Take Three Events

Centenary of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest: 1906-2006
This year, 2006, marks the centenary of the foundation of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) – the organisation which established the Le Mans 24 hour race. 

The first ACO grand prix was held in June 1906 through the roads of the Sarthe region, in the Pays de la Loire, and a 100th commemorative event will take place over the weekend of 10th and 11th June 2006.  During the celebrations, 100 vintage cars – many from the UK - will drive a symbolic lap of the 1906 circuit, passing through enchanting towns and villages such as Boluoire and Saint Calais.  Participants will enjoy a stylish picnic in the forest of Vibraye and a gala dinner at the 12th century Epau Abbey.

An excellent place to stay en route is the traditional 15th Century Chateau de Vaulog?’ in Ferc?-sur-Sarthe.  There are just six rooms in the castle, which comes complete with formal gardens, park, moat and turrets - See www.vauloge.com for further details.

For further information contact the Sarthe Tourist Office by telephoning 00 33 2 43 40 22 50 or visit www.tourisme.sarthe.com

Swin Golf Championships of France
The Mayenne department in the Pays de la Loire has the most ‘swin golf’ courses in the whole of France (a total of five) and from 30 June – 2nd July will be hosting the Swin Golf Championships of France, with over 200 competitors expected to compete for the coveted trophy.

Swin Golf is an easier form of golf that is ideal for all the family (aged 6 years and above) which has been growing popularity in France over the past 20 years. ‘Swin Golf’ is the same as traditional golf in that it is played off a tee, fairway and a green, but it is different because the golf club has three faces, and it uses an inoffensive rubber ball which makes the sport safe for youngsters.  It’s easier and much more accessible than traditional golf, and after several minutes of training anyone is ready to set off in search of the 18th tee! 

The Championships will be held at the ‘swin golf’ club at Meslay-of-Maine which comprises of beautiful 10 hectare grounds, with an 18 hole course - see www.swin-club-meslay.com

 
New museum opening at the ‘Versailles of the Horse’
The Haras Du Pin National Stud Farm in the Orne region of Normandy is opening a new interactive museum in April 2006 outlining the role of national studs in France as well as the importance of equine breeds and related arts and traditional crafts.

Open all year round, there are daily guided tours of the working stud which is home to 60 stallions of ten different breeds, as well as musical presentations of stallions and horse drawn carriages every Thursday from June to September.  Visitors can also wander through the chateau dubbed ‘the Versailles of the Horse’ due to its formidable eighteenth century architecture.

The Orne region is renowned for its manor houses and fabulous gastronomy, and visitors can experience both by staying in the exquisite Pavillon de Gouffern - www.pavillondegouffern.com - an old hunting lodge with just 20 rooms.  Located within an 80 acre wooded park a short distance from Du Pin, it has a fabulous gastronomic restaurant.

www.ornetourisme.com
Tel: Haras du Pin on 0033 233 366 868

3 June 2006