Colors of Aquitaine Region - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

If you want to get the maximum pleasure from your vacation in Aquitaine, consider some peculiarities of French mentality in communication with the locals. First of all, be ready, that the French don’t like to speak English, and not many people actually know it. It seems that the French learn respect for themselves and their homeland from the mother. Sometimes it evolves into arrogance towards the people from other European countries and the world in whole. If you speak French, use it. That will help you to prove yourself, putting your best foot forward. By the way, you should remember, that politeness in Aquitaine, as well as in the rest of France, is not just a tribute to etiquette, but a part of the national culture.

The French are ardent individualists. They think the state should work for their good, not vice versa. However, one poor comment towards France will antagonize the locals immediately. You should also avoid speaking ill of any national minorities. In case you were invited somewhere, remember, that dinner here starts at 8 p.m. Despite everyone thinks their interests are more important than those of others, and for example, are ready to cut the line, open conflicts are rare. There are a number of reasons for that: the ability to ease the tension is highly valued, and the freedom here means responsibility for your own actions.

For the men in Aquitaine it is perfectly natural to show their appreciation towards women. To pursue woman’s good graces is a kind of a national tradition. If a French man invites you to his place, make no mistake, he will do everything to seduce you. You won’t get bored in Aquitaine at any time of the year. There are big feasts and cultural festivals almost every month. If you decide to visit Bordeaux in the run-up to Christmas, go to the fair opposite the National Opera. In fact, there is a peculiar tradition in Aquitaine, relate to this holiday. It is custom to plant wheat sprouts into growth medium at the beginning of December. They germinate right before the holiday and are used as a table decoration. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Those, who love good food, should visit The Week of Taste in Aquitaine. This time is devoted entirely to the local products. A brisk trade, a wide choice of everything, produced in the region, “open days” at the restaurants – what can be better for a real gourmet? However, there are enough holidays in Aquitaine for those, who enjoy food and drinks. The Wine Festival in Bordeaux, the Oyster Festival in Arcachon, the Chocolate Day in Bayonne, the Cheese Festival in Rocamadour, the Cognac Festival – those are just a few big events in the gastronomic life of the region.

If you are a fan of the Medieval times, try not to miss the reenactment of the Battle of the Castillon. It put an end to the Hundred Year War and allowed the French to banish the English from Aquitaine. And now every year thousands of knights all around France take part in the most beautiful staging, with the use of the newest illumination effects and the pyrotechnics. The anniversary of the Templar return in the Monflanquin town will also transfer you back a century. Medieval dances, master-classes from the craftsmen, troubadours on the streets and a great open-air feast will allow you to feel like in another era. There are a lot of important cultural events in Aquitaine in summer. The festivals of jazz and blues, the festival of photography and fine arts, an international festival “Summer of Music” in Bergerac, a music festival in Gourdon, and the world-known festival of theatre, dance and music will give the food for your mind and soul.