Plaigne

The girls enjoying the pool

Plaigne

Plaigne is a small hilltop village, steeped in history. Part of the church dates back to Roman times. We had a medium stay here and she thinks that she saw a Cathar ceremony being held on the site of our house.
The house is hundreds of years old, but we do not know how old. The stone built walls are very thick. The house is designed to keep warm in the winter and cool in summer.
The village may be very small, but there is a great community spirit or ambiance about it. In summer, various activities are organized and every two weeks, members of the village and friends of the village get together for a game of petanque and a glass of wine (or two!). Some of the participants take it quite seriously and others, like me, go along for fun. On 14th July, Bastille Day, there is a village picnic in the old school yard. Anyone and Everyone is welcome. We have a thoroughly pleasant afternoon (and evening as people drift off to various houses in the village). The following weekend there is the Fête de Plaigne. On the Friday night there is entertainment and dancing for the teenagers and anyone else who wishes to come along. On the Sunday, it's the Maire's aperitif, after the Mess and the placing of the wreath or flowers on the war memorial. This is followed in the evening by a ball for the 'oldies' and anyone who wants to join in. The country folk work hard, but they also 'play' hard and know how to have a thoroughly good time. Last weekend, it was the paella evening which was followed by a ball which went on into the night. Next week, a village trip has been organized to the bison farm at Lapenne, including a meal in the auberge. Throughout the year there are other events including mounjetade, cooked by a Plaigne farmer, and Lotto....... At Christmas and Easter, there is usually a little friendly service in the church. We usually try to get as many children involved as possible, participating in slide shows of their drawings, acting, singing (which I'm in charge of), playing musical instruments etc. We usually have mulled wine, mince pies, french nibbles and at Easter, hot cross buns were introduced to the French. They loved them. These events are usually a coming together of the different cultures and traditions in a friendly, relaxed and pleasant way.
Despite these activities, Plaigne remains a calm, tranquil village in the middle of rolling countryside, far from the 'busy' world and yet withing easy travelling distance to it. I love it.
Best wishes from Plaigne