WINTER BREAKS 2016 THE GUIDE


it comes to the Christmas concert you can be assured there’s no holding back. This year’s concert takes place on the evening of December 19th. There are other religious-themed concerts on many evenings throughout the winter. www.musique-sacree- notredamedeparis.fr


Vichy spa break


France has lots of wonderful spa towns and Vichy is perhaps the most famous. The French have been enjoying its thermal waters since Roman times but it wasn’t until the late 19th century that the town cemented its reputation, as a great European spa town thanks to investment from Napoleon III. Nowadays you’ll find all sorts of healthy treatments at the various spas dotted around the city, from facials and anti-cellulite to hammams and thermal cures. One of the most famous is the five-star Vichy Célestins Spa Hôtel with its 7,500-square- metre spa beside the Lac d’Allier. Double rooms start at €150. www.vichy-spa-hotel.com


Snow polo in Megève Is this the poshest snow sport there is? Every year, in January,


the Haute-Savoie town of Megève hosts a snow polo tournament with six


international teams battling it out over three days. How does it differ from normal polo? First of all, the ball is orange. Then, because there’s less friction on the snow, the game is played much faster and more dynamically. “The smaller pitch favours rapid action,” the organisers say, “and the players’ increased concentration in a small space adds to the excitement of the show.” The next tournament runs from January 19th to 22nd 2017. www.polo-master.com


Nantes classical music festival This year will see the 23rd edition of Nantes’ popular classical music festival, La Folle Journée. One of the festival’s core stated aims is to banish the elitist image that classical music concerts can have. For that reason, ticket prices are low, performances are short, and visitors can wander in and out mid-concert as they choose. People are also encouraged to meet the musicians and composers involved. Next year’s festival, the theme of which is “la nature”, runs from February


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Snow polo is not yet a Winter Olympics sport but it’s a great spectacle… Oct/Nov 2016 FRANCE TODAY ❘ 147


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