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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 […]
We have written about Chateau de Champlong several times during the last few years, and include this exceptional establishment in our recommendation of restaurants for the Roannais region. In the heart of the Roanais, Rhône-Alpes, Chateau de Champlong is a great place for a special birthday or anniversary dinner. And no more so than when […]
Your own French ‘Pied à Terre’ in the beautiful Roannais region, near Lyon ! A simply adorable ‘character’ property with courtyard and swimming pool, set within the original woodland grounds of the Chateau des Cresses. Near the medieval hill village of Perreux, and close to the main township of Roanne. The Old Bakery, Chateau des […]
Roanne Table Ouverte’ – 8th Festival of gastronomy in the Roannais region, during October 2010. (Literally ‘open table’ – a welcome to all the public to enjoy some of the best restaurants in the region) The gastronomic jewel of Roanne and the Roannais! It is an opportunity and a pleasure for all the restaurants, producers, […]
The Painter’s House in the Roannais ! Our friend, Jean-Marc Dublé opened his new Atelier (Studio) at his home in Pradines, Roannais, this September. An evening soirée for over fifty people was organised by him, and his close friends Jacques and Pierrette. The new studio has been beautifully designed by a talented Swedish architect, and […]
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 […]
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 […]
An amazing opportunity to buy into your own slice of France in the beautiful region of the Roannais, Rhône-Alpes. The remarkable “Old Winery’ part of a chateau, near the medieval hill village of Perreux, has already been renovated to a high standard. Situated with original chateau courtyard and woodland grounds, there is also a swimming […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]