Fashion for everyone

Before they leave and as part of the celebrations nearly 3000 sheep, goats and donkeys are herded into the centre of the village and paraded around the town not once but twice. As as Australian did I ever think I would stand amongst a crowd and watch sheep running around the town streets? Not a chance.... I have always avoided this fete and found a million excuses to stay home as watching thousands of bleating 'baa baa' is not exactly my thing but I stand corrected. I went, I watched and ...loved it.

It wasn't the sheep that held my attention but the locals who had turned out to cheer the farmers and herders off on their summer journey. Fiercely proud they hugged the curbs - young, old and all in between - waving, and clapping them on their way. Enthusiasm is so infectious....even if it is for sheep!

And as it was a long weekend there was the chance for other watching, that is movie watching. We had the perfect guests this past weekend - they loved La Fete de la Transhumance and a good movie. The ideal mix really - a good shot of local culture in the morning followed by a heavy dose of entertainment in the evening. 

One of the best films ever - that is if you like detective stories, fast action and a smattering of intrigue - is 36 Quai des Orfevres, starring Daniel Auteuil and Gerard Depardieu. (Don't these guys always make an appearance in most good French movies?) 

And if you don't feel like concentrating too hard Comme les Autres is a totally different kind of romantic love triangle - not starring Daniel Auteuil and Gerard Depardieu but some other lesser known actors. This is a light, frothy and oh so French - le film coup de coeur du public - film that has captured the public's heart.

I am afraid the sheep won't be out and about parading until this time next year but you could always watch these movies in the meantime, xv.