Summer Nights

Making the most of these SUMMER NIGHTS

What do the words “Summer Nights” conjure up for you?

For those lucky enough to live in or visit our region, it will probably bring happy memories and dreams of dancing at the night markets, dinner in the vines, open air theatre, candlelit gardens and concerts of every kind.

LES MARCHÉS

Attended by all ages, Marchés Nocturnes are, quite simply, fun, and often start with the traditional waving of napkins, flags, or arms to accordion or brass-based Bandas playing French folklore such as Vino Griego. There’s a dance that goes with it too, you can figure out the steps at https://bit.ly/3xbmFyR. Then there are the traditional accordionists and their electronic counterparts who charge the atmosphere with their fast-fingered musical talent whilst giving modern pop and rock a run for their money. Speaking of talent, don’t miss the local choirs, singers and bands and, towards the end of the night, some of the best DJ’s you will ever have experienced. Equally important, let’s not forget the dancing! This year, as well as the newly updated and obligatory Macarena, https://bit.ly/3aIiT8N, and the popular Madison, https://bit.ly/3x9KQhf, there will probably be the Mambo, https://bit.ly/3zgtGkD, and, for sure, the latest line dance to hit French dance floors, the Jerusalema, https://bit.ly/3GRJGva

VINEYARD PLEASURES

High summer is the time when vineyards open their premises to music, dancing, food and, naturally, their wines, helping you to discover the nuances of the local grapes and their growers. You may be sitting in the vines or overlooking them, dancing and listening to a local band, but you can expect to see your neighbours and make new friends in a convivial, often peaceful and beautiful countryside setting.

DECORATIVE SETTINGS

With so many stunning castles, manor houses, abbeys and ruins it is not hard to see why there are so many outdoor concerts, theatrical performances and even film screenings held in some very special locations. Light shows on the walls, lasers in the sky, fireworks and picnics on the lawns can all be enjoyed in a surreal setting that lends itself to an unforgettable evening.

FEELING HUNGRY?

Food and wine form a large part of vineyard and night market events with local suppliers offering a variety of meats which, once selected, will be cooked there and then. Alternatively, you can usually choose from a selection of fish and pasta dishes along with delicious frites fried in duck fat, paella, local cheeses, breads, fruits and desserts. The markets always have a great selection of local wines and beers and, depending on the size of the event, you may also find dishes from afar. There is only one rule, bring our own cutlery and, quite often, glasses. In many vineyards, as well as their range of wines and food by local artisans, you can also enjoy a special gastronomic dinner on the lawns or a romantic picnic in the vines. Food trucks are growing in popularity at all the outdoor events with venues such as châteaux augmenting their own gastro-menus with the latest food trend or a real favourite in France: fish ‘n chips.

OPEN AIR CONCERTS

Lyric festivals and outdoor concerts are held throughout the region featuring poetry, orchestral, operatic, big band, swing, rock, jazz and theatrical performances.

Whichever type of event you choose, you are sure to have a wonderful evening. Who knows, you may also be reminded of Sandy telling the Pink Ladies all about her special summer night with Danny in Grease. He had very different memories, at least according to what he told the Thunderbirds! You may be hearing that song a few times too – all together now “well-a well-a well-a huh”…

Les Nuits d’Eté (Summer Nights) is a collection of songs that you might hear at one of these music gatherings. Written by Hector Berlioz, it is based on six poems by another Frenchman, Théophile Gautier, and was originally intended for a soloist and piano. Although completed in 1841, it was pretty much forgotten until the 20th century when it became one of the composer’s most popular works. Based on the progression of love from youthful innocence to loss and, finally, renewal, it is now often played by a full orchestra. You can hear each of the six pieces at https://bit. ly/3atAhOe

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