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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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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’ […]
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 […]
Thierry’s Bar in Perreux is virtually the centre of village life here, and certainly has been for many years. This traditional French bar and cafe-restaurant has now moved from its original location, and into the old Marie’s (Mayor’s) building and offices. Now even more central, and with newer, contemporary, larger interior, this popular local watering […]
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, […]
The artist Ben Vautier, known simply as ‘Ben’ has a fascinating, eclectic exhibition of his life’s work here at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Lyon. This special exhibition on 3 floors runs from March 3rd to July 11th 2010. It is an impressive collection of his text-based paintings, dadaist sculptures and large installations. Well […]
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’ […]
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 […]
We continue with the tales of my trails through England with my good French friend, Jean-Marc Dublé. In this Part 2 of ” Our Man from the Roannais in England” we travel from London to the great city of learning – Oxford. Slap bang in the middle of England, Oxford is a city of enviable […]
Yes, we can all start looking forward to some more holiday fun in the Roannais. ‘Le Cuvage’, its wooded gardens, and heated swimming pool are already looking good. The magnolia, lilac, and wisteria are all in full bloom, and filling the air with their flowery scents. Even the swimming pool has awoken from its winter […]