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Spring cleaning is a time of uncovering many new things and fabulous old memories!

Recently our regular French correspondent from south-west France, Sarah and I talked about her finds when she was renovating her home in the Basque region.

The story of how she came across the book of a particular child from over a century ago in her attic and learned of his involvement in the Great War is fascinating. The connection is amazing, especially in her own home! Knowing the periods of history that have occurred over the last few hundred years, and finding info about the people who lived in your home during such times as the Nazi occupation of France or the Revolution is crazy! 

In this episode we heard of the story of a little boy who lived in Sarah's house a generation or two before her family, as well as how plantings in the garden from that time or earlier are still benefitting her family now!

Now that le printemps has turned into l'été the time has changed from cleaning and opening up, to celebrating!

Sarah let us non-Frenchies into a little secret of the last night of any summer festivals, the Bal de Pompier! (the fire fighters' ball)

The fire fighters originally had to keep manning their post during the 14th July festivities since the Revolution. Back in 1806 they decided they wanted to have fun too! So they started a little party. It became so popular that every last night of a festival is now called Le Bal de Pompier!

I love these traditions that have come down through the generations in France and the knowledge of it only comes out when having a relaxed convo with friends, like this one with Sarah.

Sarah reported how this is such a cultural phenomenon that grandparents have reported to their grandchildren that they met "their grand-mere at the bal de pompier!"

Listen to the gorgeously warm chat and feel completely connected to France. A fabulous French recipe and new French music to experience are also included in the chat.

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Louise Prichard is the host of the Loulabelle's FrancoFiles podcast.
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