All over the world people greet the arrival of spring with unique celebrations and festivals. Surely none is more unique that the annual Fest’Oie or Goose Festival in Sarlat, in the heart of the Dordogne region of France. The Dordogne or Périgord is synonymous with French gastronomy – and geese hold pride of place.
Each year at the beginning of March Sarlat holds a festival to celebrate all things goosey – from goose taming, children’s games, dancing and marching bands led by who else? – the geese. To be sure there are serious food indulgences as well – all goose-themed of course! Rillettes, duck saucisson, and foie gras can all be sampled at various market stalls. Serious gourmets can sign on for the Fest’oie banquet! Enjoy some fifteen different dishes prepared by chefs and all the foie gras you can eat – accompanied of course by ample tastings of the famous Bergerac wines.
Le Mas & Le Mazet, a 16th-century farmhouse and its adjacent cottage are wonderful jumping off points for exploring the festival held in one the prettiest villages in all of France. Recognized by The Times’ 50 best holidays in France for 2019, Le Mas, with five bedrooms, is ideal for multi-generational families, groups of friends or wine clubs. And for a romantic get-away the charming Le Mazet is a delightful way for couples to escape.
Spring arrives early in the Dordogne and the fields around the farm are alive with early spring flowers. Le Mas & Le Mazet can arrange for your own private goose feast catered in by private chef. During the festival the region’s excellent wineries offer up some of the best complements for your goose delights. For an evening out, host Rupert Springfield suggests “Join the fun on the Saturday evening of the festival when the locals gather at an immense table on Place de la Liberté for La Bodeg’oie.”
About Le Mas & Le Mazet:
Le Mas & Le Mazet is a 16th-century farmhouse located in the heart of the Dordogne countryside in France. In 2016, owners Rupert Springfield and Franck van der Hooft teamed up with Dutch interior designer Joris van Grinsven to renovate both houses, adding modern design to complement the history and character of the buildings. Le Mas accommodates up to 10 guests and Le Mazet is a charming 1-bedroom cottage with the most gorgeous views over the valley to the 12th-century village church. Le Mas & Le Mazet can be rented individually or together for groups of up to 12 guests. On behalf of the Ministry of Tourism, Le Mas was awarded 5-stars by the Dordogne Perigord Tourist Board.
The classification is based on the facilities, space, accommodation and information offered to guests. It is the perfect base to explore all of the castles, markets, prehistoric caves, wineries and restaurants that the Dordogne has to offer.
Comments