What's new in Rennes for 2010

2010 has arrived, we have had snow here for a couple of days. The woods looked beautiful, just like a Christmas card but it was bad weather for treasure hunting. It has nearly all melted, the vegetation has all died down, the water is running off the mountains so what will be uncovered and discovered this year.

I've no idea but Renne les bain is a hive of activity, the Winter residents all seem to be hard at work writing books, some in Danish, some in English, hopefully, they will be finished this year.

Otherwise, I think that 2010 will be a good year for the village, on the grapevine I heard that the last analysis of the spa water was good so hopefully the curists will return and the Summer visitors will be up!

The Limoux carnival has started and will continue until the 21st of March! This is the longest carnival in the world! Each weekend and on Shrove Tuesday, a group of masked dancers and musians tour Limoux hurling confetti at everyone. It happens 3 times per day; 11.00, 16.30 and 22.00. Here is the program of the different dance groups:

JANUARY

16 LES REMENILS

17 LE TIVOLI

23 LAS PIOTAS -LES DROLES

24 MONTE CRISTO

30 LES ENCANTADO

31 LES AISSABLES -LES POUPINETOS

FEBRUARY

6 LES BROUNZINARES

7 LES BLANQUETIERS

13 LES PEBRADOUS -LES SIEURS D4ARQUES

14 LE PARADOU

16 LES ANCIENS

20 LES PITCHOUNS -LES TAPS

21 LES FENNOS

27 LES ESTABOUSITS 6LAS COUDENOS

28 L'ARAGOU

MARCH

6 CARNAVALS DU MONDE

7 SORTIE D TOUTES LES BANDS

12 LES RETRAITES

13 LES MAIRACHES -LES COPINS

14 LES ARIADIENS

20 LES JOUVRES - LES LIMOUXINS

21 LE PONT VIEUX

21 CREMATION ET NUIT DE LA BLANQUETTE

If that isn't enough excitement on the 27th of March it is the 'TOQUES et CLOCHERS and this year it is being held at Couiza, just within staggering distance of Rennes les Bains. This festival to Bacchus is the yearly tasting of the local appelation controlé chardonnay made by Sieur d'Arque. Lots of street music, lots of good street food and a chance to taste and descide which of the four chardonnays you like the best. There is also a fire work display at the end of the night. This is a fabulous day out but do try and pace yourselves!

Then Saturday the 3rd of July, the 'Marche du Sel' starts from Rennes les Bains. This is another great day out if you like walking and it is great that it is starting here for the first time. 

The hills are alive with the sound of digging

We are now at the end of July so the next big event here in Rennes les Bains is the annual spit lamb roast of the largest treasure hunters association on the 8th August. Normally fuelled by a bit of alcohol the hunters share their latest theories with the world!

I have had complaints from some visitors to Rennes that each time they go for a walk in the woods here it gets more and more dangerous as there are more and more holes to fall in to on the surrounding hills. There has been allot of mining around here over the years, gold, jet, lead, silver etc, but what are they digging for now?

Trebhor Cooper, who is midway through writing his book about his discoveries is convinced that he is on to something big involving a famous mathematicien, whilst the Flemish / Dutch forum under the able direction of 'Indiana' Klaas van Urk and 'Iron man' Kurt Impens' are working in a completely different location. All I can tell you is that they all spend a lot of time in the woods around here and even though Wouter de Bour provides a three course picnic lunch for them with a choice of menu, I'm sure that they know more than they are telling me!

I have just had Manolu who he the youngest and bravest representativeof the Swiss / German group here and with his girlfriends brother he spent allot of the holiday underground perhaps going boldly where no man has gone before.

Which brings us nicely onto the topic of Bugarach.

2012 is the year when in some people's opinion there will be a 300 metre tidal wave that sweeps us all away, leaving behind only those who communicate with the aliens who arrive by UFO to Bugarach. (I promise you I am not inventing this, but when you live here you certainly don't need to watch television to be entertained). I have not invested in a rubber dingy and have not been asked to build an ark yet, but maybe if I cut down all the trees in the woods it will be easier to find the treasure which is hidden there somewhere?

There seem to be more and more 'experts' who are convinced that the body of Jesus Christ and or Mary Magdalen are burried here in the valley and with other people telling me the treasure of the temple of Jerusalem, the treasure of the Cathars, the treasure of the Knight Templars are all here as well, I can't understand why with all the gardening I do, all I've found to date in 8 years are a few old cintime pieces and a few nails, but trust me there is 'gold in them hills'!

Otherwise, for the more uninteresting mortals like myself, the folklore festival is sadly over for another year, we had three great groups who sang and danced for us last week. You see, the world comes to Rennes les Bains.

It is the village fete on Sunday 2nd August, with a lunchtime meal, cycle race and live music and on the 8th we have the 6 hour running race. Normally this is earlier in the year when it is a little cooler so as usual I think that I will just buy a 't' shirt rather than do the running!

I will do my best to keep you up to date with the latest news as it comes to my dining table.

yours

André