Summer entertainments

The evening was balmy with a cooling breeze off the river so we went along to the marché gourmand in Port Ste Foy , conveniently in our street. A couple of hundred people had the same idea and we all took up places at tables under the new halle. Remember, we were at the opening just 2 years ago .

As is the custom at a village dinner, we all brought along our own plates, cutlery and plastic glasses. On offer was steak and frites, omelette and salad, poulet basquaise ( chicken in a tomato sauce with rice) and paella, and lots of local wine.

sing along

and clap and wave

Opposite us at the table we discovered yet another English couple staying in the area while they search for a house to buy. This is the second time this month that we have met such people. News from local property agents suggests that the market is strong with many UK residents deciding to make the move (50% permanently, apparently) to France before Brexit is activated rather than stay in the UK. Interesting times.

Our mayor and the 'trendy'  DJ

Dinner finished, the DJ started up the music, but not before the mayor gave a little speech of welcome and then was persuaded to sing along to a number popular with the locals. Don’t now the song but the words were “ la, la, la, la “ - I kid you not. It went on for quite a while and there was even a lot of arm waving as the crowd sang along too. Perhaps a little too much wine by this point ?

'beach' at Port Ste Foy

During the week we also had the rugby competition on the ‘beach’  beside the river. Every summer the commune ‘refreshes’ the sand on this spot in a park opposite Ste Foy township. There is a netted swimming area, beach volleyball court and a kiosk selling cold drinks and ice creams, just like any beach. As it is school holiday time this is a popular spot on hot days. Further along the riverside are the tennis courts and the Club Nautique, home to our kayak club.

At the weekly marché gourmand in Ste Foy la Grande the music was ‘cumbia’, which I understand is South American. In weeks to come there will also be Salsa, Greek music and New Orleans Jazz.

Last weekend was the Fête de la Riviere. There was evening canoeing  from town to town, history walks, exhibitions and lots more to celebrate the contribution the river has made to the local life.

We visited the Maison du Fleuve ( River House), a museum of  life on the river. Some wonderful exhibits , including many model boats, and lots of old photos. It was fascinating for us to see what life in our village was like long ago and the importance of the river to local business. Embarrassed to admit that we have lived here for three years now and have only just visited this museum for the first time....and it's around the corner from us ! 


Lots more events in the calendar for summer...

bon week-end mes amis