Beaulieu sur Dordogne, which is about 8 kilometres down river, literally, from our house was originally developed around a benedictine abbey, part of which still exists, the 12th-13th century church of Saint-Pierre de Beaulieu.
It is an excellent example of a roman-style church with a stunning sculptured entrance.
The majority of the town, which has two market squares has medieval houses, part colombage and part traditional stone.
Every year in May there is the Strawberry Fair. The powerful scent of almost 5 tonnes of strawberries from the region fill the air and many thousands descend on the town for a day of family fun.
An enormous strawberry tart is built during the preceeding two days by the villagers and at the end of the day it is distributed, free, to anyone who would like a piece; it contains a lot of protein and flies and wasps are in their element, drawn to the sweet aromatic odour which eminates from this massive tart.
Massive Tart Made by the Town for the Strawberry Fair in May each year
