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The Ancient Magic of Château Drée in Burgundy
The Roannais is conveniently situated between several different regions of France – Auvergne, Allier, Saône et Loire, Burgundy, and with very easy access to many others.
Just a pleasant countryside drive up the road for 30/40 minutes you are well into Burgundy (Bourgogne). As in all regions of France there are some amazing historical sites to visit, including many remarkable chateaux. One of these we have recently discovered on a weekend outing is Chateau Drée, just 5 minutes from La Clayette.
It is a wonderful place!
Often described, regionally, as a ‘Petite Versailles’ (a small version of the famous one near Paris)
Dating from the 17th and 18th centuries, the gardens and furnishings are living examples of life during the period.
Visit the Rocaille and Louis XVI drawing rooms as well as other state apartments, shown off to advantage by a collection of 18th century furniture and objects d’art. Discover the mundane side of 18th century life by visiting the kitchen, butchery, ice-house, stables, dovecote, and even a prison.
Take a walk in the extensive and fabulous gardens – it is a pure delight!
Vulcania: Blacksmith of the Gods, near the Roannais
Under 2 hours drive from the Roannais is the amazing world of ‘Vulcania’. In the heart of the Puy de Dôme, the historical volcanic region of France.
A great place to visit for all the family, and the drive there is full of stunning, panoramic views of ancient volcanoes, and mountainous ridges.
Vulcania, the “European Park of Volcanism”, is a park with a Volcano theme situated in Saint-Ours-les-Roches, Auvergne, France.
Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, former President of France, pushed for the foundation of the park while he was president of the regional council of Auvergne. The museum was inaugurated in 2002.
The main architect of the park was Austrian Hans Hollein.
“Vulcania” is the mythical smithy of the Roman gods, described in Virgil’s ‘Aeneid’
One of the attractions is the 4-D film ‘The Awakening of the Auvergne Giants’. Another attraction is the Volcanbul, which is a GPS driven robot, which gives tours of the area around Vulcania. To quote from the Vulcania website “VolcanBul Eco-friendly and innovating the VolcanBul is an electric vehicle guided by GPS.”
There are some brilliant, informative interactive displays about the geology of the earth, including the planets. The various rides are imaginative and great fun.
Absolutely well worth a visit!
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