*** Spring is the time for wildflowers. In early summer, the nightingales lilting songs fill the valley. Early summer rains also waken the toads: their gentle poop-poop-poop mating calls resonate through the dark hours. Midsummer night in Rignac is celebrated with a bonfire, traditionally one is supposed to toss in one's old straw mattress and replenish it with fresh hay. We celebrate it today by firing up the old village wood oven to bake bread and cakes. Sausages grilled on the coals from the bonfire and wine is passed out freely to all present. In July, round about Bastille Day, the village also celebrates its annual fete- dancing and open air dining on the village green. August brings butterflies and shooting stars and the most important music festivals. In September Rocamadour hosts a magnificent launch of hot air balloons and Rignac has its annual Laurel and Hardy Film Festival. In early October, everyone helps Monsieur Monteil harvest his grapes which is followed by an enormous feast prepared by his sister who returns from her day job as a judge in Bordeaux for the event. 
 
The Dordogne is half an hour away and has lovely picnic and swimming spots. Two bicycles are available, but a car is useful for exploring the area, which has many impressive castles, prehistoric caves and market towns. Rignac is seven kilometers from the medieval pilgrimage site of Rocamadour. The area has many beautiful old castles and market towns dating back many centuries. 
 
There are several excellent music festivals in the Lot.