cotillard.

Wednesday 4 December

4 December 16h : Zulu is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.
Zulu is a 2013 English-language French-produced crime
film directed by Jérôme Salle. It was selected as the closing film at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival
To find out more about the film go to http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2249221/?ref_=nv_sr_2 

4 December 21h45 : The Immigrant is playing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

Thursday 5 December

5 December 19h30 : Zulu is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

5 December 19h30 : The Immigrant is playing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

Friday 6 December

6 – 15 : December  : Marche de Noel at Gensac Tourist Office, open daily 14h – 19h.

6 December 13h15 : Zulu is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

6 December 16h : The Immigrant is playing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.
 
Saturday 7 December

7 December : Telethon in Pays Foyen to see the full agenda of the day’s fund raising events go to http://www.port-sainte-foy.info/agenda-de-la-commune/

7 – 8 December : Marché de Noël organisé par le Comité des fêtes, salle des fêtes Robert Teyssandier, Pineuilh. Contact : 06 21 21 01 69

7 – 8 December : Marche de Noel in Creon held in the streets of the village. 
7 – 8 December 10h – 19h : Marche de Noel in St Emilion.  This event which includes 45 stalls, takes place in various venues throughout the town, including the cloisters behind the tourist office and the Salle Gothique

7 December 14h – 18h : Fete de Noel at the Chai Au Quai which is on the waterfront in Castillon (and you can get 10% off any wines you buy!)











7 December 17h45 : Inside Llewyn Davis is playing in VO at La Breche Cinema in Ste Foy la Grande.
A week in the life of a young singer as he navigates the Greenwich Village folk scene of 1961. Starring Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan and John Goodman.




7 December 21h45 : Zulu is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

7 - 22 December : Font Vidal Christmas Market.  Chateau Font Vidal in Juillac is hosting their 9th Christmas Market.  Pop in and pick up a gift for Christmas - have a glass of wine whilst you are there!



Sunday 8 December

8 December : Le Pere Noel… fait du Gras!  At Monsegur, a winter celebration of fine foods and Christmas.  Stalls featuring delicious things to buy and eat and beautiful arts and crafts.



8 December : Puces Rauzanaise, the weekly flea market in Rauzan, go along, have a look, at the very least you can buy a bottle of wine and some bread and cheese and you are set for a fireside picnic at home!

8 December : Brocante and collectables at Place Cl̩menceau in Montpon Menesterel Рthis is held every 2nd Sunday of the month.

8 December : Vide greniers at Salle Clarisse Briand in Ste Foy la Grande.

8 December 20h30 : Zulu is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

8 December 20h30 : The Immigrant is playing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

8 December 2045: Inside Llewyn Davis is playing in VO at La Breche Cinema in Ste Foy la Grande.


Coming up…
Hello All
I will be in your area on Tuesday 10th December.
I suggest that I could stop in Castillon La Bataille at 11.30am on the south side of the bridge next to what used to be or 
still is the plage and then continue along the river on the south side to St. Foy La Grande where I will cross back over the 
river and continue on to St Méard de Gurçon for my usual stopping point at 1.30 outside the church. 
If you think that you would be better served by my stopping somewhere closer to your house please let me know.
We have some Christmas specials this year

Rolled Leg of Lamb 21 euros/kg,
Rolled Shoulder of lamb 17 euros/kg 
Rolled Saddle of lamb 18.50euros/kg
All of the above are stuffed with 3 fruits, creme de cassiss almonds and hazelnuts. 
I can also prepare a half leg or half a saddle of lamb if you have a smaller celebration planned
Chipolatas at 6.50euros/500g
4 herbs and onion sausagemeat 6.50euros/500g
And boulettes at 16euros/kg

There are of course all the usuals and if you would like me to prepare something differently for you why don't you ask me. 
Can I peases remind you that an order would be most helpful so I can ensure I have what you want.
Kind regards and see you soon, Helen

And finally…

Thank you very much for all the replies about Christmas Carol Services, so far I have these…

10 December 20h30 : 20h30. Eglise St Jean, Libourne. Concert accompanied by William Dongois, on cornet, and six instrumentalists with a program of English music from the 16th and 17th Centuries, directed by Jean Goujon. Tarif : 15 €, 12 € à l'avance et 8 € tarif réduit. Contact : Ensemble Choral de Libourne 05.57.84.35.25

12 December 18h : English Carol Service in Saussignac Church

14 December 20h : The Bordeaux Gospel Academy will perform in the Church at Castelmoron D’Albret.  Entrance, €15, including a cocktail. Res 06 07 78 62 16

Throughout the month there are little crèche scenes in the house windows in Castelmoron for all to see.