Richelieu's Big Day!

It was all happening in Richelieu today!

The Parc de Richelieu was venue for the Courses Hippique and out in the garden we could hear the commentary from the races over the public address system. It sounded like a cross between the Grand National and Le Plus Grand Cabaret du Monde!

However, as we are not particularly "horsey" folk, (and we didn't want to pay the entry fee) we chose to attend another event in the town. The Comité des Fêtes et des Loisirs de Richelieu is hosting the 11th Salon Artistique de Richelieu, a two day event usually held in Les Halles. This year, due to the restoration of Les Halles, a marquee had been erected on the square..

The exhibition was a real mixed bag! Artists from quite a wide area were exhibiting and the range of talent was equally wide................

Exhibits included all manner of art work from glass painting and sculptures made from roots, to oils, watercolours and acrylics..

We particularly liked the title of the piece below:

Convoi Exceptionnel

In many cases we felt it was run on the "think of a price and double it" principle. 


I asked about exhibiting next year but as soon as I'd opened my mouth I began to see all the pitfalls of doing so. 

I'm not sure I could bear two whole days in a tent full of art work - particularly my own!!

Richelieu Galopade 2012

Today was the Richelieu Galopade, a race run over 21.1km (demi-marathon) or 10km depending on ability, plus a "Course de jeunes" for the youngsters.

We were able to see the runners going past, across the field at the back of the house..

And then nip into Richelieu itself to cheer some of the runners across the finish line.. Some were still fit to put on a sprint to the finish..

Others didn't look quite so happy...

For the rest of us there was a Vide Grenier held in The Grand Rue, which looked resplendent with all the flags flying..

In contrast to any normal day of the week it was packed with people browsing the stalls for bargains and believe it or not, we excelled ourselves by making a purchase!

For the youngsters there were fair ground rides and stalls, some more tasteful than others..

But, as always, it was a fun day with good attendance and a variety of things to suit every age. And at some points during the day the sun actually shone on the proceedings!!