BORDEAUX ANGLAIS, a day’s visit, walk and lunch with Alain Mounolou on Wednesday April 3rd, 2019 from 10 a.m to 4.30 p.m..
What was Bordeaux like when the Ducs d’Aquitaine were also incidentally rois d’Angleterre (1154-1453)? Want to find out? Join in!
Starting with a private guided tour of the mediaeval section of the Musée d’Aquitaine from 10.30 to 12 a.m – 7€
thenlunch at the well-known Cafe Les Arts 138 cours Victor Hugo on the corner of rue Ste Catherine – 14:90€
and an afternoon tour of the “Bordeaux Anglais” with its gates, walls, old houses, bell tower and narrow alleys. Ending Place Pey Berland (by the A & B tram stops, close to central boutiques for shopaholics).
Join in for one, two or all three of the above !
Meeting time and place
Meet from 10 a.m at the Teachers Club 35 cours Pasteur, Bordeaux, close to Tram B “Musée d’Aquitaine” stop and Tram A “Hôtel de Ville” stop.
Prices and Booking
Museum visit: 7€ per person (includes guide’s fee and entrance) to be paid in cash to Alain on the day.
Lunch: Cafe Les Arts does a pleasant 3-course day’s menu+coffee for 14.90€ not including drinks and a choice between fish and meat, to be paid for individually.
You can skip lunch if you wish, or join for lunch and/or in the afternoon.
The BBC uses the Helloasso online booking system to make it very easy for you to book and select any of the options for the event..
If you have not used Helloasso before, try it, it is easy !
Burns Night at 19h00 on Saturday 26th January in Salle Gérard Philipe in Martignas
This is possibly the most popular event in the BBC calendar and it is extra special this year !
BOOKINGS CLOSE ON MONDAY 7th JANUARY
It’s that time when we celebrate the life of the great Scottish poet, Robert Burns and the BBC always celebrates in the best possible style !
Some would say he was the greatest Scottish poet ever to have lived, and measured by the number of parties held around the world every year to celebrate his anniversary, that could be true. However, it may also have something to do with the whisky, which always flows freely and helps to drown the ‘Haggis Beasty’ !
BOOKINGS FOR THIS EVENT CLOSE ON MONDAY 7th JANUARY
Our Burns Night will have the traditional menu will of smoked salmon, haggis, neeps, tatties and fruit tart together with wine and whisky at the inclusive price of 20€ for adults and 10€ for children. Entertainment will include the pipes, some Burns recitation and the traditional ‘Address to the Haggis’ ( together with its stabbing! ) followed by optional dancing for all.
Every year Burns Night is a BBC favourite but there are disappointments as it is always overbooked due to space limitations. Problem solved this year as we are delighted to be invited to join forces with the Martingas Jumellage Association. We have no space restrictions this year and the event will take place in the excellent events room in Martignas.
Martingas Jumellage
Martingas are twinned with Aboyne which is a historic village on the edge of the Highlands in Aberdeenshire, on the River Dee, midway between the Cairngorms National Park and Aberdeen.
Starter: Smoked salmon, salad, slice of lemon and vinaigrette
Main course : Haggis, fresh mashed tatties and mashed neaps
Dessert: Apple and fruit tart
Coffee
Whisky, water and wine will be available.
Booking – Online
Booking deadline: Monday 7th January 2019.
20€ for adults and 10€ for children
The BBC uses the Helloasso online payments system.
The Helloasso system adds a voluntary ‘tip’ called a ‘Pourboire’, at the page which summarises your payment. If you do not wish to leave a tip, click ‘Modifier‘ and then click the feint box to the left of ‘Je ne souhaite pas laisser de pourboire‘. There is no obligation for you to add a tip.
Please have your bank card and mobile phone available. The number of the phone must be the one registered against your bank account and will be used by your bank to verify your payment.
Tuesday, January 15th 2019 BBC Châteaux and Vineyards Walk-and-lunch at Mérignac with Alain
Mérignac hosts a number of pleasant 18th and 19th century houses, some of which were or still are surrounded by vineyards producing fine Pessac-Léognan. The day is organised in a flexible way, you are free to come to one, two or all activities.
Meeting Point
Meeting point and time: between 10 and 10.30 at the “Mérignac-centre” tram stop on the A tram line. There is a brasserie and café across rhe road.
Morning Walk
The morning walk will take us to the Mairie de Mérignac and its grounds, on to Parc Féau. If there is time, we’ll amble on to the Meltin’potes Caffé by the “Peychotte” A tram stop. If not we’ll hop onto tram A for 3 stops.
Lunch
Meltin’potes Caffé, 8 Allée des Conviviales, 33700 MERIGNAC
Aperitif, 3-course, wine and coffee 26€. This restaurant serves fresh cuisine du marché.
Punch maison.
Entrée:
Oeuf parfait, émulsion de parmesan et pétales de jambon fume
OU Velouté de butternut et copeaux de foie gras
Plat:
Magret de canard cuisson basse température, pommes grenaille et jus au thym
OU Pavé de saumon, purée de petits pois et frites de patates douces, crème de basilic
Dessert:
Entremet au chocolat lacté et croustillant de noix de pécan
OU Tartelette au citron meringuée
Vin: Bordeaux rouge ou rosé
Café.
Afternoon Walk
The afternoon walk will take us to Châteaux Pique-Caillou, Chêne Vert, Fantaisie, Tour de Veyrines, chartreuse de Marbotin, back to a stop on the A tram line.
Booking – Online
We use the Helloasso online payments system.
The Helloasso system adds a voluntary ‘tip’ called a ‘Pourboire’, at the page which summarises your payment. If you do not wish to leave a tip, click ‘Modifier‘ and then click the feint box to the left of ‘Je ne souhaite pas laisser de pourboire‘. There is no obligation for you to add a tip.
Please have your bank card, menu selections and mobile phone available. The number of the phone must be the one registered against your bank account and will be used by your bank to verify your payment.
There is ample on street parking nearby. The cemetery is a 5 minute walk from tram stop Roustaing on Ligne B
This moving and sombre annual ceremony is different this year, as it commemorates exactly 100 years since the cessation of WW1 hostilities.
The event will commence at 9.15am with the impressive and colourful procession.
The service will start at 9.30. Wreaths will be laid, including our BBC wreath which will be laid by Norma, our President. The service will last approximately 30 minutes, concluding with shots from a 1918 rifle as a salute to those who gave their lives in this and the following dreadful conflict.
We shall then walk to the adjacent French Cemetery, for a service starting at 10.30, before moving for a ‘Vin d’honneur’ at:
The chateau is situated in a large historic public parc which is maintained to respect the ecosystem and biodiversity. The chateau and parc are approximately 5 minutes by car or a 15 minute walk from the cemetery. Please click here for information about the chateau and parc
As is customary, our members will mingle with members of the British Legion and join them for lunch.
Celebrate Thanksgiving with a buffet meal in the centre of Bordeaux chez Henley and Tommy.
This is a North American tradition that Henley has been hosting in France for the last decade and along with the classic stuffed turkey, mashed potatoes and green bean casserole
The menu includes dishes from the American South such as cheesy grits, cornbread, creamed corn, bourbon roasted ham, sweet potato casserole and macaroni and cheese.
The meal will be washed down with local wine and to finish we will enjoy some famous pumpkin pie, key lime pie from Florida and pecan pie.
It promises to me a lively afternoon!
Location
Central Bordeaux near Porte de Bourgogne. The address will be sent by email after receipt of your booking.
Booking
The last date to register for is before Monday, 19th November.
We use the Helloasso online booking and payments system and they add a suggested ‘tip’ called a Pouboire, at the page which summarises your payment.
If you do not wish to leave a tip, please click ‘Modifier‘ and then click the feint box to the left of ‘Je ne souhaite pas laisser de pourboire‘. There is no obligation for you to add a tip.
Please have your bank or credit card available and also your mobile phone for payment verification.
A tour of various fountains, some well-known, others off the beaten tracks and a history of the
supply of water to the Bordelais over the centuries, une histoire qui n’a pas toujours coulé de source.
CONTACT FOR THE DAY: Alain MOUNOLOU, 06.44.80.43.22
Meeting place and time: between 10.30 and 11 a.m. at Café Brasserie Le Terminus opposite Gare St Jean, access via Tram C, buses 1, 9, 10, 11… arrêt Gare St Jean.
We start at 11:00 at fontaine des Beaux-Arts, de la Grave, de la Bourse, du Parlement, St Projet.
Lunch at Le Chaudron, 41-43 rue St Rémi close to Place de la Bourse.
See menu choices below, 21€ with wine and coffee.
In the afternoon: Fontaine Amédée Larrieu, Font d’Audeige (the hidden one and the visible one),fontaines du Monument aux Girondins place des Quinconces,
close to trams B and C and buses 2, 3, 6, 26, 29, 47
The BBC will supply you with a day-pass (5€) as we will be hopping on and off trams and buses. I’ll forward them to you so you can use them on your journeys in and out that day.
Menu Choices.
Entrées : 1) Rillettes de saumon or 2) Salade de gésiers or 3) Mesclun de Serrano. Plat : 1) Cuisse de poulet sauce diable or 2) Merlu or 3) Bavette sauce poivre. Dessert : 1) Tarte aux pommes or 2) Ile flottante or 3) Brownie au chocolat. 1⁄4 de vin, café
Booking and Payment
Please book before Monday 3rd September
Payment for 27€ (day pass + postage stamp + 21€ for lunch) per person
Book Online
We use the free Helloasso booking system and they add a suggested ‘tip’ called a Pouboire, at the page which summarises your payment.
If you do not wish to leave a tip, please click ‘Modifier‘ and then click the feint box to the left of ‘Je ne souhaite pas laisser de pourboire‘. There is no obligation for you to add a tip.
What would the summer be without a traditional English high tea with cake and les petit sandwiches preceded by an optional wine tasting !
Programme
At 14:30 there is an optional visit to a local Medoc Chateaux for wine tasting and optional purchase (of wine not the chateau!!). Our hosts have frequently sampled it and rate it highly.
Afterwards, Brian and Cathy M have offered to throw open their garden for the afternoon in Avensan in the Medoc for a delicious English high tea or coffee with cake et les petit sandwiches to be enjoyed under the shade of our BBC marquee.
Booking
The tea party will be 7€ per person
The optional chateau visit and wine tasting will be 5€ per person.
We use the free Helloasso payment system and and they add a suggested ‘tip’ called a Pouboire, at the page which summarises your payment.
If you do not wish to leave a tip, click ‘Modifier‘ and click the feint box to the left of ‘Je ne souhaite pas laisser de pourboire‘. There is no obligation for you to add a tip.
What a surprise, an island in the beautiful Lac d’Aureilhan near Mimizan with an astonishing display of nearly 400 varieties of trees, bushes and especially varieties of flowers, mainly labelled and all lovingly tended, and also free to visit.
Even more surprising, a stone’s throw away is the lakeside Tudor hunting lodge frequently visited by Winston Churchill in the inter-war years, to which 20 of his paintings attest. Other visitors included the elite of the British Government, famous artists and designers as well as Royalty of this period.
After exploring the gardens and lakeside, and having lunch nearby, we shall also optionally drive 5km and explore Mimizan beach and harbour.
Agenda for the day
10:45 – We should embark promptly on our tour of the island to allow time for the ‘Oohing and Aahing’ en route !
Our meeting point is in the car park at end of Avenue du Lac, 40200 MIMIZAN. The car park is next to the short bridge onto the island. Please click for a map showing meeting point
There are also loos in the car park
Early arrivals may take a coffee in the adjacent ‘Hotel du Lac’.
When we reach the end of the island on our walk, we can see Chateau Woolsack (Churchill’s Retreat).
Optionally we can cross another bridge and take a lovely 40 minute return walk along the lakeside footpath to the Chateau.
OR keen gardeners/less keen walkers may prefer to stay on the island. Their return walk turns right at the ‘bug hotel’ and then you can take in the aquatic plants, whilst completing the island circuit.
13:00 – Lunch in the Hotel du Lac, next to our parking, beautifully situated, and Janet, the English owner will be catering specially for us.
A delicious 3-course lunch with choice of starter, main course and desert for 18.50€ (please select your choices on the booking form below) For more information please see www.hoteldulacmimizan.com
14:30 – For those who would like to venture further after lunch, we shall drive a further 5km to walk at Mimizan Plage, which boasts one of the few harbours on this coast.
Further Information
Garden and Walk:
For more information on the beautiful garden island and walk please click here
Chateau Woolsack:
The chateau was built for Hugh Grosvenor, 2nd Duke of Westminster, in 1911. It was based on the Capetown ‘Tudor’ lodge where Rudyard Kipling lived. The Duke was among Britain’s richest people, and gave lavish hunting parties at Woolsack, his many guests included Charlie Chaplin, Coco Chanel, King Alfonso of Spain, Lloyd George, Anthony Eden, Salvador Dali, and frequently Winston Churchill.
The Chateau is currently privately owned, there is a prominent classic red English postbox on the approach road!
To register, please contact Phil direct or book online before the 17th May. Phil’s contact details are here
When using the on-line booking form, please note the following:
Click ‘Submit’ only once and then wait for your booking details to be re-displayed on your screen.
This may take a little time while your details are being noted and registered.
If you do not receive a confirmation from the organiser within 48 hours then your booking has not been recorded and we ask you to contact the organiser direct for your booking confirmation.
Directions
For those not using GPS:
Take A63 from Bordeaux, take exit west at Labouheyre on D626 through Lue, Pontenx les Forges, and St Paul en Born to Aureilhan.
Skirt the town going west on Route des Lacs, branching right at traffic lights, on Avenue de Vignon, signed to le Lac.
Continue north on Avenue de Woolsack, following signs for Promenade Fleurie.
Shortly after crossing the river bridge, turn right at the mini roundabout into Avenue du Lac and park in the car park at the end of the road which is next to the short bridge onto the island. Please click for a map showing meeting point
In the inter-war years Biscarrosse was the centre of the thriving French seaplane industry, with more than 100 flying boats providing flights to Africa. New York and South America. There is now an excellent museum there, with a regular international event to trace the history of aviation.
The 2018 edition also marks the centenary of the first flight of what was to become Latécoère Air Lines which started delivering freight and post for Laposte to the french colonies in Africa.
During the first world war the founder, Pierre Latécoère, invested in factories in Toulouse producing shells and aircraft and delivered about 800 planes to the french army. The company then specialized in design and manufacture of seaplanes which reached a zenith with the six engined Latécoère 631 which was billed as ‘The Ship of the Skies‘ and designed for transatlantic flights. The 631 first flew in 1939 and 10 examples were produced. It was the largest production seaplane ever built and to put this into context had a wingspan about one third larger than the famous Short Sunderland of WWII fame. Groupe Latécoère still exists today as a successful group of companies supplying assemblies and components to Airbus and Boeing.
The 2018 flying displays will involve historic seaplanes and legendary aircraft of French and international aviation including the Breguet 14, PBY Catalina, Douglas DC3, De Havilland Beaver etc
More recent aircraft will fly including a Rafale, competitor to Eurofighter Typhoon, from the 17F Flotille of the French Naval Air Force, a fire fighting Canadair seaplane of the Civil Security and also the presence of the Patrouille de France which is the Air Force aerobatic team.
There will be helicopter rides, exhibitions and the usual event amenities.
The BBC enjoyed an excellent day in 2016, and we look forward to visiting again this year, seeing around 30 classic seaplanes in action, contrasted with a display by the mighty supersonic Dassault Rafale which is built at Merignac.
Our Rendezvous and Picnic
We must expect it to be busy, and to avoid the crowds we propose meeting at 12.00 sharp for a ‘tranquil’ picnic at the Petit Lac.
We will then walk less than 1 Km along the canal to reach the event at the southern lake at Latecoere, which has the usual festival facilities (aviation and other stalls, refreshments etc).
Entry is free.
Please bring all you need for a picnic ! Phil aims to ‘reserve’ the picnic tables by the lake !
Picnic and Meeting Location
TIME: 12:00 noon on Sunday 10th June
GPS: 44.396591, -1.182885 ( N 44°23’47.7″ W 1°10’58.4″ )
Take A63 from Bordeaux and after 28Km turn off onto A660 signed to Arcachon
Turn off after 5 km, onto D216 signed to Biscarrosse
In Mios turn sharp right at the first roundabout then straight over the next one
After 25km go through Sanguinet (over 4 roundabouts including a large one surrounding the town hall)
After a further 12 Km you reach Biscarrosse
Go straight over the first and second roundabouts, and continue straight into the centre (over an absurd number of speed bumps !) past the Marie and the church
Take the second turn right after the church, signed to Dechetterie and Cimetiere ! This road is Avenue de Montbron
You will cross a bridge over the canal (joining Biscarrosse’s three lakes) and then look out for the lakeside car park on your right opposite the cemetery
Note the car park has an intimidating 2.1m width restriction. If your car is wider, or you don’t trust your judgement, you can park opposite in the Cemetery car park !
Note ignore any signs for ‘Hydravion’ (which direct to special parking, buses and crowds)
Booking
To register, please contact Phil C direct or book online below. Phil’s contact details are here
When using the on-line booking form, please note the following:
Click ‘Submit’ only once and then wait for your booking details to be re-displayed on your screen.
There maybe a little delay while your details are being noted and registered.
If you do not receive a confirmation from the organiser within 48 hours then your booking has not been recorded and we ask you to contact the organiser direct for your booking confirmation.
Chateau Roquetaillade & Chateau Villandraut: Mazeres – Friday 4th May
As part of the ‘Kings and Popes’ series of visits, we have been organised a morning visit to Chateau Roquetaillade which is one of the most visited historical sites in south west France. After a picnic lunch, onwards to Chateau Villandraut, which is a castle built by Pope Clement V. These two chateaux are massive constructions built as defensive castles but also as residencies. Very different from our normal chateau visits and very much essential to further experience the history of our region.
Program for the day
11:00 – Guided tour in english at Chateau Roquetaillade. One of the most visited historical sites in south west France
Chateau Roquetaillade, Roquetaillade, 33210 Mazères. Map here Website here
12:45 – Your picnic lunch
15:00 – Guided tour in english at Chateau Villandraut. A castle built by Pope Clement V in 1307 and designed as both a residence and a defensive fortification.
Chateau Villandraut, Rue Lafon Isoré, 33730 Villandraut. Map here Website here
Morning
Chateau Roquetaillade is one of the most visited sites in south-west France and a classified historical monument. It is privately owned and has has been lived in by the same family for over 700 years since 1306. It was first opened to the public in 1956.
Our guided tour, in english, will start at 11 am and takes approximately 1.5 hours.
The chateau is close to the village Mazeres (33210) and situated on a natural defensive site, with its roots going back to prehistory. The name Roquetaillade means ‘carved out of rock‘. The grottoes beneath the site were home to troglodyte man. In case of attack they took refuge on the moat.
The first earth and timber fortifications were certainly constructed by Charlemagne as he advanced towards the Pyrenees, and then over the years they were replaced by stone fortifications and the old castle came into existence in the 11th century. It continued to be extended up until early 14th century.
In 1306 Cardinal de la Motte received permission from King Edward 1st of England to build a new castle. For this, we must thank his uncle Pope Clement V, the first French pope in
Avignon. Clement V’s political power was vast and extended as a far as Oxford in the UK.
What we see today is a unique example of feudal architecture, that is to say two fortresses within the same castle walls. The first major restoration was carried out in the 17th century. Many Renaissance features were added on the first floor,. Windows were opened and monumental chimney pieces were created. The second restoration is 19th century and is the work of the famous French architect Viollet le Duc.
Other activities at the castle include a famous production of white Graves wines ‘Chateaufort de Roquetaillade‘, and Bazadais cattle breeding. (Ed. If you ever see bazas beef on a restaurant menu, it is delicious! )
Lunch
After the morning tour relax with your picnic in the Chateau grounds.
Afternoon
Following lunch, a short drive to the village of Villandraut for our second guided tour of the day at Chateau Villandraut. Our tour in english starts at 3 pm
The castle of Villandraut is known as ‘the castle of Pope Clement’ because Villandraut is the native land of Bertrand de Goth, who in 1305 became the first pope in Avignon under the name of Clement V.
From the beginning of his pontificate, Clement V decided to erect a new castle in Villandraut, as a symbol of the increased power of the Goth family.
The work, begun in 1307, was completed in 1314. The castle was built in just 7 years, a short period for the Middle Ages, when normally it would take 20 years for such a work. This shows the wealth and power of the sponsor, Pope Clement V. The castle was intended to be comfortable without neglecting the defensive aspect indispensable during those troubled times. The moat is 6.5 metres high and 15 metres wide with a drawbridge and together with six defensive towers each at 22 metres high.
The interior of the castle consists of a central courtyard, surrounded by three main buildings. The ground floor was devoted to stables, communal areas and kitchens and was mainly for guards and servants. The upper floors were for the nobles. The chapel is located on the first floor, as well as a large reception rooms. Comfort is ensured by no less than 21 chimneys and 19 latrines.
Subsequent history of the castle:
After the death of Clement V in 1314, the castle remained in the Goth family for only ten years. After this, due to marriages and legacies, the castle changed ownership many times.
The religious wars mark a turning point in the history of the castle. It is looted twice, in 1572 and in 1577, and in 1592 it is occupied by the Leaguers who take refuge there. The army, in order to make them surrender, attacked the castle and shelled the building with nearly 1860 guns and the southeast tower collaped. The Bordeaux parliament even ordered the total destruction of the building, but this decision was opposed by the King of France.
In 1600 the castle was bought by the lord of Lalanne who over 25 years carried out repair works leaving the architecture unchanged. In 1739, the castle is bought by the Marquis de Pons who stripped of woodwork and left it abandoned. The castle gradually deteriorated until in 1886 it is classified as an historical monument. Until 2007, it was the same family, of Sabran-Pontevès, the castle is now owned by Norbert Fradin, a Bordeaux promoter, great lover of medieval castles.
Since 1985, volunteer camps have been organized to clear the moats and restore the most sensitive parts of the castle. Archaeological excavations, stone cutting and masonry are on the program every summer at the castle.
Booking
The cost for the two guided tours is 13€ per person assuming a group of 25 people. Please book online below as soon as possible but no later than Friday 20th April. Norma B’s contact details for the cheque etc are here
When using the online booking form, please note the following:
Do not forget to press ‘Submit’
If you do not receive a confirmation from Norma B within 48 hours then your booking has not been recorded and we ask you to contact Norma direct for your booking confirmation
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What was Bordeaux like when the Ducs d’Aquitaine were also incidentally rois d’Angleterre (1154-1453)? Want to find out? Join in!
Remembrance Service at the Allied Forces Cemetery in Talence.
What a surprise, an island in the beautiful Lac d’Aureilhan near Mimizan with an astonishing display of nearly 400 varieties of trees, bushes and especially varieties of flowers, mainly labelled and all lovingly tended, and also free to visit.
In the inter-war years Biscarrosse was the centre of the thriving French seaplane industry, with more than 100 flying boats providing flights to Africa. New York and South America. There is now an excellent museum there, with a regular international event to trace the history of aviation.
Chateau Roquetaillade & Chateau Villandraut: Mazeres – Friday 4th May
Chateau Roquetaillade is one of the most visited sites in south-west France and a classified historical monument. It is privately owned and has has been lived in by the same family for over 700 years since 1306. It was first opened to the public in 1956.
Following lunch, a short drive to the village of Villandraut for our second guided tour of the day at Chateau Villandraut. Our tour in english starts at 3 pm
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