A few weeks ago, we came across the Bayonne Ham Festival during another one of our many DYI store trips to the French Basque capital. It became evident that something big was happening in town when we saw cars parked all over the roundabouts, miles before we got anywhere near the centre. When we finally reached the banks of the river Nive, we understood why. Dating back to 1462 (yes, that’s right!), Bayonne Ham Fair takes places every year during the Easter weekend. Over 30 local producers compete in showcasing their produce. Three different elements — pigs bred for meaty, muscly back legs, a rich diet of grains and nuts…
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Autumn in the Pyrenees Atlantiques
As the nights are drawing closer and the smell of burning wood lingers in the air, one knows that autumn is truly here. And although the changing colours of the trees and the crackling sound of broken leaves under feet delight people everywhere in the world, there is a lot to be said about the bucolic peace and sense of wonder one will encounter on a walk through the many quiet roads that criss-cross our region. From the village of Jasses, just outside the fortified village of Navarrenx, we took a country lane that lead us through copper-coloured forest. Half an hour later, we left the forest behind and stepped…
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Grand Prixs de Pau
Since moving to our new home in France last year in November, we’ve hardly had the chance to experience more than the daily life. As many people who move abroad with a project in mind would tell you, renovating a house is an all-consuming affair. And when you are also responsible for 10 chickens, 5 goats, a cat and a dog, you count yourself lucky if you manage to grab a coffee at the local bar once a week. So when we heard about a famous event taking place less than an hour’s drive, we decided to treat ourselves. Grand Prixs de Pau is an event with tradition, dating back…
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Market day in Salies the Bearn
Probably one of my favourite markets so far is the Thursday morning market in Salies de Bearn. If it’s a day with sunshine, I can’t think of a better place to spend a couple of leisurely hours. I love it because it has an Indian food stall, lots of delicious cheese and pates and vegetables, but also an overpriced antique seller and various other goodies. We usually end up buying some fruit and the odd piece of cheese, but I find it a nice place to hang around for coffee at one of the restaurants / coffee shops and mingle with the locals. …
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The old railway walk from Escos to Salies de Bearn
A short drive from our house in Autevielle towards the village of Escos, there is a voie verte: a pedestrian/cyclist only route built on the old railway line. You can take a right as you come off our street towards Escos either in your car or on your bike. Stop just before you enter the village of Escos and park, before you join (on foot or on your bike) the voie verte that will take you directly to the spa town of Salies de Bearn within half an hour (if you’re cycling) or an hour and a half if you’re walking. The road is paved and lined by trees on either side.…
