To spend the night in a wooden tree house, to discover traditional Mongolian houses and stay in a yurt, to become a bohemian for the weekend and sleep in a horse-drawn… Why not try changing of scenery and choose a unique accommodation when visiting Champagne-Ardenne region.

Mandukhaï in Houdilcourt

Wind of steppes blows in Houdilcourt, between Rethel and Reims. This is Mandukhaï, name of a wise Mongolian queen from the 15th century. This camp site offers a one-of-a-kind stay. You will have the opportunity to spend time in this resort in real yurts fitted with furniture from central Asia. Yak hair rope, camel leather, construction materials are all natural and tables, stools and beds, which are painted with typical Mongolian patterns, have been designed by craftspeople from Gengis Khan. As for food, Amra, Alain Montigny’s wife and owner, is the cook. She will prepare Mongolian specialties such as Khougol duck with peppers, Mandukhaï curry beef and the tasty Dalai soup. This is going to be a relaxing stay.

« Les Merisiers », the nomad horse-drawn with all modern conveniences

How to live travelling people’s life while remaining on site and enjoying all modern conveniences? This is a challenge that Romain Bourdon and Sophie Thiriet have decided to take up. This couple from Éteignières offers unusual holidays in a nice horse-drawn made of pine tree with double glazing windows, air-condition, kitchen area, toilets, shower, … This is a B&B on wheels in a idyllic setting overlooking a pond where ducks paddle and donkeys, sheep, horses and Highland cows graze. This Noah’s Ark setting is the perfect accomodation to enjoy with the whole family or for a romantic holiday.

Auberge de Sainte-Maure’s horse-drawns

The location is ideal for a romantic getaway on the banks of a river in a nest of greenery: 3 horse-drawns, each with a balcony overlooking “Le Melda” river or a garden with private barge. The three 32m² rooms are decorated with wood paneling and gypsy fabrics. The horse-drawns are designed for two people with all modern conveniences. Depending on the weather, breakfast can be taken in the horse-drawn or in the garden at the water’s edge. The Auberge de Sainte Maure, a must-see gourmet place listed in many tourist guides, is located in a lovely half-timbered house imbued with a peaceful tranquility. The dining room, which has kept its exposed beams, has an elegant setting with in the middle of the room a nice fireplace for winter evenings.

“Chêne Perché” in Signy l’Abbaye

In this hanging park, you will be surrounded by centenerian oaks and cherry trees. At the heart of Signy l’Abbaye forest, listed “Natura 2000″, family and friends will enjoy floating on air. It is possible to stay overnight in wooden tree houses at 8, 13 and 16 meters high and to wake up with birds singing and see the world differently. After a breakfast high up in the trees, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the 8 trails offered by the park including a special Tyrolean traverse rope.

In the Middle of Nowhere in Outines

On the banks of lake Der, this tourist concept, which includes accommodation and entertainment with a focus on nature, offers several places to stay to suit all tastes. Two guest rooms, a cottage house with three bedrooms, a lodge and a wooden tree house are available to enjoy wildlife.

Red Square in Villars-Montroyer

Artist Gloria Friedmann designed this guest house, which can accommodate up to 6 people. Sponsor of the project Hubert Guenin has made available his land, located south of the plateau of Langres. The nice setting and reduced modern convenience aspect (no running water or electricity) alow users of the guest house having an extended contact with nature.

More information: Champagne-Ardenne Tourist Office – www.tourisme-champagne-ardenne.com

Source : press release DP Zen 2010

Like the famous champagne, crafts and art are the history of the Champagne-Ardenne region and the common heritage, the memory of which is important to preserve .

Wood, glass, textiles, earth, metal … there are many yesteryear crafts and traditional arts that have gone through centuries while adapting to changing technologies and people’s likings.

Here is a selection of these traditional practices :

Metal, new for 2010 : Metallurgic Park, an odyssey for iron and men

Spread over 4 areas, Metallurgik Park unveils the secrets of metal working industry in Haute-Marne region, from the prestige of art foundry to a strategic industrial activity as well as a know-how and roots as far back as 2000 years. Metallugik Park combines both local heritage and economy in order to promote an area the future of which is related to metal working. Throughout the park, visitors will discover the history of a factory which produces massive high tech parts on a daily basis. As a result, “art deco” tickets for the parisian tube are one of the best examples !

Earth:Windmill of Colours in Ecordal

Since the 19th century, it has been making natural pigments which give colours to the world ! From 9 sorts of earth, alchemists grind, dry, heat, mix and adjust this raw material to get a range of 85 different colours… It is the last windmill in France to be specialised in natural pigment production. Here is something special : the Windmill of Colours also offers workshops to discover and learn the techniques of decorative painting using natural pigments.

Glass: Crystal glass-making and Bayel’s Crystal Museum

In Europe, there are very few cristal glass-making factories left, it is probably the last one, where cristal is made entirely by hand. Glass-blowing, cutting, engraving, gilding, glazing… Heirs of “le Grand Siècle”, refering to the 17th century, glass artists perpetuate the richest and most refined techniques and know-how.

Textile, Fashion: Flower Windmill in Orges

It used to produce oil and flour in the 14th century. Today, it is the last pistil, petals, leaves and artificial fruits production centre designed for floral creations, Haute Couture (Chanel) and even for confectioners and pastry chefs (Lenôtre). It is a source of inspiration for many contemporary artists.

More information: www.tourisme-champagne-ardenne.com

Source: Press release Artisanat et Savoir-Faire

Music Day, also known in other countries as World Music Day, is held every year in France. This year, for its 29th anniversary, the event will put the spotlight on women… So let’s meet on Monday 21st June !

Be they music composers , opera singers, conductors, street singers, songwriters or DJs, the focus will be put on their creativity, their struggles and the deep and true nature of their music.

Since ancient times, women have always been an endless source of inspiration that has inspired the greatest melodies. Muses, singers or musicians, they take a leading part in the practice of this art. In order to pay a tribute to them, the 29th edition of Music Day in France will be focused on “music and women”.

This unifying theme will provide an opportunity for all artists, whether they are amateurs or professionals, to celebrate Music Day and women by interpreting compositions made by or for women … A large selection in prospect !

For one day and one night, French cities and towns will be swept away by all kinds of music, with concerts, free events and also the possibility of discovering amateur music players or singers in pubs and cafés.

More information: 2010 Music Day – www.fetedelamusique.culture.fr

Source: presse release “Fête de la Musique 2010″

A major graphics event in Europe, the Poster and Graphic Design Festival of Chaumont presents internationally renowned exhibitions and contests!

Committed to graphic design for over 20 years, the town of Chaumont now has a collection of 35,000 historical and contemporary posters of high value.

The festival’s programme is based on a relation between each place and a type of material:

• Vintage posters (1929-1940 Russian constructivism posters) in Silos and Château du Grand Jardin areas
• Contemporary posters in Subsistances area
• Logo in the Chapelle des Jésuites area (with the award winning film Logorama)
• Books in the old library
• Graphic systems in the Garage area
• Young professionnals in the company Tisza
• Drawing in outdoor spaces… ouside also, a system of signs designed by Helmo studio will turn the town into a festive place!
  

More information: Poster and Graphic Design Festival – http://www.chaumont-graphisme.com/edition-2010/index.php

Spring will be soon here and for this occasion the Champagne-Ardenne tourist office recommends you go and discover some of the region’s most beautiful villages via an original and entertaining way : a treasure hunt ! The Cap Enigme treasure hunt is dedicated to the villages of Essoyes (Aube area) and Bourmont (Haute-Marne area).

The « Cap Enigme »paths are listed in a leaflet (4 pages) with a riddle and about fifteen questions to solve it. You will find out the answers while discovering the different streets, monuments and villages. Location of Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s house, name of the renowned publisher born in Bourmont in 1878 ? … Will you know the answer ?

With the « Cap Enigme » treasure hunt you will enjoy a 2 or 3-hour walk, seeking and discovering amazing things in each village.

Designed for all, visitors, tourists or locals, the « Cap Enigme » paths are available in the villages tourist offices and the partner areas of this project.

Useful information:

Download your treasure hunt map

Contact : Champagne-Ardenne Tourist Office – Phone : 0033 3 26 21 85 80
Email : contact@tourisme-champagne-ardenne.com

More information : www.tourisme-champagne-ardenne.com

Source : CRT Champagne-Ardenne

Spring will soon be here and so does the festival season ! Without necessarily giving you an comprehensive list, here is an overview to our selection of France’s coming festivals…

• In April:

Printemps de Bourges, from April 13 to 18, will start proudly the festival season by celebrating its 34th anniversary. More info: http://www.printemps-bourges.com/en/home/welcome.php

• In June:

Hellfest open air, from June 18 to 20 for its 5th edition in Clisson, Western France. This 2010 edition already promises to be THE  major metal event ever organised in France! More info: www.hellfest.fr

Solidays, from June 25  to 27, at the Longchamps-Paris racecourse, this festival will bring together many artists all commited to the fight against AIDS. More info: www.solidays.org

• In July:

Eurockéennes of Belfort, from July 2 to 4 : this rock festival will bring together 80 artists on 5 different stages. The must-see artists: Jay-Z, Mika, The Hives, Charlotte Gainsbourg. More info: www.festival.eurockeennes.fr

The Avignon Theatre Festival from July 7 to 27, is a major and must-attend event of the european art life. For 3 weeks, this the festival will please theatre lovers with its 64th edition.  More info: www.festival-avignon.com

Francofolies, from July 13 to 17 , in La Rochelle, western France. New places, new names, new artists on stage to give you more fun and emotions!  The must-see artists: Phœnix, Diam’s, Émilie Simon, Cœur de Pirate. More info: www.francofolies.fr

Vieilles Charues, from July 15 to 18, in Carhaix, Brittany. The must-see artists: Muse, Mika, Indochine, Alain Souchon. More info: www.vieillescharrues.asso.fr

Musilac, from July 16 to 18, in Aix-Les-Bains, Esplanade du Lac, southern France, will celebrate its 9th anniversary. The must-see artists: Pony Pony Run Run, M, ZZ Top, Peter Doherty, Luke, Indochine, Cœur de Pirate. More info: www.musilac.com

• In August:

Route du Rock, will take place from August 13 to 15, in Saint Malo – Le Fort Saint Père, Brittany, for its 20th edition. The must-see artists: Massive Attack, The Flamming Lips, Yann Tiersen. More info: www.laroutedurock.com

Rock en Seine, will be held in the Saint Cloud gardens from August 27 to 29 for its 8th edition. The must-see artists: Blink 182, Arcade Fire, Cypress Hill, Queens of the Stone Age, The Kooks, Foals and  Massive Attack. More info: www.rockenseine.com

On the occasion of the International Women’s Day (March 8th) and the World Poetry Day (March 21st), this 12^th edition of the Poetry Festival « Le Printemps des Poètes » in France will focus on the theme of women.

The inauguration evening will take place on Monday, March 8 at the Opéra Comique, with Dominique Blanc, Brigitte Fontaine and Carolyn Carlson.

Celebrated throughout France, the event will especially highlight the work of Andrée Chedid with the 2^nd Andree Chedid’s sung poem contest with Matthieu Chedid as the  president of the jury. The actress Dominique Blanc will be the sponsor of the event.

An original exhibition, entitled “au fil des mots”, will present a selection of poems having a focus on the theme of hope, body and love. These poems have been reinterpreted by designers and artists who bring their own graphic layout of a short text. The set will be embroidered by women of Swaziland, sick of HIV. This work will give them an income. About thirty works will be exhibited throughout the year 2010.

More information:

2010 Poetry Festival: www.printempsdespoetes.com

To celebrate the Month of Documentary Film 10th edition, november is a must-attend event in France, French West Indies and abroad for documentary films.

The aim of this event is to show to an audience, that is getting larger, and make them appreciate the diversity and strength of creative documentary films by uniting many events organised by enthusiastic programmers in different locations.

Venues: libraries and media centres, cinemas, cultural and educational institutions, French cultural centres abroad…

Programme: viewings of heritage, rare or unreleased films, film previews, tributes, topics, debates and meetings with directors…

In France, 16 regions will also host this event (participating regions: Alsace, Aquitaine, Basse-Normandie, Bourgogne and Franche-Comté, Brittany, Centre, Champagne-Ardenne, Guadeloupe, Ile-de-France, Languedoc-Roussillon, Limousin, Midi-Pyrenées, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur, Rhône-Alpes)

More information:

www.moisdudoc.com

www.culture.fr

]]> http://www.toorismag.com/en/november-a-month-dedicated-to-documentary-films-2/feed/ 0 http://www.toorismag.com/en/champagne-ardenne-abseiling-into-champagne-wine-cellars-a-one-of-a-kind-activity/ http://www.toorismag.com/en/champagne-ardenne-abseiling-into-champagne-wine-cellars-a-one-of-a-kind-activity/#comments Thu, 23 Jul 2009 11:05:56 +0000 Toorismag team http://www.toorismag.com/en/?p=196

The Leclerc-Briant family, in Epernay, proposes an original and unusual way of discovering its wine cellars: a genuine context, some sport and a rush of adrenalin. The activity consists in abseiling into a 30-metre-deep well and then visiting the champagne cellars, where are kept a treasure of 600,000 champagne bottles. Before they installed an elevator, this well had a pulley, which was used for bringing the bottles down in the wine cellars.
Please note that abseiling is only for 15 people groups and more. However, it is possible to join a team.

More information:

Champagne Leclerc Briant: www.leclercbriant.com – Phone: 00 33. 3. 26. 54. 45. 33

Champagne-Ardenne Tourist Office: www.tourisme-champagne-ardenne.com

]]> http://www.toorismag.com/en/champagne-ardenne-abseiling-into-champagne-wine-cellars-a-one-of-a-kind-activity/feed/ 0 http://www.toorismag.com/en/champagne-ardenne-the-champagne-tourist-route/ http://www.toorismag.com/en/champagne-ardenne-the-champagne-tourist-route/#comments Thu, 23 Jul 2009 07:58:54 +0000 Toorismag team http://www.toorismag.com/en/?p=190

This celebration in the famous Champagne wine region, which takes place every year in the area of Aube, is the opportunity to discover different varieties of champagnes and local food.

On July 25 and 26 in the towns of Arrentières, Colombé le Sec, Colombé la Fosse, Rouvres les Vignes and Voigny, your champagne glass, that you will have bought at the entry of villages or wine cellars, will be your “passport”. It will give you free access to the 30 wine cellars especially open to public during this week-end for wine tasting. So, alongside local winegrowers you will be able to discover the richness of local produce and they will share with you also their passion and know-how. There will be also celebrations in the streets, shows and music during this week-end.

More information:

www.vignoble-champagne.com

Champagne-Ardenne Tourist Office: www.tourisme-champagne-ardenne.com