Mr Pilat said that the bulk of the spending in China was on development work, to alter products for the fast-growing Chinese market, rather than basic scientific research.

Image above: little bottles of memories include a little bit from the pyramids in Egypt, fine white sands from Dune du Pilat and salt from the flatlands of Camargue in France.

In terms of the landscaping, the hilly topography offers a number of viewpoints looking out across the surrounding countryside, taking in the Monts du Lyonnais, the Pilat, and the Rh?ne valley.