Some of the anatomical details that he sketched were so accurate that they were not verified scientifically until as recently as the 1980s. He was the author of notable studies such as Proportions of the Human Figure, a work often known simply as Vitruvian Man, which includes text on the squaring of the circle and the observation that the length of a human’s outstretched arms is typically equal to a person’s height.
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“For me, Arras is one of the most beautiful cities in France, maybe in Europe. It’s very nice to work here, with good people and good conditions. For the business it’s a very good place for us. Belgian chocolate is very appreciated here in France they don’t have the same one — we have Belgian chocolate!” said Thomas Laforge at the Doctor Steam Bar, as, instead of trying his hot chocolate, I sipped a cup of his mulled wine fortified with a shot of rum.
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It's a bright January day and icy wind whips across the hill topped by the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in northern France. I crouch by the monument to zip up my coat. A century ago hot shrapnel rather than cold air was ripping across this ridge overlooking the Douai Plain.
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There are 100 million bottles of Champagne in these cellars. Even if I do get lost and find myself forced to ‘live from the land’ until a rescue party finds me certainly I won’t go thirsty.
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Sommières, a small town in southern France, has long been a popular summer holiday destination. The town is embracing responsible tourism and providing visitors with opportunities to experience regional flavours and meet local people.
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Christian Jacques is an École du Ski Français (ESF) ski instructor working in the Alpe d’Huez grande domain Ski. Last week I spent time with the 57 year old, who’s in his 38th season as an instructor, exploring the 250km network of pistes in the French resort.
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Looking for a memorable place to spend a few days with your friends or family? Last week I met with Ed Percival, the Landmark Trust’s Head of Marketing and Communications, to learn what his organisation has to offer travellers.
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