Vide Greniers in the Languedoc


Here we are once again, the Vide Grenier season is upon us and with less than 48 hours to go before the annual bash at Lasserre de Prouille yours truly has not even got within spitting distance of the vast assortment of items that clutter up a whole room at Le Chateau.

Every year it’s the same old story. I convince His Lordship that of course I will endeavour to cut down on the number of embossed metis sheets that I collect. Of course I will dispose of some of the heavy linen peasants smocks with hand embroidered initials. No we don’t need all that china or a miniature version of The Titanic (seriously) or any number of paraphernalia that seems to accumulate quite easily when you have room to spare.

One of the ‘star’ turns this year on the stall of Sally’s Chateau is the most divine hand made wooden cot on wheels circa 1930’s or thereabouts. I’m undecided about this one though, I’m rather partial to obscure and unusual items. One only has to meet His Lordship to understand this statement.

Talking of old items though it seems that they don’t always attract the admirers one might imagine. Yesterday I had an enquiry for a booking and along with the letter was some advice on marketing. Featuring old Riley cars do nothing for your website it stated. The Grand Duchess, a 1952 2.5 litre Riley Classic Motor Car draws admiring glances and stops people, quite literally, in their tracks.

Anyone who fails to appreciate this would , I feel, be better by far at looking at a more mundane establishment.

Comments

@themill said…
Doing a mass catch up on blogs as I'm trying to cut down on the addiction. The baggy bottomed second son is spending the autumn term as l'assistant Anglais at a school near Toulouse. I may well visit him and by default you. Would his Lordship prefer mayo or dressing with his hat?
Had famous B&B'ers last year. Quite surreal as they obviously thought we didn't know who they were!
Definitely don't want anyone who can't appreciate style when they see it!
countrymousie said…
I have been meaning to ask you - have you hosted the Bentley Owners Club annual trip to France yet - I only ask as one of our closest friends is involved with organizing this. If you havent I could show them your brochure. I love the car - I have a classic car nerd for a husband remember. I love all things old, including him!
Just to add that my shower towel is mighty large, I could be the mother to all the builders! and I passed them the keys through a gap in the door. NOT!!!
lixtroll said…
Owing to a bout of flu or something just as horrid, I have allowed myself the luxury of a totally blog-filled afternoon from the comfort of my own canopied day-bed (hemhem), and at last I have made the journey to Le Chateau which I have always promised myself, but never until now had the time to do.

It was worth every moment, I had a wonderful time and I have emerged feeling refreshed and strengthened, and on my way to a full recovery; sun soaked into my skin on a rainy Scottish afternoon, the feeling of flagstones cool in the shade beneath my gilt-tipped tootsies . . . but more. I saw the Duchess! She absolutley took my breath away, what a beauty! Oh love her and cherish her, and take no notice of those vulgar marketing people. I feel indeed that a more mundane establishment may be more suitable for their needs.
Sally's Chateau said…
His Lordship belongs to a group called the 5A's which is a club here in the Aude for all lovers of Classic Cars. We do like to feel we offer that 'little extra', including large towels !
Suffolkmum said…
How rude of the prospective guests!Obviously don't understand style .... I'm a terrible hoarder too. Love the sound of all the old linen and smocks.
Un Peu Loufoque said…
My dear I do hope you had sense to tell teh cheeky person to bog orf!! How rude! I think the Duchess is a fine car!! He probaly drives a Robinn Reliant plebian fool!! Set the dogs on him I say!!
I totally agree with En Peu and if you want any big dogs to do the business I've got three I can let you have! How ignorant!
Hello! Thanks for dropping by my blog. This is a return visit. It's not just my arguments that are blunt and to the point honey! By the way one of my brothers lives not far from you near the hamlet of Coussa ten miles west of Mirepoix. I can't understand the attraction of Frogland myself. Okay for a break but I wouldn't want to live there - too many French people around for my liking.
Mmmmm... I just looked back through your blog and found pictures of your lovely home. I think I have changed my mind about Frogland now... Do you need a butler to provide personal services 24/7? I can easily put on a posh accent and I got a Grade B in O level French.
Pondside said…
Some people are so cranky that they can't even book a holiday without throwing on some cold water. Your website is gorgeous and the Duchesse is that something extra that any venture needs. Don't let people like that rain on your parade.
Good grief - some guests - like ours who have just arrived from Switzerland and the other group from Montana (Country name dropping - couldn't resist) can be wonderful and then you get the others! Pah! We had a motorbike group meet here one year - brilliant fun.

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