Biron is a tiny little village located off a tiny little road in a small corner of one of the most beautiful parts of France. As a food lover and traveler, I adore the Dordogne for its food, but celebrating Bastille Day in this true fête du village was an experience I will never forget.
I was on a culinary tour with Vagabond Gourmet, staying in the villa they had rented, literally in the shadows of chateau Biron. Outside our doors, after our own fabulous gourmet meal, we were literally steps from the center of the village where it was a pleasure to watch the action unfold.
The music was going, a dance floor and a large table were set up banquet style. Women were cooking and children were running everywhere and, of course, the ubiquitous kisses on each cheek were flying. I felt quite like I had landed in a movie scene from the 1950s. There was no worry about where the children were because a neighbor or a friend was there to scoop them up if they fell.
After several hours and drinks, the villagers were herded down a street that looked up at the chateau. Like a stage awaiting its actors, the castle was illuminated and empty. Suddenly, the fireworks shot up above the castle and exploded, creating a colorful crown. The crowd oohed and aahed. Some things need no translation.
When it ws finished, we went back to our villa and sat on our back terrace for another hour. It was hard to imagine being anywhere else and celebrating anywhere else, which is why I will go back to Biron again this year. Same week, same fireworks, but a whole new experience, I am certain.