Sunday 22nd October 2017

We were reliably informed by the owners daughter, who spoke impeccable English, that there would be a local festival in the town today, celebrating ‘squashes’. Hooray I hear you say.

Le Courge en Fete Esparron-de-Verdon

When we approached the town yesterday, we were aware of a number of pumpkin decorations throughout the town. We had wrongly thought that these probably related to Halloween.

When in Esparron-de-Verdon………. what else could we do but give it our attention. The fête was on for most of the day, so we saddled up and rode into town around lunch time.

The weather was delightfully sunny, but incredibly windy, which didn’t make it easy to cycle.

Front of the Chateau we pass on our way into the village.

View of the Chateau from the village.

Our impressions of Esparron were already good and the journey through yesterday had confirmed one of our thoughts of what an ideal provincial town in France would be like.

Esparron-de-Verdon

Picturesque houses, a cháteau, some bars and restaurants, all situated on the edge of a lake, with turquoise coloured water. What not to like!

There are a wealth of water sports in Esparron

The fête  was just like most English village fetes but with added sun and that je ne sais quoi!

There was a variety of stalls in the main part of the village. Tables were laid out with all manner of produce squash related. You could buy fresh squashes, jams, chutneys or hand made decorations which depicted squashes.

An array of squashes

The rest of the tarte was delightful! Only had one slice really.

There was even a monsieur who spent the entire time carving squashes with very intricate patterns and decoration. He had a lot more patience than I would have done!

Squash Carving

But the highlight of the day, for us, was when the band arrived and began to entertain the crowds, who were now beginning to swell. (Well just a bit).

Welcome Fanfare Pêna Sunrise!

They were fantastic, full of energy and certainly did not disappoint.

We lingered for some considerable time to listen to several renditions.

All the right notes but not necessarily in the right order but played with enthusiasm and gusto! Bravo!

After a pause for ‘beer o’clock’ , clutching our handmade pumpkin ceramic, we headed back through the village and up the hill home.

A fantastic start to our time in Esparron-de-Verdon.