NewsletterOctober 2013

Mind the Gap

The location in the distance, where the mountains almost meet, is the town of Cluses in the French Alps. On the left the Aravis mountain range and on the right the Giffre mountain range. The name Cluses comes from cluse or clue, French for water gap. Where the Aravis and Giffre nearly touch is the water gap - Arve River. The Arve Valley was carved out by a glacier higher than the mountains.
Cluses was first settled near a bridge built over the Arve, by the Romans. Probably near the location of the Pont Vieux (old bridge), just outside the town center. The Pont Vieux was built in 1674 and up until 1833, when Pont Neuf (new bridge) was constructed, the only way to cross the Arve in Cluses.
There are other towns in France with a name similar to Cluses, including the nearby La Clusaz. The word cluse is very similar to écluse meaning water lock.
I took this photo from Lac de Passy, that has great views of the Mont Blanc.

Sous Le Manteau

Thanks to the reader who pointed out that my link for the POW film, Sous Le Manteau is only an introduction to the film. A longer version can be found here.

Bread

It seems the French are eating less bread these days, from an almost full baguette in 1970 to half a baguette today. This is a good time to mention that there is more to French bread than baguettes. Nothing wrong with baguettes of course, just that they're like vanilla ice cream in a Ben & Jerry's world. I've come to like pain complet and pain de campagne. I've also discovered that you can use a ficelle as a hotdog bun and now we now order hamburger buns from our local baker. The hambuger buns are really just a small brioche http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brioche.
French bread is not only varied but also a lot of fun!

Mail Box

Harriet Welty Rochefort author of Joie de Vivre will be in the US, events started late September.
Harriet has written two other books about France and was on my Podcast a few months ago.
Robert Wilson at The Louvre: November 11 to February 17 - Living Rooms.
American Football Hautes-Alpes: We are a American football team and we are looking for someone who can help us!!! Contact details: 0676138780 and [email protected]
COUCOU Limoux: Small art studio in the center of Limoux. I am a qualified art teacher and run classes for all ages and abilities. Come along to a weekly class or just when you can I offer a range of art /craft activities including : painting...drawing...felt-making...mosaic...decoupage...papier-mache...card making. Why not make a booking for a small group, celebrate a birthday or anniversary... I can tailor classes to your own requirements! English and French spoken.
Bupa International: Award-winning international health insurance, which has commissioned and published a series of guides intended to help expats and travelers. Edition focusing on France.
Avignon Blues Festival: 4-5 October

Advertisements

Chez Peshi in Burgundy: An opportunity to experience the real France and enjoy one of the most captivating regions of Europe. Chez Peshi is a fully-furnished private home in Saisy, a farm village minutes west of the charming, medieval market-town of Nolay. It is at the center of a vast area considered among the most beautiful in France - a region of stunning scenery, unbounded outdoor opportunities, three thousand years of fascinating history, castles and chateaux, Roman antiquities, cathedrals and monasteries, quiet winding canals, palate-pleasing gastronomy and, of course, the world's finest wines.

Tuffé B&B: Next visit in Sarthe, why not stay with us at our B&B with an American family in Tuffé.
Tuffé, a Charming and Historic cozy village located just 30 km outside of Le Mans 35 minutes by car and 13 minutes by train to Connerre. (the village next door) "ALL Commerce/Convenience" the beautiful lake of Tuffé provides 3 star camping, fine restaurants, mini golf, swimming, wall climbing, paddle boats and more. Come enjoy the local fresh products, from freshly made butter to the best homemade cheeses you've never tasted, not to mention the wines...
If you are looking for an easy, restful adventure in the French countryside, call or write to us, we will help you put together a perfect retreat at our B&B! The village, this charming place has also become a "linguistic destination"; you now have choices in services, host families ready to welcome you in many languages such as English, French, German and more. So "I do not speak or understand French" is no longer a valid excuse! Come see us during the 24 Heures du Mans, a regular holiday, a linguistic one (to learn French or English or any other language) or send us your kids for a "cultural exchange opportunity" of a lifetime. Why not consider Tuffé your next vacation destination for the whole family. We promise that you will make new friends and "fall in love" with the "á la française style" of living with an American touch!