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The wonders of Lyon!
Lyon (historically spelled Lyons) is a city in east-central France in the Rhône-Alpes region, situated between Paris and Marseille. Etymologically it relates to the Celtic God Lugoves, Lugh as do Laon and Leiden. Lyon is located approximately 470 kilometres (292 miles) from Paris, 320 km (199 mi) from Marseille, 420 km (261 mi) from Strasbourg, 160 km (99 mi) from Geneva, […]
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Marvellous Medieval Celebrations in Lyon.
The traditional, yearly medieval celebrations called the ‘Fête Renaissance’ in Lyon were staged once again around the city of Lyon in the heart of the ‘Old Town’ called Vieux Lyon this April. A brilliant setting for such a colourful event which commemorates the visit of Catherine de Médicis and the young King, Charles IX, to […]
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The hunt goes on in the Roannais! By Brian Franklin
I have written about ‘La Loge’ and ‘Le Chasse’ several times in the past. This is a hunting lodge set in marvellously wild and tranquil countryside. The natural habitat of the hunter! Once more this month I had the tremendous pleasure of visiting this wonderful place for another hunting expedition – mainly duck, but with […]
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From the Roannais to Strasbourg and The Alsace. By Brian Franklin
Once again, the central position of the Roannais in the Rhône-Alpes is perfect for a fast and easy few hours drive East into another glorious part of France – the heart of the magnificent Alsace region. Strasbourg is a city in eastern France. The city has about 272,000 people. There are about 450,000 people in […]
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The Roannais to Scotland
Since the old days of Bonnie Prince Charlie the Scots have had a close and sympathetique relationship with France. In fact, they hold regular French markets during the weekends and holiday season, featuring a huge range of French produce from different regions. From our base in the Roannais near Lyon it is just a 2-hour […]
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Balloons at Dawn in the Roannais.
If you get up early enough in the morning (around 5.00) and drive to the foothills of the Monts de la Madeleine, near the little village of St Haon-le Vieux, you may be in for a great surprise. When the weather is good, and the sky is blue The local Montgolfiere Group are often preparing […]
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The BBC Programme Escape to the Country goes to Europe. By Brian Franklin
The successful BBC programme Escape to the Country is moving over to the continent, so we are told. ‘Escape to the Country goes to Europe’, which will be a spin-off from the popular property series, ‘Escape to the Country’ currently running on the BBC. If you are unfamiliar with the format, the BBC help people, […]
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Living the French Dream arrives in the Roannais!
The first edition of Brian Franklin’s new book, ‘Living the French Dream’, has finally been printed, and delivered to the Roannais ! Now expanded to over 180 pages of images and text, with a personal story of discovery and adventure, along with a history of two amazing property renovations in the heart of the Roannais, […]
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Happy Easter, from all of us at Purefrancenow.
Easter’s here and Spring is just round the corner! (we hope!!) So, all of us from Purefrancenow wish everyone a very Happy Easter and Joyeuse Pâques! May your Easter eggs be full of chocolate, and the Easter Bunny brings you lots! Best wishes. www.purefrancenow.com _________________________________________________________________________________
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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 […]
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Chateau d’Origny in the Roannais by Brian Franklin
The surprise discovery of a new place is always a delight, particularly when it is a combination of good food and convivial company. Last week I was invited to an evening meal with a few of my French colleagues to Chateau d’Origny, situated just outside Roanne, in the Roannais. I had never been before, and […]