Located at the heart of France’s hexagonal territory, Auvergne is a sparsely populated land of volcanic plateaus and large valleys. Unlike the Alps to the east or the Pyrénées to the southwest, its highest peaks reach only 6,000 feet above sea level and are free of snow in summer. The local authorities? efforts to safeguard the environment have made Auvergne one of the last protected zones in Europe.
Before going to Auvergne, familiarize yourself with its history and its gastronomy.
We’re all used to seeing Nativities decorating our homes, shops, schools, and churches but in Provence, they go one better. Not only do people’s homes have a Nativity but very often, a miniature village to accompany the birth of the baby Jesus as well. These Nativities […]
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You wouldn’t expect the French to use just any old wood for their yule logs, would you? Of course not, and you’d be right not to; in France, traditionally, cherrywood logs are used. Not only that but they are sprinkled with red wine so that the […]
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Lei Tretze Dessèrts is Occitan for the Thirteen Desserts (les treize desserts in French), the final course of le gros souper (the great supper), or le Réveillon, eaten after midnight mass on Christmas Eve. The great supper is a highly symbolic affair: three white tablecloths […]
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For most of us, I’m sure, ice-skating holds a kind of mystical, childish delight; after all, what can be more magical than rivers, lakes, and ponds becoming so frozen that one can strap a couple of slivers of metal to our feet, and glide as gracefully […]
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Tomorrow, December 6th, is St. Nicolas’ day, which means that tonight, children will be putting out their shoes in the hope that when they wake up in the morning, they will find their footwear filled with candies. Good children, that is. Naughty children, on the other […]
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Otherwise known as marché de noël, Christmas markets in France are a great excuse for a short winter break. Bringing a magical, fairytale atmosphere to most towns across the country, the Christmas markets also provide an opportunity to buy somewhat more unusual gifts for your loved […]
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Beginning on Friday, Lyon plays host to over 70 light installations, creating a magical seasonal atmosphere along six routes throughout the city. The first Fête des Lumières was held in the city in 1852, when a statue of the Virgin Mary was erected at the top […]
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Lingua Franca; the language of nobility, and of diplomacy across Europe and the Ottoman Empire, French was the world’s first truly international language until it was replaced in the 20th century by English
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Le Métro is such an iconic subway that novelists around the world have featured it in their literary works. Librarian and bibliophile, Bernard Strainchamps, has created this amazing interactive map of stations featured in some of the best classic literature. Hovering over the map below will […]
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Hammams are something one might more readily associate with Marrakech than Paris but the City of Light can more than hold its own – not least because since Morocco was once a French territory, we have learned a thing or two about these glorious havens of […]
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