Tag Archives: Espinas

Forgotten Love Letter Saved for Posterity

Posted on 14/02/2017 by

Sometimes fate works in mysterious ways. In this case, it saved for posterity a wonderful letter that would otherwise have been consigned to the flames with a heap of junk.

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Posted in History, Places, World War I & II | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

End of an Era at the Hamlet of Flouquet

Posted on 22/08/2015 by

It was the end of an era in two senses, to which I’ll return below. Every year, as part of the summer walks laid on by the commune of Espinas, we visit a pretty hamlet called Flouquet. The houses are … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Personalities, Places | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Fêtes and Festivals in Southwest France

Posted on 20/08/2014 by

  It’s that time of year again. You can’t move for village fêtes, art exhibitions, concerts and so on. There are too many things to go to and you have to be selective, but it’s all good fun and excellent … Continue reading →

Posted in French life, Places | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Every Château Has a Story: #1 Le Château de Cas

Posted on 13/08/2014 by

Châteaux, large and small, have played an integral part in the history of France. Some have been at the centre of national events; others have been less affected by them, but nonetheless have a story to tell. This is the … Continue reading →

Posted in Châteaux, History, Places, World War I & II | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

A Walk Back in Time on the Saint-Antonin Causse

Posted on 31/07/2013 by

Last Saturday night’s thunderstorm caused us little bother – except for water seeping under the kitchen door as usual – and cleared the air. In parts of Aveyron, we hear, the damage was considerable and a church spire is reported … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Places, Walking in France | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

A Traditional French Hamlet – Flouquet

Posted on 30/08/2012 by

The last of the summer walks at Espinas took place yesterday. As ever, our guides Nadette and René Curato have provided lots of interesting information about the history and culture of the places we have seen. Almost every year one … Continue reading →

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All fêted out

Posted on 24/08/2011 by

So much has been going on in this area during the past few weeks that I scarcely know where to begin. This is typical summer in rural France. For a couple of months there is a plethora of cultural events, … Continue reading →

Posted in Customs, French life, History, Places | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

What’s in a (place)name?

Posted on 20/08/2011 by

We spent a fascinating morning last Wednesday. The tiny village of Espinas organises a walk every Wednesday in July and August. The guided walks follow local footpaths and take in sights of historical or other interest. Last week’s was a bit … Continue reading →

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Forgotten love letter rediscovered

Posted on 27/08/2010 by

Sometimes fate works in mysterious ways. In this case, it saved for posterity a wonderful letter that would otherwise have been consigned to the flames with a heap of junk.

Posted in French life, History, Personalities, Places, World War I & II | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

I meet one of my readers at Espinas

Posted on 13/07/2010 by

  This summer’s weekly walks at Espinas got off to a good start last Wednesday with René leading. I have written about Espinas on these pages before (click here). The picture above shows one of the local sights. The man wearing the … Continue reading →

Posted in Food/drink/recipes, French life, Personalities, Places | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

A small village with a big heart in southwest France

Posted on 12/05/2010 by

  There’s a tiny village in this corner of southwest France called Espinas. Perched on a hilltop amid glorious rolling countryside, it appears to be the typical sleepy French hamlet as you drive through. The dog lying in the road … Continue reading →

Posted in Customs, French life, Personalities, Places, Walking in France | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments