A Surprise Mystery!

If you drive around the Daglan area you will be in for a big surprise! I do love solving mysteries but this one I think is a mystery just for this area, but I could be wrong. Upside down road signs are everywhere. Could this be for low flying aircraft, some kind of fun test, or just to make drivers and pedestrians look at the signs? Who knows! It certainly made Paul and I look and take a few pictures. If you know please tell us.

Two out of three.

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Just two here.

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For the maximum of four.

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We also noticed the village signs for Cénac-et-Saint-Julien were upside down but didn’t take a picture.

There could be a lot more upside down village signs so have a go and see how many you can find.

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Event:-Sarlat Christmas Market starts on the 9^th December at 5pm.

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Our First Brocante In Two Years.

The Autumn mist rose over the valley to announce the return of the Antique market at La Roque-Gageac last Sunday. From a rather chilly start to gorgeous sunshine it was great to meander around the variety of stalls which stretched along the car park, the medieval market hall and alongside of the river Dordogne.

I was particular interested in finding an ornamental wooden carving for the head of my bed. At the moment the headboard is a wooden rectangle which I do not like. So a project for the winter months is to transform the bed from plain to wow. So keep your fingers crossed.

The mist rises and the canoes come out onto the river. A few weeks ago you could hardly see the river for canoes but now the schools return for their Autumn term and the river becomes peaceful once more. A gorgeous time to visit, September still has the sunshine but not too hot.

The medieval market hall is usually where you will find the most expensive items for sale, from silver cutlery, jewellery to paintings and artworks, it is worth a visit.

Would anyone like a new pair of shoes, or somewhere to store your wine?

Wonderful jugs and stone water features or planters.

We found exactly what I wanted for the head of the bed and we purchased it at a reduced price, brilliant.

Time for a coffee to celebrate.

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Open Inside And Out.

A return to near normality:

A month ago restaurants were able to open for customers once more but only in the outdoor seating areas. Which was no problem at all with the temperature rising to the late twenties and low thirties. From the 9^th June everything could fully open, restaurants can accept diners both inside and out, cinemas opened their doors again and concerts could go ahead with a limit on audience number so that social distancing can be observed. In a few cases you will need to prove that you have been fully vaccinated before you may enter the premises.

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Le Petit Paris, getting ready for customers. It was great seeing the parasols go up once more after the long absence.

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The Boulangerie in Daglan is also ready to serve their customers with pastries and coffee. It looks stunning with their boxes and pots of flowers.

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Our first outside table for over a year and where did the other people come from? We have been used to being the only people around when buying a coffee in Sarlat before our weekly shopping trips, so it was rather unusual to see a few other people around.

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I was saying a few other people! Just two days later and wow, this was Sarlat market last Saturday morning and you could hardly move around the stalls and keep social distance at the same time.

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Every stall and shop was open once again.

We also noticed while on our way home that the camp sites are open, hotels and the tourist spots of Castelnaud la Chapelle and La Rogue-Gageac are busy.

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And Then It Rained!

This year has seen the greatest rain fall in the Daglan area for quite a few years. Last Monday morning as we drove through La Roque Gageac we where shocked to see the high water level of the River Dordogne which was over the banks of the river inundating the car parks and picnic area. It was so near to the shops that the owners were hurrying to retrieve their stock before it was ruined. Today I was told that the water level has reached the shops that line the main road and that in some places it is about waist high. Because of this the D703 at La Roque Gegeac is closed until further notice.

At Castlenaud this morning all of the picnic area is now under water.
 

The statue is on a high plinth which is being slowly being submerged under the river.
 

This picture gives an insight into the water level, as the island sinks below the waves.
 

The D53 road leading from Castelnaud to to Milandes is closed due to flooding.
 

Leaving Castlenaude over the bridge along the D57 is also impassible due to the flooding which is from right to left from the extremely flooded fields.
 

This picnic and barbecue area has been transformed into a lake.
 

One of the camp sites near Daglan that are under water.
 

There is, I am sorry to say, more rain forecast for the next few days. But on a positive note it can not rain forever, Spring will be here and the water will dissipate but up to then does anyone have a canoe!
 

For further information look at France Bleu.
 
 

Why the Perigord Noir?

This question has been asked by friends, family, tourists and house hunters. The appeal to us, is that this part of the Perigord offers the most stunning landscapes as the Dordogne River cuts through the unspoiled countryside. The landscape changes at every bend in the road and there are amazing sights as you drive past the villages clinging to the rock face.

La Roque-Gageac.
 

There are four distinctive seasons from short Winters where temperatures can reach below freezing (-7 this morning) to blooming Spring and gorgeous hot Summers. Which are reflected in the seasonal produce sold in the many markets of the area.

The cuisine is rich in its diversity from duck, mushrooms, truffles, cheeses, wine, fruit and vegetables. To match this there are the amazing food festivals. this month we see the truffle market in Daglan and the Truffle Festival in Sarlat. Summertime brings the night markets where you can enjoy fresh cooked local food in pleasant surroundings.

Historical features include the many Château’s featuring pigeonniers and of course the many wonderful Beaux villages of the area.

A taster for the first time visitor to this area are Milandes, Castlenaud, Beynac, La Roque-Gageac, Domme, Daglan and Sarlat.

Medieval weekend last Summer held at Château de Castelnaud.
 

Included sword fighting demonstrations.
 

La Mairie de Daglan, Such a beautiful building.
 

Le Tour de Daglan takes a short rest in the village square.
 

Most of all it is always the people that make a place worth visiting time and again, and Daglan is no exception to this rule. You will never meet more friendly and welcoming people who are always willing to help and to make your life here a little bit better by their presence.

The weekly Craft Session.