As the nights draw in, the thoughts of some Chateau guests turn to the grape – namely, the Hospices de Beaune wine auction www.beaune-tourism.com. Others muse upon the Herring Festival – Fête du Hareng Roi – . www.etaples-tourisme.com. But many others are already starting to consider preparing for Christmas and, of course, the imminent arrival of Père Fouettard, aka ‘The Whipping Father’. We’ve previously written about this fascinating aspect of French folklore, and all that remains to be said is a) in a film, Père Fouettard needs to be played by Louis de Funès at his most irate. And b) Given the recent conduct of certain household members, several tonnes of coal may be coming their way on the 6th of December. More of this anon…
