FrenchDuck UK - Latest

Lavender Festival in Vaucluse

le duck — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 06:33:53 +0000

Provence is often summarised in a picture of glorious lavender fields, which obviously come into full bloom from July onwards. The town of Valreas, also famous for its Côtes du Rhône wines, holds an annual Lavender Festival from1-3 August 2009:-

Lavender is celebrated in Valréas during the first weekend in the month of August. Saturday evening and Monday evening, there is a parade of richly decorated floats, on different themes each year. A lively parade full of fun for the crowds who come to take part in the celebration. Folk dance and music groups, marching bands majorettes lead the way. This year’s theme: countries and their traditions.

This part of Provence sums up the essence of southern France with its wealth of luscious produce - fruits, wine, lavender, truffles - as part of an area known as l’Enclave des Papes (The Popes Enclave)

The Enclave des Papes is happy to offer to its inhabitants and visitors some delicious flavours and pleasant aromas :the Côtes du Rhône wine, the Black Diamond “the truffle”, and the bluish fields of lavender in June…
So many products stemming from our soil gathered on our weekly Provençal markets!

For more info on Vareas and Provence Lavender

Of course Lavender is also grown in the UK as far north as Yorkshire - for example at Wolds Way Lavender near Malton, North Yorkshire - and there have been days this year when NorthYorkshire has been warmer than Provence.

A festival of Melons

le duck — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 05:11:32 +0000

Cavaillon (84 Vaucluse, Provence) is one of the major centres of Melon production in France - and on the weekend of 11-12 July 2009 the town celebrates its gastronomic delights with the Fete du Melon.

With music, dancing, processions of donkeys, ponies and horsement, and plenty of opportunities to try Melon in its many guises (jams, sauces, liqueurs etc) and buy from the Melon market, The Cavaillon melon tends to be smaller but more flavoursome than say, a honeydew melon.

Cavaillon is also well-situated for visiting Avignon, St Remy de Provence and the Luberon area - some of the best of Provence.

More info on Cavaillon and its region.

LD Lines drop Dieppe service

le duck — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 05:36:00 +0000

LD Lines has dropped its Dover-Dieppe ferry service from the end of June 2009.
Reportedly due to insufficient traffic, the ship used , the “Cote D’Albatre” will continue to run on the newer Dover-Boulogne service. But it is a shame that there is again less choice for crossing the channel - the Dieppe route at 4+ hours was probably doomed because it was neither a short-sea crossing like Dover-Calais, nor a longer western Channel “cruise”. Importantly it did not offer UK travellers an option for avoiding the dreaded M25 motorway, and competed against faster and shorter crossings from the same ferry port.

However, Dieppe was (and is) a pleasant and less-crowded destination and did provide a useful start point for western France - or for exploring Picardie and the Seine Valley. You can still get a ferry to Dieppe from Newhaven on Transmanche ferries (also part of LD Lines) - the crossing takes about 4 hours, but Newhaven is not so well connected to the motorway network.

Cheaper eating in France

le duck — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 06:23:13 +0000

From 1 July 2009 the French Government has lowered VAT (or TVA in France) on Restaurant meals from 19.6% to 5.5% in a bid to stimulate a sluggish market, which should result in some noticeable savings for diners.

This is welcome as a good meal out in France can be a real treat - and often very much better value than most UK eateries.

However, beware that VAT is not reduced on wine, which remains at 19.6% - higher than the UK (currently 15%) but without the UK’s punitive excise duty rates.

Of many favourite restaurants in France, there is one in the Lot département which remains a cherished memory for me - Le Gindreau at St Medard-Catus (46, Lot, Midi-Pyrenees) - a glorious meal of local specialities, good wine, excellent service and a table on the terrace with views over the quiet local countryside - and 3 hours for lunch!

Within easy travelling distance of Cahors and with an impressive list of Cahors and other wines.

Bourges Cathedral illuminated at Night

le duck — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 05:52:05 +0000

The gothic cathedral of St Etienne at Bourges (18 Cher, Centre) is one of the most impressive in France, surrounded by the medieval streets of the old town. Imagine the sight of this magnificent and imposing edifice compared to the modest premises of the local populace, it would inspire awe and wonder. Today it remains impressive, with immense flying buttresses and sheer bulk and beauty enough to justify its designation as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites:-

The Cathedral of St Etienne of Bourges, built between the late 12th and late 13th centuries, is one of the great masterpieces of Gothic art and is admired for its proportions and the unity of its design. The tympanum, sculptures and stained-glass windows are particularly striking. Apart from the beauty of the architecture, it attests to the power of Christianity in medieval France.

As an extra bonus, the Cathedral is illuminated as night as part of Les Nuits Lumière de Bourges

ievery Thursday, Friday and Saturday night in July, August and September 2009 from dusk.

Additionally on Fridays 3 July 2009, 29 August 2009 and 18 September 2009 locals will be in costume, and on Fridays 17,24 and 31 July 2009, 7 and 14 August 2009 there will also be the opportunity to taste the wines of the region (Vins du Centre, which includes Sancerre, Quincy, Reuilly, Menetou-Salon, Poully-Fumé, Coteaux du Giennois and Chateaumeillant AC)

More info on Bourges

More info on the wines of Centre

A Visit to the Saltworks!

le duck — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 05:52:20 +0000

UNESCO has just announced that it has extended recognition of the Royal Saltworks at Arc-et-Senans to include the Great (although presumably not Royal) Saltworks of nearby Salins-les-Bains (25 Doubs, Franche-Comté.)

The Great Saltworks of Salins-les-Bains, where brine has been extracted since the Middle Ages if not earlier, features three buildings above ground: salt stores, the Amont well building and a former dwelling. It is linked to Claude-Nicolas Ledoux’s Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans and bears testimony to the history of salt extraction in France. (The Royal Saltworks represented)…the first major achievement of industrial architecture, reflecting the ideal of progress of the Enlightenment. This vast, semicircular complex was designed to permit a rational and hierarchical organization of work and was to have been followed by the building of an ideal city, a project that was never realized.

Not on the usual list of tourist attractions for most of us, but this looks to be an interesting gem in a part of France that many visitors miss.

Whilst in the département of the Doubs, you can also enjoy the delights of the “Swallows Line” (la Ligne des Hirondelles)

Claimed to be one of the most beautiful railway journeys in France, the Ligne des Hirondelles crosses the Jura, in a trip lasting 2½ hours, travelling over 120 km between plain and mountain, through the forest of Chaux, the vineyards of Arbois, the vast Grandvaux plateaus, and the Valley of la Bienne.
It boasts a number of very impressive engineering structures. The 123 kilometre line, linking Dole and Saint-Claude, goes through 36 tunnels and crosses 18 viaducts. It climbs from 200 metres of altitude (at Dole station) to 948 metres (at its highest point, the Col de la Savine) before descending again to 440 metres of altitude at Saint-Claude. The trip from Morez to Saint-Claude alone goes through 18 tunnels, totalling 470 metres, with 10 bridges and viaducts. The leg from Morbier to Morez epitomises the Swallows Line. (see our map)

More info on The Royal Saltworks
More info on The Swallows Line
More info on the Doubs

Hire a Motorhome In France

le duck — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 05:25:56 +0000

Holiday Autos.co.uk has launched a new Motorhome hire service which you can book in the UK the same way you would book car hire online. With a good selection of pick up points in major towns and at major French airports you may also be able to select one-way hire - i.e. drop off at a different location.

With plenty of quality motorhomes to choose from in hundreds of worldwide locations you’ll be spoilt for choice, wherever you’re heading off to. Book a one berth for a bit of alone time, or take the whole family and hire a nine berth. Whatever you opt for, expect nothing less than luxury as you travel about in your motorhome.

France is one of the best countries for motorhome touring and is very motorhome (or “camping car“) friendly being equipped with many camp sites and service areas where you can charge up your electricity, water etc, and/or park overnight. So you can tour all day, stop and admire some great views and explore a wide landscape, rather than be confined to a small area.

Picl-up locations include Toulouse, Marseille, Bordeaux, Lyon, Nice, Brest, Tours and Strasbourg, all of which would offer a week’s great touring with no hotel bills!

For more info see Holiday Autos.co.uk

Wine Festival in Aniane, Herault

le duck — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 05:56:08 +0000

Although a rather small Languedoc village, Aniane has a world-wide reputation as the home of Mas de Daumas-Gassac where owner Aimé Guibert challenged the traditional winse bureaucracy by making top quality wines outside the very restrictive Appellattion Controllée system - and then the locals saw off an attempt by a large multinational to buy up a significant chunk of the local vineyards in order to make some bland, branded wine.

Importantly the village lies in the heart of the Languedoc vineyards about 40km North East of Montpellier (34 Herault. Languedoc) Hence it makes an ideal focus for the substantial Aniane Wine Fair (Salon des Vins) on the weekend of 25-26 July 2009 - several dozen wine makers from Aniane and surrounding villages (including Daumas Gassac) will be attending, including one of my favourties - the Mas de la Serranne. where Isabelle & Jean-Pierre Venture make some excellent Coteaux du Languedoc AC wines blending traditional Languedoc with Rhône grape varietals which produce intense. but smooth, herby red wines.

For more info see Aniane Wine Fair

Scenic Railways in France

le duck — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:16:20 +0000

The railway journey from Nimes(30 Gard, Languedoc-Roussillon) to Clermont Ferrand (63 Puy de Dome, Auvergne) offers you a different perspective on the Massif Central than most of us experience using the main north-south artery down the Autoroute du Soleil. Whilst the newer A75 route from Beziers to Clermont-Ferrand also offers some spectacular views, the train gives you more time to admire the landscape and takes you to places which the car cannot.

Crossing the wild country of the Cevennes in southern France this line passes through 106 tunnels and over almost 1,300 bridges, including the impressive 41 arch Chamborigaud Viaduct.

Easily reached by TGV from Paris, Nîmes is the starting point of this leisurely journey through the remote, wild country of the Cevennes. Though only 303km long, the line burrows through 106 tunnels and crosses almost 1,300 bridges, including some of the most impressive viaducts on French railways, such as the 28-arch edifice at Chapeauroux and the 41-arch near-semicircle of Chamborigaud Viaduct.

The southern plain of vineyards, Lombardy poplars and Aleppo pines gives way to a few miles of hilly post-industrial landscape with occasional traces of mining activity gradually being reclaimed by nature. The long climb into the Cevennes and the summit at La Bastide (1,023m above sea level) is flanked by woods and the occasional agricultural terrace etched into the hillside. Running across a plateau, the train offers panoramic views across hills stretching to the horizon. Lonely stations in the middle of nowhere make one wonder at the optimism of the railway’s builders. But perhaps the finest stretch is the long section of track built on a masonry ledge above the River Allier with glorious views along the sinuous valley.

The journey takes about 5½ hours, yet fares start at just £34 - the 300km route passes through Ales, Chamborigaud, Villefort, Chapeauroux, Langogne, Langeac, Brioude and Issoire.

For more details see www.raileurope.co.uk

See map

Another acclaimed scenically beautiful rail route is in the French Comté - see http://frenchduck.com

Cassoulet Festival at Castelnaudry

le duck — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 06:11:10 +0000

The town of Castelnaudry (11 Aude, Languedoc) celebrates its 10th Fete du Cassoulet designed to reinforce its claim to be the birthplace of Cassoulet. Cassoulet is a rich and filling stew of haricot beans, duck confit, garlic sausage and pork. It can also include Toulouse sausage, mutton or goose, depending on the region in which it is made.

Rick Stein visited the Cassoulet Festival as part of his French Odyssey

For more info see www.couleur-lauragais.fr/

Sand castles at Le Touquet

le duck — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 06:47:48 +0000

Until the end of August 2009 Le Touquet (62 Pas de Calais, Nord-Pas de Calais) is hosting a Sand Sculpture exhibition.

But this is not just children’s sand castles on the beach which will be wiped out at the next tide - no these are art sculptures using special sand brought in from Belgium, and with the theme of the kings of France:-

discover France and the secret history of its Kings. An amazing portrait gallery of differing destinies, sometimes amusing, often tormented and always exceptional… Re-live history and set out to conquer the royal sculptures! …

For more info see www.sculpturesdesable.com

For more info on Le Touquet see the official tourist office site

Domaine Treloar near Perpignan (and Bristol)

le duck — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 06:23:59 +0000

Exhibiting at Bristol’s Wine Festival (10-12 July 2009) will be Domaine Treloar, a small vineyard in the Roussillon region of southern France.

We are a small, high-quality vineyard and winery in the Roussillon, France’s most exciting wine region.Owned and operated by Jonathan Hesford and Rachel Treloar.
As Vignerons Indépendants, we grow all the grapes, make the wine and bottle it at the domaine. We do not buy in fruit or wine from other sources.
We also do all the work in the vineyards and winery ourselves and only employ outside help for pruning and picking.

There are a significant number of British winemakers in France and this domaine is run by ” a bloke from Yorkshire and a girl from New Zealand” , producing Cotes de Roussillon AC, Muscat de Rivesaltes and Vins de Pays d’Oc wines at Trouillas (66 Pyrenees Orientales) south of Perpignan. Open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays for informal visitors, they also offer a “How wine is made” tour. A friendly, informative and thoroughly enjoyable guided tour of the vineyards and winery followed by a tutored tasting of our wines. .

If you cannot get to southern France you can visit their stand at the Bristol Wine Festival (10-12 July 2009) or purchase in the UK from Leon Stolarski Fine Wines or HC Wines.

For more info on the Britsol Wine & Food Festival see www.bristolwineandfoodfair.co.uk - worth a visit to see a number of French and UK Vineyards, major importers and wine merchants plus a wealth of food products.

For more info on Domaine Treloar see www.domainetreloar.com

New air routes to Nantes and Montpellier

le duck — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 04:45:44 +0000

Air France has introduced a new route from London’s City Airport to Nantes at the mouth of the Loire, ideally situated to explore Brittany, the Loire Valley and the Vendée - see www.airfrance.co.uk

Meanwhile budget airline Easyjet starts flights from London Luton to Montpellier in southern France from 7 July 2009 - well-positioned for the mediterranean beaches and the other joys of Provence and the Languedoc. - see www.easyjet.com

Buy at AllPosters.com

Pop in Arras’ Main Square Festival

le duck — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 05:02:02 +0000

The Brits invade northern France -The town of Arras (62 Pas de Calais) hosts a top line-up for its “Main Square Festival” from 2- 5 July 2009. Artists include Franz Ferdinand, Duffy, Lenny Kravitz, Kaiser Chiefs, Moby, Lily Allen, Coldplay and many others. The festival in the imposing Grande Place in the heart of the town will make a superb backdrop - and there may even be some French bands!

For more info see www.mainsquarefestival.fr

For more info on Arras - see www.ot-arras.fr/

Summer festival in Paris

le duck — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 04:54:06 +0000

Paris celebrates with a summer festival (Quartier d’Été) of music and dance between 15 July and 9 August 2009.

For four weeks the streets of Paris are transformed into a huge open-air performing arts space for the Summer Arts Festival . The event includes opera, jazz, theatre, classical music, circus, film and dance in avariety of venues which include m cinemas, the Latin Quarter and the Jardin des Tuileries.
For more info see www.quartierdete.com

Bordeaux’s River Festival

le duck — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 18:10:10 +0000

Bordeaux has improved its image and facilities in recent years and now celebrates its river (Garonne) with a River Festival (20-21 June 2009) - Fete du Fleuve Bordeaux with singing and dancing on the quays throughout the weekend.

Previously the riverside tended to be more industrial and delapidated - or bordered by heavy traffic - so along with many other aspects of the city it has become more visitor-friendly and relaxed.

Bordeaux will play host to a new festival open to the public and centred on the Garonne river, music, and dance on 20-21 June 2009. This will coincide with the arrival of the Belem, France’s last surviving three-masted tall ship, which will drop anchor in the Port de la Lune, in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For more info see www.bordeaux-fete-le-fleuve.com

For more recommendations on where to stay, eat, visit etc see “le weekend in Bordeaux”

Fete de la Musique

le duck — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 11:28:16 +0000

The Fête de la Musique is held across France on 21 June 2009 and is effectively a free music festival , open to both amateur and professional musicians and offers a wide range of genres from World Music, Folk, Jazz, Classical and pop. It’s free - the musicians perform for free, and all the concerts are free for the public. Venues include streets , parks, museums, train stations, castles etc. This really does offer music for all tastes in almost every town in France (and worldwide, as it is part of an international music day)

The website at http://fetedelamusique.culture.fr (in french) provides a way to search for events for the day by region, departement of music genre. - so whether it be Paris or Perpignan you should find something to entice you.

Cassis Festival at Nuits St Georges

le duck — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 05:48:56 +0000

Cassis is one of those confusing words in French -it is “blackcurrant”, “blackcurrant liqueur (techincally Creme de Cassis) and a coastal resort in Provence (and an AOC wine)! Probably best known as the classic ingredient of a Kir (chilled white wine, traditionally Burgundy) or Kir Royale (Champagne), classic Creme de Cassis comes from Burgundy (Beaune). and it is in Burgundy that the town of Nuits St Georges holds its annual Fete du Cassis (5-6 September 2009) which celebrates all aspects of the blackcurrant - including blackcurrant bread, ham, jams and condiments, sausages, liqueurs and kir!

With stalls, music, tastings and a demonstration of blackcurrant pressing this should be fun - see www.lacabotte.com

Burgundy’s Grand Cru wine route

le duck — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 05:03:13 +0000

From Santenay through Chassagne-Montrachet, Mersault, Nuits St Georges, Beaune, Gevrey-Chambertin and all the other famous names of 37 villages on the Cote d’Or to Dijon, the Route Touristique des Grands Crus de Bourgogne is a well-signposted route for cars, cycling or walking exploring the vineyards of Burgundy. Apart from the main towns, the area is usually quiet and travelling off the main roads does help to reveal some of the nuances of the landscape which make some areas more special than others,
The big problem with Burgundy, and especially its Grands Crus, is price (especially with the current poor exchange rate £1=€1.10 in early June 2009) - one solution is to explore the Hautes Cotes (Hautes Cotes de Beaune and Hautes Cotes de Nuits) which are also included on the website and offer a wider range of choice and keener prices.

For more info see www.route-des-grands-crus-de-bourgogne.com

LD Lines new vessel

le duck — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 04:28:55 +0000

LD Lines’ new 112 metre catamaran, the Norman Arrow, has come into service offering quick cross-channel connections between Dover and Boulogne. It is the first ever freight carrying high-speed ferry to traverse the Dover Straits with the latest in onboard facilities.

Built in Hobart, Tasmania it underwent a 12000 mile oceanic crossing before entering service on the 60 minute each way short-sea crossing between Dover and Boulogne.

Bonny-sur-Loire Wine Fair

AB — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 05:43:16 +0000

Sunday 26 July 2009 sees the annual Fete des Vins at Bonny-sur-Loire.(45 Loiret, Centre), Although close to both Sancerre and Pouilly-sur-Loire, the wines here are from the Coteaux Giennois (from near the town of Gien on the Loire) - whites from Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin, reds from Pinot Noir and Gamay. Chenin Blanc is the typical white grape variety in the Loire Valley wines - especially in the main section of the river - Bonny is on the cusp between the dominance of Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon from up-river vineyards such as Sancerre.
Although they lack the finesse of their more famous neighbours, they are good little wines and represent good value.
See map

For more info see www.vins-centre-loire.com

Rock Festival in Brittany

le duck — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 05:10:41 +0000

If you are a fan of Bruce Springsteen, Lily Allen or Lenny Kravitz, then a visit to the town of Carhaix(29 Finistere, Brittany) from 16-19 July 2009 should be on your agenda. This is for the well-established Villes Charrues music festival - a literal translation being “old ploughs” festival. But be warned. this is a major music event attracting over 200.000 people from all over Europe and with an impressive international line-up.

Carhaix is just an hour by road from the port of Roscoff (Brittany Ferries) and can also be reached from Brest (Ryanair from London Luton and Dublin) and has good bus and train links with the rest of Brittany.

For more info see www.vieillescharrues.asso.fr

French Flea Markets

le duck — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 06:24:13 +0000

A new book is published on 11 June 2009 - a Guide to The Flea Markets of France by Sandy Price (”marche de puce”) :

A visit to a flea market can be the highlight of a trip to France: a lively encounter with everyday French culture, an exciting way to spend a few hours, and a chance to pick up a unique souvenir or add to a collection. The Flea Markets of France is the indispensable tool for getting the most out of your visit, whether you’re a first-time visitor or an experienced shopper. Conversational and comprehensive, this guide will tell you everything you need to know about exploring markets all over France. Descriptions of markets and their specialties, as well as practical advice on visiting them, is augmented by notes on regional items, tips on bargaining and collecting, a glossary of relevant French phrases, and a useful rating system which gives an overview of each market. Much more than a simple listing of French flea markets, Sandy Price’s warm suggestions of things to do nearby, places to eat, food specialties of the area, and local amenities are complemented by bits of history and cultural observations. Armed with this comprehensive guide, visitors to France will feel they are in good, reliable hands.

I remember a long hunt for an old-fashioned Ricard water bottle, which was eventually successful in the delightful town of l’Isle -sur-Sorgues in Provence - before it became famous as a mecca for antique dealers and hunters who arrive by the coachload. It also led to discovering a few other gems in the midst of the piles of dross. A guide to where to find flea markets would have been useful.

Amongst the flea markets feature are Annecy (74 Hautre-Savoie), Antibes (06 Alpes-Maritimes), Arles (13 Bouches-du-Rhone), Avignon (84 Vaucluse), Bordeaux(33 Gironde), Belfort(90 Terrotoire de Belfort), Cannes(06 Alpes-Maritimes), Carpentras(84 Vaucluse), Grenoble(38 Isere), l’Isle-sur-Sorgues(84 Vaucluse), Lyon (69 Rhone), Menton(06 Alpes-Maritimes), Montpellier(34 Herault), Nantes (44 Loire-Atlantique), Nice(06 Alpes-Maritimes) , Orleans(42 Loiret), Paris (75 Ile de France), Rouen(76 Seine-Maritime), Strasbourg (67 Bas-Rhin), Toulouse (32 Haute-Garonne), Tours(37 Indre-et-Loire) - and many more.

For more info see a Guide to The Flea Markets of France

Learn photography in the Aveyron

le duck — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:15:24 +0000

From 20 July to 2 August 2009 there is an opportunity to improve your photography in one of the most photogenic and beautiful areas of France - the Aveyron and the upper reaches of the Lot Valley.
A variety of courses are available including an “Introduction to Photography” “A photographic walk at Saint Geniez d’Olt , and a special course on Portrait photography.
For more info see www.itinerancesphoto.org
For more info on the area and some wonderful gites for a stay see http://frenchduck.com/

Jazz at Sancerre

le duck — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 05:19:17 +0000

On July 04, 2009 there is music in the cellars of Sancerre in the Centre region - high up the Loire Valley and the source of some of the best Sauvignon Blanc in France, made from the chalky soils of the region. A small amount of red wine is made from Pinot Noir.

Three Jazz Bands in the “Caves de la Mignonne”. Have a great time listening to music and tasting Sancerre wines.

For more info see www.maison-des-sancerre.com

Charity Cycle Ride from London to Paris

le duck — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 08:52:07 +0000

Medcins du Monde UK (World Doctors) runs an annual London to Paris Bike ride to raise funds (10-13 July 2009).

Day 1

Cycling from London to Dover.

Board the ferry at Dover, arrive in Dieppe in the evening.

Day 2

Set off 10.00 am through the lovely French countryside.

Finish cycling early evening and stay overnight in a French country inn.

Day 3

Leave the hotel at 9.00 am.
Let’s go!

Finish cycling mid-late afternoon in Paris.

Day 4

Free morning with suggested options.

Transfer from hotel to Gare du Nord for Eurostar, arrive in St Pancras

Although it may be too late to register to take part in this 300km ride, you can watch and support them as they cycle through the English and French countryside - and it is easier to get to watch this than the Tour de France,
For more info see: www.medecinsdumonde.org.uk

Avignon Festival 2009

le duck — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 05:21:10 +0000

The Provence city of Avignon (84 Vaucluse) holds its 63rd annual international festival of the performing arts (Festival d’Avignon) from 7-29 July 2009.

The Festival d’Avignon has long been an international platform for the performing arts, gathering artists and audiences from all around the world.
This year, the programme welcomes artists and performances from many countries and many languages will be heard on the festival stages:French from three different continents as well as English, Spanish, Italian, Arabic, Polish, German and Hebrew.

For more info see www.festival-avignon.com

The best way to get there would be to take the Eurostar and TGV train direct from London - city centre to city centre, economical and environmentally friendly.

Fontaine de Mars Brasserie in Paris

le duck — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 06:29:37 +0000

A favourite treat for our visits to Paris has for many years been the Fontaine de Mars brasserie in the 7th Arrondisement. The main attraction has always been the informal atmosphere and the menu of South West France specialities - especially duck, foie gras and the use of Madiran and other Southwest Wines for sauces (eggs in Madiran?, Foie Gras with Pacherenc du Vic Bilh?) and an impressive list of wines from the South West France and Bordeaux.

Situated within easy walking distance of the Eiffel Tower and the fabulous market in Rue Cler this area is always the highlight of a Paris visit.
Recommended Reading: Markets of Paris also: The Authentic Bistros of Paris

However, now I hear that during his recent short visit to France, President Obama chose the Fontaine de Mars as the venue for supper. Will it ever be the same again? Will prices now be hiked? Will the clientele be dominated by Americans??Will the menu retain its authenticity?

Restaurant la Fontaine de Mars
129, Rue Saint-Dominique 75007 PARIS T: 01 47 05 46 44

Paris Tourist Office

See map

Festival in Bayonne

le duck — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 05:10:10 +0000

The Basque city of Bayonne holds its annual Festival from 29 July to 2 August 2009.

During the first week of August Bayonne is ablaze in red & white with everyone dressed in the traditional white shirts and trousers and red neckerchiefs and sashes. The festival opens on the Wednesday night at 10p.m. in the town Hall square. The mythical King Leon of Bayonne appears on the balcony and celebrates his return by throwing the symbolic keys of the town to the crowd. Music, shouts and colours invade the town centre. Les Fêtes de Bayonne is the most important moment of the year for the inhabitants…no one would miss it !!!
If you come to the Festival, you’ll enjoy the incredible atmosphere and enthusiasm, running of the young bulls, bullfights, bandas (music bands) in the streets …

For more info see www.fetes.bayonne.fr/

Festival at Orange’s Roman Theatre

le duck — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 05:55:51 +0000

The town of Orange in the heart of the Rhone Valley hosts one of the oldest festivals of music and opera in France (les Choregies d’Orange) from 11 July to 4 August 2009. The festival takes place in the classic Roman theatre, which provides a spectacular backdrop for the music of Tchaikowski, Berlioz, Mascagni, Leoncavallo and others, with a headline performance of Verdi’s la Traviata.

For more info see www.choregies.com