Les Causses de Quercy

Aveyron Gorge

'Causse' is not a word that will often be encountered in UK GCSE French, or indeed 'A' Level French, but any traveller with any lateral view in the departements of Lot, Lot-et-Garonne and Tarn-et-Garonne will undoubtedly notice it on maps.  So rare is it that it is not even included in the online version of Collins English/French dictionary. 

Wikipedia however comes to the rescue - The word came into modern French from the Occitan language, (an ancient language of eastern France, northern Italy and parts of Switzerland). Causse defines an area of level limestone landscape, so a Causse will sit comfortably with the Karst landscapes of the Balkan countries, the Burren in Co Claire, Ireland and parts of the UK such as the Mendip Hills of north Somerset.

The patron saint of France

With 'Paddy's Day' (St Patrick's Day, March 17th) upon us this week, and the patron saints of the constituent parts of the UK well known (Saints Andrew, George and David) we take a look at the Patron saints of France.

Yes - Saints plural! There are several with varied claims, and further than that, most villages, towns and cities also have their own nominated patron saints, so there is an interesting debate as to who is right and wrong wherever you travel.