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!

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.
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Joyeux Noël !!
By purefrancenow | December 24, 2009

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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!

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
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 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.

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!

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.
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New Art from John Clough at the Pure Art Gallery
By purefrancenow | December 1, 2009
More unique and highly creative imagery from British artist, John Clough, are now featured in the Pure Art Gallery.
A new series of graphic, digital canvassess from this Yorkshire born artist are now available for sale in different size and style formats.

John also translates his concepts into special, large-scale, original acrylic paintings which are also available for purchase via The Pure Art Gallery.
John Clough was born in Whiston, South Yorkshire in 1948.
His post-war childhood was idyllic and his love of nature and his appreciation of natural colours and textures are now reflected in his paintings.
John’s big ‘life changing moment’ occurred when his art teacher, gave him a book called “The Life and Letters of Vincent Van Gogh” He found it a creative inspiration which kick started his wonderful journey into the world of fine art. His first success was gained aged 14 when he was awarded first prize in the Royal Horticultural Society Arts show.
He developed his talent for painting at Rotherham College of Art, gaining a distinction at his closing show.
Then followed a successful career in Advertising, Marketing and Graphic Design for many years, gaining numerous directorships.
His paintings are often privately and corporately commissioned, and he has also exhibited his works throughout England, including France, and recently, in Dubai.
John has a particular penchant for both natural and urban landscapes, and the colours and surfaces revealed. He has a distinctive and impressionistic approach which he uses to create both linear style abstract imagery as well as more traditional, ambient landscapes, often taking his inspiration from the dramatic and beautiful rural hillsides of northern England.
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Salon of Gastronomy at Scarabée in the Roannais
By purefrancenow | November 25, 2009
The 27th ‘Salon de la Gastronomy’ was succesfully organised at the new exhibition and entertainment centre of Scarabee in Roanne, Rhône-Alpes during November, 2009.

Over 100 stand presentations were available with a huge variety of regional products on display, including demonstrations of food decoration by the CFA of Roanne, and soe of their young creators in chocolate, pastry, bread, and meat products.
Some of the regions great chefs and restarants were also in action, demonstrationg some of the secrets of their own recipes – Maison Troisgros, Chateau de Champlong, l’Auberge Costelloise, le Tourdion, la Chaumiére.
All accompanied orchestral music by one of the regions young concert groups.
1000’s of visitors attended during the 2 days (21-22 November, 2009). An exceptionally interesting event, and full of the normal enthusiasm of the producers and sellers of the high quality products for which the Roannais region, and associated regions in the Rhône-Alpes are renowned.
Roannais Directory, including Recommended Restaurants
Pure Food and Drink in the Roannais
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Jean-Pierre Pyat now at the Pure Art Galley
By purefrancenow | November 25, 2009
Château de Beaulieu, Riorges 1998
Galerie Pikinasso, Roanne, 2003
Galerie Pikinasso, Roanne 2005
Galerie Regards Martigues, 2008
See some of the beautiful works of Jean-Pierre Pyat now at The Pure Art Gallery – selected paintings are also available for purchase.
Topics: Art, Le Roannais, News, Pure Art Gallery | No Comments »
Land and Property Opportunity in the Rhône-Alpes!
By purefrancenow | November 23, 2009
A particularly unique opportunity has recently become available in the Rhône-Alpes. Just 3 plots of land, situated in the beautiful region of the Côte Roannais in the Monts de la Madeleine, are now available for purchase and private development.
Situated close to the traditional village of Noës in the Rhone-Alpes this a rare chance to acquire a superb plot of land with stunning views across the wooded hillsides toward the river la Loire and the Vallée du Roanne, with the opportunity to design and build your own holiday home to your own specifications.

The choices of the 3 different plots are each available for £75,000 (with the additional option to have your own home designed and built to your own specifications.)
A full ‘Project Control’ and ‘Advisory Service’ is available, including interior design, architectural service, and cost control.
For more information on this exciting and beautiful part of France visit: www.purefrancenow.com
If you would like to make an initial ‘no obligation’ enquiry about this land and property development opportunity please e-mail us at: info@purefrancenow.com
Topics: Côte Roannaise, Le Roannais, Property, Rhone-Alpes | Comments Off
Incredible Water Mill for Holiday Rental in the Roannais, Rhône-Alpes
By purefrancenow | November 14, 2009

A new, and unique summer holiday rental opportunity is now available for 2010, here on our Purefrancenow website – dedicated to the promotion of the Roannais, Rhône-Alpes.
‘Le Moulin’, is an immensely attractive, converted Water Mill. A detached, private property.
Very tastefully restored, with some of the original mill machinery still featured to reflect the character of the building, oak floors, stairs, and beamed ceilings.
3 Double Bedrooms, Shower room, Kitchen, Private Swimming Pool,
Set in a virtual paradise of gardens, streams, mill pond, and woodland glade. (Over 2.8 acres), this beautiful home is a delight.
Seeing is believing here!
The extensive private grounds, including an 8m x 4m swimming pool, are simply ideal for a family with children.
This superb property is located between two ancient villages (Chateau just down the road), and is well placed for easy access to motorways (30mins), St.Etienne Airport (45mins), Roanne (30mins) Lyon (1 hour).
Mill Lounge with many attractive features and original mill workings. 30’ x 20’
(Satellite TV, DVD player)
Kitchen 15’ x 13’ (Oven, hob, extractor, fridge, washing machine)
Shower Room 8’ x 7’
Bedroom 1 17’ x 11’
Bedroom 2 14’ x 11’
Bedroom 3 11’ x 10’
External:
Tree-lined access drive
Private, walled Swimming Pool 8m x 4m
Large Terraced/Patio Area
Extensive Gardens and Woodland
The house is on mains water and electricity
Gas-fired central heating
A perfect place for Summer Holiday Rental for families of up to 6 people.
Price: £850 per week
For more information on this property and other properties, including the beautiful Roannais region, please visit: www.purefrancenow.com
See our ‘Property for Rent’ ‘ section. Or e-mail direct to Brian and Lucy at: info@purefrancenow.com
Topics: Le Roannais, Property, Rhone-Alpes | No Comments »
Bernard Ceysson Gallery, Saint Etienne, Rhône-Alpes
By purefrancenow | November 9, 2009
The Exciting Bernard Ceysson Art Gallery in Saint Etienne, Rhône-Alpes.

For the Autumn of 2009, the 3 Bernard Ceysson galleries each have their own and original agenda with all new shows.
In Paris, although Franck Chalendard (09/09/05 – 09/10/17) and Assan Smati (09/10/23 – 09/12/12) had already showed their work recently in the
Saint-Étienne and Luxembourg galleries, the works they are showing in Paris
will be of brand new works.
In Luxembourg, the gallery will welcome four artists that have joined the gallery recently :
Pat Andréa (09/09/10 – 09/10/25); Christian Hahn and Judith Walgenbach
(09/10/29 – 09/11/30); and Denis Castellas (09/12/03 – 10/01/10).
In Saint-Étienne, Dany Prum’s show will finish on 20th September, and then a group show, .(09/09/23 – 10/01/15) of the photographer of the gallery will follow including:: Roselyne Titaud, Louise Bossut, Jean-Antoine Raveyre and Christian Mosar.

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Jean-Pierre Pyat started painting in November 1964 and has hardly ever stopped since. He is a dedicated and prolific creator of superbly crafted images from everyday life, as well as landscape, and figurative.

