8 Remarkable Strolls in the Gardens of Marqueyssac (Dordogne)
Perched on a promontory overlooking the Dordogne Valley, the Gardens of Marqueyssac form a singular sight which lends itself to multiple strolls. This photo-reportage by Ava Kabouchy and Gary Lee Kraut explores the mood, botany, quirks, activities and enchantment of Marqueyssac through eight remarkable strolls.
Saint Léonard de Noblat: Pilgrims, Prisoners, Pastries, Porcelain, Paper
A two-part article in which we encounter in central France along the Way of Saint James: Leonard, the patron saint of prisoners; undernourished pilgrims; massepain, a rustic pastry, and a former hub of artisanship (paper, porcelain, leather).
Saint Leonard de Noblat: 500 Years of Paper Production
The Moulin du Got in Saint Leonard de Noblat (Haute-Vienne) is a wonderful example of a living historical site as it combines an artisanal papermaking factory, a print shop, an exhibition gallery and hands-on programming for all ages.
The Silence of Oradour-sur-Glane
As Elisabeth Esris walks the charred and shattered streets of Oradour-sur-Glane (near Limoges) with other visitors the uniformity of silence is remarkable. This is not a place for conversation or expletive even though each step leads to palpable savagery.
Rochefort: Ships, Shipyards and Seafarers
As a former naval and shipbuilding town once surrounded by marshland, Rochefort can’t stake a claim to quaint streets, charming strolls or photogenic vistas. But nearly a hundred years after the closing of its naval shipyard, the town has played its historical cards in such a way as to make this an attention-grabbing, off-circuit destination.
Sylvie Deschamps, France’s Master Artist of Gold Embroidery
An interview with Sylvie Deschamps, France's Master Artist of gold embroidery and director of the Bégonia d'Or workshop in Rochefort, an upriver port town in western France. Includes demonstration video.
The Begonia Conservatory: Without Rochefort There Would Be No Begonias
The town of Rochefort in western France, best known for its historic naval dockyard, is home to Europe’s most important collection of begonias, which is to be expected given that there would be no begonias (or magnolias or fuchsias) were it not for Rochefort. An explanation and a visit.
Aubusson Tapestries: Weavers, Spinners, Dyers, Cartoonists and the Cité Internationale
The International Center of Aubusson Tapestry represents far more than a pat on the back to the history of tapestry-making in the Creuse region. It also reaffirms and encourages the continuity of know-how for the entire branch of tapestry-related activities in Aubusson, Felletin and elsewhere in Creuse.
A Joyful Walk in the Bordeaux Vineyards of Rauzan
In which the author takes part in a joyful musical wine and food walk through vineyards in the Entre-Deux-Mers zone of the Bordeaux winegrowing region organized by the Caves de Rauzan wine cooperative. Article includes a France Revisited video of the event. Rauzan's next "promenade gourmande" takes place on June 12.