Week 25 2014

Hello!

So many stands to browse.

Yesterday we went over to Sadirac to see the Pottery Festival.  There were over 30 stands with potters from France, Spain, Portugal and Russia.  There was a medieval kiln outside which was fired up with wood and topped with broken terracotta and the heat radiating from it was quite considerable.

A Medieval style kiln

Many of the potters had submitted a piece of their work for a competition and the public could vote for their favourite exhibit.  It was a tricky choice – which would you have chosen?

The weather is set to stay beautiful throughout the week, with another scorching weekend ahead.  So whatever you do in the Gironde and Dordogne regions have a great time.

Which one would you choose?

Best wishes,

Helen

notjustfortheholidays@orange.fr

Week 25 2014

From 12 – 29 June the Allees de Tourney in Bordeaux becomes a huge open air food extravaganza! For the 5^th year a selection of renowned chefs set up their restaurants in the centre of the city and offer a chance to dine with them in a more informal atmosphere. It’s a great experience, head over there and enjoy the superb food.  For more information go to http://www.epicuriales.com/   (I’ve just discovered that a group of cooks is a hastiness… though I think that these guys would rather be referred to as chefs, and there’s no collective noun for a group of chefs… a smorgasbord of chefs perhaps?)  

 

Monday 16 June

Tuesday 17 June

Wednesday 18 June

18 June 16h : Jersey Boys is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

The story of four young men from the wrong side of the tracks in New Jersey who came together to form the iconic 1960s rock group The Four Seasons.  Starring John Lloyd Young, Erich Bergen and Michael Lomenda

18 June 16h : The Two Faces of January is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.  I think in this case VO is English, Turkish and Greek.

A thriller centred on a con artist, his wife, and a stranger who flee Athens after one of them is caught up in the death of a private detective.  Starrin Kirsten Dunst, Viggo Mortensen and Oscar Isaac

Thursday 19 June

19 June 19h30 : The Two Faces of January is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne

19 June 20h15 : Jersey Boys is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

19 June 20h30 : The Homesman is showing in VO at La Breche Cinema in Ste Foy..

A claim jumper and a pioneer woman team up to escort three insane women from Nebraska to Iowa.  Starring Tommy Lee Jones, Hilary Swank and Maryl Streep.

Friday 20 June

20 June 14h : The Two Faces of January is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne

20 June 14h15 : Jersey Boys is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

20 June : Pellegrue Night market

20 June : Night Market at St. Geraud de Corps 

20 June : Fete de la Musique at Le Chai in Ste Foy la Grande, live music from some local groups.

Saturday 21 June – La Fete de la Musique

The Fete de la Musique is traditionally held in France on midsummer’s day.  It all began in 1982 when the then Minister of Culture Jack Lang decided to revive the pagan Festival of St Jean.  He invited musicians from all walks of life to join together and give free concerts.  Over 30 years later the event has spread throughout the world.

There will be a concert near you to enjoy this weekend – have a good time.

21 June : St Seurin de Prats Marche Gourmand (Night Market)
 

 

21 June : Fete de La Musique in the centre of Castillon la Bataille.

21 June : Mouliets et Villemartin Marche Gourmand and Fete de la Musique

21 June : Fete de la Music et Marche Nocturne - Pujols

Sunday 22 June

22 June : Vide grenier Espace de Convivialité - Rue de Toussaint - 33500 Libourne

22 June : Vide greniers at Juillac 33890

22 June : Vide Grenier at Capitourlan just outside Castillon on the road to Villefranche.

22 June : Les Puces Du Coeur De La Bastide in Ste Foy La Grande

22 June : The Fête de la Musique at St Laurent des Hommes (between Montpon and Mussidan, just north of the N89) will be on Sunday 22nd June from 5pm. 
A very varied programme, it includes the very first public concert of Les Belles aux Bois, (a new saxophone quartet - they would really appreciate seeing lots of friendly faces !) then the fantastic Dan Jones on guitare, followed by the Polysons choir and then finished off regally by the Mozaic Jazz Band.  At the end, eats and drinks for everyone, provided by the town. 
Everybody welcome, everything free.

 

22 June 11h : Fete les Vins Naturels at Chateau Vieux Mougnac at Petit Palais et Cornemps.  Lots going on including a demonstration with horses.  To find out more go to http://wwww.vieuxmougnac.com/pages/actualites-chateau-vieux-mougnac

22 June 20h30 : Jersey Boys is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

22 June20h30  : The Two Faces of January is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne

Coming up… 

And finally…

The Night Market page is up and running, you can get to it by clicking on the link at the side of the blog.  It is a work in progress and easily updated, so if you hear of any markets not listed then please let me know and I can add it in.

Castillon night market.

Week 24 2014

Hello!

 

We never have burger and chips at home, and we never have Paella at home for the very simple reason that neither of us likes both!  So, we were delighted to discover that we could both be gastronomically satisfied at the Restaurant/Bar le Gensaké in Gensac.  Recently taken over by Jenny (previously from Chateau de Sanse) and working with fresh locally sourced produce, mostly organic, 

We sat outside for an apero, before moving to the peaceful courtyard hidden at the back.

It was the perfect way to spend a holiday lunch time, and we’ll be back on a Sunday because Jenny offers a full Irish breakfast… there’s not much I miss from the UK, but bacon, eggs, sausage… the works… is one of them!  Drop in soon, you don’t have to have a full meal, there are Tapas on the menu too, just don’t go on a Monday as it’s the only day it will be closed.

And finally, I’m putting together the Night Market page, so if you know of one in your village, please let me know.

Whatever you eat and wherever you go this week in the Dordogne and Gironde regions, have a great time.

Best wishes,

Helen

notjustfortheholidays@orange.fr

Week 24 2014

Monday 9 June

9 June 18h15 &20h30 : Last Days of Summer (or Labor Day to the rest of the world!) is showing in VO at the Grandecran, Libourne.

Depressed single mom Adele and her son Henry offer a wounded, fearsome man a ride. As police search town for the escaped convict, the mother and son gradually learn his true story as their options become increasingly limited.  Starring Kate Winslet, Josh Brolin and Gattlin Griffith.

Tuesday 10 June

Hello All

Now some will know and some won't but I have a stand at Ste. Foy-la -Grande market on a Saturday morning on the corner of Louis Pasteur/Alsace Lorraine where if you are a market goer you can find me weekly. However I know there are those of you who would prefer for me to continue with the delivery run. So I propose that since you all pretty much know what I make it would be more practical if you make an order before I arrive that way everyone knows that they will get what they want and with any luck I can be more organised. So all the info is on the website www.franklinfarm.fr
The meatballs I make are either Morrocan, Italian or Greek
The burgers are garlic and paprika or herb and onion.
I can roll lamb joints to various sizes if you let me have an idea of weight or number of people eating.
My next visit in your direction is Tuesday 10th June in St.Méard de Gurçon between 1.30 and 2.30 by the church or preceeded by a delivery route going through Minzac, Villefranche de Lonchat and down towards Castillon la Bataille.
See you there
Helen

10 June 14h15 & 20h15 : Last Days of Summer (or Labor Day to the rest of the world!) is showing in VO at the Grandecran, Libourne

10 June 20h : Concert in Libourne.  The Rotary Club of Libourne St EMilion are holding a Concert staring Gayane Liebe Petrosyan.  For further details please contact philippe.le-ber@wanadoo.fr

Wednesday 11 June

Thursday 12 June

12 June 20h30 : Grandes Heures de Saint Emilion present a concert at Château Matras-Canon Gautier Capuçon, violoncelle, Jérome Ducros, piano

Beethoven I

For more information and reservations http://www.grandesheuresdesaintemilion.fr/Tarifs_et_reservation.html

Friday 13 June

13 June 20h30 : Grandes Heures de Saint Emilion present a concert at Château Larcis-Ducasse 

Gautier Capuçon, violoncelle, Jérome Ducros, piano

Beethoven II

For more information and reservations http://www.grandesheuresdesaintemilion.fr/Tarifs_et_reservation.html

 

13 – 14 June : Wendy Narby and Women in Wine… Tourism are offering the unique opportunity to join The Art of Breathing by Breathing Master Dominique Lonchant at Spa de Château Latour Ségur à Lussac, St Emilion.  For further information go to http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=bfc110893be2ed6eaae14333d&id=d916977029

 

Saturday 14 June

14 June 20h45 : Concert at the St Symphorien church in Castillon.

14 – 15 June : Weekend de l'été - 9ème Vide Grenier Saint Christophe des Bardes,including Vide grenier over the 2 days, Saturday night Feu de la Saint Jean festivities with the traditional fire jumping at night fall!

14 – 15 June : Sadirac Ceramics Fair.

 

Sunday 15 June

15 June : Vide Greniers in Sadirac

15 June : Vide grenier in Pellegrue

15 June : Vide Grenier at La Sauve

15 June : Vide grenier in St Pey de Castets

15 June 16h : Chante Monde ‘Viva Italia’ Concert in the Villamblad church

 

15 June 17h: The Dordogne Choir in Concert at the Sourzac church

15 June 16h30 : The Jurade in St Emilion.  Celebrating the New Wine.  In all their red robed finery, the wine makers proceed through the village heading to the Tour du Roy in celebration of the new wine.  A great show to see as they walk through the streets. 

Coming up…

 

And finally…

Have you ever been woken up on a Sunday morning to hear the dulcet tones of the neighbour and his lawnmower or strimmer buzzing away?  This need not happen.  Since 2008 noise pollution has been regulated.  You can mow, strim, chip, chop and saw to your heart’s desire between 8h30 – 12h30 and 14h30 – 19h30 on a week day.  From 9h – 12h and 15h – 19h on a Saturday and on Sundays and Jours fériés from 10h – 12h.  Outside those hours neither you nor the neighbour should be making a racket!

 

When it comes to bonfires though, the regulations are less distinct.  Castillon for example is classed as an urban area and therefore all types of waste burning fires are illegal, that includes garden bonfires.  Mouliets et Villemartin on the other hand is rural and you are actively encouraged to keep the gardens and land clear and free from undergrowth – which can be done by cutting and burning the vegetation.  What I haven’t discovered is whether or not there are times when this too becomes restricted… I have a feeling that there are certain months when you cannot have garden fires.  If you know when these months are, please let me know and we can share the information.

Week 23 2014

Hello!

A perfect Sunday! We started with a local Brocante in the morning around the village church. Then returned home to watch a regatta on the river, there was everything from an 8 man long boat to canoes and even a standing up board paddler.

Whatever you do this week, have a great time in the Gironde and Dordogne regions.

Best wishes,

Helen

notjustfortheholidays@orange.fr

Week 23 2014

Monday 2 June

2 June – 20 July : Photo exhibition celebrating the 20^th anniversary of the Lac de l’Escourou

Tuesday 3 June

3 June 14h15 : Maps to the Stars is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

A tour into the heart of a Hollywood family chasing celebrity, one another and the relentless ghosts of their pasts. Starring Robert Pattinson, Carrie Fisher and Julianna Moore.

3 June 20h15 : Wrong Cops is showing in VO at the Grandecran in Libourne.

A group of bad cops look to dispose of a body that one of them accidentally shot.  Starring Mark Burnham, Eric Judor and Steve Little.

3 June 20h30 : State of Grace is showing in VO at La Breche in Ste Foy la Gande.

Terry Noonan returns home to New York's Hells Kitchen after a ten year absence. He soon hooks up with childhood pal Jackie who is involved in the Irish mob run by his brother Frankie. Terry also rekindles an old flame with Jackie's sister Kathleen. Soon, however, Terry is torn between his loyalty to his friends and his loyalties to others.  Starring Sean Penn, Ed Harris and Gary Oldman

Wednesday 4 June

4 June 13h45 & 19h30 : Last Days of Summer (or Labor Day to the rest of the world!) is showing in VO at the Grandecran, Libourne.

Depressed single mom Adele and her son Henry offer a wounded, fearsome man a ride. As police search town for the escaped convict, the mother and son gradually learn his true story as their options become increasingly limited.  Starring Kate Winslet, Josh Brolin and Gattlin Griffith.

Thursday 5 June

5 June 13h45 & 19h30 : Last Days of Summer (or Labor Day )is showing in VO at the Grandecran, Libourne.

 

5 June 20h30 : As part of the Grandes Heures de Saint Emilion, Chateau Haut-Sarpe is hosting Momo Kodama, piano

Bruneau-Boulmier, Chopin, Debussy

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

Friday 6 June

6 June 13h45 & 19h30 : Last Days of Summer (or Labor Day )is showing in VO at the Grandecran, Libourne.

6 June : The Vitrine du Pays Foyen is holding a tasting evening of wine and cheese.  To reserve and

find out more please call 05 57 41 21 79

6 June 18h : Vernissage for the Pastel and Ceramic Exhibition ‘Voyages’ by Peter Thomas and Francis Bouquillon at l’Atelier des Nuages, 1 rue de la Liberte, St Emilion.

6 June 18h15 :Grace of Monaco is showing in VO at La Breche cinema in Ste Foy la Grande.

The story of former Hollywood star Grace Kelly's crisis of marriage and identity, during a political dispute between Monaco's Prince Rainier III and France's Charles De Gaulle, and a looming French invasion of Monaco in the early 1960s.  Starring Nicole Kidman, Tim Roth and Andre Penvern

Saturday 7 June

7 June 13h45 & 19h30 : Last Days of Summer (or Labor Day )is showing in VO at the Grandecran, Libourne.

7 June : Creon celebrates a Night of Music with live performances from 17h30 at the Place de la Prevote.

7 – 8 June : A weekend of all things hunting and fishing in the Citadelle at Blaye.

7 – 15 June : Art Exhibition by Peter Thomas and Francis Bouquillon at l’Atelier des Nuages, 1 rue de la Liberte, St Emilion.

Sunday 8 June

8 June : Vide Greniers at Eymet

 

 

8 June : Brocante Vide Greniers at Civrac sur Dordogne

8 June : Vide Greniers at La Reole

8 June : Vide greniers at Langon

8 June 13h45 & 19h30 : Last Days of Summer (or Labor Day )is showing in VO at the Grandecran, Libourne.

8 June 20h45 :Grace of Monaco is showing in VO at La Breche cinema in Ste Foy la Grande.

8 – 9 June : Foire aux Vins at the Salle Municipale, Saint Antoine de Breuilh.

Coming up…

For more info philippe.le-ber@wanadoo.fr

 

 

And Finally…

The Tour de Gironde was held this weekend – one of the countrywide races in the run up to the big one… The Tour de France.   

Bordeaux 2010

This year the 20th stage will start from Bergerac on 26th July.  The 20th stage is a time trial.  We went to see the time trial when it was held in Bordeaux in 2010.  It was great fun because we found a seat in a café on a corner on the edge of the road and every 2 minutes another bike and the support team whizzed by, then we walked through the city following the route and all the time we could see the bikes and the riders right up close.

See more at http://www.letour.fr/le-tour/2014/us/stage-20.html