February – not as quiet as you think!
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.
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