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Trompe l’oeil appears everywhere in Lyon and the Roannais.
Trompe l’oeil literally translates from French to mean “fools the eye.” Hard to paint, the trompe l’oeil piece requires meticulous attention to detail on the part of the artist. Proper sizing and every detail, nuance of light and gradation of color must be skilfully incorporated in order to make the two-dimensional work appear to be three-dimensional.
Trompe l’oeil is decorative painting that creates the illusion of reality.
Trompe l’oeil paintings may also include clouds, trees, angels, or scenes from nature.
The skilful use of perspective adds to the realistic appearance of trompe l’oeil paintings.
Pronunciation: trump-LOY
Trompe l’oeil is a form of Faux (or, False) Finish, and the terms are often used interchangeably.
When used in architecture, trompe l’oeil becomes an important part of the building design. Wall surfaces, ceilings, domes, and other parts of the building are decorated with murals or designs that create the effect of architectural features such as windows, columns, stonework, and ornaments.
Paintings of this genre have been around since Antiquity, though they fell into disuse during the “Dark Ages” It wasn’t until the Italians (re)discovered linear perspective during the Renaissance that trompe l’oeil became popular for keeps. In the 21st-century, the term “Photo-Realism” would be equally applicable to this type of painting.Trompe l’oeil paintings may also include clouds, trees, angels, or scenes from nature. The skillful use of perspective adds to the realistic appearance of trompe l’oeil paintings.
We have our own Trompe l’oeil in Roanne, in the Roannais (top, lead-in picture), and there are many more in Lyon like the ones featured above.
Great fun!
Troisgros’ restaurant Le Central triumph’s on Valentine’s Day.
A Valentine’s Day treat for us at Troisgros’ Restaurant Le Central !
We hadn’t been for awhile, but it was once again an absolute triumph of great cuisine.
All of us enjoyed Le Central’s convivial surroundings, and excellent service, and were treated to a special ‘Dîner de la Saint Valentine‘ set menu.
Once again, this marvellous place didn’t disappoint.
A great menu, washed down with a good full-bodied, plummy red Crozes Hermitage 2009 Jaboulet.
Part of the famous ‘Troisgros’ empire, this beautifully and stylishly appointed eatery was created by Marie-Pierre and Michel Troisgros, and is set in an original 1920’s hotel.
A bistro-styled restaurant with great panache. The essence of the 1920’s is still present in it’s interior decor and ambient mood lighting.
There is also a café-epicerie element to the place, where you can purchase a range of high quality ‘grocery’ products, including olive oil and pasta, all beautifully presented and packaged to ‘gift’ standard.
‘Le Central’ is located, quite conveniently, in the centre of Roanne near the station, and right next door to ‘Maison Troisgros’, the Michelin-starred restaurant of international and world renown.
In fact, it has been intimated that ‘Le Central’ assists in the training of new chefs and waiting staff in preparation for the premier quality of service required by its older and bigger brother of a restaurant next door.
I’m not entirely sure if this is true or not, but there is no doubt that ‘Le Central’ is an exceptional restaurant in its own right, and we visit the place as regularly as we can, and usually more often than not with some of our best friends!
(And, of course, even though it is not 3-starred, the quality within its menu is superb without the starry-eyed prices!)
The interior, as indicated by our photos, is sophisticated and well designed, and the service reflects this high standard.
We have never been disappointed, and they willingly accept and encourage family eating either during the day or night. Ellis, our 6 year old son, has eaten there almost as often as us.
They will always provide a small adaptation from their main menu to suit a small child’s appetite.
It’s always a delight!
Yes, Chef! magazine and Le Central in the Roannais
Le Central
20, Cours de la Republique
42300 Roanne
Telephone: 04 77 67 72 72
Purefrancenow Roannais Restaurant Directory
Ski in Les Deux Alpes. Easy from the Roannais. By Brian Franklin
This month (February 2013) we, and some good French friends, gathered our ski attire and equipment, and motored off to the ski resort of Les Deux Alpes, about 3+ hours drive away form our base in the Roannais.
A first ever visit to a large, serious, ski resort for my family and I.
It was impressive. Surprisingly large, and with some great places to eat. Yes, we gorged ourselves on cheese fondue and raclette!
The views were stunning, and the ski slopes inviting, if not a little alarming for myself as novice skier.
However, our son, Ellis took to it like a budding Olympian, helped along by our patient French friend, Jean-Michel, an expert in the skiing arts! In fact, Ellis and I both invested in a couple of hours skiing lessons with an instructor from the French Skiing academy before we braved the slopes – well worth it!
Okay, it did not turn me into a sporty skier overnight, but gave Ellis and I some additional technicalities, and definitely a lot more confidence.
My son was almost unstoppable, though!
He progressed from the green runs of the ‘debutante’ slopes to the more difficult blue slopes within hours! I was glad that Jean-Michel was around to keep an eye on him – I certainly couldn’t, as I was too preoccupied with ensuring that I wasn’t one of the very few being helicoptered off the mountain top!
Despite my ongoing trepidation I tried more daring and longer slopes than I had ever done before, so I was extremely happy with my efforts and performance.
The whole experience was a delight. My wife, Lucy (not a skier!) was also quite happy and content with ‘apres ski’, taking photos, and overcoming her own slight fear of heights with trips high up the mountain in the teleski pods. Well done, girl!!
Regular injections of chocolat chaud and chocolate waffles also asssisted with her appreciation of the resort.
We will all be returning in the future.
Skiclub of Great Britain recommend it:
“A great resort for beginners, experts, freestylers and party animals that’s popular with Brits.
The name Les Deux Alpes reflects the shared history of two sheep-grazing villages (or alpages) – Venosc and Mont de Lans. Today the villages are joined as one resort by way of a 2km strip of hotels, bars and shops that runs along a narrow plateau. The result is a lively entertainment highway, vaguely reminiscent of towns in the Canary Islands. Venosc, at the southern end, boasts the most character, best hotels, bars and restaurants, and has the least through traffic. It also accesses the Diable gondola. The main Jandri Express gondola is in the centre of town near many of the apartments.”
Mark Warner sings its praises:
“You won’t just like it, you’ll love it! Les Deux Alpes is a lively village and one of the oldest resorts in France. For singles, couples and families you’ll find there’s a wide choice of bars and restaurants along the resort’s main street that will suit all pockets and tastes – including the Tribeca Bar and Restaurant or The Windsor Pub. With an impressive snow record and above average sunshine to put you in the mood, this resort has over 200km of pistes and areas to suit all levels of skier and snowboarder. Les Deux Alpes is known as a family resort and our chalethotel Berangere has excellent, spacious accommodation for all the family. The resort positively encourages children by providing four free T-bars in the village and there’s a kid’s freestyle area too. Popular attractions include an outdoor ice rink and two sports centres.”