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dec | jan 2020
Packed with Festive Fairs & Fun
~ Passionate about life in south west France ~
December / January 2020
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AS Another year comes to a close, here at LIVING we’d like to say a giant thank you to everyone who makes this magazine possible. As for many local businesses, this has been a challenging year, given all the external pressures from the impact of a stalled Brexit to rising prices. So it has been heartwarming to hear from many of our advertisers that LIVING has delivered for them once more. This is thanks to you, our readers, for completing the circle of LIVING so our advertisers continue to come back year after year. We’d like to say an especially large merci to the select band of readers who think LIVING is worth supporting and have donated to our Ko-fi fund - you are our LIVING treasures! And last, but by no means least, thank you to our fantastic contributors and deliverers who go that extra mile each edition. So onto 2020, what will it bring? Will the UK finally leave the EU or will we Brits in France be living in limbo for another 12 months? For the past 3 years I have fought hard for our rights on both sides of the Channel with the British in Europe team as well as locally. As a result, this magazine has been able to bring you the latest information in every edition so you can prepare. But, this volunteering has been at considerable cost to my family and our business so my New Year’s resolution is to redress this balance and hand the Citizens’ Rights baton on to others. Please remind me of this if there is another extension! In the meantime, we wish you a wonderful festive season with friends and family,
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News from around the region
Our unique crossword by Mike Morris
It might be wet and windy outside but there is much that can still be done in your garden
Snippets
16
Winter Blues Busters Ten ways to become better acquainted with the region and inject a splash of colour into your winter
22
All Eyes Turn to MÉCA Jessica Knipe visits Nouvelle-Aquitaine’s new cultural centre with big plans to bring contemporary art to all
26
“No Limits” For skiers, at least, ‘freedom of movement’ still has real meaning as Roger Moss discovers
Puzzle Break
32
Practical Advice We put your questions to our professional experts
34
Citizens’ Rights Kathryn Dobson reveals the latest news for British nationals living in France
36
100,000 readers 1,000 stockists
Reflections & Rotations
53
Living Info Useful contact information you will want to keep close to hand
65
Alternative Christmas Spins A new look at the traditional Christmas play list
Nikki Legon’s Cuisine
66
Delicious recipes for festive menus
More French language fun with expert Emma-Jane Lee
40
Add some Seasonal Sparkle Celebrate with sparkling wines this Christmas
30
Annual Traditions
44
Susan Hays reflects on family rituals, both old and new
A profile of Châlus in Haute-Vienne
Living Property Pages
How to keep ‘Living’ free for you Buy from our advertisers and tell them you found them in ‘Living’
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Pardon!
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Business Directory The best local services & suppliers
64 Places To Go around the region
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regional
The pick of the news that will affect you wherever you live in south west France…
News round up Healthcare reforms
Bordeaux Marché de Noël
Combine a Christmas shopping trip or a visit to MECA (see page 22) with a tour of the Grand Marché de Noël de Bordeaux. Located in Les Allées de Tourny near the Opéra from 27 November to 29 December, over 100 wooden chalets will be filled with handmade gifts from across NouvelleAquitaine, a traditional carousel and plenty of opportunities to enjoy toffee apples, vin chaud and local dishes. Find the full details at www.marche-de-noel-bordeaux.com.
holidays
ve only It may feel like they ha l after oo sch to ck just gone ba tmas ris Ch the t Toussaint, bu us, with on up be n soo holidays will breaking students across France r and be cem De 20 up on Friday uary. Jan 6 ay nd Mo returning on ar’s Ye w Ne d an y Christmas Da l on Day, both jours fériés, fal . Wednesdays
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Nationwide, seven million people with a low income benefit from health cover support under the CMU-C or ACS schemes, where the ‘top-up’ portion of healthcare costs is covered in full or in part by the State. On 1 November the two schemes were combined and re-branded as Complémentaire Santé Solidaire (CSS). For those who are on CMU-C, there will be no change. Those on ACS now have the choice whether to continue with their current mutuelle or to switch to CMU-C (without penalty from their current mutuelle provider) and pay a monthly contribution according to their age group: 8€/month for under-29s, 14€ for 30-49, 21€ for 50-59 years, 25€ for 60-69 and 30€ for over 70s. They will also benefit from the costs being paid directly from the insurer to the health provider. If this impacts you, you should have received a letter explaining the changes, or you can apply directly to receive it on ameli-fr. Meanwhile, some glasses and dentures will be fully reimbursed from 1 January 2020 (with hearing aids following in 2021), honouring an election promise by Emmanuel Macron. According to a survey in 2018, patients paid an average of 43% of the costs for dental prostheses, 22% of optical costs and 53% for hearing aids.
Sizzling Summer
The outstanding weather this year has been credited with helping the region break previous tourism records. As well as strong domestic figures, Spanish Sarlat-lavisitors returned, and overall the Canéda inland departments showed strong growth, with Deux-Sèvres and Charente up 8.4% and Haute-Vienne up 5%. Rural and green holidays performed strongly. However, British holidaymakers fell overall by 8%, which has been put down to Brexit and the drop in the value of the pound. Here at LIVING we have seen a significant decrease in marketing efforts to attract British tourists and this must also play a role. Dordogne has been hardest hit by the drop in visitor numbers.
Île de Ré
LA ROCHELLE Surgeres Rochefort
CHARENTE-MARITIME (17) Marennes Saintes Cognac Royan
Ruffec
Rouillac Jarnac
CONFOLENS
CHARENTE (16)
ANGOULEME Barbezieux Aubeterresur-Dronne
News from around the region...
les charentes
Angoulême has been awarded the designation of UNESCO Creative City, joining Limoges and three other cities in France. “All over the world, these cities, in their own ways, make culture the pillar, not an accessory, of their strategy,” says UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay. “This favours political and social innovation and is particularly important for young generations.” Angoulême has received the award within the Literature category (Limoges joined the network in 2017 in the Crafts and Folk Art category) based upon its close relationship to la bande dessinée which is celebrated annually at the international festival – see Diary Dates. As well as a museum dedicated to the art, many walls in the city are adorned with colourful murals, attracting tourists to the area. Globally, some 246 Creative Cities are now recognised, across seven different themes.
© Dept17
Île de Oléron
River dredging
In an effort to reduce floods and restore the aquatic habitat of the Charente river between Rochefort and Saintes, the Charente-Maritime department and the French state are investing seven million euros in dredging over the next 6-8 years. In an ingenious project, sediment sucked from the riverbed, using a specially designed suction arm, will be deposited in two large settling reservoirs. Once the sediment has settled it will be dried, before being mixed with soil to improve local agricultural land. The cleaned water will then be returned to the river. Ultimately, it is hoped that 200ha of land will benefit from over 600,000m3 of sediment. Dredging by the ‘Grande Mulette’ is already underway and will continue until March 2020 before restarting in November.
Tour de France 2020 There was much excitement when the route for the 2020 Tour de France was announced, with a rest day and 3 stages (9, 10 and 11) planned for Poitou-Charentes. Having set out from Nice on 27 June, the riders will arrive in Charente-Maritime on Monday 6 July, following two gruelling mountain stages in the Pyrénées. The following day they’ll set off from the Île d’Oléron and cycle 170km north along the Atlantic coast via Royan, Rochefort and La Rochelle, finishing in Saint-Martin-deRé. Wednesday sees the peloton back on the mainland, where they will leave Châtelaillon-Plage and head inland, racing the 167km to Poitiers with a 1.5km sprint finish into the city centre. Then it’s a short hop east for Thursday’s departure from Chauvigny for Stage 11
to Sarran in Corrèze where, after two days on the flat, they will face the challenging climb up the Suc au May, which will prepare them for Friday’s mountain course in the Massif Central. The race finishes with the traditional Champs-Elysées laps of honour on 19 July. As well as being an amazing spectacle of endurance, the arrival of the Tour in the region for 3 days will bring an important boost to tourism, with many accommodation providers already fully booked. An estimated 10-12 million spectators will watch the race from around the world, showcasing the region and promising to boost visitor numbers in 2021, too. Nearly eighty per cent of visitors to the race are families (with 20% coming from
abroad), many of whom will incorporate the race into a longer holiday in the area. For full details as they are released, see www.letour.fr.
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Thouars
St Jean de
Les
Monts
La Roche sur-Yon
Herbiers y
Chantonna
Bressuire Parthenay
S
VENDÉE (85)
Les Sables d’Olonne
e La Tranch sur Mer
DEUX SEVRE (79) NIORT
St-MaixentL’école Melle
News from around the region...
Weekend of 30 Nov - 1 Dec Don't miss Maillezais (85): 30 Nov-1 Dec & 7-9 Dec Immerse yourself in the atmospheric Oriental market at the Abbaye de Maillezais with its 70 stalls. Festive food, entertainment and more, with doors closing on Saturday at 10pm. Saint-Loup (79): Sat & Sun One of the area’s largest Christmas markets opens from 3-11pm on Sat and 10am-7pm on Sun. 15,000 visitors will enjoy the chateau illuminations, ice rink and large Christmas market. Saturday: Beaussais (79) Sunday: Brioux-sur-Boutonne (79), Falleron (85), Faye-sur-Ardin (79), La Meilleraie-Tillay (85), Mouzeuil-Saint-Martin (85), Nanteuil (79), Saint-Gelais (79) Sat & Sun: Bouin (85), Jard-sur-Mer (85), Le Bernard (85), Saint-Hilaire-la-Palud (79)
Weekend of 20 dec-22 dec Don't miss Bressuire: Sat & Sun Visit the illuminations and artisanal market before joining in the 4km ‘Les Foulées de Noël’ on Sunday for charity. Les Herbiers: Sat & Sun Les courses du Père Noël – do something a little more energetic! Ultra Trail, Nordic walking and cross-country races. Saint-Maixent l’Ecole (79): Sat & Sun ‘Faites des Lumières’ light show with an artisanal market selling gifts, in the Abbey cloisters from 10am – 9pm.
Sat & Sun:
ber 7-24 Dece(7m 9) Niort
tre A popular city-cen a good th wi t rke ma Christmas food d an s selection of artist ice an ts, en ev e liv , producers , ns tio na rink and illumi s onto including projection ening ev ch the Donjon ea until 10pm.
Bretignollessur-Mer (85)
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Deux-sèvres & Vendée
Festive Fun Our pick of seasonal events around the region
Weekend of 7-8 December Don't miss
Saturday:
Les Sables d’Olonne (85): Sat Dating back to the 13th century, and traditionally the start of Christmas festivities in the town, La Foire aux Voleurs offers over 120 stalls and free entertainment.
Apremont (85), L’Aiguillon-sur-Mer (85), Menomblet (85), Nalliers (85), Saint-Michel-en-l’Herm (85)
Doué-la-Fontaine (49): Sat & Sun 70 exhibitors in the atmospheric setting of troglodyte caves, 5€ entry, under-12s free.
Sat & Sun:
Sunday: Saint-Symphorien (79), SainteHermine (85), Sainte-Verge(79) La Chapelle-Saint-Laurent (79), La Mothe-Saint-Héray (79), Landeronde (85), Longeville-sur-Mer (85), Luçon (85), Neuil-les-Aubiers (79)
Weekend of 13-15 December Saturday:
Don't miss Neuil-sur-l’Autise (85): Fri-Sun Three ticketed concerts by three outstanding choirs form the 17th Festival des Voix de Noël at the Abbaye. Tickets cost 12€ with under-7s free. Montréverd (85): Sat & Sun Inspired by traditional tales of knights and princesses, the 8th Festival de Jeune Public at the Logis de la Chabotterie has free events and plenty of Christmas cheer. Les Sables d’Olonne (85): Sun La Balade des Pères Noël, an annual costumed motorcycle rally with 1,600 bikes, departs from Challans in late morning, to arrive in Montaigu from 4.30pm.
Aizenay (85), Lairoux (85), Poiroux (85), Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez (85)
Sunday: Foussais-Peyré (85), La Châtaigneraie (85), Le Langon (85), Moutiers-les-Mauxfaits (85), Nesmy (85), Vix (85), Xanton-Chassenon (85)
Sat & Sun: Angles (85), Cerizay (79), Givraud (85), Fontenay-le-Comte (85), La Roche-sur-Yon (85), Les Sablesd’Olonne (85), Saint-Gilles-Croix-deVie (85), Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez (85), Sansais-la-Garette (79), TalmontSaint-Hilaire (85), Thouars (79)
OTHER FESTIVITIES 26 November Sainte Soline (79) The Ark79 Christmas market opens its doors from 10am-4pm with stalls, Santa, mulled wine, mince pies and more.
carefully placed by twenty volunteers into scenes designed by leading ‘santonniers’ such as Fouque, Carbonel and Escoffier. Twenty nearby shop windows carry on the tradition.
29 Nov-26 Jan
27 Dec-early Jan
Beaulieu-sous-la Roche (85) From 2-6.30pm daily, marvel at the scenes created in the 8 different miniature villages, some of which are automated. 700 figurines known as ‘santons’ are
Chez Les Houmeaux (79) This tiny hamlet near Lezay goes to town, with a light display in aid of charity. Started in 1994, more than 20,000 visitors now enjoy the illuminations each year.
All dates were confirmed at the time of printing. Please double check the details before travelling long distances in case of last-minute changes.
Coquilles Saint-Jacques
In the town bearing the same name, suppliers of scallops gather on the morning of 14 December to sell their wares, coming from as far afield as the Baie de Saint-Brieuc on the Breton coast. Last year stallholders sold over a tonne of the shellfish, with supplies running out by 3pm (an improvement on the previous year, when the market had coincided with the funeral of Johnny Hallyday, leading to poor attendance). The market at Saint-Jacques-de-Thouars (79) opens at 9am.
Church Services All Saints Vendée 8 December: Lessons and Carols at Puy-de-Serre, 11am 15 December: Christingle Service at Puy-de-Serre, 4pm 24 December: Christmas Eve Service at Puy-de-Serre, 4pm See www.allsaintsvendee.fr
Fairy tail
Discover more about the region’s folklore at the Historial de la Vendée’s latest exhibition ‘Mélusine, Secrets d’Une Fée’ running until 1 March 2020. More than 180 artworks, several lent by Parisian museums, explain the origins of the Mélusine myth, offering interpretations of the fairy serpent and her metamorphoses across the centuries. Entry costs 8€ with under-18s free, open Tues-Sun from 10am-6pm.
Fibre optic Large governmental infrastructure projects are renowned for delays and overspends, but not so the installation of fibre optic across Vendée. Initially scheduled to be completed in 2025, the goal to complete this ‘building site of the century’ has been accelerated to 2023 by partnering with a private company for the areas in and around La Roche-sur-Yon and Les Sables d’Olonne, according to Yves Auvinet, President of the Conseil Départemental. Initially 13 principal towns have been connected, and now the work is underway to reach far into the countryside with the aim to connect all residents. Requiring some 15,000km of cabling, the overall investment in the project is 312 million euros.
Natural endings
Opened in 2014, the first alternative cemetery in Niort (79) is proving popular with families and is now seen as a model for other cemeteries across the country. Designed to be in keeping with the city’s sustainability policy, the Cimetière Naturel de Souché is set in a wooded area with simple landscaping. All the necessary procedures following death have been revised to be ecologically friendly, with the body or ashes returned to the earth as naturally as possible. Chemicals are kept to a minimum, with biodegradable coffins or urns and no artificial flowers, marble tombstones or concrete vaults are permitted; just a limestone marker. In the Garden of Remembrance ashes can be scattered with the name of the deceased engraved onto a brass leaf to be hung nearby. Find out more at www.vivre-a-niort.com.
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16 | living places to visit
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Low-season calm, SaintMartin-de-Ré
10busters
W
We live in a desirable location, and getting better acquainted with it is the perfect excuse to bring a splash of colour into winter.
ith the creation of Nouvelle-Aquitaine we suddenly found ourself privileged to be among the 5.8 million or so who now call the largest of all the regions of France home. However, an area of almost 84,000km2 takes some getting to know, but doing so brings with it a better sense of belonging – ‘un sentiment d’appartenance’. While this might seem a strange time of year for doing anything other than staying close to the fireside, heading off for a break in unfamiliar surroundings can be a great way to shake off the winter blues. Repeat as necessary and you’ll be rewarded with a whole new appreciation of the different scenery, gastronomy and cultures which make up our regional identity. Sound good? Great, but the possibilities can seem bewildering, so we’ve collected a shortlist of highlights to help you plan your perfect getaway, whether for just a fun day out or to spend a few days completely free from the daily routine.
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2
Market day in Sarlat
living places to visit | 17
3
Bordeaux has year-round nightlife
1
Island escapism: Saint-Martin-de-Ré
How does the idea of Saint-Tropez transported from the distant Mediterranean to the nearby Atlantic Coast sound? It’s not as far-fetched as you might imagine, given the Île de Ré’s upmarket image and sought-after yacht moorings. Aerial views reveal a sheltered setting on the lee of the island, with densely packed clusters of Roman-tiled rooftops and an ancient port set within Vauban’s trademark star-shaped fortifications added in 1681. During a fine spell (and there are many here) take a seat at one of the quayside restaurant terraces and feel the winter sun recharging your batteries – and if you’re staying for a few days then you have a tempting choice of premium accommodation, at low-season rates. i infiniment-charentes.com
2
architectural treasures, and you’ll have time to appreciate them all without having the summer tourist crowds for company. Here in deepest Périgord they know how to make dining a memorable occasion, too, so it’s probably best not to think too much about the calories. i sarlat-tourisme.com
3
City buzz: Bordeaux beckons
Elsewhere possessing the title of Cité Mondial du Vin would be reason enough to sit on your laurels, but there’s much more to Bordeaux than fine wines. The city is booming, thanks to an
4
Catching the Atlantic surf, Biarritz
Market days: Sarlat-la-Canéda
Inland historic towns aren’t all at their most lively outside summer months, but Sarlat’s celebrated traditional markets have been attracting traders and buyers for centuries and continue to do so (in fact, they rate as the second most important in the region after Bordeaux). From 4-31 December the place de la Grande-Rigaudie and place du14 Juillet will host the annual Marché de Noël, with illuminations, an ice rink, evening concerts and activities for children. In the surrounding narrow streets lie
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22 | living places to visit
Nouvelle-Aquitaine’s cultural centre may be anchored in Bordeaux but sharing its works across the region is central to all that it does, as Jessica Knipe finds out…
All eyes turn to
MÉCA R
ising from Bordeaux’s left bank like a stark cultural totem pole, the recently inaugurated Maison de l’Économie CréAtive et de la Culture – or ‘MÉCA’ – is as mesmerising an objet as the Cité du Vin which frames the city on the other side of the river Garonne. Built in the Quartier de la Paludate, where the old abattoirs used to be, the 18,000m2 building is home to various organisations brought together to champion the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region’s cultural affairs. The cultural cooperative, which cost 60 million euros to build, was designed by Bjarke Ingels, the Danish architect behind Google’s new HQ in London. Under its roof, the Fonds Régional Artistique Contemporain (FRAC), the Office
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living places to visit | 23 President Rousset. “Our ambition is for a new generation of cultural politics which support young contemporary creation, and which has all the tools to distribute it dynamically throughout the entire Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.” Regrouping cultural agencies representing film, literature, theatre and more under one roof also paves the way for more ‘cross-fertilisation’ of the arts. “Culture is more than food for the soul to nourish society; it’s something we should never ignore, for democracy, for fraternity, for collective intelligence…”
Artistique de la Région NouvelleAquitaine (OARA) and the Agence Culturelle de la Région NouvelleAquitaine (ALCA) welcome around 200 troupes, artists and authors each year. They develop their acts or artwork in the MÉCA’s workshops and showroom, before taking them to the wider world. Its simple complexity is a striking testament to the fact that NouvelleAquitaine has a broad, rich and vibrant cultural community. The region is France’s second largest in terms of film production, and the FRAC acquires and preserves a 1,200-strong contemporary art archive, curating and circulating
the works with both in-house and travelling exhibitions, to share their cultural value with the region at large. In the 80s, when the FRAC’s collection was established, contemporary art was very different, for there were few collections in France. But the government, which at the time wanted to decentralise power and culture from Paris, made an unprecedented move to collaborate with the regions. The MÉCA building is one of current Nouvelle-Aquitaine President Alain Rousset’s steps to unite the organisations working to develop the region’s cultural assets. “The inauguration of MÉCA has opened a new chapter of cultural decentralisation,” explains
explains Mr Rousset. “It’s also a space for development. Culture carries meaning, and I want to bring back that meaning to the heart of the NouvelleAquitaine.” Providing this space, and time for interaction, has resulted in the creation of over 400 events supported by the region each year, including 30 big exhibitions (of which three or four are in-house), all revealing the diversity of the region’s treasures. Before the move into MÉCA, the FRAC Nouvelle-Aquitaine had just 400m2 in which to showcase its collection, which when it wasn’t being displayed was spread between three different storage areas. Now all the works are stored together under one roof and the exhibition space has tripled to 1,200m2, enabling a larger share of the collection to be shown each time. The FRAC’s mission is to collect, circulate and communicate: supporting young contemporary artists by collecting their works, circulating art Photos: TOP LEFT & TOP RIGHT: © laurianghnitoiu; BOTTOM LEFT: © Alexandre Dupeyron; ABOVE & RIGHT: © O. Panier des Touches
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26 | living places to visit
“No limits” For skiers, at least, ‘freedom of movement’ still has real meaning – it’s all about connections WORDS & PHOTOS: Roger Moss
W
ith over 250 ski resorts of all sizes spread across the Alps, Pyrénées, Massif Central, Jura and Vosges, we can head off for a ski break whenever and wherever we choose. No other country even comes close to that kind of choice, and you could spend a lifetime trying to ski them all without ever having left France. Sooner or later, though, the urge to ‘ski without limits’ is sure to tempt you to ski across the border for a change of scenery, more varied cuisine or just so you can tell your friends that you’ve been there. Happily, you can ski straight into another country and back again from a select handful of resorts located so close to their borders with Italy or Switzerland that the piste networks and lift systems on each side operate as one, so let’s look at what you can expect in ski areas offering this kind of international experience. Perhaps the best-known, particularly among skiers from the UK, is the Portes du Soleil, the collective title for seven ski villages in France and their five counterparts in Switzerland. Located east of Geneva between Lac Léman and Chamonix, their combined terrain offers near-limitless skiing for all abilities among the dazzling scenery of the Massif du Chablais and Valais areas. Most Brit-focused of the villages is Morzine, which offers 77km of cross-country and Nordic ski trails. The main attraction, though, is lift access to over 150km of groomed downhill
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Awe-inspiring views from l’Aiguille du Midi, above Chamonix
living places to visit | 27 Courmayeur, on the Italian side of Mont-Blanc
“you can ski straight into another country and back again from a handful of resorts...”
runs from up to 2466m, both above the valley and shared with its slightly more upmarket neighbour Les Gets (both villages carry the family-friendly ‘Famille Plus’ label). Armed with a full Portes du Soleil lift pass you can ski over 600km of groomed pistes, 30 snowparks, boarder-cross and ski-cross runs and much more, linked by some 200 ski lifts. Add endless off-piste/ ski-touring opportunities and the only limiting factor is your fitness level. For the highest altitude, snow-sure skiing look to Avoriaz, which is also closer to the Franco-Swiss frontier. Even closer, though, is Châtel, a charming traditional-style village whose Super-Châtel high-speed gondola will haul you smoothly from the heart of the village up to within 50m of the border. One onward chairlift drops you in the Swiss sector above Morgins, with few clues that you’ve just swapped countries. It really is that quick – but keep your passport with you, just in case. The snowy mountains and colourful villages of Switzerland look just as you always imagined them, but if you’re more attracted to ‘la bella Italia’ then you have some interesting options, starting a little further south at La Rosière, perched 1850m above the Tarentaise valley. There’s a friendly vibe, and things recently edged further upmarket with the addition of France’s first Hyatt Centric hotel. Just above the village is the Col du
Petit Saint-Bernard (2188m), gateway to Italy’s Aosta Valley. In winter the
route disappears altogether under the thick carpet of snow which transforms the mountainsides between La Rosière and La Thuile into the magnificent Espace San-Bernardo ski area. Skiing between the two brings a real sense of adventure, one particularly long cruise following the meandering route of the mountain road, with a superb restaurant along the way for real Italian dining. Just up the valley from La Thuile is French-sounding Courmayeur, another friendly village with its own great skiing, and a popular excursion for skiers from Chamonix. The Mont-Blanc tunnel provides a quick link between the two, although there are far more interesting ways for experienced skiers to cross the frontier. On the French side the muscular Aiguille du Midi cable car will drop you just below the breathless 3842m summit, either to ski back down via the world-famous ValléeBlanche or to take a sensational 5km ride across snow-covered glaciers on the Panoramic Mont-Blanc cable car. You’ll arrive at the Pointe Helbronner (3466m) to ski off-piste or take another epic cable-car ride down to Courmayeur. Either way, it’s an experience you’ll long remember. If, on the other hand, you’re looking for a more relaxed border crossing then I can recommend Montgenèvre
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36 | living nikki legon’s cuisine
With Christmas around the corner, Nikki shares some of her favourite recipes for entertaining friends and family...
Nikki Legon's
cuisine Festive Crackers
Pearl Barley & Mushroom Soup
Festive Crackers A delightfully easy aperitif to serve with drinks before dinner bag of cooked prawn crackers 250g cream cheese 1 large tablespoon mayonnaise 1 tbsp chives finely chopped 20 cooked large prawns Small tub of salmon caviar Method In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese and mayonnaise until soft and creamy. Add the chives and a spoonful of salmon caviar, mix gently. Place a spoonful of the mixture on each cracker. Top with a prawn then a little salmon caviar.
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Pearl Barley & Mushroom Soup
METHOD In a large saucepan, heat the butter and sautĂŠ the thinly sliced onion and sliced mushrooms for 10 minutes serves 6 on a medium heat. Stir occasionally with a wooden spoon. 15g butter 1 large onion, peeled and thinly sliced Drain the pearl barley thoroughly and add to the pan with the stock and 100g button mushrooms, sliced diced carrot. Season to taste. 100g pearl barley, soaked overnight 1 litre of vegetable stock (substitute Bring to the boil and then simmer for with beef stock for non-vegetarians) 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the potatoes and cook for a 1 large carrot, peeled and diced further 10 minutes or until all 225g potatoes, peeled and diced the vegetables are tender. 300ml of single cream Stir in the cream and season to taste. salt and pepper to taste
Crab-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
living nikki legon’s cuisine | 39
Crab-stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
50ml chopped fresh parsley ¼ tsp Cayenne pepper 20ml lemon juice 20ml oil
serves 6
Method Heat the oven to 190°C. Melt half of the butter in a small pan and cook the chopped onion until soft, stirring. Leave to cool. In a bowl combine the crab meat, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, thick cream, and parsley. Add the cooled onions, mix until well blended.
18 medium-sized Portobello mushrooms 60g butter 1 onion, finely chopped 250g fresh or frozen crab meat 125g fresh breadcrumbs 1 large egg, beaten 50ml thick cream
Sumptuous Christmas Pie serves 6
2 onions peeled, finely chopped 2 leeks, finely sliced 1 tbsp olive oil 3 garlic cloves, crushed 225g mixed mushrooms of your choice, cleaned and sliced 35g cranberries, frozen or fresh 340g tin butter beans, chopped 250g cooked chestnuts, sliced 50g hazelnuts, chopped 2 tsp fresh thyme 1 tsp Dijon mustard season to taste with salt and pepper For the pastry You can buy ready-made or make a vegan hot water crust pastry: 115g of vegetable suet 330g plain flour ½ tsp of salt Method Gently fry the onions and leeks in the oil for 5 minutes. Add the garlic,
mushrooms, cranberries, butter beans, cooked chestnuts, hazelnuts, thyme and mustard. Continue cooking for 10 minutes. The mixture will be fairly dry. Season with salt and pepper then remove from the heat. Preheat the oven to 180°C. To make the pastry, heat 150ml water in a saucepan. When boiling, add the suet and stir vigorously, remove from the heat. Place the flour into a large bowl and stir in the salt, add the water and suet mixture. Carefully fold the mixture together into a ball then place onto the work surface and knead for 5 minutes. Lightly grease a 20cm loose bottomed deep pie dish. Take three quarters of the pastry and roll it out to fit the dish. Add your pie filling, fold over any excess pastry towards the centre of the pie. Roll out the remaining pastry to make a lid and place it on top of the pie. Trim any excess. For vegans, brush a little soya milk on top or brush with egg wash for vegetarians.
Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Stir in the lemon juice and set aside. Heat the remaining butter and oil in a large frying pan. Sauté the mushrooms for 2 to 3 minutes each side until lightly browned. Place on a large shallow dish, hollow side up, and fill with the crab filling. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and the crab mixture has heated through. Garnish with a sprig of parsley and serve.
Sumptuous Christmas Pie
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Property
chÂlus (87)
Changing Places
We visit an unassuming market town with signs of a turbulent past
The Parc Naturel Régional Périgord-Limousin covers an area of 1,900km2, and contains quite a few surprises, for both visitors and the 51,000 residents. It takes in sizeable chunks of both Haute-Vienne and Dordogne – or Limousin and Périgord, if you prefer – although for much of the time the distinctions are far from obvious, the landscape being quite sparsely populated and much of it covered by forests. That makes it a promising location for anyone thinking of exchanging the pace of town life for something quieter in ‘la France profonde’. However, that doesn’t mean that nothing has ever happened here. In fact, Châlus witnessed the death of the illustrious Richard Coeur-de-Lion in 1199 when his troops laid siege to the Château-Chabrol, a stronghold which occupied a strategic position between Aquitaine, Limousin and Charente. Having positioned himself beyond the reach of the defending longbow archers, Richard fell victim to a poison-tipped arrow fired from a revolutionary weapon of medieval warfare: the crossbow. Today the 11th century cylindrical donjon still
former railway track between here and Oradour-sur-Vayres. There are bike hire points along the way – or, if you prefer, you can follow it on foot or rollerblades, and it’s fully accessible to those with a disability (see www.voieverte-enlimousin. com). Châlus is also well-served by road, the busy N21 trunk route from Limoges and Périgueux passing close by, while leaving the town centre undisturbed. There are markets on Friday mornings, except those following fairs on the second Thursdays of each month, or dine with friends at one of the summer evening farmers’ markets with live music.
dominates the remains of the chateau, and a climb to the 25m summit rewards visitors with panoramic views of the town and the Tardoire valley. Down in the heart of the town is another important medieval survivor. Built in 1280 by Géraud de Maulmont (advisor to Louis X’s queen consort Marguerite de Bourgogne), the Château de Châlus-Maulmont was partially destroyed during the Revolution, served as a prison and was eventually abandoned. The preserved remains give an intriguing idea of the imposing scale of the chateau around which the town originally developed. In 1908, Châlus received a visit from one Thomas Edward Lawrence, who had been cycling around much of France to research the influence of the Crusades on French military architecture. His stay in the town is recorded by a granite plaque displayed near the former Hôtel du Midi, for after completing his thesis his exploits in the Middle East would earn him his own place in history books as Lawrence of Arabia. Today cycling is encouraging many more people to discover the town, thanks to the creation of the Voie Verte des Hauts de Tardoire on a 13km stretch of
Making connections Distances/drive-times by road from Châlus: Limoges: 39km/40min Périgueux: 61km/1hr Bergerac: 110km/1hr 52min Angoulême: 79km/1hr13min Saint-Junien: 33km/33min TER & TGV rail services: TER Nouvelle-Aquitaine services from gare SNCF de Bussière-Galant (6.5km) to Limoges, Angoulême, Montluçon, Paris, etc. TGV services from Angoulême to Paris, Bordeaux, Poitiers, Bayonne, etc.
L i ving
Property Sovimo immobiLier DPE: n/a
Ref. 34095
110 000€ HAI
(100 000€ plus 10% fees payable by buyer)
Close to Confolens (16), renovated detached cottage, 3 bedrooms, electrical heating, hangar, adjoining & separate garden, all set on 807m2.
Ref. 34088
35 750€ HAI
DPE: n/a
(32 500€ plus 10% fees payable by buyer)
Close to Champagne Mouton (16). In a hamlet, semi-detached cottage to renovate, 1 bedroom, 2 rooms to convert, septic tank, 2 small outbuildings, adjoining land + opposite plots, all set on 2800m2.
Character Properties in France
DPE: n/a
Ref. 34091
156 600€ HAI
(145000€ plus 8% agency fees payable buyer)
Roumazieres (16). In a village, detached 3-bed character house. Attic to convert, oil heating, main drains, detached garage, adjoining wooded land set on 6448m2.
DPE: C
Ref. 34083
583 000€ HAI
(550 000€ plus 6% fees payable by buyer)
Esse (16), near Confolens. Exceptional, rare equestrian property set on approx 32ha (79 acres) of pasture. 4-bed house with septic tank. Ring for horses. Quarry. 6 boxes, saddlery, outbuildings. 2 ponds for water.
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Vareilles, Creuse, €139,900* 3-bedroom renovated stone house with garage, double-glazing and stunning countryside views. Spacious rooms, calm location. Walking distance to a restaurant. DPE: vierges
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Haimps, Charente Maritime, €349,000* Impressive 4-bedroom with original character, large downstairs bedroom with ensuite, plus 2-bedroom gite, barn with new roof. 5 minutes from the town of Matha. DPE: F
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ExclusivE
DPE: C
Ref. 34077
93 500€ HAI
(85 000 plus 10% fees payable by buyer)
Chabrac (16). In countryside, pretty 3-bed farmhouse set on approx 1ha 80 (4 acres). Convertible attic with 2 bedrooms, oil heating & wood, old septic tank, outbuildings.
Ref. 34089
DPE: C
73 700€ HAI
(67 000€ plus 10% fees payable by buyer)
Confolens (16) centre town. Secure commercial shop for sale. 2 accesses, 2 reserves included one with security door. Above, pretty 3-bed flat. Bright living rooms, fitted kitchen, all comforts.
3, place de la Liberté, 16500 Confolens Tel: 05 45 85 45 65 contact@sovimo.com
www.sovimo.com
Rochechouart, Haute Vienne, €265,000* 3-bedroom with large pool and views, 2.5 acres, large garage. Recent electrics, double-glazing, septic tank, well-insulated. Between Saint Junien and Rochechouart. DPE: D
Chaillac sur Vienne, Haute Vienne, €265,000* 3-bedroom, almost 3 acres, 5km from Saint Junien, 6km from Rochechouart. Double-garage, large terrace, mains drains, double-glazed, under-floor gas heating. DPE: C
www.selectionhabitat.com Tel: 05 65 70 10 49 Email: info@selectionhabitat.com Please contact us if you have a character property to sell, we have a devoted team located throughout the area.
*agency fees charged to the seller
www.agence-eleonor.com Agence Eleonor Estate Agency 36-38 rue du Temple, 24500 EYMET T: 05 53 27 83 45 info@agence-eleonor.com Eymet, Villeréal, St.-Cyprien, Monpazier, Bergerac, Lalinde, Lauzun, Issigeac and Sainte -Foy-la-Grande
Ref: 7325-EY 461,100€ HAI DPE: C Stunning property with a 3-bedroom house and 2 fully renovated and equipped 2-bedroom gites. It also benefits from a stone barn, swimming pool, duck pond and 2 acres of garden with fruit trees. Taux d’honoraires 26,100€ (6%) inclus à la charge de l’acquéreur.
Ref: 8213-EY 178,200€ HAI DPE: Vierge Beautiful stone 3-bedroom village property benefitting from a large light lounge with a cosy wood burner and original fireplace, just a couple of minutes’ walk from the centre of the lively bastide of Eymet with shops restaurants and bars. Taux d’honoraires 13,200€ (8%) inclus à la charge de l’acquéreur.
Ref: 8214-EY 645,750€ HAI DPE: C Stunning property in an amazing setting! Entry via electric gates and a sweeping drive takes you to a lovely, old stone 3-bedroom house (2 extra bedrooms partially completed). Set on nearly 10 acres of land with a large swimming pool and a private 2.5-acre lake with island. Taux d’honoraires 30,750€ (5%) inclus à la charge de l’acquéreur.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our customers
50 | living in the garden
Snow is a fleeting visitor, so make the most of the view
in the garden
Reflections & Rotations There’s much more to winter than mild, damp spells, but when there’s little we can do outdoors a spot of fireside gardening can still pay dividends.
www.livingmagazine.fr
living in the garden | 49 Purple sprouting broccoli
Prepare some frost protection
T
he kind of prolonged wet spells which have been an unwelcome feature of recent autumns can be frustrating when what you really want to do is to get outdoors and tidy up the garden. While the damp conditions can feel chilly, a glance at the thermometer often tells a different story, for when it’s wet then it’s also relatively mild. In fact, shortly before we went to press the latest meteorological figures to be released revealed the uncomfortable fact that the past five years have produced the five mildest autumns on record. While climate change threatens polar ice and wreaks havoc in the oceans, the impact on our gardens has so far been largely positive, at least inland. Our plants, not surprisingly, have been busily extending their growth periods
and sending out lots of new shoots, something which has created extra work for us as we try to keep things in shape. Prime offenders include Ceanothus, Elaeagnus, laurel, Photinia and more energetic roses. Not that everything can be merely trimmed. Throughout most of the region our lawns tend not to go completely to sleep over winter, so we’re accustomed to giving them a run over with the mower now and then, but the combined effects of mild, wet autumns can send them into a growing frenzy. Mowing wet grass is obviously never a good idea, so we now have to just shrug and accept the slightly unkempt appearance until a few dry days have passed, and we finally have a chance to get things back into shape. When that’s out of the way we
Andy Coope
Garden design, hard landscape construction and planting service based in Montmoreau (16). Kew trained, RHS show garden contractor & designer, 30+ years’ experience. Full references available. Richard 07 88 29 54 37 richard@boisbourdeau.fr www.boisbourdeau.fr Siret: RCS Angoulême 851 973 198 00019
2 Ladies & a Van Garden waste, barns etc. cleared Unoccupied holiday homes checked For enquiries & rates tel: 07 72 38 84 60 09 63 68 12 49
Charente, Vienne, Deux Sèvres
GENERAL HANDYMAN 05 49 87 81 17 / 06 95 41 78 49
coope.stephen@orange.fr All types of gardening undertaken Wood cut, split and stacked Gite management/Changeovers Key holding/House checks Pet/house sitting Groundworks including gravelling and small patios
Siret no 853 531 838
752 604 256 00012
might just have time to enjoy a spot of relaxed contemplation while looking around at what changes another year has brought to the garden. Once winter has finally set in these are precious times, particularly if we’re fortunate enough to get some of the uplifting crisp, frosty mornings with steely-blue skies we remember from past years. In December and January the dormant season is well and truly upon us, so if you’ve stored your harvest and protected your plants (not forgetting those in the relative safety of a greenhouse) there really won’t be a great deal of work which can be done in the garden. Hopefully you’ll have left some wildlife-friendly areas in quieter, less visible corners, and will have attracted some over-wintering
Call a Kiwi House & Garden Care Lawnmowing Van Jobs Clark Judd 06 47 84 04 65 onthegallops@outlook.com 45 mins around Montbron (16)
Garden Services
Pool Care Property Management
05 45 25 05 37 Anything you cannot do,Show or do nothow much you Living at ko-fi.com/livinghq www.charenteassistance.fr wish to do, please give me a call. Siret: 842032401 00015
54
Business Directory ADVERTISE WITH
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W
elcome to our new look Business Directory, packed full of the best English-speaking services suppliers across the region. Whatever you need, our advertisers can help you and, in return, just tell them you saw their advert here and you will help to keep Living Magazine free.
Vendée (85)
CharenteMaritime (17)
If you have a business in the region and would like to showcase your services to our 100,000 readers, we can help. With over 1,000 stockists, Living is the leading English-language magazine covering your area. Advertising starts at just 70€ttc per two-month issue (or 35€ttc on our monthly payment scheme). . “We have placed several adverts with Living Magazine and each time our expectations are exceeded...As soon as the advert is placed the orders start coming in.” Shelly, eco-tabs
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Charente (16)
Haute-Vienne (87)
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HOW TO ADVERTISE:
Ring Jon on 05 49 87 29 71 or email ads@ammfrance.com. Pay monthly by debit/credit card.
Food Shops
PRODUCERS & SUPPLIERS OF QUALITY BEEF, LAMB, VEAL AND POULTRY
Christmas items available from mid October Having a party? Iceland platters and party food available too. *Turkeys available to order* Check our website to see what other treats are available.
Domaine de la Goujonne 17270, MONTGUYON
Now taking Xmas orders
www.anglofoods.com
@lesfromentaux
05 46 48 32 44
Home-grown Limousin beef, hung for 14 days, and pork, butchered on site so all cuts available. English-style sausages, bacon and gammon. Free-range poultry. Farm shop and seasonal markets see website for details. Farm fresh handmade pies, cooked goods, regional & seasonal produce. Regular Pop-Up Shop and Pie Nights Mobile Event Catering Handmade Bespoke Cakes by Sue
www.earllesfromentaux.com 10 route de Vilenne, 36200 Celon 02 54 25 34 73 / 06 84 61 52 39
ELLIOTTS BOUCHERIE We post throughout France via Chronofresh, 24 hours from dispatch to your door. Check our website for full details. Elliotts Boucherie are based in north west France where we have been supplying local customers for many years. Our premium quality meat is sourced in France but butchered the English way.
See www.elliottsboucherie.com for all our products and prices, and Delicious range of handcrafted English style sausages. follow us on Facebook Bacon dry-cured on premises. Homemade meat pies, pasties, pork pies, scotch @elliottsboucherie eggs, haggis, sausage rolls and more. WE'RE NOW TAKING CHRISTMAS ORDE RS Free-range turkeys, geese & capons. Boned & rolled Turkey breast, Gammon joints, Pigs in blankets, Cocktail sausage rolls, Pork pies Pickles and condiments, Plus lots more!!
** We supply Dick and Angel from Escape to the Château **
Dedicated deliveries/orders email: elliottsorders@gmail.com Elliotts Boucherie: 8 Place de la Houssaye, 53120 Gorron, Pays de la Loire Tel: 02 43 30 46 89
55
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...making an entrance
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A pair of 2m* oak 5-bar gates including galvanised fixings and oak posts. Supplied & installed for only 799€
All departments covered - distance restrictions apply * variations in size available as all gates made-to-measure
www.charenteoak.fr
E: mark@charenteoak.fr or Tel: 05 45 78 66 95
Our bi-lingual team are waiting to pamper you. CACI trained and registered to perform non-surgical facelifts and more. Ring now to book your appointment. ~ PLUS! Wedding hair & make-up team ~
26 rue du Commerce, 86400 CIVRAY Renaissance - hair, beauty, nails Tel: 05 49 87 16 33
Couleurs de Vie
HATHA YOGA
Official stockists of Chalk Paint™, a decorative paint by Annie Sloan.
Tues 19.30-20.45 / Weds 10.15-11.30
RESTORATIVE YOGA Thurs 10.30-11.45
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LEARAN STOCK C
YIN / BEGINNERS
Impasse Brisson, Le Souterrain, 16200, Courbillac
Regular Sunday yoga brunches www.frenchyogagarden.com
Located between Cognac, Jarnac & Rouillac
Thurs 13.30-14.45
ContaCt LuCy thompson for bookings: lucyyoga86@gmail.com 05 49 87 36 26 Facebook: French Yoga Garden
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Your source for Annie Sloan Products. Workshop courses and commissions undertaken. Siret: 802 327 635 00016
RENAISSANCE - hair, beauty, nails
YOGA & WELLBEING AT THE FRENCH YOGA GARDEN
Please contact to make an appointment Tel: 05 45 67 70 62
www.couleursdevie.eu
 Colour matching service available  Free Technical advice and support  Tester pots available The paint the professionals use
Brico17paintsupplies 09 61 62 46 15
www.nettoyage-services-dordogne.fr Large selection of home fabrics, made-to-measure curtains, bedlinen, wallpaper & paint. Friendly English-speaking staff in a cosy atmosphere! Tues to Fri 9h-12h30 & 14h-18h30 Sat 9h-12h30 &14h-18h comptoirdecodangely www.comptoirdecodangely.com
14, rue de l’hôtel de ville, 17400 Saint-Jean d’Angély Beside the market square. Phone: 09-83-72-34-90
PROFESSIONAL CLEANING & HYGIENE SERVICES Key holding / conciergerie. Cleaning of commercial and domestic premises and window cleaning. Rugs, carpet & upholstery steam shampoo extraction. Hard floors / surfaces treatment: marble, granite, terracotta etc & wood floor parquet. Swimming pool & garden maintenance. Office: 05 53 07 52 71 (9 to 18.00) Mobile: 06 31 31 06 76 / 06 70 39 83 96 arcencielnettoyage24@gmail.com
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Siret: 813 442 860 00017
Home Decoration, Cleaning
ARC EN CIEL Nettoyage Professionnel  Authorised suppliers of Crown Trade and Sandtex Trade paint based in Charente-Maritime (17)
Well-being, Paints
Siret: 509 861 902 00013
Visit Alison, Stephanie, Laura & Julie at...
56
Insurance and asset management advice in English Hello, my name is Isabelle Want. For the past 9 years, I have been working for Allianz as an asset manager. Being married to an Englishman and having lived in the UK for 8 years gives me a better insight into what British people are experiencing and what they need. Being French and born in the Charente has enabled me to offer some answers. I am, as always, available for any free advice on the following subjects: - INHERITANCE LAW - who inherits, how much are death duties, what solutions exist - TAXES - everybody’s fear! Annual tax forms in May, etc.
BH Assurances
- INVESTMENTS - what is available, what rate, etc. - LIFE INSURANCE - how to protect your loved ones - FUNERAL COVER - preparing for the inevitable, unfortunately! - TOP UP HEALTH INSURANCE - why you need it and how much it is - INSURANCES - get a free quote to see if you can save money We also have a dedicated bilingual person to deal with claims. And, finally, we have an English website with all sorts of useful information and tips on all of the above subjects.
Contact Isabelle directly Mobile: 06 17 30 39 11
Email: isabelle.want@bh-assurances.fr
22 rue Jean Jaures 16700 Ruffec tel : 05 45 31 01 61
10 bld du 8 mai 1945 16110 La Rochefoucauld tel : 05 45 63 54 31 102 ave de la République 16260 Chasseneuil sur Bonnieure tel : 05 45 39 51 47 N° ORIAS : 07020908
www.bh-assurances.fr
Personal, Professional, Business Insurance & Investments Car – Home – Health – Life – Travel – Savings – Retirement
Insurance
Motor, House and Contents, Health, Business, Life Insurance and Savings
Alexandre HULOT Bilingual Insurance Agent
AGENCES PHILIPPE BOURDIN 3 Place d’Armes, 16700 RUFFEC Tel: 05 45 31 01 51 or Commercial site at SuperU, 79190 SAUZE VAUSSAIS Tel: 05 49 07 61 10
05 46 59 01 75
36 rue Grosse Horloge, 17400 ST JEAN D’ANGELY E: hulot-alexandre@aviva-assurances.com W: https://agences.aviva.fr/SAINT-JEAN-D'ANGELY Expert Expat Advice 15 years of personal experience living & working abroad
E: bourdin-ruffec@aviva-assurances.com No ORIAS: 07009808
ENGLISH SPOKEN
Document non contractuel à caractère publicitaire à jour au 05/03/2015 - Aviva Assurances, Société Anonyme d’Assurances Incendie, Accidents et Risques Divers au capital de 178 771 908,38 € - Siège social: 13 rue du Moulin Bailly, 92270 Bois-Colombes - Entreprise régie par le Code des assurances – R.C.S NANTERRE 306 522 665.
No Orias: 13004664 www.orias.fr
We find the best insurer for your needs at competitive rates
MOTOR, HOUSE, MEDICAL, TRAVEL, BUSINESS For information and quotes contact Penny G.S.A.R. 05 53 40 15 71 pennym.gsar@orange.fr
HELP WITH ALL FRENCH ADMINISTRATION MATTERS Administrative Assistance & Solutions Private Individuals & Small Businesses English / Français / Português & Espagnol
Same road, new number!
30 rue du commerce, 86400 CIVRAY M: 06 33 11 64 05 eloisa@efficientranslations.fr www.efficientranslations.fr
PROFESSIONAL ENGLISH/FRENCH TRANSLATOR Translating is often about more than just the words. Being French, I understand the culture as well as the language ensuring that your communication is as effective in French as in English. Contact me for translations of all kinds of professional and personal documents including websites
Isabelle.rougier-dousseau @wanadoo.fr 06-77-08-87-29
TONY FARRELL
INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL ADVISER The Spectrum IFA Group with over 20 years’ experience advising expatriates throughout Europe on all aspects of financial planning.
Tel: 05 55 89 57 94 Mob: 06 15 28 54 82
E: tony.farrell@spectrum-ifa.com TSG Insurance Services S.A.R.L. Siège Social: 34 Bd des Italiens, 75009 Paris R.C.S. Paris B 447 609 108 (2003B04384) « Société de Courtage d’assurances » « Intermédiaire en opération de Banque et Services de Paiement » Numéro d’immatriculation 07 025 332 –www.orias.fr « Conseiller en investissements financiers », référencé sous le numéro E002440 par ANACOFI-CIF, association agréée par l’Autorité des Marchés Financiers »
Do you want to improve your French but find you can’t get to lessons? Insurance
Ask for Corinne
For all your insurance needs in France
Special discount for new owners - 50% off the first year Fully comprehensive covers at competitive prices and all explained in ENGLISH. We respond quickly to enquiries and in the case of accidents or claims, we are here to help. Offices at Champdeniers and St Pardoux (79). Come and visit us.
Agence Michallon Tel: 05.49.25.87.06 Corinne.michallon@mutpoitiers.fr
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Orias: 07007057
English Speaking
Would you prefer to learn in the privacy of your own home? Try Frantastique, the online course with fun, daily lessons, for FREE for one month and see your French improve. Simply sign up on our website www.livingmagazine.fr
These local businesses are waiting for your call!
Long established service at reasonable rates Depts 16 & 17 Expert in French Administration Business set-up Personal taxation Legal matters Phone calls & meetings Andrew Harrison
Tel: 05 46 96 44 11 askandrewnow@hotmail.com www.askandrewnow.com SIRET 453 520 298 00010
57
Charente Assistance Garden Maintenance | Pool Care | Gîte Services | Home Maintenance 05.45.25.05.37 | www.charenteassistance.fr
Home Satellite Services
Experience you need....Results you want
Learn French from the comfort of your home on Skype with a friendly French native teacher. For all levels Personalised lessons from anywhere at any time For all types of learning objectives 15 years’ experience
Fluent French speaker with over 15 years professional ‘hands on’ experience assisting expats in France
Personal Taxation – Carte Vitale – Business set ups CPAM – French Administration – Tax regularisation and much much more….
www.learnfrenchathome.com contact@learnfrenchathome.com Tel. 09 70 40 81 17
Call Rick Denton now on 06 46 25 30 87 or Email: mailthefixer@gmail.com www.corporateandlegal.org
• Satellite dishes, Sky/Freesat • Dish realignment/upgrades • Sky & Freesat TV boxes • A reliable service at sensible rates serving several departments
Your Local Sky Expert Contact Steve for a free, no-obligation quotation on: 07 80 03 25 64 or 05 49 48 18 44 E: homesatservices032@gmail.com
@homesatservices
Based in Poitiers and covering 86, 79, 16, 17 & 24
Claude’s Cat Hotel
Siret: 841733769 00019
LIME TREE KENNELS
Siret: 822 175 527 0016
Les Chaillauds 16220 MONTBRON Tel: 05 45 24 01 45 claudescathotel@gmail.com www.claudescathotel.com
C J Logistics Full or part loads undertaken a box to a full removal Cars, Boats and caravans a speciality Full European coverage Secure storage available in France and UK UK depot available for deliveries Every item is covered by GIT and CMR insurances
For those of you that don't already know us, we are a purpose-built kennels with a large secure paddock area where dogs can run free and play while having their 2 walks per day on or off the lead. Large family kennels are available. You are welcome to call if you have any questions or would like to visit the kennels. Lime Tree Kennels
Tel: 09 83 70 01 33 Mob: 06 61 25 41 09 E: john.louch@orange.fr or cjlogistics8@gmail.com
15 mins from La Rochefoucauld & 20 mins from Rochechouart
YOUR ONE-STOP TRANSPORT SERVICE
Full trade references available
While France has a lot to offer, living the dream can be tough at times, especially when trying to get things done. This is where my comprehensive administration and translation support services can help. I solve your most pressing needs - related to business, health, vehicles, residence, education, taxation and building (and anything else you can think of) - while supporting you to navigate the bureaucratic maze so you stay in control. Drawing on nearly 20 years of living and working in France, I understand the systems and know how to negotiate to get things done - without the drama (and even with a sense of humour!).
“Jenny’s professional, friendly and calm approach puts you at ease” Karin Light
“All the hassle and problems were quickly reduced to minor inconveniences…” Chris McGovern
FRENCH COMMUNICATION SERVICES jenifer@wordsmithcoms.com FB: frenchwordsmith 06 79 85 58 84 Available across 86, 87, 19, 36 & 37 SIRET 504 587 924 00011 MMA Professional liability insurance
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Help & advice, Translations
Guiding you through the bureaucratic maze so you can focus on what matters…
Animal care, Transport
Anita Frayling - Le Baillat, 16220 Rouzede T: 05 45 66 14 62 E: anita.limetreekennels@gmail.com
In a rural setting, Claude’s offers guests a calm, safe and caring environment. Heated accommodation with private outside space.
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magazinE oct | nov 2019
• Certificates issued for every sweep • Over 10 years’ experience • Covering departments 16, 17, 79 & 86
Rouillac, Châteauneuf, Barbezieux, Jonzac and surrounds
ExclusivE:
a personal message to our readers from nouvelle-aquitaine President alain rousset
Business Directory
Garden inspiration cathar country Practical advice & Much More
Find the best local companies, all in one place!
~ Passionate about life
in south west france
~
If you have spare time and would like to meet more people, or are a business looking to reach new customers, this could suit you.
Registered with the Chambre de Métiers et de l’Artisanat Siret 81968203000013
If you think you could help us, please drop an email to jon@ammfrance.com to discuss what would be involved. We look forward to hearing from you!
Ian Dickinson BSc (Hons)
ID Planning & Design Planning and designs for permis de construire and déclaration préalables for extensions, renovations, conversions and new builds. Departments: 16, 17, 24, 79, 86 & 87 Siret: 492 277 918 00024
Tel: 05.46.98.22.01 Mob:
06.02.33.90.58
BECK CHERRY PICKER HIRE Nacelle Telescopique
17m tracked cherry picker with IPAF operator For all exterior works: roofing, painting, tree cutting etc. Hourly, daily or weekly rates Based in south 86, can transport as required
www.beckcherrypickerhire.com Tel: 07 84 12 44 97
E: beckcherrypickerhire@gmail.com
Metalwork, Fencing, Artisans
E: iancdickinson1960@gmail.com
Contact Nick on email: nickthesweep@gmail.com or T. 05 45 71 33 36 Siret: 827 978 636 00013
Building services
Chimney sweep, Building services
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Tel: 06 46 49 73 45 Email: info@furnitureforfrance.co.uk www.furnitureforfrance.co.uk
These local businesses are waiting for your call!
Architectural Drawing Service Renovating your next property? Dreaming of a new build? Let me help you. • Dossiers prepared • Permis de construire • Déclaration préalables Siret: 49377035800015
05 53 52 36 05
lavieilleabbaye@orange.fr Peter Latus BA(Hons)
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FEATURED BUSINESS
Enershop – renewable energy heating systems for your property
Tel: 07 67 04 07 53
Email: info@enershop.eu
ANDY MS
All leading Brands All associated minor works, modifications and repairs also undertaken e.g.. replace Kitchen worktops, taps, toilets etc. Dept. 16, 17
05 46 49 78 30 / 06 70 40 66 01
Wooden shutters made, restored and spray painted, metal shutters sandblasted Exterior/Interior walls airless spray-painted Over 30 years’ experience
AMC CONTRACTS Tel 05 45 21 72 01 Mobile 07 80 00 51 65 amccontracts2@gmail.com
M&M PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
siret:50263448800014
TER MAC et COUV
Depts 16 & 17
Painting & decorating services Tiling / Flooring Plasterboarding Suppliers of Crown Paints Providing a quality service since 2005 Kevin Smith
Swimming pools Septic tanks Roofing & General building Piscines, Fosses septiques Toitures et Bâtiment général Free Devis Decennial insurance
Fosse septiques: Toutes eaux, Micro stations, Compact systems, Special flood zone Groundworks, Foundations Land clearance
Machines & driver 0.75 tons to 13 tons French spoken 15 years’ experience Covering depts. 16, 86, 87
E: bentham.nigel@gmail.com T: 06 48 17 20 94
Tel 05 17 30 18 35 Mobile 06 33 85 65 66
ktaylor.renovations@gmail.com
Graham Medhurst Renovations Established reputable builder in Charente From basic changes to complete renovations, bathrooms, kitchens, floor and wall tiling, dry-lining & more Guaranteed customer satisfaction Contact me for a free no-obligation quotation Based near La Rochefoucauld, covering areas 16, 86 & 79 T: 05 45 95 44 34 or 06 98 29 76 45 E: graham.medhurst@orange.fr
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Javarzay, 79110 Chef-Boutonne Siren: 478 608 185 00011
Building services, Artisans
GK Bâtiment Général
Enershop
SARL
16100 Chateaubernard 05 45 36 46 70 / 06 72 21 80 27 lifeboatmoose@wanadoo.fr All depts in Nouvelle Aquitaine covered www.mmpropertymaintenance.fr
website: andyms.free.fr email: andyms@free.fr
06 43 03 77 18 09 62 64 50 14 gkbatimentgeneral@ gmail.com
SHUTTERS AND EXTERIOR PAINTING
Website: www.enershop.eu
Building services, Artisans
Kitchens & Bathrooms from A-Z
by Enershop as we hold the QualiSol and QualiBois accreditation. Our website www.enershop. eu has lots of information on our services which include : • Solar thermal domestic hot water • Wood gasification boilers • Central and underfloor heating • Wood / Pellet boiler stoves systems • Pellet boilers • Swimming pool / hot tub • Accumulation tanks heating • Air source heat pumps
Siret : 484 738 166 00012
whether your property is a new build, extension or a renovation, whether it is a cottage, chalet or château – the flexibility of our systems means there is a solution for all. We offer a free devis, with no obligation and no hard sell. Now is the time to consider a renewable heating system. There are reduced rates of TVA available and significant tax credits (credit d’impôts) for systems installed
Siret 482 718 640 00022
Enershop have been installing renewable energy systems in France since 2008. Each system designed and installed is specifically for your needs,
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GARY MOORE HEATING 22 YEARS IN HEATING, 12 YEARS IN FRANCE Siret: 491827705 00022
Ò Ò Ò Ò
Installation, servicing, repairs - oil, gas, solar, solid fuel Fully qualified, fully registered, 10 year décennale insurance Currently offering FREE supply & installation of bulk propane gas tanks 30% crédit d’impôt
Tel: 05 45 29 68 73 | Mobile: 06 30 11 86 84 | Email: gary.moore@orange.fr
IK-ROOFING
Building services, Artisans
JAMES RICHARDSON
Imajica Joinery
SARL
ESTABLISHED COMPANY, CONSCIENTIOUS & RELIABLE SERVICE For a superior finish in wood, tile, plasterboard and general restoration Specialising in kitchen fitting & creative challenges
the roof, the whole roof and nothing but the roof
Experts at working with slate & clay Over 40 year’s experience
Building services, Artisans
Siret: 48115588500017
GENERAL BUILDING SERVICES
R J Coulson
• complete range of building services • renovations and refurbishments
Part or full renovations Roofing Plaster boarding All building works undertaken
• pointing/rendering
Tel: 05 49 27 52 99 Mob: 06 74 95 21 00 E: kajbassett@wanadoo.fr Based 79190
• roof repairs
Siret 487 581 209 00011
Covering 1h radius around Mareuil 24340
For a free estimate call 06 35 11 27 31 admin@strictlyroofing.fr www.strictlyroofing.fr Strictly Roofing – Malcolm Cooke
05 49 87 09 63 Keith Bassett
Renovations / new builds Roof repairs Velux installation Guttering Insurance claims
• block work
Building services
For You and Your French Home
rjcbuildingservices.com
• plastering • kitchen and bathroom installation • tiling • patios terraces
enquiries@rjcbuildingservices.com
t: +33 (0) 549 290135 t: +33 (0) 785 372144
• painting and decorating
Based near Sauzé-Vaussais (79) siret: 831 373 048 00022
South West
AMOS HANDYMAN
Plumbing Bathroom & kitchen installations Building maintenance Fully insured with over 15 years’ experience Covering dept. 16 Siret: 830691044
Contact Kai for all jobs Mob: 06 83 17 19 77 E: K2amos@gmail.com FB: @Amoshandyman16
France Fosse
We are the only dedicated installer Trained - Approved - Recommended BY SPANC Can you trust your installation to anyone else?
Over 30 years of experience
Accredited installers for the leading makes of compact filters and microstations Biorock - Ecoflo - Phytoplus - Elloywater - Hydroclear
Tel: 06 04 14 84 86
See all our work on southwestfrancefosse
Email: sudouestconstruction16@gmail.com
www.southwestfrancefosse.com
These local businesses are waiting for your call!
~ Free quotes ~ Decennial insurance
07 82 19 22 37 igor.kulenovic@gmail.com
English & French Plastering specialist Floor screeding - Tiling Concrete Floors - Spray Render, Monocouche & pointing etc. 30 years’ experience, 8 in departments 86 & 16 Large portfolio References available Call Michael for a free quote
05 45 71 33 57 or 06 33 62 77 72 Email:
mickgixxer@hotmail.co.uk Siret: 792 862 09600015
Find us on Facebook
63
Les Les Bons Voisins Voisins
property management throughout france
.
no job too small, no project too large
exceptional service at competitive prices
key holding . caretaking . maintenance . supervision changeovers . cleaning . gardening . mail forwarding
. admin help . translation
friendly people providing professional help to home owners in france www.LBVfrance.com
e:info@LBVfrance.com
Specialist Carpenter/Joiner
Cabinet Maker & Joiner
Bespoke Joinery & Renovations Doors - Shutters - Stairs Flooring - Kitchens
Furniture Restoration Manufacture of staircases, doors & cupboards
✓ Fully equipped workshop ✓ 40 years’ experience ✓ Lots of solutions for your requirements ✓ References available
16240 La Fôret de Tesse T: 05 45 30 39 85 barry.baldwin@orange.fr Covering depts 16, 79 & 86
Siret: 804476 034 00017
T: 05 45 98 07 25 M: 06 23 18 30 95
Conformity Inspections
Tel: 05 49 91 85 54 peter-amor@orange.fr All departments covered SIret: 480 026 560 00012
Siret: 441 490 992 00027
Domestic Plumbing and Heating
website: andyms.free.fr email: andyms@free.fr
ambroise1204@hotmail.fr Tel: 06 58 86 55 91 Based in 86400 Saint Macoux English spoken
Plumbing - Heating Chimney sweeping
EMERGENCY CALL OUTS 24 hours / 7 days a week
Siret: 831 980 487 00019
Kitchen & Bathroom installation Tiling Plumbing Repairs
Installation & Repair of Woodburners Gas & Oil Heating All plumbing jobs large & small
Tel: 06 29 90 24 89 E: mrbirky2@yahoo.com
Contact Ken Fey 16220 Rouzede Tel: 05 45 23 76 49 M: +44 (0)75 99 17 90 39 E: kjfey@live.co.uk
Based in dept 79 near Sauzé-Vaussais Fully insured
Siret: 838 623 437 00012
Siret: 804 390 862 000 14
depts 79, 86 & 16
ELECTRICIAN Experienced, French Registered Electrician Available for all types of electrical work renovations, small works, gate automations etc. Insured and guaranteed Areas 16, 17, 24
05 46 86 07 61
trevor.miell@btopenworld.com Siret 49376573200015
Emptying of grease traps, fosse septiques, filtre compacts & micro stations. Cleaning & maintenance of all types of sewage treatment plants.
David GABARD T: 06 71 83 16 69 / 05 49 87 27 29 E: info@vf-services.fr 2 Verrières, 86400 CHAMPNIERS Covering south 86 & 79, north 16
Leaking roof - 48hr response!
Andy Quick
The Roofing & Renovation Company Established in 2007, registered artisan with Décennale & Civile Responsabilité Insurance
www.building-services-france.com E: andrewquick@orange.fr ~ T: 05 49 27 22 67 Siret: 499 474 302 00035
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Building services, Artisans
Ambroise PRÉE
Full service with certificate (boiler, fuel, wood, gaz) Fully insured with over 10 year’s experience
siret:50263448800014
ADAM BLACKABY Artisan Peintre
Jb Plumbing
Plumbing Electricity Plasterboarding Tiling Satellite dishes and Systems for the reception of UK and French TV Dept. 16,17 No Job too Small
05 46 49 78 30 / 06 70 40 66 01
Large or small projects, from new builds, total rewires (including 3 phase) to Having additional sockets/lights installed to
Areas 16, 17, 24, 33, 79, 86
ANDY MS Multi Services
Interior and exterior painting Paper hanging, tiling, flooring & dry lining
adamblackaby@aol.com
Siret: 508 248 747 000 18
05 45 31 14 58 / 06 63 20 24 93 adrian.luke.amos@gmail.com
Peter Amor Electrician
PAINTER & DECORATOR
Building services, Artisans
Adrian Amos Barry Baldwin
t:+33 (0)5 45 70 20 98