The annual ‘Salon du Tourisme’ in Roanne is back again this March in the heart of the beautiful Roannais.

Staged at the new, impressive Scarabee event centre, this special show is a great opportunity for different businesses from around the Roannais, and nearby regions, to present their products and services.

This 3-day show with over 90 exhibitors offers great ideas and choices for all aspects of holidaying in this superb region in the Rhône-Alpes, and also for discovering some great regional food and wine specialities.

Salon du Tourisme, Roanne

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Check it out! There’s also an English version complete with video links, and more.

You can also access via a direct link from our Purefrancenow ‘Home Page’ on the right-hand side under ‘Websites Of Interest’.

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An exceptional evening of fun, excellent food, good friends, and entertainment. All laid on free and gratis by the owners Francis Kuchenbuch and Jean-Louis Clot. Over 400 guests were invited for this great evening of celebration – it was a packed house! Champagne flowed and a local rock band played into the night. A great bash!

Many thanks, Francis and Jean-Louis, and all at Clemenceau!

Brasserie Clemenceau is brilliantly situated in the beautiful setting of Place de Clemenceau, near the original Roanne chateau (now partly occupied by the Roanne and Roannais Tourist offices). It is exceedingly welcoming, and suitable for either individuals wanting a quite coffeee or beer, business men having lunch, holidaymakers,or local French families.

It is contemporary and professionally presented with a great front-of-house terrace. Superb for relaxing in the warm Roannais sunshine.

Great, simple, good value-for-money, ‘plat du jour’ served efficiently and quickly. Also with a semi- sports bar ‘feel’ – TV, pool table, wi-fi connection.

A successful mixture to suit a wide audience, very well! Go there!

Purefrancenow Roannais Directory

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There were also plenty of ‘collector’ items from the past, including old copies of original and famous Michelin Guides- there was even a copy of the very first 1900 edition! WOW!

The famous, 3-Michelin starred, Maison Troisgros was also at the top of the celebratory list, with Michel Troisgros personally presenting a special demonstration of two of his latest Italian dishes from his recently published cookery book called “Michel Troisgros et l’Italie”

There were also several other reputable regional chefs demonstrating their cookery skills and ideas to a packed house of interested and thrilled visitors.

The show was well organised with a cookery school for children, and exhibitions and information on the origins of food throughout the world, and quality of diet. To be honest, a thoroughly superb and entertaining event with both an abundance of facts and fun.

Samples of fascinating past menus from the Troisgros restaurant were on display, showing, once again, the empathy of art and good food.

Maison Troisgros and BBC Masterchef

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Purefrancenow Roannais Directory

Gourmet Weekends in the Roannais

All in the name of many children’s charities. And, of course, one of the Roannais’s most famous chocolatier is well-represented. Pralus, based in Roanne, is featured once again this year. Francois Pralus, ‘le maitre chocolatier’ of the Roannais, received an Award of the Salon du Chocolat in Paris. A distinct achievement amongst the 9 best chocolatiers in France!

“Chocolate is a cultural product connected with pleasure and a luxury food item that reflects the latest trends.

To celebrate this wondrous substance, each year the Paris Chocolate Show stages a fashion-chocolate fusion in the form of the incomparable and essential “Chocolate Trends Fashion Show”. This ephemeral pageant presents a prestigious collection of “couture” dresses designed by talented duos of fashion designs and chocolatiers.

Inspiring many a dream, the event has been organised for the 11th year in aid of the umbrella organisation “La Voix de l’Enfant” of more than 50 children’s charities represented by French actress Carole Bouquet and French singer-songwriter Mathieu Johann. The aim is to both amass several tons of chocolate for sick and under-privileged children, as well as raising funds from the chocolate makers and exhibitors at the Show. ”

“For the 15th anniversary of the Show, the pageant will be presented as a fairytale opera, consisting of several tableaux on the theme of opera and music, featuring chocolate “couture” dresses worn by celebrities.
A unique and surprising Son et Lumière show, combining the magic of iconic couturiers such as Thierry Mugler and Jean-Claude Jitrois, the fervent imagination of avant-garde designers such as Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, Christophe Guillarmé, Dognin, Jean Doucet and Virginie Stucki, the perfection of major chocolate makers such as Barry Callebaut, Chapon, Chocolat Bonnat, Christophe Roussel, Ghraoui, Jean-Paul Hévin, Jacques Bellanger, Le Roux, La Maison du Chocolat, Michel Cluizel, Nestlé, Philippe Pascoet and Pralus, and the talent of famous artists and celebrities.

To celebrate Chocolate, each year the Paris Chocolate Show stages a fashion-chocolate fusion in the form of the incomparable and essential “Chocolate Trends Fashion Show”.

Inspiring many a dream, the event has been organised for the 11th year in aid of the umbrella organisation “La Voix de l’Enfant” of more than 50 children’s charities. For the 15th anniversary of the Show, the pageant will be presented as a fairytale opera.”

Visit the wonderful world of chocolate at: Salon du Chocolat

Pralus, famous chocolatier in the Roannais

Read more about Pralus, and other fine food companies and restaurants in the Roannais, Rhône-Alpes, in our Blog, News, and Reviews at:

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The annual event of ‘Table Ouverte’ (Open Table), held throughout the month of October, was well and truly inaugurated on Monday 5th October, 2009 with the first evening ‘Soiree’.

Demonstrations and offerings of impeccable ‘tasting’ dishes and ‘Mise en Bouche’ were given by all the different food and wine businesses, celebrating the fantastic reputation of the Roannais’s well-reputed gastronomy.

Over 1000 visitors were recorded – eager to sample the best of the Roannais!

Top quality local businesses were, as usual, well represented, including Cheese from Maison Mons, creative delicacies from Chateau de Champlong, wines from the Cote Roannaise, chocolate and patisserie from Pralus, along with a whole range of other food tastings from many other quality producers and sellers.

A perfect evening of gastronomic indulgence!

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Roanne Table Ouverte

Exceptional Gourmet Week-ends in the Roannais!

Food and Drink in the Roannais

Purefrancenow Roannais Directory

However, recently in Roanne, the main township of the Roannais, in the Rhône-Alpes region we had the unique pleasure of meeting a locally renowned artist who specialises in creating colourful paintings of American Indians from the Wild West.

Indians such as Geronimo, amongst many others.

He has exhibited and sold his huge canvasses throughout France, and has worked and lived in the same house for 40 years, or more.

His house is jampacked full of art, artefacts, magazines, drawings, scattered all around, and stacked to the ceiling. Everywhere you look there are samples of his many drawings. To say that he is extremely prolific would be a total understatement.

His working environment seems to be virtually the whole house. even though he has a beleagured-looking studio in the back garden which looks to be held together by driftwood and canvas.

The place is a living testament to a dedicated artist at work.

You could almost say that his home is a work of art itself – certainly the result of art, seemingly ‘organically’ grown over the many years of busy habitation!

Serge Zuliani is now over 70 years old, and lives, almost hermit-like in his abode, constantly creating his distinctive works of art. He is from Italian descent, his family having left Italy to escape the rule of Mussolini in the period of the second world war.

He lives a simple life. A true artist in the classic sense! And long may he continue producing his canvasses of the American Indian – capturing the essence, magic, history, and colour of this lost period of the original wild west!

The Pure Art Gallery

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This high quality, beautifully produced magazine, extolls the virtue of good product, good cuisine, and good cooking. It is a specialist publication directed at UK chefs and trade buyers who are looking for the best produce, and good ideas. As well as interesting perspectives on the restaurant trade and food industry in  general.

This month’s issue has the famous Raymond Blanc of Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons on the front cover, and a double-page spread on how he and his wonderful restaurant is successfully coping with the current economic climate.

There are superb articles featuring different products and restaurants around the world.

One such editorial piece by Nicholas Landers covers his ‘five favourite restaurants’, from London, Venice and San Francisco, to Spain and France, which, coincidentally, included ‘Le Central’ one of several high quality restaurant establishments in the Roannais.

Purefrancenow was asked to provide exterior and interior photographs for the feature, so Brian Franklin, ever keen to promote the Roannais, promptly searched his image archives, and sent them.

Nicholas Landers in his article goes on to say about the restaurant ‘Le Central’, Roanne: ” This extraordinary bistro belongs to Michel Troisgros and is located next to his far better know three-star restaurant with rooms, called La Maison Troisgros.”

“But this is where his grandfather, father, and uncle began the transformation of French provincial cooking into something more appealing. Yet Le Central somehow still retains the charm of that bygone era.

It is small and intimate. The walls are covered in photos of all the food and wine suppliers who have contributed to the restaurants’ longevity. The menu is full not just of traditional French classics but also Michel’s modern take on them. And the prices are extremely reasonable. A slice of French history on a plate.”

For more information on ‘Le Central’ visit The Purefrancenow Roannais Restaurant Directory

Purefrancenow ‘Le Central’ Review’

For more on the Roannais, Rhône-Alpes visit www.purefrancenow.com and Inspirational Gourmet Weekends

Another article by Brian Franklin, Director of www.purefrancenow.com has been featured, covering property opportunities in the Roannais – from chateaux and ancient village houses, to farmhouses and barns.

(To read Brian’s Roannais article, go to page 72 at French Property News – Digital Edition)

A perfect place for French property investment, and excellent renovation opportunities.

Brian Franklin’s informative editorial has been entitled ‘Lovely in loire’  by French Property Magazine editor Karen Tait, and extolls the virtues of this area of the Rhône-Alpes region called the Roannaise.

Brian Franklin states: “There is a small, little-known corner of the north western end of the huge Rhone-Alpes region in France which is waiting, somewhat patiently, for discovery and greater attention. This area is called ‘Le Roannais’ in the departement  of the Loire.

Yes, of course, many  tourists, including business men, from the UK and other parts of Europe visit, or drive through the region down the famous rue N7 every year. This is exactly what they often do – drive straight through or around it without stopping and taking a ‘breath’!

They are missing a lot.

It is not, however, an ‘isolated’ part of France, like many areas can be in this huge country.

The Roannais is a delightful region with beautiful countryside, forests, lakes, mountains, and with the river la Loire meandering through it.

At the central hub of several more well-known regions, the Roannais is within
particularly easy access of some famous cities, towns, and villages.

Roanne is the main township with, for example, France’s second city of Lyon just over an hour’s drive or train journey away.
Vichy, with its famous spring waters, is also nearby, and Saint Etienne on the edge of the stunning, volcanic region of Puy-de-Dôme.

Located on the banks of the river la Loire, with the lower slopes of Auvergne, Beaujolais, and Bourgogne (Burgundy) forming the backdrop, the Roannais region offers French lifestyle at its very best.
It is renowned for its food, which includes the famous three-star restaurant, Maison Troisgros (a fantastic gastronomic experience if you’ve got the chance! And the money, of course!)
There are also many other local, family-run restaurants which are simply sublime, and for quality, service and surroundings, certainly do not break the bank!
Vineyards decorate the surrounding hillsides, with Côte Roannaise wine, made from Gamay grapes, being the local tipple. Also, the popular vineyards and succulent wines of the Beaujolais are just 45 minutes away.
There is much to see and do – from a large number of heritage sites, medieval villages, (some buildings dating from the 13th Century, some Roman churches from the 10th century)

Medieval castles and renaissance country houses abound – “Château de la Roche” being, probably, the most romantic.
Set on a rocky outcrop in the middle of the Loire, this classic ‘fairytale’ castle Is stunning. Every year in August there is an incredible son et lumiere  including dramatic firework displays celebrating its medieval history. (Brilliant for all the family!)

Roanne is surrounded by the uplands known as Monts de la Madeleine, Monts du Beaujolais and Monts du Lyonnais.
They provide breathtaking panoramic views of the Roanne Valley, and are easily accessible for hill-walking, mountain-biking, and, of course, ski-ing and snow-boarding during the winter months.
Due to its location near the Loire, the Roannais area is also popular for river cruising through the Loire gorges. Water sports, such as sailing, canoeing, rowing etc., are also available.

There is plenty to do for families and children all year round!
It is certainly a great place for either a holiday home, or more permanent residency.
This is a region which is developing, and is becoming much more easily accessible due to new links to France’s ever-growing auto-route network.
Lyon, in particular, continues to expand, and the Roannais is becoming even more commutable.
Most villages and townships within 25 kilometres of Lyon have seen massive increases in property prices during the last 10 years.

The Roannais is less than 50 kilometres away, and is such a ‘prize’ of a place for country living (but with all amenities, shops, entertainment, schools, colleges, etc.), for people wanting to live ‘the life’ whilst working and earning in the city.

There is even the possibility of a direct TGV link into Roanne in the near future. Even now, access to the TGV to Paris and Marseille, for example, is simple with easy connections to Lyon.
The ski resorts of the Alpes are around 3 hour’s drive away, and the popular southern regions and French Riviera are in easy reach.
There are several convenient airports such as Lyon (St.Exupery), Saint Etienne, Grenoble, Chambery, Geneva .
Property opportunities abound, and with all the rapid, ongoing regional development it seems, therefore, to be a particularly good time to invest.
Such opportunities include remarkable, ancient châteaux, farmhouses, barns, and medieval village townhouses (either in the mountains, hillsides, or amongst the forests and rich farmland.
Prices are good. There are absolute bargains and renovation opportunities to be had.
You can pick up a large château for less than 550,000 euros, a sizeable farmhouse  for less than 150,000 euros, or barn or cottage, ripe for renovation, for less than 50,000 euros.
Prices, of course, like most regions throughout France, vary a lot, and the willingness of the Roannais locals to negotiate is well known.

In the last 10 years property prices have increased throughout the Roannais region, and in the next 5 years, or so, property prices, despite the current economic malaise, are certainly expected to move upward further. An investment ahead of the game is well worth consideration.
It is, of course, impossible to depict the Roannais in its full glory, and define the myriad of opportunities available in this short article. You must visit, and see for yourself.

It’s the only way!”
Visit www.purefrancenow.com for information on the Roannais region, selection of property, and holiday rental opportunities. Character French Property in the Rhône-Alpes

An organised visit for people interested in property can be arranged. French Property for Rent in the Roannais
Visit www.leroannais.com for a further ‘taste’ of this beautiful part of France.

Built at the end of the 18th century, and nestling in the centre of the bustling township of Roanne, the museum is named after Joseph Déchelette, a locally renowned man from a large, successful, local family, and now an internationally famous figure of archaeology.

The building, itself, was given to Roanne in 1892, and the museum was installed in 1923.

It remains unique in its field, and houses both a large deposit of archaeological finds, and a research library specialising in archaeology and art history.

We had been prompted to visit by our ever inquisitive son, Ellis, who recently, having had a school outing to view an art exhibition, held in a couple of the main galleries at the museum, wanted to investigate further.

Thanks to the amazing endeavours and dedication of Joseph Déchelette, the museum’s collection illustrates Gallo-Roman life in Roanne with artefacts displayed alongside details of exactly from which street or village in the Roannais they were excavated – amazing!

There is also an important collection of Egyptian relics, including the beautifully decorated sarcophagus of Tjesisetperet. Dating from 820 BC, alongside lies the ‘mummy’, x-rayed to reveal her to be a young girl of about 14 years.

All absolutely fascinating.

The photographs documenting the expedition to Egypt displayed on nearby walls, bring to life the reality of the great turn-of-century journeys of discovery and gathering of these priceless archeological finds.

There is much more to see if you have the time. An extensive collection of ceramics, dating from the 15th century to modern period. Then there is a weird and wonderful display of African masks nd tribal artefacts gathered during the 1930′s with pictures documenting the voyages and African village life at the time.

The important research library at the museum houses more than 15,000 books.

Joseph Déchelettewas born in Roanne in 1862, and, after a prolific, extremely successful young career in archaeology, was only 52 when he was killed during the first world war whilst leading his company in an attack on 4th October, 1914 at Vingré.

The importance of his work and his contribution to archaeology cannot be overstated, and he is widely recognised throughout the world, and this fascinating, and well-presented museum is a fitting tribute to his memory.

Don’t hesitate, just go and visit. It is a pleasure.

Le Musée de Beaux-Arts et D’Archéologie Joseph Déchelette   -  Roanne

Opening Hours:

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday:

10.am – 12 noon,   2.00pm – 6.00pm

Saturday : 10.00am – 6.00pm

Sunday :2.00pm – 6.00pm

Entrance 4€,  Free on Wednesday afternoon.