laCivadouWap!

jamsession!

Come play your instrument or sing a song at the

Auberge de Moulin de Civadoux!

http://maps.google.fr/maps?f=l&hl=fr&q=auberge+du+moulin&sll=44.19909,4.233134&sspn=0.108299,0.211487&ie=UTF8&cd=1&near=Civadoux,+63490+Saint-Quentin-sur-Sauxillanges,+Puy-de-D%C3%B4me,+Auvergne,+France&geocode=0,45.536601,3.396526&ll=45.550482,3.394604&spn=0.052893,0.105743&z=13

Phone to reserve for the nosh: 04.73.96.81.94

http://www.civadoux.com/index.php

TEATIME chez Alice & Sophie, until September

Every day from 16:00 until 18:00,

at the Auberge du Moulin de Civadoux

Homemade teatime treats &

a mini discovery trail (in English!)
'The hidden treasures of Civadoux'

6€ per person,

call 04.73.96.81.94 to reserve a table
(before 10 am please)

The auberge (inn) is 20 minutes from the A75 motorway (about 15km).
Take the number 13 exit in the direction of Parentignat.
Go through Parantignat, and take the Sauxillanges road.
Go through Sauxillanges towards Condat.
Just after Sauxillanges, take the D49 road on your right towards St Genès la Tourette

(do not go all the way up to the village of St Quentin-sur-Sauxillanges!).

Civadoux is about 3 kilometres along the D49.

http://maps.google.fr/maps?ie=UTF8&hl=fr&q=civadoux&ll=45.542667,3.340187&spn=0.101953,0.336456&z=12&iwloc=addr

Teatime chez Alice & Sophie

is organized by the association ajc63!

pour l’accès des jeunes à la culture
(which runs this blog!)
1 euro of every afternoon tea sold is given to the association to support its work.

MUSIC, Friday 25th July, 21:00, in VIC-LE-COMTE

WEEPER'S CIRCUS!

FAB group, tonight, live and kickin', for FREE,

in VIC-LE-COMTE, St Jean square!

GOGOGO!

http://maps.google.fr/maps?f=q&hl=fr&geocode=&q=Place+Saint-Jean,+63270+Vic-le-Comte&sll=45.526779,3.57009&sspn=0.006374,0.012703&ie=UTF8&ll=45.643163,3.244486&spn=0.006361,0.012703&z=16&iwloc=addr

Teatime chez Alice & Sophie, until September

Every day from 16:00 until 18:00,
at the Auberge du Moulin de Civadoux
Homemade teatime treats & a mini discovery trail (in English!)

'The hidden treasures of Civadoux'

6€ per person, call 04.73.96.81.94 to reserve a table

(before 10 am please)

The auberge (inn) is 20 minutes from the A75 motorway (about 15km).

Take the number 13 exit in the direction of Parentignat.

Go through Parantignat, and take the Sauxillanges road.

Go through Sauxillanges towards Condat.

Just after Sauxillanges, take the D49 road on your right towards St Genès la Tourette
(do not go all the way up to the village of St Quentin-sur-Sauxillanges!).
Civadoux is about 3 kilometres along the D49.

http://maps.google.fr/maps?ie=UTF8&hl=fr&q=civadoux&ll=45.542667,3.340187&spn=0.101953,0.336456&z=12&iwloc=addr

Teatime chez Alice & Sophie is organized by the
association ajc63! pour l’accès des jeunes à la culture

(which runs this blog!)

1 euro of every afternoon tea sold is given to the association to support its work.

ART in the middle of nowhere... until September

This is the best cultural event in the whole of the Massif Central! Giant, fabulous works of ('land'?) ART dotted about the landscape... An original way to discover the spectacular SANCY area (volcanoes everywhere...), and go for great walks, have a picnic, spend time dreaming, etc.!

http://maps.google.fr/maps?f=q&hl=fr&geocode=&q=sancy&sll=45.395557,2.967682&sspn=0.408879,1.345825&ie=UTF8&ll=45.526074,2.792931&spn=0.101983,0.336456&t=h&z=12

MUSIC, Friday 18th July, 21:00, in VIC-LE-COMTE

Great music (for free!) in a beautiful town, what more do you need?!

La Varda is a fun group full of energy, not to be missed!
http://maps.google.fr/maps?f=q&hl=fr&geocode=&q=place+st+jean+vic-le-comte&sll=45.534732,3.385334&sspn=0.050984,0.101624&ie=UTF8&ll=45.643268,3.244486&spn=0.006361,0.012703&z=16&iwloc=addr

MUSIC: Friday 11th July in Vic-le-Comte at 21:15

The group is called LO’JO , and it's rather good!

The concert is free and its in Place St Jean.

Where is Vic?

Clic to find out!
http://maps.google.fr/maps?f=q&hl=fr&geocode=&q=Place+Saint-Jean,+63270+Vic-le-Comte&sll=45.526779,3.57009&sspn=0.012387,0.022831&ie=UTF8&ll=45.644258,3.244486&spn=0.012361,0.022831&t=h&z=15&iwloc=addr

Places to visit in the Puy-de-Dôme : Lac Pavin, by Fabien K

In Auvergne, there are many lakes. The Lac Pavin is one of them. I took this picture from a point of view which is near a crosscountry skiing path. The 'Super Besse' ski station is located in the mountains behind. Lac Pavin is a great place to walk around. It's at around 1200 meters of altitude. The level is more difficult than the lac Chambon. It's not easy for families with children (with buggies).

Places to visit in Puy-de-Dôme : Col de la Croix Morand, by Fabien K

Even if it is not the season, here is a picture of winter just to refresh ourselves because it is warm today! I took this picture just before a snowstorm at the Col de la Croix Morand which is located on the road between the Lac Chambon and La Bourboule (it's about one hour far from Clermont Ferrand). The sky was grey, everything was grey and you really feel alone when you are in a place with... nobody around! 10 minutes later, I had to leave because it was like night at 2pm! As you can see, it snows in Auvergne. For people who like skiing, there are some great places to ski with all the family.

MUSIC FESTIVAL: 5th and 6th June, THIERS

It's free, it's fabulous! More than 250 top-notch musicians in the streets wowing the town! The really original theme this year is: music machines! What are you waiting for? GO! GO! GO!

More details from: http://www.pamparinalefestival.com/presentation.php

Where is it you ask? Clic here to find out: http://maps.google.fr/maps?f=q&hl=fr&geocode=&q=thiers&sll=45.526779,3.57009&sspn=0.012387,0.022831&ie=UTF8&ll=45.880927,3.507385&spn=0.19694,0.365295&z=11

RUGBY, article sent by Olivier Junior

The end...

Toulouse win their 17th final. The Brennus shield was, once again, beyond the Clermontois in this very high level final of the French rugby championship. The 'Yellow and Blue', the supporters of the ASM Clermont-Auvergne rugby team, have been exceptional throughout the evening as they have been throughout the season…

The ASM team members have sent this message to their supporters:

“Dear supporters, you deserve the title of "best supporters of the TOP 14". Throughout the season, at the Parc des Sports Marcel-Michelin, in Marseilles and the Stade de France, you brought an unbelievable atmosphere. Munster has the "Red Army", we have the "Yellow and Blue".
We lived together a high level season, its epilogue is a disappointment for all of us, but we will not forget all the emotions shared throughout the season. Thank you for your support at the “Stade de France”, but also throughout the season. You were tens of thousands on the Place de Jaude, hundreds in your villages, or with your family to share moments of emotion.

Thank you also for all your messages of support. We will continue to fight in "Yellow and Blue," we invite you to come back on August 26th for the start of the 2008-2009 season. With you, we will come back even stronger…"

The ten "best" albums in the history of Rock'n'roll according to Alex in Clermont

After having spoken about Auvergne rock groups last week, I would like to share my opinions on the ten most important albums in the history of Rock'n'roll. Of course it's a subjective list, because many other albums would deserve to appear in this list. They are not ranked in order of preference...

'Are You Experienced?' (1967) by The Jimi Hendrix Experience: there is the Rock'n'roll before the comet Jimi Hendrix, and the Rock'n'roll after its passage.

'Back in Black' (1980) by AC/DC: this album is a turning point in the career of the group with the death of the singer Bon Scott. He was replaced by Brian Johnson. The music is darker, more hard rock, it is a vibrating homage to their former singer.

'Appetite For Destruction' (1987) by Guns 'N Roses : everything here is brought together to make this album one of the best in Rock'n'roll history.

'Led Zeppelin IV' (1971) by Led Zeppelin: the usual sumptuous arrangements and, in spite of the fact that it is very sophisticated music, very easy to get to grips with.

'Black Album' (1991) by Metallica: surely the most successful of the group's albums, it is truely inspired. The singing is less forced than usual, which adds cohesion to the whole work.

'Van Halen' (1978) by Van Halen: it is the group to see on stage, with the charismatic singer David Lee Roth.

'Paranoid' (1970) by Black Sabbath: the greatest album by what is surely the first and best Hardrock group.

'Berry Is On Top' (1959) by Chuck Berry: the beginning of Rock'n'roll?

'The Sun Sessions' (1976) by Elvis Presley: the King!

'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band' (1967) by The Beatles: effectiveness in the composition enabled them to become the most popular group.

Bye!, Alex

An Auvergnat Champion…article by Elmer

Name : Jules CLUZEL

Date of birth : October 12th 1988 in Montluçon (Allier départment)

Jules began motorcycling on a QR 50 at 5 years old. He also practiced gymnastics from the age of 6 and very quickly became Auvergne Champion 4 years in a row. Jules was 32nd at the French championship but had to give up for health reasons. To compensate, his parents bought him a kart. He came 3rd in the Auvergne championship, junior category, in the first year. He very quickly became Auvergne champion. He went on to Promo Junior category and he was 4th in 2004, in the Junior Cup on a HONDA CBR 125.

Carting being too expensive, Jules wanted to test the track on a motorcycle. When it was time to choose his racing number, his mother chose the number 16, because of a small family superstition. After very good performances and one victory, Jules finished the Junior Cup in the 3rd place of the general classification.

Jules then took part in practice tests with Michel Petit of the RMS team. The tests went very well, he took part in the 125cc French championship on an Aprilia RS 125. Despite his lack of preparation and practice, Jules won points at the beginning of the season while finishing regularly in front of the pilots of the French Speed Team and won the Nogaro race being very well placed in the championship; the doors of the World Grand Prix opened and he finally fulfilled his dream.

He finished the season riding a MALAGUTTI GP 125. The following year, he went into the 250cc Grand Prix with the FFM team, then with the Angaia TEAM, without results.

He now rides for the Chinese Loncin factory, newcomers in the 125cc category and promotes this new mark of bike.

Jules is a great champion and a great man of the Auvergne!

Photo sent by SEBVUENAT from Clermont

This is my sister's cat with his favourite toy : a cardboard box ! This big tiger (almost 10 kgs) loves to hide in this kind of box!

Did you know? Message from Bagnard in Cellule

Today I want to talk about an original and surprising invention: the ‘Méduses’ (i.e. Medusa) plastic sandals, meant for walking on the beach. Surprising, because invented far from the seashore by an Auvergnat!

At the end of the War, French people did not have enough food, clothing or footwear. In 1946, Jean Dauphant, the knife maker, imagined making knife handles out of plastic (rather than the rare and expensive horn, wood or shell). With his sons he then had the idea of using this cheap material to make shoes.

First, they replaced shoe leather by plastic, then they made a shoe entirely out of this material. Soon the company transformed itself into a shoe manufacturer. They produced a single model with straps and a transparent sole. It became one of the symbols of paid leave. The shoe provided 80% of the company results, and sales to Africa enabled the enterprise to develop even further.

The growth was brutally stopped by decolonization and the company had to focus on the French market. The company recovered, but the patent fell into the public domain in 1970. Today the market is vast, with big demand in South East Asia and Italy. The firm’s third generation has achieved good results thanks to colored shoes and floral motifs. It is the leader on the European market and its shoes are very popular in Japan.

The company has today grown to 300 people and produces 80 models.

Yet another Auvergne success story!

ASM for ever! by Olivier Junior in Volvic

After the success of "Color the Auvergne in Yellow and Blue", a new photo gallery was opened on the ASM rugby internet site. Check out the latest photos of supporters, windows, businesses and schools. The operation continues, so do not hesitate to send the team your photos and encouragements for the players of the ASM Clermont Auvergne, the greatest team in France!

http://www.asm-rugby.com/site/

Top 10 music groups from 63, sent by Alex in Clermont

They are not ranked in order of preference...

Subway: rock.
Female rock band to see on stage.
http://www.subway-officiel.com/news.htm-

Babayaga: jazz, folk.
I didn't know this group, and I was pleasantly surprised by its musical freshness.
http://www.myspace.com/babayagarock

The Flying Tractors: agricultural rock.
You must see them on stage because it is both very funny but always very professional.
http://flying.hop.fr/

The Elderberries: rock.
International group with members from Clermont (the singer is English), very influenced by Anglo-Saxon rock.
http://www.myspace.com/theelderberries

The Delano Orchestra: folk, pop.
Very calm music , but the singing is not always as good as the words and music.
http://www.myspace.com/thedelanoorchestra

Senoys: rock, jazz, fusion.
Instrumental group with interesting compositions opening up perspectives on stage.
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=193709444

La position du tireur couché: pop, folk.
Very fun and refreshing music.
http://www.laposition.com/intro.htmlhttp://www.myspace.com/lapositiondutireurcouche

Cocoon: folk.
Group which does the essential, some songs are a little sloppy, lack of diversity.
http://www.myspace.com/listentococoon

Quidam: pop.
Pretty cool music, and singing is pretty good (which is rare enough to be noted).
http://www.myspace.com/quidamfr

Human?Fly: rock, electronic, experimental.
Interesting composition but sometimes lacking consistency.
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=139885749

A traditional auvergnat recipe, sent by BADRUSH in Clermont

Truffade recipe for 6 people (the Alexandre version)

1,5 kg of sliced potatoes
0,250 bacon
1 tbsp vegetable oil
5 chopped garlic cloves (at least!)
Salt, pepper
300 grams of "Tôme fraiche" cheese or Cantal "Entre-deux"

1) Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly.
2) Cut the bacon into small cubes, heat the oil in a heavy pan, frythe bacon in it
3) Add the potato and garlic to the pan; then add salt and pepper.
4) Leave the potatoes on a low heat for 30 minutes, turning regularlyto prevent from browning.
5) In the meantime, slice the cheese into thin strips (prefer "Tome" Cheese).
6) Once the potatoes are cooked, cover it with cheese slices and leavethe cheese to melt.
7) Once melted, serve immediately, the Truffade is readyYou can serve it with lentils from Puy and nice and crispy salad... ENJOY!

Picture taken from:http://images.google.fr/imgres?imgurl=http://www.caractere-sa.fr/aurillac/truffade.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.caractere-sa.fr/aurillac/commentvenir.htm&h=252&w=175&sz=27&hl=fr&start=19&tbnid=juvIft0NGRaDjM:&tbnh=111&tbnw=77&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dtruffade%26gbv%3D2%26hl%3Dfr

Some friends spoke to me of original holidays for kids… message from Jean-Chris in Clermont

If you want scientific and nature holidays for your children (between 7 and 18), there is a good place near St Anthème in the Forez mountains.

There are different themes for the holidays:

-Archeological camp on a Neolithic site
-Discover all the little animals of the river
-The sacred places of the druids
-Discover the animal life and the plant life of our forest
-The mystery of the high hills
-The sensory perception of plants

See more information on the web site:
http://asso.objectif-sciences.com/-St-Antheme-Auvergne-France-.html

A little history... by OMRING in 'Clairmont'

Clermont-Ferrand is made up of two distinct towns, Clairmont and Montferrand, that were mixed into one unique town under Louis XIII.

Montferrand has existed since the early 12th century and Clairmont is a lot older, having been in existence since antiquity (Clairmont is mentionned in Stranbon's writings, in the early Ist century, under the name of Nemossos).

Clermont-Ferrand was named successively Nemessos, in early antiquity, then Augustonemetum between the first and the third centuries. From then until the 9th century, it was named Arvernis, and Clairmont from the year 848. It became Clermont-Ferrand in the 17th century.

Clermont-Ferrand is also named, in the occitan dialect : Clarmont-Ferrand or Clarmont d'Auvèrnhe.

(Source : Wikipedia)

Every year everybody in France celebrates the

'Fête de la musique',

i.e. the national festival of music. It's on the 21st of June, and it's not to be missed! For details of what's on in the Puy-de-Dôme, clic on the following site:

http://fetedelamusique.culture.fr/programme_france.php

We at 'What's on for families in the Puy-de-Dôme' particularly like the festivities in EGLISENEUVE-DES-LIARDS; it's small but great with a genuine village party atmosphere (lots of kids, no drunks, fab groups in all sorts of styles, including traditional Auvergnat sounds, nice welcome even for strangers!). Where is it? Clic here to find out :

http://maps.google.fr/maps?f=q&hl=fr&geocode=&q=egliseneuve+des+liards&sll=47.15984,2.988281&sspn=11.776272,22.983398&ie=UTF8&ll=45.661087,3.261566&spn=0.378159,0.718231&z=10

PHOTO COMPETITION : shadows and reflections, sent by Bruno in the Combrailles (east of 63)

Here is a piece of Road 66 in Arizona...
Try to guess what type of motorcycle we are riding!

PHOTO COMPETITION on the theme of the ASM RUGBY team : message sent by Olivier (Junior)

CLERMONT-FERRAND is the capital of the Auvergne region (the Puy-de-Dôme is one of the four "départments" -something like a British county- that make up this region). It has one of the best rugby teams in France.

For several weeks now many windows of the city have been displaying the colors (yellow and blue) of the ASM Clermont Auvergne, the city's rugby team, and flags are starting to "bloom" on people's houses all over the Auvergne. It's the final phases of the rugby championship and things are starting to hot up!

Why not send your (unusual, funny, colorful) photos on the ASM theme to the ASM website?!

Each day a new photo will be presented and the best shots (at the end of the season) will be given a prize.

There are four categories:
-Supporters
-Windows with the colous of the ASM
-Firm/office buildings
-Schools

With each photo you can also send to the ASM Clermont Auvergne team members your message of encouragement.

http://www.asm-rugby.com/site/content/view/663/46/

The next match is on Saturday 21st June at 17h00 : ASM vs Perpignan. DON'T MISS IT!

CINEMA FESTIVAL : until Thursday 19th JUNE in La Bourboule

The highlight of the month for KIDS in the PUY-DE-DÔME!

Movies just for sprogs, and tons of 'em !

Worth coming to France just for that !

It's called :

'Plein la Bobine'
and it's mega-brilliant and all the films can be heard in English, yes indeed ! Plus, there are various activities, exhibitions, etc. for kids and grown-ups on the various themes of the festival.

It's in a spa mountain town in the middle of the volcanoes parc called

LA BOURBOULE
http://maps.google.fr/maps?f=q&hl=fr&geocode=&q=la+bourboule&sll=45.526779,3.57009&sspn=0.012146,0.025105&ie=UTF8&ll=45.602269,2.741089&spn=0.097041,0.200844&z=12&iwloc=addr
For more info (in English if you please), go to:
http://www.pleinlabobine.com/dossier148.html

The fountains of Clermont, by Fabien

Clermont-Ferrand, our regional capital, does have a river, the Tiretaine, but it is underground!
Water is actually an important element of the city; it has more than fifty fountains !

One can drink from most of them.

OLD CARS : Saturday 21 June 2008 from 11 to 18:30, PARENTIGNAT

"Prestige Retrocars " at Parentignat castle,

organized by Issoire Rotary Club.

This event marks the club's fiftieth anniversary. It hopes to raise funds to support the work of the "Enfance Majuscule" Association.

Aficionados will be pleased : there are over forty owners of old cars.

There will also be antique toys and miniatures.

http://maps.google.fr/maps?f=q&hl=fr&geocode=&q=parentignat&sll=45.526779,3.57009&sspn=0.011936,0.025105&ie=UTF8&ll=45.540383,3.289719&spn=0.047732,0.100422&z=13&iwloc=addr

Our favourite family walk, by FABIEN

Lac Chambon is a great place to go for a good walk. It's about 45 minutes from Clermont-Ferrand. It is completely unspoilt.
The walk around the lake takes about one hour. It's easy for families with children (even with buggies).
This picture was taken from the beach with the mountains behind :

Photo sent by Elmer from Clermont!

My very own monster, Sycko, the fastest Jack Russell driver in Clermont!

FETE DES VOISINS

A few weeks ago, we celebrated 'La Fête des Voisins', or the 'Neighbours' street party' if you will, in our district. It was a good way of getting to know people around us. Children enjoyed themselves. But, isn't it a pity that we need a festival to get to know each other?! The aim was to encourage people to communicate, but people still remain "disconnected". It seems as if nothing can change the individualism in our society...

CINEMA FESTIVAL : from Friday 13th to Thursday 19th JUNE in La Bourboule

The highlight of the month for KIDS in the PUY-DE-DÔME!
Movies just for sprogs, and tons of 'em !
Worth coming to France just for that !
It's called

'Plein la Bobine'

and it's mega-brilliant and all the films can be heard in English, yes indeed ! Plus, there are various activities, exhibitions, etc. for kids and grown-ups on the various themes of the festival.
It's in a spa mountain town in the middle of the volcanoes parc called

LA BOURBOULE

http://maps.google.fr/maps?f=q&hl=fr&geocode=&q=la+bourboule&sll=45.526779,3.57009&sspn=0.012146,0.025105&ie=UTF8&ll=45.602269,2.741089&spn=0.097041,0.200844&z=12&iwloc=addr

For more info (in English if you please), go to:

http://www.pleinlabobine.com/dossier148.html

My favourite family outing by BRUNO in MONTCEL (west of the Puy-de-Dôme)

My favorite family drive is along "La Sioule".

Living in Montcel, I like to take my family for a drive by this river in the "Combrailles".

First, we begin early next to the "Plan d'eau des Fades-Besserve" with breakfast looking at the mist on the water.

On the road, we make a detour via the "Méandres de Queuille" to see the beautiful all-around view and the meanders.

After, we stop off at the "viaduc des Fades", a railroad truss bridge above the "Sioule", built by Eiffel. Overlooking the valley, the ruins of the "Rocher" castle defend the old bridge of "Menat", the only path between Châteauneuf and Ebreuil.

The deep ravines of "Chouvigny" are very narrow with a little tunnel, dug in the rock. They are just right for climbers and the kayakers.

At the end of the drive, we visit the little village of "Charroux" with its paved alleys and the shop selling homemade mustard.

I hope you will enjoy discovering my region!

Glass o' mead, mate? MONTFERRAND medieval festival : great fun !

http://maps.google.fr/maps?f=q&hl=fr&geocode=&q=montferrand+63&ie=UTF8&ll=45.795267,3.113809&spn=0.012088,0.02768&z=15

1 June: go to the Fêtes médiévales in MONTFERRAND!

Learn to play a medieval instrument!

My Puy-de-Dôme by Alex

As the weather is bad right now, I advise you to stay in and read a super, very instructive, book: Sophie's World: A Novel About the History of Philosophy by Jostein Gaarder (he is fascinating Norwegian philosopher whose books are always easily to read).

Sophie's World is an introduction to philosophy. The more we advance in the book, the more it becomes 'addictive'. It's a good way to put some great philosophers in their chronological context. A beautiful journey in philosophy where one never gets bored!

The Europavox festival begins on 29th May and goes on until June 7th. It's a festival of today's music which is BiiiiiiG! The most interesting concerts will take place at the Coopé in Clermont-Ferrand.

I especially recommend the Rock'n'Roll night which will take place Saturday June 7th starting at 20:30 with EMPYR (France), COOL KIDS OF DEATH (Poland), and DISCOENSEMBLE (Finland).

Do not forget to bring your ear protection!

http://www.europavox.com/edition2008/en/index.phphttp://www.lacoope.com/prog/cadre.htm

My Puy-de-Dôme, by Junior

Hello!

Latest news from Volvic :

Saturday 31st of May is the anniversary of the Volvic Sports Club.

On this occasion, there will be a gathering of long-time and more recent members at Champleboux, with a parade and a banquet with a dance afterwards. The festivities start at 20:30 and everybody (not just members of the club) are welcome!

http://maps.google.fr/maps?q=Volvic&sll=45.526779,3.57009&sspn=0.006295,0.006295&hl=fr&ie=UTF8&ll=45.846021,3.14621&spn=0.193237,0.668106&z=11

Today, I have decided to speak about the 'Maison de la Pierre' , i.e. the 'House of Stone' in Volvic.

Volvic is known world-wide for its water (called "Volvic"!), but there is another treasure here: the black lava andesite stone called "pierre de Volvic". If you visit the 'House of Stone' museum, in its beautiful natural setting, the fabulous legacy of the local stone will be revealed. You will discover the Nugère volcano lava flow, and the history of the men who worked there from the thirteenth century on. Everybody who visits Volvic must see the House of Stone!

http://www.maisondelapierre-volvic.fr/

Speak to you all soon!

Junior

Message from Omring in Clermont

Hi, my name is Omring. I do not come from Auvergne, but I have been spending most of my time in Clermont for the last six months for a study course.
One family-friendly place to visit here in Clermont is the town center, which is historical and beautifully renovated: the Place de Jaude.

This square leads on to Rue des Gras and to the beautiful black volvic stone cathedral, near which is a fabulous fountain. The atmosphere of Place de la Victoire square is quiet and restful and impressive with its black stone buildings all around.It is surrounded by many small and twisty streets full of shops, allowing the visitor to discover unexpected exotic treasures at each turn. It's all well worth a visit!

Photo of cat having fun by BADRUSH in Clermont-Fd

"Chat va bien"

... Just havin' a cat nap!

Message from Bagnard in Cellule

Hi, my name is Bagnard. My village is called Cellule. It is a small corner of paradise five kilometers north of Riom (twenty kilometers from Clermont-Ferrand).

There is a concert not to be missed in Saint Anne's Church on Friday 26th June. You can hear three choirs : 'Amadeus' from Maringues (25 singers), 'Entre Notes' from Cellule (23 singers), and 'Amabilis' from Riom (40 singers).

Entry is free, so there really is no excuse not to come to what is going to be a great concert!

For more information get in touch with:

http://imp.free.fr/horde/util/go.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fmairiecellule.free.fr%2F2007%2Findex.htm&Horde=40afbb1615c32811ee311878fd907753

Message from Bagnard in Cellule

Hello everybody!

Cellule is a pretty village north of the historic town of Riom. There are 1000 inhabitants and growing.
Cellule is a very dynamic village with tennis, football, and all sorts of activities. Last week Cellule was the rallying point for old cars to the general amazement of the population. On 6th May, professional players organized a football afternoon for the project "Vibrez foot".

What's on in Cellule in June?

On 6th June
Concert in Cellule Church

13th June
Football Night on giant screen: France vs. Netherlands

What's on in Cellule in July?

Monday 7th July - 11th July

The council is organizing an activities camp on the theme of sport and the environment for 11-14 year olds. The camp will take place in Theix. The main activities will be: discovery of the volcanoes, mountain bike, orienteering, and discovery of the environment.
The price of the stay is 175 Euros per child (there are only 12 places available, so hurry!). Registration is in Cellule town hall. For more information, please 'phone 04-73-97-21-74.

Speak to you soon, Bagnard

My Puy-de-Dôme by Junior

Hi everybody!
Why not visit the GARDENS OF BOSREDON CASTLE in VOLVIC ?
http://www.gralon.net/tourisme/parcs-et-jardins/info-jardin-du-chateau-de-bosredon-677.htm
These French-style gardens are located directly below the old castle. Access is real easy. There is no entry fee.
There are parterres of lace and flower boxes, four-foot statues and a pool with fountains.
I love to visit these gardens, they are beautiful. Do go there next time you visit Volvic, the most beautiful town in Puy-de-Dôme (according to me anyway)!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parterre
Speak to you soon for more news and my suggestions for things to do in and around Volvic!
http://maps.google.fr/maps?f=q&hl=fr&geocode=&q=volvic&sll=45.526779,3.57009&sspn=0.011244,0.025921&ie=UTF8&ll=45.88953,3.039436&spn=0.089374,0.207367&z=12
Junior

My Puy-de-Dôme by Junior

Hello, my name is Junior.
I live in the most beautiful city in the Puy-de-Dôme : Volvic!
Since the last election, the citizens of Volvic have changed their mayor and things are really starting to move.
Why do I love this city ? It is a fascinating town with lots of monuments. It is well-known for its black stone and spring water. It is close to the countryside.
Speak to you folks soon !

Junior

My Puy-de-Dôme by Alex

Hi, I'm Alex and I live in Clermont-Ferrand in the district of La Plaine (in the north of Clermont-Ferrand, the capital). It is a very calm district. I am surrounded by elderly folk, so nothing much happens. From time to time I will send you a message and let you know what is happening in Clermont and give you some news.

Tomorrow evening at the Coopérative de Mai at 20:30, Roberto Fonseca is giving a concert, he's a great latin jazz pianist a bit funcky-oriental-andalousian...

http://www.lacoope.com/prog/descmanf.php3?IdProgrammation=5238

CLERMONT-FERRAND SHORT FILM FESTIVAL, until 9th February

This is it! the cultural highlight of the Auvergne capital! The world's biggest and best short film fest! The kids' prog is rather good this year too! Check out the programme on the link below. If you're not there, why?! HURRY! Note that the films are in or translated into English.
http://www.clermont-filmfest.com/00_templates/page.php?m=227&c=94&id_section=16&id_prog=100000057&lang=2&m=228