Horrid halloween photos!!!

Send yours to this blog... or be scared, very very scared!!!

RAMBLE, Sunday 4 November, Maison de Quartier in Croix de Neyrat, Clermont-Ferrand

You chose: 11, 18, 26 or even 35km! This is the 28th edition of the Amil'pattes ramble. Good fun if you like to meet other folks and discover off the beaten track places!
Meet up at the Maison de Quartier in Croix de Neyrat in the north of Clermont-Ferrand.
The walks are well sign-posted and there's water and stuff to nibble given out to the walkers on the way.
Hope the good weather will be there too!
Cost from 3 to 7 euros for adults and from 2 to 5 euros for under 12s (depending on length of walk). See you there!

Cat sleeping like a log!

Photo sent by Elie (6) and Roc (10)

17:30 in Billom today: dance!

'La Mayonnaise des Anges' is the strange name of this contemporary dance show for all the family by the Compagnies Iritis et Icanto, this afternoon (17:30) in Billom, at the Salle du Moulin de l'Etang. Call 04 73 42 23 29 to reserve places. The show is part of the AUTOMNALES festival organized by the Conseil Général du Puy-de-Dôme, which is a guarantee of quality.

TODAY! Big birthday bash at the PARC!

The Auvergne volcanos regional parc is celebrating its 30th birthday! Lots of fun things to do (fishing, horseriding, cabin-building, etc.) for kids and their parents! Go quickly to the Maison du Parc in Montlosier, near Aydat. Further info 04 73 65 64 00

Article envoyé par ROC (10 ans) OMELETTE GEANTE!

Vernet la Varenne

SAMEDI 22 SEPTEMBRE

SALUT LES D'JEUNS! CA VOUS DIT une CUEILLETTE AUX CHAMPIGNONS (de 14 à17h)?

Aussi, à 19H30 : UNE MASTER OMELETTE (fabrication et dégustation) ACCOMPAGNEE DE MUSIQUE TRAD. VENEZ APPRENDRE A DANSER LA BOURREE ET AUTRES DANSES.

TARIF:ADULTES 15 EUROS/-12 ANS 10 EUROS

ST GERMAIN L'HERM

DIMANCHE 23 SEPTEMBRE

BALADES

LE DEPART A 9 HEURES ET A 15H

-

Y'A L'MARCHE

AUX CHAMPIGNONS

-

RESTAURATION SUR PLACE:

JAMBON A LA BROCHE

CONFIT DE CANARD AUX POMMES DE TERRES SARLADAISES

EXPO DE CHAMPIGNONS

EXPO "LES FRUITS SECS","LA BIO DIVERSITE"...

ATELIER DECOUVERTE DE LA FORET

INSCRIPTION A L' A.D.A.C.L MAIRIE 63630 ST GERMAIN L'HERM AU 0473720660

OU A L' OFFICE DE TOURISME DU VERNET LA VARENNE AU 0473713976

It's fun, it's free, it's for all the family!

Saturday 22 September at 19:00 in Issoire at the Centre Animatis, puppet show with the Compagnie Lorgnette (it's easy to understand as it's in gobbledeegook!), on the real story of Little Red Riding Hood... great gory stuff (only suitable for children aged at least six!).

After the show you can picnic (there's food for sale in situ if you can't be bothered to prepare your own hamper).

At 20:30, same place, there's a crazy poprock group with fun and mad lirics (very French) called 'La Crevette d'Acier' (don't ask!).

Miss Croquette de Crickleewoods

Picture n°2 in September's fab photo competition is of Miss Croquette (French name, very London cat!)

Marvellous reconstruction!

This is the model version of the church of St Jean-St Gervais
(you can find it at the minigolf in Brassac-les-Mines)!

If you want to see the real church, go to the commune of St Jean-St Gervais (about 6km from Jumeaux)! Now is the time to go because they are reconstructing the belltower. It will take a month (until the end of October), so hurry! It's amazing to see, after more than 900 years, the belltower taking on its original form, using traditional materials (the one that has been taken down was built in concrete in the 1930s).


Photos of the real St Jean-St Gervais with scaffolding (where the new belltower will be). Hurry to see the work in progress!

Strange fish!

Why is there a fish stuck at the entrance of Mailhat church?!

If you go to Mailhat (not far from Issoire) in the afternoon of Sunday 16th September, you will get the answer!

Rare event! Pignols chapel is open this weekend!

Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 September, from 14:30 to 19:00, PIGNOLS chapel (3km from VIC-le-COMTE) is open to the public for guided visits. This is your chance to see the rare and extraordinary series of wall paintings in this tiny chapel. The guides will try to explain the mysteries of certain figures and symbols... and why the giant moustached figure overhead is... upside-down! Definite sketching and photo opportunity. The village itself is worth a tour, and if you like walking or cycling, definitely do the walk (follow the yellow markings on the trees or walls) that goes from the village to Vic-le-Comte and back (about 1,5 hours on foot). Check it out in the relevant Chamina guide!

Discover the sculptures of Mailhat church!

CLUE n°4 to our terrific treasure hunt: Look carefully at the trumpet player in the photo... Can he be found in Mailhat church?


INDICE n°4 de notre chasse au trésor trépidante: Regarde bien le joueur de trompette dans cette photo; habite-il dans l'église de Mailhat ?

CRAZY CARTOON at Mailhat church!
BD BIZARRE à l'église de Mailhat!

Sunday 16 September at 15:00 at Mailhat church (15 minutes southeast of Issoire): Discovery games for all the family on the theme of the mysterious sculptures in Mailhat romanesque church (considered by many to be one of the prettiest in the Puy-de-Dôme).

Dimanche 16 septembre à partir de 15 heures à l'église romane de Mailhat (à 15 minutes en voiture d'Issoire) : jeux découverte pour toute la famille sur le thème des sculptures mysterieuses (l'église est une des plus belles du 63!).

For further information: 04 73 55 90 48 (Pays d'art et d'histoire du Val d'Allier Sud).

The treasure hunt continues!

JTS (aged 7) sent the answer to clue n°3!
JTS (agé de 7 ans) nous a envoyé la réponse à l'énigme n°3!


The question was: 'In whose garden can you find this scarecrow (it's very near to the place where the big-nosed monster in Brassac-les-Mines is having his bath)?'
La question était: "A qui appartient le jardin dans lequel se trouve cet épouvantail (à Brassac-les-Mines)?"



And the answer is:
La réponse :

Le jardin des enfants...

THE CHILDREN'S GARDEN!

We've received the first picture in September's photo competition!

CATS! This fun picture of a giant mouse scaring a tiny cat was sent by Jayjay (aged 6). Start sending your pictures! This month's theme is : CATS!

Corent is the capital of the Auvergne!

Not quite true... Corent is, perhaps, the capital of the Arverne. The Arverne? It's the name of the Auvergne region in ancient gaulish times (2000 years ago... remember Asterix and co.?). This summer, archeological digs were carried out on the plateau of Corent and enormous quantities of fabulous treasures were dug up! The archeologists think that Corent was in fact the capital of the region (not Gergovia). And it did not look like a gaulish village as we imagine it but rather more like a big roman city (with up to 20000 inhabitants!).

If you go to the MAISON DU PATRIMOINE in MARTES-DE-VEYRE (3 rue des Forts) before 10 September you can see an exhibition of the latest finds (jewels, gold, silver, bronze, amphora, bones, etc.). If you can't make it, don't worry, the dig itself will be reopened next summer; We can expect lots of new exciting finds!

And the most horrid monster is....

THE SPIKY GREEN XYLOMONSTER!

This picture of an 'orrible forest creature was sent by Mr P (aged 10). It was taken during a family walk in the forest near to Vernet-la-Varenne. It's the winner of August's photo competition! Mr P gets a tea time token for a slap-up nosh at the Compagnie du Chat Noir tea shop in Clermont-Ferrand!

TREASURE HUNT! CLUE NUMBER 3 and ANSWER TO CLUE NUMBER 2

Clue n°3:

In whose garden can you find this scarecrow (it's very near to the place where the big-nosed monster in Brassac-les-Mines is having his bath)?

Indice n°3:

A qui appartient le jardin dans lequel se trouve cet épouvantail (pas loin du tout du monstre au gros pif dans son bain à Brassac-les-Mines)?

Roc (aged?) sent the answer to clue n°2 (how many toes does the giant foot in the Musée Bargoin in Clermont-Ferrand have?) :

The foot (60 cm long, made of bronze) of the statue of a Roman emperor (found recently in the centre of Clermont-Ferrand) has... 5 toes! The rest of the body has not been found yet! Mystery!!! The statue was 3.5 m tall!

Roc (agé de ?) a trouvé la réponse à l'indice n°2 (combien de doigts de pieds possède le pied géant au Musée Bargoin de Clermont-Ferrand?) :

Le pied (60 cm de long, fabriqué en bronze) de la statue d'un empereur romain (trouvé récemment dans le centre de Clermont-Ferrand) a... 5 doigts de pied! Le reste du corps n'a pas encore été trouvé... mystère et boule de gomme! La statue faisait 3,5 metres de haut!

Answer to clue n°1: R

Answer to clue n°2: 5

An art museum that's fun for kids!

The Musée Peynet is dedicated to Peynet, a very French artist, a bit surreal, a bit 'chocolate box'. Kids will love it! It's in Brassac-les-Mines, in the deep south of 63.

TODOTODAYANDTOMORROWANDTHENEXTFEWDAYS!

Boring weather isn't it?!
This is the time to go visit a museum or ten!

This afternoon, hurry to St Nectaire (in the Sancy area)! There's a workshop (from aged seven) at 16:00 and 17:00 on how to make instruments out of natural materials! Next door to the tourist office. GOGOGO!

Friday 24 August

In the evening, meet at the Maison Forestière (5km from Vic-le-Compte, on the road to Manglieu) for the 12th Bats Night! Reserve places: 04 73 36 39 79. The Comté forest is absolutely huge and fabulous!

Friday 24 August
In Anzat-le-Luguet (up in the Cézallier mountains, miles from anywhere!)
at 22:00
Disco! (a fun way to celebrate the local patron saint!)

Saturday 25 August
Brenat (next to Issoire)
Fireworks! (at about 22:00)

Sunday 26 August
10:00
Guided tour of Champeix (southwest of Clermont-Ferrand)
Beautiful old houses and interesting gardens, romantic remains of a castle... definitely worth the visit if the weather is good!

Tuesday 28 August
From 10:00 to 12:00 in Sauxillanges
Kids' workshop (+6): Learn to peint on silk.
At the Maison du Patrimoine
Reserve a place: Call 04 73 88 50 86
Meanwhile, parents can visit the museum and exhibitions, or do the shopping for a picnic (it's market day!)

Wednesday 29 August
in St Nectaire at 20:00
Auvergnat music and song and dance and stories (in the regional patois).
Free.

Thursday 30 August
From 10:00 to 12:00 at the Réserve Naturelle des Sagnes near La Godivelle (in the Cézallier). Guided tour on the theme of flowers (including carnivorous ones!). Dangerous peat bogs! Great visit (even when it's raining). You must go to La Godivelle (biggest fountain in 63) and after to visit the lakes and have something to eat at the nice restaurant there. Reserve places : 04 73 71 78 12 (4 euros for grownups, 1,50 for kids). A must!

And, any day (except Tuesdays): The 'Musée de la Céramique' in Lezoux (northeast of Clermont-Ferrand).

Check it out first on: http://www.puydedome.com/ ('découvrir le Puy-de-Dôme').

My children and I have not been there yet, but it looks impressive, all about Roman potery and ceramics (Lezoux was the biggest production centre of ceramics in the Roman world ). There's all sorts of hands-on activities for kids, cartoons, etc. Tell us what you think of it all (in 'comments' below).

PHOTO COMPETITION!!!!!!!!!!

This month's PHOTO COMPETITION theme is MONSTERS!

The best pictures will be put up in September in the Compagnie du Chat Noir tea shop in Clermont-Ferrand and in other friendly places! The kid who has taken the best picture (decided by popular vote) will win a teatime token (like a book token, except that it's for one slapup teatime nosh!)!

It's not too late to start sending your photos!

email them to domemome@free.fr

Please note: send only pictures of things, not people, thanks!

(N'envoyez que des photos de choses, pas de personnes!)

TREASURE HUNT!

The first clue was:

What is the first letter of the name of the disused cinema in Brassac-les Mines?

The answer, sent by Pietro (aged ten), is: 'R' (the name of the cinema is 'Le Royal')!

The second clue is:

How many toes does the giant Roman foot to be seen in the Musée Bargoin (in Clermont-Ferrand) have?

Send your answers quickly (clic on 'Comments' below)!

What's the prize? Haha! Answer the questions first!

NAME THOSE MONSTERS COMPETITION!

Give the monsters you see in this blog

terrifying names!

email your list to domemome@free.fr before the end of August!

The kid with the best list will win the following prize:

a slap-up teatime noshup at the

Compagnie du Chat Noir tea shop

(just opposite the cathedral in Clermont-Ferrand)!

MORE MONSTERS!

Here's a few more monsters

seen in the depths of

the Puy-de-Dôme!

This first, goggle-eyed one, can be seen behind a cage in Brassac-les-Mines...



...and this one, having himself a bath, somewhere not far from the first...


and this one... just behind you!

Try to find this hidden place in

Brassac-les-Mines!

The first letter of the cinéma's name is a clue in our

treasure hunt!

Manouche!

An arty photo of last night's concert:

a genius gipsy jazz bass player!

Fireworks!!!!!!!!

Today (Sunday 19 August) is going to be major great! The sun is smiling, and it's going to get swimmingly hoooot!

OK, first thing to do, is prepare a picnic! The best place to go to do your shopping for this is Brassac-les-Mines (in the deeep south of 63) at the open-air market. It's authentic (few if any tourists!). Buy nems for your starters, then a roast chiken (yum!), bread and cheese (St Nectair, of course, but also goat's cheese), then some chocolate shortcake from the Irish girl (!) whose stand is next door to the Peynet Museum (this is definitely worth a visit too!).

After you've done your shopping, have yourself an apéritif (orange juice or something) at one of the café terraces (children are a normal fixture here, not like in pubs!). This is a very French thing to do.

Then, go eat! The best place is the kids' playground (in the direction of the municipal camping ground). The children can play or sit in the apple trees whilst munching their lunch. Danger! on the way to the playground there's a spitting ogre!, also very snappy giant longnecks!

After your picnic, you can either go for an easy digestive stroll along the Allier river, or visit the town (a former coal-mining town with a fascinating history). Ther's a mining museum out of town which is not bad.

If you want to venture further, go to St Germain-Lembron (about 15km away) to buy your 'goûter' (tea time) at Mme Landon's biscuit and sweet shop (on the main road into St Germain when coming from Le Saut du Loup). This is a real Alibaba's cave of edible treasures! Good for souvenirs with a difference. Mme Landon is kindness itself though kids might be a bit in awe...

Then, go to Colamine-sous-Vodable for a wanderabout (see yesterday's article on the concert) before the concert in the church (if the wind is up, go fly a kite on top of one of the volcano domes!). The concert - violin and 'cello duets - is at 16:30.

Then, how can you top that?! Go to Vernet-la-Varenne (30 mins away on the other side of the Allier river, in the Haut Livradois). Pourquoi? Why? First, for a swim in the lake, and second, because today is St Roch's day and he's the patron saint of the town. So what? Because it's party time! I recommend you park outside town and walk in because the crowd is going to be humungous (it'll take you hours to get out again)! There's going to be a brass band, country dancing (not the local variety, Cowboy hoedowns!), a torch parade (?), and, of course (at 10:00), a giant fireworks (it really is huge and spectacular). And after all that, there's a disco (free) for kids and even oldies!

Have a great day!

YET MORE MUSIC!!!

Sunday 19 August at 16:30

Colamine-sous-Vodable church

Violin & Cello Concert

Serious and not so serious stuff

by two young but gifted musicians

The church itself is worth the trip!

To do beforehand: Definitely go to Mégemont Abbey (5km away from Colamine towards Chassagne); it's not open this summer (urgent repair work taking place), but the outside is impressive and magical (feel free to have a picnic in the grounds). Colamine church is romanesque, all white. It's outside the village and still has the cemetery around it (rare in France). Good photos and sketchbook opportunities! There's also a walk to do around the beautiful and fascinating village : castle ruins, fountains, gardens, bread oven, etc.

More music!

Saturday 18 August 21:00

St Germain-Lembron

(south of Issoire)

Manouche (Gipsy) JAZZZZ !

with the ROYAL PARIS NARVALO

Whereabouts in the town? At the 'Salle Polyvalente' (it's the horrible sports hall on the left after the Place du Desert, the large square in front of the town hall).

To do beforehand : Take your time to wander about the town, which has hidden corners worth discovering and the folk are really nice!

Not a pop concert!

Saturday 18 August

21:00

in Beurrières

(not far from Ambert in the south east of 63)

Classical music concert

'Homage to Beethoven'

'cello, violin and piano

(duets and trios)

Something different for (most) kids! Top quality concert, free, in a very pretty church. More info at the tourist office in Arlanc 04 73 95 03 55.

Not far from the village, there's a very good beekeeper who explains very well how honey is made (children will be fascinated) and who does 'goûter' (tea times) with homemade honey biscuits, etc.

There's a restaurant in Beurrières... I do not know what it's worth, so if you go there, let me know!

NAME THAT MONSTER!

Here's a picture of a Cézallier grass monster (taken whilst running very fast)!

The Cézallier is the Scottish Highlands-like region to the south-west of 63; It's definitely worth a visit, but wear armour (or at least rubber boots)!

Any ideas for a name for this particular creature?

If you have photos of Dôme MONSTERS, send them to us!

Thursday Jeudi 16 August Août Circus workshop Atelier Cirque in St Nectaire

Kids and PARENTS too! Get to the Maison du Tourisme (next door to the tourist information centre) in St Nectaire for either 15:00, 16:00 or 17:00 today for a Circus Workshop!
It's never too late to learn to juggle, play the clown, etc. , and it's free!
You must reserve a place quickly though: 04 73 88 50 86 (say: "une/deux/trois/quatre/cinq place(s) pour l'atelier cirque s'il vous plaît, au nom de (YOUR NAME), merci!"). Have fun!

http://www.ville-saint-nectaire.fr

After or before the workshop, why not go for a ramble to visit one of the far-out giant works of art (there's one in Super Besse just up the road)? See article below ('Horizons') and pick up info from the tourist office. Great photo and sketching opportunities.

Metalmorphose* Monster!

This metal monster banged its way through Ardes-sur-Couzes the other day terrorizing grownups and making the kids laugh!

If you want to catch up with him, h'ell be in Ruynes-en Margeride, in the Cantal 'département', south of 63, on Wednesday 15th August all afternoon.

*Metalmorphose is a fab percussion and improvised music group who bang on various metal structures, a must-see, must hear event!

Name this monster: send us your answers!

Wednesday 15 August Brocante (second-hand goods sale) in EGLISENEUVE DES LIARDS (5kms from Sauxillanges, in the south east of 63)

The biggest and the best car-boot sale (without the car boots) in the region! EGLISENEUVE DES LIARDS!!! Huge (more than 200 stalls)! Good fun for all the family and you can practice your haggling skills (an international language). 'Barbapapa' (candyfloss) + 'glace' (icecream) + second-hand toys + sausages and chips = alldayjolity! Hope the sun will be there too!!!

Horizons

'Horizons' is the name of an open-air art show in a gallery as big as... the Massif du Sancy!

You need to pick up a map from one of the tourist info places it's in English too!); there are ten huge works of art dotted about the Sancy area to find and draw and think about and admire.

The Puy de Sancy is the highest point of the Massif Central (a montain over 1800 metres); It's magnificent and worth a trip all to itself. The art works are in the 'landart' vein with an eco-awareness slant. The kids will love it (probably understand it better than most adults!). It's a great idea, and an original way to discover one of the world's most breathtaking areas. A definite recommendation from Papaya and family!

A few pictures of St Floret

VIEW OF

THE DUNGEON

St Floret is tiny but very pretty... You must see the vaulted room in what's left of the castle with its famous wall painting of the Tristan and Iseult story). There are two easy walks (starting from the bridge).

THE

VAULTED

ROOM

CARADOSE

HAVING A

REALLY BAD TIME!

TWO HAPPY PEOPLE!

The treasure hunt today (10 August) is cancelled!

Today's treasure hunt is cancelled because of the dreadful weather!!! However, weather permitting (...) it will take place on Monday (13th) , same time (14:00), same place (Fournols, the woodman's house, ie Maison du Forestier, 1km from the village)

A guided tour in English!

Friday 17 August
Guided tour in English of Billom!
Meet at the tourist office at 10:00 sharp.
Free for under twelves (cheap for oldies).
Billom was one of the first university towns of France (in the 14th century). It's now the garlic capital. It has atmospheric medieval alleys and houses. A big church with extraordinary wall paintings. I think the place has a strange, forgotten, feel, a little sad (plus there a no decent restaurants!), but it's definitely worth a visit.

Friday 10 August treasure hunt!

Friday 10 August
Treasure hunt! (for 6 to 12 year olds)
Starts at 14:00 at the Maison du Forestier near Fournols (in the high Livradois, east of 63 in the direction of Ambert). Discover the secrets of Boisgrand forest!
Phone 04 73 72 05 95 to reserve places.
There's a great place to picnic just before the treasure hunt: 100 metres below the Maison du Forestier (follow the path) there's a mysterious stone circle (giant standing stones)...

At the Compagnie du Chat Noir (tea shop opposite Clermont Cathedral)

Thursday 9 August
15:00-16:30
For 8 year olds and older
Medieval stories and fun
6 euros (including pancake and drink)
Quality! Papaya-approved!
For more details, check out the link on the list of 'kid-friendly places' (the list on the left of this blog!).

Thursday 9 August and it's not raining, just grey...

Boring weather today... But, as it's not raining really, you can still go for a ramble (at least you will not die of sun stroke!). I recommend you get hold of a Chamina guidebook (about 15 euros from any self-respecting bookshop or supermarket). There are dozens with really interesting info (in French...). The walks are clearly drawn on the maps in the guidebook, and you follow the signs on trees and walls, etc. It's difficult to get lost (he says). If you have toddlers, there's a guidebook called 'Les sentiers d'Emilie dans le Puy-de-Dôme' with easy-peasy exploratory walks. I recommend n°20 around Usson (hours of fun, very pretty village, and at the moment an exhibition on the Puy-de-Dôme).

Tonight, weather permitting, there's story-telling (improve/test your French!) and music (good jazz with Eric Chapelle) at the Domaine de Vort in Orbeil (village right next to Issoire). It starts at 20:30. It's free for under-12s (6 euros for old folk). The Domaine de Vort is a big (rather uninteresting) house with a splendid garden (including wild flower and herb garden). For more details, phone: 04 73 55 01 17

Todotoday Wednesday 8 August in St Floret

Bonj' everyone!
This is a sure-fire (high-quality) winner: Get to St Floret castle (due West of Issoire) for 15:00. There's a kids' workshop (for 6/12 year olds) on the theme of colour in Medieval painting (the children will study the fabulous painting of Tristan and Iseult in the castle chapel, make their own paint and do a wall painting). It's free, too. You must 'phone to reserve your place: 0473559048

Todotoday Monday 6 August

Coucou (that means hidihi!) everybody!
Not much going on for kids today, but, it's Monday and it's a grey day... But, it ain't raining (yet). You could check out the Medieval festival in Mauzun castle (it's between Billom and St Dier d'Auvergne). It sounds fun (I can't find the entry cost): giant games, a forge, story-telling, etc. plus of course the visit of what is (I'm told) the biggest medieval castle (still standing) in France, not to say Europe.

Long but easy ramble

Sunday 5 August

Arrive between 8:30 and 10:00

St Jean des Ollières, in front of the town hall (mairie)
Organized walk (you get given a map and a packed lunch, the walk is well sign-posted and there are halts where you can get water and something to nibble; it's usually great fun, and the fact of not getting lost is a plus! It's a good way of getting to meet the locals as well as other visitors. Choose to do either the 12km, the 18km, or the mega 28km ramble!)
You need to 'phone first to reserve places: 04 73 70 98 38
If your French is a bit scratchy and the person at the other end of the phone does not speak a word of English, say :"Bonjour, je voudrais reserver pour une/deux/trois/quatre/cinq/six/sept/huit personnes(s) s'il vous plaît, merci. Mon nom est (say your name slowly)".

Saturday 4 August
All afternoon in ARDES-SUR-COUZES (in the south of 63): fanfare, open-air market, games and guided tour (at 15:00), banquet (at 19:00), rock concert (at 21:00), disco, etc. ALL FOR FREE!