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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 […]
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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 […]
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From Dubai to Château de Champlong in the Roannais by Brian Franklin
Here at Purefrancenow we always take the chance to emphasise great experiences we have had, especially those we have had with very good friends. It is particularly the case in this instance when they are friends who have travelled all the way from Dubai to visit us here in the Roannais as part of a […]
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Winter wonderland in the Roannais !
The pictures say more than words here. Snowtime in the Roannais is pure fun with plenty of opportunities for winter sport, including ski-ing in the local Monts de la Madeleine. We are just 45 minutes from the slopes of Loges des Gardes and Chalmazel – two excellent alpine stations for all the family. Le Cuvage […]
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Visit invigorating Vichy near the Roannais !
Vichy is world famous as a spa and resort town just 40 minutes easy drive from the Roannais. With 80,194 inhabitants, Vichy’s urban area is the second largest in the Auvergne. It retains its fin-de-siècle charm in spite of the knock its reputation took during WWII when Pétain’s puppet government was based here, and its […]
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Roanne Airshow reaches great heights in the Roannais
This September the 19th meeting of the ‘Aérien International Roanne’ was staged, and dedicated to female aviators throughout the world, from the first women to fly to the present day. It was a magnificent day with a huge variety of planes and displays. The event was opened by the French display team equivalent to the […]
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Our Man from the Roannais says hello to The Beatles and Manchester United ! by Brian Franklin
Our Man from the Roannais visits The Beatles in Liverpool, and Manchester United ! Surely, just the best finale for our England trip !! The final leg of our journey through in England covered the two great northern cities of Manchester and Liverpool. Another eye-opener for our friend Jean-Marc. We toured around Manchester and Liverpool […]
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From the Roannais to Pasta, Parmesan, and Prosecco in Italy !
Once again, I have to say, it is simply easy by car to get to some beautiful parts of France, Spain, and Italy from our base in the Roannais, Rhône-Alpes. This time, a fast auto-route with stunning, mountainous views through part of the French and Italian Alps to the north east of Lyon, straight in […]
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The Roannais to Gaudi, Picasso, and Miro in Barcelona ! by Brian Franklin
The Roannais to Gaudi, Picasso and Miro in Barcelona ! Upward and onward we go on our sensational journey through Barcelona, sampling its myriad exquisite delights – in glorious sunshine from stunning scenery and amazing architecture to gastronomic pleasures and fabulous art. Montjuic, in particular is a spectacular vantage point from which to view the […]
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The Roannais to Barcelona by Brian Franklin
From the Roannais in the Rhone-Alpes to Barcelona, one of the great Mediterranean cities, is certainly a longish drive. But a magical one, all the same, particularly with visits and stop-overs on the way, such as medieval Carcassonne, and Salvador Dali’s home town of Figueres, as well as his famous house in Port Lligat by […]
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Fun with Fun Cars in Perreux, Roannais!
July in the Roannais was a very hot and sunny time this year, and there was plenty of fun to be had, too. Especially with the yearly ‘Fun Car’ event in Perreux. ‘Petrol head’ excitement amongst the roaring engines, grating gears, diesel fumes and smoke! All part of the spectacular day on a farm in […]
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The Roannais to Salvador Dali’s Country by Brian Franklin
It does not take long from the Roannais, in the Rhône-Alpes (and our base near the medieval village of Perreux) to enter the original and surreal world of Salvador Dali. A delightful stop-over in Carcassonne, and then onward (or, I should say, downward) towards Barcelona. Conveniently enroute with just a slight, but pleasant detour, and […]