Avignon Hotel Monclar

Dear guests,

Alterarosa (which refers to Altera Roma, as Avignon is also known) has become the highlight of the year for lovers of roses, Provence and cultural heritage. Last year, over 23 000 enthusiasts attended this special rose weekend in the prestigious Benedict XII Cloister at the Palace of the Popes, where new breeds of roses were unveiled for the very first time.

The greatest European rose growers collaborate with alterarosa, bringing their new creations to the Palace of the Popes to present them for the very first time to the public, and tell their story.

Avignon Tourisme and Jardiland, co-founders of the alterarosa event, have prepared this much-anticipated fourth edition. The 2008 alterarosa rose show at the Palace of the Popes takes place during four entire days, throughout the entire Ascension holiday weekend.

The Avignon Hotel Monclar thanks the Palais des Papes and all the people who help and participate to this event, and give us the opportunity so see some beautiful creation every year.

We really advice you to be here for this special event, from may 1st to may 04th.

F.CLOTA

Dear guests,

Cathedrale d’Images honours one of the greatest painters of history: Vincent Van Gogh.

The famous limestone quarry of Beaux de Provence was opened to public in 1977 by Albert Plécy but Anne Plécy, his wife, took over his work when he passed away suddenly in the same year. She ran the Cathedrale d’Image until 2001. Since then, Timothée Polad, his grandson, is perpetuating the vision of this unique setting.

During more than 30 years, thousands of visitors have come to see an ever-changing show and to feel the almost-religious peacefulness of the cool galleries tinged by colourful frescoes. Thus we can recall some memories such as the projecting group of Jacques Yves Cousteau in 1978, Michelangelo at the Sistine Chapel in 1996 or recently, in 2006, one honour to Paul Cézanne.

The exposition of Van Gogh takes place from 27th February 2008 to 4th January 2009 from 10 to 18 o’clock without interruption.

Avignon Hotel Monclar thanks to the site of Cathedrale d’Image for these precious informations.

F.CLOTA

Dear guests,

For the second year, Inter Rhône Wines organise a wine festival. It’s related to coast of Rhone (Cotes du Rhone) culture and history, in the Avignon Pope’s castle, on March 29th and 30th.

It’s a unique opportunity for all wine lovers to discover every nuance of Cotes du Rhone wines, matched with provencal cuisine prepared by top chefs in Avignon and in Provence.

The highlight of this event will take place Saturday 29th, from 11 o’clock to 12:30 in the Salle de la Paneterie, presented by Enrico Bernardo. He is the world champion of sommelier in 2004. He will talk about his favorite itinerary, anecdote about cultivation of vineyard that he likes particularly and only 100 privileged persons could attend this opportunity with wine tasting of 10 wines which cross from north to south. (The price is 75 euros per person)

Avignon Hotel Monclar is one of privileged partner with this festival Rhône Exaltation.

And please do not forget, would you please drink with moderation or please call a taxi!

F.CLOTA

Dear friends and customers,

More than love a festival, Valentine’s day represents a symbol, but also there is one emotional history in the region that related to the coast of Rhône wine.

Roquemaure, a small village located in Gard famous for the quality of wine since first century A.D., and 15 kilometers distant from Avignon, celebrates Saint Valentine every year. In 1737, producers of vineyard created the stamping the letters C D R on the barrels in order to produce very good wine with strict rules. In a sense, this was the first step towards today’s AOC system. This wine was very appreciated so that it was exported to not lonely all over the France but also in England and in Italy.

In 1866, a calamity destroyed the economic and social life of the village. For the first time in Europe, the vineyards became diseased with phylloxera, also known as the “deadly pest” or the “Roquemaure stains”. At first, despite every effort made, the wine producers found their future compromised. Finally a rich landowner of Roquemaure, decided to go to Rome with the hope to acquire the relics of a patron Saint that would save the town’s economy. At that time people used to believe in the protecting value of Saint relics. They hoped that the relics would restore the “health and vigour” of their vineyards and protect them from any new harm.

Two years later, one big festival celebrated the arrival of Saint Valentine’s relics acclaimed by the jubilant population of Roquemaure. The fight of wine producer lasted longtime but by the grace of their courage and their determination, they could finally flourish again economically.

Since 1990, inhabitant of this region, which is right side of Rhône celebrate the festival of love which will carry out 16th and 17th Febrary this year with the then atmosphere with traditional costume. So please come and discover like more than 20,000 people every year to Roquemaure, the products of artisan, the kiss competition or the cutting vine and join this wonderful commemoration that is the love festival.

I owe the site of the Saint Valentine to give me these precious informations.

For all reservation of love couple, Avignon Hotel Monclar is happy to offer breakfast until Monday 18 February 2008.

F.CLOTA

The 23rd Cheval Passion horse show will take place from January 16-20, 2008, at Avignon Parc des Expositions in the Vaucluse.

Every January, Avignon is transformed into the equestrian world capital. Who hasn’t heard of the Avignon Equestrian Festival - one of only three shows of its kind in Europe and undisputedly the most creative ? Cheval Passion achieves the feat of attracting larger crowds every year and in keeping even regular visitors coming back for more. The 2008 show covers six major themes: the Gala des Crinières d’Or (Golden Mane Gala), Poney Passion, training for careers with horses, stud farm shows, Equestrian Cabaret, competitions, a trade fair - and much more besides.

The culminating point of the whole show is the Gala des Crinières d’Or - the number one reference in equestrian showmanship. There will be four of these outstanding gala performances celebrating horses and horse-riding, and featuring horses, actors, riders and musicians.

The Avignon Hôtel Monclar proposes you the official site of Cheval Passion in Avignon, if you need further information.

Frederic CLOTA