15 août

The 15th August is a bank holiday in France, the feast of the Assumption, I believe.   Our village has a low-key fête during the day; the local bistro is opened and there is a competition for painters who paint street scenes of the village.   It's a chance to swap news, catch up with the neighbours and meet new people.

We strolled down for lunch (sausage inna bun) with chips, and then returned later for the evening barbecue, candle illuminations and concert.   The barbecue is a big social affair, you can usually find people you know to sit with, and in any case, company is convivial.

I got the impression that there were fewer people present during the day than last year, but the evening event was crowded.

The lighting of candles is a simple idea, but it casts a gentle spell on the village after dark as you walk around.  And the undulating relief of the place leads to long-distance views of the candles.   The layout of the displays  changes every year, as people are present or on holiday, or new owners move in.