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Speciality olive oils, vinegars, and mustards in the Roannais.
For more than 120 years, in the southernmost corner of Burgundy, near the Roannais region, has been the home to the cultivation of a range of culinary oils with an authentic fruity flavour. Through the generations, the LEBLANC family has handed down its trade secrets based on the watchwords of authenticity, tradition and nature, flavour, […]
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Summer fun in Lyon.
Lyon is a lively city and, as you’d expect, hosts a number of festivals, cultural and sporting events, and fairs throughout the year. Look out for local magazines and guides, which regularly publish an up-to-date listing of forthcoming events in Lyon. The city’s tourist office is also a good source of information on things to […]
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Diamond Jubilee Celebrations in the Roannais!
Yes. We were definitely not going to be left out of the Queens Diamond Jubilee celebrations here in France, so Purefrancenow invited some of our close French friends to enjoy the festivities with us in true British style! A little bizarre you may think for the French to celebrate with us, but as we enjoy […]
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Famous Maison Mon’s Cheeses in the Roannais.
Many year’s ago we had been pointed in the direction of the Mons Fromagerie in Halles Diderot, a fabulous high quality indoor market in Roanne. Having been told that they were simply the best place to purchase cheese, not only for quality, but also breadth of choice – they sell a range of over 230 […]
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Sensational Château Bouthéon near Saint Etienne, Rhône-Alpes.
A short drive from the Roannais enroute to Saint Etienne in the region of the Rhône-Alpes there is a stunning château. Of course, France is full of beautiful château’s of different architectural styles and merits, both large and small. Château Bouthéon is a particularly fine example of well-preserved history, beautifully landscaped gardens, and collection of […]
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L’Astrée – one of the best restaurants in Roanne, Roannais.
A second visit to this quietly understated restaurant in the centre of Roanne, in the Roannais, did not disappoint. The restaurant interior and presentation somewhat belies its roadside exterior, but the menu from chef, Simon Falcoz, is exquisite. Beautiful surroundings, attentive, unassuming service, and high quality food – second only to the famous Maison Troisgros, […]
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The Art and Magic of famous chocolatier François Pralus in the Roannais.
It was August Pralus who invented and created the delicious ‘Praluline’, a tasty soft brioche that stimulates the taste-buds, steeping us in the enchantment of childhood memories at the first mouthful. August Pralus, who was born in the Loire in March 1920, opened his first pastry-shop in Roanne in 1948. He was a pastry cook […]
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Château de Champlong Triumphs again in the Roannais.
After yet another visit to Château de Champlong, this time as part of a business club reunion evening meal, a triumph of excellent cuisine by Olivier Boizet was once again experienced gladly by all! The Château de Champlong, located right in the heart of the Roannais region, is set in lush green countryside. This charming […]
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Vichy’s amazing attractions near the Roannais.
Vichy is one of France’s foremost spas which shot to fame in the 1860s when Napoleon III started taking the waters. Its sulphurous springs are said to cure rheumatism, arthritis and all manner of digestive disorders. As a result, a large number of elderly, genteel French citizens holiday here. The town retains a real ‘fin-de-siecle’ […]
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The Medieval Village of Le Crozet in the Roannais.
We visit the beautiful village of ‘Le Crozet’ once again! Only 20 minutes, or so, from Roanne, up the famous ‘Nationale Sept’ autoroute, nestled at the far end of the Monts de la Madeleine, in the Côte Roannaise you arrive at this gem of a medieval village with a colorful history. A surprise and a […]
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Raymond Blanc triumphs in Lyon!
Raymond Blanc, in his new BBC TV series, ‘The Hungry Frenchman,” goes back to his French homeland to expound the delights of high quality regional French produce and cuisine. He also excitedly and enthusiastically ‘tests’ his own versions of each regions recipe specialities on friends and family by taking over a popular local restaurant just […]
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Winter Wonderland at Le Cuvage in the Roannais.
During the recent snowy period in France ‘Le Cuvage’ has looked like a winter wonderland. ‘ Le Cuvage’ is one of the best holiday rental opportunities in the Roannais, Rhône-Alpes, and a French winter break with some safe family ski-ing here is ideal. You can get the best of many worlds, with top quality French […]