forthcoming:-

Saturday 18th May 2012

Balades Gourmandes, Pierrefeu

[BOOKINGS CLOSED on 15th MARCH ]

see www.terroir-pierrefeu.fr/BALADESGOURMANDES10.html

Thirty-one members have booked for this event which will commence at 12 noon. Full details will be e-mailed to participants in early May.

Peter Clarke has a waiting list for any cancellations.

other PROVISIONAL dates in year 2012:-

[note that dates or events may have changed]

19th Jun         evening beach party in Ste Maxime

17th July        visit Roquebrune sur Argens

20th Sep         car rally

16th Oct         visit to Aups or Draguinan

4th Nov           AGM in Les Arcs

7th  Dec          Dinner Dance in St Aygulf

attended (or missed):-

Thursday 19th April 2012

The day turned out to have a dull start in Callas with rain threatening, but all our boule players arrived to make six teams of four. The matches were friendly and fun, with some surprises for novice players! Eventually there were playoffs between the winning teams and the losing teams. Three teams won prizes- first two awarded to our Scandinavian friends, the bronze prize to our French members, Marc and Jeanie. Truly international! The meal was as good as always at La Fontaine, Callas, and the wine kept coming. Only a couple of splashes of rain fell to dampen things in the morning, while the sun shone all afternoon. Another excellent event; our thanks go to the organiser, Arvid

Thursday 22nd March 2012

La Chartreuse de la Verne is a monastery founded in 1170, situated in the Maures’ chestnuts forest with a wonderful view. It has been sacked by robber barons and pirates but always rebuilt. In 1921 it was listed as a “monument historique” and has been renovated continually. It is a functioning monastery so the public has restricted access. Despite the torturous route to get to the venue seventeen people took the guided tour with detailed information on the history of the monastery and experienced the atmosphere of the largely rebuilt, but no less interesting, environment inhabited by the monks during the Middle Ages. Afterwards, we were made very welcome by the charming staff of La Petite Fontaine and shown inside the quaint building with low wooden ceilings.  The food was plentiful and delicious, served on platters, and the wine kept flowing. At the end of the meal we were offered a very potent eau de vie. Thanks go to Christina for organising the event.

Thursday 16th February 2012

The very cold weather that we have been experiencing lately ended abruptly, just in time for our 16 February event. The log fire was alight and burning at Auberge des 2 Pins in La Motte by special request, but was not such a necessity after all! Our group of sixteen was welcomed by Tanja with an apertif, while we caught up with other people’s social life. We then enjoyed a very good meal , while the wine flowed to the background music of Etienne’s saxophone. Thank you President Janet for arranging this lunch and entertainment.

Tuesday 17th January 2012

Our lunch at Restaurant Mas St Donat, which has just won the badge of Quality Tourism, attracted twenty-eight—including two members, Diane and Mike Pennington who had recently joined. Three guests came for the meal and two signed up for membership on the day. Welcome Caren Trafford and Mike Lotzof. As always the restaurant provided an excellent meal with the wine flowing and a lovely ambiance. A great start to the year—thanks to Isobel who organized the event.

Friday 9th December 2011

The last VIAC event of the year, the annual Dinner Dance, was a wonderful means of starting off the Xmas festivities. The staff of the Hotel St Aygulf had tastefully decorated the hall, and all was in place. The 6 musicians of “Blue Garden” quietly played music and Sophie sang, while we introduced ourselves to each other and enjoyed unlimited glasses of punch. The banquet was of the usual high standard, with plentiful wine, finishing with a large gateau and fireworks! There were a few long-term VIAC members attending again this year, along with newer members and five guests. Our newest member, Lesley, was introduced, and also this year’s Vice President, Graham. Then we danced and talked away the night. The next morning saw several of us in the restaurant gazing out over the sea and mountains, while eating substantial breakfasts. Almost as good as the Dinner Dance itself!  It was an event much enjoyed by all who attended – “the best ever”, said one couple, who would not miss the occasion next year. This event was organised by Janet.

Sunday 6th November 2011

VIAC’s 23^rd AGM was held on Sunday 6^th November, at La Maison des Vins in Les Arcs. A new venue for us this year, and a total change in the weather.

In 2010 we enjoyed warm, sunny weather- the same can be said for 2007, but this year we were suffering the fourth day of storms. The river was a raging torrent and fields and roads were flooded, but we have VIAC members of iron stamina. Twenty-seven members arrived making just enough for the quorum.

Two members of the Committee retired this year, Roger Hancock and Arvid Fahlskog. Roger has been a great support, coming out of “retirement” to give advice and support, to organise some very interesting events, and to attend our functions from as far out as Marseille!  Arvid has given four years of his time to the club, and will be remembered for his tours of beautiful hill villages and car rallies.  A gift of a bottle and a special book was given to Roger, and to Arvid a gift of more vin rouge!

We welcomed two new members to the Committee: Christina Gray and Graham Button.  There is still a place waiting for one more member of the Committee, so if you would like to volunteer to join our happy group then do contact us.

Tuesday 11th October 2011

Yet another hot, sunny day for the Viac Rallye Surprise on 11 October. The perfect weather goes on and on! We met up beside Lac Cassien, and from start to finish we drove through beautiful, unexplored and unknown countryside. We crossed into Department 06 and climbed through Cabris, reaching the ski slopes close to the boarder with the Var, where there were a variety of Alpine chalets. We finally reached the mountain restaurant at an altitude of nearly 1400m. The restaurant will be forever memorable, not only for its position, but for the food. Great platters of food on the tables for us to help ourselves, with an enormous choice and perfect flavours. Arvid presented prizes for the 3 winners of the two questionnaires. He had done an enormous amount of research and planning for this day, helped by the Mazantis, and everything went like clockwork. We even had empty roads on which to drive! 25 people took part and enjoyed the day, but what a disappointment that there were only 7 VIAC members in all- which included committee and organiser. The rest of the group were guests. Well, you missed an amazing event . . .A big vote of thanks go to Arvid, not only as organiser, but for finding another 15 guests

Thursday 15th September 2011

Another hot, sunny day. Temperatures touched 41C in the afternoon, and all the world seemed to be on the coast road taking a late holiday. Several of us were therefore late for the start of the tour of Gassin. However, Arvid, the tour guide, waited for us, before taking us on a short but interesting walk around the village. This included leading us all through the narrowest street in the world! Some of us only just made it through! An unscheduled stop was made at the local hall where the ladies of the village were exhibiting their fabulous needlework skills. Then to the Bello Visto Restaurant for an excellent meal on the ancient terrace, with views over mountain and sea. We were 30 in all. Four guests were welcomed, along with our two new members, Rod and Elaine Joyce. Our thanks go to Arvid, for organising a very successful event.

Tuesday 19th July 2011

The day couldn’t have begun any worse for our visit to the Mazaugues Musee de la Glace! Heavy rain, thunder and lightning. Who would have expected everyone to arrive?  But they did- 14 members and 3 guests. After shaking umbrellas out, we were given a tour of the museum, which included models of the ice-house, plans, photos, descriptions and actual examples of furniture which were used as predecessors to the refrigerator. Then a short walk to the local restaurant, where we enjoyed a superb meal. Such good value! The rain stopped, the sun emerged, and we followed our excellent guide, Laetitia, to the parking for the Glacier de Pivaut. We all boggled at the sheer size of the construction, even more obvious when we had entered from the ground level below. So few people, know of Mazaugues and the interesting history in the area. We do hope that those who didn’t manage to join us, will make their own visit at some time.

Thursday 16th June 2011

Luncheon eventat the Tiki Club, Pampelonne. There was a slight hitch finding the free car park, but once at our destination that inconvenience was put aside. 29 people came to enjoy the day, of whom 8 were guests- two had come from as far away as Monaco and Australia! The food, prepared by the new chef, was excellent, and so was the service. We ate on a spacious, covered terrace overlooking the clear, blue sea, the sun shone, and it was warm. The ambiance was relaxed and friendly, and everyone enjoyed themselves.  After lunch some went for a swim and then retired to a transat to wile away the afternoon. Some completed the day by having a beach massage by one of the Chinese masseurs.

Thursday 19th May 2011

Nineteen people made their way to the Callas boulodrome of the Wednesday Warriors. It was a chance to meet up with other members and their guests from north of the motorway! The games were informal, mostly played with teams of three, using two boules. It was not intended to chose a winner, but eventually that is precisely what happened, with Robert Jones awarded the Cup. Then all players enjoyed a glass or two of bubbly to celebrate. So to lunch in the village, where we were joined by other members and their guests. Altogether we were 24 members (including Philippa, a new member) and six guests. Everyone agreed that we had an excellent meal provided by La Fontaine, and that it was great company.

Thursday 14th April 2011

Thursday 14 April was a drizzly, damp morning. We reached St Raphael station and the waiting train, to find it full of VIAC members. Everyone had managed to get out of bed that morning! Our party was made up of 20 members, four were attending as full members for the first time- Graham Button, Elaine Bowdler, Brigit and Verner Mortensen. There were also two guests.

It was drizzling in La Napoule too, so after a short walk of exploration we all found ourselves at the restaurant early. No need to worry- the aperitifs came early, followed by an early lunch!

“Le Boucanier” is an excellent restaurant, with good food, friendly staff, and a beachside view of the sea and Castle. The wine kept on coming, and everyone was impressed, so much so that quite a sizable tip was left in appreciation.

The warm sun returned. Some of our party went to explore the castle, others just relaxed in the sun with a coffee. Then on the return journey to the Var, with the blue sea and sky, we were better able to appreciate the views of the bays, coves, and little villages along the coast. Our thanks go to Bob, our Treasurer, for organising this exciting event.

Thursday 17th March 2011

On Thursday 17 March twenty-four VIAC members and four guests made their way to Salernes, and the Terra Rossa tile factory. The Museum is housed in the ancient tile factory, and as well as seeing where the process of tile manufacturing took place, and the methods used, there were exhibits on show dating from 4500yrs BC. It was so interesting to learn of the painstaking procedures and see the beautiful results. I now understand why Salernes tiles are so special. There was little time to see the beautiful modern exhibits, full of vibrant colour, or to linger in the shop, but there is general agreement that Terra Rossa is worth another visit.

We then drove down to Villecroze, to a lovely restaurant (also a hotel). Le Colombier is decorated in Provencal décor, the staff are charming and the food- delicious. A gem, discovered by Inez. We have received several messages of thanks and congratulations, so many thanks again to Inez, for organising this event.

Thursday 17th February 2011

In the past, local people would go to the Chapel of St Donat midway between Le Muy and Sainte Maxime, to pray for rain. Was it an amazing coincidence or not, that the day of our VIAC event at the Mas de St Donat, it was pouring down with rain? I measured 53mm later that evening in Plan de la Tour. Was it also a coincidence that the talented musician who played for us was called Phil de la Pluie? Whatever it was, the rain brought so many of us together in jovial mood, determined to cast sunshine on the day. We were 31 in all, which included two guests- one of whom has promptly joined us as a new VIAC member. Welcome to Rod Marsden. Our fellow member, Marc Francois, joined Phil the musician to play two or three tunes on the harmonica, and a handful of dancers took the floor. Even Isobel, with one foot in plaster, joined in! Our thanks go to Isobel for organising this excellent event. Three appreciative letters have been sent, endorsed by us all- good food, drink, company and music.

Tuesday 18th January 2011

An excellent start for the VIAC members who joined us at Le Gourmandin, Le Luc, on 18 January. M and Mme Schwartz provided superb food and ambiance as always - a gem of a  restaurant! Comments were made by some that it was the best meal ever- meanwhile the excellent wine flowed . . .

Friday 10th December 2010

VIAC Annual Dinner Dance was held on Friday 10 December at the  Hotel St Aygulf, who did us proud as usual, food, drinks and room decor all very much up to their usual high standard.   Fifty-one members danced to the Blue Garden band and there have been several emails complimenting them for their excellent performance. One email, from Jim and Beryl Whittaker, cited them as, “by far the best band we have heard at any function we have been to in the midi - they are a must for next year!” This band has already been booked. It was agreed that the smaller numbers did not detract from the evening, if anything they made it more intimate. And, for anyone who can't wait till next year to see the band, they play at Jas de Robert in Grimaud on the first Friday of every month." The raffle raised 324€ which has covered the cost of the prizes and reduced the event deficit by 130€. Our thanks go to Anne Burnett for organising this memorable evening.

Sunday 7th November 2010

Our AGM at L'Oustalet in Le Cannet des Maures attracted 37 members who assembled at 10am for coffee and a chat before the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING commenced 10:30. Members were joined by guests for a three course lunch in the hotel restaurant.

Thursday 14th October 2010

Guided visit of Tourtour followed by lunch in local restaurant. Tourtour is one of “les plus beaux villages de France” surrounded by open countryside and the little roads to access the village. It is easy to understand why so many people- French as well as foreigners-rate Tourtour as one of their favourite villages in Provence. The visit included a one and a half hour guided tour finishing at the picturesque and typically provencale square  for an aperitif and lunch at La Farigoulette.

Wednesday 15th September 2010

Visited Rayol Canadel Gardens after lunch Le Jardin Gourmand nearby.The gardens of Le Rayol date from 1910. Banker Alfred Courmes built an art nouveau mansion here, along with a summer house and a grand classical pergola, surrounding it all with exotic gardens. The property was bought by aeronautics engineer Potez in 1940, and he began the rescue of estate and gardens. He constructed a splendid flight of steps, lined with cypress trees, which lead down to the beach and a bamboo plantation – now one of the glories of the gardens. Subsequently the entire property fell into disrepair, and the gardens were very neglected until 1989 when they were bought by the Conservatoire du Littoral (the Coastal Protection Society) to conserve part of this precious coastline from development. It now comprises an amazing variety of different gardens, growing plants from Mediterranean climates in California, Chile, South Africa, and Australia.

Tuesday 24 August 2010

Norman Timson is a stained glass expert, who helped work on the Rose window at York Minster, UK, gave some insight into a few skills associated with the craft, in a 2-hour session in Plan de la Tour. Aperitifs were provided followed by lunch at a village restaurant.

Tuesday 27th July 2010   

We returned to the atmospheric Moroccan Restaurant La Kemia, open to the sea breezes and facing the Port at Ste Maxime with authentic music and belly dancing, a Berber tent in the sand, hookah pipes to smoke, lounging sofas and cushions, then beyond that another larger tent – all in a restaurant.

Thursday 24th June 2010

The venue for our Beach Party on Thursday 24 June was the Air Sport Soleil at Giens, for the third year running. Where else could VIAC find beautiful grounds, sports facilities, beach, sea, kayaks, pedaloes, hobicats, friendly and helpful staff, excellent fresh food, ample wine, and an aperitif bar providing drinks of your choice, unlimited? All under a clear, blue sky?  Some members lay on the beach, others chatted away the day. Most went out on the sea, trying most of the different ways of skimming the waters. There were no dramatic adventures in the sea this year, but Dominic- instructor- remembered us from the drama of 2009! We have had many words of praise from those who came along and enjoyed the day almost until dusk! Our thanks to Anne for organizing the event.

Friday 21st May 2010

Our annual boules competition at the Boulodrome of the Agay Boules Club in Place du Togo, Agay. The morning commenced with a Bucks Fizz. Lunch was at the restaurant ‘Le Charivari’ which is in old Agay village with spectacular views over Agay Bay. We again invited our friends from AMIAC to join us.

Tuesday 20th April 2010

Long time member Roger Hancock who came out of retirement and rejoined the Committee at the last AGM took  us to pastures new - Lunch & frivolity at Le Sacre Monmartre, Trans en Provence.

Thursday 18th March 2010

Our March event was a guided tour of the medieval village of Les Arcs, followed by lunch.

Thursday 18th February 2010

Visited Menton Citrus Festival—static display + dinner + evening parade. Travelled by coach from Le Muy or Frejus (Puget sur Argens).

Tuesday 19th January 2010

New Year lunch at La Garde Freinet followed a morning visit to La Conservatoire du Patrimoine de la Garde Freinet.

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