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HomeTown France blog offers you a selection of articles devoted to the destination France, its news, culture, activities and of course, its people

Lifestyle

Sete and its surroundings

4 years ago - Léa D.

In reverse, Sète reads ... "summers" in French. Known as the little French Venice, we love it ... For its port, its canals, its majestic sea theater overlooking the beautiful Mediterranean. In the city where Paul Valéry and Georges Brassens were born, one cannot help starting this story on a poetic note. Called the singular island or the "Venice of Languedoc" for its canal, Sète is a pretty town in Occitanie bordered by a saltwater lagoon and sandy beaches. Its fishing port and various maritime activities have allowed this city to prosper for several centuries. Carried by its changing winds, the Mediterranean is a capricious sea: the sailors needed a new shelter in deep water, which will lead after years to the birth of the port of Sète. The laying of the first stone of the mole Saint-Louis marked the access to the open sea. Born of nothing, Sète is a cosmopolitan city with various Mediterranean influences. The reputation of the city will flourish very quickly thanks to its wine and cooperage, exported to the north of Europe. Sète is located in the Languedoc-Roussillon region, known for the production of these wines. Enjoy your stay in Sète to discover the vineyards of the hinterland and taste the diversity of Languedoc wines, raised on a terroir bathed in sunshine. In addition to learning the history of the vineyard, you will enjoy a range of varied wines: dry and fresh white, fruity rosé, velvety red and spicy, a real taste bliss. Although Sète resembles Venice with its canals that are visible from one of our beautiful apartment, it has the advantage of offering sumptuous beaches and beautiful sunsets all year long. The beaches of the Corniche or Lazaret are two very pretty sandy beaches, composed of several coves of sand. It is not the water activities that are missing in Sète! Scuba diving, sailing, sea kayaking, windsurfing, kitesurfing, jet-skiing ... Just let us know the activity of your choice, we will take care of the reservation. The salines of Sète are of unparalleled beauty. Discover the salt tables and their pink waters for an exceptional trip. You can discover them by train, by bike, on foot but also in a 4x4 accompanied by a guide. Choose your preferred mode of transport and come enjoy a panoramic view like no other. You can also discover them on horseback, for a romantic and breathtaking ride. In the surroundings Not far from Sète, is the Camargue, a French natural region located at the edge of the Mediterranean Sea. It is a place with an exceptional living heritage: you can see flamingos and all kinds of birds. A few minutes from Sète, the city of Marseillan is known for its horses Camarguais. Take this opportunity to go horseback riding in a natural setting, between land and sea. Located in the south of France, Sète is lined with several cities to visit absolutely. We have made a selection, with activities not to be missed. Montpellier About 30 minutes from Sète is the pretty town of Montpellier. Dynamic and sunny, this pretty city is full of things to do. Exhibitions, cultural visits, stroll through its medieval streets or simply a glass of fresh white wine: a preparation for the evening that awaits you, the city being known for these evenings with multiple bars and nightclubs. Our suggestions: ➢ The jardin des plantes ➢ St. Peter's Cathedral ➢ The Idée Saveurs restaurant (French cuisine): 5 rue Four des Flammes +33 4 67 29 88 62 How to get there? ➢ By TER from Sète station to Montpellier Saint-Roch station: 20 minutes ➢  By car via the D612: 40 minutes Cap d’Agde Cruise, vineyards and colorful experiences: Cap d'Agde is full of surprises. Only 30 minutes from Sète, it is the ideal place to discover beautiful beaches, enjoy the Aqua Park and visit all the small villages nearby. It is also a privileged place to celebrate: multiple nightclubs and organized parties attract tourists to dance until sunrise! Our suggestions: ➢ The Ephèbe museum: La Clape roundabout +33 4 67 94 69 60 ➢ The aquarium: 11 rue des 2 frères, +33 4 67 26 14 21 ➢ The Fuzion restaurant (Mediterranean cuisine): 162 route de Rochelongue +33 4 67 21 03 81 How to get there? ➢ TER from Sète station to Agde station: 40 minutes ➢ By car via the D2: 30 minutes Aigues Mortes This pretty town is about 45 minutes from Sète. At the height of Gothic architecture, the fortifications of Aigues-Mortes constitute a remarkably preserved ensemble. From the ramparts or from the dungeon terrace, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Camargue and saline whose colors alternate from blue to purple. Our suggestions: ➢ Book your Camargue cruise thanks to the tourist office: +33 4 66 53 73 00 ➢ Visit of the Petit Rhône reserve: D202 St gilles road 30600 Sylvereal +33 6 81 95 83 46 ➢ The restaurant Le Patio'Né (Mediterranean cuisine): 16 rue Sadi Carnot +33 9 82 31 51 73 How to get there ? ➢ By intercity train + TER from Sète station to Aigues Mortes station: 2h ➢ By car via the D612 and D62: 50 minutes Mireval Halfway between Montpellier and Sète, this charming town and its economic activity are mainly based on the culture of the vineyard, whose production of Muscat wine has been known as AOC since 1959. To discover: remarkable landscapes, greenery and sunny days. Our suggestions: ➢ The Rabelais winery: Avenue de Verdun +33 4 67 78 15 79 How to get there ? ➢ Intercity train + TER from Sète station to Vic - Mireval: 50 minutes ➢ By car via the D612: 18 minutes Les calanques de Cassis A paradise location on the banks of the Mediterranean; turquoise water, small intimate coves and majestic cliffs: the perfect place to unwind. Our suggestions: ➢ La Plage Bleue restaurant (Mediterranean cuisine): Port Miou district +33 4 42 01 15 40 ➢ The restaurant L'Atelier Gastronomique (French cuisine): 24 rue de l'Arène +33 4 42 71 84 72 How to get there? ➢ by car via the A9: 2H15 minutes The city of Sète also has a complete network of intramural buses and to nearby towns. We invite you to get closer to the tourist office to find the schedules, routes and maps of the different lines. Sète Tourist Office: 60 rue Mario Roustan +33 4 99 04 71 71 Your holidays, our priority With your feet in the water, your adventure across France is just beginning. In order to allow you to live a new adventure, Hometown Experience has selected the best French destinations, and has created for you a range of services adapted to your needs Whatever the time and place, the Hometown Experience team accompanies you every moment of your trip. Enjoy France in the best way possible. For all questions, contact us at experience@apartments-services.com.

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Sete and its surroundings

Sete and its surroundings

Kids

Being pregnant in the mountains: how to enjoy it?

5 years ago - Léa D.

Hometown Experience welcomes you to the Alps Skiing, sledding, rolling in the snow and slalom at full speed: you've done it many times; you're the queen of the slopes! The mountain hides no secrets for you ... But this year, a happy event may turn everything upside down: your round belly needs softness and protection. Do not worry, just because you're pregnant for ski does not mean you'll have to watch the snow fall through the window. Thankfully, our charming resorts of Méribel and Megève are filled with things to do, specially designed for you and your future baby. First of all, let us introduce you to our magnificent chalets, located respectively in Méribel and Megève. Our luxurious chalet with pool in Meribel is located in the heart of the 3 valleys. Jacuzzi, sauna and swimming pool equipped with a system of swimming against the current: enough to keep you in shape while enjoying a nice view facing the snow-covered passes. Cozy, refined, spacious and comfortable, this cocoon will be perfect to welcome your family and friends! Regarding our sumptuous chalet in Megève, it is as dazzling as the precedent: prestige and magic will surely be the words that will come to your mind when you step on the ground. Cinema room, swimming pool, sauna or massage room to allow you to relax in peace: just by staying in this magical place, a multitude of things to do await you. A breathtaking view of Mont Blanc will accompany your comings and goings on the different floors. Our concierge team is here to meet your expectations: home chef, private masseuse ... Your desires become realities. Contact us at experience@apartments-services.com. If you wish to have your groceries or breakfast delivered to you, simply inform us when you are preparing your stay: they will be delivered before your arrival. Some practial tips Being pregnant for ski requires respecting certain things, in order to preserve your well being and that of your baby’s. As usual, do not be shy with sunscreen: a spf of 50 is required. Cover up, eat well ... You already know it! In the mountains, it is fun, including a delicious raclette or fondue Savoyard. Indeed, not all cheeses are recommended during pregnancy; this concerns soft pasta with raw milk: if your cheese is cooked, you can feast without fear and heat the raclette! With regards to the Megève and Méribel stations, foot traffic is very easy and safe, with streets and sidewalks cleared daily. A service of free and regular shuttles as well as very accessible cable cars facilitate the more distant places and altitudes. Nevertheless from the chalets, a car will be needed to access the city center. For the past ten years, the Méribel station has been providing pedestrians with more than 25 km of trails: a list of trails is updated daily throughout the winter season. The Méribel pedestrian pass gives you access to the 3 Valley cable cars, as well as to the Saint Martin 2 chairlift and the intramural shuttles in the 3 valleys stations. For a walk, a snowshoe outing or simply a coffee break, the Megève pedestrian escape package will also be very useful! It covers a wide area, and can be used summer and winter on all pedestrian accessible lifts. The activities When it's cold outside, it's always nice to get pampered: the wellness center for pregnant women of Megève is for you. Thalasso discovery care, hammam and relaxation area ... Choose what you like and let yourself be lulled by the soft and cozy atmosphere of the spa. As specialists of future mothers, the Fermes de Marie Spa in Megève and the Fer à Cheval Spa are inspired by rituals from abroad, particularly from Asia, to provide young mothers with specific massages full of benefits. . The resort of Méribel also has many spas and wellness areas that you can find on our previous blog post, well being and softness in Méribel. Walking in the mountains is a wonderful way to enjoy the landscape without getting tired. Discover Mont Vallon de Méribel, one of the mythical peaks of the resort. Rejuvenate on the sunny terrace of the comfort area of plan des mains, charming mountain restaurant at altitude. If you feel like it, you can also escape thanks to the gondola and discover the highest peaks of the Vanoise thanks to the panoramic orientation tables located at 3000m in altitude. You can also choose to go snowshoeing, typical and convenient way to walk in the snow! The resort offers many original activities, such as evenings and meals in yurts, tours... Enjoy activities that do not require real physical efforts, such as the discovery of the architectural and historical heritage of the resorts. An ancient agricultural town, Megeve developed by small touches until the attachment of Savoy to France. The first ski competition was created in 1914 and as the starting point for the development of the ski resort. A journalist named Mathilde Maige-Lefournier, mountaineer from Chambéry said, "I believe that Megève was created for skiing and skiing invented for Megève". A spotlight that had its influence and made the village a hot spot for winter sports. Pretty churches, chapels and museum of the upper Val d'Arly: travel in the past for a moment of memory and unique emotions. Gourmet and feminine addresses Holidays are made for pleasure! Why not enjoy them while the rest of the family is on the slopes? Gourmet addresses, pretty shops, we’ll tell you everything about your 2 favorite stations. Megève For a sweet break, you're spoiled for choice. Many bakeries and pastries are present and open during the season. Our tip: The bread and pastry Jean-François Fayolle, designated best worker of France in bakery. You will have a wide choice of breads, delicacies, pastries, sorbets, and sandwiches... Regarding shopping, the temptation is to buy from the 200 shops of the resort! Beauty, fashion, souvenirs ... From Hermes to local shops, you are definitely guaranteed to find your happiness. You can also choose to be pampered at home by your hairdresser or beautician. Méribel Place of life and meeting, Laurent Azoulay's Bokal épicerie is a gold mine for epicureans. Cocoon gourmet cultivating the art of good food with good and beautiful products in a rigorous selection, it is a place full of surprises and things to discover: pumpkin soup with hazelnut oil, orange carrot smoothie and mango ... A real taste of pleasure. Its not the shops that are missing in Meribel: fantasy jewelry, sports shops, women's ready to wear ... Just wander in the center of the station and stop wherever you want: something to do and not see the time pass...

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Being pregnant in the mountains: how to enjoy it?

Being pregnant in the mountains: how to enjoy it?

Lifestyle

Wellness in Méribel

5 years ago - Léa D.

Méribel, otherwise called Méribel-les-Allues, is a ski resort located in the Alps, in the heart of the ski area of the 3 valleys which includes the 8 best ski resorts in Europe. Our chalet Ménor awaits you for an exceptional stay: jacuzzi, sauna and an indoor heated pool overlooking the valley: your morning swim will allow you a sweeping view of the snow-covered peaks. Ski holidays can be tiring: that's why we have selected for you a range of well-being and gentle activities in Méribel, as well as invigorating walks in the heart of nature. The olympic park of Méribel What does the Olympic park of Méribel consist of? An establishment of 21 000m2 which brings together a multitude of useful and pleasant spaces of the station. As for recreation, the park has a restaurant, a bowling alley, a discotheque, two daycares for children, wall climbing, a swimming pool with slides and a real sports pool, a spa fitness area, a conference room of 800 m2 for business trips ... But that's not all! It also has one of the 12 largest skating rinks in France, internationally renowned. Who said we could not combine raclette and abdominals? The fitness area: supervised by a fitness professional, this place offers a variety of equipment in cardio-vascular and bodybuilding. Accessible as of 16 years, you will have the opportunity to benefit from a personalized follow-up. Regarding the pool, you will also have the opportunity to take swimming lessons, following different levels more or less advanced. For lovers of Parties, themed parties are organized during the holidays ... from 20h to 22h (electro, zumba, zen ...), all to be in shape for the slopes the following morning! They usually take place around the pool or the ice rink, in a relaxed and family atmosphere. Aimed at young and old alike, this huge space brings together all the activities and infrastructures dreamed of for your holidays. Address: Méribel Olympic Park, 73550 Les Allues Yoga and relaxation If you have never tried it, it's time to start this path of well-being. Yoga brings a large number of physical benefits including the relaxation of the muscles, but also a revitalization of the body and a calming of the mind to stimulate vitality and creativity. For relaxation lovers, enjoy yoga sessions every Tuesday from 18h to 19h30, throughout the year at the house of generations. Open to nature, the sessions take place in a spacious and friendly room allowing a friendly and warm practice. If you prefer the intimacy and the softness of your chalet, do not hesitate to contact us at experience@apartments-services.com, we will take care of reserving your private yoga lessons at home. Contact information La maison des générations, 73550 Les Allues Phone : 06.03.00.45.49 Relaxing areas Who says vacation ... Says relaxation! What's more rejuvenating after a day in the snow, than to enjoy a massage or a treatment in the cocooning atmosphere of a spa? Want privacy? Do not hesitate to contact our concierge service at experience@apartments-services.com for a massage service at home. We have also selected for you two other relaxation areas, accessible all day. The spa of Anne Sémonin This refined space offers a soft and cozy atmosphere and a multitude of treatments adapted to your desires and needs. This privileged place has a sauna, a steam room, a jacuzzi, a sensory shower and two bathrooms. The services are full of surprises: especially adapted to skiers, it offers "signature treatments" such as hot stone massages and black sand scrubs from Tahiti. A real personalization of the treatment of your choice is possible, as well as a development of personalized treatments. Information Open daily from 10:00 to 21:00. Contact information The Laitelet - Méribel - Mottaret – Center 73550 Méribel Tel: 0479004848 The Nuxe spa of kaïla At the heart of Méribel, Nuxe offers a real sensory journey thanks to its 6 treatment cabins including 2 double cabins for voluptuous and relaxing moments, with your other half or with family. Through the huge windows, enjoy the snowy landscape while relaxing in this cocoon of warmth and relaxation. A la carte, the essentials of the house, anti-aging care Resultime and above all care for children! These aquatic areas, fitness and spa are waiting for you, for a multi-sensorial experience out of the ordinary. Information Open from 10h to 13h & from 14h to 20h Contact information Hotel Kaïla Route de la montée Méribel - La Chaudanne 73550 Méribel Tel: 04.79.41.69.34 Lake Tueda, a stroll full of resources This lake is located 1730 meters above sea level, and promises a walk rich in discovery by its place, the quality of its water, the diversity of fauna and flora. Of first category, this lake of 3 hectares with clear waters is a soothing and refreshing place where it is possible to practice fishing. We recommend hiking around the lake in summer, especially for lovers of botany or for the curious who want to discover the flora of the Alps. Nevertheless, the activities around and related to Lake Tueda are numerous also in winter. Snowshoeing, ski touring in the Vanoise Park, cross-country skiing around the lake ... The most athletic of you will be challenged! You can also enjoy activities on horseback such as carriage rides, allowing you to discover the nature reserve in an original way. Our concierge service also offers many activities such as dog sled rides and snowmobiles around Méribel, contact us at experience@apartments-services.com. At the lake you will find the restaurant of Lake Tueda, ideally located to enjoy the landscape and the sun on the terrace. A beautiful menu made of fresh and local products, always served with a smile.

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Wellness in Méribel

Wellness in Méribel

Shopping

Chic shopping in Megève

5 years ago - Valérie D.

Shopping in Megève is a sport as easy to practice as skiing. The very chic French winter sports resort owes its world renown, it is true, to its most fortunate clientele, since the Rothschild family decided to make it one of its favorite holiday resorts. A clientele waiting to find, in the heart of the Alps as at home, the quality of high-end products that it has a habit of consuming. In order to meet this requirement, the economy of the Middle Ages is no shortage of arguments since it has no less than 200 shops, including many refined and luxury addresses. We offer you some of the most beautiful ... Aallard : the legendary label « Made in Megève »  If there is an address you will only find in Megève, but which has an international reputation, it is Aallard. It is undoubtedly the famous fashion brand from Megève which has given rise to noble chic shopping in Megève. Here we can talk about tradition, since the shop opened in 1926, the very year of the birth of Edmond of Rothschild, which will contribute greatly to the development of the station launched by his mother Noémie of Rothschild. The unique brand takes its roots very early in modernity, since Allard is the inventor in 1930 of the tapered trousers, ideal for a comfortable skiing practice. A legend was born, that of a style so characteristic in Megève, combining sportiness and elegance, and an unstoppable savoir-faire of the materials and the cut. Savoir-faire that the famous brand has subsequently declined ready-to-wear, and continues to be passed down from generation to generation within the family Allard. An excellence that cannot be missed by strolling the streets of Megève, since the shops Aallard enthroned place of the Church, such an obvious anchorage in the daily life of the station. Aallard : 148 Place de l'Église, 74120 Megève Horaires d’ouverture : Tous les jours de 10H à 13h et de 14h30 à 20h Megève, at the crossroads of luxury ready-to-wear and high-end sports brands Aallard having "made small", the sports customers of Megève however have every opportunity to diversify their wardrobe with many other brands no less prestigious, although less local. In the tradition of refined sportswear fashion that we love to find downtown, the table would not have been complete without a shop in the colors of the century-old French brand Rossignol. The historical equipment supplier of the French ski champions, from Emile Allais to Martin Fourcade via Jean Vuarnet, has diversified its activity, and since 2015 has been offering fashion collections in the "sport chic" spirit so dear to Megève. Of course Megève is the perfect French-style alloy of the city and the mountains, and its shopping tradition is in this image. Naturally, there are beautiful national and international "Fashion" addresses that have nothing to envy to the best shopping spots in Paris. For those who have not followed, Serge Blanco is not only a legendary rugby player, but also lends his illustrious name to a brand that, think again, does not sell only large polo shirts. His masculine and rather urban style is presented in his shop in a mix of Scandinavian where it is pleasant to shop. Another great name in fashion that is the pride of France around the world, Lacoste has of course also an address in Megève. For women's fashion, you will not, ladies, be less served than on Avenue Montaigne in Paris, since Hermes has settled down here in the heart of the Alps, yes. The famous luxury brand offers in Megève all that makes its success well beyond the French borders: fashion, leather goods, accessories, and of course, its inimitable Square. For a wardrobe always luxury but accessible, the store Ba&Sh is not present in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, but also in our fashion capital of Haute-Savoie. The noble materials and the "casual chic" style of the young creators Barbara Boccara and Sharon Krief are inevitably sensation in the streets of Megève. Rossignol Megève: 152 avenue Charles Feige 74120 Megève Open all year Serge Blanco Megeve: 8 Rue des 3 Pigeons, 74120 Megeve Opening hours: Everyday from 10am to 7:30 pm Hermès Megeve: 128 Place de l'Eglise, 74120 Megeve Opening hours: Every day except Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from 10h to 12h30 and from 15h to 19h Ba&Sh Megeve: 83 Rue Mgr Conseil, 74120 Megeve Opening hours: Every day from 10h to 19h Authenticity and beautiful products But the chic shopping in Megeve is not only fashion! Interior designer and decorator, Arnaud Millet defines himself as a "creative antique dealer", and his AM Design store is the perfect place to find a unique piece of furniture or lighting of high quality. The materials are noble, and the service is tailor-made, done by the workshop of the house. This time for sure, we will not bring home the same chair that we find in everyone’s house! Another skilled craftsman who brings a touch of the smell of the Alps in his suitcases, Master perfumer Alberto Morillas opened a shop of his brand Mizensir in Megève, for our greatest pleasure. This Andalusian, a native of Geneva, founded his perfume house in 1999 on Lake Geneva. Specialized in scented candles signed by great "noses", this author of unique fragrances now also offers a collection of eau de parfum, in the same ideal of a family craft at the service of luxury. AM Design: 96 Route Edmond de Rothschild, 74120 Megeve Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm Mizensir Megeve: 91 Rue Ambroise Martin, 74120 Megeve Opening hours: From 10h to 13h and from 15h to 19h Savoyard flavors for the palate  And since there is no question of leaving the country of Savoy without bringing with you a few flavors so particular of its local gastronomy, we have even found two beautiful gourmet addresses for you! L’Epicurie cannot bear its name better, since this high-end gourmet boutique is full of pleasures for gourmets. Caviar from Maison Prunier, foie gras, Balik salmon, chocolates from Chapon, well-stocked cellar, but also Savoy sausages or Tomme des Bauges, the stalls of this charming grocery store cater to all the most delicate taste buds as the most curious of authentic dishes. The Flocon de Sel is probably the most popular star table in Megève. There is a shop and cellar with a fine selection of wines and spirits, among which wines of Savoir and other Chartreuse carve a good share. You will also find some delicious homemade jams, and to honor the country, a range of Opinel and Victorinox knives. The books of Chef Emmanuel Renaut, who is at the head of the 3-star restaurant Flocons de Sel, are obviously in a good position among these products. L’Epicurie: 20 Rue Saint-Jean, 74120 Megeve Opening hours: Thursday to Sunday, from 9h to 13h and from 15h30 to 19h30 The Cave Flocon de Sel: 75 rue Saint Francois de Sales 74120 Megève Opening hours: All year round from 10:30 to 12:30 and from 15:30 to 19:30

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Chic shopping in Megève

Chic shopping in Megève

Culture & Art

Focus on the first edition of the Megève Savoy Truffle Festival

5 years ago - Valérie D.

What to do in Megève during summer when the snow has melted? The activities and charms of the resort do not lack, as for the cultural offer, it is of such richness that it does not allow a day of boredom, between hikes or excursions in the region of Savoie Mont-Blanc. If Megève is considered by institutions such as the New York Times as one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the world, it is also because Megève is a city of culture. From the Megève Blues Festival to the Estivales de Megève, and the International Jazz Festival in Megève, the regulars of the Savoyard resort know that every year they will find their upscale cultural events in an exceptional setting in the heart of the Alps. at the foot of Mont Blanc. Not content with such a variety of cultural events, Megève welcomes this summer 2018 the first edition of its new festival Savoy Truffle. Beatles fans know that the "Savoy Truffle" (like the song on the famous "White Album" of 1968) is the idea of a chocolate candy so delicious that you would enjoy it without knowing how to stop. It is with the same desire that seems to have been imagined the festival of the same name in Megève, since the cultural event is multidisciplinary. Taking place from August 17 to September 2, 2018 in Megève, this 2018 edition will host for two weeks; music, cinema, literature, theater, under the sign of a thematic thread: the Pays de Savoie. The region is a haven of cultural treasures, and Megève intends to remind us. We will meet there, of course, some children of the country: the violinist Renaud Capuçon, the writer Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt, among the most illustrious. The Savoy Truffle Festival will also be an opportunity to see Savoy, which has hosted the most beautiful cinema scenes, the one that inspired local artists, sportsmen and writers. A cultural festival under the sign of the summits, but accessible to all, since it does not forget to spoil the children, with a part of the program being especially dedicated to them. Savoie in the spotlight The enlightened visitors of the country are not unaware that Savoy is one of the world's foremost places of Baroque art. What's more natural then, to open the festival with a tribute to the famous composer Megevan Georg Muffat (1653-1704), student of Lully, friend of Corelli, inspirer by Bach, please. For this grand baroque opening, his Concerto Grosso and a passacaglia will be performed by the Baroque Orchestra "Les Musicians du Louvre" and harpsichordist Rebecca Maurer. The spectator fond of music of the Grand Siècle will then hear works by Gottlieb Muffat, Jean-Baptiste Lully, and finally Elisabeth-Claude Jacquet de la Guerre. This opening concert will be held naturally in the Saint-Jean Baptiste Church of Megève, which is part of the Baroque circuit of Savoy, and where Muffat was baptized. The region is definitely not left behind musically, since among the many concerts that will be given in Megève during its festival of end of summer, one will be able, for example hear the Orchestra Accordionist of Savoy play, the Symphonic Orchestra of the Alps, or even the Orchester des Pays de Savoie. The new multidisciplinary festival will not forget to pay tribute to the beauty and paradoxical hospitality of its mountains, through a range of appointments around its history and identity. "Truffle Talks" conferences will be the occasion of interviews with the Savoyards Sylvain Saudan, mountaineer, or the historian Gabriel Grandjacques. The first, skier of the impossible, will take part in the margin of the projection of his film "The List" on the theme of "The extreme mountain", while the second will return on his book "La Montage-refuge", which traces the history of these families having found shelter in particular in Megève during the second world war. Savoyard mountains decidedly inspiring, will be recalled by film screenings filmed in the region or referring to famous pages of its history. The Megève Savoy Truffle will allow moviegoers to see or see again on the big screen Visconti's classic; Le Guépard (1963), romancing the epic of the Duke of Savoy who became king of reunited Italy. The Alps on film, it is also the occasion to savor beautiful pictures of Johnny Halliday in the "Salaud, on t’aime" (2014) by Claude Lelouch, shot in Praz-sur-Arly. Local personalities of national and international dimensions As headliners of the Megève Savoy Truffle Festival, it is not surprising to find illustrious "locals of the stage". For this first edition, the writer Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt and the musician Renaud Capuçon will make Megève the honor of their presence. Impossible to make a festival dedicated to the cultural nuggets of the Country of Savoy without the presence of one of the two illustrious Capuçon brothers, born in Chambéry. It is therefore the violinist of the siblings, Renaud Capuçon, who will perform with his pianist Guillaume Bellom, Bach, Ravel, Strauss and a sonata of Claude Debussy, which will celebrate the 155th anniversary, on the same birth day. Born in the Rhône, raised in Savoie, lecturer in philosophy at the University of Savoie, Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt is at home at the foot of Mont Blanc. The Prix Goncourt 2010, will read his work "Concerto in memory of an angel" (which ends in Lake Annecy). Savoie forever, and always the music since the work tells the destiny of a jealous and proud pianist who must choose the glory or friendship of fellow violinist. The Savoyard writer will also be present alongside David Robert Coleman, conductor and composer at the Staatsoper Berlin, and Maximilian Simon, violinist, for an interview on the relationship between literature and music. A festival for the entire family The program of the Megevan festival is upscale, and definitely does not forget anyone, since even children will find their account. The organizers have thought that you may be with family in Megève this summer and have set up a "kids corner". This space dedicated to those 5 years and over will offer entertainment and cultural activities every night from 18:30 to 21h, throughout the festival. While parents will be able to enjoy their evening concert serenely, the youth program will allow youngsters to discover shows or animations designed for them. On the menu: theater with the company Pierre Caillou, the Compagnie du Corbeau, music with the Geneva Brass Quintet, or the workshop " Neither hedgehog nor doormat " in collaboration with Graines de Paix, which offers educational solutions for a lasting peace. Note that the "kids’ corner" is free for holders of a festival pass and pay (10 €) for others. After the show or workshop, children will be held and taken care of until the end of the event on the main stage. In short, attending a show in Megève this summer, for both adults and children, should not be a problem. The Mont-Blanc region, which is already full of quality cultural events, has just acquired a new multidisciplinary festival whose echo should easily resonate well beyond the peaks of Mont d'Arbois and Mont Joly.

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Focus on the first edition of the Megève Savoy Truffle Festival

Focus on the first edition of the Megève Savoy Truffle Festival