Salon Metiers & Arts Festival in Monpazier.

The event in Monpazier has been a delightful tradition for fifteen years, showcasing the incredible talent and craftsmanship of various artists within the charming setting of the medieval village. The festivities commenced yesterday and will enchant visitors until Sunday, offering ample opportunities to explore the myriad of offerings. As you stroll through the event, you can immerse yourself in the diverse array of pots, paintings, lights, jewelry, garments, and so much more. Moreover, the event features captivating demonstrations where attendees can witness the artists in action, adding an interactive and enriching dimension to the experience. It’s truly an event not to be missed, providing a wonderful opportunity to appreciate and acquire unique, handmade creations while enjoying the picturesque surroundings of Monpazier.

On a gorgeous sunny day what is better than sitting outside with a coffee while the artisans show cased their various crafts.

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Forty artistes and artisans.

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Amazing paintings and works of art.

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This is the outfit that I fell in love with. It is by Marie Larthet, creation Marrak. The quality and the design is outstanding but how much? Well, the top alone was 220 euro, so too expensive but wow what an outfit.

Here is her poppy creation, again wow. She also has tops, skirts, trousers and matching bags.

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Demonstration of an artist at work.

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Event:- Sarlat 18^th May and 19 May.

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Fête Du Printemps

Spring is here and it is time once more for Daglan’s flower festival to be held on the 17^th March.

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A few pictures from last years flower festival so that you can get a glimpse of the variety of plants on offer.

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So come along and enjoy.

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The Jewel Of the Perigord.

The Truffle Festival organized by Sarlat and the Groupement des Trufficulteurs du Perigord Noir has become a beloved tradition over the past decade, captivating the hearts and taste buds of all who attend. The festivities are still underway and will continue until this evening, offering ample time for visitors to partake in the experiences on offer. In addition to savoring the exquisite truffles, attendees have the opportunity to participate in a myriad of engaging activities. Among these, one highlight is the captivating demonstrations by Michelin-starred chefs, who share their unparalleled expertise on the art of preparing, cooking, and indulging in truffles, providing a unique culinary experience that is sure to delight all the senses.

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Many years ago you would observe truffle pigs but now it is mostly truffle dogs who find these black jewels in the forest of the Perigord Noir. This shift from pigs to dogs as truffle hunters reflects the evolving methods of truffle harvesting in the region. While truffle pigs have traditionally been used for hunting these prized fungi due to their natural ability to sniff them out, concerns about the pigs damaging the truffle-producing ecosystems led to a shift towards using specially trained dogs. These dogs have become indispensable for truffle hunters, as their keen sense of smell and agility make them ideal for locating truffles without disturbing the delicate underground environment where these culinary delicacies grow.

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The chilly weather of minus seven degrees failed to deter the hundreds of enthusiastic people from attending the festival. Despite the frosty temperatures, they gathered to marvel at the diverse array of truffles on display. From small ones to large ones, with a variety of prices ranging from approximately 800 euros to 1000 euros per kilo, there was something for every truffle aficionado. Among the crowd, I noticed a woman purchasing six sizable truffles, likely destined for the local restaurants.

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When you step beneath the sheltering awning, the first sensory encounter is undeniably the alluring aroma of truffles permeating the air. It is a heady experience, reminiscent of the rich, earthy scent of damp forest undergrowth, with subtle undertones of cocoa adding an intriguing depth.

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There are also many stalls selling truffle eggs or truffle scramble eggs, cakes made with truffles, biscuits and many more. Above is truffle chocolate mousse which tastes gorgeous. I think that the little dog liked the aroma but defiantly not for pets.

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I just had to buy a couple.

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Melt in your mouth macaroons that taste delicious. Plus our truffle purchase that we have placed in the fridge along with a few eggs to permientate the egg shell for a delicious omelette tomorrow.

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Event:- Game Festival in Sarlat on the 17^th and 18^th February at the Cultural centre.

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Fête de la Saint Louis, Daglan, 2023

The highlight of the Fete is always the parade on the Sunday afternoon. With so many months of preparation undertaken each year in order to produce a magnificent show.

As the above shows, the costumes and artistry was of a very high standard.

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This year the theme was “En Liberté”, there were many floats representing movies based on freedom. So I thought that it would be great fun for you to look at the selection of pictures and guess what movie each float was representing.

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Event:-

22^nd August Outdoor Cinema Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Rouffignac -Saint-Cernin-de Reilhac.

Daglan Spring Flower Festival.

Perennial and annual flower market, aromatic and aquatic plants, tropical flowers, organic plants, vines, trees, shrubs, truffle oaks, roses, fruit trees, plus many more, were all on display at the annual Daglan Spring Flower Festival today.

Crowds of people gathered to view, smell and buy what was on offer.

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Not only a flower festival. This honey I can strongly recommend it is delicious.

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An amazing variety of plants.

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This person makes sculptures out of recycled material.

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Open all day, it was well worth a visit.

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Quit a few unusual plants.

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I just had to buy.

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