MUROL.FR
A useful website for those interested in Murol and the surrounding area.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Murol - a beautiful day
Went for a hike up to the Château last week. It was a beautiful day, clear blue skies and bright sunshine, but about 2 degrees above. The kids had a great time pretending to be knights.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Monday, February 2, 2009
The 20th Sancy Snow Jazz Festival in Auvergne
The 20th Sancy Snow Jazz Festival in Auvergne
A great event - with some excellent artists. Loads going on and the place is buzzing.
A great event - with some excellent artists. Loads going on and the place is buzzing.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
BBC SPORT | Football | Premier League | Liverpool 2-0 Chelsea
BBC SPORT | Football | Premier League | Liverpool 2-0 Chelsea
Torres - great to have you back again.
Come on Liverpool!
Torres - great to have you back again.
Come on Liverpool!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Freezing Their Nuts Off!
It’s freezing out there. The track is sheet ice! Perfect conditions then for the drivers competing for the Trophée Andros, a series of motor races which take place each December and January in some of
The races take place on specially created floodlit ice circuits and attract drivers from all types of driving disciplines. The symbiosis of highly skilled driver, nerveless navigation and finely tuned machine over some of the most testing of tracks provides a highly entertaining spectacle as the drivers push their machines to the limit. Unsurprisingly, this unique event brings out the crowds in large numbers despite the often sub-zero temperatures, who contribute to the uniquely Gallic atmosphere with strong vocal support for their favourite drivers. Spectators are warmed not only by the spectacular racing but by plenty of vin chaud and hot food. Even so you would be wise to equip yourself with a sizeable hip flask and some good silk underwear before venturing to the track.
King of the constructors is
For the technophiles among you the Auris “ice” is a four wheel drive four wheel steer model built around the Lexus RX 300 3 litre V6 rear mounted engine pumping out over 300 bhp. The lightweight glass fibre body sits over a rigid welded steel “cage”. Tyres are standard issue Continentals, with a tread only a few inches wide covered with hundreds of tiny steel studs for extra grip on the ice.
The climax of each season is always at Superbesse in the Puy de Dome region of the
Spills, thrills and skills. Not something you get every Saturday night. Well worth the admission price.
For somewhere to stay near the action visit Auvergne France Vacances.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
BBC NEWS | Health | Obesity 'set before age of five'
BBC NEWS | Health | Obesity 'set before age of five'
A worrying trend.
What we need is more discipline in our diets and more exercise.
Why not take an active holiday in the Auvergne.
A worrying trend.
What we need is more discipline in our diets and more exercise.
Why not take an active holiday in the Auvergne.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Blue and yellow is the colour
The French passion for rugby union is as well known as their love of fine wine.
But, in the same way that wines vary in quality so does the French national side, sometimes even in the same match. Capable of sublime attacking flair the French have the ability to beat anyone; witness the second half come back against the All Blacks at last years world cup, but at the same time can make hard work of beating lowlier opposition and are prone to self destruct during a match. When things start to go wrong the players can get frustrated and quickly loose their discipline.
Nowhere is rugby held in higher esteem than in the French region of the
The club was founded in 1911 under the initiative of Monsieur Marcel Michelin, one of the founders of the giant tyre manufacturer, who remain one of the cities biggest employers and the clubs owners and, not surprisingly, one of its chief sponsors. The official title of the club is ASM Clermont
In 2008 the club completed the re-development of its magnificent €12 million, 16,000 capacity stadium, named after Marcel Michelin Surrounded by beautiful volcanic uplands, the ground is one of the most picturesque in the country, dominated by the Puy de Dome, the highest point overlooking the city. A visit to this stadium on match day is a treat for any rugby enthusiast. The traditional French band maintains a constant medley of trumpet inspired tunes, not even letting up during kicks at goal, a feature in contrast to the silence observed at grounds in the
Despite ASM Clermont
Friday, November 28, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Liverpool - Kings of Europe?
Well, the mighty reds have won through to yet another Champions League knockout phase by beating Marseille 1-0 last knight at Anfield.
Our match winner again was Stevie Gerrard who scored his fifth CL goal of the season making him current top scorer in this years competition.
Fernando Torres, still coming back from injury, had a quiet game but for most of the match he was feeding off scraps and must have been very frustrated to get such a poor service. When he did get the ball he was isolated and too easily gave up possession. Let's hope this is all money in the bank as far as fitness and sharpness is concerned.
Marseilles played some very decent football but in the first half lacked any penetration and were too easily knocked off the ball. Liverpool were in command. However, in the second half Marseille came out with much more attacking intent and more than held their own in terms of skill and possession. Indeed, it was sometimes difficult to tell which were the home and away teams as Marseille pressed for an equaliser with that man Jamie Carragher having another immense game in defence, preventing many a scoring opportunity. Dossena on the other hand had a poor game and was lucky not to give away a penalty in the second half. Bring back Hyypia for the next match please.
Liverpool looked quite ordinary at times with some disappointing periods of poor ball retention and some poor passes. This is unexpected with the likes of Gerrard, Aurelio, Mascherano and Alonso in your team. They will need to improve on this if they are to go further in the competition and maintain their challenge for the Premiership.
All in all I think we got out of jail last night as Marseille were worth at least a draw. On the positive side Liverpool have qualified after two poor performances and can play a lot better.
Our match winner again was Stevie Gerrard who scored his fifth CL goal of the season making him current top scorer in this years competition.
Fernando Torres, still coming back from injury, had a quiet game but for most of the match he was feeding off scraps and must have been very frustrated to get such a poor service. When he did get the ball he was isolated and too easily gave up possession. Let's hope this is all money in the bank as far as fitness and sharpness is concerned.
Marseilles played some very decent football but in the first half lacked any penetration and were too easily knocked off the ball. Liverpool were in command. However, in the second half Marseille came out with much more attacking intent and more than held their own in terms of skill and possession. Indeed, it was sometimes difficult to tell which were the home and away teams as Marseille pressed for an equaliser with that man Jamie Carragher having another immense game in defence, preventing many a scoring opportunity. Dossena on the other hand had a poor game and was lucky not to give away a penalty in the second half. Bring back Hyypia for the next match please.
Liverpool looked quite ordinary at times with some disappointing periods of poor ball retention and some poor passes. This is unexpected with the likes of Gerrard, Aurelio, Mascherano and Alonso in your team. They will need to improve on this if they are to go further in the competition and maintain their challenge for the Premiership.
All in all I think we got out of jail last night as Marseille were worth at least a draw. On the positive side Liverpool have qualified after two poor performances and can play a lot better.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Murol Knights
Driving along the D5 road between the Col de la Ventouse and Murol you will pass through some beautiful countryside as you head towards the Sancy mountain range which rises in front of you after a few kilometres. Further on you are treated to the magnificent sight of the château of Murol which appears ahead of and slightly below you as you round a bend and start the winding descent into the town of
Today, a group called ‘les Paladins du Sancy’ run the château and stage excellent authentic demonstrations of mediaeval combat, weaponry and horsemanship in the châteaus purpose built arena, which seats over 400 people.
Each week during the school holidays children can attend knights training school in the main hall in Murol where they can make costumes, shields and swords (from scrap materials, I would stress) and learn how to behave like a mediaeval knight. Afterwards the church square in Murol turns into a parade of trainee knights resplendent in their new outfits. Suddenly in the distance you hear the clatter of horses’ hooves, growing in intensity as the baron and his men ride into the square. They dismount and each trainee knight is knighted by the lord and handed a certificate to mark their passage into the ranks of the nobility.
Murol (alt 833m/2733ft) is a small mountain village located in the Puy de Dome department of the
The Puy de Dome is land of extinct volcanoes, lakes and rivers, providing one of the most unique landscapes in
Located on the banks of the Couze de Chambon at the foot of the wooded Tartaret volcano, Murol is a pleasant place to stay and an excellent base from which to embark on a number of excursions by car, or by foot along one of the numerous and well signposted paths. A number of reasonably priced self –catering properties and small hotels are available in and around the area.
Murol is also home to the art gallery ‘Musée des Peintures de L’Ecole de Murols’, (open from 1st June to 31stth century, inspired by the magnificent scenery, and in particular by the attractive winter landscapes.
Close to the gallery is a small cottage houses a collection of local artefacts from the Gallo Romains period (opening hours from 1st July to 15th September 3.00 – 6.00pm).
Murol, with its rich history and traditions plays host to one of the regions most authentic Bastille Day celebrations. Every 14th July, to celebrate the storming of the Bastille in 1789, the people of Murol don the costumes of the nobility, peasants and soldiers from the period. There is a street market, marching bands and many other themed activities throughout the day. You can even partake in a traditional meal based upon a typical menu from the period of the revolution. In the afternoon Marie Antoinette is paraded through the town on her way to the Parc du Prelong where her trial is re-enacted, with typical French farce, culminating in her beheading. The whole day is rounded off with a ball at the Château and a fantastic firework display from its walls.
Events in and visits to Murol are inevitably dominated by the château. Whether you are a student of mediaeval architecture and traditions, a curious tourist or a parent of small children who dream of becoming a 13th century knight a visit will fulfil your expectations. But, Murol also fulfils the needs of the visitor who wants to explore the region on foot or by car and appreciate everything that this beautiful region has to offer.
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