Christmas Fair in Catus

The Fair was held at the market hall (le halle) in Catus and attracted a large number of visitors of all ages. The stalls had a number of seasonal items on sale and there were games and a special train ride for the children. A great time had by all!!

Remembrance Day in Catus

On a beautiful, sunny, autumn day a larger crowd than usual turned up in front of the war monument in Catus to commemorate the centenary of the 1st World war on le jour de l'Armistice or le jour du Souvenir. Unlike in the UK, in France the day is a national holiday and the blue cornflower, Bluet de France, is used symbolically rather than the poppy.

Fête de la Châtaigne - Chestnut Fair

Early autumn is the period when the annual Fête de la Châtaigne is held in many villages and towns in France. Cakes, breads, cream spreads, drinks and many other products made from chestnuts as well as other locally produced items are available at these Fairs. These are scenes of the Fair held in the lovely village of Saint Caprais in the Lot on a bright and sunny 11 October.

Concert in Catus

As part of the Journée Européenne du Patrimoine on Sunday 21 September, the local Association de Sauvegrade de Monuments et Sites organised a concert in the church of St. Astier, Catus. The concert featured songs in Occitane (the old local language of the region) as well as other languages sung a capella by the Quatuor 2B2R, two couples who met at the School of Music in Cahors.

Completion of "la Verniere", Catus

Major renovation works at Le vernière, the site of the weir along the river Vert in Catus, has now been completed. It is once again becoming a focal gathering point for people of the village and our visitors.

Work in progress

Same view after completion of work

Seating area with steps down to the river

General view across newly-planted grassy area

End of the hunt season in Catus

As is their custom, l'Association de Chasse, Catus, held their annual meal in the village hall to celebrate the end of the hunting season. This was preceded by a mass in the local church of St Astier. The occasion is also held in honour of St Hubert, the patron saint of hunters. Les Echos du Pays D'Olt provided music during the aperitifs that preceded the meal, which included game caught by the hunters.

Renovation of 'la verniere', Catus

La vernière is fondly remembered by many of the older folk of Catus as a popular gathering place for the inhabitants of the village, young and old. 

A slope, later replaced by steps, led down to the stream at the bottom of the weir where children could splash about, ladies do their washing, men fish and animals water.

La vernière has undergone some major renovation works over the past year. This included removing some old tree trunks, buidling a new stone wall with reinforcement against the rush of the water at the bottom of the weir and steps leading down to the stream.

Space has been allocated for planting flowers and la vernière will once again be a focal gathering point for people of the village and our visitors.