A Romantic Evening South West, France Lot et Garonne

Willeric restaurant Clairac

A flavour of Romance at Willeric , this quirky restaurant inClairac .

A small restaurant named Willeric about 8 minutes from your holiday home here at Gone Fishin’ hidden away in this little old fashioned village Clairac.

For that romantic and special occasion
For that romantic and special occasion Willeric

The history of this now famous quirky restaurant … 29 rue Gambetta was an old bar-hotel-restaurant, owned  by Mme Dieuzaide, from 1963 to 2000. Closed for eighteen years, it is now completely transformed into a new restaurant, retro style  of the late nineteenth century.

Fantastic that you can book online by choosing the calendar on their website enjoy there wonderful website here.. https://willeric.fr/ Open Friday to Monday, lunch and dinner.
Closed Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Full contact details on their site.

Where you can see there full menu .

From Starters Duo of trout in ceviche and smoked salmon
Not too sure about the translation here ..Snail slipper with Mediterranean flavorsRoyale of tomato and its velouté “gobi ka” again translation makes a smile.

A choice of Main dishes .Tray of 3 curries (scallops and wild shrimp, fish and lamb)
Guinea fowl in red and black
Matured beef 40 days, cooking on individual stone
180 g →OR 270 g
desserts
Profiteroles and its ice cream flavored with Moka from Ethiopia
Waffle, Chantilly cream with Tahitian vanilla
Chocolate marquise

All pictures courtesy of Willeric.  Just 8 minutes fron your holiday home here at Gone Fishin in the Sunny Lot et Garonne. A should in the morning you feel like enjoying some carp fishing the its simpy in your garden … enjoy https://gonefishin-holiday4two.com/

Traditional Foods You Can Find South West, France Lot et Garonne

Pancake Day we missed it! February 2nd. In France its called la Chandeleur yet another excuse for a French feast!

 

The 2nd of February is la Chandeleur. This marks the end of exactly 40 days after the Christmas period coming exactly 40 days after Christmas and traditionally a catholic holiday Candlemas. … Chandeleur is celebrated throughout France (Crepes originated in Brittany) as la fête des crêpes.

Pancake day - Chandeleur Feb 02
Pancake day – Chandeleur Feb 02

Enjoyed very much in this region Lot et Garonne Aquitaine, so much so that in some of the traditional markets a taster we being given out and enjoyed by all.

Enjoy watching how to make a traditional French pancake.

Lets not forget Rick Stein who enjoyed cooking the traditional Cassoulet whilst travelling through the Lot et Garonne down the canal du midi on his boat.

To quote Rick Stein..This hearty, meat-studded dish from Southwestern France is the ultimate one-pot meal.

Sharing his recipe here

 

France 2019. How Much For A Taxi – Stamps – Whats New In French Currency

French Taxis Cost 2019

France 2019. How Much For A Taxi – Stamps – Whats New In French Currency.

Taxis: New Fares for 2019

Taxis In France 2019 prices
Taxis In France 2019 prices

What you need to know when booking a taxi in France.

 What is the minimum price you will be charged? 

What is the price to go to an airport?

 Taxi fares for 2019 are set by official decree in December 2018.

In 2019, the minimum fare for a journey is set at € 7.10 for all taxis (Parisians and non-Parisians).

In addition, taxi fares are capped at:

  • € 4.10 
  • 1,10 € for the kilometer traveled
  • 36,73 € for the hourly price concerning the waiting period when reserved by the customer).

For Parisian taxis, booking supplements are, as in 2018, to:

  • 4 € in case of immediate reservation;
  • 7 € if booking in advance. 

    Moreover, for all races of Parisian taxis, only extra ” passenger ” of 4 € may be applied from a 5 th person carried.

    There is a flat rates set for the Paris taxis between Paris and the Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle and Orly airports (in both directions) remain unchanged compared to those in 2018: 

    • € 50 between Paris – Charles-de-Gaulle airport and Paris rive droite;
    • 55 € between Paris – Charles-de-Gaulle airport and Paris rive gauche;
    • 35 € between Paris-Orly airport and Paris rive droite;
    • 30 € between Paris-Orly airport and Paris left bank.

    There are also flat rates for shopping related to Nice Côte d’Azur Airport:

    • 32 € between Nice airport and Nice-center.
    • € 80 between Nice airport and Cannes;
    • 90 € between Nice airport and Monaco;

    Finally, for travelling for example to Toulouse Blagnac airport, these flat rates vary between € 15 and € 45 (depending on the area of the city). Please check on booking.

    How Much For Stamps In France 2019

    French Stamp New Prices For 2019
    French Stamps New Prices For 2019

     Stamp price: new increase on January 1, 2019

  • Priority letter (red stamp) or green letter (green stamp):

    Rates for stamps for individuals increased by an average of about 10% from 1 st  January 2019.

    This is indicated by a statement of the Regulatory authority for electronic communications and postal services (Arcep) on 2019 universal postal service tariffs.

    For individuals, the price of green stamp (distributed within 48 hours in France) will increase from 0.80 €  to  0.88 € , the red stamp (priority mail delivered within 24 hours in France) will now be priced at 1.05 € (against 0.95 € today).

    The ” Ecopli ,” the most economical way (sending in 4 days on average), will go from 0.78 €  to 0.86 € .

    For parcel post called Colissimo, the public rate Colissimo France metropolitan less 

    than 250 grams will remain at the same price as in 2018 ( 4.95 € ).

    Whats New In French Currency 2019

  • French New Currency For 2019
    French New Currency For 2019

    New Currency Notes of 100 and 200 Euros Arriving May 2019

  • The new € 100 and € 200 notes  are due to enter the euro zone from May 28, 2019, as part of the gradual renewal of the European currency denominations. They were presented by the European Central Bank (ECB) on 17 September 2018.

    These new notes are part of a series called ” Europe ” because two of the security signs used include a portrait of Princess Europe, a character of Greek mythology that gave its name to the continent. Tickets of 5 € , 10 € , 20 € and 50 € are already part of this series.

    The security markings in this series are perfected to allow better protection against counterfeiting. These new notes will be easier to verify the authenticity through feel, scrutinising  and tilting to the light .

  • The new € 100 note retains green as the dominant colour while taking inspiration from the Baroque and Rococo architectural style.

  • The New 100 Euro Note in circulation in May 2019
    The New 100 Euro Note in circulation in May 2019

    The new note 200 € shows secure gates , the yellow colour and the glass and steel architectural style of the XIX th  century.

  • The New 200 Euro Note in circulation May 2019
    The New 200 Euro Note in circulation May 2019

    These two new notes will have the same height as the € 50 note, but they will have the same length as the €100and 

  • €200 notes currently in circulation (the longer the note, the higher their face value).

A Christmassy feeling in Bordeaux

Bordeaux church

Christmas is underway in Bordeaux with roasted chestnuts and mulled wine or oysters and white wine being offered freely to many shoppers.

Why not visit a Christmas  Circus or a visit to the extravagantly  decorated Castles.

Shopping in Bordeaux
A shopping frenzy starting for Christmas in Bordeaux

Even the  Museums and the street artists are feeling Christmassy.

 It’s a wonderful time in Bordeaux … With all the flavours The Bordeaux Tourist has organised with the Chamber of Commerce for the first weekend of December.

Bordeaux celebrations
Bordeaux enjoys celebrating all year round

But whatever your choice, you will not escape the magic of Christmas in the cities be it Bordeaux or Agen or Villeneuve sur Lot.

A reminder Bordeaux is a fabulous wine growing region, and it is a port city of the Garonne river in South West France .

Also well-known for this Gothic cathedral Saint Andre .

There are beautiful mansions 18 to 19th century and notable art museums for example The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux.

The dynamic curving river quays have the beautiful public gardens running alongside.

The grand Place de la Bourse, centred on the Three Graces Fountain, over looks the famous Miroir d’Eau reflecting pool.

A must is the Grande Opera House ….Christmas spectacular at the Opera de Versailles, le Grand-Théâtre de Bordeaux

Opera House
Christmas spectacular at the Opera de Versailles, le Grand-Théâtre de Bordeaux

A place not to be me missed especially at Christmas time is Known as Paul’s Place in Bordeaux    https://www.paulsplacebordeaux.com/

A small restaurant in the heart of Bordeaux offering Home cooking exceptional…for the evenings.

People converge to Paul’s Place not only for the great cooking, enchanting decor, Live music, poetry readings , table Magic, exhibitions but drama and cultural gatherings.

When you enter Paul’s place you will see the walls and ceilings are richly covered with images and artefacts.

A treasure box of delights.

Pauls Place Bordeaux
Pauls Place Bordeaux

Whatever the occasion it’s the place to go be it just for a drink, a meal or listen to the live music.

A taste of music whats on this next week..

https://soundcloud.com/user-754533394/medley?fbclid=IwAR33NuIaG6iSFrebXttUegnLpq8ghbK254B0MoN3nqeP0Pdt0C3a9cjN_ec

We are certainly off to enjoy the Christmas feel in Bordeaux next week.

So easy from Gone Fishin here in the sunny Lot et Garonne. We just take an 8 minute drive to Aiguillon station, catch the train to Bordeaux and within 1hr 10 minutes can be enjoying the Christmas spirit in the wonderful town of Bordeaux.

The Best Spot For A Selfie in Nouvelle Aquitaine

Grand Dune du Pilat

Where is the best spot to take a selfie you might ask yourself whilst on holiday here at Gone Fishin Aiguillon just 1hr from Bordeaux.

Perhaps we could suggest a good selfie would be your catch of the day around our carp lake if you were a fisherman.

But To be honest our guests love a day out down at Arcachon close to the bustling city of Bordeaux.

Go climbing the Grande  Dune du Pilat, this is the tallest sand dune in Europe.

Arcachon Pine Forest
Arcachon pine forest showing being slowly swallowed up by the Grand Dune du Pilat

Located in La Teste-de-Buch in the Arcachon Bay area just 60km from Bordeaux.

So, should you make to the top of the largest sand dune in Europe it would surely be  be the best and unique place to take that  selfie.

….

Steps to the Grande  Dune du Pilat
A choice either take the steps or hike… one way or another

This sand dune is enormous measuring 500 meter in width , 3 km in length and rising to a height of 107 meter above sea level.

The formation and movement has slowly caused the dune to slowly migrate away from the coast, engulfing the trees of an inland pine forest .

After ( to recover) you might enjoy a visit into Arcachon itself, enjoy the famous casino and many restaurants. A truly beautiful replace, at this very popular weekend retreat for many especially the people of Bordeaux City.

Arcachon is associated with a place of health and in recovery. The fresh sea air of Arcachon is said to recuperate various ailments.

Across the bay is Cape de Ferret, a popular with many famous celebrities, many of whom have holiday homes in this chic seaside resort. The lovely town is divided into 5 sections namely, the summer town, autumn town, winter town, spring town and a beach resort.

Casino d’Arcachon, Arcachon….

Arcachon Casino
An evening at the Casino in Arcachon

 

The casino was originally a chateau  – The Chateau Deganne and in 1904 was converted into the casino .

In the early part of 20th-century Paris and Bordeaux bourgeoisie came spend the summer in Arcachon , so the town was obliged to create a distraction in the form of a casino .

The Casino includes several banquet style halls that are available for hire  for special events

Where To Buy Organic Food in South West France

organic food store

Just 10 minutes from your holiday home here at Gone Fishin in the sunny Lot et Garonne you will find a fabulous organic shop Biocoop Gaia that specialises not only in local organic produce from surrounding areas of Aiguillon , Clairac and Marmande but all things for the home that is using organics . No plastics in sight. Facial creams and make up and many medical organic products. The family that run it are Dutch and all speak English  so indeed many of our English guests go and have a chatter , buy products and thoroughly enjoy the experience .

 

Pop into the satelite navigation… Ponchut – RD 813 – 47130 Port-Sainte-Marie

Biocoop Gaia
Biocoop Oraganic produce run by a delightful Dutch Family

Since the beginning of its creation, 20 years ago, they have managed their store as a cooperative. It is a motivated team, united by common values ​​and a love of their produce  that will welcome you at GAIA. As a member of the Biocoop network, Gaia is committed to respecting a common charter by supporting the development of organic and fair farming, in partnership with producer groups.

Organic food and household items
Biocoop Organics for all
Their products are rigorously selected by their network and meet the specifications of organic farming, fair trade and eco-products.
Located near the small village of Port St Marie, in the heart of a production basin, they favor live purchases from local producers.
We also can introduce you to a number of local apple growers whose produce is purely organic .

Welcome To Gone Fishin In The Sunny Lot et Garonne

Welcome to Gone Fishin

A wonderful warm welcome awaits you here at Gone Fishin Aiguillon in the sunny Lot et Garonne, Nouvelle Aquitaine.

And yes, the Carp Fishing is free. This is not a Carp Fishing holiday its just a bonus and it is really free.

We have awaiting your arrival Fresh Croissants , Baguette, a breakfast ensemble of Jams, Butter and Marmalade. A fresh ham salad ready for eating with a bottle of either a red or white wine of the region.

This means total relaxation no need to think of shopping and no rush in the morning. Bliss….. the holiday is on course

You arrive as guests but leave as friends.