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But random wanderings are always rewarding, despite weather conditions; the day I visited Rocroi, was a market and there was a flea market (well, a car boot sale, people emptying their attics from all things they want to get rid of) and a small fair displaying local products in the fortifications. With that bad weather it was fun and interesting to walk in the streets and between the stalls in the fortifications;
Note that Champagne is here a popular (in the sense of working class!) drink as you can see on the main picture, a “refreshment” stand at the fair.
The Ardennes ham is quite famous in France, and there were of course lots of pork products on sale at the little fair, besides local beer (picture 2). Sweets, handicrafts and other local products could also be purchased (picture 3). My muslim friend was a bit scared when I proposed to have a snack at the food stall. . . . . is that food, if not halal, at least exempt of pork? The people at the stall could not guarantee, with a big smile. . . . I had ham, sausages and beer, my friend, French fries (as everybody knows, despite the name, it is a Belgian speciality, we are not far from Belgium. . . ) and water. I was a bit ashamed. . . . .
Ah, if you want some decoration for your garden, the flea market of Rocroi has it! (picture 5). . . . . . . Phone: http://www.otrocroi.com/
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Sugny is a small village near the border with France, on N810, and driving through I noticed the presence of strange inhabitants. . . . . the village was decorated with witches statues or puppets. The four first pictures show some samples of these strange inhabitants.
In 1657, seven women accused to be witches had been burnt in that village; nowadays, there is not anymore a pyre, but each month of July (another website says end May?) there are festivities to commemorate this event, with parades, reconstitution of the trial. There are lots of witches displayed in the village, have a look if you pass by.
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A good way to meet the people, drink Champagne and make some money to cover your expenses or more: come and pick up the grapes on the vineyards!
You can do that everywhere in France where they do wine, from late August to October, depending on the region and weather.
You can also fing some work in the "pressoir", where they press the grapes afterwards. It's harder and better paid.
You should be paid around the minimum French wages, by the hour. It's hard on the back but it's the thing to do once in your life. I did it just before entering university (courses starting in October), a lot of students do.
There are offers on the internet, and you can go straight to the ANPE site, this is the French employment agency. Look for "travail saisonnier" (occasional job).
And don't forget to try the less known Ratafia, a liquorous wine made out of champagne... A killer but gorgeous! Website: anpe.fr/region/champagne-ardenne/actualites/emplois-saisonniers/vendanges_2006
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