The Best Markets in Le Perche: A Weekly Guide
by Ivo Fokke,
Every weekly market in Le Perche, from Bellême's Thursday morning to Mortagne's Saturday institution. What day, where to go, and what to buy. We have been going to these markets for years now and each one has its own character. Some are serious food markets where you fill a basket for the week. Others are more of a social event with coffee and a crêpe. Here is what we know.
Your First Brocante in Le Perche: Everything You Need to Know
by Ivo Fokke,
From April to October, every village in Le Perche takes a turn hosting a brocante or vide-grenier. Here is what we have learned from years of early Sunday mornings: what to buy, how to haggle, and why you should always check the weather first.
La Perriere Fete l'Art: When a Village Becomes a Gallery
by Ivo Fokke,
La Perriere is a village of 220 people built on a rocky spur above the Perche countryside. Roussard stone walls, narrow cobbled lanes, a church that used to be a castle chapel. For most of the year it is very quiet. Then Pentecost weekend arrives and the whole place turns into an open-air gallery.
The Foire au Boudin: Mortagne's Black Pudding Festival
by Ivo Fokke,
Every March, Mortagne-au-Perche becomes the boudin noir capital of France. Which, to be fair, it already is for the other eleven months. But during the Foire au Boudin, the town makes it official. The festival draws around 27,000 visitors over three days. There is an international competition where charcutiers from across France, Germany, England, Scotland, Ireland, the Caribbean and Quebec submit their boudin to be judged cold and ungrilled by a jury that takes this very seriously.
Apples, Pears, Fire: A Drinker's Guide to Le Perche
by Ivo Fokke,
Le Perche is orchard country. Cider, poire, Calvados, and pommeau from small producers who still do things the old way. Where to go, what to taste, and what to bring home.
Into the Foret de Belleme: A Practical Guide to Mushroom Season
by Ivo Fokke,
Every October, the Foret de Belleme fills with foragers. Cepes, chanterelles, trompettes de la mort. When to go, where to start, what to pick, and what to do with it all. Plus the Foire aux Champignons, running since 1952.
Du Perche Mode
MY blog on what is going on in Le Perche France