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! 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, February, and March, in particular, abound.

‘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.

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

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

This 18th century building has recently been renovated and converted into three large and magnificent, high quality homes, including a special barn conversion into ‘Le Cuvage’ Garden Apartment – all 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’ Garden Apartment is exceptionally comfortable, stylish, characterful, and features high specification throughout. Perfect size for a family of four ! With all the amenities for a great French holiday – Winter or Summer!

The accommodation includes contemporary facilities – 2 double bedrooms, fully-equipped kitchen, dining, lounge, shower-room and toilet, laundry/utility. Private gardens with sun deck, barbeque, seating, parasols, and a large upper sun terrace overlooking the foothills of the Beaujolais, with stunning views across open countryside and farmland.

Superbly landscaped gardens surrounding ‘Le Cuvage’  include a heated swimming pool (10m x 5m) with tiled sunbathing areas. Play area for children.

Private driveway, and ample parking for over 6-8 cars

It is a special place – so try it!  You won’t be disappointed!

Rent ‘Le Cuvage’ Garden Apartment anytime during the year!  Prices from £550 (Autumn/Winter) to £650 (Spring/Summer) per week.

www.purefrancenow.com

Inspirational Gourmet Weekends

Loge de Gardes Ski-ing

Chalmazel Ski Resort

Olivier Boizet has a passion for flavour and respects his ingredients; his cuisine is modelled on what he himself likes to eat: gourmet food, an author’s cuisine, created in harmony with the seasons.

A cuisine which is up-to-date but not based on passing fads, contemporary but with no fashionable flourishes. Creativity at its essence, and a sense of flavour.

He is in a region where the soil is rich and he has special relationships with all his suppliers who are often small producers.

He is inspired by seasonal change and reinvents French-inspired dishes, allowing the ingredients to express every one of their subtle nuances.

The Château de Champlong, located right in the heart of the Roannais region, is set in lush green countryside. 
This charming 17th century mansion, converted into a château in the 18^th century and refurbished throughout by its owners, restaurateurs proud of their native region, offers the unique combination of a warm family atmosphere and a restaurant renowned throughout the entire region. Supported by their dynamic team, Véronique and Olivier Boizet’s hospitality is welcoming and personalised: the art of hospitality Roannais-style!

Château de Champlong 4- star hotel is also special.

The theme of spices runs through twelve distinct and welcoming rooms, tucked away inside the Château, some in the attic spaces.
Saffron, Star Anise, Nutmeg, Malabar Pepper, Coriander, Cardamom, Poppy Seed, Liquorice, Mace, Aniseed, Cinnamon and Paprika, names which evoke distant horizons, a veritable invitation to travel…
They all enjoy natural light and views over the grounds with its hundred-year-old trees, and are the perfect haven of peace. They are light and spacious, with a decidedly contemporary yet elegant decor. Dark wood and dashes of warm colour combine to produce a feeling of sweet harmony, an ideal restfulness for body and spirit.

They all boast a jet shower or bath, bathrobe, telephone, free Wifi Internet connection, flat-screen TV, safe, mini-bar and a welcome basket (provided free of charge).

Château de Champlong

The Roannais Directory

www.purefrancenow.com

_________________________________________________________________________

‘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!

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.

‘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.

_______________________________________________________________________________

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

_______________________________________________________________________________

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

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

Brian Franklin, Director of Purefrancenow, had a personal tour of the new Hotel facilities during May 2009, and visited every room. A man with many air miles of international travel under his belt, along with extensive experience of some of the UK and Europe’s top quality hotels, Brian was extremely impressed with Château de Champlong’s quality of approach, architectural finish, and interior design style for their new hotel.

A picture is better than a thousand words, and tells the story with more impact. The reality of Château de Champlong’s hotel offerance is, of course, even more impressive!

Purfrancenow announced the opening of the Château de Champlong’s three-star hotel at the end of March, but, to be fair, this is the first time they have managed to visit for more accurate editorial purposes.

The theme for the 12 hotel bedrooms is based on the names of spices, which relates perfectly to Olivier Boizet’s gastronomique creations in the Château’s kitchen. The regional reputation for excellent cuisine is well known.

The spice French names used, which gives them an additional air of romantacism, are; SAFRAN, RÉGLISSE, CARDAMOME, CORIANDRE, PAVOT BLEU, POIVRE DE MALABAR, MUSCADE, BADIANE, PAPRIKA, CANNELLE, ANIS, MACIS.

All rooms are extremely well equipped, as you would expect. In fact the overall quality and presentation is o good that the standard of accommodation and hotel experience you receive is more like five-star!

No expense has been spared in ensuring absolute comfort, service, and ‘moody’ contemporary ambience for their guests.

The cost of staying at Château de Champlong for a night or week-end will not break the bank, either!

Rooms are very reasonably priced from 85€ per night.

For more information on Chateau de Champlong go to their website at www.chateau-de-champlong.com

Also, if you want an inspirational Gourmet Week-end, combining some of the best of the Roannais in the Rhône-Alpes, including Château de Champlong, then let Purefrancenow give you a very special, personal treat – visit Purefrancenow Gourmet Week-ends.

Purefrancenow also provide a personally tailored service for these, and other, week-end breaks, or stays during the week, so try us – you won’t regret it!

Costs, timescales, and type of break can be customised according to your individual requirements or special occasion, including golf, wine and cheese tasting, visits to medieval villages, or to cities like Lyon and Vichy.

Purefrancenow our now offering ‘Amazing Autumn Sensation’ 3-day breaks at ‘Le Cuvage’ (a beautifully converted wine-making barn), combined with a ‘gourmet dinner’ at Château de Champlong, and other ‘tailored’ activities in the Roannais, Rhône-Alpes.

This Autumn opportunity at ‘Le Cuvage’ is available for reservation now, September to November 2009 for couples or 4 to 6 persons. A 10% discount and champagne welcome is offered for early bookings!

Contact Brian Franklin, personally, at Purefrancenow for more information and a friendly, informal explanation on how it all works, on these and other opportunities in the Roannais: info@purefracenow.com

This successful and remarkable place has now moved up to new heights of service and pleasure!

Renowned for the wonderful gastronomique cuisine of owner and chef, Olivier Boizet, this high quality establishment now offers a very wide range of facilities to both local and international clientele.

Whether for business, vacation, or just pure pleasure Château de Champlong is certainly one of those places that must be seriously considered.

Oliver Boizet and his wife, Véronique have a unique approach to their business and service, whether for their excellent restaurant or their business and wedding events at the ‘Le Cuvage’. Chateau de Champlong has developed over time. And now has come of age in a big way!

Le Château de Champlong’s new hotel opened in the main Château building on 12th March, 2009 with 12 top quality rooms now available for their guest’s comfort. And reflecting the cookery talents of Olivier Boizet, and the quality of Chateau de Champlong’s cuisine, these 12 rooms have been imaginatively baed on the theme of ‘épices’ (spices).

All rooms have been given the name of an individual spice.

These are: Safran, Badiane, Muscade, Poivre de Malabar, Coriandre, Cardamome, Pavot Bleu, Réglisse, Macis, Anis, Cannelle, Paprika.

All rooms are beautifully furnished, and equipped with shower and bath, wifi, mini bar, safe, dressing gown and duvet, flat screen T.V.

Breakfast is available from 7.30am to 10.00am in the Château salon ‘Table d’hôtes’.

Full details are available on the new, updated Chateau de Champlong website: le Chateau de Champlong Hôtel

Purefrancenow will also arrange special business, private, and celebration events at Chateau de Champlong, including week-end holiday breaks with a selection of local activities, including golf and gourmet week-ends. Purefrancenow Gourmet Week-ends. More on this superb, successful establshment with a great reputation will be written and presented by Purefrancenow soon!

Château de Champlong

Purefrancenow Restaurant Directory

www.purefrancenow.com

There were 14 members of the club present for ‘La Table de Véro et Olivier’. The evening’s menu consisted of aperitif, and ‘mise en bouche’, followed by:

Saucisson vigneron, salade de pommes de terre écrasées a la fourchette à l’huile d’olive.

Plateau du fromages affinés par la Maison Mons.

Ile Flottante à l’orange.

All cooked, presented, and served with the normal quality and panache of this regionally renowned gastronomic establishment.

The delightful food was perfectly accompanied by a superb red wine – Les Amadous Cotes du Ventoux 2006 (a well-balanced blend of Grenache, Syrah, Censaul grapes) from Vaucluse in the South of France.

Coffee was served with the option of a glass of Marc du Bourgogne.

There is no doubt that this particular soirée was exceptional value for money at 30€ per person, including wine, aperitifs, and digestifs!  Also, In the beautiful interior setting of the 14th century Chateau de Champlong. All the club members thoroughly enjoyed it all, as normal!

Simply a great opportunity!

So, if you want the perfect location for your private, business, or club meeting or celebration, then you can’t go wrong with Chateau de Champlong.

Roannais Restaurant Directory

For more information and opportunities in the Roannais visit:  www.purefrancenow.com

Gourmet Week-ends Business Events Celebration Events

The purefrancenow Blog, News, and Reviews also has many interesting articles about the Roannais, Rhone-Alpes region, including resataurants, food, wine, and much more!

Perfectly situated in its own walled grounds with private gardens, Chateau de Champlong is ideal for all sorts of events – wedding receptions, celebration parties, business meetings, special occasions. etc.

As well as perfect luncheons and stunning evening meals, Chateau de Champlong is also progessing with the development and furnishing of 12 sumptuous double bedrooms in the chateau, so that high quality hotel accommodation can be offered to their guests to match the assured and magnificent dining experience. All will be ready for Easter 2009. Purefrancenow will be covering the story, of course!

Their superb ‘Le Cuvage’ building set in the chateau grounds has been specially renovated and developed, and is ideal for business conferences, seminars, and private wedding celebrations. It is an exceptionally large building, fully equipped with all that is necessary to provide a perfect location for business or private events throughout the year, with a capacity of up to 300 people.

Le Cuvage is flexible, and the large space it provides can easily be suitably divided according to specific requirements, and designed for the number of people to be catered for at each event. Wedding Receptions and Special Celebrations

Purefrancenow’s owners, Brian and Lucy Franklin visit Chateau de Champlong regularly, particularly for special occasion’s.

Recently they visited for a 50th birthday treat for Lucy. Chateau de Champlong offer a ‘one hour’ special luncheon (usually lasts 2 hours!) which is superb.

Purefrancenow can heartily recommend this reasonably-priced menu in very comfortable and relaxing surroundings, and served with an easy-going, impeccable style. Olivier Boizet, Patron and Chef de Cuisine, even decorated the edge of Lucy’s dessert plate with ‘Joyeux Anniversaire’. A nice touch!

All in all, Chateau de Champlong is definitely one of Purefrancenow’s ‘ most highly recommended’ places to go when you visit the Roannais region.

Purefrancenow offer special, tailor-made ‘Gourmet Week-ends’ in the Roannais which, of course, include a special evening ‘degustation menu’ at Chateau de Champlong. Purefrancenow Gourmet Week-ends

There are also business event opportunities available, and corporate and club meetings or celebrations can be organised by the Purefrancenow Team, with all their experience, expertise and resources based here in the Roannais.

Roannais Business Events

Anything and everything is possible!

Visit the Purefrancenow Roannais Directory for more information on this reputable restaurant, and chateau event and celebration establishment. (And, ‘soon-to-be’ hotel!)

Through our Corporate Hospitality Event resources, partnerships, and contacts in France we are able to provide creative, original, cost-effective solutions for successful, tailored business events.

We are particularly geared to creating event opportunities for UK businesses wanting something different for their customers or management, and also for promoting their products and services in France.

This includes all aspects of Corporate Hospitality, Product Launches, Press Shows, Trade and Consumer Exhibitions, Conferences, Seminars, and Team-Building Activity Programmes.

Purefrancenow provide a professional, 'hands-on'  service with full co-ordination, prject control, and liaison for special corporate and business events, both large and small.

Whether you require an 'all singing and dancing' corporate gala event, or a smaller, but special seminar or conference, or an original venue and themed approach for a customer hospitality event or staff party, Purefrancenow are able to organise and manage your total requirements, efficiently and cost-effectively.

We believe in a 'team approach' with all our clients.

Only with agreed and shared aims is an effective and successful event assured.

Detailed client discussion, briefing, and joint planning is absolutely essential.

Purefrancenow endeavours to understand your full business remit, specific marketing objectives, and event aims before providing any event concepts and proposals.
An informal, but structured approach is operated:

1. Client Business and Objectives Assessment

2. Detailed Brief Preparation

3. Creative Concept Proposal and Recommendations

4. Detailed Cost Estimation/Budget Requirement

5. Venue Assessments/ Visit

6. Recommended Ancillary Activities and Services 

                                  7. Post-Event Analysis Report 

For more information please visit our dedicated website www.purefrancenow.com 

We have recently completed some new additions to our website. New pages. New information. New opportunities.

Due to the success of our site's impact and high quality and quantity responses during the last year, the friendly, easy-access of our site with great regional images has been retained, but with a 'difference'.

Superb new images have now been included from renowned local Roannais photographers Jean Guy Lathuiliere and Stephane Archambault.

Brand new sections covering new services for business, club, and group event organisation, activities and holidays.

Business Event Opportunities

 Activity Holidays

Purefrancenow are also offering special event services for wedding receptions, anniversaries, family celebrations, and other special occasions.  Private and Corporate Receptions

Superb, tailor-made 'Gourmet' week-ends, and 3-day mid-week breaks in the Roannais, Rhône-Alpes are also on offer for that anniversary or birthday surprise, or just simply for pure pleasure! 

 Great Gourmet Week-ends

So we hope that all who visit www.purefrancenow.com will be impressed, and encouraged to investigate the opportunities presented a little further, and contact us direct for more information.

See you soon! 

www.purefrancenow.com 

Having 'done' other major European capitals she wondered if it was worth spending the weekend in France's second city, or not.

Like many people the only part of Lyon that she had encountered was it's airport-Saint Exupery, en route to the South of France or ski destinations in the Alps.

When we first began our love affair with France whilst renovating our first original holiday home, some 13 years ago, so derelict was our 'Stables', and so tempting was the sophistication and ambience of Lyon, that we would jet over to make some major decisions with our property then drive the hour and ten minutes to Lyon so that we could spend 2 or 3 nights there.

I think, as with most views of the city, the place to begin is the highest vantage point. The truely breath-taking Basilica of the Notre Dame, perched magestically high on the hill of Fourviere, directly above the old town (Vieux Lyon).

Once you have ascended to the dizzy heights overlooking the city,(you can either climb by foot or there is a brilliant funicular railway to take the strain off your feet!) the views are to 'die' for!

At this vantage point you are on the western side of the Saône, below are the medieval turrets and towers of the old town, a fantastic maze of cafe and restaurant-lined streets with tiny shops and ancient courtyards.

Between the two great rivers lies the commercial area-fabulous shops, beautiful streets, and yet more bars, cafes and restaurants, theatres, galleries. And, early each morning, along the Quai Celestins the most fantastic market. But make sure you get there early, as by one o'clock all is being efficiently and quickly tidied away.

It's creamy white, architecturally ornate form, when viewed from the streets below, reveals the most amazing detail when you get close- it is stunning!

If you investigate further, within walking distance of the Notre Dame there are Roman ruins including an ampitheatre, and gallo-roman museum. (A separate route on the funicular railway also takes you there directly.)

Visit the Tourist Information Offices, one  at the foot of the Funicular railway, and another in the beautiful open space of the Place de Bellecour to find out more, and also to pick up maps and information about local events and festivals.