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	<title>FrenchDuck's databank</title>
	<link>http://frenchduck.co.uk/wordpress</link>
	<description>French Duck's databank on France, French wine, French food, travel to and within France and events in France</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Tue, 19 Aug 2008 07:37:41 +0000</lastBuildDate>
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	<item>
		<title>Travelling in and Around France</title>
		<description><![CDATA[From the romanticism, chic and allure of Paris, the dazzling Cote d’Azur, the wondrous relaxation of Provence, the internationally celebrated vineyards throughout to the staggering dominance of the Alps and Pyrenees mountainous regions; France is without question one of the world’s most diverse and culturally rich countries that attracts millions to its land each year. [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://frenchduck.co.uk/wordpress/travel/road/travelling-in-and-around-france</link>
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		<title>Exploring the South West of France</title>
		<description><![CDATA[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) [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://frenchduck.co.uk/wordpress/france/exploring-the-south-west-of-france</link>
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		<title>Stay on an organic vineyard in Saussignac</title>
		<description><![CDATA[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 &#8220;The Grape Escape&#8221;, friendly English-speaking (well, Irish) hosts and a real opportunity to see and learn more about wine and wine-making (if that&#8217;s what [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://frenchduck.co.uk/wordpress/french-wine/vineyards/stay-on-an-organic-vineyard-in-saussignac</link>
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		<title>Corbières Vineyard Accommodation</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Deep in the heart of Corbières country of the Aude département (11 Languedoc-Roussillon) is the impressive Chateau de Donos. This is close to rugged countryisde, away from the mediterranean beaches and the autoroutes. The wine is predominantly red, rich and full-bodied as you might expect from the landscape - and increasingly becoming one of the most [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://frenchduck.co.uk/wordpress/french-wine/corbieres-vineyard-accommodation</link>
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		<title>Picardie&#8217;s Bird and Nature Festival</title>
		<description><![CDATA[[ April 12, 2008 to April 20, 2008. ] With the arrival of Spring comes a celebration of Birds and Wildlife in Picardie ( Festival de l'Oiseau et de la Nature) from 12 - 20 April 2008. Forget the stereotyped connotations of Picardy, the Somme and northern France, this is an area of lakes, sanddunes, cliffs and gentle river valleys which is a haven [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://frenchduck.co.uk/wordpress/france/picardies-bird-and-nature-festival</link>
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		<title>Saffron Festival in the Touraine</title>
		<description><![CDATA[[ February 16, 2008; ] 
A surprise to find Saffron being grown as far north as the southern Touraine, but the village of Preuilly-sur-Caise (37 Indre-et-Loire, Centre) celebrates this pricey spice with a Fete du Safran (16 Feb 2008) - fortunately held indoors at this time of year - where you can purchase saffron, and taste and buy saffron-infused products [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://frenchduck.co.uk/wordpress/markets/saffron-festival-in-the-touraine</link>
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		<title>St Emilion&#8217;s Spring Festival</title>
		<description><![CDATA[[ June 15, 2008; ] The Spring Festival (Fete de Printemps) takes place in the medieval town of St Emilion (33 Gironde, Aquitaine), one of the best appellations for Bordeaux red wines. There is always a colourful parade with a band through the town, with plenty of opportunities to taste some of the wines at any of the wine shops [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://frenchduck.co.uk/wordpress/wine-appellations/st-emilions-spring-festival</link>
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		<title>Isola 2000&#8217;s big snowball fight</title>
		<description><![CDATA[[ February 11, 2008; ] 
One way to make the best of winter could be to head to the ski resort of Isola 2000 (06 Alpes-Maritimes, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur) where they hold an annual snowball fight (une tournée de batailles de boules de neige) - open to all, including families.
Isola 2000 is a ski resort built in the 1970s in the [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://frenchduck.co.uk/wordpress/regions/provence/isola-2000s-big-snowball-fight</link>
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		<title>Sweet French Cottages in the Aveyron</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Two of the lesser-known wine appellations of Southwest are Marcillac AOC and Entraygues-et-Fel VDQS are in Aveyron departement (12, Midi-Pyrenees) in the Upper Lot Valley. One way of getting to know the region (and its wines) is by renting one of three charming 200+ year-old restored cottages nestled on the hillsides near the Lot River. [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://frenchduck.co.uk/wordpress/regions/mid-pyrenees/sweet-french-cottages-in-the-aveyron</link>
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		<title>01 Ain, Rhone-Alpes - wine and chicken!</title>
		<description><![CDATA[[ January 25, 2008 to January 26, 2008. December 16, 2008 to December 21, 2008. ] In the east of France and to the east of Burgundy adjacent to Switzerland, the Ain is probably a little overlooked by most visitors. 

With Bourg-en-Bresse as its principal town it is a region of gentle hills and river valleys - which is one of the hidden parts of France.

The departement includes Bugey and the [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://frenchduck.co.uk/wordpress/markets/01-ain-rhone-alpes-wine-and-chicken</link>
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		<title>Toulouse&#8217; Violet Festival</title>
		<description><![CDATA[[ February 9, 2008 to February 10, 2008. ] Toulouse (31 Haut Garonne, Midi-Pyrenees) is known as the Pink City but violet is the colour for February.
Every year in February, during the flowering season of this highly-perfumed little flower, the Festival de la Violette is organised by Les Amis de la Violette.
The violet is the emblematic flower of Toulouse, and has been cultivated by [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://frenchduck.co.uk/wordpress/regions/mid-pyrenees/toulouse-violet-festival</link>
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		<title>Stay on a vineyard in Chinon</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Chinon is one of the better known Loire Wines, with an attractive riverside town and castle at its heart, and a reputation for some of the best Cabernet Franc reds.
A little to the east of the town in Cravant-les-Coteaux Christophe Baudy and Jean-Martin Dutour own and run an impressive set of vineyards producing some of [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://frenchduck.co.uk/wordpress/properties-to-rent/stay-on-a-vineyard-in-chinon</link>
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		<title>Lemons at Menton 2008</title>
		<description><![CDATA[[ February 16, 2008 to March 5, 2008. ] 


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 [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://frenchduck.co.uk/wordpress/regions/provence/lemons-at-menton-2008</link>
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		<title>Monte Carlo Rallye 2008</title>
		<description><![CDATA[[ January 24, 2008 to January 27, 2008. February 1, 2008 to February 6, 2008. ] Whilst it may lack the international length and high glamour of its glory years the Monte Carlo Rally still makes an exciting spectacle through the Ardeche, Drome and Alpes-Maritime departements - through the mountains of Haut-Provence and down to the Mediterranean.
For details of the route and timings see www.acm.mc

The slower, but possibly better viewing for [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://frenchduck.co.uk/wordpress/heritage-history/monte-carlo-rallye-2008</link>
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		<title>Paris Carnaval - or Fat Cow Parade</title>
		<description><![CDATA[[ February 3, 2008; ] Carnaval time comes to Paris (Porte de Bagnolet) on 3 February 2008 which comprises "a festive costumed parade through Paris with a stately Limousine cow in a splendid red robe heading the procession. Called Pimprenelle Saint-Fargeau II, she is the carnival mascot and will lead the Fatted Ox parade (the Fatted Ox being a reference [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://frenchduck.co.uk/wordpress/france/paris-carnaval-or-fat-cow-parade</link>
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		<title>Markets in Tarn-et-Garonne (82)</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Tarn-et-Garonne (82 Midi-Pyrenees) lies between Toulouse to the south, Agen to the West and Cahors to the North. The main town is Montauban.
(see map)
Please check locally before heading for any of these markets - some do not run every week and many do not run in the winter. Some may also be held in the [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://frenchduck.co.uk/wordpress/markets/markets-in-tarn-et-garonne-82</link>
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		<title>Independent Wine Makers&#8217; Fair - Paris, Spring 08</title>
		<description><![CDATA[[ March 28, 2008 to March 31, 2008. ] 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 [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://frenchduck.co.uk/wordpress/events/independent-wine-makers-fair-paris-spring-08</link>
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		<title>Independent Wine Makers Fair - Lyon</title>
		<description><![CDATA[[ March 1, 2008 to March 3, 2008. ] 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 [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://frenchduck.co.uk/wordpress/events/independent-wine-makers-fair-lyon</link>
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		<title>Ban des Vendanges in St Emilion</title>
		<description><![CDATA[[ September 21, 2008; ] The Proclamation of the Harvest takes place in the medieval town of St Emilion (33 Gironde, Aquitaine), one of the best appellations for Bordeaux red wines. There is always a colourful parade with a band through the town, with plenty of opportunities to taste some of the wines at any of the wine shops scattered [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://frenchduck.co.uk/wordpress/wine-appellations/ban-des-vendanges-in-st-emilion</link>
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		<title>Independent Winemakers Fair - Strasbourg</title>
		<description><![CDATA[[ February 15, 2008 to February 18, 2008. ] The wine fairs of the Vignerons Independents (independent winemakers) for the first half of 2008 include Strasbourg (67 Bas Rhin,Alsace), Parc des Expositions Wacken from 15-18 February 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 [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://frenchduck.co.uk/wordpress/french-wine/independent-winemakers-fair-strasbourg</link>
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		<title>Eguisheim Alsace Wine Festival</title>
		<description><![CDATA[[ August 30, 2008 to August 31, 2008. ] Eguisheim (68 Haut-Rhin, Alsace) celebrates its 48th Winegrowers' festival in August 2008. Set in the heart of the Alsace vineyards you'll find opend doots to local wine cellars, plenty of opportunities to taste (including some of the Grand Cru wines), folk dancing and music
For more info see www.ot-eguisheim.fr

As well as the Alsace Wine Route which [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://frenchduck.co.uk/wordpress/french-wine/eguisheim-alsace-wine-festival</link>
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		<title>New Year&#8217;s Day - Jour de l&#8217;An</title>
		<description><![CDATA[[ January 1, 2008; ] Public Holiday in France]]></description>
		<link>http://frenchduck.co.uk/wordpress/events/new-years-day-jour-de-lan</link>
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		<title>Lights, Music and Art at the Calais Abattoir!</title>
		<description><![CDATA[[ December 27, 2007 to December 31, 2007. ] 
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 [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://frenchduck.co.uk/wordpress/regions/paris-calais-france/lights-music-and-art-at-the-calais-abattoir</link>
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		<title>Prize Draw Winner - My French Life</title>
		<description><![CDATA[We have held the Prize Draw for Vicki Archer&#8217;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 &#8220;Vicki Archer shares an insider&#8217;s view of life in France, as she buys and lovingly [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://frenchduck.co.uk/wordpress/france/prize-draw-winner-my-french-life</link>
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		<title>Truffle Festival in the Dordogne</title>
		<description><![CDATA[[ January 20, 2008; ] 
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 [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://frenchduck.co.uk/wordpress/markets/truffle-festival-in-the-dordogne</link>
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		<title>Languedoc vineyard gite at Mas de Martin</title>
		<description><![CDATA[
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, [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://frenchduck.co.uk/wordpress/properties-to-rent/languedoc-vineyard-gite-at-mas-de-martin</link>
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		<title>Christmas in St Remy de Provence</title>
		<description><![CDATA[[ December 14, 2007 to December 16, 2007. ] 

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 [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://frenchduck.co.uk/wordpress/markets/christmas-in-st-remy-de-provence</link>
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		<title>Easter Sunday 2008 (Paques)</title>
		<description><![CDATA[[ March 23, 2008; ] ]]></description>
		<link>http://frenchduck.co.uk/wordpress/events/easter-sunday-2008-paques</link>
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		<title>Easter Monday (Lundi de Pâques)</title>
		<description><![CDATA[[ March 24, 2008; ] Public Holiday in France

]]></description>
		<link>http://frenchduck.co.uk/wordpress/events/easter-monday-lundi-de-paques</link>
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		<title>Colmar&#8217;s Alsace Christmas</title>
		<description><![CDATA[[ November 24, 2007 to December 31, 2007. ] 
Colmar (68 Haut-Rhin, Alsace) is one of the prettiest Alsatian towns in the heart of the vineyards, half-timbered buildings also known as a "little Venice" - and is an ideal setting for a Christmas market. It has one of the largest pedestrian-only areas and the whole area is bedecked with Christmas lights, decorated shop windows, [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://frenchduck.co.uk/wordpress/markets/colmars-alsace-christmas</link>
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