Latest updates on France, French Wine, Food, Travel, Holidays and Events
FrenchDuck UK - Latest
| June 5, 2008 | ||
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| June 14, 2008 |
2000 years ago over 1000 people worked for 5 years on the construction of the Pont du Gard, near Remoulins (30 Gard, Languedoc-Roussillon).The objective was to bring water to the city of Nîmes via a 50km long aqueduct.
From 5 June - 14 June 2008 a firework and light show is planned to enhance the ancient Roman aqueduct with a nighttime concert under the title Lux Populi (theres a joke in the name!) - and as ever for the French the whole event is embellished with lyric poetry:
Costumed with light, they play with flames and with fire, fly through the air, walk on the water and project their most secret thoughts on the landscape. Who are they? They go by the name of ‘Les Regardons’! This new species-half human and half flame-can transform space. In 2007, they put on an amazing light show at the Pont du Gard. They liked the place and they’re coming back again like migrant birds. Perhaps they have chosen to return to reproduce? In any case, their dance of love and fire, their successful or missed meetings and their magical or scientific experiments form the opening of a saga that traces the myths and fantasies of the Pont du Gard: ‘Lux Populi’. The season opens with the first episode entitled « The Flame of my dreams ». On with the show
Well, whatever, it does promise to be quite a spectacle - a mix of a Son-et-Lumière, Circus and Music! From 10.30pm on 5,6,7,12,13 and 14 June 2008 - entry by ticket either in the stand or on the beach!
For more info see www.pontdugard.fr
We can also recommend a very handy good B&B nearby at Les Alouettes
See below a short video of the last show in 2007 -
Spectacle_de_nuit_2008
Uploaded by EPCCPONTDUGARD
The Independent’s Simon Calder narrates an interesting and informative Podcast which you can download and take with you to the cosmopolitan city of Nice, an easy option with many budget airlines flying in from numerous UK airports - or take the TGV from London!
Beginning in the Promenade des Anglais, Simon Calder explores the Matisse Museum and admires the beautiful views of the hills of Provence. He also samples the region’s cuisine, trying traditional corn pancakes and dining at the luxurious Aphrodite restaurant, before tasting some locally produced wine.
The local wine is called Bellet AOC.The vineyards lie within the city limits in the hills above the town. Seldom seen in the UK, the whites are made from Rolle and some Chardonnay with Folle Noir for the reds with some Grenache and Cinsault. Rosé comes from Braquet and Cinsault. Yapp Brothers stock the Bellet AC wines of Domaine de la Source - the rosé 2007 being “a dry and fruity rosé with aromas of wild roses. On the palate, red berry flavours precede a clean, dry finish.”, whilst the 2007 Blanc is described as “An esoteric dry white wine with subtle hints of Provençal pine. The wine displays aromas of pear and wild flowers when young and quince and toasted almonds when it reaches maturity. The dry but fruity palate has balanced acidity and good fruit characteristics, preceding an alluring dry finish.”
Some Links:
Hi Hotel
Musée Matisse in Nice
Aphrodite Restaurant
Nice Official Tourist Office
| April 11, 2008 | to | April 13, 2008 |
| June 21, 2008 | to | June 22, 2008 |
| September 26, 2008 | to | September 28, 2008 |
The Domaine of St Jean de Beauregard (91 Essonne, Ile de France) features a fine chateau and extensive grounds and gardens. They host several major gardening events each year. The kitchen garden (potager) is a key attraction as is the pigeonnier - the largest in the Paris region with 4,500 peches for pigeons!
11-13 April 2008 its the Festival of Perennial (or Hardy) Plants (plantes vivaces).
La Fête des Plantes et des Fruits et Légumes (Festival of Plants,Fruits and Vegetables) takes place 26-28 September 2008. 21-22 June 2008 the domaine hosts a craft festival (Fete des Artisans) with over 40 artists and craftsmen showing their creations in the grounds of the domaine.
For more info see www.domsaintjeanbeauregard.com
If you are visiting the southern Rhone, one site you must not miss is the fantastic Roman aqueduct - a three-level bridge across the Gard river carrying both road and water. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is one of France’s top five visitor attractions,
It is a truly impressive site - but you probably need to get there early to enjoy the place without too many crowds.
Nearby you could stay at Brigitte’s B&B at Les Alouettes near Uzes (30 Gard) -
See map
For more info on the Pont du Gard see www.pontdugard.fr
For more on Brigitte’s B&B at Les Allouettes………… Read more on this…
The problem (and delight) of South West France is that there are so many areas to explore, and often renting a gite can be so delightful that getting out and exploring might be limited to the nearest town and trips for French Bread, a bar and an ocassional restaurant.
However, an English couple (Jason and Michelle) have established a Motorhome (or motor caravan as I used to call them) Hire centre at St Avit (47 Lot-et-Garonne, Midi-Pyrenees) south of Duras
(see map)
Evolution will plan your itinerary for you or advise you on your existing route. If you’re a lover of fishing, walking, wine tasting etc.a personalised route planner to suit your needs can be arranged for the duration of your vacation. We will provide details of recommended camp sites.
You’ll never get lost…
We provide an on-board ready-to-use GPS navigation system. We’re on-call with a 24/7 helpline with English spoken… We can provide liaison with reputable local property agents for those seeking to purchase property in the area. Cycle and leisure equipment hire is also available. Evolution caters for all-year round rental, with winter skiing resorts only a leisurely 3 hour drive south, a little further will take you to the winter warmth of Spain.
So you can avoid the long road trip through France, fly into Bergerac or Bordeaux or take the train - they will meet you at the airport or station and you’re off free to explore this rich and varied area.And with French number plates you might even get a bit more respect on the road!
For more info see www.evolutionmotorhomes.com
The Languedoc’s climate is note generally very conducive to the development of traditional gardens, but down near Pezenas (34 Herault, Languedoc-Roussillon) , Françoise et Daniel Malgouyres set about clearing an old quarry at Servian of its accumulated rubble, brambles and undergrowth to create a spectacular, award-winning garden on several levels with waterfalls and water features linking the elements together. The combination of the water and plenty of shade provides a cool, refreshing atmosphere which can be most welcome in the often intense heat of the Languedoc summer.
The Jardin de St Adrien is at Servian, just off the N113 between Beziers and Pezenas.
Servian is also the home of Domaine Sainte Rose, a very successful vineyard developed by an English couple, Charles and Ruth Simpson. Visits are by appointment – see www.domaine-sainte-rose.com – their wines being stocked in the UK by Leon Stolarski Fine Wines amongst others
Although I find French antique furniture a bit overwhelming, it is probably because modern houses seldom offer the space to do it justice. Whereas in many French houses with their generous dimensions and often higher ceilings they can look really impressive, and reassuringly solid and almost timeless. However, I get totally confused by the different styles between the King Louis and other periods, so it was good to find Déja Vu Antiques a specialist UK importer of French antique furniture who offers some succinct descriptions of the periods and a wide range of quality furnitire for sale in the UK.
Louis X1V, the Sun King 1643 - 1715 influenced the Baroque style in furniture during the earlier part of his reign which later developed into the Regence style. Baroque was large, masculine, and symmetrical. Regence was characterized by its use of curves and introduction of Chinoiserie.
Louis XV 1715 - 1774 the style of furniture was essentially Rococo with soft, flowing lines, ornamentation was usually done with rocks, shells, flowers, rich upholstery. inlaying and the painting of furniture. Rococo focused on the aristocratic life and on lighthearted romance.The word Rococo is seen as a combination of the French rocaille, or shell, and the Italian barocco, or Baroque style.
Louis XV1 1774 - 1792 the main characteristics of this style being rectangular lines, architectural ornamentation, classic symmetry and marquetry. In the furniture there is an emphasis on straight lines and right angles, moveing away from the curves of the Rococo. Furniture becomes restrained in its form and decoration, with the use of fluted columns, carved friezes, oak and laurel leafs, the Greek band, and other various neo classical attempts to imitate the furniture and architecture of the Romans and Greeks.
Directoire style, about the time of the Directory (1795–99) from which the name is derived. A style transitional between Louis XVI and Empire, it is characterized by a departure from the sumptuousness of the aristocratic regime. Furniture became more angular and severe; marquetry was replaced by large surfaces of painted and waxed wood.
Empire Style. The early 1800s period of Napoleonic rule was that of the Neoclassical style that characterizes artistic creations of the era. Antique forms already seen in the Louis XVI style blended with Napoleon’s imperial symbols, which included the bee, the letter N surrounded by a laurel wreath, stars, the eagle and exotic hieroglyphic motifs from the Egyptian campaign. Empress Joséphine was extremely fond of swans and had pure black swans imported from Australia to swim in her lake. This fondness reflects also in the period and can be seen on the chair arms, curtains, carpets, and porcelain in the staterooms of Chateau de Malmaison, her home in the suburbs of Paris.
Deja vu Antiques is situated in Leigh on Sea, Essex in the south-east of England, approximately 35 miles from London and easily accessible from all major airports being only 25 minutes from the M25 London orbital motorway.
Major dealers in 18th and 19th century French antique furniture. Stock includes includes:-
French antique beds
complete bedroom suites
king-size beds
gilt mirrors
painted furniture
armoires
antique chandeliers and lighting
French country antiques and other collectable items.
French antique furniture is interesting because of its very wide variety; the period styles range from Renaissance though Louis XV to Napoleon III. and all are strikingly different. There is an amazing blend of styles from the various regions and periods of time. The French were great artisans especially in terms of their fine carvings.
French furniture, beds, armoires and complete late 19th century bedroom furniture tended to be made in a wide range of woods such as walnut, cherry, chestnut and oak that are very durable as well as beautiful. These woods exhibit a wonderful patina over the years.
Deja Vu Antiques work closely with many discerning clients and interior designers in providing individual painted armoires and other pieces of hand painted french furniture and antiques to create “that very special look”. Additionally to add a final touch to any room, they have a fine selection of crystal antique chandeliers together with antique gilt mirrors.
For more info see Deja Vu Antiques at www.deja-vu-antiques.co.uk
876 London Road,
Leigh on Sea, Essex SS9 3NQ
Telephone +44 (0) 1702 470829
June sees the conjunction of 2 events which combine the magic of French wine with the joy of summer gardens.
In LONDON, over 160 otherwise private gardens open their doors (or gates) for 2 days on 9th and 10th June 2007 oin the Loire Valley Wines Open Garden Squares weekend.
You will be able to discover many of London’s hidden treasures, ranging from stately set-pieces and formal landscapes through to some of London’s more eccentric and unusual open spaces. Along the way you can sample a range of Loire Valley Wines.
Amongst the many gardens you can even visit those at Holloway and Wandsworth Prisons (ominously the website adds “special conditions apply”!) There is also Islington’s Canonbury Square which was named as the 2006 Loire Valley Wines Legacy Garden. Here the east side of the square received a major makeover including the planting of a small vineyard and rose bed as its centrepiece - reflecting the planting of the vineyards in the Loire Valley.
Over in France from June 30 to September 2, Beaune, capital of Burgundy hosts its Water Garden Festival - an ideal way of enhancing a visit to a major wine centre, and interesting old town.
For its third edition, the festival Cours Water Gardens takes you along to discover the various districts of Beaune with many various and ludic animations: kitchen gardens of the residents, flowered meadows, transitory gardens designed by schools of landscape designers, visits of course deprived exceptionally open to the public, and a visit of “strange Beaune” through its various monuments and statues which marked out its History, without forgetting the spectacles of street for smallest and largest.
For more info see www.ot-beaune.fr
Maison Deau’s cellars are situated near Gemozac in the Charentes, between the town of Cognac and the sea.
This is a long-established family Cognac house, which until recently sold most of its production to one of the major marques in Cognac, but has now decided that it is proud enough of the quality of its products to sell under its own family name.
The quality outstrips that of the better-known brands at a most competitive price!
The domaine (Domaine de Chaillaud) produces fine Cognacs of various ages, including some very ancient vintages.
The domaine also produces PINEAU DES CHARENTES - a delightful blend of unfermented grape juice and fine Cognac, similar in style to the Floc de Gascogne made with Armagnac in Gascogny.- “This cousin of Cognac is the most delicious drink in the world”THE TIMES - Saturday 26 July 2003
Pineau des Charentes is the result of the subtle blending of fresh grape juice selected at harvest time, and Cognac. It can be enjoyed chilled as an aperitif or as a pleasant accompaniment to melon or foie gras etc
The grapes ripen on the soft slopes of the Saintonge (the area around the town of SAINTES) hillsides. They benefit from the microclimate lent by their proximity to the Gironde estuary (intense luminosity and moderate temperature changes).The soils are hot, either of clay-chalk (as in Champagne) or a lean sand-silica filtering type permitting early growth. This blend of Cognac with unfermented Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grape juice is not dissimilar to a light port - good sweet berry flavours.
The domaine also has an impressive Botantical Garden which is well worth a visit even if you are not interested in Cognac or Pineau. There is also a small museum and a tour of the cellars available.- see www.deau.com
Address details:-
Deau SVS, Le Chaillaud, 17260 St André-de-Lidon
Tel:05 46 90 08 10
Fax:05 46 90 04 01
E: info@deau.com
See more about Maison Deau on www.frenchduck.com
