Aventure Michelin in Clermont-Ferrand: an ongoing adventure!

L'Aventure Michelin museum opened its doors in Clermont-Ferrand on January 23rd 2009. It tells the story of the MICHELIN Group's history, heritage and industrial products. The thread running through this story is the tyre, the tyre as a means of getting around faster and more comfortably.

The Michelin Adventure highlights a family story started by two brothers that began in 1889. We witness the evolution of the world of work and the various innovations that have taken place over time. This museum is a place where everyone, whatever their age, can discover the evolution of the tyre in a fun as well as a scientific way.

This museum is not the snap of a particular time, it is more like a film whose ending has yet to be written! It's the story of yesterday, today and tomorrow, where everyone can find something which corresponds to their own centres of interest.

Mae Schmitt

 

During the Christmas holidays, I went with my uncle, aunt and cousins to see the musical “Starmania” at La Seine Musicale in Paris.

“Starmania” was written in 1976 by Michel Berger and Luc Plamondon. It’s three hours long with a twenty-minute interlude. This musical is known worldwide for its iconic songs like “"When we Come to Town" or "The World is Stone". It’s composed of 19 different songs ranging from pop to rock to Electro.

The plot takes place in Monopolis, the new capital of the West, that is scarified by the Black Stars, a gang led by Johnny Rockfort who acts under the influence of Sadia, an agitated pupil, a girl from high society, who cross-dresses in the evening to go down underground and give orders. They all meet at the Underground Café, under the amused gaze of Marie-Jeanne, the automaton waitress.

Above this underground café rises the Golden Tower, a hundred-story structure at the top of which is the office of Zéro Janvier, a billionaire who has got into politics. He bases his electoral crusade on the return to order and the structure of the new infinitesimal world. He therefore becomes the sworn adversary of Johnny Rockfort and the Black Stars. It's in this environment that three similar love stories play out: the insolvable love of Marie-Jeanne for Ziggy, the youthful unisexual and mythomaniac record dealer; the sensational love of Zéro Janvier for Stella, a sex symbol who has just said farewell to the cinema; the passionate love of Johnny Rockfort and Cristal, the story at the centre of the plot. Cristal, star presenter of a TV show called “STARMANIA”, receives a phone call from Sadia who offers her a covert interview with Johnny Rockfort, whose face noone knows. The rendez-vous takes place at the Underground Café. Cristal and Johnny fall in love with each other, and she runs away with him. Sadia therefore loses her hold on the leader of the Black Stars. Cristal thus decides to become the prophet for the Black Stars by transferring corsair dispatches using a neutron camera which allows him to take over the TV airwaves. The themes covered are terrorism, racism, ecological crisis and are therefore very topical, which is very impressive for a musical that was written nearly 40 years ago.

During the show, I was impressed by the voices of the actors which made us go from one emotion to another in very little time. They sang brilliantly while dancing frantically at the same time! The dances were ingeniously choreographed. The decors were very impressive, like the tower in the last scene that was remarkably tall. They were also very well designed, allowing actors to move very freely around the stage while hiding the actors so they could navigate around the stage with hidden stairs. The lights were also super impressive, they were used at their peak potential, changing between warm and cold colours depending on the mood of the scene. The way the lights moved was also very well good: during sad scenes they moved very slowly and during more energetic ones their movements were frenzied. Smoke was also used at some point but, for me, the best piece of specials effect were the rose petals falling from the roof at one point.

To conclude, this musical is an undeniable masterpiece that will be seen as one of the best cyberpunk-themed artworks of all time because of the vision that the authors had of today’s world, which is shockingly accurate. It’s a true, once-in-a-lifetime experience that everybody should try!

Axel Delevaque

Entering the fantasy world of "Matilda The Musical" is like embarking on a journey through the pages of a storybook brought to life on stage. As soon as the comedy begins, the audience is captivated. By the songs, the acting, but especially by the whole universe created by this musical.

What makes "Matilda The Musical" truly remarkable is its ability to enchant audiences of all ages with its story and characters. Watching young Matilda Wormwood challenge the norms of her society and discover her inner strength is inspiring, and it speaks to the incredible talent of the cast and creative team behind the production!

One of my favourite moments of the musical was Matilda’s triumph against the tyrannical Miss Trunchbull during the passage "Revolting Children". As Matilda and her classmates unite in rebellion, the energy on the stage is electric, filling the theatre with a sense of empowerment and joy that is simply contagious.

Moreover, the music of "Matilda The Musical" is an absolute delight from beginning to end. Although it is difficult to choose a single favourite song, "When I Grow Up" stands out as a poignant hymn of childhood dreams, and really impressed me. The haunting melody and sincere lyrics linger long after the final notes fade, leaving a lasting impression on the heart.

Would I recommend "Matilda The Musical"? Absolutely! This production is a must in London for anyone looking for a magical theatrical experience that will leave them spellbound. Whether you are a fan of the novel or the original film or just want to spend an unforgettable moment, "Matilda" offers something for everyone, at any age.

"Matilda The Musical" is a theatrical masterpiece that enchants the audience with its captivating story, unforgettable characters and contagious music. From triumphant moments of rebellion to the melodies of childhood dreams, this production testifies to the power of imagination. I recommend to anyone, of any generation, to live the magic of "Matilda The Musical", because it was for my part undoubtedly the best I have ever seen. Do not miss the opportunity to live this extraordinary journey, an experience that you will cherish for a long time!

Luc Ravel

 

Vulcania: A Blend of Learning and Thrills

Did you know that Europe's oldest and youngest and biggest volcanoes are located in the Auvergne region of France? No surprise then that it’s also the location of Europe’s most brilliant volcanology museum! You need search no further if you're looking for excitement and a greater comprehension of the fiery processes that form our globe: Vulcania is the place to go to!

I can state with certainty that having had the chance to visit Vulcania myself, it's an experience unlike any other. There is a sense of excitement and expectation in the air as soon as you walk in.

Vulcania's dynamic attractions like Dragon Ride 2, Réveil des Géants d’Auvergne (Awakening of the Auvergne Giants), Premier Envol (First Flight), Abyss Explorer, Terre en colère (Angry Earth), and Volcans Sacrés (Sacred volcanoes) promise to immerse you in the world of volcanoes.

Additionally, I promise you that every ride is an exhilarating journey that will leave you wanting more.

But in fact, entering the biggest planetarium in France was even more exciting, perhaps one of the best moments of my trip. I was immediately enthralled with the splendour of the universe and transported to far-off galaxies upon entering. Modern laser projection, 7.1 audio systems, and a 22-meter diameter dome combine to make the planetarium an incredibly engaging audio-visual experience that is not to be missed.

Beyond the fun and games, Vulcania offers a plethora of educational options. Each exhibition aims to inspire and educate, from interactive experiences like Machine Terre to outdoor photo exhibitions like the one on the Chaîne des Puys mountain range.

Vulcania dates back to a project conceived by the famous volcanologists Maurice and Katia Krafft, and supported by President Giscard d'Estaing, hence the high quality of the museum. Vulcania promises an incredible experience that perfectly combines fun and learning, whether you're a science enthusiast eager to learn or a thrill-seeker in search of adrenalin.

Vulcania isn't just a destination; it's an unforgettable experience. Its mix of excitement, education, and natural beauty left me in awe, and it's no surprise that Vulcania continues to enchant adventurers worldwide. Personally, I can't wait to return and explore even more of what this incredible site has to offer. Discover soon the splendours of the Earth and beyond at Vulcania, where learning and thrills come together in the most perfect way!

Tom Freychet

The famous Théâtre du peuple is located in the little town of Bussang in the Vosges. It was created in 1895 by Maurice Pauttecher. It was originally an open-air theatre. There are large doors at the back of the stage which can be slid back to allow the audience to see the mountains.

In 2023, during the summer holidays, I was lucky enough to see a famous play in this beautiful theatre: Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand, adapted and staged by the Compagnie Yanua (Katja Husinger and Rodolphe Dana). 

This play tells the story of Cyrano, a great musketeer who has a complex about his nose and is in love with his cousin Roxane. But she is in love with Christian, another musketeer with an advantageous physique. Cyrano helps Christian seduce her by writing love letters for Christian to Roxane. She falls in love with Cyrano's words, believing they come from Christian. In the end, Christian dies in battle and Roxane discovers the truth about the letters, realising that Cyrano was her true love. Cyrano dies, leaving Roxane to cry the loss of her one true love.

What I really enjoyed about this play was the acting, with the actors identifying perfectly with their characters. Moreover, the story of this play is very interesting, with its great monologues and its many twists and turns. I particularly enjoyed scene 4 of Act 2 (the nose tirade) and scene 7 of Act 3 (the declaration). There's also the place where the play took place: the theatre is all-wood built, with the back of the stage opening out onto the countryside, so you can bring in horses or enjoy the scenery with the weather as an added accessory. Indeed, this idyllic setting adds something that can't be found in any other theatre.

Some of the lines are very funny, others are full of poetry. I found the final act rather disappointing as it feels like the story is coming to an end too quickly. Despite the length (three-hours long!), the time passes quite quickly thanks to the way the play is staged, which makes it look recent though the piece dates back more than 120 years.

Jules Tilly

Did you know that the famous painter Marc Chagall spent the summer of 1926 working in the Auvergne, in Chambon-sur-Lac?

In 2018, the town of Brioude in Auvergne, known for its rich history and artistic heritage, hosted a captivating exhibition dedicated to Marc Chagall, an emblematic figure of modern art. Held at the local art museum, the exhibition, entitled "Chagall: DU COQ A L'ANE ," brought together a diverse array of Chagall’s works, including paintings, drawings, and lithographs.

Chagall was a painter but also an engraver. In 1962, André Malraux (Minister of Culture) asked him to create a fresco to adorn the ceiling of the Garnier opera house in Paris.

The exhibition in Brioude showcased Chagall's use of colour and imagery, capturing the essence of his unique artistic vision. The curators did an excellent job presenting his works in a way that was both educational and visually stunning. It was an inspiring visit that deepened my appreciation for Chagall's art.

Overall, the Marc Chagall exhibition in Brioude was a beautiful experience that not only celebrated his artistic achievements but also painted a portrait of his enduring impact on the world of art.

This exhibition is essential for admirers of Chagall, but also for people who want to discover modern art.

Octave Marceau

Picasso the ultimate work : homage to Jacqueline

In the town of Brioude, you can visit the Musée Le Doyenné, near the Saint-Julien basilica on the Place Lafayette. The museum features various exhibitions of modern and contemporary art. The "Picasso, l'œuvre ultime: hommage à Jacqueline" exhibition in 2019 offered a captivating plunge into Pablo Picasso's last creative phase, through Jacqueline Roque's influence on his art. Through iconic works such as "Jacqueline aux jambes pliées" (1955) and "Jacqueline aux fleurs" (1954), the artist depicts with fascination the face and body of his muse with incomparable emotional depth and technique.

The selection of works by exhibition curator Jean-Louis Prat reveals the richness and diversity of Jacqueline's representations over the years, offering visitors an immersion into Picasso's intimacy. Each piece testifies to the artist's consuming passion for his subject, with expressive and evocative power.

"Femme assise au chapeau jaune et vert" (1962) perfectly embodies this bond between artist and muse, revealing a masterful fusion of form and colour that testifies to the intensity of their relationship. Picasso transcends the limits of traditional representation to create a unique visual universe, where Jacqueline's beauty blends harmoniously with his own artistic vision.

As you go through this exhibition, you can't help but be overwhelmed by the emotional power emanating from each painting, testifying to the impact Jacqueline had on Picasso's life and work. It's a moving tribute to an artistic and human relationship, eloquently affirming Picasso's conviction that "painting is stronger than me, it makes me do what it wants".

Armand Marceau