This French Life

Villefranche-du-Périgord market goes 'car free' this summer

THE Saturday morning market in Villefranche-du-Périgord has gone pedestrian friendly this summer with the main square and principle road through the village closed to traffic.

The Place de la Halle and the Rue Notre-Dame will be out of bounds to vehicles every Saturday from 8h to 14h from today (9 July) to 29 August inclusive.

It will enable many of the market sellers and shops to spread out a little and have small stands directly on the street, giving both visitors and holiday makers the chance to take their time and maybe spend a little extra cash.

The decision comes as Villefranche-du-Périgord looks to give the Saturday morning market a boost, with lower rents to draw in a variety of stall holders.

Bal des Pompiers, or fire service ball, in Villefranche-du-Périgord; 14 July

EXPECT a night of loud music and dancing into the early hours as the Villefranche-du-Périgord Bal des Pompiers takes place on Thursday 14 July.

Taking place at the fire station in the village, the evening starts at 19h with the chance to enjoy a beer and drinks, as well as a bite to eat including pizza, pancakes and ice cream.

The disco will be starting around 21h30 and you can be assured of an entertaining evening where the volunteer firemen and women of Villefranche-du-Périgord let their hair down.

On the 13 July there is a meal and disco, as well as firework display, taking place in the village.

Fête Nationale celebrations Villefranche-du-Périgord; 13 July

TO mark the Fête Nationale across France, Villefranche-du-Périgord is hosting a meal, music and a firework display on Wednesday 13 July.

The meal, starting at 20h30, is organised by the local rugby club and includes magret de canard and is priced 15€ for adults and 10€ for children.

The disco music will spring into life from around 22h and a firework display that usually lights up the church is set to start at 23h.

On the 14 July there will be a disco organised by the local fire service, ensuring two days of fun and music in the village.

Art exhibition in Besse; 10 July

AROUND forty artists will be displaying their work on Sunday 10 July in the beautiful, atmospheric village of Besse, here in the southern tip of the Dordogne.

Potters, painters, photographers and many other artists will be showing off their passion for their work, and explaining to visitors how they make what they make.

Organised by the Art-à-Besse association the exhibition opens at 10h and it is free entry, with food and drink also available.

Loubejac farmers market sets out its stalls

EVERY Thursday the popular night market beneath Loubejac's church tower takes place and runs throughout July, August and this year into September.

The first one takes place on 7 July, starting at 18h30, and remember to bring along your plates, as well as glasses for a dash of wine and knives and forks.

Local food and drink producers offer duck, breads, soups, salads, wine, fruits of all types and you can sit down with friends to enjoy a leisurely evening.

There will be live music on 4 and 11 August, with the last night market taking place on 1 September.

This southern corner of the Dordogne will host similar events, sometimes featuring live music, but always offering a slice of real French life.

There is a farmers market every Tuesday during the summer season in Villefranche-du-Périgord, it takes place under the village halle and starts at 18h30. On Friday there is a farmers market in Besse again starting at 18h30.