OUR LIFE IN CHALABRE:

An American Expat in
the South of France

THE XMAS MARKETS

(December 2007)


At Xmas time, every town holds a special Xmas market...


Moon over Chalabre, one dark winter night.


Across the street, butchers Didier and Mireille pull out all the stops.


Their store, by day.


Bakers Philippe and Nadia are not left behind.


On the Plateau de Sault, the town of
Espezel also has its own Xmas market...


...held in its brand new community center.


...Merry Xmas...


...to one and all (even the good dogs)!


The following week, Couiza, in the Aude Vallrey, held its own Xmas market...


The Aude river runs near by.


The Aude at Couiza.


Someone was offering buggy rides.


Learning to trust each other.


The crepe stand outside.


Watching over the proceedings.


Inside, the Xmas Market was going strong...


...With lots of wonderful goodies to buy...


...Breads...


...Sausages and hams...


...Blanquette de Limoux...


...Cheeses...


...Honeys...


...Wines...


...and local bookseller Laurent Ryder from
Dragon d'Oc in Rivel...