The Auberge Blog

February is often the month that people try to forget as it’s either too cold or too wet to go out. Whilst this is true, there are plenty of things to enjoy if you only look.

The month starts well as the as the 2ND of February is Candlemas (La Chandeleur) and the French have their pancakes on that day. For weeks there has been crêpe pans, etc for sale in the supermarkets. There is a saying in France which is translated as:

“Eating crêpes on Candlemas Day (2nd February)
will bring a year of happiness”

In France it is custom to prepare “Crêpes” for “La Chandeleur”, which symbolises, wealth, good crops and health for the year to come. If you can toss a pancake with a coin in your hand and not drop it then you are supposed to have good luck and prosperity for 12 months. The crepe is supposed to represent the return of the sun after winter.

February sees the first of the spring flowers arrive although a friend of mine already has a crocus or two in bloom and it’s not the end of January. The hazel nut trees have been in flower since before Christmas which seems to be normal in this region. Another natural phenomenum is the arrival of the cranes on their migration north for the summer. 60 to 100 birds can be seen and heard going over in large V formations and it is a great sight to see and a sure sign that winter will soon be over.

It is also the season for brocantes and vide greniers – antique fairs and car boot sales to the English. You could pick up a piece of French history or junk – the prices vary and the junk is not always the cheapest. We have bought some old plum drying racks which we use for wall decoration from our local market.

Sarlat celebrates the goose at a fair on the 21st February. Geese are allowed to roam through the town, controlled by the herding dogs and dishes based on geese are available to tase. As it is still winter there are truffle markets to be found at St. Grenies and  Sarlat as well as foie gras markets.

If you are thinking of booking a trip here at this time of year, make sure your accommodation has central heating and bring warm clothes. The resturants that are open are often better value at this time of year and there is always wine tasting.

Technorati Tags: brocantes, crêpes, foie gras, pancacakes, Sarlat, truffles, vide greniers

Having a car accident in your own country is bad enough but in a foreign country where you don’t speak the language if is twice as bad. If you have a car accident in France then you should follow the guidelines below

• If there isn’t a policeman (gendarme) at the scene of the accident then

1. Take down the number of the other car
2. Lock up your car
3. Go with the driver of the other car to find a gendarme

• Having found the gendarme, they will make out a report in triplicate stating

1. Where the accident occurred
2. Names of both owners
3. Both insurance company details
4. What damage was done

               This report must be sent to the Insurance Company when you inform them of the accident.

• If the accident is serious, take photos.
• If someone is hurt, expect to spend up to 4 hours at a Gendarmerie. They usually have the name of a English speaking translator to help them
• If your car is the only one damaged, then the bailiff (huissier) of the commune can make the report.
• If you can’t find the bailiff or a gendarme, the local Marie (mayor) may be able to help. Look for signs for Marie or Hotel de Ville.

Remember that shouting at them in English will not help them understand you better and ALWAYS carry your insurance documents with you.

Technorati Tags: car accidents in France, France

When diving in France many of the road signs are the same as in the UK or are self explanatory. Sometimes there are written signs which are more difficult to decipher so I have written a list to help you out! Read the rest of this entry »

Technorati Tags: Driving in France, French Road signs

When diving in France many of the road signs are the same as in the UK or are self explanatory. Sometimes there are written signs which are more difficult to decipher so I have written a list to help you out! Read the rest of this entry »

Technorati Tags: Driving in France

Why come to the Dordogne in September?

Whilst it’s not as hot in the Dordogne in September as it is in the summer and the days are shorter, it can still reach over 30 degrees day time temperature, so you still get good holiday weather.  Read the rest of this entry »