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March: French Property News in the Roannais
The March issue of French Property News is ‘shouting’ about the current opportunities of buying and selling property in France. Despite the global economic malaise France is still a very good bet!
‘Spring always brings the promise of new beginnings – perhaps that’s why it’s traditionally a popular time to househunt. While some people have fallen foul of the recession and put their dreams of French property ownership on hold, whether because of necessity, currency exchange worries or general nervousness fuelled by newpaper headlines, it’s actually a very good time to go looking for a property in ‘la Belle France‘.
Many vendors have dropped their property prices, meaning there are some fantastic bargains out there – these won’t last for ever, so make your move while you can. And don’t forget to research your currency options, to make the most of your cash.’
‘If you’re selling in France, it’s not all bad news either, as even if you drop your price, if you sell in euros and convert that to sterling, you should be quids in.’
For those planning a househunting trip in the coming months, make sure you also take a look at the Roannais in the Rhône-Alpes – a beautiful region, with great bargain prices for some stunning property !
Watch out for the May issue of French Property News – there’s a special property ‘spotlight’ covering the Roannais by Brian Franklin, director of www.purefrancenow.com
He and his family have owned, and renovated property, in the Roannais region, near Roanne, in the Rhône-Alpes for over 14 years. Purefrancenow offers a ‘Property Search Service’, and help with purchase and renovation of properties. A total Project Control Service is available at whatever level, involvement and budget you require. Take a look at ‘Character Properties For Sale’ – an explanation of the services, experience, and details of previous property projects completed are available on the Purefrancenow website.
In the March issue of French Property News Brian Franklin also continues with his ‘Renovation Diary’ of ‘Le Cuvage’ (the renovation and conversion of a huge wine-making barn in the Roannais, Rhône-Alpes). In this issue, Part VII ‘Heads Above Water’, Brian’s article covers the near completion of Le Cuvage, the installation of the swimming pool, and the design of the gardens. Interestng.
In his final editorial on Le Cuvage in the April issue, Brian Franklin shows the finished product in all its glory – ‘A French Dream House’ come true!
For other editorials by Brian Franklin for French Property News – please see the following:
Le Cuvage is back in French Property News
Happy New Year in the Roannais from Purefrancenow !
French Property News and Le Cuvage in the Rhône-Alpes
Le Roannais – November French Property News
For more information on the Roannais and the Rhône-Alpes visit www.purefrancenow.com and their
Blog, News and Reviews and Purefrancenow Monthly Newsletter Archive
Chateau de Champlong opens 3-star Hôtel in the Roannais
Château de Champlong opens its brand new 3-star hotel on 12th March 2009.
This successful and remarkable place has now moved up to new heights of service and pleasure!
Renowned for the wonderful gastronomique cuisine of owner and chef, Olivier Boizet, this high quality establishment now offers a very wide range of facilities to both local and international clientele.
Whether for business, vacation, or just pure pleasure Château de Champlong is certainly one of those places that must be seriously considered.
Oliver Boizet and his wife, Véronique have a unique approach to their business and service, whether for their excellent restaurant or their business and wedding events at the ‘Le Cuvage’. Chateau de Champlong has developed over time. And now has come of age in a big way!
Le Château de Champlong’s new hotel opened in the main Château building on 12th March, 2009 with 12 top quality rooms now available for their guest’s comfort. And reflecting the cookery talents of Olivier Boizet, and the quality of Chateau de Champlong’s cuisine, these 12 rooms have been imaginatively baed on the theme of ‘épices’ (spices).
All rooms have been given the name of an individual spice.
These are: Safran, Badiane, Muscade, Poivre de Malabar, Coriandre, Cardamome, Pavot Bleu, Réglisse, Macis, Anis, Cannelle, Paprika.
All rooms are beautifully furnished, and equipped with shower and bath, wifi, mini bar, safe, dressing gown and duvet, flat screen T.V.
Breakfast is available from 7.30am to 10.00am in the Château salon ‘Table d’hôtes’.
Full details are available on the new, updated Chateau de Champlong website: le Chateau de Champlong Hôtel
Purefrancenow will also arrange special business, private, and celebration events at Chateau de Champlong, including week-end holiday breaks with a selection of local activities, including golf and gourmet week-ends. Purefrancenow Gourmet Week-ends. More on this superb, successful establshment with a great reputation will be written and presented by Purefrancenow soon!
Purefrancenow Restaurant Directory
Monthly News from www.purefrancenow.com in the Roannais!
Even more information and news is now available during 2009 on www.purefrancenow.com with the launch of our new Monthly Newsletter.
All aspects of the Roannais region are featured from restaurants, gastronomy, food and wine to business success stories, places of interest, and all sorts of tourism information.
There are direct links to our regular editorial features covered in the Purefrancenow Blog, News and Reviews on our website, along with links to our partner businesses in the Roannais, Rhône-Alpes via their own websites.
Take a look at our March 2009 Newsletter and see for yourself. Or, alternatively, visit our Purefrancenow Newsletter Archive to access all current and past monthly newsletters in English or French.
Le Musée de Beaux-Arts in Roanne
Purefrancenow visits this exceptional museum in the heart of Roanne in the Roannais, Rhône-Alpes.This remarkable place on the site of a chateau is dedicated to Art and Archaeology.
Built at the end of the 18th century, and nestling in the centre of the bustling township of Roanne, the museum is named after Joseph Déchelette, a locally renowned man from a large, successful, local family, and now an internationally famous figure of archaeology.
The building, itself, was given to Roanne in 1892, and the museum was installed in 1923.
It remains unique in its field, and houses both a large deposit of archaeological finds, and a research library specialising in archaeology and art history.
We had been prompted to visit by our ever inquisitive son, Ellis, who recently, having had a school outing to view an art exhibition, held in a couple of the main galleries at the museum, wanted to investigate further.
Thanks to the amazing endeavours and dedication of Joseph Déchelette, the museum’s collection illustrates Gallo-Roman life in Roanne with artefacts displayed alongside details of exactly from which street or village in the Roannais they were excavated – amazing!
There is also an important collection of Egyptian relics, including the beautifully decorated sarcophagus of Tjesisetperet. Dating from 820 BC, alongside lies the ‘mummy’, x-rayed to reveal her to be a young girl of about 14 years.
All absolutely fascinating.
The photographs documenting the expedition to Egypt displayed on nearby walls, bring to life the reality of the great turn-of-century journeys of discovery and gathering of these priceless archeological finds.
There is much more to see if you have the time. An extensive collection of ceramics, dating from the 15th century to modern period. Then there is a weird and wonderful display of African masks nd tribal artefacts gathered during the 1930’s with pictures documenting the voyages and African village life at the time.
The important research library at the museum houses more than 15,000 books.
Joseph Déchelettewas born in Roanne in 1862, and, after a prolific, extremely successful young career in archaeology, was only 52 when he was killed during the first world war whilst leading his company in an attack on 4th October, 1914 at Vingré.
The importance of his work and his contribution to archaeology cannot be overstated, and he is widely recognised throughout the world, and this fascinating, and well-presented museum is a fitting tribute to his memory.
Don’t hesitate, just go and visit. It is a pleasure.
Le Musée de Beaux-Arts et D’Archéologie Joseph Déchelette – Roanne
Opening Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday:
10.am – 12 noon, 2.00pm – 6.00pm
Saturday : 10.00am – 6.00pm
Sunday :2.00pm – 6.00pm
Entrance 4€, Free on Wednesday afternoon.