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EXCLUSIVE GOURMET WEEK-ENDS IN THE ROANNAIS
Purefrancenow are offering something special during September and October 2008.
Exclusive Gourmet week-ends which are perfect for that special occasion or surprise, whether for Birthday, Anniversary, Celebration, or just pure indulgent escape! 3 nights and days of pure enjoyment!
Beautiful Countryside, the luxurious Chateau de Champlong, stylish farmhouse villa accommodation, fine wines, and some of the highest quality and original cuisine in France. All right in the heart of the Roannais in the Rhone-Alpes region.
Play golf, visit excellent vineyards and medieval villages in the Cote Roannais, with the backdrop of the stunning landscape of the Monts de Madeleine. Sophistication and tranquility!
Visit our website for more information on this special opportunity, and are other unique '3-night' breaks.
Purefrancenow is also able to exclusively tailor a week or week-end break in the Roannais, Rhone-Alpes, to suit your personal requirements, and we have several great holiday break options available.
Included in your holiday break we also organise your collection from airport or train station within the region, including return, and provide chauffeur transport for your itinerary during your stay with us.
Brian and Lucy Franklin, owners and organisers of Purefrancenow, will personally ensure that your week-end is perfect.
We can also advise on flights and car hire. (Our breaks do not include travel or flights to France, so you have the total flexibility of choice for airport, times of travel, and price.)
EXCLUSIVE GOURMET WEEKENDS IN THE ROANNAIS, RHÔNE-ALPES, FRANCE
Top Class Hotels, Famous Restaurants, Romantic Chateaux, Farmhouse Villas,
Fine Wines, Exquisite French Cuisine, Magical Countryside, Absolute Pleasure
Purefrancenow has much to offer those discerning gourmets who wish for special, new experiences and discoveries in the realm of fine cuisine.
Not only that, but we also provide intriguing opportunities for exceptional, special Celebration Week-ends, whether for Birthday, Anniversary Surprises, or just a delightful, indulgent, romantic escape.
Enjoy some of the best food and wine in the world, all set in the beautiful Cote Roannaise in the Rhone-Alpes region of France.
Experience the excitement of Lyon with its cosmopolitan atmosphere, street theatre in the Old Town, and gastronomic delights around every corner, or enjoy the medieval nostalgia of the fascinating Roannais and its beautiful chateaux and idyllic countryside.
Or, dine at the magnificent Chateau de Champlong, or visit the exceptional, famous 3 Michelin starred La Maison Troisgros for the speciality 'Menu Gourmande' of Chef and Owner, Michel Troisgros. Simply unbelievable! An unforgettable experience that should not be missed!! (see our Blog "La Maison Troisgros in The Roannais")
Anything is possible for your Pleasure!
For September and October 2008, Purefrancenow are offering you a special introductory opportunity to enjoy an incredible, inspirational, 3 nights during the week or week-end in the Côte Roannaise.
3 nights in the sumptious luxury of Le Cuvage with an exquisite dining experience at Chateau de Champlong. Oliviet Boizet, Chef de Cuisine at Chateau Champlong, will create a special gourmande 'tasting' menu with different wines for each ecstatic course!
During your 3 night stay you will be chauffeur-driven into the heart of the Côte Roannaise for a special tour and wine-tasting at one of the famous local vineyards.
You also have the choice, if you wish, of a morning's golf at the Chateau de Champlong's own golf course.
Later during the day you have the option to visit the classic 'fairytale' chateau of Chateau de la Roche in the middle of the famous River La Loire. Stunning!
Our total price for this excellent 3-night opportunity is £695 (excl. VAT) for two.
This also includes collection and return at any of the regions airports or train stations. (Travel and Flights to France are not included. All other transport whilst in France is included in connection with your detailed itinerary.)
Advice on your travel arrangements is available, and if you require car hire during your stay, this can easily be organised for you.
We can also plan this 3 night break, either for week or week-end visits for small groups of up to 12 persons, subject to availability. (Of Course, special rates/discounts are offered for group reservations)
If you would like to know more about this superb "3-night Gourmet Experience" offered throughout September 2008, or any of our other special short holiday breaks for Autumn/Winter 2008 then please contact us direct by e-mail: info@purefrancenow.com or visit our dedicated website: www.purefrancenow.com
We look forward to seeing you!
THE SPIRIT OF THE ROANNAIS by Brian Franklin
There are times in your life when you come across something remarkable, and this sometimes involves discovering someone with an exceptional amount of creative talent well above the norm.
I have written before about a new 'concept' magazine which was first developed and produced in the Spring of 2007 by Stephane Archambault, a highly creative French photographer with a deep love and knowledge of the Roannais region, and in particular, the Côte Roannaise.
The results of his creative vision and dedication is a magazine called "L'esprit Côte Roannaise".
His first edition launched and revealed last year was inspirational, and the obvious results of 'a labour of love'.
It simply oozed with a visual poetry which sensitively captured the true essence of this beautiful and little discovered region of France.
Stephane, however, is not just a talented photographer. This magazine is totally of himself – it's his baby! He is creator, photographer, graphic designer, editor, writer and producer all rolled into one. Yes, of course, he has various help, assistance, and contributors on the way, but he controls and co-ordinates the total package.
He, alone, is the investor, and the risk-taker! It is entirely upon his creative shoulders that the magazine succeeds or fails!
I have had the privilege and pleasure of meeting Stephane on several occasions, and I hope our new friendship and early working relationship continues, and grows into something special.
After a superb luncheon at Chateau de Champlong recently(see our recent blog on this excellent restaurant and reception venue in the Cote Roannaise) in May this year I was invited to the launch of his second edition of "L'esprit Cote Roannaise'.
Stephane had also cleverly timed this launch , either by design or by chance, with the 20th Anniversary of a superb restaurant called 'Le Petit Prince'. (Again, if you look back in our 'Blog' archives you will find a review of this beautiful little restaurant in the heart of the Cote Roannaise, in the village of St Alban-les-Eaux.)
5 generations of family have been responsible for the development and running of this resraurant, and, of course, retaining its quality and famous local reputation.
In fact, we have eaten there a few times, and the food and service is excellent. On a balmy summer's eve it is just great to eat outside under the trees in the gardens. Beautiful!
Purefrancenow intends to offer a series of gourmet week-end breaks, and Petit Prince is definitely on the list!
However, I return to L'esprit Cote Roannaise.
Stephane has once again done an excellent job. If anything, he has retained the original flavour, but made it probably a little more commercial, which is for the better.
There are many interesting and fascinating articles, covering a wide variety of regional subjects,including:
'The History of St.Alban'. All about the natural mineral water, and the original local thermal baths. Now a very large, successful national and international business.
The Restaurant 'Petit Prince' is featured, of course, along with a special story on Chateau de Champlong in Villerest.
Local artisans are also a favourite with Stephane, and in this recent issue there is a fascinating story about Jean-Pierre Collier a master stone mason, who specialises in sculpture as well as the perfect traditional renovation of ancient buildings.
The pop art of Christian Guy is well presented as a homage and celebration of over 20 years of his work. His paintings are exhibited in permanent shows all round the world, including Paris, Tokyo, New York, Miami, Hong Kong, Singapore, and London.
There are also features on beautiful, artisan-made chocolates by Bernard Laberge.
Not only that, but the salon of masseur David Grand is superbly presented with ambient photography. David Grand uses chocolate, stones, and honey as well as essential oils in his massages – sounds amazing!
Again, purefrancenow is hoping to discuss promoting his salon and massages as part of a series of Luxury, indulgent week-end breaks at 'Le Cuvage'. My wife, Lucy, can't wait to test his foot massages, in particular.
There is much, much, more!
Good luck to you, Stephane! Purefrancenow wishes you continued success, and we can't wait for your next issues! 
If you would like a copy of L'esprit Côte Roannaise 2008 – edition No 2, then please e-mail us direct at info@purefrancenow.com The price is £5.00 plus postage and packing. We will liaise with you regarding your address details and payment method.
CHATEAU DE CHAMPLONG IN THE HEART OF THE ROANNAIS
Here we go yet again, on the restaurant 'run. Another fantastic restaurant to add to your list for a visit, and our family album!
Chateau de Champlong in the heart of the Roannais, Rhône-Alpes. Our complimentary expletives can only do it limited justice!
A superbly, stylishly presented establishment and restaurant in the Roannais, run by a wonderful married couple – Olivier Boizet, Chef de Cuisine, and his wife Véronique, maitre d'hotel.
But also much more than just a restaurant.
A 15th century chateau set in a tranquil garden of paradise, this establishment was conceived and developed very successfully by Olivier and Véronique 15 years ago.
The grounds are extensive, and other original servicing buildings of the chateau are used for wedding receptions, and business seminars/events. Usually held in their newly renovated 'Cuvage'
They are also in the process of adding twelve luxury rooms within the main chateau building, and thereby adding a complete Hotel service to their discerning clientele. We have known of Chateau de Champlong for awhile, but never managed to visit their restaurant for a meal.
Of course, their local reputation has gone before them.
So, we had to go!
It is a beautiful location near the medieval village of Villerest.
Lucy, and our 7 year-old son, Ellis, and I reserved for lunch – they do I special '1 hour lunchtime menu (although it usually lasts almost 2 hours!)
The whole quality and ambience of the place is superb, and the standard of service was excellent – friendly, efficient and unobtrusive.
The interior of the Chateau restaurant rooms reflect the classic French style with high, ornate ceilings, grand marble fireplaces, and wall hung with huge 'rennaisance' style paintings of the period.
Large vases of mixed seasonal and tropical flowers adorned each room.
Olivier and Veronique have also, over the years, added a contemporary flavour to the restaurant with a well-designed conservatory at the front of the building, and part of the entrance foyer. Superbly styled with a ceiling studded with a myriad of tiny low volt downlighters, creating a magical canopy of star-like ambience.
Not only that, but during the day the huge glass windows of the conservatory bring the natural light and vistas of the extensive chateau gardens into the room. Brilliant for lunchtime on a sunny day!
Luckily for us, this was exactly where we were seated during our lunchtime indulgence, and the sun was shining for us, too!
Like all the restaurants, and places we extoll here on our website 'blog' they are definite places to visit and experience. We recommend them, of course, from our own perspective, but you must explore and discover the true essence, quality, and niceties of these for yourselves.
In most cases, we sincerely do not believe that you will be disappointed.
Look out for further information on Chateau de Champlong here on our dedicated website, and opportunites for some inspirational, gastronomic week-end breaks we will be offering on www.purefrancenow.com
In the meantime, you can test your French by interpreting the lunchtime menu (featured below) we had at Chateau de Champlong in the Côte-Roannaise on Thursday 29th May 2008.
It was fantastic!
Déjeuner
Mises en appétit Jeu de cuilleres
_____________
Semoule de chou-fleur aux arachides, cœurs de canard en aigre-doux
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Steak de Daurade a la plancha, sauce soja, semoule black aux petits craquant
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Les Douceurs de Margaux
Creme brulee chocolat poivre
Verrine fraise et tiramisu
Sorbet framboise
Tartelette fraise
_____________
Sucreries pour les gourmades et les gourmands
We had our normal ice-cold kir with white wine and mûre (blackberry) as an aperitif, followed by a superb bottle of red Chinon with the rest of the meal. Excellent!
A walk around the beautiful chateau gardens afterwards simply sealed the place for us, and prices are extremely reasonable considering the quality, professional service, and the stylish environment in which it is all set. A great discovery! 