CELTIC LINK FERRIES

Celtic Link Ferries of Ireland have recently announced that they are to take over the Cherbourg -- Portsmouth route from LD Lines as from the 29^th September. The firm have chartered the Norman Voyager from LD Lines & claim that they will be the cheapest operator on the Western Channel routes. A new Rosslare-Cherbourg route has also started on September 19, 2009 replacing the Le Havre service which was introduced last November. The move will allow for an increase in frequency and shorter crossing times. The 800-passenger Norman Voyager will operate the new service, providing six return sailings a week with a crossing time of 17 hours, compared to the previous 22 hours Le Havre journey duration.

GRAND-PRESSIGNY MUSEUM

After two years and an eight-million Euro investment programme financed by the Conseil général d'Indre-et-Loire, the prehistoric museum of the 21st century will once again be open to the public as from September 20th -- to coincide with the national heritage day. The museum of Grand-Pressigny is located directly in a prime Palaeolithic and Neolithic archaeological site in south Touraine. Its prestigious collections cover the evolution of man from the Palaeolithic times to the Bronze Age and include an important collection of flints reflecting the skill and intensive exploitation of this locally found stone.

MILK PROTESTS CONTINUE

The French farmers continue to disrupt traffic throughout France - angry French farmers dumped millions of litres of fresh milk next to one of France's most famous tourist sites to denounce the slumping cost of milk and an EU plan to end production quotas, which could further drive prices down.APLI, a small dairy farmer's union that organized the protest, said over 1,000 farmers and 300 tractors took part in the event, pouring 3,5 million liters (925,000 gallons) of milk onto fields next to the famed Mont Saint-Michel. The Medieval island monastery is one of the most visited sites in France and is next to the Normandy and Brittany regions, which are both big milk producers.

NEW AIRE IN AUVERGNE

A new aire has been created in the town of Messeix -- west of Clermont Ferrand in the Puy de Dome department of the Auvergne. This municipal aire has 6 spaces in a tarmac parking area that is lit at night, parking is free, electric & water are available from an AireServices borne via jetons that can be bought from local businesses at 2€ each. There is also a Mine museum in the town.

CALAIS REFUGEE CAMP CLOSES

The French government has closed a series of makeshift migrant camps known as "the jungle" in the northern French port city of Calais. Hundreds of migrants, mainly men from Iraq, Afghanistan and other war-torn countries, have set up illegal camps in an area between the industrial zone and the port, from where they attempt to sneak into trucks and cargo ships bound for the UK. A French government centre for migrants at Sangatte, near Calais, was closed in 2002 because of similar fears about crime and the number of people staying there.

WILLIAM'S WEBSITE

Following the celebrations of the 65th anniversary of the D-Day Landings, the story of William the Conqueror, Normandy's emblematic figure, is making an impressive comeback in Calvados. And a website, entirely devoted to him is on line since July 2009:  Designed around a tourist trail, following in William the Conqueror's footsteps throughout Calvados, the website highlights the major sites and important dates of his epic adventure, together with associated news and updates. To visit the site in English go to: http://www.lafabuleuseepopee.com/en/

COTE D'AZUR RALLY

16-18 October, 2009
This is a splendid long weekend for those who love automotive sports with the National Antibes Côte d'Azur Rally Race, Volant Peugeot 206, the Antibes Classic Rally Race and the international Antibes Côte d'Azur Rally Race.