At Bonnes Routes we love to share the lovely traditions of our adopted country. A month ago was the poisson d’avril, and today is 1er mai - May Day. This day offers two traditions for the price of one : a pubic holiday for a designated day of action, as well as a day of friendship and good luck signified by the lily of the valley flower.
Literally translated as “the fish of April” this name heralds the French version of April Fool's Day. The fish bit is peculiar to France, as the tradition doesn’t seem to have travelled anywhere else.
In addition to the pranks, jokes and hoaxes found in the UK; in France the tradition is also to hook a fish (usually paper nowadays) on the back of a person you want to make fun of without them noticing. When it’s discovered they become the poisson d’avril. “Why?” you may well ask. Well …..
The Covid 19 confinement in France has banned all but essential travel. France is closed to tourists until at least the middle of April, with potential for this to be extended. While this is having a huge impact on the tourist industry, we appreciate that this is nothing to the impact it is having on individual families worldwide. There are only a handful of cases in the Dordogne; and rural France is fairing far better than Paris and the East of the country. We’re hoping for the best for everyone.
For Bonnes Routes? Well, we are open for business as soon as France is open for business. For guests who have already booked, we'll be in touch with you shortly. We won't be sending out balancing invoices at this stage as some holidays may have to be cancelled.
For anyone wanting to book for later in the year (or change their dates), please contact us. For a small refundable deposit we will block the diary out and keep your preferred dates available while the current situation plays out.
The bonus is that as long as travel restrictions are lifted we do offer a pretty safe and healthy retreat. You can enjoy the driving and have your own great self-catering facilities and garden/decking so can isolate as much as you wish. Once we're back in action we may have some "Post-Pandemic" offers for car club members, so do keep in touch.
In the meantime, wash your hands and avoid unnecessary contact - it's a good time to isolate yourself in your garage and get your car in tip top condition for when you are free to travel again. Stay safe!
