Centre Travel

A true journey to the centre of the earth Entre Doullens et Amiens (Somme - Picardie ) Tel: 03 22 93 71 78 http://www.grottesdenaours.com/ A City Below .... Over the invasions, Naours ' chalky plateau was dug by men during a long time since the 3 rd century, used initially as stone quarry. It provided shelter for the population during all invasions which took place in Picardie . It was used as " muches " (hiding places in picard dialect). At a depth of 33 metres under the hill, this large underground city could accommodate about 3000 people with their animals. Inside everything was very well organized. You will discover there 28 galleries ( 2000 metre long) 300 chambers, public squares, stables, wells chimneys and a chapel...... Occupied by the allies during the 1st world war, the " muches " were used as headquarters by the german's forces from 1942 to 1944. A City above ..... On your way out, the Picardy Crafts Museum will welcome you and move you b...

A true journey to the centre of the earth Entre Doullens et Amiens (Somme - Picardie ) Tel: 03 22 93 71 78 http://www.grottesdenaours.com/ A City Below .... Over the invasions, Naours ' chalky plateau was dug by men during a long time since the 3 rd century, used initially as stone quarry. It provided shelter for the population during all invasions which took place in Picardie . It was used as " muches " (hiding places in picard dialect). At a depth of 33 metres under the hill, this large underground city could accommodate about 3000 people with their animals. Inside everything was very well organized. You will discover there 28 galleries ( 2000 metre long) 300 chambers, public squares, stables, wells chimneys and a chapel...... Occupied by the allies during the 1st world war, the " muches " were used as headquarters by the german's forces from 1942 to 1944. A City above ..... On your way out, the Picardy Crafts Museum will welcome you and move you b...

150g smoked bacon 1 kg beef flank 2 carrots 2 tablespoons butter 2 shallots, chopped 5 cloves garlic, chopped 1 bottle Burgundy Wine 3 bay leaves , 5 thyme sprigs 5 ooml veal gravy or 3 tablespoons crumbled beef stock cube boiled with 500ml water salt and black pepper Accompaniments 12 small onions, peeled butter, for frying 1 teaspoon sugar 3 tablespoons lemon juice 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil 200g fresh mushrooms, thinly sliced 4 slices white bread 4 asparagus spears, lightly boiled in salted water 8 baby carrots,boiled 3 tablespoons chopped parsley salt and pepper Cut the rind and fat off the bacon and set aside. Cut the bacon meat into small cubes and brown in frying pan. Set aside. Cut the meat into cubes, 5x5 cm and pat dry with kitchen towels. Season with salt and pepper. Slice the carrots into 3 cm pieces Fry the bacon rind in a pan. Add butter if the meat is not very fatty. Add the meat on all sides. Brown the meat on all sides. Add the carrots, onions and garlic when the ...

Val d'Isere : Ski Sunday 2 - 15 February 2009 The highlight of the skiing calendar is FIS Alpine World Ski Championships, which are set to take place in Val d'Isere this year. Competitors from around the world will battle it out on the slopes in events including slalom, giant slalom, super G , super combined and the downhill race. Spectator tickets for the event are FREE and available to everyone, and if that is not enough to whet your whistle you'll be glad to hear that there's a vast programme of festivities and entertainments planned to run alongside the main event, with lights, music and dancing in the village squares, hot local soup served on street corners , and all kinds of attractions for snow bunnies to enjoy. www.valdisere2009.org

Val d'Isere : Ski Sunday 2 - 15 February 2009 The highlight of the skiing calendar is FIS Alpine World Ski Championships, which are set to take place in Val d'Isere this year. Competitors from around the world will battle it out on the slopes in events including slalom, giant slalom, super G , super combined and the downhill race. Spectator tickets for the event are FREE and available to everyone, and if that is not enough to whet your whistle you'll be glad to hear that there's a vast programme of festivities and entertainments planned to run alongside the main event, with lights, music and dancing in the village squares, hot local soup served on street corners , and all kinds of attractions for snow bunnies to enjoy. www.valdisere2009.org

Menton : Bitter Sweet 13 February - 4 March 2009 This year's Menton Lemon Festival is organised around the theme of "islands of the world", so expect a tropical flavour to the proceedings, with floats, costumes and music transporting the crowds to an exotic oasis. After dark the Promenade du Soleil on the seafront is where the party's at, as the Corsos Nocturnes comes to town, while the Jardins de Lumiere boasts pretty displays and illuminations. www.feteducitron.com

Menton : Bitter Sweet 13 February - 4 March 2009 This year's Menton Lemon Festival is organised around the theme of "islands of the world", so expect a tropical flavour to the proceedings, with floats, costumes and music transporting the crowds to an exotic oasis. After dark the Promenade du Soleil on the seafront is where the party's at, as the Corsos Nocturnes comes to town, while the Jardins de Lumiere boasts pretty displays and illuminations. www.feteducitron.com

TOULOUSE: Pretty in Purple 9 - 10 February 2009 Any gardeners reading will know that February is flowering season for violets, which also happen to be the emblematic flower of Toulouse. These pretty perfumed blooms have been cultivated in the city since the 19 th century and its annual Violet Festival showcases the best bouquets, with lots on show in the city centre, as well as a violet market, and violet -based sweet treats on offer in most local eateries. http://www.uk.toulouse-tourisme.com/

TOULOUSE: Pretty in Purple 9 - 10 February 2009 Any gardeners reading will know that February is flowering season for violets, which also happen to be the emblematic flower of Toulouse. These pretty perfumed blooms have been cultivated in the city since the 19 th century and its annual Violet Festival showcases the best bouquets, with lots on show in the city centre, as well as a violet market, and violet -based sweet treats on offer in most local eateries. http://www.uk.toulouse-tourisme.com/

13 February -1 March 2009 NICE puts on its dancing shoes this winter as the 125 th Nice Carnival comes to town. The origins of the carnival date back to the Middle Ages, when the town's residents enjoyed a huge feast before fasting for lent. This year's theme is "King of the Masquerades" so expect to see an outrages display of masks costumes and flots gracing the streets, as well as the usual music, dancing, fireworks and flower parades on the Promenade des Anglais and around the city. www.nicecarnaval.com

13 February -1 March 2009 NICE puts on its dancing shoes this winter as the 125 th Nice Carnival comes to town. The origins of the carnival date back to the Middle Ages, when the town's residents enjoyed a huge feast before fasting for lent. This year's theme is "King of the Masquerades" so expect to see an outrages display of masks costumes and flots gracing the streets, as well as the usual music, dancing, fireworks and flower parades on the Promenade des Anglais and around the city. www.nicecarnaval.com