October 2007

IN THE SPOTLIGHT:
Grignan - Drome Provencale
The village of Grignan sits on the flanks of a large rocky peak crowned by the imposing Chateau of the Adhemar de Monteil. The old medieval village is a labyrinth of picturesque, winding roads and shaded, welcoming squares where it's nice to stop and sit at an outdoor cafe.
Places to visit:

* The Château
* The Collegial Church
* Book and Typography museum and workshop
* Miniature Provençal Village
* The cave of Rochecourbière

Marquise de Sévigné
The fame of Grignan is of a literary nature ; this Provençal village cannot be disassociated from her, who made it famous through her correspondence, Marie de Rabutin-Chantal, Marquise de Sevigne."The prettiest girl in France marries, not only the most handsome boy, but the most honest man in the kingdom."

When Françoise Marguerite married the Count of Grignan in 1671, she went to live with him in Grignan. It was the start of a long series of correspondence between the mother who stayed in Paris and the daughter. The letters of the marquise de Sevigne is a masterpiece of literature, known by all schoolchildren in France. The marquise went to Grignan several times to visit her daughter. She died there on February 17, 1696 at the age of 70. Her tomb can be found in the collegial church.

The Bayeux Tapestry has recently been added to UNESCO's "Memory of the World" register. Bayeux's masterpiece is the only French work to be included among the 38 extraordinary documents which have recently received this accolade.


Although the display of the famous linen canvas embroidery retracing the epic voyages of William the Conqueror remains unchanged, the museum exhibition which precedes the masterpiece has been completely rearranged. Since September 2007, the museum, which now places the tapestry in its historical context, has been adapted to meet the changing expectations of visitors. New features include:

- the installation of varying levels of information, from the most basic to the most detailed,
- exhibits arranged in themed blocks,
- a more contemporary layout design.

 The new version of the film, included as part of the museum visit since January 2007, is based on reconstructions of the Battle of Hastings and on animated cartography, all of which benefit from High Definition technology. Future visitors to the Bayeux Tapestry will discover a brand-new museum!  

Insider info: Demonstrations of Bayeux needlepoint embroidery take place every Tuesday from November to April in the Tapestry gift shop.

For further information on the Bayeux Tapestry, log on to our new website: www.tapisserie-bayeux.fr 

Practical information : Entrance fees:
Individuals: €7.70
Groups: €5.10
School groups: €2.80

Open all year except 24 Dec (afternoon), 25 Dec, 26 Dec (morning), 31 Dec (afternoon), 1 Jan and 2 Jan (morning).   Open 13/03 to 02/11, 9am-6.30pm (open until 7pm in July and August). Open 03/11 to 12/03, 9.30am-12.30pm and 2-6pm.

.CALL 800-960-2221 or email: contact@discoverfrance.com for availability on your dates and rate confirmation.

© 2007 Discover France (SM)