Off the Beaten Track Magny-Cours

Posted on Tuesday 26 Jun 2007

Formula One will visit 17 different countries this season across five continents. From Melbourne to Malaysia, Silverstone to Shanghai, Fuji to France, Barcelona to Brazil...that’s not only a lot air miles, but plenty of new cultural experiences just waiting to entice you. So, if you’re planning a trip to any of the Grand Prix this year and can tear yourself away from the race track for just a moment, why not experience the best local culture has to offer? Whether you want to know where to lay your hands on the cheapest drink in Monaco or where to find the nearest Kangaroo enclosure in Melbourne or the best curry house in Silverstone, we have the inside track so let us be your guide in our new feature Off the Beaten Track. If you have your own suggestions, please feel free to email them to us at insidetrack@williamsf1.com and we will include the best submissions in all future entries! Magny-Cours People may say that Magny-Cours is in the middle of nowhere with nothing to see for miles but cows, but Nevers still boasts some well-kept secrets. A trip to the town will make your mouth water when you lay your eyes on the traditional confectionery - but the recipes are closely guarded secrets so don’t expect the locals to give away any tips! Négus, Nougatine and Petit Marinier take pride of place for a delectable snack so give in to temptation! Little known fact - Nougatine was invented almost a century ago by Louis-Jules Bourumeau. The well known sweet was made famous by Empress Eugénie who discovered it during one of Napoleon the Third’s journeys in 1862 which took in Nevers. On her return to Paris, she placed a large order for the tasty brittle. If scenery grabs you more than food, Nevers overhangs the Loire, Europe's last “wild� river and an ecological jewel. The vista from Bec d'Allier offers an exceptional view, where the Loire and Allier rivers meet up. Further local attractions for the outdoorsy-types include the Apremont-sur-allier floral gardens which lie in one of France’s most beautiful villages just 16kms outside of Nevers. Designed in the style of the 18th century, the gardens spread across four hectares and are dotted with breathtaking waterfalls, lawns, trees and flowers.