Festive Fall

Festive Fall FunThere’s a ton of fun to be had in the fall in France with festivals galore in everyregion. Here we share three of our favourite autumn events.La Flamme de l’ArmagnacGersFlaming fun at an alambic party at the Chateau de Millet, GersIt’s party time in the Gers in late autumnthanks to Armagnac, the most ancientFrench eau-de-vie. It’s produced in the Gersdepartment, AKA Gascony, and is at least700 years old.Armagnac is made in the heart of Gasconyin three territories – each with different soilsand terroir: Bas-Armagnac, Ténarèze andHaut-Armagnac. Together they form 16,000hectares of vines. White, red and rosé wineare produced as well as Floc de Gascogne(a mix of Armagnac and grape juice, anda popular aperitif) and Pousse Rapière, anorange flavoured armagnac liqueur (mix withsparkling wine for a Gascon cocktail).White wine is double distilled to createarmagnac, and the process starts with theheating of the grape juice. Big companiesand cooperatives have their own distilleries,but the small producers hire a still knownas an alambic Armagnaçaise. The stills aremobile devices, made of copper and heatedby wood. They have an air of steam punk tothem, looking like a rather eccentric steamengine, and many are more than 100 yearsold. They’re towed around the countrysidestopping off at the domains of the producerswhere they’re operated by experts who worktheir magic through the days and nights,sometimes for several weeks at a time. It’s along and lonely process which relies on theoperator keeping the temperature constant,monitoring the flow of wine and the heat ofthe boiler.An Alambic still in actionAnd since the French need little excuseto party, the Flamme de l’Armagnac(the flame of Armagnac, which refersto the furnace that roars in the still)runs from late October until Februarywith exhibitions, cellar tours, open days,parades, farm markets and culturalevents. A small number of cellars openup to the public to witness the distillationat an “Alambic Party” – the majorityof which take place in November andDecember. Tickets sell out fast – theevents are well known within France buthardly heard of outside of it. The luckypartygoers can expect music, dancing,seriously good food (this is a gastronomicregion with a passion for the finer thingsin life), and a taste of the first eau de vieas it gently dribbles from the still, knownas Blanche Armagnac – takes your breathaway. Expect an exuberant atmosphereat an alambic party, and to make newfriends in a short time whether you speakFrench or not.tourisme-gers.comGascon apple pie and local wines at an alambic party46 | The Good Life FranceThe Good Life France | 47