Posts Tagged ‘Dordogne’

The growing popularity of outdoor activities in the Dordogne has been explored by The Guardian’s Joanna Walters in a recent article for the newspapers travel supplement.

Whilst a French holiday in the Dordogne-Perigord region generally brings to mind leisurely afternoons spent by the riverside, trips to the region’s many historic and cultural sites or the taste of the fine regional cuisine on offer, in recent years, the more rugged environs of the upper Dordogne river have attracted a different kind of tourism. Rather than wine or truffle tasting, many people are visiting the Dordogne to take part in activities like rock climbing, hang gliding or kayaking.

In her visit to the region, Walters took part in rock climbing lessons with local outfit Adventures Dordogne Nature in the hilly retreats of the North Dordogne. Although these hills boast some of iconic restored renaissance and medieval chateaus that the region is famous for, Walters writes that her experience was far different from the traditional bucolic retreat.

Progressing from rock climbing to hang gliding, a growing sport in the region, Walter’s article reveals an entirely different side of the Dordogne that will appeal to many people looking for something different from their French holidays. The article combines both these new activities as well as highlighting the traditional attractions of the region – village fêtes, fine dining and historic architecture – and can be found at the Guardian’s website.

The Dordogne‘s most prized contribution to French high cuisine, the black Perigord truffle, has been genetically mapped.

Often called the ‘Black Diamond’, the black Perigord truffle is a local delicacy of the Dordogne region. Many of those who have been on a French holiday to the area in the winter months, during their seasonal growth period, will be familiar with the important role that the black truffle plays in the regional market. The ‘black diamond’ is so-called because some examples can fetch around £1,000 a kilogramme on the seasonal markets.

However, the truffle trade has suffered in recent years. Firstly, truffle production across the Dordogne and Perigord region has suffered dramatically over the past few decades. At the start of the 20th century the annual production was some 800 tons; today it is more like 10-20 tons. The effects of global warming and a loss of the natural habitat is often blamed for this decline. Secondly, some traders have tried to pass off the cheaper Chinese truffle variety – much more common but very similar in appearance – as the true truffles.

The new research on the genetic make up of the black truffle could, in time, provide an answer to both these troubles though.

A team of French and Italian researchers worked for five years to sequence the ”diamonds” DNA. They hope that their gene sequencing could help in several ways. Firstly, it will now be possible to clearly identify fakes from the real thing. Secondly, the insights into their DNA could help boost the truffle production, providing a clearer idea of why injecting spores into oak trees does not always result in growth.

The researchers have already discovered that the truffle’s DNA signature is effected by where it has grown, as well as that its distinctive taste comes from the fungus itself rather than any bacteria contained within. The researchers intend to create a ”truffle data bank” – an archive of specific truffle strains that could be selectively produced according to the subtle taste differences.

The area of Dordogne saw an influx of Spanish tourists over the Easter weekend, according to French newspaper Sud Ouest.

It’s thought the Spanish tourists, who braved the sleet of the Easter weekend, were still celebrating Semana Santa that just ended; the Holy Week runs for the last week of lent before the Easter weekend.

Bergerac and Sarlat were also popular destinations for the Spanish tourists: more than 40% of holidaymakers that weekend were Hispanic. Most rushed to the caves and castles of the region, sheltering from the showers.

The Easter weekend was a particularly popular period with tourist thanks to many exciting activities planned. Children were invited in the grounds of the Overhanging Gardens of Marqueyssac new Roque Gageac in the Dordogne Valley to hunt for Easter eggs over the weekend. This was complemented by arts and craft workshops where they could decorate eggs, make hens from egg cartons and craft wooden eggs with a wood turner.

Many British people are attracted to the Dordogne area because of the stunning scenery. Walking holidays are really popular with tourists who are drawn to the walks varying between 6 and 10 miles long. They trek around sits including Rocamadour, Sarlat, Domme and Beynac, and include visits to a selection of vineyards on the Cahors wine trail.

Spring is a popular season with tourists who can enjoy the beautiful region of Dordogne at a reduced price.

Anyone who has gone on a French holiday in the past few years may have noticed a strange phenomenon taking place across the country: the spread of English into the French language.

The spread of contemporary English terminology like “Chat”, “talk,”, “newsletter”, “tuning” (the motoring slang rather than the radio term) and “buzz” (internet craze) among the French youth is causing concern among the conservative French linguistic community. The Independent reports that in response, government agency L’Academie Francais has announced its own, officially approved Francophile terminology.

Believed by many to be an effect of exposure to the world wide web (otherwise known as “La Toile”) and the prevalence of English terms to describe popular phenomena online, La Academia Francais has been concerned for some time over the perceived corruption of their language.

The French are notoriously protectionist of their language; ever since L’Academie Francaise was established in 1635 to act as an official authority on language, the French language has resisted natural development of language in favour of a more official approach.

Understandably, this organisation was troubled the spread of Anglicisms. In response, the government held a competition for students and school children to identify French-sounding terms for these modern terms. The final list will be considered for entry into French dictionaries.

From now on, those on a French holiday can expect to hear trends and popular crazes referred to as “Ramdam” rather than “buzz”; the practise of “tuning” up a car as “bolidage“; online “chat” as “éblabla“; “newsletters” as “infolettre“; and the simple “talk” as “debat”

From now on: the use of “Le Buzz” to describe trending online rumours, topics or crazes; the use of “le tuning” to describe the act of modifying cars; and everyday “talk” will now be referred to as “débat”.

Of course, whether or not these words are accepted from Paris to the Dordogne has yet to be seen. In the past similar initiatives have seen success – replacing “software” with “logiciel” and “walkman” with “baladeur” – whilst others have proven a massive flop, such as the attempt to replace “hacker” with “Fouineur” or “smiley” with “Frimousse”.

Those who want to avoid hefty transportation costs when buying French champagne in bulk, will be pleased to hear that champagne bottles are to be made 65g lighter to reduce transport costs - thus reducing carbon emissions.

The Connexion reports that the 835g bottles could save around 8,000 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide per annum. This large decrease in emissions is solely attributed to reduced fuel consumption, caused by a lighter load.

It is estimated that such carbon savings will aid the champagne industry to lessen its carbon footprint over the next ten years by around 25 per cent. It is hoped that wine producers across France, including Bordeaux and the Dordogne will start to use the lighter bottles, making France’s drinks sector one of the most sustainable in the world.

Champagne bottles are usually heavier than wine bottles as they need to be able to cope with the pressure of 6kg per square centimetre – 835g is reportedly the lightest the bottles can be, without being prone to exploding.

The Champagne industry’s regulatory body the CIVC, has welcomed the new lighter bottles, which have been rigorously tested over the past two years to make sure that they are durable enough to stand up to the pressure of being transported long distances.

Producer Vranken-Pommery has pioneered the use of the new bottles and has been using them for all of its drinks over the past 8 years. It is expected that more companies will begin to use the bottles, promoting the ‘green’ in the drinks industry and reducing costs in this post-recession period.

Last Saturday, local fishing and waterways associations announced the opening of fishing season in the Dordogne. Angling enthusiasts will be welcome in the Dordogne’s waterways from now until September 19, according to SudOuest.com. The only exception will be the river Coly and its tributaries, which will be prohibited for the first sixteen days - until the 22nd of March.

The Dordogne’s waterways are some of the best in France for amateur fishing. Anglers can hook carp, cat fish, trout or even salmon in either privately maintained lakes, or in the local rivers. Like anywhere, fishermen should be aware of regulations to stop overfishing - for example, this year, anglers may catch six trout over 25cm per day per person.

Speaking at the meeting of the 70 presidents of the Associations Authorised Fishing and Protection of the Aquatic Environment (AAPPMA), the departmental president was enthusiastic about the prospects for fishing in the Dordogne over the next year.

Robert Philip said: “The winter was cold with lots of rain, [but] our rivers have good levels and [the] conditions are excellent. This week, more releases of fish will be organised throughout the department.”

“This should be a good season.”

A full fishing license for the department will cost 65 euros, although for 85 euros you can purchase a license that allows you to fish in a total of 70 departments. There are other pricing options available that are less expensive and may be more appropriate, particularly for those on a French holiday, such as the holiday-period specific card, the daily license and the youth card.

In 2009, more than 21,000 fishing licenses were sold in the Dordogne. They can usually be obtained from either fishing shops or from local tabacs (newsagents) or even bars.

Two U.S rock bands are to play in the Dordogne this weekend, bringing explosive live music to a traditionally peaceful day.

This Sunday punk rockers The Bellrays and The Fleshtones will play Rocksane, a popular music venue in Bergerac and one of the most popular venues in the Dordogne. The concert will start at 6pm, with tickets costing 18 euros on the door or 15 euros pre-ordered.

Unlike many gigs at Rocksane, this explosive concert is likely to only be suitable for 18s or over.

The Bellray’s performance is part of their European tour. The rather odd choice of a Sunday evening for a rock concert is the result of their hectic schedule; the band is playing a different venue for every single day they are on the continent. According to SudOuest.com, this non-stop schedule reflects the quartet’s non-stop style of music, characterised by punk tempos, edgy guitar riffs and the soulful voice of singer Lisa Kekula – a combination of garage rock and soul singing that fits their slogan of “Maximum Rock N’Soul”.

As well as the Bellray’s, concert-goers will have the opportunity to see New York garage rock group The Fleshtones. Since forming in 1976, this band has amassed a huge cult following, though their independent streak has stood in the way of mass commercial success. 

With over three decades of experience playing alongside names like Iggy Pop, James Brown, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley and relative newcomers The Strokes, arguably it’s The Fleshtones who should get top billing this Sunday. If you love rock n’roll and you’re in the Dordogne, there’s no better way you could spend your Sunday.

If you are looking to go for a French holiday with a difference, then Paris is kicking off it’s world famous Paris Fashion Week on Thursday. The city will be buzzing while this event runs for nine days and you could even catch a glimpse of top fashionista’s and celebs.

Those with children can take a trip to Disneyland, and the fashion lovers can attend nearby fashion exhibitions which are put on throughout the city whilst fashion week is going on. For the not-so fashion orientated, then the Paris Sightseeing Pass gives access to over fifty of the French capital’s top attractions, guaranteeing boredom will never set in. Take time to explore the historical sights and attractions such as the Louvre and the Arc de Triomphe before enjoying a relaxing cruise along the Seine River. There is also a wine tasting experience for the adults to enjoy.

Though if you aren’t the hustle and bustle type, your holiday is probably best spent in a more relaxed area, such as the Dordogne. A more tranquil and laid back countryside filled with vineyards and peace. 

So whether you want a break consisting of fashion, a busy city break, or a tranquil stay in a luxury traditional house, France offers a variety of different options available for every taste.

The Dordogne appears to have escaped the violent storms that struck France over the weekend with remarkably little damage, with the department wide crisis warning being cleared at 1600 yesterday.

Earlier this morning, President Nicolas Sarkozy declared a national disaster after the storms caused massive destruction in other areas of France, particularly across the Atlantic coast. Many buildings and roads across the country have been damaged by the force of the storm, named Xynthia.

Xynthia had wind speeds of an estimated 140km/h when it swept across the west of France, before sweeping into Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands.

As the major threat was to the French coastline – which has been hit badly by the storm – five departments along the coast were placed on red warning but many of the other 90 departments in the country were placed on high alert with an orange warning.

The Dordogne was among those departments but appears to have escaped damage almost entirely, even compared with other inland areas. During the storm, Weather France Bergerac – which lost power during the storm – recorded wind speeds of 105km/h near Thiviers, 95km/h near Perigueux and 92km/h near Bergerac.

According to SudOuest.com there has been no major damage to any location in the department, though there are still “trees and branches on the pavement…overturned garbage cans or broken signs” and minor damage to roof tiles across the Dordogne-Perigord region.

Speaking yesterday morning, the sub-preft of Bergerac, Bernard Pouget, said that though “the wind blew hard… we found no significant consequences” and there is “No particular risk of flooding…given the lack of rainfall during the storm.”

Damage in the Dordogne appears to have been limited to minor power cuts and disruptions to phone lines, caused by fallen trees. Some houses have also been damaged but no casualties have been reported and the roads have been cleared throughout the department, thanks to the 76 operations by local firefighters over the weekend.

Services in the Dordogne may be affected today by a national demonstration over immigration.

A national “day without immigrants” is to take place today as a form of protest over political hostility towards immigrants and labour in France. Foreign residents across France, as well as all those citizens who were born overseas have been encouraged to halt work throughout the first of March, in order to highlight their contribution to the economy at a national and local level.

Claimed to the be the first of its kind in France, the initiative was inspired by a similar demonstration in the US in 2006. Similar protests will take place in other EU countries today, with immigrants in Italy, Greece and Spain seeking to illustrate their contribution to their respective nations.

The protests are supported by five national unions. It is hoped by the organisers that none of the 70,000 people who joined the supporting Facebook group or any of those acting in solidarity, will either work in any form of employment or buy any kind of product for the next 24 hours.

Some demonstrations will take place outside town halls between 1200 and 1400 though it is unknown whether any of these will take place in the Dordogne.

Although mass disruption is unlikely to affect anyone on a French holiday significantly, people should be prepared for the possibility of reduced staff in many areas of private and public services throughout France.