The magnificent Jardins de la Fontaine, Nîmes, The Gard In the heart of the Roman town of Nîmes in The Gard, accessed by the Quai de la Fontaine, lies the beautiful Jardins de la Fontaine - the perfect place to relax and enjoy the sunshine or perhaps try a little pétanque with the locals. They are designated a Remarkable Garden by France's Ministry of Culture. Built around an ancient sacred … [Read more...]
Anne-Sophie Pic - it’s in the genes
With the opening of La Dame de Pic at Four Seasons London, we delve a little deeper in to the most famous daughter of Valence, Anne-Sophie Pic. In short she is a gastronomic icon. Not only does she hold a coveted three Michelin stars at her restaurant in the Maison Pic hotel in Valence — being the only French female chef to do so — but she has another two at Beau Rivage Palace in Lausanne. You … [Read more...]
Go Active in The Ardèche
New Wine Routes to Follow - Three of the wine areas of the Ardèche will be joining up to form a new ‘Vignobles et Decouvertes’ route this year. The IGP Ardèche, AOP côtes du Rhône and AOP côtes du Vivarais have been united in this venture as they complement each other so well. This label was created in 2009 to unite wine and tourism areas that would provide a complete experience for the visitor. … [Read more...]
Rhône Valley Wines in 2017
An outstanding year 2016 was a superb year for Rhône Valley wines. In fact the results of the area put the other wine growing regions of France to shame. The Grenache and Syrah varieties are outstanding whilst later varieties such as Carignan and Mouvèdre show greater concentration. In terms of volume there was a slight increase in the amount of wine produced but nothing significant. A mild … [Read more...]
Culture & Hospitality in The Ardèche
The Parting of the Waters - a unique artistic project supported by the Monts d'Ardèche Regional Nature Park, opens on 7th July 2017. Running along the high ridge that divides water flowing to the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, The Watershed will celebrate the history, heritage and geography of this natural phenomenon. Artistic Director, David Moinard, has chosen a number of geological and … [Read more...]
New in the Vaucluse Provence 2017
The wine is flowing at Châteauneuf du Pape: 2017 is the 700th anniversary of the castle of the Popes at Châteauneuf du Pape as they started its construction in 1317. This was their summer residence. It is also the 700th anniversary of the Enclave of the Popes in Valréas. They say that it was because of his love of wine that Pope John XXII bought Valréas which stayed the property of the church … [Read more...]
New for 2017 in Le Gard
Cacherel Comes Home: Fashion giant Cacharel will return to Nîmes this year in style with the opening of a new shop designed by none other than Jean Nouvel, the hugely influential architect. The Cacharel brand was created by local entrepreneur and designer Jean Bousquet in 1958. Having fallen out of fashion for a little while, M Bousquet aims to revive the brand by appealing to a younger … [Read more...]
What’s new for 2017 in The Drôme?
For cyclists – a new guide will be published for 2017 on the 36 cycle routes through the department - in French-English and also in April the new guide on cycling the ViaRhôna route through the Drôme and Ardèche. By the way, the Tour de France Stage 16 will be passing through the department on 18th July 2017. New Château of Grignan exhibition - The first exhibition dedicated to the … [Read more...]
Re-entering childhood with Haribo
Re-entering childhood with Haribo - You don't expect to come face to face with a sweet manufacturer when in the medieval town of Uzès in Southern France, but there it is - the Musée de BonBon by Haribo with its siren call to sweet lovers of all ages. I wonder why they called it Haribo, I ruminated with friends over lunch the day before and oh, how we chortled when I said maybe it's named for a Mr … [Read more...]
Magellan Bites: La Suisse - a #SouthernFrance pastry
When strolling down the avenue which leads up to Valence Train Station in the Drôme, Southern France, I happened upon one of France's best known bakeries - Maison Nivon, established in 1856 - and peered through their window at the pastry delights therein. A rather smart pastry of a soldier caught my eye so inside I went to find out more. This wonderful little bakery under the toque of Denis … [Read more...]