Week 15 2014

Hello!

Spring flowers are all around, the skies are blue and the temperature is rising nicely.  It’s a perfect time to be out and about in the garden.  A good place to buy plants for the garden is at Marche de Printemps (Spring Markets).  If you have a Spring Market near you or know of a good one, please let me know and I’ll put it onto the blog.

Have a good week and enjoy all the spring flowers in and around the Gironde and Dordogne regions.

 

Best wishes,

Helen

notjustfortheholidays@orange.fr

Week 15 2014

Monday 7 April

7 April 14h15 & 20h15 : Her is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

A lonely writer develops an unlikely relationship with his newly purchased operating system that's designed to meet his every need.  Starring Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams and Scarlett Johansson.

Tuesday 8 April

8 April 20h15 : Her is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

Wednesday 9 April

Thursday 10 April

Friday 11 April

11 – 12  April : Friperie at 14 Rue Jean-Louis Faure (next to the Bibliotheque). Friperie is

second-hand clothing.

11 – 12 – 13 April : The big spring Brocante at Rauzan.  Plenty to see with over 140 stands.  I don’t know whether it’s better to go early on and be the first to see what there is, or to go on the Sunday and pick up a bargain that they don’t want to pack back up?  Whichever you do, it’s an interesting place to visit.  Entry €2.50

11 April : Moroccan Evening at the Madiateque in Gensac which is supported by Parchemins and ARRPEJ.  Find out about how a Bride gets ready on the eve of her wedding, storied from travellers and there’s something sweet to eat too!

Saturday 12 April

12 April : Marché de printemps at Saint Christophe des Bardes 33330, between St Magne and St Emilion.

12 April 18h : Choir Concert at St Pierre’s church, Pujols.  4 Choirs join together for the concert.  Free entry.

12 April 20h : Sturgeon Supper at St Magne de Castillon.  An opportunity to try this local speciality.

12 April : Line Dancing at the salle des Fêtes de Montcaret.  If you want to try your hand (or foot!) at Line Dancing, then here’s your opportunity.  Learn the steps in the afternoon, and then dance the evening away at the Ball.  Details below, but find out more here http://www.espritcountryenmontravel.fr/
STAGES PARTNERS  l' Après Midi et CONCERT et CD le SOIR
Stages partners à partir de 15H00. 3 niveaux; débutant - Novice - Intermédiaire.
Stages: 1 Niveau 5 €uros / 2 Niveaux 8 €uros / 3 Niveaux 12 €uros.
1 stage + Bal = 12 €uros / 2 stages + bal = 15 €uros / 3 stages + Bal = 18 €uros
Il s'en suivra un pot de l'amitié et ensuite pour tous les participants à ces stages, amenez un plat (entrée, plat ou dessert) pour un Tex Mex en commun, Ici c'est la conviviabilitée et non "bande à part".
Le soir Concert avec Phil Fasan et CD, Soirée 100% Country à partir de 20 H 30
Entrée 8 €uros.
Voici la playlist de la soirée ICI

 

12 – 13 April : 19^th Painting Exhibition at the Salle Polyvalente in Moulin-Neuf.  There are 25 artists exhibiting.  A celebratory glass of wine is shared at 18h on Saturday.

12 - 13 April : Grand Vehicle Sale.  Here’s something different, the old Military and vehicle Museum (Aubyland, behind the Leclerc) in Castillon which has been closed for several years now is selling off the exhibits.  The sale is on the Saturday and then on Sunday there’s a market on the Sunday (though I’m not sure what they’re selling…)  Might be worth a visit if you’re looking for a jeep… or a tank!

12 – 13 April : Printemps des Vins de Blaye.  The 20th Festival of Wine in Blaye, held in the Citadelle with 80 winemakers.  Find out more about it here http://printemps.vin-blaye.com/

 

Sunday 13 April

13 April : Last day of the Rauzan Spring Brocante.

13 April : Brocante Vide Greniers at Cadillac with 100 – 200 stands.

13 April : Vide grenier at the Lac de Cadie at Mouliets et Villemartin

13 April : Brocante Collections at Place Clémenceau in Montpon Menesterol.

Coming up…

 

And finally…

The wisteria's not looking too bad...

My favourite pink rose.

I was told this is a wild orchid.

Week 14 2014

Hello!

It’s official – Castillon is ‘Happy!’ 

Have a look at this short film featuring the shopkeepers and people of Castillon.  How many do you recognise?  There’s even a British TV star in amongst them all.  Enjoy, it will bring a smile to your face!

Have a lovely, sunny, happy week in and around the Gironde and Dordogne regions,

Best wishes,

Helen

notjustfortheholidays@orange.fr

Week 14 2014

Monday 31 March

31 March 14h15 : Monuments Men is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

Based on the true story of the greatest treasure hunt in history, The Monuments Men is an action drama focusing on an unlikely World War II platoon, tasked by FDR with going into Germany to rescue artistic masterpieces from Nazi thieves and returning them to their rightful owners.  From director George Clooney, the film stars George Clooney, Matt Damon, Bill Murray, John Goodman, Jean Dujardin, Bob Balaban, Hugh Bonneville, and Cate Blanchett.

Tuesday 1 April

Wednesday 2 April

Thursday 3 April

3 – 4 – 5 April : Friperie at 14 Rue Jean-Louis Faure (next to the Bibliotheque). Friperie is second-hand clothing.

3 – 25 April : Photo Exhibition in Eymet of pictures of past events in the commune since 1990.  Upstairs at the Tourist Office, free entry.

 

 

Friday 4 April

4 – 5 April : 14eme Cinema Festival in Lussac.  To find out more and see the full programme go to http://festi-cine.jimdo.com/festival-2014/   Free entry – a must for film lovers.

4 April 18h30 : Vernissage (opening) of the Photographic exhibition by Josiane Boisseau at the Salle Cascante in Castillon.  Exhibition runs from 4- 14 April

Saturday 5 April

5 April : Rando Pour tous – A walk for all…Take your picnic and walk the whole day, or opt for a shorter half day walk.  A great way to get fit, take in the fresh air and meet new people.  Leaving at 

9h30 behind the Mairie in Castillon.

 

5 April : The Martians are in Pujols!  16h Parade through the streets and then 20h Dinner dance.  For more information contact 06 17 78 23 33 / 06 99 26 37 84

5 April : Paella Night in Ruch. Paella, Dessert and a Disco at the Salles de Fete in Ruch - €12  Call Dominique on 06 58 40 72 68

5 April 20h : Dinner Dance with 80’s music at Salle de Fetes in St Michel de Montaigne call 05 53 58 60 51 for reservations.

 

5 April 19h30 : Dinner Dance at St Vincent de Pertignas in the Salle des Fetes €24 including the apero and dinner and the music.  Contact 05 57 84 16 43

5 – 6 April : Bougez avec le Sauveterrois.  A weekend of events promoting everything good about the countryside around about Sauveterre.

 

Sunday 6 April

6 April : Brocante marché aux puces in Bergerac in Place Cayla, Place de la Myrpe and surrounding streets.

6 April : Fete du Livre et Artisanat in Libourne.

 

6 April : Ralleye Circle Esprit 77.  Treasure hunt by car – gather up a team, find a car and follow the clues to find gems in the countryside you never knew were there… Did you know that the original ship’s bell from the Titanic hangs somewhere in the region? Leaving from la gare de St Seurin sur l'Isle.

Coming up…

And finally…

What makes me happy?  I won something!  I entered an on-line competition from a gorgeous site that makes beautiful handmade gifts http://www.justsewnorthumberland.co.uk/  

And I won a sunglasses case - which is excellent as I had just bought some sunglasses without a case, it was meant to be!  Check out the site as Catherine makes some beautiful things and I've sent a couple of bunnies to new babies...and she sews baby's name into the rabbit's ear.

Pink for a girl.

 

Week 13 2014

Hello,

It’s not often that you find rally cars racing past your driveway, but that’s what happened to us on Saturday… all day!  The car rally in Castillon included a timed track through the lanes on both sides of the river.  It was great to watch, but slightly scary as the road wasn’t actually closed to the public, and by the time the cars had made their final timed lap they were getting pretty quick! (Indulge me with all the car pics - I love the sounds and the smells and the colours and the speed and the thrill...)

Whether you are a speed freak, or prefer a slower pace of life (see below) have a great week in the Gironde and Dordogne regions.

Best wishes,

Helen

notjustfortheholidays@orange.fr

Week 13 2014

Monday 24 March

24 March 14h15 : Monuments Men is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

Based on the true story of the greatest treasure hunt in history, The Monuments Men is an action drama focusing on an unlikely World War II platoon, tasked by FDR with going into Germany to rescue artistic masterpieces from Nazi thieves and returning them to their rightful owners.  From director George Clooney, the film stars George Clooney, Matt Damon, Bill Murray, John Goodman, Jean Dujardin, Bob Balaban, Hugh Bonneville, and Cate Blanchett.

24 March 14h15: The Grand Budapest Hotel is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

Grand Budapest Hotel recounts the adventures of Gustave H, a legendary concierge at a famous European hotel between the wars, and Zero Moustafa, the lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend. The story involves the theft and recovery of a priceless Renaissance painting and the battle for an enormous family fortune -- all against the back-drop of a suddenly and dramatically changing Continent. Starring Ralph Fiennes, F.Murray Abraham and Edward Norton

24 March 20h15 : 12 Years a Slave is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

Based on an incredible true story of one man's fight for survival and freedom. In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. Facing cruelty (personified by a malevolent slave owner, portrayed by Michael Fassbender), as well as unexpected kindnesses, Solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity. In the twelfth year of his unforgettable odyssey, Solomon's chance meeting with a Canadian abolitionist (Brad Pitt) will forever alter his life.

Tuesday 25 March

25 March 14h15: The Grand Budapest Hotel is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

Wednesday 26 March

26 March : L’Atelier du Pain.  Last chance to learn how to make bread from a master baker in Civrac sur Dordogne.  To find out more contact 05 57 41 48 86 / 06 79 74 34 30

Thursday 27 March

27 March 20h30 : Concert - Les Grandes Heures de Saint-Emilion at Château de Ferrand

Quatuor à cordes Girard

Debussy, Schubert, Beethoven

For booking information go to http://www.grandesheuresdesaintemilion.fr/Tarifs_et_reservation.html

27 March 20h30: The Grand Budapest Hotel is showing in VO at La Breche in Ste Foy la Grande.

Friday 28 March

Saturday 29 March

29 March : Saturday weekly Farmer’s Market in St Foy la Grande.  If you have never been then it’s a wonderfully busy bustling local market, full of local produce and regional specialities, well worth a visit.

Please can you all help? Ste Foy Market has entered the best market in France competition; they are up against big towns like Lille. If they win last year's Top Chef winners will come to Ste Foy and film a programme. This would be brilliant for the town and its economy. All you have to do is go to the site www.monmarcheprefere.fr and register your vote, you can place one vote per day.!

29 March  - 5 April : Primeurs Tasting.  If you would like to taste some St Emilion 2013 wines before they are bottled go to the Comptoir des Vignobles in St Emilion.  They are offering wine tastings throughout the week.  See http://www.saint-emilion-tourisme.com/uk/shopping.html?idcat=cavistes&idfiche=103

Sunday 30 March

The clocks changed in the night…they ‘spring forward’.  An hour less in bed in the morning, but the evenings will magically get longer…

 

30 March  - 2^nd round in the local elections.  I love how they announce ‘Vote’ when you put your blue envelope in the box!

30 March 20h45: The Grand Budapest Hotel is showing in VO at La Breche in Ste Foy la Grande.

Coming up…

 

And finally…

From the speed and technology of the racing cars to the peace and tranquillity of yesteryear… This is the sight that met me when I arrived in St Emilion last weekend.