Category Archives: History in France

The sun, a ceremony, and a droopy bottom

Posted on May 9, 2024 by loren24250

A miracle? It seemed like something rather grand was going on yesterday, because after the rainiest spring we can remember, the sun was out, and the sky was a beautiful blue. That made for a much more pleasant stay at … Continue reading →

Posted in Daglan area restaurants, Food, French traditions, History in France, Holidays in France, Life in southwest France, Restaurants in the Dordogne, Weather in the Dordogne | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Our Carnaval’s brighter look

Posted on February 18, 2024 by loren24250

It’s been nearly 13 years (good grief — where does the time go?) since I first wrote about the traditional figure in France known as Pétassou. The jugement de Pétassou, as it’s known, is a feature of school children’s lives … Continue reading →

Posted in Festivals in France, French traditions, History in France, Life in southwest France | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

American Thanksgiving, French château

Posted on November 24, 2023 by loren24250

Yesterday was the Thanksgiving Day that Americans celebrate (we Canadians have our Thanksgiving about a month earlier), and Jan and I were among the attendees at a private luncheon to celebrate the American event in an ancient castle about 10 … Continue reading →

Posted in Food, History in France, History in the Dordogne, Life in southwest France, Tourist attractions | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Remembrances of things past

Posted on May 1, 2023 by loren24250

There’s a language spoken in several parts of southern France that sounds to many visitors like some sort of mix of French and Spanish. In fact, it’s an old language called Occitan. If you’re not familiar with Occitan, here’s a … Continue reading →

Posted in French language, History in France, History in the Dordogne, Life in southwest France | Tagged | 1 Comment

Tidbits from Paris

Posted on February 26, 2023 by loren24250

We are just back from a three-day, two-night trip to Paris, and in this posting I will simply share a few observations about our favourite city. What’s wrong with Paris? I’ve read articles in the British press that Paris is … Continue reading →

Posted in French food, History in France, Paris restaurants, Restaurants in France | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

Our market and a quiet ceremony

Posted on July 14, 2019 by loren24250

Today is both Bastille Day across France (la Fête Nationale) and a Sunday, which means that it’s Market Day in Daglan. As we’re now well along in the busy season — that is, tourist season — there was a nice … Continue reading →

Posted in French government and politics, History in France, Life in southwest France, Markets in France | Tagged | 4 Comments

V-E Day 2019: The wettest yet

Posted on May 8, 2019 by loren24250

Gloomy weather has often been a feature of Victory in Europe Day (Huit Mai, or Fête de la Victoire) since my wife Jan and I have been attending the solemn ceremony at Daglan’s war memorial. For instance, some of my … Continue reading →

Posted in History in France, Life in southwest France | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Our heavy hearts…

Posted on April 17, 2019 by loren24250

At this point, there is little I can add to the story of Monday’s terrible fire at Notre Dame de Paris, because the news coverage has been so intense and the feelings of so many people around the world — … Continue reading →

Posted in History in France, News about France, Paris restaurants, Restaurants in France, Tourist attractions, Travels in and out of France | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

100 years on — Daglan remembers

Posted on November 12, 2018 by loren24250

Yesterday was Armistice Day, and ceremonies were held around the world to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. Based on news coverage, I know that many were grand and impressive and memorable. But our village … Continue reading →

Posted in Food, French food, History in France, History in the Dordogne, Holidays in France, Life in southwest France, Restaurants in France, Restaurants in the Dordogne | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

My vote for Best Tourist Attraction

Posted on October 19, 2018 by loren24250

We are now well into autumn in the Greater Daglan Area — days are cooler;  shops, campgrounds and restaurants are closing for the season; traffic is lighter; and tourists are increasingly rare. Tree leaves have turned from green to golden … Continue reading →

Posted in French food, History in France, History in the Dordogne, Life in southwest France, Restaurants in the Dordogne, Tourist attractions, Travels in and out of France, Weather in the Dordogne | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments