La Bataille de Castillon
After lunch in St. Emilion, Carole and AlteCocker headed for Castillon la Bataille for the evening performance of La Bataille de Castillion ("The Battle of Castillon"). This spectacle includes 450 townspeople and is a sight to behold. It "celebrates" (if that is the right word) the Aquitaine region's role in the 100 Years War. Aquitaine belonged to England (through the marriage of Eleanor d'Aquitaine to Henry II for those of you who know your history). Many sided with the English because there economic ties beetween Aquitaine and England. In the end, though, Aquitaine became part of France. The spectacle simulates battles and there is a lot of comedy in it as well. It is hard to believer that almost everyone is an amateur. AlteCocker thinks only the people who do the lighting and special effects may be paid. This spectacle only happens 8-12 times a summer.
AlteCocker thanks Carole for arranging this. We did not buy our tickets to the day of as performances can get cancelled if the weather is bad. You would need to check the website for dates if you are going to be in Aquitaine during the summer. The site is about a 2 hour drive east of Bordeaux. AlteCocker and Carole got back at about 2:00am. The excursion was definitely worth it.
A souvenir book with a plot summary in English is available. In addition to the book, AlteCocker bought a souvenir t-shirt because it got cold at night and she needed another layer--and it was a steal at only 6 euros. OK, what is your excuse for buying another t-shirt?
AlteCocker thanks Carole for arranging this. We did not buy our tickets to the day of as performances can get cancelled if the weather is bad. You would need to check the website for dates if you are going to be in Aquitaine during the summer. The site is about a 2 hour drive east of Bordeaux. AlteCocker and Carole got back at about 2:00am. The excursion was definitely worth it.
A souvenir book with a plot summary in English is available. In addition to the book, AlteCocker bought a souvenir t-shirt because it got cold at night and she needed another layer--and it was a steal at only 6 euros. OK, what is your excuse for buying another t-shirt?