The famous Rocamadour Cheese Festival is here again. This 22nd edition of Fête des Fromages de Rocamadour will be on Sunday, June 12, 2011.

The Rocamadour Fête des Fromages is one of the few events dedicated exclusively to cheese from the South of France. Forty producers will be at the Fête with their farmhouse cheeses – 15 producers of goat milk cheeses, 15 sheep’s milk cheeses and 10 producers of cow milk cheeses.

French Cheeses

The day’s program begins at 10:30 a.m. with a “Fruits de la Terre” mass, followed by the blessing of the sheep and goats, an inter-regional competition of farmhouse cheeses and a rustic lunch.

The Cheese Farmers Market will be on the whole day and visitors will be able to taste and buy cheeses from the south of France, as well as enjoy some wine tasting.

Throughout the day, musicians from the region will entertain with music from  Quercy.  And before the day is over, the winning cheese of the 22nd Fête des Fromages will be announced.

About 10,000 people visited the Rocamadour Fête des Fromages last year. So if you’re planning on staying in or around Rocamadour during the cheese festival, don’t show up without having pre-booked your accommodation.  You can search for Rocamadour hotels, read hotel reviews and book your Rocamadour hotel here >

Read more about the Fête des Fromages here >

Take a walk around Rocamadour old town with Travesignposts photos.

Event: Fête des Fromages
Place: Rocamadour, Lot (46), Midi-Pyrenees
Date : Sunday, June 12, 2011
Time : 10:30 – 17:30
Cost  :  Free and parking

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Dijon has a reputation for good food and wine and each year thousands of foodies flock to its International Gastronomy Fair.  This year, Dijon will host its 81st Foire Internationale et Gastronomique de Dijon from November 1 – November 13.

With 600 exhibitors and over 200,000 visitors expected to attend this 2-week food extravaganza, the Dijon Foire Gastronomique is one of the top ranking food expo fairs in France.

This international expo caters to a wide range of interests for the professional and amateur cook alike. New food products and wine lines as well as new trends in home and leisure will be on show.

Each year, a foreign country is invited to add an exotic touch to the fair.  Last year it was Hungary – this year’s guest country is yet to be announced.

As in previous years, there will be cooking demonstrations, competitions amongst the chefs and conferences on wine. This fair is a foodie’s delight so if you love food fairs, plan to be in Dijon.

Dijon - France

Event       :  Foire Internationale et Gastronomique de Dijon
Place       :  Parc des Expositions, 3 Boulevard de Champagne, 21000 Dijon France
Opening   : 10:00 – 20:00 with late openings on selected nights.

Rail travel from Paris to Dijon takes only 1hr 40 minutes

Search for Dijon hotels, read hotel reviews and book your Dijon hotel here >

Discover Dijon on The Owl’s Trail …

See Travelsignposts Dijon photos HERE

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A recent email in my Inbox had as one of its article headlines “Palace of Versailles will be turned into a luxury hotel”.  I didn’t have time to look into the story immediately, but it did nag at me.  How is it possible for this glorious, historic palace, and a UNESCO World Heritage site, to be converted into a hotel – but the email did come from France Tourism itself!

Now that I’ve looked into the story a little further, I find that it is one of the Versailles annex buildings, the Hotel du Grande Controle that is being turned into a hotel… phew, panic over!

The Palace of Versailles (Château de Versailles) is famous the world over as the palace of the Louis IV, the Sun King, and is widely known as the residence and seat of power of France’s rulers from 1682 until the French Revolution in 1789.  Situated about 20 kms from Paris, it is a hugely popular tourist attraction and the Palace is noted for its Hall of Mirrors.

Hall of Mirrors © Travel Signposts

The Hotel du Grande Controle, a building which is a part of the Versailles Palace estate, is being converted into a luxury 23 room hotel. The Hotel du Grande Controle is not on the actual grounds of the Versailles Palace, but is very close to it.  Built in the 1680s, the Hotel du Grande Controle overlooks the Versailles Palace Orangerie.  It was in a dilapidated state and has been leased out to a Belgian company for restoration.

The new hotel is planned for opening at the end of 2011 so if your travel must-haves include palatial-style hotels, keep a look out for this new hotel for your Versailles travel.  With 23 rooms only, it is sure to be exclusive and with room rates to match.

But while you’re waiting for this hotel to open its doors, here are other hotels in Versailles to choose from.

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Travel Signposts wishes all our French readers,

“A Very Happy 14 Juillet”

And, for the lucky ones holidaying in Paris on Bastille Day, see below link for information on where to catch the Bastille Day Fireworks tonight.

Bastille Day Fireworks in Paris
More about Bastille Day
Paris Sightseeing
Paris metro map

Have a great time, drink a lot of champagne but stay safe.

“Joyeuses Fêtes”

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Join locals and veterans as they mark the 66th anniversary of the June 6, 1944 Normandy Landings with ceremonies and other commemorative events. Normandy’s D-Day commemorations will be held on Normandy’s famous landing beaches, at memorials and in towns throughout the region.

Bayeux-Bessin was the scene of the most massive military operation in history it was the first town to be liberated by the British on D-Day. Each year Bayeux-Bessin commemorates the historic Normandy invasion with a D-Day Festival and following is their program of events.

Saturday June 5, 2010

14:00 – Sainte-Mere Elise – “Parachute landings on the marshland of La Fière”
The landing of parachutes on the marshland of la Fière is a major annual event. This year, it will bring together about 300 parachutists from America, Britain, Germany and France.

19:30 – Omaha Beach and Isigny-sur-Mer – “Giant Normandy-Day Picnics”
- At Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer (Omaha Beach): picnic and free concert preceded by a parade of military vehicles
- At Isigny-sur-Mer (Town Hall square) : picnic and free concert

21:00 – Arromanches – “The decision that saved the world”
A historical play recounting the meeting in 1941 of Winston Churchill (British Prime Minister) and Rudolf Hess (Hitler’s deputy) in the Town Hall.

23:00 – Longues-sur-Mer – “The night they arrived”
A musical fireworks display – symbolizing the arrival of Allied Forces- which takes place on the site of the German Battery of Longues-sur-Mer (listed monument). Shuttle bus service from Bayeux (1€ return).

Sunday June 6, 2010

08:30 – Asnelles to Port-en-Bessin – “In the footsteps of the 47th British Commando”
A popular 21 km walk retracing the footsteps of the soldiers who liberated Port-en-Bessin, the first petroleum harbour. Picnic at Longues-sur-Mer and free concert. Bring along your picnic and walking shoes. Departure from breach car park and free bus service on return journey.

09:30 – 18:00 – Tilly-sur-Seulles – “Battle of Normandy Bookfair”
The second edition of this book fair brings together editors, authors, booksellers, historians and veterans around one theme: the D-Day Landings and the Battle of Normandy.

19:00 – Bayeux (Place de Gaulle) – “Liberation Ball”
The first town liberated in France celebrates Freedom with a festive picnic (bring your own or purchase on site), a concert and a ball on the Place de Gaulle.

22:00 – Arromanches – “Concert of Fiona Harisson and fireworks”
A repertoire of 1945-50′s music (Place du 6 Juin), followed by a musical fireworks display.

According to Normandy Tourism 2010 will be remembered for being the final year British veterans make the trip across the Channel to participate in the D-Day commemorations so British nationals intending to witness the Normandy commemorations, this is the year to consider making the trip.

Mémorial de Caen – A Museum Dedicated to Peace
Pointe du Hoc – A Tale of Incredible Bravery
Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial
See Normandy beaches, American Cemetery and Pointe du Hoc Photos here

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The date that dedicated Paris fashion shoppers have been holding their breath for – January 6, 2010 is the start of Paris’ famous winter sales.

Starting from January 6th, and for five whole weeks,  it’s Paris sale time and the season for good fashion bargains. From the Grands Boulevards to Avenue Montaigne and Saint Germain to the Marais, there’ll be irresistible buys at prices reduced from 20% up to 70% off!

Shopping in Paris..

Clothes, shoes, fashion accessories as well as furnishing, home decoration, cosmetics and more are all on sale during the Paris sale.  As there’s a wide range of shops for different budgets,  Parisian chic is within everyone’s reach!

Shopping Strategy

On the very first day,  regular and clever bargain shoppers will be making a beeline  for those one-off items at prices they can finally afford.  Stocking up on basics and low value items can be left for later.

Plan your sales strategy before you go by checking out the Paris Shopping Guide,  but make sure you have a shopping budget in mind so that you don’t start the new year in a big pile of debt.

Remember that Parisian chic is not about the price tag but how you put things together!

Bon Shopping!

Read more about Paris Sales HERE.
Travel to Paris by Eurostar

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Informed collectors and amateur lovers of things vintage and beautiful will be heading for the Salon du Vintage’s fourth event in Paris this November. Those who love vintage clothing and accessories will enjoy this fair and from the queue at the last show in April, it seems that there are a lot of fans.

Apart from hunting down your bargain vintage clothing, accessories and furniture at Salon du Vintage, visitors will also be able to see a retrospective of the “past revisited” from select pieces of vintage fashion, accessories and furniture that have been re-created to contemporary designs.

On the furniture front, you can see that the Tam Tam stool created by Henri Massonet in 1968 has a new life as i-Tam Tam, a creation by Branexdesign in collaboration with Apple – yes, the stool comes with an Apple i-phone. Fritz Hansen’s colourful egg chair is a re-creation of the famous Egg chair designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1958. The modern chair is covered with fabric that’s been sourced during the creator’s voyages.

The corset which was imported by Catherine of Medici in 1552 has its influence in a dress by Dolce Gabbana, a leather bodice by Yves Saint Laurent and a bustier at the House of Fendi.

Then there are accessories like fashion shoes, casual shoes and watches.

Salon du Vintage will be held at:

180A Boulevard Saint Germain
75006 Paris
Metro: Saint Germain des Pres

Date: November 14th and 15th
Time: 10:00 – 20:00
Entry fee: €7.00

Bon Shopping!

More on Paris Shopping

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Galeries Lafayette, the famous domed grand magasin on Boulevard Haussman, has just inaugurated its new 34,500 square feet women’s shoes department, giving shoe addicts yet another reason to come to Paris.

The new footwear department “the world’s largest, according to Galeries Lafayette” opened in July, and carries 150 brands of shoes, 75 of which are exclusive to the department store.

Galeries Lafayette aims to please

Galeries Lafayette, Paris

Sandals and boots are available all year round for shoppers travelling to different climates.   This is also great news for visitors doing travel shopping and whose home country climate does not align with Paris seasons. We were in Rome last month and couldn’t find any summer shoes at all!

Your Every Shoe Need

At the shoe department, there are also a variety of services are offered on site, from an artisan cobbler to a foot salon specialising in pedicures.  A foot care centre offers everything you need to take care of your shoes and feet such as special brushes, shoe creams in all colors, foot-care lotions and so on.

The showroom has been organised into five themed areas : fashion, contemporary, urban, luxury and upmarket. You will find an original range that concentrates the world of shoes, from the most affordable to the most upmarket, and from the most traditional to the most creative.

Shoe addicts and budding “Imeldas” – what are you waiting for!

Paris Designer Outlet Shopping

Source: Atout France Australia

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We went to Angelina which lives up to its reputation for the best hot chocolate in Paris. The cakes are spectacular and delicious – definitely one for the sweet tooth!

Angelina is an elegant eatery, a little pricey, but well worth the indulgence. The waiter is quite a character, cracking jokes, making witty comments and generally being very friendly, which help make our visit there memorable (quite unlike the stereotype unfriendly reputation of many of French waiters).

Warning: For hot chocolate lovers, this place is addictive!

Angelina is at 226 rue de Rivoli, Paris, opposite the Jardin des Tuileries.  

Read  more on Angelina on Travel Signposts blog HERE

Cathy – from Paris (guest blogger)

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What with Formula 1, Wimbledon, the Ashes and Tour de France, sports-crazy people in the southern hemisphere are currently suffering badly from sleep deprivation.

Being a follower of the TDF, I’m one of the zombies. But, it’s totally worth it staying up till 2 a.m. to watch these ace cyclists in this most punishing, exciting and tactical race. And, for us travellers, the added bonus is seeing the stunning scenery and magnificent chateaux along of the tour route, not to mention Gabriel Gaté bringing us the specialty foods and wines of the various tour regions.

By the end of the race, the cyclists will have ridden a total distance of 3,500 km over some of the most mountainous terrain. I know what 3,500 km is as I’ve done that kind of distance on many occasions – but on 15-day coach holidays around Europe.

Tonight is the individual time trial around Lake Annecy. The little town of Annecy is really beautiful and when you see it you can understand why it’s been tagged as “Little Venice”.

Read more on our travel to Annecy here.
See Travel Signposts Annecy gallery here.

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