For more detailed descriptions of what to see around this beautiful part of France visit: www.uk.leroannais.com

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This area is called Le Roannais in the département of the Loire.

Yes, of course, many tourists and business travellers from the UK and other parts of Europe visit, or drive through the region down the famous route N7 every year.

This is exactly what they often do – drive straight through or around it without stopping and taking a ‘breath’ but 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, with the river la Loire meandering through it.

At the central hub of several more well-known regions, the Roannais is within 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 the 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, including some buildings dating from the 13th century and 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 show including dramatic firework displays celebrating its medieval history.

Roanne is surrounded by the uplands known as the 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, skiing 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 and rowing 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 easier to commute between.

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 70 kilometres away, and is such a prize of a place for country living but with all amenities such as shops, entertainment, schools and colleges 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 Alps are around three hour’s drive away, and the popular southern regions and French Riviera are within easy reach.

There are several convenient airports such as Lyon (St.Exupery), Saint Etienne, Grenoble, Chambery and 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 town houses 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, a sizeable farmhouse for less than €150,000, or small barn or cottage, ripe for renovation, for less than €50,000.

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 five 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.

If you want to know more about property opportunities in the Roannais and our ‘Property Finding Services’ please contact Brian Franklin direct at: info@purefrancenow.com or visit our dedicated website: www.purefrancenow.com

Also visit www.thisfrenchlife.com for more information about all things French, and a unique property renovation project in the Roannais at: Discovering the Roannais in the Rhône-Alpes – follow a series of editorials about a ‘Grand Design’ project by Brian and Lucy Franklin.

Purefrancenow Property Services

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Colline du Colombier never ceases to enthrall. Situated in a countryside idyll in the nearby region of Southern Burgundy (Sud Bourgogne), and close to the beautiful village of Iguerande.

This opportunity for another visit was my wife’s birthday, so we went with great anticipation, and were most definitely not disappointed!

My wife, Lucy, had the ‘Menu en Novembre’

Pisé de saumon et de légumes frais

Truite à peine fumée, à l’oseille

Sablé à la banane et au chocolat

I had ‘Le Menu “Rendezvous” ‘

Salade Carmélite

Le lièvre à la royale

Gratin d’oranges ” Madame France”

Our son, Ellis, had ‘Le Menu pour les enfants’ which consisted of a Charolais beef steak with potatoes, followed by ‘Dariole au Chocolat’ with vanilla ice cream – he loved it!!

Lucy and I started with a white wine kir (flavoured mûre), followed by an exceptional red wine, selected by La Maison Troisgros – Saint Joseph 2007 by Paul Jaboulet.

With the sun shining, amazing surroundings, impeccable food, and efficient, infor,al service, it was a very good birthday celebration !

We’ll be going again, when another good excuse in the calendar occurs !

Take a look at our previous editorials about this delightful restaurant at:

More gastronomic delicacies with the family Troisgros

Troisgros – Their new restaurant, near Roanne, Rhône-Alpes

Lunch at La Colline du Colombier, Iguerande by Brian Franklin

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The gastronomic jewel of Roanne and the Roannais!

It is an opportunity and a pleasure for all the restaurants, producers, and suppliers to open their doors to the public.

To demonstrate their gastronomic talents and artistic presentation.

This highly successful festival harmonises the art of good food with the fun of theatre, music, and entertainment.  These festivities carry on throughout the month of October in the varied and various establishments in the Roannais.

A celebration of good food, wine, successful business partnerships, conviviality and friendship.

It brings the whole community together with one purpose, at least for one whole month!

If you happen to be in the Roannais region during this October, just try one or two of the local restaurants that are supporting this event, and have fun while you enjoy excellent regional cuisine!

Visit www.roannetableouverte.com or telephone for more information on 0033 (0) 477 23 20 57

The quality of gastronomy in the Roannais region is renowned for its excellence – experience it for yourselves this October, or visit the region for your holiday, or for your next business or club event.

Visit www.purefrancenow.com for more information on all aspects of Roanne, the Roannais, in the Rhône-Alpes.

Based in a region famous for its gastronomy, the Château du Bourg has a large summer house (it’s original orangery), recently renovated with heating and air-conditioning. This beautiful building, full of ancient character, is ideal for weddings, receptions, or business seminars and events. It can accommodate up to 200 guests.

This magical Château and its stunning countryside location also has a recently restored 17th century house with 3 bedrooms, and 2 suites which can accommodate up to 12 persons for self-catering or special events.

Apart from the magnificent grounds around the chateau where you can relax in the gardens or stroll through the estate, there is also a 120 acre fishing lake where you can fish for pike, carp, and black bass. It is a perfect place for a fishing holiday or just for some holiday fun. Ideal for both family and business events, too.

Close by you can enjoy golf, horse-riding, and swimming, as well as a huge variety of country and water sports, including different types of flying opportunities at Renaison airport nearby.

An absolutely perfect place for a weekend or holiday break.

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Château du Bourg

Our French friends, Jean-François and Adeline, co-partners in this exciting joint project, have now moved into their part of Le Cuvage.

Their new home looked great!

Although each of the three dwellings, being created out of this original ‘pressoir’ (wine-making barn) was individually planned and designed differently, the essential style and concept, led by our French architect, was consistently followed throughout each interior for a ‘co-ordinated ‘look’.

Our friends stepped over their threshold and moved into their new home before us at the end of October 2005.

This was purposely staged to be completed first so that they could move from their current smaller home at the ‘Pavillon de Chasse’ (hunting lodge), in part of the original grounds and courtyard of the Chateau des Cresses. Of course, unlike us at the time, Jean- François and Adeline lived in France, so it was essential that they ‘moved in’ first.

A young couple with modern attitudes, their new home in ‘Le Cuvage’ reflected an imaginative and contemporary ‘flavour’, with ‘lacquer-sealed concrete floor throughout the ground floor, stunning red kitchen, and a generally ‘fun’ atmosphere about the place.

We were impressed with their interior treatment and the practicality of Jean-François who had completed much of the flooring, painting, and lighting installations himself. As I have said previously, he is a useful, ‘hands-on’ guy (I have to admit with some envy!)Anyway, in the meantime, whilst our friends moved in, we moved on…!

Read the full article at:  www.frenchlife.com – The Cuvage Story

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A convivial Bar-Brasserie set in a prime position right in the heart of the Place Georges Clemenceau.This attractive square is is one of Roanne’s most impressive, flanked on one side by the church St.Etienne, and on the other, by the ancient Roanne Chateau, and an amazing ‘trompe l’oeil’ wall mural reflecting its rich, historical past.

There are also a couple of contemporary designed water features with dramatic fountains, which contrast with the surrounding medieval buildings.

‘Le Clemenceau’ is a great place for lunch, and good value, too!

They do a ‘plat du jour’ for 6.95€ which changes daily. Within this, you can choose from a selection of desserts, and downed with a glass of chilled rosé or ‘biére préssion’. They are open 7 days out of 7, too! Good business approach!!

The atmosphere is extremely friendly and relaxed, which, of course, partly explains its popularity with local business men and women, as well as shoppers, tourists, and families (particularly during the week-end).

Visit ‘Le Clemenceau’ in our ‘Restaurant’ section within the ‘Roannais Directory‘ at www.purefrancenow.com for more details on this great place!

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One of the many excellent restaurants in this region that, amazingly, we have never visited. And yet, all our French friends and food connoisseurs have always recommended the place.

In fact, they have often described L’Astrée as second only to the famous Troisgros just down the road from it.

Anyway, we went recently on the invitation of our good friend, Jean Marc Dublé, who treated us to an exceptionally delightful evening dinner.

It did not disappoint.

L’Astrée is a superb rendezvous for gastronomes. Owner-Chef Simon Falcoz has a great creative touch, and his cuisine is innovative. We enjoyed a perfect meal in comfortable, contemporary surroundings, with convivial, professional table service, and overseen by the charming attentiveness of Simons wife, Martine.

The choice of menu was superb, and it was difficult to decide – it all looked very good, of course!

Menu Epicurien was tempting. At 45 euros, it also seemed extremely reasonable. This included hors d’œuvres, entrée, poisson au viande, fromage, dessert.

Entrée

Le duo de foie gras l’un “ cuit au naturel au touchon” compote de figues au Porto, l’autre poêlé au gingembre

Viande

Les ris veau rôtis, dores au sesame, jus simple et réduction de Porto

Wine accompaniment: with our entrée we had St. Nicholas de Bourgueil Domaine du Fondis 2009 (a fresh crisp white), and with our Viande we had Vin de Pays d’Oc Les Creisses 2006 (a full bodied, plummy red). Both excellent choices, and to be recommended.

A most enjoyable fine dining experience with good company – you can’t beat it!

L’Astrée, 17 Bis Cours République, 42300 Roanne, Tel: 04 77 72 74 22:

Menu du déjeuner à 18Euros. 
· Menus à 26 et à 48Euros. 
· À la carte comptez de 30 à 45Euros. 
· Menu enfant à 13Euros. 
· Service de 12h à 13h30 et de 19h30 à 21h. 
· Très belle cave à vins. 
· Accueil charmant de Martine Falcoz. 
· Décoration moderne et mobilier confortable. 
· Réservation indispensable.

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This is a Regional Directory listing of recommended restaurants, cafes, shops, services, suppliers and businesses in the Roannais region of the Rhône-Alpes.

All designed to assist people, visiting, holidaying, or living in the Roannais, to locate and access some of the best Businesses and Services in this superb region of France.

Purefrancenow has selected and recommended these businesses primarily on the basis of Quality, Service, Price, and their local Reputation. Often, too, on the fact that Purefrancenow have already used these businesses or services ourselves, or, for example, have visted and dined at the restaurants listed.

More detailed feedback and commentary, relating to Purefrancenow experience and recommendation may also be found in the Purefrancenow News and Reviews ‘Blog’ on our website: www.purefrancenow.com

A variety of businesses are included, and Purefrancenow will continue to select and add new recommended entries to the directory as we discover, experience, and assess each individual business and service.

Our Directory Listing will include:  Restaurants, Cafes, Bars, Shops, Tourism and Leisure, Gîte Rental, Hotels, and all types of Home and Business Services.

The Purefrancenow Roannais Directory

If You Are A Business Or Service Operating Within The Roannais Region And You Would Like To Be Considered For A Listing Within Our Directory Then Please Contact Us By Email : info@purefrancenow.com

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For this month’s newsletter article on ‘Discovering the Roannais’ visit thisfrenchlife.com

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