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Wednesday 7 August 2013

Medieval (K)nights ?: Here in 'Le Gers' they take their medieval history...

Musketeers but not Marketeers ??

In this region of South West  France ( Le Gers) there is undoubtedly a wealth of history
and this evidenced by the large numbers of very old buildings and of course, 'bastide' style villages
which adorn most hilltops.

Recently we chose another day out at the famous village of Lupiac.   Here they were celebrating
all things 'D'Artagnan' as they have for just 2 years now.  
It proved to be a colourful day, with much ancient costume on display.  To get the feel of the day
it was necessary to visit the mock 'bank' and to change your  Euros for 'Louis' coins a local style of
groat I think !!    Anyway, having safely got your currency you were free to roam the village and
buy food, drink and other bibs and bobs.    Food was a little restrictive, BUT, there was a totally
dedicated area for this, and providing you were willing to enter into the spirit of it all, then an
opportunity for refuelling could be found- bon appetit !!

Enactments were of course part of the days events, to include of course 'jousting' and mock mini
sword fighting battles for the amusement of the crowds.   All this was fine and a chat in another
area with a guy suitably dressed in his 16th/17th century garb with a long musket to boot would
have been great, were it not for the 'jump out of your skin' moment when his counterpart decided
to fire the canon standing just 10 feet away.   The blast and shock waves from this were immense
and most people certainly jumped or responded in a similar way.   Later on in the day, the 'fuse'
lighter guy took to announcing his intentions just before lighting it, enabling you to retreat a little
further away should you feed the need !!.  No harm done though.

Feeling jaded, we decided to visit the Musee, just away from the centre of Lupiac.  A guide took
us around the museum (musee) and chatted away merrily for about 20 minutes, followed by a
video.  Unfortunately it was all in French, and in this regard perhaps a little difficult for those whose
grasp of French is not all it might be.  However, it is interesting nevertheless, and beautifully
presented.

So, to sum up, we found the Musketeers to be an enjoyable day out.   The marketing side of things


could be a little better, but heh this is just there second year at it, so as they say here 'plus en plus' !!


Tuesday 6 August 2013

D'Artagnan & 3 Musketeers

D'Artagnan was born in a village called 'Lupiac' here in the Gers in South West France.  Unlike the 3 Musketeers and the film/theatrical renditions of stories, D'Artagnan did exist in the early 1600's and
was indeed a soldier or 'mousquetaires' .  In 1630 he quit Gascony and the Gers and left for the
capital of France - Paris, to further his career.  In 1646 the dissolution of the Musketeers occurred.

A museum can be found in his small country village of 'Lupiac' for all tourists to enjoy, along with
the chateau Castelmore, which has family links to this name.

In the principal town of 'Condom' ( unfortunate or a great name for a town ?) you can find a statue
of bronze as a tribute to the Musketeers of France and this region- all 4 are standing in the classic
pose for the line ' all for one, and one for all'  !!

(Footnote: The town of Condom is said to loose its signs from the roadside many times over the years !)

The Gers itself boasts 146 castles or chateaux in its arsenal of properties, but not all are in fact of
a habitable condition - BUT - you can enjoy a most ameniable stay in this beautiful and rural region
largely unspoilt, and with one of the lowest populations of any department within France.

Soothe your soul !!##

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Monday 5 August 2013

Here in 'Le Gers' they take their medieval history and enactments seriously.   We recently enjoyed a
full day and evening out at the 'petite' village of 'Termes d'Armagnac.   The day includes a visit to the
stocks !!   A chance to see the beautifully refined tower and museum with interesting regalia and 
wonderful views to the south.  With jousting, fighting enactments, archery, crafts and history, metalwork, and mountains of chainmail, it was certainly a day to remember.

In the evening, everyone is given an ancient style 'smock' to wear as you are escorted from the 
battlements by 14th century music and a torchlight procession to your table.   ( Hands are washed
with fresh lavender and rose water before sitting you at your table). 

Horses, serving wenches and occassional rivalry to include mock jousting/fighting enactments between
the different houses e.g.  'Gascoines' versus the 'House of Aragon' are part of the evening entertainment
as you dine.  Certainly, on this occassion the moody presence of the 'Lord' of Gascony added to the
overall ambience - as you were not quite sure if he was going to leap up and threaten to lop your head
off in the middle of the second course !!!    No- just a 'blag' as they say here ( a joke ).

Ah the food !! - well this was based on an ancient recipe from this region again from the 14th century
with a cereal base for many dishes.   Our apero was peach wine, followed by a flower salad with ginger sausage and pate.  The main course was pork (cooked so tenderly) with root veg followed by cheese and then a yoghurt based concotion for dessert.  The wine flowed freely!!  Unusual food and with a modern twist of course.

Finally to round off a great day, there are fire eaters, fire demonstrations, and an altogether merry chap
who insists on lighting fireworks on the end of a rope and then swinging these with both arms up and
around himself !!    Certainly a spectacle - or a 'spectacular' as the French say!

Find us on Twitter       Ray Parker @frenchcycling32