Château de Biron.

The Château de Biron, located about 7km from Monpazier, is a truly magnificent sight to behold. As the largest of all the Châteaux in the Perigord region, it is undoubtedly a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the area. Visitors should be prepared for the slightly challenging approach to the Château, as the path from the car park involves a rather steep slope. However, don’t be discouraged, as there is an alternative route that entails only a few steps from the side of the Château, which we found to be much more manageable. This breathtaking historical site promises not only stunning architecture and beautiful surroundings, but also a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the region. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply a traveler seeking remarkable experiences, the Château de Biron is sure to captivate and inspire all who venture to visit.

Through the Summer months you can have archery lessons in the grounds of the Château.

Built around the 11th century to command the northern approaches to the Agenais, the Château has a rich and fascinating history that has shaped the region for centuries. In 1189, Gontaut-Biron, ancestor of Lord Biron, and his descendants held the Château for twenty four generations, leaving an indelible mark on its legacy. The Château itself spans a wide timeframe, with structures dating from the 12th century to the 17th century, creating a mesmerizing tapestry of architectural styles and historical narratives. The upper courtyard, enveloped by noble dwellings, offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the past, while the presence of a chapel further enriches the site’s cultural and religious significance. Divided into separate sections for nobles and villagers, the chapel embodies the complex social dynamics of the time, providing a captivating insight into the lives of the people who once called this place home. Whether exploring the grandeur of noble dwellings or delving into the spiritual undercurrents of the chapel, visitors are sure to find a wealth of captivating sights and stories awaiting them at this remarkable Château.

Looking up towards the bedrooms and gallery of the Château.
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This has to be one of my favourite rooms, the dinning room with its stone carved fireplace. There are also tapestries and costumes on display.
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In another room are more costumes from the various periods of the Château. Love the slashes on this garment revealing the bright red under garment.
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Celebration of the season.
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Medieval games were displayed on this amazing floor.
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Biron.
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Summer activities at Biron are :-
Gourmet Night every Thursday Eve
Armoury Demonstrations
Sword Demonstrations.
Tours every day.
Musical Evenings
Art Exhibitions.

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Up and Coming Event in the area:-
Truffle Festival Sarlat, 20^th and 21^st January

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Sarlat Christmas Market.

Trees, Santa’s Grotto, decorations of every kind, chocolates, candy canes, gifts for the family and friends, plus an ice rink… Ah, the joyous sights and sounds of the holiday season! Christmas comes alive with a wonderful array of festive delights.

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Below the market, among the trees lies Santa’s Grotto, a magical place where children’s dreams come true. With its glistening snow-covered roof, Santa’s Grotto welcomes all who want to whisper their wishes into Santa’s ear. The excitement is palpable as children eagerly await their turn to meet the jolly old man himself, and perhaps even receive a small token of his generosity..

Each year Sarlat chooses a country to represent in the Christmas Market, this year it is Norway. As you navigate through the bustling themed market stalls, you cannot help but be drawn to the dazzling array of decorations. From handmade ornaments crafted with love and precision to whimsical figurines which add a touch of sparkle to any Christmas display, there is something for every taste and style.

Whether you prefer a traditional look or a more contemporary flair, these decorations offer endless possibilities for transforming your home into a festive haven.

Of course, no Christmas market would be complete without the tempting aroma of sweet treats wafting through the air. Chocolates of every variety, from rich and velvety truffles to crunchy caramel-filled delights. Hot chocolate with cream or marshmallows or both, mulled wine and fresh pastries entice you to indulge in the irresistible flavors of the season.

Amidst all the festive delights, you’ll also find an abundance of gifts for your loved ones. From unique and artisan treasures to timeless classics, the market is a treasure trove of ideas to surprise and delight those dear to you. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect present for a family member, a cherished friend, or a special someone, the market offers a wide range of options that are sure to bring joy and smiles to their faces.

As you make your way through the festive wonderland, you stumble upon an ice rink, gleaming with the promise of laughter and joy. Couples gracefully glide hand in hand, children spin and twirl with glee. The air is filled with the sounds of blades scraping against the ice, laughter echoing through the crisp winter air, and the melodies of familiar Christmas tunes.

Indeed, this Christmas market is a place where memories are made, where traditions are celebrated, and where the spirit of the season truly comes alive. So, immerse yourself in the enchantment, savor the sights, indulge in the treats, find the perfect gifts, and embrace the joy that Christmas brings.

A Very Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year.

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Event:- One of the special treats in the village of Daglan is the truffle market, which is held in the school grounds (behind the Mairie) and is open from 11 o’clock on Sunday morning.

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Sweet Potato Soup.

The sweet potato is a staple of the Caribbean and American cooking, it is very versatile for it can be roasted, baked mashed and curried. High in fibre, it also contains vitamins A,C and E.

So with the above in mind here is a delicious heart warming soup for a cold Winters Day.

Serves 4 people

1 tbsp olive oil

1 small onion, chopped

600g sweet potato, peeled and chopped

1 red pepper, deseeded and chopped

1 litre vegetable stock

140ml coconut milk

1 tbsp coriander

1 Heat the oil in a large saucepan and cook the onion until soft. Stir in the sweet potato, pepper and coriander.

2 Pour in the stock and bring to the boil, then simmer for about twenty minutes until the potato and pepper are softened.

3 Blitz, in a liquidiser in batches, then return to the pan. Add the coconut milk, heat once more and serve.

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Event:– 14 and 15^th January, Truffle Festival in Sarlat.

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Vintage Daglan.

We love France and of course our home in the village of Daglan. Steeped in history, nothing really major has changed in the village since our home was built. Due in part to the National System of Heritage Protection which means that any restoration work to the structure of an ancient property needs to pass through a variety of systems before approval.

To Paul and I this was not a problem we did not want to change anything but rather preserve the property in keeping with the period in which it was built, the 1820’s.

I love finding information from books and various people about the history of Daglan village and of course our home, here is a brief history of what I have discovered.

A postcard of Daglan in the early 1900’s.

The name Daglan has its origins in the Celtic for “Good Valley”. In the early 1300s the village became the seat of an Archpriest and continued until the Revolution. The church of Saint Martin dates from the 14th century although the apse and the choir date from the Romanesque period.

In the 18th and 19th centuries the economy of Daglan was based on wine production and thanks to the several local water mills along the river Ceou the village grew in prosperity. During that period there was an increase in properties being built in the village and surrounding hamlets.

An epidemic of phylloxera in the late nineteenth century caused a great exodus leaving the valley all but deserted.

In the last 100 years Daglan has again become a bustling and beautiful village.

In living memory our home has been a tax office for quite a long time, then it was the home of the Maire, followed by a family home which was inherited by the previous owner.

Across from our home are three properties which where originally one large property and a large stable with land. The stable was then turned into a fourth property at a later stage.

Two of the properties are truly fascinating with concealed connecting doors. These connecting doors were put to good use during the Second World War when resistance fighters would hide in one house and make their escape through the other.

Hopefully in the future we will find more information about the history and the former inhabitants of Daglan which we will document.

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Event– Daglan Truffle market open every Sunday from 11 o’clock.

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Marche de Noël in Sarlat.

It is so good to see the return of the Christmas market in Sarlat this year. With all of its tempting treats of nougat, chocolates, macaroons and of course mulled wine. The aromas are just brilliant as you walk around the sixty nine chalets.

We arrived at the same time as the fire fighters

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There is only one way in and out of the Marche de Noël, on the right of the picture is the entrance where you will need to show your covid passport, which makes you feel a little safer.

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A Mexican theme this year.

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Extremely colourful array of everything Mexican is on display.

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It is better to arrive in the morning when there are fewer people around and with luck you can find a parking space. The market is held on the main Parking Rigaudie carpark so finding a space can be difficult.

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Overflowing with everything that you would need to make Noël special.

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Me taking an interest in the Sarlat Noël ornaments.

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Events:-

The truffle market is now open in Daglan from eleven o’clock each Sunday, very popular so be early.

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