9 things we learned in the April issue of FRANCE Magazine

From tantalising tulips to cave concerts, find out what we’ve unearthed putting together the magazine this month

1) France’s biggest fairground is setting up shop in Paris in April – and it looks fab

From 5 April to 2 June at the capital’s Pelouse de Reuilly in the 12th arrondissement, you’ll be able to enjoy all the fun of the fair – whether that means screaming on the big rides or munching on all the candy floss and popcorn.

Discover what else is going on in France this month in our Les Nouvelles section on page 18.

2) There’s a new long-distance hiking route in Burgundy that would make a great summer holiday for hiking fans

The GR 213A links the GR 2 at Chamesson and the GR 13 at Vézelay, passing through Morvan.

Explore the trail with Rudolf Abraham and family on page 36.

3) There’s a town in Cher that holds a popular Scottish-themed festival

The Fêtes Franco-Écossaises, in Aubigny-sur-Nère celebrates the Auld Alliance between France and Scotland all those centuries ago. See how many kilts and bagpipes you can spot!

Discover the twinning formula of Haddington in Scotland and Aubigny in Cher on page 52.

4) There are some interesting French exhibitions in London at the moment

UK-based Francophiles rejoice – the National Gallery, the Tate and the V&A are all hosting great works of French art and fashion.

We’ve got the lowdown on page 20.

5) Find out about Triboulet, the cheeky inspiration for Verdi’s Rigoletto

The jester to King Francis I, Triboulet, was said to have once slapped the monarch on his backside – and the king threatened to execute him!

Meet some of France’s finest clowns and jesters, past and present, including the fabulous Fratellini brothers, on page 46.

6) There’s a restaurant in Montpellier for singletons where every table has its own telephone – and the reason why is cute

Restophone, open for the past 20 years, allows you to call other diners that you find attractive to break the ice.

Find out about more unusual eateries across France on page 68.

7) You can enjoy a concert in the Gouffre de Padirac, France’s most visited cave – over 100m below ground!

During the Fêtes de la Musique, there are amazing concerts held in the famous caves, 8km from Rocamadour. Imagine the acoustics!

Take a tour of the Dordogne Valley in a classic Citroën 2CV with Karen Tait on page 30.

8) Général de Gaulle has 3,900 streets named after him – more than any other French person

He’s followed by Louis Pasteur, with 3,354 and Victor Hugo with 2,215.

Learn the fascinating stories behind the street names with Deborah Nash on page 50.

9) You don’t need to go all the way to the Netherlands to see some fantastic tulip displays this spring

The grounds of the Château de Vendeuvre in Calvados are covered in colourful carpets of tulips every April for the annual Festival de la Tulipe.

See where you can admire more beautiful blooms on page 19.

So what are you waiting for? The April 2019 issue of FRANCE Magazine is on sale now – order your copy here.

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