Castillonnes 750th Anniversaire Tea Towels

As many of you know, the village is which Maison de Poitiers is situated, Castillonnes, is celebrating its 750th anniversary this year so there are a variety of events taking place.

As part of the commemerations, a special tea towel has been created. It is made of high quality cotton and is white with blue printing.

I currently have a few available in my online shop, please contact if you would like further details. L x

Castillonnes 750 years old this year

As you know, I was born in the youngest country in the world, which is how they are promoting New Zealand at present around the world so it is a little surreal when the village that you live in is celebrating it's 750th anniversary.

Hence Castillonnes is getting ready to party this year and we have a lot of events taking place including music concerts in the square and also medieval banquets complete with costumes. My very lovely and patient French teacher's husband (Didier) has taken a series of photographs which are going to be used as part of the 750th program.

The one that I sharing with you today is my favourite, I am sure that you will agree.

Merci beaucoup Didier, c'est super!

Leeann x

Eymet - Key Events/Dates for 2009

Key events and dates for 2009 are as follows:


Nature festival Sunday, May 17th Information : 05.53.23.74.95

Fauna & Flora festival 5th edition From May 30th till June 7th 2008 In the south of Dordogne, in Bergerac Country, The towns of Eymet, Puyguilhem (Thénac), Sigoulès, Cunèges et Saussignac give a warm welcome to the Art Caravan. Artists from all corners of Aquitaine are coming to present their creations on plants and animals, through diverse techniques (paint, sculpture, photos, videos, sounds..)Full of poetry and very entertaining for the whole family and public of all ages.Opening hour : Every day from 2pm till 7pmInformation : 06 10 16 47 27

Randonnée en Fête Sunday, June 14thWalking trail 15 km. Departure in front of the Office of Tourism 9am. Free and for the whole family.Information : 05.53.23.74.95.

Night Markets Every tuesday from june 30th till September 2nd

More than 60 professional stalls.Food available on siteStarts 7pm, Place de la Bastide.Info : 05.53.23.74.95.

The "Afro-Latines" Festival 2009 Friday, july 4th and saturday, july 5th Information : 05.53.23.82.37More info

Medieval journey throught the Dropt Valley Friday, august 7th : Conference Saturday, august 8th : Walk with torchlight, 10pm in front of the Office of tourism. Sunday, august 9th : pageants, workshops, market, games, and banquet with show in the evening.Informations : 05.53.23.74.95http://www.medieval.dropt.org/

The "Other" Festival Saturday, august 22nd and sunday, august 23rdMusic, live entertaining, video, workshops for kidsFood available on site.In Fonroque, between, Eymet and Bergerac.

"Le Pays des Bastides" celebrates its 10 years From monday, september 14th to sunday, september 27thPhotographies exhibition and many events. Information : 05.53.23.74.95.

European Heritage Days Saturday, september 19th and Sunday, september 20thInformation : 05.53.23.74.95.



For more information on events please refer to the calandar on the eymetguide:

http://www.ledropt.com/whatson2_09_feb.html then select the month that you are interested in.

After the storm.............

I guess that most of you have heard about the storms that affected SW France, there were winds up to 140kms an hour which combined with heavy rain resulted in a lot of flooding and damage to land and buildings.

Most villages in the area were affected in some way or another - most villages were without power which is a scarey thought in this day and age as we all rely heavily on electricity. It was a rather humbling experience as it makes you realise how much you take running water and electricity for granted.

Here are some links to some storm articles:

http://www.thisfrenchlife.com/thisfrenchlife/2009/01/clean-up-after-storms-in-south-west-france.html

http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/international/2009/01/26/97255.htm

A bientot

Leeann

Castillonnes 750th Anniversaire

Re bonjour,

I have just realised that I have not yet told you about the events that are taking place this year as part of the celebrations for Castillonnes 750th! anniversary.

Key dates and events are as follows:

Sat 4 Apr Comice agricole
Sat 4 Apr Communal meal poule au pot
Sat 4 Apr Launch of commemorative envelopes/stamps
Sat 4 Apr - Mon 13 Apr (Easter Mon) Stamp/seashell exhibition
Sun 12 Apr Brocante

Fri 19 Jun - Sat 27 Jun Art exhibition (school/college art projects on 750th
Fri 19 Jun - Sat 27 Jun History exhibition (of the bastide)

Sun 2 Aug - Bodega (all night party)
Tues 18 Aug - Sun 30 Aug History exhibition and old photographic display of the bastide
Sat 29 Aug - Medieval day with open air meal in market square
Fri 28 Aug - Sun 30 Aug Twinning weekend
Sat 29 Aug Inauguration of new entrance to Mairie

21/22 Sep - History/photo exhibition again to allow children to visit from schools but open to public

We are especially looking forward to the medieval day as there is a reduced fee for the banquet if you wear a costume and I am sure that the locals are already planning their costume atire, so the pressure is on to find a good costume :-)

Amicalement,

Leeann

Rejuvenated for 2009.....

Bonjour,

I have just returned from having the most wonderful facial at our local beauty salon in Castillonnes. Michelle is "tres gentil" and gives the most wonderfully relaxing facial, 2 hours for 39 euros is pretty good value in my book. She is going to provide me with a treatment listing so that I can include this in the Maison de Poitiers Chambre information pack.

Her salon is literally a 2 minute walk from Maison de Poitiers and she loves the opportunity to practise her English should you feel inclined to converse in English!

She only uses Mary Cohr products which are completely natural products are are derrived from plant extracts.

It is still cold here and we have more snow forecast for Saturday.........................

Amicalement,

Leeann

Snow photos!

Here is a album containing the photos that I took this morning, note the temp on the pharmacy clock -3.5!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/28371250@N03/sets/72157612185668359/show/
L x

It is snowing here!

Hello,

We awoke to find eveything here blanketed in snow, the village looks amazing! I have posted a photo so that you can see for yourself! I will also create an album so that you can see some more snow!

A bientot

Leeann