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Archive for the ‘France Events’ Category
A French themed evening of Petanque with Pierre & Vacances
To celebrate all things French and take the opportunity to unwind with their travel industry colleagues and comrades, the Pierre & Vacances UK team set about hosting a Petanque Tournament on Brighton seafront last week, courtesy of the official Brighton & Hove Petanque Club. With refreshments provided, a beautiful backdrop of Brighton Pier and prizes on offer, how could anyone resist?
With expectations of 90 or so guests, Elodie, the newest member to the Pierre & Vacances UK team (and our now resident Petanque party organising expert!), set about getting ready to feed the masses. After much investigation of Brighton’s supermarkets Elodie sourced some of the best and most delicious French delights for our guests to enjoy while playing a spot of Petanque.
The Pierre & Vacances UK team in their French themed outfits!
For once the English weather did not let us down and with the sun high in the sky and not a cloud in sight, the Pierre & Vacances UK team served up quite a treat. From popular French cheese, bread and wine to the pièce de résistance – fresh “saucisson” direct from France, and close to the region where Elodie herself is from, the stunning Ardeche (special thanks goes to Elodie’s very kind Father for sending over the sausage).
After some practice rounds to hone petanque skills and eye up the competition the games began. And what a great turn out, soon enough 16 teams of 2 players were busy swinging their Petanque balls.
And with representatives from French Radio London, The Association of British Travel Organisers to France, Atout France, On Holiday Group, Take the Family, Student Travel Group, Erna Low and TUI Travel, hopes for an English vs French final were high.
With one knock out after another (and many wines later) the finalists, father and son duo Ossian and Fulvio from the Student Travel Group contingency, came tête-à-tête with Nick and Dave, from local web agency RedBedlam. And please note the lack of the French contingency in the final….
The final match saw Fulvio and Ossian storming out miles ahead with what looked to be an easy win, but not ones to give up without a fight Nick and Dave were hot on their tail. The pairs battled it out while the rest of the party watched on in anticipation. Another 20 minutes later a beaming Ossian and Fulvio won the game 7-2, the prize: a Pierre & Vacances self-catering holiday of their choosing.
Our winners Fulvio and son Ossian!
Not ones to disappoint excellent competitors, Pierre & Vacances had a little treat in store for the runners up, and soon Nick and Dave were the proud owners of a delicately carved Pierre & Vacances branded Petanque set to practice with ready for next year’s re-match.
The winners then went on to take on the professionals from the Petanque Club but were not quite so successful – better luck next time boys!
A great night was had by all and we at Pierre & Vacances would like to thank everyone who came along and who took part in the Petanque tournament, we look forward to welcoming you back again next year! We’d also like to say an extra special thank you to SeaFrance for offering a return ferry crossing as part of the winner’s prize.
If you’d like to try the French game of Petanque yourself, have a go at our online 3D Petanque game!
La Fête Nationale – Bastille Day in France!
It’s the 14th July so get ready for parties, feasts and fireworks! But this thursday isn’t just any national holiday in France: known as Bastille Day or La Fête Nationale, the date represents independence, freedom and one of the pivotal moments in French history – the storming of the Bastille.
Here’s our guide to the history, celebrations and food to be enjoyed during Bastille Day, so start waving your Tricolore, belt out your finest rendition of La Marseillaise and get ready for some fantastique parties. Viva la France!
And if this whets your appetite for exploring everything Francais, what better way to experience France than on a self-catering holiday. And Pierre & Vacances have a wide variety of holiday apartments and self-catering resorts for families all over France - from accommodation in Normandy and Paris, to apartments in Vendee and the South of France.
The Bastille
The Bastille de Saint-Antoine, to give it its formal name, is one of the most infamous fortress and prisons in the world. Built in the 14th Century during the Hundred Years’ War with Britain, it held all manner of prisoners – from the thieves and fraudsters, to those accused of religious and high-profile crimes.
The secrecy around the fortress and its prisoners gained the Bastille a sinister reputation amongst Parisians and it soon became a symbol of the tyranny of their absolute monarch, which in 1789 was King Louis XVI.
It’s reputation was so ominous that it also housed some of the most infamous literary prisoners too, including the Comte de Rochefort (The Three Musketeers), Doctor Alexander Manette (A Tale of Two Cities), M. Thénardier (Les Miserables) and the King’s twin brother Philippe (The Man in the Iron Mask).
1789 and the storming of the Bastille
Prise de la Bastille, by Jean-Pierre-Louis-Laurent Houel
In 1789 France was in the midst of political upheaval, with the swing of power away from the King and the aristocracy [which made up 2% of the population] and towards the Bourgeoisie [middle class] who had created the National Assembly to push through a new constitution – the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen.
French journalist and historian Francois Mignet wrote at the time that Paris was ‘intoxicated with liberty and enthusiasm’, showing wide support for the Assembly and an increasing hostility towards King Louis XVI and his immensely unpopular wife Queen Marie Antoinette.
The storming of the Bastille came after three days of protests over King Louis’ dismissal of a key supporter of the National Assembly, and what the people on the street saw as his attempt to regain complete control.
In July 1789 the Bastille only held seven prisoners – four forgers, two ‘lunatics’ and one ‘deviant’ aristocrat. But as well as keeping criminals, the Bastille also stored gunpowder and arms, and it was this that the crowd were after when they stormed the fortress on 14th July 1789.
A crowd of nearly 9,000 men and women gathered outside the Bastille mid-morning, calling for the release of arms and gunpowder and surrender of the prison. Negotiations started, but by mid afternoon the rioters were bolstered by mutinous Gardes Françaises of the Royal Army, and more importantly – two cannons. Governor Bernard-René de Launay surrendered and allowed the rioters into the fortress where they took the arms and gunpowder, released the seven prisoners and killed Launay and his 120 guards.
By the next day the prison was already being demolished and six months later there was barely a trace of its 400 year history, luckily some foundations still remain today. But the storming of the Bastille had a huge propaganda value, and quickly became a symbol of freedom, independence and the beginning of the French revolution.
Remaining stones of the Bastille are still visible now on Boulevard Henri IV
Bastille Day celebrations
Bastille Day doesn’t officially celebrate the storming of the Bastille, but rather the Fête de la Fédération: the celebrations held in 1790 on the first anniversary of the fall of the prison.
In 1790 the Fête de la Fédération honored the recently established constitutional monarchy and the stability of the new political system [and by 1794 a Republic would be in power and the King would have been executed for high treason]. The day was a huge success with parades, balls and a huge feast which began at 4am!
Modern Bastille Day celebrations start a little later in the day, but you can be sure to see parades, musical performances, meals, dances and, of course, spectacular fireworks! Celebrations are held all over France, from the large to the small, but the most spectacular are in Paris.
French parties often kick off on the evening of 13 July with nationwide ‘bal des pompiers’ (‘firemen’s balls’), with live music and street parties. Then on the morning of 14 July, the President leads a military parade along the Champs- Elysées with a display of jets flying over the Arc de Triomphe leaving red, white and blue – for the French Tricolore flag.
However the biggest highlight of any Bastille Day is the awesome hour-long firework display around the Eiffel Tower which never fails to take the breath away.
Bastille Day food
Even if you’re not in France for the biggest party of the summer, feed your inner Francophile with a French themed menu – think ratatouille, Niçoise salads, crepes filled with French gruyere cheese, mushrooms and spinach, or if like the French you fancy taking the cooking outdoors, a BBQ of fresh seafood, all washed down with a chilled Sémillon or Chenin blanc, [or an Orangina for les enfants].
And for more delicious dish ideas, region by region, check out our French recipe blog.
Skiing in the French Alps: our winner’s video!
At the end of March Richard Wilkinson won a skiing holiday to the fantastic French Alps destination of Avoriaz, courtesy of Pierre & Vaccances, P&O Ferries and Avoriaz.
He took wife Wendy and daughter Millie on an adventure packed week in April with plenty of snow, skiing and sun!
Check out the fantastic video of their week away skiing in the Portes du Soleil:
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.
