Archive for June, 2007

Origins of Friday 13th – Chinon, Loire Valley

Monday, June 4th, 2007

On October 13 (the unlucky Friday the 13th), 1307, supposedly all the Knights Templar in France were simultaneously arrested by agents of Philip the Fair on the strength of so-called revelations of a few unworthy and degraded members. 

Friday 13th 

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The Priory of Sion in Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code - a 20th century hoax

Monday, June 4th, 2007

If you enjoyed reading the Da Vinci code and fancied tracking down the Priory of Sion, save yourself the effort. The Priory of Sion is nothing more than a 20th century hoax created by Pierre Plantard, an oddball in search of royal descent. These events, which Dan Brown presents as the truth, are simply untrue. (more…)

French Easter Traditions - Paques

Sunday, June 3rd, 2007

In France, Easter is called Paques and Shrove Tuesday is referred to as Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday. In France, church bells ring joyfully during the year. But the bells stop ringing on the Thursday before Good Friday. They are silent for a few days while people remember the death of Jesus. On Easter Sunday morning, the bells ring out, (more…)

Heavenly Goat’s cheese recipes from the Loire Valley

Sunday, June 3rd, 2007

Filo-wrapped crottin de Chavignol 

1 crottin de chavignol

1 sheet filo pastry

20g butter melted (more…)