Monday 12th August

It is a tradition in this part of France for almost every town and village – no matter how small – to hold a Vide Grenier.  It means literally ‘Empty Your Attic’, and is a glorified car-boot sale.  But it is held in the streets of the town, and unlike English car-boot sales is almost entirely ordinary people getting rid of rubbish from their homes  There are very few traders, selling cheap crap. But a lot of plates, jugs, ornaments, furniture and all sorts of odds and ends.

We went to one in Lauzun yesterday and as usual bought loads of pots and a biscuit jar and even a toy for one of the grandchildren.  It was pretty hot and we tried to stay in the shade, ending up for coffees in a nice French café.   And people come from miles around.  The French are a far more sociable people than we are, and seem to find any excuse for a get-together.  Last night in two local towns there were banquets, organized by the Mairie, and sold out weeks ahead I suspect.  Whole roads closed off to traffic, tables and chairs communally owned and stored, appeared and even music was laid on.

The English eat as quick as possible, them switch on the telly, and you cannot tempt them out of their homes.  The French seem to understand that the really serious business of life is eating and drinking.