It might be unusual to recommend a town with spitting locals as a holiday destination, but Sainte-Livrade-sur-Lot is definitely a sight to behold this summer.

Nestled in the region of Aquitaine in beautiful south-west France, the agricultural village is a desirable getaway for those hoping to experience a traditional French way of life away from the bustle of large metropolises.

At no time is this heritage more overtly shown than July, when the 6,500 inhabitants gather in the centre to toast their prune-growing prowess in bizarre fashion.

Approximately 100 participants take part in a competition to determine how far they can spit the fruit stones, with a prize awarded for the most impressive distance.

As well as prune games, July 28th offers the more traditional aspects of a festival with music, dancing and frenzied feasting.

Aquitaine, which in the Middle Ages formed its own kingdom, is sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and Pyrenees mountain range.