On Sunday 10th there was a Fete de Vent at our windmill (Moulin de Pierre Blanches - windmill of white stone) on the outskirts of town. There were tractors and combine harvesters, so Phil felt right at home. There were machines from days gone by working in the fields. We missed the ploughing competition but saw some very handsome Shire horses.There were stalls full of local produce and we even had a tour of the windmill. We joined in with the 5 course repas which was wonderful and we sat next to the lady mayor and her husband. Charentais melon with red Pineau de Charentes to start, followed by some sort of meat crudites. Main course was a pig roast cooked by our new friend, the life and soul of the village, Jean Paul. Cheese followed with lovely bread and than a dessert of either apple or cherry tart. We had both and shared.
Such a lovely day and the rain held off before we made our way home.
A selection of photos and a video below.
 |
| Bread made from flour from the windmill being baked in outdoor oven |
 |
| The repas |
 |
| Interesting guests at repas |
 |
| Views around the windmill |
The following weekend there was a big wedding. The door to the church was dressed and there were lots of people speaking English, French and Italian. (An English girl with a french mother married an Italian) I understand the wedding lasted several days and that there were 250 guests. There was a great feeling in Villefagnan this weekend.
 |
| The door to the church - wedding day |
Yesterday the 18th Annual Bric a Brac at Villefganan took place. in recent years it has been at the windmill but this year has been brought back into the streets of the village. Not a small affair either. They closed the road off just outside our house and also at the other end of the village. Stall holders were setting up by 6.30am and there were a couple of hundred in all the streets and the square and around by the church. People came from far and wide and I'm so pleased that it was held in the village as local businesses benefited. Helen at L'Etoile D'Or said they were going to open at 9am anyway but because there were so many people they opened their doors at 7am. They were fully booked for the special lunch they put on as well. Brilliant!
There were all sorts of weird and wonderful things for sale including a milking machine, local win, dried sausages, and lots of treasures that were seeking new homes. I bought a lovely Hibiscus Marais (huge flowers) from a lovely couple who are based at Champagne Mouton. Great quality and value so will definitely be visiting them in the future.
 |
| Add caption |
What a great event. Some friends had stalls so I hope they were successful. Maybe next year we can clear some of our treasures.
No comments:
Post a Comment