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Archive for the ‘Culture & Style’ Category
The Three Musketeers: All for one, and one for all!
From Oliver Reed and Charlie Sheen, to Mickey Mouse and Dogtanian, our love affair with the Three Musketeers shows no signs of waning. With the imminent release of the new movie version (starring Orlando Bloom and Matthew Macfadyen) we thought the time was ripe to zone in on some of the locations associated with the original fab four (not forgetting D’Artagnan!) from Alexandre Dumas’ novel.
So here’s our guide to enjoying some swashbuckling adventures around France.
Head to Aquitaine and Midi-Pyrénées for: The real McCoy
Inspired by a 17th century work Memoires de d’Artagnan by Gatien de Cortilz de Sandras, The Three Musketeers is believed to be based on various historical characters who really existed
The real Porthos, Aramis and Athos as well as D’Artagnan all hailed from the Béarn region of Gascony. Criss-crossing the borders of Aquitaine and Midi-Pyrénées will transport you to the home-land of these French Guard elite.
Issac de Porteau, Dumas’ Porthos, was born in 1617 in Pau and his manor is still standing, in the village of Lanne. The Chateau de Porothos – where he retired from service – was damaged in an earthquake but restored in 2005.
Henry d’Aramitz, the inspiration for Aramis, was an abbot in the valley of Barétous, whilst Athos was based on Armand de Sillègue, who was born in the village of Athos-Aspis. His cousin, Arnaud-Jean du Peyrer, Comte de Treville, Captain of the King’s Musketeers, lived at le Chateau de Trois-Villes in Tardets. A private residence, the castle is open year-round bar June.
Charles Ogier de Batz de Castelmore, Comte d’Artagnan – who Dumas’ character is believed to be based on – was born in Lupiac in Gers. Today the village is home to the D’Artagnan Museum, where visitors can learn the legend behind the hero. And you can also pay a visit to the Chateau of Castelmore, where Batz was born.
Also worth a visit is nearby Auch, the ancient capital of Gascony, to snap the statue of D’Artagnan.
Statue of D’Artagnan
And in Condom you can see the recently commissioned sculpture of the three musketeers by Russian artist, Zurab Tsereteli.
Sculpture of the three musketeers by Zurab Tsereteli
The Château d’Arricau-Bordes in Madiran, known locally as the ”ancienne résidence de d’Artagnan, le fameux mousquetaire’’, may not hold many musketeer relics but is worth a visit for the vineyards – as one of the oldest wine estates in France. It was the 18th-century home of the Comte Jean-Paul Montesquiou d’Artagnan, uncle of the illustrious musketeer and D’Artagnan is said to have stayed in the property on numerous occasions.
The Château d’Arricau-Bordes in Madiran
And if you want to explore the region famous for the real musketeers, the Pierre & Vacances’ Residence Le Hameau du Lac, Marciac, offers self catering accommodation for all the family.
Head to Rhône-Alpes for: Following in the Footsteps of Celebrity
If, like us, you’re a little bit in love with the 1973 film version starring Oliver Reed, Richard Chamberlain and Michael York, then you’ll want to make a beeline for Perouges at the foot of the Alps. Whilst much of the film was shot on location in Spain (quelle horreur!), Perouges’s charming cobbled streets and old stone buildings appeared as a backdrop for certain scenes.
For comfortable self catering accommodation, the Aparthotel Annecy Centre is ideal for those wanting to wander in the footsteps of film stars.
Head to Paris for: A Piece of the Action
A Three Musketeers pilgrimage wouldn’t be complete without retracing their steps in the capital, where the main protagonists lived.
Val-de-Grâce church on rue St Jacques in the 5th was commissioned by Anne of Austria, wife to Louis XIII and the French Queen in The Three Musketeers. Legend tells that she originally built just the cloister, but when she had a son after 23 childless years of marriage, she had the church built in celebration. Louis XIV himself is said to have laid the cornerstone for the Val-de-Grâce in a ceremony that took place April 1, 1645, when he was seven years old.
The real Cardinal Richelieu lived at number 21 Place de Vosges, the oldest square in Paris, from 1615 to 1627.
Place de Vosges
The musketeers of the novel lived very close to each other:
- Athos in Rue Férou – between St. Sulpice and the Luxembourg garden, a narrow street lined with high-walled courtyards and 17th century buildings. Athos lived here, “two steps away from the Luxembourg Garden”, and it is here that he was wounded in a duel at the beginning of the story
- Aramis in Rue Servandoni
- Porthos in Rue du Vieux Colombier
When D’Artagnan arrives in Paris he finds lodgings on the Rue des Fossoyeurs. Monsieur de Treville’s residence, is on the Rue du Vieux Colombier, which we later learn is where Porthos lives and which runs along the north side of the present place Saint-Sulpice, joined on the south side by Rue Férou, where Athos lives.
Rue de Fossoyeurs, where D’Artagnan used to live, is present-day Rue Servandoni, running parallel to Rue Ferou, between the church and the park.
Rue de Fossoyeurs
The dueling site where they all showed up to fight D’Artagnan was at the Carmes-Deschaux, Rue des Carmes.
The Louvre was the setting for various scenes in the novel as was the Luxembourg Palace.
And as a last homage, visit the crypt of the Pantheon where a number of French heroes are buried and where Dumas himself keeps company with the likes of Marie Curie, Victor Hugo and Louis Braille, the inventor of the script for the blind.
Alexandre Duma
And for those wanting to retrace the steps of the Musketeers’ Parisian adventures, Pierre & Vacances has a wide range of self-catering accommodation in the heart of Paris.
A guide to Cannes’ nightlife
Think Cannes and sleek style, glamorous yachts, amazing cocktails and plush VIP parties spring to mind.
And during May the Cannes Film Festival rolls its star-studded party train into the French Riviera, followed closely by the world’s media, fashionable followers and those wanting to dance the night away.
Experience the glamour of Cannes first hand, Pierre & Vacances have a selection of self-catering accommodation to provide a great base to explore one of the most luxurious spots in France.
So whether you want a relaxed glass of wine, or one of the best cocktails in the world: here is our guide to the bars, drinks and dance floors in the most exclusive location on the French Riviera. Just remember to bring your dancing shoes and the very best of your wardrobe: the bars and clubs in Cannes have strict dress codes anytime of year!
Cannes Film Festival Nightlife
During the Cannes Film Festival fortnight many pop-up nightclubs appear, hosting special sponsored and fashion nights, hosted celebrity parties and VIP evenings.
Le Baron and The VIP Room are too of the most famous and popular with the stars. Some celebrities also host luxurious private parties kept secret until the very last moment…
VIP ROOM CANNES F.I.F BEST OF PARTIES 2010 by Official_VIP_ROOM_TV
To get into the best parties you have to be on ‘The List’, but it is also possible to sneak your way in to an event, just keep your ear to the ground, your posh clothes on and network with everyone you meet. But Cannes nightlife is always buzzing, and sometimes there’s more fun to be had outside of the VIP rooms!
Cannes nightlife
Just because the glamour of the Film Festival leaves town at the end of May doesn’t mean there isn’t still fun to be had, dancing to be done and decadent cocktails to be drunk. Here are the bars and clubs that are a bit more down to earth and open for business all summer:
Charly’s – Rue du Suquet
A cool, cave-like bar which is the perfect place to start and finish the night. The quirky interior attracts the cool and the hip, with cocktails to match. There’s even a waterfall down one wall and live bands to get the evening in full swing.
La Cave a Vin – 10 Rue Marceau
Perfectly located in the city centre, this relaxed and intimate bar has more than 150 types of wine from around the world and is where locals go for a relaxed glass, or two!
Le Carre Blanc – 14 Rue Macé
A stylish lounge bar with a lively but relaxed atmosphere where the DJs play until late [or early depending on how you look at it!]. Perfect for post-beach drinks, dancing or just relaxing over a bottle of wine.
Le Loft Bar
Sleek and contemporary, Le Loft bar has intimate corners, classy cocktails and a seductive atmosphere. Post-11pm the swish sofas and dark dance floor really fill up.
Caliente – 83 Bld de la Croisette
A lively bar with a sultry South American feel, complete with sea front terrace, live Latino groups playing salsa and samba, and some of the best Caiparinha’s known to Europe.
Dada Da – 15 Rue des Frères Pradignac
This trendy, hybrid club is definitely a non-conformist, bridging cabaret, theatre, disco and midnight movies into one plush package.
La Chunga – 20 Rue Latour Maubourg
A quirky 1950s style piano bar which is a famous post midnight destination, complete with cosy corners, live music and patrons dancing on the tables. It’s also a firm favourite of the festival pack.
And for something a little bit special:
These bars are frequented by the rich, famous and downright fabulous, and so have the price tags to match! So go looking your very best, prepared to queue, and be extra friendly to the door-staff!
Admiral Bar at the Martinez – 73 Boulevard de la Croisette
This luxury hotel bar serves the best cocktails in the Riviera, and that’s not just our opinion, they hold several French Championships for cocktail making and flaring! And if you’re not too distracted watching the bartenders juggling glasses, bottles and shakers, look out for the metal plates with famous names on the bar – these mark the regulars’ favourite spots….
Palm Beach Casino – Place Franklin Roosevelt
Possibly the best destination to dance the night away, the casino turned nightclub boasts some of the most A-List of music stars, from P-Diddy to Eve.
Le Baoli – 1 Boulevard de la Croisette
Frequented by models, actors, millionaires and sports stars this restaurant/club is ultra-swish [and exorbitantly priced] but definitely worth experiencing if just for one drink…
Fabulous French Film stars: our round up of the best French Actors
Lights, camera, action! The Cannes Film Festival 2011, the most prestigious film festival of the year, kicks off on 11th May 2011 and runs for 12 celluloid packed days.
So to get you ready for all the glitz, glamour and gossip from the French Riviera we’ve pulled together a list of biggest and brightest French male stars to look out for on the red carpet.
And if you’re wondering where the talented French actresses are on our list? We’ve already paid homage to them here.
For those wanting to experience the glamour of Cannes first hand, Pierre & Vacances have a selection of self-catering accommodation in Cannes to provide a great base for festivals fans.
Gérard Depardieu – The eccentric legend
You’ll know him from: the long-nosed star in Cyrano de Bergerac, fun-loving Musketeer Pothos in The Man in the Iron Mask and rotund Gaul Obelix in the Asterix and Obelix movie series.
What’s his story? Starting his acting career with a small travelling theatre, Gérard then took minor film roles until getting his big break in comedy crime caper Les Valseuses in 1974. By the 80s and 90s he was one of the leading French actors, with his breakout performance coming in the title role for Cyrano De Bergerac. As well as French films, he’s forayed into Hollywood with romantic comedy Green Card opposite Andie MacDowell, war-epic 1900 co-starring Robert DeNiro and The Man in the Iron Mask with Leonardo DiCaprio.
During his 54 year career, Gérard has acted in nearly 200 TV and film productions, winning 16 awards including two best actor César awards and one Cannes Film Festival Award, and been nominated for 19 awards including one Oscar and two BAFTAs. He announced his intention to retire 2005 but as of yet shows no signs of slowing down!
Did you know? Gérard owns vineyards in France, Italy, Morocco and Algeria and two restaurants in Paris: La Fontaine Gaillon and L’Ecaille de la Fontaine.
Watch him next in: World War II thriller So I Say, as painter Claude Monet in Monet, la Lumière Blanche and as Obelix in Astérix and Obélix: God Save Britannia.
Olivier Martinez – the smouldering heartbreaker
You’ll know him from: playing the baddie in action packed S.W.A.T, the charming book fan in thriller Unfaithful and determined to catch a killer in crime mystery Taking Lives.
What’s his story? Probably [and unfairly] best known for being Kylie Minogue’s ex and now dating A-list actress Halle Berry, Olivier is more than a pretty face, even if he was once [fairly we think] dubbed ‘the French Brad Pitt’. He began acting late, aged 23, after his friends persuaded him that he was wasted selling jeans. And boy were they right! After several small TV roles he gained international interest in Le Hussard sur le Toit opposite Juliette Binoche. From there he has starred in thriller Unfaithful, action-packed S.W.A.T, supernatural adventure Blood and Chocolate and adventure A la Recerca del Grial.
Did you know? Olivier’s original career choice was as a boxer [following in his father's footsteps] and he even fought in European competitions, but an accident finished his career early.
Watch him next in: watery adventure Dark Tides opposite real-life love Halle Berry, and ensemble film Deauville rumoured to be set on the gorgeous French beach of that name.
Romain Duris – the leading man
You’ll know him from: the award winning The Beat My Heart Skipped as a troubled pianist/gangsta, and the charmingly awkward Xavier in L’auberge Espagnole and its sequel Russian Dolls.
What’s his story? Romain was minding his own business in Paris as an art student when he was spotted by director Cédric Klapisch who he has since worked with many times. His success is his versatility, being able to play a convincing thug, switching to a charming womaniser and then to a simple French student living in Barcelona. Since being discovered he’s starred in more than 35 film and TV roles.
Did you know? Before acting, Romain started and drummed in an acid-Jazz band called Kingsize.
Watch him next in: romantic comedy Heartbreakers with Vanessa Paradis and as a troubled lawyer escaping his past in The Big Picture.
Daniel Auteuil – the legend
You’ll know him from: being tangled in a love triangle in A Heart in Winter, police thriller 36 Quai des Orfèvres.
What’s his story? After various minor TV and film roles, Daniel’s 1986 starring role in historic drama Jean de Florette brought him international recognition [and a BAFTA award], since then he has become one of the best-known, best-paid and most popular actors in France. Through films such as Cache, Mon Meilleur Ami, Le Bossu and Apres Vous he has since gained greater international recognition. Among his 11 awards is a Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival in 1996 for The Eighth Day.
Did you know? Both of Daniel’s parents were accomplished opera singers.
Watch him next in: his directorial [and screen writing] debut The Well Digger’s Daughter and industrial drama La Mer à Boire.
Mathieu Amalric – the acclaimed star
You’ll know him from: playing Bond baddie Dominic Greene in Quantum of Solace, the real life story of paralysed Jean-Dominique Bauby in The Diving Bell and the Butterfly and informant Louis in thriller Munich.
What’s his story? The son of a journalist and literary critic, Mathieu first gained fame in the film Comment je me suis disputé… (ma vie sexuelle) (My Sex Life…or How I Got Into an Argument) in 1997 for which he won the Most Promising Actor César Award. More drawn to independent and gritty parts, Mathieu admits he took the role of Dominic Green in Quantum of Solace because he knew he couldn’t tell his sons he refused to be a Bond villain. In 2010 he directed his first feature film On Tour, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and won him the Best Director award.
Did you know? As well as acting, Mathieu teaches at La Femis [the French National Film School].
Watch him next in: Cosmopolis with Robert Pattinson and Juliette Binoche, love story Chicken with Plums with Isabella Rossellini.
Vincent Cassel – the tough guy
You’ll know him from: playing ballet director Thomas Leroy in Black Swan, thief Baron François Toulour in Ocean’s Twelve and Ocean’s Thirteen, the voice of Monsieur [Robin] Hood in Shrek.
What’s his story? Vincent has showbiz in his blood, the son of Jean-Pierre Cassel [who was discovered by Gene Kelly], he shot to international attention in 1995 in urban drama La Haine, for which he was nominated for two César awards. Vincent is a flexible actor, and has fast become the go-to guy for the intense and villainous such as roles in Eastern Promises, Doberman, Black Swan and Birthday Girl, while being equally adept at the suave and quintessentially French parts in films Elizabeth, Ocean’s Twelve and Ocean’s Thirteen. Vincent is also the voice-over for actor Hugh Grant in French versions of his films.
Did you know? Vincent’s has acted in 10 films with his wife, glamorous Italian actress Monica Bellucci.
Watch him next in: in Freud based thriller A Dangerous Method and gothic literary adaptation The Monk.
Readers Poll: What would be your top French export?
There are many things to thank France for: delicious cuisine, chic style, mouthwatering wine and fabulous films.
So what else would you bring back from France if it could fit in your car boot?
A retrospective of French music
Oh la la and indeed, sacre bleu, the first Gallic music station has launched in London. French Radio London has sent shockwaves across the capital, generating a bevy of questions such as ‘is French pop music any good?’??!
We thought we’d inspire you to tune into the new digital station – or fill your MP3 player for when you hit the slopes – with a run-down of French music through the ages.
Here’s everything you need to know about French pop, from Piaf to Paradis and beyond.
In the beginning…French pop music in the ’40s, ‘50s and ‘60s
Once upon a time in France…there was Chanson, a brand of popular ballads, often romantically influenced. Edith Piaf, the cabaret diva, is one of the legends of this genre. Even the most Francophobic will have heard ‘La Vie en rose’ (1946) and ‘Non, je ne regrette rien’ (1960).
Piaf led the way for a whole generation of singing sirens. For a more modern rendition of her classics, kooky French-Canadian singer, Martha Wainwright has dedicated an entire album and stage show to Piaf covers, ‘Sans Fusils Ni Souliers A Paris’.
The golden age of Chanson Française in the 50s and 60s was dominated by French icons such as post war poet and composer, Georges Brassens, as well known in France as the Beatles are in the UK!
The ‘60s also saw the rise of pop prince, Johnny Hallyday, dubbed the French Elvis (more Tom Jones!). At his heyday in the swinging sixties, Hallyday is definitely now on the luke warm side of cool.
French prog rock and punk, ‘70s and ‘80s
The French led the way in the prog rock scene of the 1970s. Magma combined jazz, opera and more to create a dark mega-mix of groundbreaking music. Drummer and founder, Christian Vander, is said to have invented his own language to express the post-apocalyptic story lines of the band’s albums…erm, right.
From prog rock to punk rockers, the French continued to inspire…pub rock, pop punk, synth rock…heady days!
One of the most successful French bands of the 1980s was Les Rita Mitsouko.
Pop trivia for you – American band Sparks collaborated with the duo on their third album.
We can’t leave the ‘80s behind without singing the praises of songstress Vanessa Paradis. Joe le taxis was at number one in the French charts for 11 weeks, even becoming a hit in the UK (fuelling fantasies for generations of teenage boys).
French music – house and electronic, ‘90s and ‘00s
Ah now we’re talking pop pickers! These are the decades when French pop explodes onto the international stage with a whole host of chart tastic talent.
Not least of all are the dulcet tones of the current first lady, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy. After leaving a modelling career for music, the talented Ms Bruni produced three albums (and is still recording to date). Ms Bruni’s repertoire includes singing for Nelson Mandela on his 91st birthday, and having her debut album title track on the soundtrack for 2009 rom-com smash hit, (500) Days of Summer.
Disco house, Neu-disco , French touch, filter house or tekfunk – call it what you will, euro disco is definitely ‘at home’ in France. The likes of Daft Punk and Air are successful exports of this funky scene.
Other notable names include DJ Etienne de Crécy who spearheaded the commercial success of the genre (and not to forget ‘70s father of electronic, Jean Michele Jarre).
French music – What’s hot now??
The current French top 40 is dominated by names like David Guetta, René la taupe – the mobile ringtone singing groundhog – zouk and ragga rapstars Collective Métissé. Perhaps not a very fair representation.
The success of pop talent contest, the Star Academy, has spawned a new generation of popstars not dissimilar to the X Factor-y across the Channel. Whilst many creations could be dismissed out of hand, Nolwenn Leroy has gone on to reinvent herself and continues to top the charts.
Shot to prominence when they posted a song on My Space in 2005, Yelle will be opening on tour for Katy Perry in the UK in 2011. The band is at the heart of the current ‘techtonik’ music scene, check out the groovy dance moves:
Other ones to watch include:
Zaz (not to be confused with been round the block Zazie) the nom de plume of hot new gypsy jazz singer (Isabelle Geffroy).
Tété is a self-taught singer, songwriter and guitarist, one of French music’s most successful young stars.
And for something a little bit different, check out French folk rock band, La Maison Tellier – very Mummford and Sons.
And if the sounds created by our Gallic cousins is music to your ears, check out these three Pierre & Vacances properties where you’ll be in close proximity to hot live music events and venues:
Take in some jazz at the Rue des Lombards, home to three of Paris’ smoothest jazz clubs including the newly renovated Duc des Lombards. Stay at the nearby Aparthotel Paris Opera.
Avoriaz is home to a plethora of exciting music events this season including the innovative new ski-to Concert du Sauvages or Wild Concerts Festival which takes place from April 2-9, 2011. Access to the gigs, which will take place on pop up stages in secret mountain locations throughout the Portes du Soleil ski region, is free with a Portes du Soleil ski pass. Locations will be revealed by SMS text prior to each gig. Register here.
Pierre et Vacances has nine fantastically located self catering residences in Avoriaz 1800 all of which are ski in, ski out.
Pierre & Vacances website for the latest amazing offers.
