UNESCO EXHIBITION AT CHENONCEAU

From June 14th through to mid-September 2009, the Château de Chenonceau will become the setting for a unique collection of some 32 works of art including paintings, tapestries and other works from the UNESCO private collection. The exhibition, in one of the Loire Valley's most prestigious châteaux, celebrates the 50th anniversary of the founding of the collection and for the first time, an exhibition of works from Erro, Guinovart, Le Corbusier, Jean Lurçat and Tadao Ando.

NEW AIRE IN CREUSE

The small town of La Courtine in the Creuse department of the Limousin has recently opened an aire de services with spaces for about 15 motorhomes. The aire is close to the centre of town & has a Euro-Relais service point with drainage, water & electricity -- operated by jetons from the local shops.

EVENING SHOWS IN THE LOIRE CHATEAUX

True to tradition, when summer comes the great Loire châteaux light up and put on a series of magical evenings for those warm summer nights. Azay-le-Rideau, Amboise, Chenonceau and Semblançay. are organising "Sound and Light" shows to show off all their splendour under a new light. The main events are:

"Strolls under the stars: our Kings' childhood dreams" at the Royal Château of Amboise. Every Friday until August 21st.

"Evening strolls" at Chenonceau. Every evening in August -- Romantic lighting and beautiful music in the gardens.

"Midsummer Dreams and Lights" at Azay-le-Rideau. Every evening during August -- Château and Gardens.

There are also two epic historical shows, one at the Royal Château of Amboise -"A la cour du Roy François", the other in Semblançay.

NIGHT WALKS AT MONT ST MICHEL

Until the 5th September 2009, you can visit the Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey until midnight. You will be free to explore it as you've never seen it before, in all its intensity and mystery: from the heart of the abbey to the depths of the crypts, from the Garden of Paradise to the Merveille - unforgettable moments guaranteed. This night walk is complete with musical interludes and lighting effects in a magical atmosphere.

NEW AIRE AT MONT ST MICHEL

A new aire has been opened close to Mont St Michel, this purpose-built private aire (opened April,2009) is located about 5km south of Mont St Michel in the small village of Ardevon where there is a large level tarmac parking area bordered by farmland. Prices are 10€ per night including hook up & there are toilets & showers available. Full details & photos are available in the aires directory.

CHEAPER MEALS

As from the 1^st July, the French Government have decided to reduce the rate of VAT on meals in restaurants & cafes from 19.6% to 5.5%, this together with the recent improved exchange rate of the £ against the € should mean that eating out in France is a lot cheaper than it has been.

DINAN

A new motorhome parking area has been created at Dinan in the Cotes d'Armor department of Brittany, the parking is under the viaduct at Dinan where there are 12 spaces for motorhomes which replaces the previous free parking area. The spaces are payable (by ticket machine) during the day but free after 7pm & also free on Sundays -- there are no services available here.

LE WEEKEND LE PLUS DIFFICILE

Anyone travelling this weekend (1^st/ 2^nd August) in France should be aware that it is the busiest weekend on the roads in France. Bison Futé has classed Saturday as Black on the roads -- the busiest day of the year & Sunday as Red, main problems are anticipated on the A10 South of Paris, the A6 North of Lyons  & the A7 in the Rhone valley. Delays are expected from 5am onwards with the majority of problems in the morning period.

FESTIVAL OF HUNTING & FISHING, CARROUGES

This weekend also sees the Fete de Carrouges; three days of events set against the backdrop of the Chateau of Carrouges in Orne, Normandy with 24 hectares of exhibitions and contests. Events include the grand mass of Saint Hubert, team display -- dogs and horses -- European Hunting Horns Cup and village fishing. Night-time show held daily. Food available on site, entry for the 3 days is 14€, including a visit to the chateau.

BEARN CHATEAUX

Béarn in Aquitaine is a region steeped in history, the birthplace of King Henry IV of France, and an extensive area for outdoor leisure situated in the Pyrenean piedmont. This summer, four Béarn châteaux (Laàs, Montaner, Morlanne and the Commanderie de Lacommande) are joining forces to offer you a multitude of events throughout the summer season. On the agenda: concerts, exhibitions, gospel singing, children's entertainment, historical reconstructions, a jousting tournament, falconry and a fencing show... and at nightfall, an open-air cinema under the stars, for the pleasure of young and old alike!

CANOEING ON THE RIVER LEYRE

The all-new water sports centre at Biganos, 40kms SW of Bordeaux is offering excursions which are totally at one with nature on the River Leyre, accompanied by a state-qualified guide, until the end of October. After an introduction to kayaking techniques, the sportiest visitors can glide along the "little Amazon" river up to its delta which connects with the Bay of Arcachon, while others will be thrilled with a simple descent of the Leyre to the delta, or even a tour round Malprat island... Children are also welcome, even if they are beginners, as excursions are adapted according to age, physical capacity and kayaking skills. The only requirement is that all children must be aged 7 years or older and must be able to swim.