Marche et Mange

Apologies - the date is a bit of a guess!

One of my lasting memories of our visits to Camping Des Aubredes in Puget-sur-Argens was an invitation we had from a group of French the last two years we were there to join them on a Marche et Mange.  We had absolutely no idea what we were letting ourselves in for, but together with a few other English were invited to take part in this unique experience.

Basically, we gathered together in the lay-by opposite the campsite in our cars at about 9.30am, and we had little idea what to expect.  We arrived in the lay-by just before 9.30am and were greeted by others, we waited for a bit, and before very long there were about 25 cars in the lay-by already to go.

We drove in convoy up into the hills and did a bit of a detour picking up a few more cars on the way.  We arrived at a farm at about 11am and all parked up.  It was very much a case of follow the leader.  We went on a shortish walk down to a lake and back via a slightly diferent route.  We arrived back at the farmhouse at about midday, so the walk was only about an hour long.

As we approached the farmhouse we could see the tables and chairs they had laid out for us under the trees with typical provence coloured table cloths and napkins.  We all found a seat and sat down for lunch - there were now about 70 of us.

We had a starter, some wine, a bit of bread, some more wine, then someone would stand up and say something.  It wasn't very long before individuals stood up and sang a song with everyone joining in the chorus.  This was punctuated by more food courses, more bits of bread and mare glasses of wine.  The main course eventually came - the second year we went it was a pig which had been slow roasting for some time.  The first year we went they introduced us to the pig which was to be the main course the following year.  LOL. There was absolutely plenty of food for everyone and as soon as the wine glass was empty more wine appeared.  I can't remember what was for pudding, but it eventually came and I guess we must have had cheese, but at this stage, I'm damned if I could remember.  Everything was punctuated by song, wine and more food and wine.  We eventually finished at about 6pm.

At this point we had the problem of getting back to the campsite.  Fortunately for us, my wife doesn't drink so we were nominated as head of the convoy back to the site.  All as I can say, is that it was a darn good job that there were no police about.  We kept to country roads and headed back to the site - the traffic behind us weaving freely from side to side.  To this day, I still find it remakable that everyone manged it back in one piece.

The cost of this day out - about £10 a head.  Excellent for a brilliant day out and great food and drink.  If ever you get chance to go on one of these do's, grab it!!

We allowed ourselves about an hour before many of us gathered together for evening drinks outside various peoples awning.  I don't think we managed tea though!!  Absolutely excellent day.

David