FrenchDuck’s databank

The problem (and delight) of South West France is that there are so many areas to explore, and often renting a gite can be so delightful that getting out and exploring might be limited to the nearest town and trips for French Bread, a bar and an ocassional restaurant.
However, an English couple (Jason and Michelle) have established a Motorhome (or motor caravan as I used to call them) Hire centre at St Avit (47 Lot-et-Garonne, Midi-Pyrenees) south of Duras

(see map)

Evolution will plan your itinerary for you or advise you on your existing route. If you’re a lover of fishing, walking, wine tasting etc.a personalised route planner to suit your needs can be arranged for the duration of your vacation. We will provide details of recommended camp sites.

You’ll never get lost…
We provide an on-board ready-to-use GPS navigation system. We’re on-call with a 24/7 helpline with English spoken… We can provide liaison with reputable local property agents for those seeking to purchase property in the area. Cycle and leisure equipment hire is also available. Evolution caters for all-year round rental, with winter skiing resorts only a leisurely 3 hour drive south, a little further will take you to the winter warmth of Spain.

So you can avoid the long road trip through France, fly into Bergerac or Bordeaux or take the train - they will meet you at the airport or station and you’re off free to explore this rich and varied area.And with French number plates you might even get a bit more respect on the road!

For more info see www.evolutionmotorhomes.com

The organic vineyard of Chateau Haut Garrigue in the village of Saussignac (24 Dordogne, Aquitaine) near Bergerac has it all - a wonderful situation overlooking the Dordogne valley; a self-contained gite “The Grape Escape”, friendly English-speaking (well, Irish) hosts and a real opportunity to see and learn more about wine and wine-making (if that’s what you want!).

Allez Vins! used to import wines from this domaine when it was run by its previous owners, but now it is being run organically under the title “Wild Earth Vineyards” by the enthusiastic and innovative new owners, Sean and Caroline Feely.

The Grape Escape, our well-equipped 4-person gite (self-catering holiday house) is surrounded by organic vineyards and offers fabulous views across the Dordogne valley. It is semi-detached from the main farmhouse facing onto the courtyard on one side and onto the vines on the two sides built out over the vineyard.

As our guests, you are very welcome to spend time with us to learn about our wine and winemaking, taste our wines and perhaps even take part in vineyard or winery activity depending on the time of year and your energy!

No chance for me to taste their wine yet - they produce red, rosé and white Bergerac AC wines and semi-sweet and botytised dessert Saussignac AC wines. (If you want to try them they will be showing their wines at the Real Food Festival at Earls Court, London from 24-27 April 2008).

For more info on the gite, wines and other offerings contact Chateau Haut Garrigue

See map

The riviera town of Menton (06 Alpes-Maritimes, Provence) celebrates the citrus fruits every winter, bring a zesty touch of colour and animation to the town. The theme this year is the Islands of the World and the festivities include a Parade of Golden Fruits (floats of figures made from oranges and lemons (see below), a moonlit parade with fireworks, a Lemon Exhibition (A world tour in citrus: travel to all four corners of the world, as rendered by citrus fruits!) and illuminated gardens (Gardens of Light).
For more info see www.feteducitron.com

The wine fairs of the Vignerons Independents (independent winemakers) for the first half of 2008 include Paris (75 Paris, Ile de France), Porte de Champerret (on the northern Peripherique from 28-31 March 2008
For a small entry fee you get the chance to meet winemakers from all the wine regions of France, to taste some of their wines and buy at vineyard gate prices.
No co-operatives, negociants or multi-nationals

The wine fairs of the Vignerons Independents (independent winemakers) for the first half of 2008 include Lyon (69 Rhone, Rhone-Alpes), Eurexpo from 1-3 March 2008
For a small entry fee you get the chance to meet winemakers from all the wine regions of France, to taste some of their wines and buy at vineyard gate prices.
No co-operatives, negociants or multi-nationals

Public Holiday in France

Rhone Exaltation is the second Festival of Wine and Food from the Rhône Valley to be held in the historic Palais des Papes (Pope’s Palace) in Avignon (84 Vaucluse, Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur).
Here you’ll have the opportunity to taste more than 200 wines, check out some food and wine matching and learn more about Côtes du Rhône wines and local gastronomic specialties - all in the grand surroundings and heritage of Avignon’s most famous buildings.
For more info see www.inter-rhone.com