Get your boules out – it’s time for pétanque!
Until the French Revolution, Madame, (my Lady, equivalent to Monsieur, my Lord) was mainly used to address the bourgeoisie, whilst Mademoiselle, (my Damsel) was the form of address used for both younger and older ‘common’ ladies.
P-O reader, Peter Spencer, has unearthed the story behind the monument in Céret, commemorating artists that have been drawn to the area and have links to Céret and the P-O. Part 1.
Although its origins are a little hazy, many believe that the tradition of April Fool’s Day was actually born in France in the 16th century.
No need for a rain dance this year!
Any time is a good time to pack a picnic and head for the majestic Monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes that overlooks Port de la Selva in Spain.
A creamy, saffron-laced delight, perfect for a snazzy dinner party or just to enjoy a deux.
For thousands of years, large and cumbersome ‘racket’ snowshoes were absolute necessities to move around in snowy landscapes, to hunt, trap, communicate, discover and survive.
From October onwards you’ll see ’Rifles’ advertised everywhere you go in the P-O! No need to duck unless you’re talking “two little ones”! It’s bingo!
Did you know that the man who was apparently responsible for the unification of Catalonia was called Wilfred the Hairy (El Pelut), Count of Barcelona, but hailing originally from Ria near Prades?