Sunday10th October 2010 - Down To The Serious Business

After breakfast it was over the road to L'Eglise de St Jean Baptist and Mass. The Mass was formally to bless the harvest and the local dignitaries were out in force.

Banyuls Confraternity Entering Eglise St Jean-Baptiste



Banyuls Confraternity Approaching The Altar In Eglise St Jean-Baptiste

Banyuls Confraternity With Barrel Of Season's Wine Outside Eglise St Jean-Baptiste



Unfortunately the rain returned when Mass was over and we had to delay going to the market for some shopping for lunch. After buying the necessary, it was off  to L'Etoile for a wee degustation. There was a huge paella being prepared for what seemed an invitation only lunch. It looked and smelled lovely.

Paella Being Prepared At Banyuls Cave De L'Etoile

We made our way up the hill by a series of narrow steps until we reached the Salle Bartisol. It was here that the main event was taking place.

With John, May, Margaret, Dorothy, Ron And Anne Inside Salle Bartissol For Une Petite Degustation

Brass Band Inside Salle Bartissol

Painting Of A Sardana Celebrating The Vendange

While being entertained by some music, we had a further opportunity to try various wines of the Banyuls terroir. We also met up with some Scottish friends who have homes locally and spent some time chatting. Whilst we did so the rain came back on and by the sound of it, it was heavier than ever. No point in going out in that, so we continued our wee degustation whilst waiting for it to go off. Time passed and it seemed that there was to be no let up, and so it was a case of getting wet on the way back to the apartment.
Lunch was a leisurely affair before an evening nap was followed by another nap and bed for the night.

Saturday 9th October 2010 - The Fete De Vendange Begins

After breakfast it was a walk about the town before heading back to move the car from its parking spot in the Place du Marche. The market was on tomorrow (Sunday) and it was either move it or it would be towed away. We found a place on Avenue General de Gaulle and then set off for the Carrefour Supermarche and the purchase of some sleeping bag liners and towels. There had been a mix up with the hire of bedlinen and towels with Joelle and so we had to go and buy some for our stay.

The walk back to town was to be spoiled by heavy rain and we had to dry ourselves before heading out once more.

By this time the Vendange was in swing and the first stop was Banyuls L'Etoile and a chance for a wee degustation of the local produce.




Cheers!

Getting the raw ingredients ready.

A walk through the streets followed and a chance to enjoy the entertainers who were already in full swing.

Musical entertainment outside the Mairie.

The party was enjoyed by many, it was just a pity that the weather wasn't to add to the occasion.

Ompah! Ompah!

We met some friends from Scotland who had moved to the town and they invited to see around their new property. They were still very much at the stage of decorating their new home but it will be lovely when it is finished.

 

Gie it laldy pal!

It was time now for a wee relaxing drink down by the sea, and windy though the day was it was pleasantly warm on the terrace of a beach side bar. We spent our time idly people watching and being entertained by the various street musicians passing by.

Brass Band On Rue St Pierre



Our evening meal was a chance to relax and also to shelter from heavy rain which was forecast for to last until the next day at least!!! Oh well, a lovely time was had by all and was finished off by an ice cream cone and then a wee glass of wine in a local bar before retiring for the night.