Peter Mayle

His memoirs took me on hour after hour of pleasure reading about his experiences in Provence, he will be greatly missed.

We have recently learned about the death of one of our favourite authors who died last month after a short illness. He was such a talented person who brought to life the “happenings” in Provence through his book “A Year in Provence”. His depiction of the various characters he came across was masterful and of course his renovation work on his 200 year old property was fascinating. By writing this book I am sure it inspired thousands of people to visit France and perhaps to move there permanently.

Peter Mayle – Image https://www.thetimes.co.uk
 

Sir Ridley Scott paid tribute to his friend saying,”he brilliantly captured the humorous competitiveness between the English and the French. Peter was a very kind and successful man”.

Sir Ridley Scott turned one of Peter Mayle’s books “A Good Year” into a movie starring Russell Crowe, which Paul and I still watch at least once a year.

Originally from Brighton, he moved to Menerbes in the Luberon hills in 1987 with his wife Jennie to escape the rat race in London. He met such characters while renovating the property that it inspired him to start to write a book in 1989, which has sold more than six million copies.

A thought from Peter Mayle, “Good manners make any man a pleasure to be with. Ask any women”.
 
 

Salon Du Chocolate in Sarlat.

Set in one of the most gorgeous buildings in Sarlat,  l’Ancien Evêché (on the left of the tourist office) is the weekend of chocolate, a dream come true for any chocoholic.

Close your eyes and pretend that you are walking up the stone staircase towards the salon full of delicious chocolate creations. If you can picture this you will begin to smell the aroma of chocolate which was gently being stirred in a large cauldron by a Master Chocolatier.

As with previous years the event was organised by the Rotary Club of Sarlat, this year it was for the benefit of the school of young fire fighters of Sarlat.

Salon of chocolate. Smaller displays of chocolate this year but still amazing and well worth a visit.
 

Wow, all made in chocolate. The apprentice shows their skill at the back and the Master’s is at the front.
 

A wonderful work of art created by the apprentice at Maison Massoulier.
 

Chocolate fish, rabbits and dogs.
 

In the next room are demonstrations, a film of chocolate making and my favourite, the children’s works of art depicting firefighters and chocolate.
 

I love the bars of chocolate coming out of the fire hose.
 

Brilliant.
 
 

Event:- There is still time for a visit to the Chocolate Festival it is open until six today and on Sunday it is open from ten until six.

 
 

Craft and Social Sessions in Daglan Village

If you fancy making something new or bringing whatever you are making to the craft and social sessions it would be great to meet you. It is a good opportunity to meet the ladies of Daglan village for a chat, watch a demonstration by one of the ladies or like me to try to improve my French speaking skills while working on my embroidery.

Every Wednesday afternoon 2-4, in the craft room at the Salle des Fêtes, all are welcome.

There is an excellent sewing machine, fabrics, wool, cotton etc. that people can use.
 

Two expert knitters.
 

Coffee or tea with delicious home made gateau or biscuits every week.
 

I love the expertly crocheted snow flakes.
 

A gorgeous sweater at the front and cute Noël decorations at the back of the table.
 
 

It’s the time of year for two of my favorite events :-

Festival of Chocolate in Sarlat, I can not wait.
 

Also the Daglan Spring Fete Flowers Festival 18th March, wonderful, we shall be there.
 
 

Our First Snow Upon A Crisp Morn.

Snowflakes are one of Natures most fragile things,
but look at what they can do when they stick together.

I get far too excited when I see snow fluttering down from the sky. A remembered childhood vision of deep snow crunching underfoot, building snow men and throwing snow balls always springs to mind, the joys of snow.

Not how dangerous it can be underfoot when it is frozen or driving in a vehicle so let us stay with the positive side of our first and I hope, not our last snow this winter.

Sarlat looking gorgeous with a dusting of snow.
 

Minus three centigrade yesterday when this picture was taken.

Minus six this morning.
 

Looking down the hill towards the Restaurant de Rapier and and the Cathedral.
 

Also there was a light sprinkling of icing sugar on the roof tops in Daglan on an extremely cold morning.

More snow pictures to follow, I hope.

Take care and stay warm.
 
 

What a Wonderful Surprise!

Maison Massoulier, Master Chocolater and Patisserie presented Paul and I with a surprise box of their gorgeous chocolates while we were having breakfast there last Thursday morning. The present was for featuring their shop and most importantly showing their large selection of delicious chocolates, patisserie, gateaus, etc. in our blog.

This very yummy shop can be found at 33 Rue de la République in Sarlat.

Thank you so much.
 

Look away now if you are on a diet.

This was our breakfast treat. Paul adores his pain au raisin with a café noisette, my croissant almond and café crème was equally delighfull.
 

My goodness, so delicious. Being a chocolate person the gateau at the front centre would be my choice.
 

Here are some of the new creations of petite gateau which were displayed in the window.

Again thank you so much, the chocolates are delicious.
 
 

Event- Sarlat Organic Night Market from five o’clock this Thursday 8th February.