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[ February 4, 2012 to November 20, 2011. ] The small south-west appellation of Madiran (64, Aquitaine) is home to the Tannat grape, producing rich, sometimes tannic red wines. This is a rural area – no large towns. rolling countryside heavy with vines. The village of Madiran is not busy metropolis – just quiet and peaceful. Here you will find the Prieuré Hotel Restaurant with comfortable rooms [...] [...]
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[ March 23, 2008; ] [...] [ March 24, 2008; ] Public Holiday in France [...] [ November 24, 2007 to December 31, 2007. ] Colmar (68 Haut-Rhin, Alsace) is one of the prettiest Alsatian towns in the heart of the vineyards, half-timbered buildings also known as a “little Venice” – and is an ideal setting for a Christmas market. It has one of the largest pedestrian-only areas and the whole area is bedecked with Christmas lights, decorated shop windows, [...] [...] [ November 24, 2007 to December 31, 2007. ] Being on the border with Germany, Strasbourg (67 Bas-Rhin, Alsace) has a long tradition of Christmas markets running from 1570. The atmosphere which reigns in Strasbourg is unique. It is especially in the late afternoon, just as night is falling, that the magic sets in, as if the city, suddenly conscious of scene. There are [...] [...] [ December 15, 2007 to December 16, 2007. ] The town of Cassis (13 Bouches-du-Rhone, Provence) celebrates the harvest of the AOC Olive Oil (Huile d’Olive) from Les Baux de Provence at l’Oustau Calendal on 15 and 16 December 2007. Two days dedicated to tasting this oil which comes from a recognised and special “terroir” which produces some excellent olive oils – workshops allow you [...] [...] [ December 13, 2007 to December 16, 2007. ] Down on the Mediterranean coast, Christmas looks to be a bit incongruous to a northerner, but at Cassis (13 Bouches-du-Rhone) they have a Christmas Market (Marché de Noel) from 13-16 December 2007. More than 30 craftsmen and merchants (rigorously selected) offer the “Big Soup with 13 desserts, regional produce, mulled wine, champages, santons (carved Christmas [...] [...] [ December 1, 2007 to December 24, 2007. ] Grenoble (38 Isere, Rhone-Alpes) offers a magical Christmas experience 2- 24 December 2007 – held in the centre of the city in Place Victor Hugo and Place Grenette, there will be foie gras, chocolate, spiced bread, Christmas Tea, oysters, Christmas decorations, candles, flowers, Christmas trees, wooden toys, music box – and many little gifts for [...] [...] [ November 24, 2007 to December 29, 2007. ] Amiens (80 Somme, Picardie) claims to host the largest Christmas Market in Northern France 24 November – 29 December 2007. In addition to the stalls offering Christmas fayre, gifts, crafts etc, you could take advantage of the skating rink (patinoire). Its also a chance to visit the impressive Gothic Cathedral of Notre Dame which will be [...] [...] [ November 30, 2007 to December 24, 2007. ] For the Christmas Market in Arras (62 Pas-de-Calais) which runs from 30 November – 24 December 2007 there is a touch of the Alps with a Swiss Festival being the highlight on Saturday 1 December – Swiss music, art, cheese will endow the Grand Place with a real alpine feel. For the rest of the month [...] [...] Whilst a trip to France still represents good value, the rising cost of fuel and a stronger Euro against the pound are having an impact on the budget for such a trip. Wine, French beer and many foods still are at attractive prices, and in general hotel and restaurant prices are significantly lower than the [...] [...] [ December 22, 2007 to December 24, 2007. December 26, 2007 to December 31, 2007. January 2, 2008 to January 6, 2008. ] The Chateau of Vaux-le-Vicomte at Maincy (77 Seine-et-Marne, Ile de France) about 50km southeast of Paris, celebrates the Christmas season in style – sumptuous decor, giant christmas tree, crackling fire places and illuminations throughout the gardens! Enchantment starts with a white christmas trees path leading towards the entrance of the chateau. In the stately rooms, a [...] [...] [ December 15, 2007 to December 17, 2007. ] The town of Licques (62 Pas de Calais) about 16 miles south of Calais holds its annual Turkey Festival (Fête de la Dinde) in the run up to Christmas (15-17 December 2007). This involves herding the doomed birds through the town with a competition for the best bird. These Turkeys are prized for their moistness [...] [...] [ October 20, 2007 to January 20, 2008. ] Until 20 January 2008 there is a splendid exhibition of Marc Chagall’s ceramics at the art-deco gallery at La Piscine de Roubaix, the coverted 1930s municipal swimming pool at Roubaix near Lille (59 Nord, Nord-Pas-de-Calais). The building itself is well worth a visit tastefull renovated retaining and enhancing the art deco features, whilst the original [...] [...] [ December 24, 2007 to January 6, 2008. ] If you miss Christmas market in Lille (59 Nord) which closes on 24 December 2007 you can always try the New Year Market (Marche de l’An Neuf) which runs from 26 December to 6 January 2008. Held in the Place Rihour, the emphasis is on local crafts, but with all the decorations and the Carousel [...] [...] Our Free Prize Draw this year is for a copy of Vicki Archer’s My French Life which is a wonderfully evocative celebration of France, especially Provence and Paris. Superbly illustrated it will delight anyone with a passion for France and things French. To enter (closing date 14 December 2007) go to www.frenchduck.co.uk [...] [ November 10, 2007 to November 11, 2007. November 17, 2007 to November 18, 2007. ] Etaples (62 Pas de Calais, Nord-Pas-de-Calais) celebrates its 15th Herring Fesitval (Fete du Hareng Roi) on the weekend of 10-11 November 2007. Etaples is an important centre for commercial (and amateur) fishing on the English Channel (or French Manche) at the mouth of the River Canche, close to classy Le Touquet. This version offers grilled, [...] [...] [ November 24, 2007 to December 24, 2007. ] They take Christmas quite seriously in Eastern France, especially St Nicolas, whose feast day falls on 6 December. In Nancy, capital of 54 Meurthe-et-Moselle, Lorraine the Christmas Market runs for a whole month from 24 November to 24 December 2007 – see www.ot-nancy.fr Nancy tends to be a little off the beaten track for visitors from the [...] [...] [ November 15, 2007; ] The third Thursday in November is the release date for the new vintage of Beaujolais Nouveau, nowadays the first date on which it can be sold. In earlier years the wine was not allowed to leave the region before Wednesday midnight which is where the tradition of the Beaujolais Nouveau run was born. But back [...] [...] [ November 30, 2007 to December 1, 2007. ] One of the most popular wine guides in France is the Grand Guide des Vins de France Bettane & Desseauve, which is launched with an impressive tasting held in the Carousel du Louvre in Central Paris.The list of attending chateaux and producers is impressive and includes Alsace, over 50 top Bordeaux chateaux (e.g. Chateau Laroze [...] [...] |
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