Bastille Day in St Amand Montrond

Another hot Sunday in Central France, clear blue skies, and a  chance to see at first hand the National celebrations for ‘Bastille Day’…

Firstly bread and Pain au Chocolat from the nearby shops, then cleaned up ! and a gentle ride into the centre of St Amand for morning mass at the church there ..11-15 a.m. ,they do like their ‘lie ins’ here !

A big church with lots of space within, and a jovial looking priest, who from what he said during mass was quite humorous…not that I understood a lot, more from his facial expressions..Co-incidentally a young child was Baptised during mass, as at virtually the same time in England all the family had gathered for the Baptism of little Noah Rhys – so I was with them in spirit !- Congratulations Noah, and to his parents Annette and Rhys. Although I bet little Noah wasn’t stripped naked, and dunked in a pot of water in front of everyone…still a very enjoyable and pleasing service..although it lasted 1 1/2 hours…

I then had a look around the village again, discovering bits I’d not seen before, the Museum and gardens,spectacular…with all sorts of sculptures in the grounds !

The village was almost deserted as I rode back to the Aire at Lac du Verlay, and made a hearty lunch, and kept an eye on what festivities were happening around the lake.. helicopter rides were on offer,at a price, a trio of Parachutists came down from the skies , a dance was held in the outdoor ballroom ,at the ‘Joy club’ !

I happily wandered around being the only British person, and as far as I could see the only ‘Foreigner’ – all the cars were French, and I didn’t hear any other languages being spoken..

a group of 12 had gathered near to me on the Aire for their evening dinner, bringing me wine and salutations ! Salute’

As the evening wore on more and more people were arriving, ready for the Firework spectacular which was to take place at 10-30 p.m., but probably started around 11 p.m. ! Crowds were sat all around the lake, looking into the distance across the lake to the mound where all the fireworks were prepared, then flash,bang the display was about to start, to the accompaniment of music, strangely enough all in songs in English !  It was a very spectacular ,free show, well appreciated by the crowd, who politely clapped at the end of each cycle of displays, and then it was all finished, probably about 20 minutes of fireworks, and a great display…the crowds then had to get back home- it seemed like the entire population was there, maybe they were- I was a lot nearer, and soon tucked up in bed…Bonne Nuit !