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.
