During my trip to Spain last April, I had the opportunity to explore Casa Batlló, one of architect Antoni Gaudí's most emblematic works in Barcelona. Nestling in the heart of the Eixample district, this modernist residence is a veritable ode to Gaudí's boundless imagination.

Casa Batlló is much more than just a residence; it's a work of art where every element, from the furniture to the lighting fixtures to the stained-glass windows, has been designed with meticulous attention to details. As I explored Casa Batlló, I was fascinated by Gaudí's architectural innovations, such as the natural ventilation system, the skylights and the organic shapes inspired by the natural world.

During my visit, the area of the house that really stood out for me was the stairwell, which in my opinion, with its cold colours, is a real contrast to the rest of the house and its warm-coloured woodwork. What's more, the design of the stairwell sets it off really well, with a video of the sea projected onto the walls, making you feel as if you were in the middle of a stormy sea, with the balconies looking like little boats.

Another thing that stood out for me was the façade of this house. Although it's very well-known and I'd already seen photos of it, arriving in front of this house blew me away. I'd already read articles saying that Gaudi found his inspiration in Nature, but I didn't really understand this. It's really by looking at each detail of this facade, or even the house as a whole, that you understand Gaudi's intention to represent in this house a Nature that he judged to be perfect and abundant. Some of the details may seem insignificant, but all the curves in the house make for a harmonious and very (once again) natural whole.

There's a lot to say about this visit, I could tell you about the magnificent view over Barcelona from the rooftop, or the magnificent architectural exhibition by Kengo Kuma at the end of the visit, but I think the most important thing is to go and admire this modernist masterpiece for yourself. The only drawback I can see is that the place is so crowded that it's often hard to appreciate every detail Gaudi has to offer. Anyway, to sum up, I'd say I loved this immersive visit to Gaudi's work.

Albin Corteval

 

Three years ago, when I was on holiday in England, I visited the Harry Potter Museum. It’s a museum where you can find a lot of objects that were used during the making of the movies.

Personally, I am a big fan of the Harry Potter saga; I’ve read the seven books and watched the eight films so it was a unique experience. I have seen the background of the movie and realized all wasn’t montage, for example the train to go to Hogwarts is real and I went inside during my visit.

This museum is adapted for every fan of the saga that wants to learn more about it, the duration of the visit depends on you because you are free to stay as long as you want so that’s a positive point. The negative point is the cost of the ticket (more than fifty pounds!); that could make it expensive when you want to visit the place with your family. The experience is very immersive because there are several rooms
that have different themes with a lot of elements and accessories.

In conclusion, the Harry Potter museum of London is a fantastic experience that I recommend if you are a fan of the saga and you want to go to London.

Clément Caetano

Take your hats off if you don’t want to lose them, and buckle up ! I am taking you to Port Aventura, the greatest amusement park in all of Europe! From the stomach-turning loops of Dragon Khan to the destabilizing heights and drops of the Shambala, via the Furious Baco, making you feel like you were shot by a canon, this park will give you thrills like you have never felt before. I have never been so shaken or turned around or glued to my seat by speed than I was during that week-end.

If you’re not a fan of thrills and adrenalin, no problem! The mind-blowing shows and entertainment will keep you occupied and you won’t see time pass by. Be it the gravity-
defying acrobatics from the Cirque du Soleil or the fiery passion of the Polynesian dancers, be prepared to be breathless from amazement!

But it is not all about amusement, for just a walk in the Park will be enough to get you to believe you are travelling the world. Every step will take you in another area of the world, beginning in the colourful streets of the Mediterranean, passing by the exotic landscapes of Polynesia, to walking on the Great Wall of China, and end by going through a small Far-West town and visit the Colorado.

Port Aventura isn’t just an amusement Park: it is a full-blown sensory overload which will leave you breathless and begging for more. All you have to do is pack your bags, pick me up and go there!

Sara Blanc-Rougane

Do you know the story of Alice in Wonderland ? It’s the story of a girl who ends up in a fantastic world that she explores, discovering everything and living an incredible adventure…

My name is not Alice but I have lived through the same story, and, for me, it was not fiction! What I’m talking about is a unique experience, something that you have to live once in your life… Do you know what a “fantastic quest” is? Let me explain: it’s a outdoor escape game happening in more than ninety places in the Auvergne. It’s a total immersive game where your goal is to save a whole village from a gruesome end. To save everyone, me and my teammates had to find all the ingredients of the potion of strength. In order to do this, we had to travel across the “fantastic village”, asking the right person to find the solution. I can now say that I have met a very nice dragon or even help a witch to do a potion; insane isn’t it?

But I also discovered a story that was unknown to me: the past and present of Clermont-Ferrand. Have you for example seen Notre-Dame-du-Port? It’s a sumptuous place that commands respect from everyone. Or maybe the fabulous street just in front of it? No? Then you have to go see it, it’s really marvellous, so colourful and lively. I have discovered so many good addresses like the “Les Trois Lutins” bar or even the “Monts et Merveilles” shop, places where I really want to go back to.

Anyway, if I have one word of advice for you, it would be: “Go, run like you never ran before to book your tickets now!” What are you waiting for? Hurry up!

Gwendoline Rochette

A surprising visit

“Oh my God, what for!?” That's what I said to myself when I was told that we were going to visit the Lascaux cave. Initially, the idea of seeing a cave with prehistoric paintings didn't appeal to me at all. Honestly, it seemed boring and I was pretty sure I was going to waste my time. But sometimes you have to comply with family plans, so why not go on an adventure? Either way, I had no choice. We entered the reception building, and all this modernity reassured me that visiting a replica of the real Lascaux cave would not transport us thousands of years back in time.

We joined our group for the visit. Tablets were given to us, and a few minutes later, we were in an elevator a few meters underground. As soon as we walked through the entrance, one thing immediately caught my attention: the atmosphere. The cave hall was huge, we were surrounded by stone. This freshness, this resonance, this silence... I even had to whisper to speak to my mother. I immediately felt transported to another world.

Our guide, Antoine, then began his talk. From his first words, we understood that there was no better guide for this visit. He was passionate and passing on his knowledge about this cave made him happy. His explanations of cave painting techniques, the meanings of symbols, and hypotheses about the lives of Cro-Magnon men were fascinating. For example, we learned that the paintings came from the Magdalenian culture and their main themes were animals, human figures and abstract signs. They painted with bones, stones and colourful plants. The tribes that lived there were hunter-gatherers.

We finished with a quick visit to a small museum where there were many objects dating from this period. But the experience I had just had in the cave remained in my mind; I was amazed. Ultimately, what I thought was going to be a boring visit turned into an extraordinary adventure. It was not a waste of time but turned out to be an enriching experience about our origins and the world. If I had to recommend or repeat this visit, I would without hesitation!

Justine Dubouis

 

In my last year of high school, I had the opportunity to go see Hamlet, Shakespeare’s famous play, a masterpiece of the theatre, known for its depth and complexity.

William Shakespeare is an English playwright, poet and actor born in 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Hamlet is a tragedy written between 1599 and 1602. It is one of the playwright’s most celebrated plays. Certainly it is a great classic. The main themes in Hamlet are action and contemplation, and revenge. Hamlet’s monologue “To be or not to be” is one of the best-known in English literature.

Hamlet is a five-act play centred on the story of a young Danish prince who simulates madness in order to avenge the death of his father, the former king of Denmark. Hamlet’s father was murdered by his own brother, Claudius. Claudius becomes king and marries Gertrude, his murdered brother’s widow. Since his death, the ghost of the previous king has wandered around the palace every night. One night, he meets his son Hamlet and asks him for revenge. Following this revelation, Hamlet devises his plan to avenge the death of his father. This quest for revenge will lead Hamlet to question his own identity, loyalty and morality.

I think that what makes Hamlet so captivating is the psychological richness of the characters. Each one is complex, each one is tormented. Shakespeare’s work reminds us of the complexity of life. I also think that there is a lot of darkness and violence in this play. Hamlet’s themes are still relevant today.

Seeing Hamlet was a very good experience for me because it’s the only theatre play that I went to see this year. I went to the theatre with two friends which allowed me to talk and debate about it with them afterwards.

Thomas Casinhas-Arnaud

A few months ago, I went to London and I was able to visit the British Museum. It was one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. It was so much more wonderful than I thought it would be! First, I liked the fact that there were the four corners of the world in one place. Each piece of art made me travel to the country from which it came. Secondly, I really liked the Roman statues and the totem that was at the entrance of the museum. Since I love reading, I was in awe of the old bookshelves full of historical manuscripts and books that were so big that they reached the ceiling. The warm colours of the rooms and the mouldings on the ceiling made me want to walk around the museum forever.

The diversity of works of art was enormous. Indeed, there were books, shells, jewellery and weapons so everyone visiting the museum can be sure they will find something they like. During my visit, I learnt a lot about cultures I did not know. For example, the method of hunting or making clothes from certain countries…

I stayed there for hours and yet hours felt like minutes because of how engrossed I became. In conclusion, if you love world culture and art, you need to go to the British Museum!

Kaïna Abioui

The return match between PSG and Barça for the Champions League was the event not to be missed! I'm a fan of football, and you had to watch it or at least watch the goals. It's a meeting that was incredibly exciting and full of twists and turns. Barça dominated in the first leg.

Both teams are really talented and it was a real show on the field. This match gave us moments of pure happiness and suspense. It was really a memorable evening in front of this crazy return match!

At the end of this match, I just didn't want to see the first leg of the semi-final: PSG, the team I have always supported, was eliminated by Dortmund... It saddened me because it was the last match of Mbappé, a PSG player, in the Champions League with this team. But that’s life! In any case, you have to watch this game, or at least the goals that are just incredible!

Laly Boyer

 

During the February holidays I went to Barcelona. When I was there, I got the chance to go to the Joan Miró Foundation, and I was lucky because there was a special exhibition about Joan Miró and Pablo Picasso. I saw paintings from around the world, from some very popular museums.

I really encourage you to go to this exhibition if you can because there are some very famous pieces on show by both the painters that normally are exposed in countries like the United States. And even if you don’t really like this type of art, there’s also some sculptures that are very nice.

Personally, I don’t really like this type of art normally and I was really surprised that I had such a great time during the visit. I appreciated looking at all these different creations and knowing that we all see different things through them was also very interesting.

One of my favourite paintings is Snail Woman Flower Star. I find it intriguing the way Miró played with the different colours. We can see what was in his mind trough the various shapes. And I also appreciated how he managed to insert some words onto the canvas and it doesn’t feel weird because they blend perfectly with the shapes that are around them (the words we can read represent the name of the painting in French).

The visit allowed me to discuss art with my family and that was enriching. It took me around two hours to visit every room because it was such a big exhibition.

Paul Philippe

This week I was lucky enough to go to the Printemps de Bourges with my sister and it was incredible! Compared to other festivals I've been to, this one really stands out. The festival is huge, covering a large part of the city of Bourges, but also in terms of the number of exhibitors. In fact, there was something for everyone and every age. There were plenty of food stalls, goodies bearing the town's logo, vendors selling all sorts of things and there was even a fairground. I ate real Belgian fries there for the first time and I don't regret it at all because they were so tasty!

There was a great diversity of artists present. In fact, there was something for everyone, from lovers of Techno music to Classical music. What's more, you didn't even have to pay to attend, as only the main stage where the big-name artists performed was ticketed. I found this really interesting, as it meant that everyone could enjoy the festival, whatever their means. I forgot to tell you that I even got to see Luidji and Plk on stage again, and it was even better than the first time I saw them!

The audience was at times irascible, and I witnessed a number of fights, but they put so much energy into the concert that it was incredible. What's more, at the last concert I went to, I was pushed around so much that I was propelled from the middle of the pit right up to the barriers in front of the artist!

Finally, I really advise you to go the Printemps de Bourges, because it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity… See you there!

Baptiste Besseyre

Dune 2, directed by Denis Villeneuve, is a cinematic masterpiece that raises the science-fiction genre to new heights. Released on 28^th February 2024, the film follows Paul Atraides, played by Timothée Chalamet, as he travels through the desert of Arrakis with Chani and his mother. As an adaptation of a book, the story could have been changed, but this is not the case. Despite the difficulties, Denis Villeneuve sticks as close as possible to Frank Herbert’s work, but several scenes had to be cut or altered due to time limits, but the result is just breathtaking. Moreover, Dune 2 is a feast for the senses, with stunning cinematography and special effects at the level of Herbert’s universe. Every frame is a work of art, meticulously crafted to transport spectators into a world beyond imagination.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Dune 2 is its exploration of timeless themes such as power, identity and the human spirit. As Paul grapples with his destiny and struggles with the weight of his heritage, viewers are taken on an emotional roller-coaster that leaves them breathless and exhilarated. The ornithopters of all styles are fascinating to watch, with the mechanics behind the operation of their wings, and we discover how the giant worms, the means of aboriginal transport, are ridden.

As for Hans Zimmer’s music, without it the film wouldn’t be the same, adding a second dose of action to what’s going on and keeping us on the edge of our seats.

This movie can be seen as a critique of religion: several communities are manipulated by the Bene Gesserit. They manipulate others in  order to make their plans succeed. We can see that people can be easily influenced if we give them something to trust or to belief in...

Dune 2 is one of the best films of the year so far, and I think that anyone can see it and can be very interested by it. Now we must wait for the third film in the saga and hope that it will be as good or even better than the first two!

Lenaert Deliessche

Un petit truc en plus directed by Artus is a French comedy about Paulo and his father La Fraise, who are on the run after a jewellery store robbery. They hide out at a summer camp for mentally handicapped adults, posing as a resident and his educator.

The film has been well received, gaining plaudits for its sensitive and humorous approach to inclusion, tackling disability with respect and lightheartedness. Artus brings a sunny energy and characteristic self-mockery, making the film touching and entertaining.

The film has a few clichés but I appreciated its inclusive message and good intentions. It is for sure a box-office success. It’s a light, enjoyable comedy with an important message about accepting differences.

Niven Deliessche

Hello everyone! I attended a famous play by Shakespeare and wanted to share my experience with you. I think everyone knows it: Hamlet! To cut a long story short, Prince Hamlet seeks to avenge the murder of his father by his uncle Claudius. So, Hamlet plays several characters and has to lie...

The play has been adapted in a modern way by a new company. It was very pleasant because the group was very dynamic, it was impossible to get bored, there was action all the time, the actors were very talented. They made the story of Hamlet much easier to understand than the original one. Also, the sets were really good. If this troupe comes to your city or close to it, you have to go to see it!

Paul Goumault

Alcazar, the little Alhambra...

Spain, Spain, Spain: the wonderful country of tapas, culture, history and bulls fights. I have so much to say about Portugal’s neighbour, but let’s focus on Seville, more precisely on the Alcazar. The Alcazar is an old palace with a huge garden that attracts a lot of tourists. After seeing the Alhambra, it’s easy to say that the Alcazar is not such a wonderful place, because its history is not that incredible, the people who used to live there are no longer that famous and there are too many tourists. But if you just focus on what you can see there, you will discover a lot of details hidden on the walls, written in Arabic or in Spanish, a wide diversity of plants, flowers and even animals because two families of peacocks and a lot of ducks and birds live there.

You will be surprised by how silent the place is; though you are in the middle of town, you don’t hear a single car. Also surprising: the garden seems much bigger inside than seen from outside.

If one day you go to Seville, I recommend you go to the Alhambra first, and, if you have the time and money, go next to the Alcazar. Going there is like having a break during the day; it really gives you back some energy.

Eloïse Combronde

I had the chance in February to visit a part of the collection of cars of HSH the Prince of Monaco exposed at the National Automobile Museum in Mulhouse in the South of Alsace.

Just the museum is already an incredible experience, as it’s one of the biggest car collections in the world, and you can walk between some of the first cars ever made, a few formula ones, and even Bugatti cars such as the Bugatti Veyron, mostly famous for breaking the 400km/h milestone and being one of the first cars sold at more than 1,000,000 €.

This particular exhibition, named From Monaco To Mulhouse, was really nice and I recommend it to everyone who has the chance to go to this museum. It showed around twenty cars but I’m only going to describe to you the ones that left a mark on my mind.

First, a replica made between 2007 and 2008 of the first motorbike of the Prince of Monaco Albert the 1st from the beginning of the 20th century. The prince travelled multiple times in France with this bike, the Humber 2.75 hp, which has a
maximum speed of 40 km/h. There was also a rally car, the MG Metro 6R4 which only competed for one year in Group B, probably the most famous category in rally history, and competed at the Monte Carlo. And finally: a formula 1 Jordan type 193, with a V10 and a chassis entirely in carbon fibre, from the Sard team in the 80s which had as a pilot the famous Rubens Barrichello.

I really recommend this show, if you like cars and motor sports. It’s an amazing experience as you can admire wonderful cars and learn about them with well-made explanations.

Julien Dousseaud

 

Last week I went to the little town of Saint-Georges-de-Mons to listen to a brass ensemble concert, which really caught my imagination. This group of around thirty musicians, most of whom are children, impressed me: they interpreted some famous pieces of music in a very accurate way all along the one-hour concert.

Moreover, I admired the conductor, Stéphane, because organizing this ambitious project must have been challenging: the musicians are students and teachers from various music schools which are not that close (Riom, Vic-le-Comte, Combrailles and Aigueperse). Some of the musicians weren’t present; they should have been forty in total.

Anyway, having a big group of brass instruments was a real blast! You could not help but clap your hands at the El Condor Pasa chorus; the talented young drummer really boosted the whole piece.

In my opinion, such initiatives are essential to foster young (or not so young 😉) people to learn to play instruments that are becoming less popular; there was a wide range of brass instruments on display but there were still a lot more trumpets than trombones or tubas...

You should really listen to this group; don’t miss their next concert in Riom!

Bastien Moiroux

Did you know that the famous French rapper Orelsan has formed a Rap group called Casseurs Flowters with his friend Christophe Offenstein aka Gringe? And did you know that they've made a film that’s like a musical comedy? This film, which came out in 2015, is called "Comment c'est loin" and is about two lazy rappers in their thirties.

Orelsan works nights in a small hotel, and Gringe doesn't work because he finds the job too lazy. They had a hit ten years previously, but since then they haven't been able to write a single piece of music despite being recruited by producers. So, during the film, their producers are going to give them just one day to do a piece of music otherwise they will no longer have access to the music equipment.

The film take place in the suburbs of a provincial town in Normandy in France. So the decor is simple, but I think that’s good and more realistic, because it represents the "lame" city that Orelsan often talks about in his lyrics, especially in his song "la pluie".

In addition to the realistic setting, what I really like about this film is the humour, which is very much in evidence. Despite their bad situation, the two friends always use humour, which shows the nonchalance of the two characters, representative of a certain youth.

Another thing I really like are the several songs. These songs, which later became an album, are very well written and well introduced in the film. My favourite song is "Inachevé", the song that concludes the film, because I love the instrumental side, but also the lyrics. The lyrics really represent Orelsan and Gringe, but you can really identify with them yourself. There's also a real message behind this music: don't leave anything unfinished in life. Moreover the “Casseurs Flowters” sing their texts with a lot of energy and there are songs that have really something to say.

I really recommend this film, which has a simple story, a simple setting, and is full of humour, great characters, music and life lessons.

Marius DURAND

 

The Veluwsche Stoomtrein Maatschappij (the Steam Company from the Veluwe) is an historical experience situated between Apeldoorn and Dieren (near Arnhem) in the Netherlands. The most historically accurate station is the “Museumstation Beekbergen” situated in the village of Lieren. This is the station where the locomotives that are not in use on the track are kept and can be viewed by visitors. The tickets are also accurate for the time period during which these locomotives were widely in use.

Once on board, there is a special old-time newspaper containing information on the history of the particular track the train rides on, the current workings of this historical experience, information cards for the different locomotives, as well as a few fun games for children and a QR-code to get the app that goes with the experience (note: the app isn’t compatible with all devices).

The staff wear time-accurate uniforms. It is interesting to note here that all members of staff are volunteers. The train contains a dining car and has wheelchair accessible seating in some of the train carriages as well.

Over all, the experience is pleasant and perfect for both families and steam train enthusiasts.

Franciska Wilmer

Do you know the story of Walter McMillan and Bryan Stevenson? I suggest the best way for you to get to know it is through the film Just Mercy on Netflix.

First of all, this film tells the real story of these men. McMillan, a Black man, was accused of murder in Alabama. Actually, during this story, we follow McMillan’s lawyer, Bryan Stevenson, who is played by the famous and beautiful actor Michael B. Jordan. The story takes place in 1988; there was a lot of discrimination against Blacks back then. In fact, McMillan was actually wrongly accused and sentenced to death because of the judicial system in the 80s. So, with his friends, his family and his lawyer he tried to get out of prison. Bryan Stevenson was the first lawyer to believe in his release, because he fought for Black people’s rights. The fact that this film is based on a real story makes it very interesting. Moreover, we can see the struggle of Black people for equality and how they managed to have more of it.

Just Mercy has the power to touch everyone who watches it because we can feel all the emotions of the characters. Furthermore, it deals with the real hard lives of the Black Americans in the USA, in particular in Alabama, and the impact that one person can have on their lives. Another point is that we also want to save McMillan and help him get his release because we can feel all his pain as well as that of his family and friends.

So, go see this film because I think it can really touch you!

Clara Legrand

 

Vincent Van Gogh said: “In art, one must give one’s heart and soul”. He did indeed give everything; he even lost his mind...

Recently, I discovered the Vincent Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. At first, the exhibition seemed to be just one more boring exhibition: dozens of paintings aligned on a wall, nothing exciting. Moreover, crowds of people were taking pictures without even looking at the actual paintings, which was exasperating.

This exhibition is very boring if you take it lightly. I promise that it’s worth going to see it if you make the effort to dig a little deeper because when you stop thinking a second, and then truly look at it, you realize that it’s not a simple piece of art in front of you, it’s a painting by VAN GOGH! And then, you're transported to a different world...

I have seen the world as Van Gogh once did, maybe a little deformed but full of bright colours, so many that he had to represent his world accurately with millions of little brushstrokes (inspired by Impressionism). I was in his mind, feeling all of his expectations about life, all of his hope, all of his pain.

Depending on the painting’s subject, I passed from one emotion to another: calm and peaceful in front of Almond Blossom, deeply depressed when I looked at his last painting. Sometimes, I felt a little crazy, like Vincent was. But isn’t it the case for every genius?

It’s definitely not the same when you look at Van Gogh’s arts on the internet, that’s the reason why you must go to this exhibition. Here, you feel like those effusions of colour are going to suck you into the scene. You feel hypnotized; I wasn’t just looking at this art, I LIVED it, and it was beyond words. I was captivated, heart and soul.

Clémentine Blanc

 

 

The real Nicholas Winton and one of the 669 children he saved.

During the last holidays, I went to the cinema to see the movie "One Life". It tells the story of an Englishman, Nicholas Winton, who saved more than 600 Jewish children during the Second World War. He organised convoys between Prague and England and sheltered the children with volunteer families.

This movies makes you realise the horror of what people did during the War. Some of the scenes touched me deeply, particularly those showing the separation of the children from their parents, knowing that this would surely be the last time they would see them.

Although the story is difficult, I felt a great deal of admiration and gratitude for the hero: Mr Winton. He risked his life to save hundreds of children and yet few people know his story, which is a great shame! Fortunately, this movie pays him tribute and he has at last got the thanks he deserves.

Finally, this story really moved me and left its mark; I'll never forget Mr Winton. That's why I strongly recommend that you take two hours to go and see it; you won't regret it!

Elsa Luans

 

During the holidays, I went to see a movie at the cinema entitled One Life. It’s an historical movie that deals with the story of a man who saved several hundred children during the Second World War.

Even if I don’t like this kind of movie normally, this one really fascinated me. I really recommend it, it was astonishing. It’s so interesting to learn about the past in this way. Moreover, the scenario is really well directed and we feel the emotions of the actors so strongly.

Do go and watch the movie if you can!

Noémie Peynet

Having watched the documentary Amy some time ago, which tells the life of Amy Winehouse in a captivating way, I was eager to watch the biopic “Back to Black” when it was released. However, my enthusiasm quickly turned into disappointment, as I found the film dull and boring for a woman whose life was anything but boring.

A major flaw of the film is its inability to provide a clear timeline. Dates are missing, making it difficult to follow Amy's journey. The depiction of Amy's love life is also disorganized. We see her meeting Blake, their budding romance, a romantic day at the zoo, and then their sudden separation. The film gives the impression that their relationship lasted only a few moments, whereas in reality, they were together for a significant period, with a deeply passionate and tumultuous relationship.

For those who don't know the true story of Amy Winehouse, the film presents, in my opinion, a misleading narrative. It simplifies her struggles, portraying her as a lonely depressive who fell into drugs, without giving the context. This contrasts strongly with reality, where her boyfriend Blake played a big role in introducing her to hard drugs, and the fact that her father failed to protect her from the pressures of fame. The biopic barely touches on the crucial issue of hard drugs, which were at the heart of her tragic downfall.

Although the actors' performances are commendable and some scenes, like her last concert, are well done, the film as a whole fails to capture the essence of Amy Winehouse's life. It glosses over critical aspects and offers an incomplete and sanitized version of her reality. For a figure as complex and vibrant as Amy, this biopic does her a great disservice.

Ines Roquet

Are you a High School or University student? Do you want to join the UN? You don't have to go to New York, the United Nations is coming to Clermont-Ferrand for a week! ClerMUN certainly gives the illusion of this, with its elegant students, its speeches in English, and the presence of renowned speakers, such as representatives of Michelin, Limagrain and UNRIC, as well as the US Ambassador to Lyon, and not forgetting the former UN Deputy Secretary General in charge of peacekeeping operations: Alain Le Roy, who brought a professional and global dimension to the event.

This 4th edition of the international conference on United Nations modelling in Clermont-Ferrand, ClerMUN, brilliantly orchestrated by the Lycée Massillon at the Hôtel de Région in November 2023, has established its place as a key event in the region's educational and diplomatic scene.

The theme of this year's event was prosperity and development, and it brilliantly highlighted the urgency and scale of the challenges facing our world, while underlining the profound inequalities and questions of justice that arise from them.

Over the course of 3 days, more than 60 high school students from Clermont-Ferrand and abroad took part in 6 UN committees, including UNSC, WHO, FAO, UNHCR and ICJ, to debate issues such as sustainable peace in Libya, food exports to conflict-affected countries, global access to healthcare and the establishment of an international social security system.

The Clermont-Ferrand headquarters of the Region provided an exceptional platform for high-quality debates, driven by the careful preparation of the delegations and their passion for the issues addressed, as manifested by active and committed participation from the ambassadors.

This 4th edition ended with a gala "mun party" at the Lycée Massillon, concluding this immersion in the inner workings of international diplomacy. ClerMUN offers a unique opportunity for these young people to get to grips with the workings of global governance in a context that is both studious and entertaining.

Among other benefits, it enables them to develop their skills in negotiation, diplomacy, rhetoric and communication. Beyond the knowledge they gain in understanding global issues, ClerMUN also enables them to build long-term links with young people from foreign delegations who share the same aspirations for a better future. In this way, ClerMUN is established as a not-to-be-missed event, making a significant contribution to the training of tomorrow's leaders!

DESCHAUMES Timothée

I recently had the chance to visit the LILOU exhibition and can't recommend it highly enough. As soon as I entered, I was impressed by the quality of the works presented. The exhibition offered an intimate insight into the life of this young autistic man through the eyes of his sister, harmoniously blending technique and feeling.

Lucie Hodiesne Darras is a French photographer and a graduate of the École de l'Image, Les Gobelins. A committed artist, she uses images and intimate writing to shed light on the stories of people who are often invisible in our society. Dedicated to her autistic brother, her LILOU series has won numerous awards and been featured in many exhibitions. The photographs are analogue because this was a requirement for her finals at the Gobelins. The series is also the subject of an eponymous book published by Éditions Fisheye in March 2023.

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviour, and communication. Individuals with autism may also have unique strengths and differences in sensory processing. It is a spectrum disorder, meaning that symptoms and characteristics can vary greatly from one person to another. Autism is not a disease and cannot be "cured", but with appropriate support and interventions, individuals with autism can lead fulfilling lives.

Lucie Hodiesne Darras writes: “Lilou is my older brother’s nickname. Antoine is 35 and autistic (...) Like Luc Besson's heroine in The Fifth Element movie, he's an exceptional person, living in a different universe from ours.”

For the last seven years, the young artist-photographer has been collaborating with her elder brother on this project, which sheds light on the fact that people with ASD are still stigmatized.

Lucie Hodiesne Darras adds: “It’s with a very positive and humanistic approach that I would like to offer a new perspective on autism, full of hope and optimism, for greater inclusion in our society.”

Lilou himself doesn't speak, write or draw. Through his sister's photos, he reveals himself with staggering honesty. Always attentive to her brother's well-being, Lucie constructs a poetic monochromatic tale based on his rituals (these are necessary for him in both time and space).

The photos on display were not only aesthetically impressive, but also carried profound and powerful messages. Each photo told a piece of his story, arousing in me a sincere emotion.

What's more, the organization of the exhibition was exemplary. The space was laid out in such a way as to highlight each photo, while offering visitors an immersive, fluid experience. The information provided on the artists and works was clear and interesting, enabling a better understanding of his daily life.

Finally, the exhibition staff was welcoming, attentive and passionate, all of which helped to make my visit even more enjoyable.

In conclusion, the LILOU exhibition is a must-see for all photography enthusiasts, but also for anyone wanting to develop a new perspective on autism. An enriching photographic and human experience that I warmly recommend to all.

If you want to visit this exhibition go to 5 rue de la Treille, Clermont-Ferrand every Friday and Saturday from 2pm to 6.30pm from 12/04 to 18/05.

Helena Lixi