The restaurant interior and presentation somewhat belies its roadside exterior, but the menu from chef, Simon  Falcoz, is exquisite. Beautiful surroundings, attentive, unassuming service, and high quality food – second only to the famous Maison Troisgros, only a few paces further down the street! And at much more accessible prices. Just, simply excellent value.

As we have previously expounded many times, the Roannais region is a gastronomic haven for ‘foodies’. There are many restaurant establishments which are worth a visit. Of course, part of the Rhône-Alpes region around Lyon which is regarded as the French capital of good food.

Restaurant l’Astrée, 52 Cours de la République – 42300, Telephone: 04 77 72 74 22

See also: Restaurant l’Astrée in Roanne

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It was August Pralus who invented and created the delicious ‘Praluline’, a tasty soft brioche that stimulates the taste-buds, steeping us in the enchantment of childhood memories at the first mouthful.

August Pralus, who was born in the Loire in March 1920, opened his first pastry-shop in Roanne in 1948.

He was a pastry cook of great talent and in 1955 he obtained the envied title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France, an award he won because of his skills and his demanding quality standards. He subsequently became Chairman of the Pastry Cook’s Union, then member of the Culinary Academy of France, Chevalier of Arts, Sciences and Letters and finally the great honour of the French Order of National Merit was bestowed upon him.

It is the exceptional Praluline, one of his own personal creations which has been a great success for many years, celebrating its fiftieth anniversary of good taste in 2005 and has now become a local and regional tradition of taste, luxury, and quality.

Today his son, François Pralus has taken over the family business and is carrying on the tradition of excellence of the house, now offering an extensive high quality range of chocolate products for all occasions.

François Pralus is an exceptional Master Chocolate Maker because he is one of the few in France to manufacture his own chocolate. Today almost 100 tons of Pralus Chocolate are manufactured and sold each year.

François Pralus works with dried cocoa beans that he receives from the very best cocoa plantations all over the world, especially from South American and Indonesia.

From these exceptional beans he produces around fifteen pure varieties and 4 blends.

“I do everything myself says François Pralus, rather than buying from specialised suppliers.”

And he has gone even further since he now has his own cocoa bean plantation in Madagascar.

François Pralus has always passionately loved Madagascar and has owned a cocoa bean plantation and a packaging plant there since the year 2000. Madagascar.

With a concern for protecting the environment and the quality of its cocoa beans the plantation has made a commitment to sustainable development and since 2007 it has held an Bio Ecocert certification. Created in 1991, Ecocert is an independent body specialised in certifying organic farming products.

François Pralus is one of the very few chocolate makers who roast their own cocoa beans, thus manufacturing his chocolate from beginning to end. In his factory in Roanne, he receives the very best varieties of cocoa beans from around twenty tropical regions of the world.

Converting cocoa beans into chocolate is a long process and requires a lot of know-how to keep the flavour of the beans intact and produce a chocolate of incomparable taste.

Praluline

One lovely morning Auguste Pralus places a brioche with pralines in his showcase. Since that special day in 1955, the Praluline has never lost its premier position in each of the showcases in the Pralus pastry shops.

Often imitated, but never matched! On certain Saturdays the shop will sell more than 800 Pralulines! A rich brioche flavored with pieces of pralines made in-house: Valencia almonds and Piedmont hazelnuts coated in rose sugar and then cracked. The addition of these rosy nut bits adding a unique flavor and texture to make the creation so special! The Praluline is regularly sent to enthusiasts over the world (USA, Japan, Sweden…)

This star of the Maison Pralus has also become a culinary ambassador for the region of Roanne.

“Marvellous buttery brioche filled with rose pralines” The Praluline has traversed its local borders to become the uncontested star in all of the Pralus shops, including Paris!

Pralus

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After yet another visit to Château de Champlong, this time as part of a business club reunion evening meal, a triumph of excellent cuisine by Olivier Boizet was once again experienced gladly by all!

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 18th 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!

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.

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

“Vive la Château de Champlong”

Château de Champlong

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Vichy is one of France’s foremost spas which shot to fame in the 1860s when Napoleon III started taking the waters.

Its sulphurous springs are said to cure rheumatism, arthritis and all manner of digestive disorders.

As a result, a large number of elderly, genteel French citizens holiday here.

The town retains a real ‘fin-de-siecle’ charm.

The grand old Thermal Establishment built in 1900 has now been transformed into a shopping mall and the Parc des Sources has a delightful bandstand where afternoon concerts are played.

To the north of the park you’ll find the focal point, Le Palais – an iron-framed greenhouse where people sit, read & chat.  If you want to sample the waters yourself head to the beautiful bronze taps called the Célestin on boulevard du President Kennedy (the only spring that is widely bottled and drunk).
For those looking for more active pursuits head down to the lake which has become a centre for all sorts of sports and special events.

Historians among you will find little of Vichy’s World War past and in particular Pétain’s role in aiding and abetting Nazi Germany – this seems to have been carefully concealed with the old government seat now an anonymous building.

There many attractions such as:

Château de Cordes
approx 3km North of Vichy.
A 17th century château with French style gardens.

Riom
15km north of Clermont-Ferrand
Step back in time to the Middle Ages in the ancient capital of the Auvergne.

Salle d’Opera
rue du Casino, Vichy.
Operas, concerts, dance performances staged here

Historical Tours
Tourist Office, 19 rue du Parc, Vichy 03200
Discover the history of Second Empire Vichy and WWII on this fascinating walking tour.
| Admission charge | Opening Times: Mid-Jun to Mid-Sep | Tel: +33 (0)4 70 98 71 94

Thermal Baths
Les Celestins, 111 blvd des Etats-Unis, Vichy.
Beauty, massage, slimming & fitness programmes
Admission charge | Opening Times: Daily apart from Sun pm | Tel: +33 (0)4 70 30 82 00

Hippodrome
Bellerive Bank, Vichy.
one of France’s most prestigious racecourses
Admission charge | Opening Times: May – Sep | Tel: +33 (0)4 70 32 47 00

Musee d’Art Roger Quilliot
Place Louis Deteix, Clermont-Ferrand.
superb art museum with sculpture, paintings through the ages
Admission charge | Opening Times: Tue-Sun | Tel: +33 (0)4 73 16 11 30

Musee de Vichy
15 rue du Marechal Foch, Vichy.
Houses a collection paintings, sculpture a few telegrams sent by Petain after 1940
Opening Times: Tue-Sun (14h00-18h00) | Tel: +33 (0)4 70 32 12 97

Musee Lecoq
15 rue Bardoux, Clermont-Ferrand 63000
an impressive natural history museum
Admission charge | Opening Times: Apr-Sep: Mon-Sat; Oct-Apr:pms; Sun year round | Tel: +33 (0)4 73 91 93 78

Musee Bargoin
45 rue Ballainvilliers, Clermont-Ferrand.
Gallo-Romain artefacts to be discovered here
Admission charge | Opening Times: Tue-Sun | Tel: +33 (0)4 73 91 37 31

Eglise St-Blaise
rue de la Tour, Vichy.
Art-deco style church built between 1925 and 1936

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We visit the beautiful village of ‘Le Crozet’ once again!

Only 20 minutes, or so, from Roanne, up the famous ‘Nationale Sept’ autoroute, nestled at the far end of the Monts de la Madeleine, in the Côte Roannaise you arrive at this gem of a medieval village with a colorful history.

A surprise and a delight is in store for anybody who makes the effort to visit this place.

As you climb up from Pacaudiere along the lush country lanes, you enter this once important, busy, fortified hill village, sleepily lying within the folds of the hillside with the plain of the River La Loire stretching out below.

The Views are stunning, especially when you climb ‘The Keep’.

This tower was originally built in the 12th century by the viscounts of Mâcon, and stands about 12 metres high.

It is topped by a bell tower or turret, because the old church had no steeple, and, therefore, no bells.

From the esplanade which lies at the foot of ‘The Keep’, on a clear day you can see as far as the Morvan and Beaujolais mountains, and the town of Tarare.

We peeped into the so-called ‘new’ church which stands beside ‘The keep’, and was constructed in 1862 on the site of the original castle, and discovered that preparations were being made for a wedding the following day – what a magical setting!

We then headed down to the museum, housed in a 15th century building, also with a tower.

This little museum offers a wonderful insight into village life during the 1900′s, and is full of local information and artefacts.

When you enter the various rooms of this museum you are in a different world – different era, a bygone age, of course. There is even Le Crozet’s original blacksmith’s, complete with furnace, bellows and tools. In another room you have a fascinating display of carpenter tools, particularly ones used for the making of clogs or ‘sabots).

Above all, however, it was the collection of old-framed maps through the centuries and fantastic photographs that kept us enthralled.

There are also original deeds of purchase from the village, some dating back to the 15th century, along with books and local records through the ages.

The whole village is so pretty, especially in the summer with an abundance of flowers everywhere.

The exceptional medieval wonder of Le Crozet is superb, particularly on a sunny day, as this was, when the sunlight emphasises the colours, structures, and textures of the ancient buildings – all with secret histories hidden behind their medieval walls.

It is a simply beautiful and fascinating place.

As you wander through the tiny streets there are stunning buildings round every corner, oozing history.

Although many of its buildings have been carefully and beautifully renovated, there are still one or two that are crying out for a little ‘TLC’, and are definite renovation opportunities – very tempting!!

However, Le Crozet is not just a ‘showpiece’ ‘museum’ of a village, it is a living, breathing, lively community.

A community of probably many related families of the past whose heritage is being carefully and sympathetically preserved.

Well worth a good stroll around when you visit the Roannais.

Also take a look at our other ‘Blogs’ for more information about the Roannais, Rhône-Alpes region, and visit our Purefrancenow Escape Days for a special trip to Le Crozet, canal ride, and traditional restaurant.

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The man does very well, of course!

He finally gets the chance to show all of us the country he loves so much, and the French recipes that have inspired him in the past.

His regional visit and experiences in Lyon particularly interested us. What a wonderful time he is having!

BBC’s ‘Raymond Blanc: The Hungry Frenchman’

The Telegraph Review

Raymond Blanc’s renowned ‘La Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons’  2 Michelin star restaurant in the Cotswolds.

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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.

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Inspirational Gourmet Weekends

Loge de Gardes Ski-ing

Chalmazel Ski Resort

Louis Cane – February 02 – April 07  2o12

Louis Cane was born in Beaulieu-sur-Mer in 1943. He began his studies at l’Ecole Nationale des Arts Décoratifs in Nice in 1961 and continued with the same subject at l’Ecole Supérieure in Paris. This same year, he was awarded a national diploma in interior architecture. Up to 1968, he studied at l’Ecole Supérieure des Beaux Arts in Paris. He consequently gained a residency in painting from the Prix de Rome. He participated in the ‘May 1968’ protests, where he was also the head of the popular poster department of decorative arts. As well as painting, Cane also took part in the foundation of an art review magazine called ‘Peinture, Cahiers, Théoriques’. In 1970, he moved into a new atelier on the rue de Charenton and began working on broken canvases. In 1981, he moved again to another atelier on the Rue Saint-Maur, where the following year, he would return to working with sculpture. He also gave two conferences explaining his field of activity, the first at l’Institut d’Art in Paris and then in 82, the Beaux-Arts. Cane has also worked on demand, in 1986 taking on a monumental task of a public fountain: la Fontaine du Déluge. He also did the decoration for C.E.S. de Peyrolle. His works have been displayed internationally as well as nationally.

Read and see more at: Galerie Bernard Ceysson

The Pure Art Gallery

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Until the 25^th of March 2012, at Lyon’s Textile Museum.

Explore the dressing room of an icon: the Madonna in high fashion.

Silks, embroidered fabrics, pearls, cabochons, lace… A whole host of sumptuous materials that have been used to dress statues for centuries… What a strange idea, you might well think…

But when you get the chance to discover 650 years of prestige creation, presented in the manner of a fashion parade, you’re left speechless faced with such a dazzling collection.

Party or Lent dress, May dress, Battle dress, the ‘AZF’ dress…
This vast range of outfits for the Virgin Mary reflect the creators’ aspiration to blend modernity and tradition, symbolism and reality.

This exhibition, with its original title, its powerful visual effects and its striking design, is above all a reflection of the desire to clothe and present the Madonna: to give a spectacular, dramatic and completely human presence to this icon.

Admission to the museum and the exhibition is free with the Lyon City Card.

Historical Museum Of Textiles, LYON

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

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