In Europe even presidents and prime ministers are spending their vacations closer to home.
Others have no choice but to be thrifty for their summer plans.
The upside of these drive to vacations is it gives many of us a chance to go places we planned to visit or discover ignored gems.
Celebrating these (often) missed opportunities, Le Guide du Routard (a French budget travel guide) in Les Terroirs de France en Fete ('Festivals of French Terroir') shares 10 Food Fiestas for the month of August.
I chose to highlight 5 of these Gastronomic Events for a Gourmet Week-End in France.
We start with a beer festival in Alsace, Fete de la Biere in Schiltigheim (August 6 to 9).
Hosted under a circus tent planted in front of Town Hall in this city nearby Strasbourg with a brewing tradition going back to 1936, the festival highlight is the Bierodrome and 18 meter long bar offering some 21 Draft Beers (French site, only).
Illustration for Poster of 2010 Edition (above) was created by Tomi Ungerer.
Rural Burgundy is next with Fete du Pot au Feu ('Pot Roast Festival') in St Christophe en Brionnais (Saone et Loire) on Sunday, August 8…Antiques and craft market during the day followed by a giant pot roast at 6 PM.
We move to the Cote d' Azur for la Fete du Raisin de la Miougrano de Frejus ('Grape Festival') presented by producers of AOC Côtes de Provence Fréjus on Saturday, August 7 and Sunday, August 8…There is a religious side to it with the 'Grape Mass' celebrated according to the 'Routard' since the 6th century. In front of the Cathedral, regional dance and music will be performed.
Wine tastings are offered by 11 producers from the AOC. Pay 2 Euros for your Glass and you can sample as many wines as you wish. On a warm day, using the spit bucket is advised.
There is a tradition of finely crafted knives. They are the star at the 15th Fete du Couteau in Nontron (Perigord) on August 7 and 8. Le Routard informs us that the area as a reputation for fine knife making dating back to the 17th century. The event features famous makers not only from Nontron but also from Laguiole.
International flavor is represented by HARA KOJI representing Japan with HIROSHI HANADA showing his skills cutting bamboos and ropes. JAROSLAV BRIXI, showcases the best Czech knives. There are also expats with the American of Juan Les Pins GARY HEYDICKS and Charles SCHMIDT a German now settled in the Gers plus the Belgium Knife Society It is mostly but not all knives as arts and crafts joined the festivities.
Last, Goats take center stage or rather Goat Cheese in Dieulefit (Drome, Rhone Valley) with Picodon chez lui ('Picodon at home') which celebrates Picodon, the local cheese on August 8.
I don't remember tasting this regional cheese which is said to offer strong flavors due to a long period of affinage. According to Cheese Online, you can trace Picodon Origins back to the 14th century and poet Ronsard.
The Picodon event on August 8, displays other regional products such as small batch honey and drogne and produce plus traditional music and dance ensembles.
Enjoy any many of these, if you have a chance.
Do not hesitate to share your impressions or photos with us.
Bon week-end!
(* Picodon photo from Cheese Online product page)