FrenchDuck’s databank

Public Holiday in France

Calais is celebrating the opening of a new space for the arts at the old Abattoir, now known as “le Channel”. This is an interesting complex of buildings which lends itself to a wide range of artistic events - performance (theatre, music, dance) and art exhibitions in a number of different sized and venues. From 27-31 December 2007 the mini-festival of Feu d’Hiver (Winter lights) is held with a wide array of events and displays.
For more info see www.lechannel.org
Also see the Calais Cote d’Opale Tourist Office

We have held the Prize Draw for Vicki Archer’s sumptuous book My French Life - a copy is on its way to P Ferguson in North Wales.

If you did not win you can always order a copy of the book “Vicki Archer shares an insider’s view of life in France, as she buys and lovingly renovates a 17th century property in St Remy de Provence in the South of France.”

Held every year on the third Sunday in January (20 Jan 2008) the village of Sorges (24 Dordogne, Aquitaine) holds a competition to find the biggest truffle - and its the highly prized Black Truffle (truffe noire d’hiver).There is also a Truffle Market and the local hostelries will be offering Truffle omelettes!

For more info see www.sorges-perigord.com

At Saint Bauzille de Montmel (34 Herault, Languedoc) north east of Montpellier the Mas de Martin is a well-established vineyard (Coteaux du Languedoc AC) which also offers 2 Gites under the Gites de France scheme.
These are both well-appointed (one sleeps 4, the other 6) and well-situated to explore the vineyards, coast and the surrounding countryside, being within sight of the Pic St Loup, the iconic mountain crag which is at the centre of some of the best regarded vineyards of the Languedoc. The domaine also produces its own olive oils.
Contact:-
Gîtes de France Hérault Maison du Tourisme
34184 MONTEPELLIER CEDEX 8
Tél. : 04 67 67 71 62 ou
contact@gdf34.com
For more info on the wines of Domaine Mas de Martin see www.frenchduck.com
For more info see www.premiumwanadoo.com/masdemartin/

The weekend of 14-16 December 2007 there is the “Petit Marché du Gros Souper“, (Christmas market) in St Remy-de-Provence (13 Bouches-du-Rhone, Provence) where you can find the traditional ingredients for the your festive celebrations.
active

At this time of the year, all of the shops are magnificently decorated, full of gifts and buzzing with activity.
Saint Remy de Provence is the home of a number of excellent santon makers, and first-rate producers of candied fruit, chocolates, biscuits, bread, cakes, honey, nougat and many other objects of delight, some of which are part of the symbolic Christmas thirteen desserts.

With strong links to Vicent Van Gogh and just 15 miles south of Avignon, St Remy is a lively and attractive Provencal town - close to the olive and grape vineyards of Les Baux de Provence and the Alpilles.
Recommended vineyard - Mas Sainte Berthe at Les Baux

Eurostar connections direct from London St Pancras International, Ebbsfleet. Ashford to Avignon:

For more info on the Christmas Market in St Remy-de-Provence CLICK HERE