Posts Tagged ‘commequiers’



Arise, Sir Knight!

Lundi, mars 15th, 2010

Medieval Festival Commequiers

We took our son Liam to the Fête Mediéval de Commequiers last summer.  Total success even though he was only three!

We’re planning on staying longer this year ‘cos there is absolutely loads lined up.

The castle dates back to the 15th century but is in ruins today.  It just didn’t matter the day of the Festival!  The Fête kicks off on Sat 31st July, 6pm to midnight, with a medieval market and a taste of the following day’s events. 

The ruins of Commequiers Castle

IT IS FREE IN ON SATURDAY EVENING. Sunday 1st August, the Fête will be open from 10 am to midnight with re-enactments, knights &  jousting, sword fighting, food & drink stalls, not forgetting daylight pyrotechnic displays. 

It’s really reasonable at 5 € per adult and free for under 12’s.  There’s a superb firework display planned to close the event. 

There are videos, photos and more info on their website if you’d like a  better idea, it’s in French only www.amisduchateau.com

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Posted in Leisures & Entertainment | 7 Comments »



So you want to try some traditional fare…

Lundi, mars 15th, 2010

Hôtel Restaurant la Gare, Commequiers

I did it at last!  18 years in France and I tasted my first frogs’ legs today at Hôtel Restaurant la Gare, in Commequiers!  Divine! I love the old-world retro charm of this hotel that dates back to 1890.  Monsieur & Madame Pineau give you the warmest welcome possible, whether it’s for a meal or just a coffee at the bar.

Frogs Legs in Garlic

The food is delicious and it’s a chance to try out some traditional dishes that I never cook myself, like tête de veau (calf’s head), rognons (kidneys), anguilles (eels).    If you’re not feeling quite so adventurous, there is always the delicious duckling on offer, or knuckle of lamb with mogettes (Vendean haricot beans).

A delicious Café Gourmand

My friend Isa & I rounded off lunch with a café gourmand - 3 mini desserts with a coffee - this way we had a wee taste of everything without feeling as though we’d over-indulged!

Rue de la Morinière,  tel 02 51 54 80 38 for reservations, no website for the moment.  Low season, closed on a Monday, otherwise open for lunch every day and dinner on Sat night, RESERVE IN ADVANCE!

High season, closed on a Monday, open the rest of the week for lunch & dinner, RESERVE!

If you want to work off the calories,  cross the road to the Vélo-Rail, (website in French only)  pedal-powered carts on the old railway lines, 2 hour circuits for up to 4/5 people.  RESERVE in high season!  We got off lightly ‘cos it was closed today…  Instead, we went for a walk around Commequiers Castle, roll on the medieval festival!

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Posted in Food & Wine | 8 Comments »