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The Roannais to Medieval Carcassonne! by Brian Franklin
The Roannais has an enviable central location in France which enables pretty reasonable, and easy access to many other parts of Europe – particularly Southern and South West of France, Northern Spain, Pyrenees and the North Eastern coast, and Northern Italy, including the French and Italian Alps. Excellent autoroute networks throughout the above regions make […]
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Part 7: Our Man from the Roannais in the Lake District by Brian Franklin
In our latest part of ‘Our Man from the Roannais in England’ series we reach new heights of adventure and discovery in the marvellous Lake District. Jean-Marc is treated to a traditional ‘fish n’ chips’ supper, and continues to consume even greater quantities of traditional English ale with great enthusiasm ( Well, you need to […]
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Part 6: Our Man from the Roannais in David Hockney’s England! by Brian Franklin
Well, we’re in David Hockney territory this time with a sensational trip to Salt’s Mill, Saltaire, near Bradford. And, not only that, but we travel even further to discover the many historical delights of York, and a visit to the Lancashire village of Ilkley. This, of course, also includes introducing ‘Our Man from the Roannais’ […]
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Part 5: Our Man from the Roannais at Chatsworth and The Yorkshire Sculpture Park by Brian Franklin
Here we go again, I’m afraid, continuing our saga about our travels through England. This time combining country life with bourgeois, aristocratic history and contemporary sculptural art – all set in some of the most stunning countryside in England! Yes, I took our French man from his own beautiful Roannais region in the Rhone-Alpes to […]
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Fête des Classes in Perreux, Roannais by Brian Franklin
Every year in most of the villages of France they celebrate that year’s age groups who have reached their first or next 10 years. This year it was the turn of ‘0’ – those born with a zero at the end of their birth year. They celebrate all those that have been born in 2010, […]
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Part 4: Our Man from the Roannais in Shakespeare’s Country! by Brian Franklin
This next stage of our journey through England we continue the theme of ‘classic’ ‘old’ quintessential Englishness, and follow, partly at least, in the Elizabethan footsteps of our famous bard, and literary genious – William Shakespeare. ‘To be or not to be, that is the question’ and Jean-Marc and myself were certainly endeavouring ‘to be’ […]
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Part 3: Our Man from the Roannais in The Wye Valley! by Brian Franklin
From the academic and architectural wonders of Oxford travelling to an alternative natural wonder of the Royal Forest of Dean in the beautiful Wye Valley was almost a mental relief, if not a physical one. Jean-Marc and I had planned a 3-day sojourn in this fascinating corner of England, near to the Welsh border with […]
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Part 1: Our Man from the Roannais in London! by Brian Franklin
April has been a remarkable month for us. Sunshine, travels and wonderful discoveries, good food and drink, and all part of an exceptional visit to England, accompanied by a very good French friend from the Roannais – Jean-Marc Dublé. Jean-Marc is a most congenial fellow – bon vivant, creative intellectual, and painter, and with an […]
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The Magnificent Hunting Lodge in the Roannais! by Brian Franklin
Yes, we’re back once more at ‘La Loge’ – a magnificent hunting lodge with all its vast lakes and woodland. An absolute paradise for creatures great and small! For the last year, or more, this countryside wonderland has lived and prospered without a visit from us, and we have certainly missed its wild embrace. But […]
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Fantastic Lyon in Lights!
This December Lyon’s Féte des Lumiéres is once again a stunning display of creativity, originality and history. Developed over the years from the 19th century when on one particular night people commemorated the Virgin Mary by lighting candles in their windows. The modern four-day event sees millions throng the streets to see marvellously illuminated buildings […]
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Brasserie Clemenceau celebrates 3 years success in Roanne!
October saw Brasserie Clemenceau in Roanne celebrate their 3 year anniversary with wine and song, and ten-pin bowling! An exceptional evening of fun, excellent food, good friends, and entertainment. All laid on free and gratis by the owners Francis Kuchenbuch and Jean-Louis Clot. Over 400 guests were invited for this great evening of celebration – […]
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Pure Chocolate and Fashion in Paris, and the Roannais!
The annual ‘Salon du Chocolat’ in Paris, this October, is now creating a marvellous impact once again, combining fashion with the sensuality of pure chocolate!! All in the name of many children’s charities. And, of course, one of the Roannais’s most famous chocolatier is well-represented. Pralus, based in Roanne, is featured once again this year. […]