More Art News from Purefrancenow

By purefrancenow | February 4, 2010

Hot News!!

Mike Ford, featured in the Pure Art Gallery, has 4 winning images in ‘Shot Up North 2009 – 2010′

‘Shot Up North’, and the “SUN Awards” celebrate and reward the best commercial photography in the UK regions, working in the disciplines of Advertising, Design, Fashion or Editorial.

Mike has also recently produced a new photo-image book called ‘Miceal’s Eyes’ – take a look, it’s good!

Mike Ford found his artistic passion and vision when a career change took him from Yorkshire to London in the 1970’s. For five years he travelled the world as assistant to the celebrated fashion photographer Robert Belton, and Mike regards this time as an awakening – his stimulus to produce striking commercial images.

He has also become a grandad and has celebrated the birth of his new grandson, Oscar, with some excellent, creative photographic imagery – congratulations, Mike!

Mike has exhibited at the Geras Tousignant Gallery and Spectrum in San Francisco, USA, and numerous galleries close to his home in France.

He has recently completed a major show in Dubai. Exhibitions are also planned for London and Australia in 2009.

www.purefrancenow.com

The Pure Art Gallery

Topics: Art, Design and Photography, Pure Art Gallery | No Comments »

New Art Show at Ceysson Gallery, Saint Etienne, Rhône-Alpes

By purefrancenow | January 27, 2010

An excellent new art show, featuring the work of some of the best Artists in France is now in progress at the Bernard Ceysson Gallery in Saint Etienne, Rhône-Alpes.

Jean Villevieille – Multiples
December 09, 2009 – March 06, 2010

Artists :
Atelier Jean Villevieille
Claude Viallat,
Patrick Saytour, .
Ivan Messac,
Robert Janitz,
Daniel Dezeuze,
Franck Chalendard.

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Claude Viallat ©

Viallat Claude, born in Nîmes in 1936, is a contemporary french painter. He studied at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts de Montpellier from 1955 to 1959, then at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris in 1962-63, in Raymond Legueult’s workshop.

In 1966, Claude Viallat adopts a process based on fingerprints, which shall enter into a critical
radical of the lyrical abstraction and geometric (in technique called All-over).

A neutral form is repeated on a free canvas without frame determining the composition of the work. In 1969, he was a founder member of Supports / Surfaces.
In addition to the growing success of its exhibitions in France (at the Pompidou Center in 1982) and abroad (Venice Biennale in 1988), he devoted himself to his work as a teacher in the following art schools: Nice, Limoges, Marseille, Nimes (where he was director for many years), then Paris at the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts de Paris.

Bernard Ceysson Gallery, Saint Etienne

www.purefrancenow.com

The Pure Art Gallery

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Le Cuvage in the snow, Roannais, Rhône-Alpes!

By purefrancenow | January 25, 2010

During the recent snowy period in France ‘Le Cuvage’ has looked like a winter wonderland.

‘Le Cuvage’ is one of the best holiday rental opportunities in the Roannais, Rhône-Alpes, and a French winter break with some safe family ski-ing here is ideal. You can get the best of many worlds, with  top quality French restaurants (including the famous 3 Michelin-starred Troisgros), visits to medieval villages, and trips to France’s fantastic second city, Lyon (only an hour’s car or train journey away.) There’s much more, of course!

Snow at Le Cuvage

Not only is ‘Le Cuvage’ a great place to stay during the summer, but because of its unique situation within the Rhône-Alpes region, it is also perfect all year round.

Opportunities for some fun in the snow during the month’s of December, January, and February, in particular, abound.

Ski-ing in the Roannais

‘Le Cuvage’ is only about 35 minutes from the nearest  ski-ing facilities at ‘Loge de Gardes’ in the local Madeleine Mountains. This is a superb place for some good family ski-ing or snow-boarding.

There is also an even larger ski station at the Chalmazel resort, only 45 minutes away. With ample scope for all levels of ski-ing prowess here, Chalmazel has good facilities, including restaurant and bar, and all types of ski hire available – it is an extensive, modern ski resort.

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SPECIAL SKI SEASON HOLIDAY RENTAL AT LE CUVAGE

Ski-ing holidays are fully catered for at ‘Le Cuvage’ with provision for ski equipment storage, and dryers for clothing, footwear, etc. Vehicle rental can easily be organised, including the hire of equipment racks. Transport to and from the local resorts can be arranged, and a ‘pick-up and return’ service to and from regional airports or train stations can also be organised for you if necessary.

This is all part of the extensive facilities and personal service for those individuals or families holidaying at ‘Le Cuvage’ during the winter ski-ing season. For more information please make any enquiries for our Special Ski Season holiday rental at ‘Le Cuvage’ to: info@purefrancenow.com

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‘Le Cuvage’ was originally a very large winemaking ‘barn’ which serviced the household of the Chateau des Cresses.

'Le Cuvage'

This 18th century building has recently been renovated and converted into three large and magnificent, high quality homes – architecturally designed by a highly regarded and successful local French Architect who specialises in the renovation of ancient buildings and chateau interiors in the Roannais region.

‘Le Cuvage’ is set within the original woodland grounds of the Chateau des Cresses.

The countryside around ‘Le Cuvage’ is extensive, and the whole environment consists of woodland, hills, and farmland.

This superbly renovated and converted dwelling is situated in the French departement of the Loire in the beautiful Roannais, Rhône-Alpes, near the regions of Auvergne, Bourgogne (Burgundy), and the Beaujolais.

‘Le Cuvage’, Maison Deux. is exceptionally comfortable, stylish, and features ‘five-star’ specification throughout.

It is a special place – so try it!

www.purefrancenow.com

Rent ‘Le Cuvage’ for anytime during the year!

Inspirational Gourmet Weekends

Loge de Gardes Ski-ing

Chalmazel Ski Resort

Topics: 3 Night Special Breaks, Côte Roannaise, Le Cuvage, Le Roannais, Rhone-Alpes | Comments Off

The mavellous medieval village of Perreux

By purefrancenow | January 20, 2010

The countryside environs associated with Perreux were established over 1000 years ago, and the first time that the village and commune of Perreux is mentioned in historical records is in 1080 when it was listed as the ‘key’ to the Côte du Forez and the Beaujolais. Perreux Magazine - designed by Stéphane Archambault

Here it remained until the late 1880’s when the departmental ines were redrawn, and Perreux became part of the Loire region, linking it to Lyon ans Saint Etienne.

This marvellous medieval hill village, and its traditional  buildings, date back to the 16th century.

This is a delightful, characterful place  situated within the Loire region near Roanne in the Rhone-Alpes, and is ideally placed at the gateway to the beautiful Roannais region with its varied farmland, countyside, vineyards, valleys, mountains, and the meandering river Loire.

Simply stunning!

Along with many of the ancient villages here in the Roannais, Perreux has a colourful history.
Perreux has also developed over the last 10 years or so with many of its medieval buildings being careful conserved and sympathetically renovated.

The local council and mayor have also invested in much needed development and renovation throughout the village, and it is now particularly interesting and charming for visitors and tourists.

The new January 2010 Perreux Bulletin is now available.  This yearly publication features many aspects of village life, along with both personal stories, and business features which relate to Perreux.


All details and information of local village and communal tax investments and development accomplished during the previous year are clearly presented, along with the objectives for the communal development work in the following year.2010 Perreux Magazine page selection


Once again, for the 2010 publication, a locally renowned photographer and designer, Stéphane Archambault, has been involved in the total design and production of this excellent Perreux magazine.

His photography of the village, in particular, clearly emphasises its true beauty and stunning location.

So, there is no doubt that Perreux and the surrounding region of the Roannais is well worth a visit, and is certainly a rewarding place for summer holidays, weekend breaks, or for the location of special business events.

www.purefrancenow.com

Exclusive Gourmet Weekends

Special Holiday Rental

Please note that all images are copyright of Stéphane Archambault, Associations of Perreux, or the Mayor of Perreux.

Topics: Le Roannais, Perreux | No Comments »

The Spirit of the Côte Roannaise, in the Roannais!

By purefrancenow | January 15, 2010

L'esprit Côte Roannaise - magazine

The remarkable design and photographic talent of Stéphane Archambault strikes again! His recently published ‘L’esprit’ magazine is the third in an ongoing yearly series visually extolling the many virtues of the Côte Roannaise through his very perceptive eyes.

A triumph of creativity which captures the essence of this beautiful part of the Rhône-Alpes in France.

In this excellently produced new issue there are, again, many varied editorial pieces covering successful local  businesses, restaurants, amazing art and architecture, individual artists and artisans, stunning chateaux, medieval villages and their history, gardens and surrounding countryside idylls…. plus much more!

L'esprit - selection of pages

For only 5 euros, it’s a steal!

www.purefrancenow.com

Topics: Art, Côte Roannaise, Design and Photography | No Comments »

More French Life News at www.purefrancenow.com

By purefrancenow | January 11, 2010

This French Life in 2010 and all the exceedingly useful information this site has to offer, plus a brand new, professional French networking site called ‘Survive France Network’ – helping you live and work in France. Purefrancenow has now linked in!

Purefrancenow - Hundreds of pages of French information

www.purefrancenow.com

Topics: News, business | No Comments »

Bonne Année from the Roannais!

By purefrancenow | January 7, 2010

Happy New Year from Purefrancenow in the Roannais! Yes, it’s 2010 already -  ‘deux-mille-dix’ in French, or ‘twenty-ten’ in typical abbreviated UK parlance!

Happy New Year

Goodbye to the ‘Noughties, and now New Year Resolutions should focus your mind on what you want from the future, including your dream property in France, or your next French holiday – we’ve got it all here at www.purefrancenow.com !

Of course, it is a buyer’s market for property in France at the moment, and there are some fantastic homes for sale throughout the Roannais region – see our ‘Character Property for Sale’ section.

There’s also some wonderful holiday rental opportunities available at extremely competitive prices, particularly for the quality, facilities, and beautiful locations. Take a look at our ‘Character Property for Rent’ section.

All-in-all, 2009 was a very successful year for Purefrancenow, and we are now looking to make 2010 even more successful, despite the economic background, not only for ourselves, but for you, too!

We are here to serve, and we can provide help and assistance for both property purchase and development, holiday rental, special gourmet week-ends, and advice on restaurants, regional interests and opportuities, plus much, much more.

www.purefrancenow.com

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Joyeux Noël !!

By purefrancenow | December 24, 2009

Merry Christmas !!!!

www.purefrancenow.com

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Fantastic Lyon in Lights!

By purefrancenow | December 8, 2009

This December Lyon’s Féte des Lumiéres is once again a stunning display of creativity, originality and history.

Developed over the years from the 19th century when on one particular night people commemorated the Virgin Mary by lighting candles in their windows.

The modern four-day event sees millions throng the streets to see marvellously illuminated buildings and an array of multi-media effects. Simply, awesome!

Lyon Féte Lumiére

Visit the superb picture show of Lyon’s Féte des Lumiéres featured on the BBC’s dedicated website now. It’s not like being there, but the photos are amazing.

Also visit Purefrancenow’s visual coverage of last year’s event The Bright Lights of Lyon

Lyon’s Festival of Lights

www.purefrancenow.com

Topics: Art, Design and Photography, Entertainment, Lyon, News, Rhone-Alpes, Special Celebrations, fun, purefrancenow | No Comments »

Best Property Bargains now in the Roannais, Rhône-Alpes

By purefrancenow | December 7, 2009

We all know that the economic conditions are not perfect by a long way at the moment, and there are also issues with the Euro exchange rate, but despite this there is no doubt that property bargains are to be had in France at this time. And, nowhere more opportune than in the Roannais region of the Rhône-Alpes, near France’s remarkable second city, Lyon, and the beautiful regions of the Auvergne, Burgundy, and famous Beaujolais

Chateau Chassignol

Chateau de Chassignol – details

French property prices are well down, and sellers are eagerly prepared to negotiate further, so that dream of a holiday home in France, or an exciting move to a permanent change and new lifestyle in France is well within grasp, despite all the gloom around.

It is a time to be positive, and a time for those people with an eye to the future, knowing that sooner or later the market conditions are definitely going to change. There is no doubt that the old adage: “The early bird catches the worm!” is exceedingly apt here.

Hunting Lodge

The Hunting Lodge- details

This superb region is perfectly placed for excellent access to all main autoroutes, including the French Alpes, and the South of France.

It is developing rapidly with the likelihood of new TGV train networks planned from Paris to Vichy, and beyond. New additional connecting autoroutes are currently being completed from the Roannais to Lyon which will mean that car jouney’s to Lyon will take less than 45 minutes.

Of course. all this ongoing infrastructure  development will have eventual impact on property prices around the region, and the only way is up. This is most certainly a potential future ‘property hotspot’ in France.

The most discerning and entrepreneurial will win out!

Le Grange

La Grange – details

The Purefrancenow ‘Property Service’ is here to help, so take a look at our ‘Property for Sale’ section as an initial introduction to some of the great property bargains in the Roannais, Rhône-Alpes. Tell us what you are looking for, and we will assist you in locating a selection of properties to consider, and to arrange a viewing trip.

Our ‘Project Control Service’ is also available to people who wish for professional expertise, and ‘on-the-ground’ help to develop, convert or renovate a property in a cost-effective, and secure way.

www.purefrancenow.com

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