Yes Spring is in the air even if it is a brisk 4°this morning here in my "Coin Perdu". The blooms are blooming, the trees, a tapestry of greens and the street sales and festivals are sprouting all over France!
Here in Sologne (just 90 minutes south of Paris) the month of May is very busy with activites. Just a few...
Chambord has its 14th "la brocante" where more than 450 antique and junk dealers will be selling their wares. And, don't forget to visit Chambord at the same time. www.chambord.org 
Some other "vide greniers" and festivals:
La Ferté Saint Aubin -Friday, Saturday and Sunday May 1, 2, & 3 - "LA Foire de Plantes" at the chateau which is open year 'round to the public and is owned by a young couple and their 4 children. At the time of purchase, some 20 years ago, the chateau was a ruin. Slowly but surely the Guyot family is restoring it with love and care. A treat to visit, there is even a park for children with animals and games from the Middle Ages.
Mennetou-sur-cher -"Foire aux Andouillettes et aux petis élvages" Saturday and Sunday May 2 & 3. If you have never had the chance to try these sausages, please do. I am almost afraid to explain exactly what they are for fear that you will lose your courage to try them and, that, you must! For lack of a more appetising translation I will simply say they are "gut" sausages. Known as "abats" in French the insides of the cow are used for these well-known and well-loved (by lots but not me) sausages. The Andouillettes de Troyes reputation dates from the 9th century. The medieval village is certainly worth a visit.
Pierrefiette-sur-Sauldre Thursday April 30, Friday, Saturday and Sunday May 1, 2, & 3 "Musicalies en Sologne" A festival of traditional danses and music.
Mennetou-sur-Cher Saturday and Sunday May 2 &3 - "Foire aux andouillettes" If you never have tried one, now is the time. The village will be alive with music, food and other activities.
Thanks for this blog. I look at every time I am planning a few days outside of paris.
Posted by: Samantha Chavane | 04/27/2009 at 06:38 PM
I glad you like it. Just let me know if there are kinds of info you would like to see.
Posted by: Samantha Chavane | 04/28/2009 at 09:44 AM
I am based in Monaco and have been looking for culturally interesting attractions near or around Paris and found your blog very interesting. Can you accommodate large groups?
Posted by: Anjie | 10/27/2009 at 12:00 PM