95c | ISSUE 11 | JUNE 2012
PUBLISHERS OF
News and What’s On for Côtes d’Armor, Finistère, Ille-et-Vilaine and Morbihan
SAINT Malo has been named one of the top 10 holiday destinations in France by users of the Tripadvisor website – and the only northern town outside Paris to make it into the top league. Location, beauty and diversity all played their part in the town’s 10th place ranking, sitting alongside popular sunny destinations in the south such as Cannes, Nice, Bordeaux and Biarritz. The director of Saint Malo tourist office, Laurence Bozzuffi, said: “I feel very proud. We are flying the flag for three quarters of northern France, which is a lot.” She added: ‘We can’t always rely on the weather like some obvious places, but Saint Malo is not simply a seasonal seaside town but one that lives all year round. “Saint Malo is renowned around the world for its stunning architecture and rich history which is why it features in many guidebooks, but it’s also a place that can meet the demands of anyone from sport fanatics to passionate gastronomes. The name itself evokes something in people’s imaginations. Not many places do that.” The town has numerous restaurants squeezed inside the ancient ramparts.
New jacket saves police biker’s life by SAMANTHA DAVID
Photo: ©PHOTOPQR/LE TELEGRAMME
Saint Malo makes top 10 French destinations
Is that a whale?
A NEW set of outfits supplied to Brittany’s 200 motorcycle police since February has already saved the life of one officer in Finistère. The unnamed offier was chasing a Renault 21 estate near Châteaulin when someone in the car threw an obstacle out of the window and, swerving to avoid it, he crashed into a Mercedes coming the other way. The driver and the passengers in the Mercedes escaped unhurt and the officer came out of the incident with only minor injuries, breaking his wrist and spraining his neck and shoulder. The new anoraks have built in airbags connected to the motorcycle by a flexible cable which when jerked (due to an officer having a road accident for example) sets off a CO2 aerosol to inflate airbags around the neck, along the spine and around the thorax. Brittany police spokesman Pascal Jourdhier said: “We can’t prove 100% that he would have died if he hadn’t been wearing the new outfit, but that is our impression. “The officers are very pleased to get the new outfits. We’ve been waiting a while for them. The safety of our officers is primordial.” Î Turn to page 2
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Brittany Pages
‘Action plan’ could allow more nitrates – not less
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Contents 1-7 8-11 12-13 14
Food Directory Home and garden Property
15 16-17 18-19 20-23
Useful Numbers EMERGENCY NUMBERS 18: Emergencies: Calls the fire brigade (Sapeurs Pompiers), but they deal with medical emergencies and are usually the first port of call in rural areas. 112: Emergency calls from your mobile: Be ready with your name and where you are calling from and do not hang up until told to do so. 17: Police (gendarmes). 119: Child abuse. 1616: Sea and lake rescue. 01 40 05 48 48: Anti-poison centre (Paris) 08 10 33 30 + your department number (eg 76 for Seine-Maritime): Gas & electricity emergencies UTILITIES FRANCE TELECOM Website in English: www.francetelecom.com To report a fault online: www.1013.fr (click on the UK flag). English-speaking helpline: 09 69 36 39 00 (from France); + 33 1 55 78 60 56 (outside France). ORANGE: English-speaking helpline: 09 69 36 39 00. SFR: 1023 (+ 33 6 10 00 10 23 from outside France). FREE: 1044. BOUYGUES: 1034. EDF: 24 hour breakdown line: 08 10 33 30 87; Helpline in English: 05 62 16 49 08; From outside France: + 33 5 62 16 49 08; Email: simpleenergywithedf@edf.fr GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS CAISSE D’ALLOCATIONS FAMILIALES CAF: www.caf.fr; Tel: 08 10 25 14 10. L’ASSURANCE MALADIE (AMELI, formerly known as CPAM – the health service): www.ameli.fr; Tel: 36 46 (MonFri, 8am-5pm) English spoken. URSSAF: English-language website: www.anglais.urssaf.fr - Finistère - 29455 Brest Cedex, Tel: 02 98 76 42 42 | Côtes d’Armor - Saint-Brieuc, 53, boulevard Clémenceau, 22093 Saint-Brieuc Cedex 9, Tel: 02 96 77 47 01 | Morbihan - Vannes, Zone d’activité de Laroiseau, 2 rue Anita Conti B.P.10323, 56018 Vannes Cedex, Tel: 02 56 56 25 25 | Ille et Vilaine Rennes, 6, rue d’Arbrissel, Quartier Beauregard, 35052 Rennes Cedex 9, Tel: 02 23 46 82 00 PREFECTURE: Finistère - 42 boulevard Dupleix, 29320 QUIMPER CEDEX, Tel:
02 98 76 29 29 | Côtes d’Armor - 1 place du Général de Gaulle, BP 2370, 22023 ST BRIEUC CEDEX 1, Tel: 02 96 62 44 22 | Morbihan - 24 place de la République, 56019 VANNES CEDEX, Tel: 02 97 54 84 00 | Ille et Vilaine - 3 avenue de la Préfecture 35026 RENNES CEDEX 9 Tel: 02 99 02 10 35 OTHER HELP IN ENGLISH COUNSELLING IN FRANCE: for a qualified therapist near you or counselling over the telephone; www.counsellinginfrance.com SOS HELP: similar to the Samaritans, listeners who are professionally trained, Tel 01 46 21 46 46; www.soshelpline.org NO PANIC FRANCE: for help with anxiety disorders; Tel: 02 51 28 80 25, www.nopanic.org.uk ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: An English-speaking Alcoholics Anonymous group meet at the Mairie at Paule, 10 Km from Carhaix in Finisterre (29). The open meetings are weekly on Tuesdays at 14:00; there is wheelchair access. CANCER SUPPORT FRANCE: for advice and someone to talk to: www.cancersupportfrance.info National Office Email: cancersupportfrance@orange.fr, Tel: 05 45 89 30 05 SOLDIERS, SAILORS, AIRMEN AND FAMILIES ASSOCIATION FORCES (SSAFA): In France: 05 53 01 64 54, Email: france@ssafa.org.uk AVF: help with integration into French life; www.avf.asso.fr OTHER INFO YELLOW PAGES: www.pagesjaunes.fr SPEAKING CLOCK: 3699. WEATHER: 08 92 68 02 + dept. number. LAST INCOMING CALL ON YOUR PHONE: 3131, then ‘5’ if you wish to connect. BRITISH CONSULATE British Consular Services, Paris: Postal address: British Embassy, BP111-08, 75363 Paris Cedex 08. Tel: 01 44 51 31 00 Tel (after hours Emergency Service only): 01 44 51 31 00 PUBLIC HOLIDAYS THIS MONTH None
Brittany Clubs and Associations Association Dis-Want Scrignac Meeting Monday evenings during school term times at Scrignac school, a mixed French and English discussion group. Informal atmosphere and special events including excursions. Pauline Bruce: 02 98 78 20 02. www.diswantscrignac.blogspot.com Association Giroulis: Jeu de Peindre Play of Painting: A different approach to painting (using the Arno Stern method), open to all giving the opportunity to paint as freely as possible, for oneself with natural colours. Maryse Prat: 02 98 93 90 60 www.giroulisatelierpeinturebretagne.overblog.com Cine Club Part of the Franco-American Institute in Rennes: free and open to members of the institute. English language films once a month on a Thursday (details are on the website, which is always kept up to date). At 7, Quai Chateaubriand, Rennes (35). Marie de la Villebrunes: 02 99 79 89 23 www.ifa-rennes.org
Photo: Thesupermat/Wikimedia
by OLIVER ROWLAND
Brittany Pages is published by: English Language Media Sarl, Le Vedra, 38 rue Grimaldi, 98000 Monaco.
News What’s On Feature Coffee Break
June 2012
Club Cricket de l’Oust Cricket Club based in Serent (56). Friendly games of cricket throughout the summer against other teams based in north-west France and also against UK touring teams. Jon Ward: 02 97 70 61 38 www.brittanycricket.com brittanycricket@wanadoo.fr Compagnie Legitime Folie Drama club for all ages. Situated at 135bis boulevard Jacques Cartier, Rennes (35). Blandine Jet: 02 99 51 99 29 www.legitime-folie.fr legitime-folie@wanadoo.fr Kora Cantas The adults’ choir at the Carhaix Music School. All welcome, whatever your experience, but basses are urgently needed! Practices on Monday evenings from 19:30 - 21:30.Elizabeth Conan: 02 98 93 08 20 Association Oberenou Bulad Arts and crafts, including painting, patchwork, crocheting and spinning.
ENVIRONMENTAL campaigners in Brittany say a set of decrees on nitrates rushed out just before the change of government will not be enough to satisfy Brussels, which is taking legal action against France. Nitrate fertilisers are thought to contribute to the problem of the proliferation of toxic seaweed on Breton beaches. Jean-François Piquot, a spokesman for Eau et Rivières Bretagne, said he did not think the European Commission would be impressed with France’s action to reduce them. He said: “The latest decrees, presented as a response to Brussels, are just a follow-up to a ministerial decree from a few months back, on regional nitrate action plans, but which was itself highly criticised by [official environmental watchdog] the Haute Autorité Environnementale. “It’s not at all a satisfactory response and does not represent any improvement in water quality in Brittany, on the contrary because it will allow people to put more
New police safety gear: ‘Security of officers has no price’ Î Continued
from page 1
If the airbag is inflated but no damage is done to the anorak, the manufacturer can simply reload the airbag, but in most road accidents, the anoraks are too badly damaged to be used again. As well as the airbags, the rest of the clothing has also been revamped, using more efficient and up-to-date protective fabrics instead of the old thick polyester, and the old-style, leather riding boots have been replaced by modern motorcyling boots. The helmets have been completely redesigned. Police spokesman Pascal Jourdhier said uniforms were constantly being upgraded in order to incorporate the newest developments. This is especially true for riot police. The cost of the new outfits is estimated at about €1,400 euros plus around €800 for the Schubert C3 helmets. Mr Jourdhier added: “Security has no price.” Another officer, this time in Toreilles in the PyrénéesOrientales, also thinks that the new outfit saved his life. He was in pursuit of a car which had failed to stop at a roadblock, when the driver did a U-turn, deliberately ran into him and then drove off leaving him with multiple fractures.
Green algae settling on a beach in the north of Finistère
nitrogen onto Breton land.” This is partly because the latest rules work out a designated ceiling on nitrates used on land by reference to total surface area of farms as opposed to areas likely to have fertilisers spread on them. The commission announced at the end of February that it was taking France to the European Court of Justice because of failure to properly implement 1991 EU legislation requiring states to designate those areas most at risk from nitrate pollution and to put in place suitable action plans. At the time, regional council vice-president Thierry Burlot argued that Brittany was not targeted as it was already designated at risk and had an action plan. Mr Piquot said: “One of the commission’s complaints is that France has not classified all its vulnerable zones, and it’s true Brittany has been so designated; but the other complaints are non-respect of certain parts of the EU directive, and Brittany is particularly concerned by that. The present action plans are considered insufficient.”
Brittany Pages
News 3
June 2012
Open weekend aims to rekindle interest in parks and gardening Dominique Kervestin
Breton to jump for D-Day event BRETON Dominique Kervestin is among those taking part in commemorative parachute jumps over Normandy this month. Mr Kervestin, a builder from Loperhet, near Brest, will jump from an old Dakota plane in period dress, at Hiesville on June 1 and at Amfreville on June 4. The jumps are in memory of the thousands of American troops who jumped on the night of June 5-6, 1944 to help liberate France. Only his parachute will not be from the period, though it will be a round one, similar to the style used in the war. He is jumping with French association ABC Airborne Center, which runs training and provides old uniforms.
Brittany boycotts Mont bus launch
Jail for 8,000 emergency calls A RENNES woman with a mental illness who made 8,000 emergency calls in a year has been jailed for two years. The woman accounted for 10% of all calls to the centre. She has Münchhausen syndrome, where people feign disease, illness or psychological trauma.
COTES-D’ARMOR 22 Hénon - Jardin du Colombier Lanrivain - Jardin du Grand Launay Mur-de-Bretagne - Jardin du Botrain Ploezal - Jardin du château de la Roche-Jagu Plouguiel - Jardin du Kestellic Tredarzec - Jardin de Kerdalo FINISTERE 29 Batz - Jardin Delaselle Brest - Jardin et conservatoire national botanique du Stang ALAR Combrit - Parc botanique de Cornouaille Huelgoat - Arboretum de Poërop Quimper - Jardin du château de Lanniron Quimper - Jardin du prieuré de Locmaria Roscoff - Jardin exotique Saint-Goazec - Parc du château de Trevarez ILLE-ET-VILAINE 35
Conservatoire Botanique National de Brest has two huge tropical greenhouses world’s largest collections of rare and endangered plants. During the weekend, there will be readings on the theme of tropical forests and a guided visit on Sunday led by botanists so you can learn more about the history and vocation of tropical greenhouses. The Park Botanique de Haute Bretagne in Le Châtellier (Ille-et-Villaine) is fully wheelchair accessible and contains 24 linked gardens in different styles. The rose gardens are particularly enchanting at this time of the year, as are the water gardens with the little bridges from one bank to another. There will also be an
exhibition of impressionist paintings by Jacques Meugnier, another of photographs of gardens, and a premier of a musical called The Maze of Diane. See www.jardin-garden.com The Garden of L’Hotel Gabriel in Lorient (Morbihan) is a small garden in the centre of town, laid out in the formal French style. As well as opening the grounds to the public, there will also be a display presenting images of plants from the south. For a full list of all the gardens taking part in Brittany, go to www.apjb.org/fr/rvjeb.html
Antrain - Parc du château de Bonnefontaine Bazouges-la-Pérouse - Jardin du château de la Ballue Bécherel - Parc du château de Caradeuc Breal-sous-Montfort - Jardins de Broceliande Le Chatellier - Parc floral de Haute-Bretagne Noyal-sur-Vilaine - Jardin des fontaines et parc de l'Athanor Pleugueneuc - Jardins du château de la Bourbansais Pleurtuit - Jardins de Montmarin MORBIHAN 56 Landaul - Jardins de Kerambar'h Lorient - Parc Victor Chevassu
Shell explosion sets off vast plume in sea Photo: ©PHOTOPQR/LE TELEGRAMME
BRITTANY regional council has boycotted the inauguration of a new bus service to the Mont Saint Michel. It is the latest in a series of rows over the site’s new access arrangements, which involve parking 3km away, walking and then taking a shuttle. Council leader Jean-Yves Le Drian said: “Our request [for the bus to cover the entire route] hasn’t been answered after several months. Our efforts and our contribution of €25m deserves better than silence or mockery. If nothing changes, I am prepared to suggest to the council that we withdraw from this project.” Claire Montémont, a spokeswoman for the group in charge of the works, said: “We wanted to encourage people to walk, in order to experience the site in a different way. If the bus goes all the way to the car park we might have to increase the parking fee. “We’re making a huge change to the way people experience Mont Saint Michel, so we want to wait until the end of the season before making any changes.” Japanese tour operators have also complained that the walk means visitors need an extra hour to visit the site and have threatened to boycott it completely.
Photo: CBN de Brest
MORE than 100 gardens and parks in Brittany will open their gates to the public, many for the first time, during the Rendez-vous aux Jardins weekend from June 1-3. The theme for this year’s event will be “the garden and its images” – whether figurative, literary, poetic, musical, cinematographic or even imaginary. The event is nationwide, organised by the culture ministry – and in Brittany, by the Association des Parcs et Jardins de Bretagne. APJB founder Christian de Ferrand said: “We started the association after a terrible storm which destroyed many of the parks and gardens in Brittany. “It really was a catastrophe but luckily the regional council supported us financially and I think we have really rekindled local interest in gardens and gardening.” He said Rendez-vous aux Jardins was “a chance to see gardens which otherwise would remain almost secret”. Highlights of the weekend include the prize-winning gardens of Ker Louis in Plevendon Cap Frehel (Côtes d’Armor) – http://lesjardinsdekerlouis.venez.fr The garden is a private one, designed and cultivated by a dedicated gardener, Louis Tranchant, to illustrate the concept of the garden as a way of living in nature. The lily pond is particularly beautiful and the landscaping delivers a spectacular new vista every time you turn a corner. The Conservatoire Botanique National de Brest (www.cbnbrest.fr) has two huge tropical greenhouses and one of the
Open Gardens
Inheritance Solutions A WALKER has discovered an unexploded shell from the Second World War on the beach at Morgat in Finistère (29). The very rusty shell was 40cm long and 10cm in diameter, half-buried by sand approximately 300m from the seafront. The road was immediately closed off and the beach closed to pedestrians, and the next day when the tide came in and the shell was underwater, Marine Nationale divers attached 1kg of plastic explosives to the shell and blew it up. The resulting plume of seawater which shot into the sky looked as if a new geyser had been discovered off the coast, but in fact was exactly the result that the navy had hoped for. The shell was declared destroyed and the area once more opened to the public. Unexploded ordnance from the two world wars remain all over France. Every autumn, farmers ploughing their fields produce what has become known as the “iron harvest”: unexploded shells, bullets, mines, barbed wire, trench supports, shrapnel balls, and other remnants of Europe’s bloody history. In France, bomb disposal experts deal with around 10 tonnes of old ordnance every year, many of them still live. Most are destroyed on site, but others are transported in sand crates to special disposal units.
French inheritance rules may mean that your worldwide estate will not be distributed according to your wishes.
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4 News
Brittany Pages
June 2012
News from across France A BRITISH man who commuted to Paris twice a month for theft sprees at Charles de Gaulle Airport has been jailed for a year. “John”, in his 40s, targeted luggage, mainly in terminal 2C. He took valuables and cash, such as €70,000 in cash from the baggage of the Prime Minister of Chad, as well as mobile phones or laptops. He would stay in an airport hotel before flying back with his haul, reports said. He was arrested after being found with a suitcase belonging to a Cameroon traveller.
Air France will cut up to 5,000 jobs
Photo: ©Samuel Dietz / Maxppp
Airport thief’s London ‘commute’
Ayrault re-named to spare Arab blushes
Spectacles discount for the over-60s OLDER people on low incomes are to get a special pass that will give them cheaper spectacles and eye tests. Opticians, health insurers, spectacle manufacturers and glass-
maker Essilor have banded together to offer the pass-lunettes as they say older people have more need of eyecare, more expensive prescriptions and they are not well covered by social security or health insurance. The pass will be available to any over-60s eligible for the Aide à la Complémentaire Santé (a benefit partially covering costs of buying top-up healthcare insurance). Details will be posted to those who are already claiming the benefit.
Eurostar plan to add new destinations CHANNEL Tunnel train operator Eurostar wants to add around 10 new destinations to its service. At present it serves just Paris, London and Brussels, but is looking to travel to cities such as
Montpellier are French champions MONTPELLIER football club have become French champions for the first time in the club’s history. The victory – pipping Paris Saint-Germain – is yet another sporting success for the city whose handball team are French champions for the 14th time. Its rugby team are again for the Top 14 finals. Montpellier won a nerve-wracking final game against newly-relegated Auxerre 2-1 – with the Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Geneva, Marseille and Lyon, boss Nicolas Petrovic told the Financial Times. Its plans come as German operator Deutsche Bahn said it will offer Chunnel services from late in 2015.
Club red-faced over spelling mistake A SPELLING mistake has left Olympique de Marseille football club with red faces, as they got the word orange wrong on their strips. The reversible jerseys carry a quote from a song by Marseille rapper Akhenaton, but it is grammatically incorrect. It reads: Et nos cœurs sont oranges, comme au couchant sont les flots” but the word orange does not need the “s”, which makes it read “And our hearts are oranges, like the waves at sunset”. Sports shops across France have the strips on sale now at €150 for the Techfit version and €90 for the ordinary one. OM will wear them for the first time in a league match at Sochaux. Orange is used as part of the club’s fight against racism, echoing fans who turn their bomber jackets inside out to show the orange lining.
Economy stagnates in first quarter THE French economy showed zero growth in the first quarter of 2012, official Insee figures show. On top of this, the body has now revised down its growth calculation for the last quarter of 2011, to 0.1% instead of 0.2%. However an overall figure of 1.7% has been maintained for last year. French national debt is now calculated to have reached 86% of GDP
match being interrupted three times by angry rival supporters. It did not finish until 23.30. The win is even more special as their €36 million budget is a fraction of other teams – and especially Qatar-owned PSG who spent €42m on one player. Montpellier striker Olivier Giroud also took the top goal-scorer title – he and PSG’s Brazilian Nenê both had 21 goals but Giroud scored fewer penalties.
(the market value of all goods and services produced in France in the year) by the end of last year, slightly up on the 85.8% announced before. At the end of last year the government predicted there would be 1% growth in 2012, a figure it had revised down from a previous 1.75%.
Security stepped up for ‘normal’ Hollande SCORES of specialised police are being reassigned to the protection of François Hollande and others close to him. The new president, who has said he wants to be seen as “normal”, is now having to adjust to the hyperprotected life of a head of state. Hollande benefited from 15 bodyguards during the elections – they are expected to form the nucleus of his Groupe de Sécurité de la Présidence de la République (GSPR). President Sarkozy’s GSPR consisted of 80 officers, who will shortly be reassigned to other jobs. The armed, plain-clothes officers consist of three teams who divide their time between protection, training and rest. It is not known if Hollande’s protection will be similar. Until now he has preferred minimal security, with no bodyguard at the primaries and just four at the start of his campaign.
Court rejects café smoking appeal SMOKERS can continue to smoke in café terraces that are enclosed by plastic sheeting, the Paris appeal court has ruled. The court rejected an appeal by anti-smoking group Droits des Nonfumeurs (DNF) who wanted to strike out a lower court ruling allow-
ing five Parisian cafés to permit smoking on their terraces. DNF had said the lightweight plastic enclosures were just a way for the cafés to get around the law banning smoking in enclosed public places. It said the air inside them was more polluted than the Périphérique and president Gérard Audureau now plans to petition the new health minister for the law to be clarified.
Racers quizzed after two die in rally crash POLICE are still trying to work out the cause of a rally car crash that killed two people and injured 19 spectators at the Riviera village of Plan-de-la-Tour. They questioned the driver and navigator, who are both long-time competitors, and are also examining the car for any mechanical failure. The VW Golf ploughed into spectators after running straight-on at a corner. A 20-year-old man and a 50year-old steward were killed. Five people were seriously hurt, with two youths fighting for their lives.
Photo: © Kzenon - Fotolia.com
NEW prime minister Jean-Marc Ayrault is causing blushes in many Arab countries – especially for journalists – as his surname sounds the same as a colloquial word for penis. The French Foreign Ministry has now put out a new version of the pronunciation, saying it is permissible to pronounce the normally silent L and T letters. A similar problem arose in France for Russian president Vladimir Putin, whose name sounds similar to putain, a French slang word for prostitute and a common swear word.
AIR France is set to cut 5,000 jobs over the next three years as part of a new business plan aimed to get it back into the black. Le Figaro said the airline aimed to cut its non-fuel costs by 20% and would transfer some leisure flights to its low-cost carrier Transavia, cut costs in economy class and improve comfort in business class. The number of freight planes would be reduced as would maintenance costs. However, news site La Tribune said only up to 3,000 employees would go – and an Air France spokesman denied any figures had been agreed. Le Figaro said voluntary redundancy would be open to all staff: ground crew, cabin crew and, for the first time, pilots. The company has 4,000 pilots, including 590 over-55s but the retirement age is 65. Air France says at least 500 pilots have more than 25 years' service – who will benefit from the maximum redundancy pay-out.
Schools go back to five-day week PRIMARY schools are going back to a five-day week, new education minister Vincent Peillon has said. He wants a return to the pre-2008 system by next year’s rentrée (September 2013) but said local mairies could whether to open school on Wednesdays or Saturdays. Ending Saturday morning school in 2008 led to longer school days on the remaining days and this was criticised as tiring for the children by leading parents’ association FCPE, the national Academy of Medicine and a parliamentary report. However, a government poll of 5,000 parents and school staff last year found just 33% wanted to change the four-day week.
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Brittany Pages
News 5
June 2012
Erika rulings could be void
Name changes are the norm for Morbihan town WHAT’S in a name? The residents of Pontivy in the Morbihan might just ask that. After all, the market town has changed its name on more than one occasion. Pontivy lies at the confluence of the river Blavet and the Canal de Nantes. Legend has it a monk called Ivy built a bridge nearby and the town is named after him. It was renamed Napoleonville in 1807. After Napoleon’s defeat it
A BRITTANY man is celebrating after successfully cycling 20,000km around the world. Marc Beaumont and partner Camille Sandoz, from Normandy, blogged their adventures on the road as they travelled through Europe, Asia, and North America. The project took them three years from planning to the finish line and their blog contains 9,000 photos, 1,500 videos and many thousand words describing their adventures. Their journey through the US had to be accomplished at high speed as they only had
visas for three months, so could not afford to waste any time sightseeing and sometimes cycled 150km a day. Mr Beaumont said: “Who knows what might happen next? A book, a film, or maybe we will give talks about our adventures.” In the meantime, the couple have moved to Bordeaux and are getting married in July. Ms Sandoz said: “We got engaged before we left, but now that we’ve managed to cycle round the world together without falling out, we know we can stay together through anything.”
reverted back to Pontivy only to change back to Napoleonville again during the second empire. Surprise, surprise, after a short time it changed back again. It is still called Pontivy – but for how long? The town has been a fierce defender of the Breton language, and all road signs in the town centre are bilingual. Pontivy is twinned with Tavistock in the UK and Napoleonville in the US. Photo: Chatsam/Wikimedia
ACTIVISTS will find out this month whether the legal case over the Erika oil spill off the Brittany coast is to be closed. The latest hearing took place as Brittany Pages went to print and could spell the end of the case. The judgment is not expected to be published until later in the month. Campaigners fear that the public prosecutor will decide that France has no jurisdiction in the case, because the Maltese tanker broke up in international waters. If that is the case, all previous judgments against Total, the owners of the Erika, would be nul and void. The hearing is the result of advice from the Cour de Cassation, France’s supreme court, which is purely concerned with the legality of the previous judgments, rather than with the facts of the case. Hopes are pinned on a 1982 UN convention which states that costal authorities have responsibilities to protect the marine environment, even beyond their territorial waters. This has not so far been tested in court to see exactly what it might mean but lawyers hope to argue that since Malta has made no move towards prosecuting the owners of the Erika, France was duty-bound to do so in its place.
Couple cycle world ahead of marriage
Did you know?
The Château de Rohan in Pontivy, Morbihan
6 What’s On
Brittany Pages
June 2012
Plenty of events for everyone June 2
Charity races Côtes d’Armor, Louargat
The Trail du Méné Bré is an annual race which raises funds for charity, so come and support the competitors.There are 10km and 25km routes leaving at 17.00, plus a children’s race. Call 02 96 43 11 36
Painting Competition Ille-et-Vilaine, Châteaugiron
The town will be filled with easels, artists and canvases from 08.00 to 18.00, amateur painters hoping to win one of the prizes on offer. Open to all competitors even toddlers - come and support them. FREE. www.bretagne35.com June 2 & 3
June LISTINGS
Summer is when region comes alive Michael Dodds, director of the Brittany Tourist Board says why the region is so lively – and so different Brittany is a great place to visit – and to live – all year round, yet you will see a completely different side to its character depending on what time of year you visit. I love the summer in particular as the region comes alive with voices, chatter, music, festivals, al-fresco dining and families enjoying all that Brittany has to offer. My family and I live in Rennes and we love the bustling life here, in particular the huge Saturday market that takes over the town and supplies us with local fresh produce. We often escape to the coast at the weekends as you’re never far from the sea in Brittany. If we want entertainment for the kids, we might go to an animal park or a seaside resort but to get away from it all we head for the Brocéliande Forest or one of the islands. That’s the beauty of Brittany, you can find exactly what you want: activities, golf, history, culture or just total peace. While Brittany is a wellknown family destination – and rightly so! – what many people don’t know is we have an incredible music festival calendar, too, that attracts music fans from all over. The word is slowly getting out across the Channel about our festivals but the likes of Vieilles Charrues (think Glastonbury before it became commercialised) is a hidden gem, as is the summer pop fest that is La Route du Rock in St-Malo. Other unmissable festivals are the Festival Interceltique de Lorient where Celtic nations descend on Lorient for a week of non-stop festivities and this year, we are
Château Garden Event Côtes d’Armor, Boutdeville
Here’s a fantastic setting with a château dating from the 13th and 17th centuries and a garden that’s so impressive, it’s classed as an Historic Monument. Come and visit 14.00-18.00. Entry €5 adults and €3 children. Call 02 96 72 30 12 or see www.chateau-bienassis.com June 3
The Horses’ Pardon Côtes d’Armor, Penvénan
The traditional religious pardon is usually reserved for humans, but legend has it that many years ago, a terrible illness killed all the region’s horses except those living on the island of St Gildas. Consequently, every Pentecost, the island welcomes pilgrims, worshippers, horses and the curious to take part in or just watch this procession, mass and blessing of the horses. For details call 02 96 92 77 98
Braderie of Pottery Ille et Vilaine, Rennes
Just south of Rennes, this event is open to anyone interested in ceramics and stoneware. Minimal entrance fee Mvp.rennes@wanadoo.fr or call 02 99 54 46 56
Regatta Côtes d’Armor, Trébeurden
The sailing school holds this annual event for 2-man sailing dinghies on the Plage de Tresmeur - always worth a detour! Call 02 96 23 51 35
Half Marathon Ille et Vilaine, Cancale/St Malo Michael Dodds hosting Tonnerres de Brest 2012, an international sailing festival that has to be seen to be believed. Hundreds of boats will sail into the stunning Brest bay in July for what will be an unforgettable sight – and an unforgettable week. There is something unique about Brittany that subtly, yet unquestionably, sets it apart from the rest of France – I think it was this that had me hooked. I’ve termed it the Breizh effect as Breizh is the Breton word for Brittany. To “be Breizh” is something of our mantra here at the tourist board! Being Breizh is about embracing Brittany and this unique Breton spirit – the warmth and generosity of the locals, their love of the sea and the land and their lack of pretension. A break in Brittany is such a break from the routine you feel transformed: you’re charged with Brittany’s own energy and vitality. As an Anglo-Irish man who has set up home here, I’ve obviously been converted but come and see for yourself – and be Breizh! Essential info:
www.brittanytourism.com familyfun-brittanytourism.com golf-brittanytourism.com whatson-brittanytourism.com wellness-brittanytourism.com facebook.com/BrittanyFans fans-of-brittany.com
This is a qualifying event for the national championship, and groups up to 3000 runners.The event begins at 08.30, there are various parking spots (including campervan parking) come and cheer! www.semimarathoncancalesaintmalo.com Call 02 23 18 00 79
Singing and Ringing Côtes d’Armor, Pléven
Starting at 10.00 with a competition of melody and marching, continuing at 11.00 at the Sainte-Anne Chapel with a Mass in Breton, followed by a dance competition in the Salle des Fêtes. Refreshments. Call 02 96 29 02 72 or see www.tourismekreizbreizh.com June 4-29
Photographic Exhibition Ille-et-Vilaine, Saint-Malo An annual exhibition at the Centre Allende, showcasing the best of local photographers and some of the most beautiful shots of the local area (closed Sunday to Tuesday lunchtime). Be inspired! FREE. www.saint-malo-tourisme.com or call 02 99 81 20 59 June 5, 12, 19
The Great Summer Market Finistère, Camaret
Head to the far western coast on the Crozon Peninsula to the beautiful harbour town of Camaret and you’ll find the town squares of St Thomas and La Mairie filled with stalls and buzzing with people. As well as all the items on sale, there will be a prize draw and plenty of refreshments. FREE. www.camaretsurmer-tourisme.fr Call 02 98 27 93 60 June 6
Boat Trip to Île de Bréhat Côtes d’Armor, Binic
Enjoy a return day-trip to discover this beautiful floral island, leaving at 08.00 and returning at 19.00, with a day to explore. Tickets must be booked in advance (deadline 16.00 the day before). Crossings: €28 adults, €20.50 children, 4-11 years, €5 infants 0-3 years For details call 02 96 73 60 12 or see www.ville-binic.fr
Château Garden Event
Côtes d'Armor, Boutdeville Here's a fantastic setting with a château dating from the 13th and 17th centuries and a garden that's so impressive, it's classed as an Historic Monument. Come and visit 14.00-18.00. Entry €5 adults and €3 children. Call 02 96 72 30 12 or see www.chateau-bienassis.com
Brittany Pages
What’s On 7
June 2012
this month across Brittany Ille-et-Vilaine
Cancale
FESTIVAL June 22-24 Bisquine la Cancalaise - A bisquine was a fishing boat used in Cancale years ago. Back in 1984 an association was set up to build a replica of these graceful boats. La Cancalaise was launched in 1987, and it is now one of only two still in existence.This year marks its 25th birthday, so the celebrations will be plentiful: boats arriving on the Friday from 20.00, when there will be a music festival with snacks and galettes.There will be regattas and a parade of boats on Saturday, with a live open-air concert in the evening and a fest celebration of produce of the land and sea. At midnight, all the boats will be lit by candles - a sight not to be missed! Sunday will see a regatta of traditional boats and a nautical parade, with a fest deiz, a typically Breton party, in the afternoon.Throughout the weekend, the festivities will be accompanied by live music and dancing, and there will be no shortage of refreshments, such as Breton pancakes and sausages. FREE. Call 02 99 89 77 87 www.lacancalaise.org
Mozart’s Coronation Mass Finistère, Brest
At the Grand Théâtre Le Quartz, Jean-Marc Labylle and the Symphonie Concertante de Mozart will be playing Mozart’s Mass and a Symphony in C Minor plus Haydn’s Concerto in B major. €30 adults 02 98 33 70 70 or see www.lequartz.com June 9
Troc & Puces Côtes d’Armor, Corlay
A car-boot-style affair gathering the bargains, the nearly-new and the attic clear-outs. FREE. Call 02 96 29 42 90
Comics: Bulles à Croquer
Côtes d’Armor, Saint-Brieuc An unusual event, Bulles à Croquer unites two French passions: comic books and good food.There are collectors’ books, workshops teaching kids about cartoons and of course, cookery demonstrations! For details call 02 96 29 42 90 or see www.bullesacroquer.net
Night market Morbihan, Bignan
A great evening out, with a carboot-style sale, refreshments, stalls and live music for a bit of Breton dancing. Call 02 97 44 25 19 www.morbihan.com
Fest Noz Côtes d’Armor, Trégastel
Expect trestle tables laden with food, wine, coffee and crêpes as well as live music and Breton dancing - a modest entry fee but plenty of fun, starting at 19.00. Call 02 96 15 38 38 www.ville-tregastel.fr June 9-10
All things wood Finistère, Landrévarzec
Head to the Salle Hermine for this 2-day celebration of wood, wood-turning and craftsmanship including cabinet-making, sculpture and marquetry. Exhibition and sale. FREE entry www.finisterebrittany.com
June 10
Fête des Fleurs Morbihan, La Gacilly
Now in its 9th year, the flower festival includes an afternoon parade of horse-drawn carriages throughout the town and plenty of family fun. FREE. Call 02 99 08 21 75 or see www.morbihan.com
Fête du Vélo Ille-et-Vilaine, Saint-Malo
All cyclists of all abilities are invited to come to Saint Malo on their two-wheelers for a group bike-ride all around the town. FREE www.saint-malo-tourisme.com 08 25 13 52 00 June 14
River Boat Cruise Côtes d’Armor, Pleudaniel
Setting off at 1.30pm, this is a superb 4-hour trip on the calm waters of the Trieux River, passing the Lézardieux Bridge and stopping at the Domaine de la Roche Jagu including a guided visit (in French). €21 adults and €13 for children, FREE for toddlers 0-3 years. Call 02 96 22 16 45 www.presquile-de-lezardrieux.com June 15-16
Chamber Music Morbihan, Vannes
The Chamber Orchestra of Vannes is offering a programme of Brahms (Schicksalslied), and Schubert’s Mass Number 2. Eglise St Guen in Ménimur (Friday) and Eglise St Vincent in Kercado (Saturday). €10 adults, €4 students Call 02 97 44 25 19 or see www.morbihan.com June 16
Land yachting and kitesurf racing Côtes d’Armor, Erquy
It’s going to be all-action on the fine, flat sands of Caroual beach, north-east of Saint-Brieuc: the championship for land yachting! Called Chars à cerf-volant in French, these are effectively karts pulled along by giant kites, so even watching is an adrenaline rush - and great for photos. www.ailiumsession.fr www.erquy-tourisme.com
8 What’s On
Brittany Pages
June 2012
Ille-et-Vilaine
Photo: © AllFreePhotos
Châteaugiron ART
June 29-30 Circul’art - This unique event combines an art trail and an exhibition over the course of a weekend. Whilst discovering the works of art, visitors can also meet the artists themselves, either in their workshops, homes, or at the exhibition.The château itself is included in the circuit. FREE Call 06 89 98 34 37 or visit www.bretagne35.com June 16
Nature Walk Côtes d’Armor, Glomel
Meet at the church in Trégornan at 14.30 with your walking boots and your curiosity at the ready: this 2 ½ hour walk will explore the nature reserve and the marshes by banks and bridges. Prices €3 adults FREE for 0-9 years. For details call 06.89.90.29.43 June 16-17
Visit a mill Finistère, La Forêt-Fouesnant
Part of national heritage weekend, this mill belongs to a little manor on the D783 towards Concarneau, the Moulin Chef-du-Bois. A working mill from 1772 to 1968, it’s being restored and is a beautiful example, in a lovely setting. FREE. Call 02 98 51 42 07 www.foret-fouesnant-tourisme.com
Parachute Competition Morbihan, Quibéron
On the main beach you’ll get a great view of this incredible event: the Coupe de Parachutisme.The competitors have to leave a plane at 1000m altitude and guide themselves to land on a 35cm mat on the beach. Over 200 parachutists will compete and there are plenty of activities - bring your camera! FREE entry. www.breizhpara-sky.com June 16 - 24
Figaro Boat Race Côtes d’Armor, Paimpol
If you’re in the north of Brittany this week, take a look at the boats arriving in Paimpol port for the solo boat race known as La Solitaire du Figaro. Beautiful and graceful, wonderful to watch. www.lasolitaire.com/EN/ or 02 96 20 83 16 June 17
Adventures in the Forest
Côtes d’Armor, St-Nicolas-du-Pelem
In the Faoudel Woods, you’ll find a whole village of activities just near the swimming pool. Come along and try archery, forest trails and more. 02 96 29 02 72 or see www.tourismekreizbreizh.com
Horse day Morbihan, Malansac
A delight for all horse-lovers, this day includes competitions, games, horse-drawn carriages, pony rides and crafts connected to horses. Refreshments on site. www.morbihan.com
Music Festival Morbihan, Trédion
This has become a famous event across Europe, thanks to its variety of music from techno to choral music, specialising in new artists and taking music into schools and hospitals. Call 02 97 67 11 33
Motocross Finistère, Guissény
This is part of the Breton championships so expect fiercely competitive racing over a 1.6km circuit, with 180 participants aged 15 to 60. Call 02 98 84 85 91 June 17-30
Volvo Ocean Race Morbihan, Lorient
The world’s biggest boating race around the world with a crew starts off right here (used to be the Whitbread Round the World Race). All the activities on the quaysides are free to visit. FREE. www.lorientgrandlarge.org Call 02 97 32 80 05 June 19
Boat Trip to Île de Bréhat Côtes d’Armor, Binic
Enjoy a return day-trip to discover this beautiful floral island, leaving at 08.00 and returning at 19.00, with a day to explore. Tickets must be booked in advance (deadline 16.00 the day before). Crossings: €28 adults, €20.50 children 4-11 years, €5 infants 0-3 years Call 02 96 73 60 12 www.ville-binic.fr June 20
Walking the Black Mountains Côtes d’Armor, Glomel
Meet at the church in Trégornan at 14.00 with your walking boots and allow 3 hours for this 10km, medium difficulty hike. Bring your camera to capture those incredible mountain crest views. Prices €3 adults FREE for 0-9 years. To reserve your place call 06 89 90 29 43
Volvo Ocean Race Morbihan, Lorient
June 21
Festival de la Musique Finistère, La Forêt-Fouesnant Plenty of live music, singing and dancing, starting at 19.00 in the square opposite the Tourist Office. FREE entry www.foret-fouesnant-tourisme.com or call 02 98 51 42 07
The world's biggest boating race around the world with a crew starts off right here (used to be the Whitbread Round the World Race). All the activities on the quaysides are free to visit.
Astronomy: Summer Solstice Morbihan, Bangor
Organised by the Astronomy Association of Belle-Île, this is a great way to celebrate the longest day of summer. Please reserve in advance. Starts at 13.30 in Bangor, on the Site de Cassiopée. €5 or free entry for members. www.belle-ile.com or call 02 97 31 81 93
FREE www.lorientgrandlarge.org 02 97 32 80 05
What’s On 9
June 2012
Fête de la Saint Jean Côtes d’Armor, Dualt
June 21-24
Between Callac and Maël Carhaix, there’s a whole day of celebrations, starting at 10.45 with traditional mass in the St Jean chapel followed by a procession with flaming torches, an open-air meal at 12.30, French bowls at 14.30 and a free concert in the chapel at 16.00.Throughout the afternoon, fun and games continue as well as rides in a horse-drawn carriage. Call 02 96 21 58 66
Yacht ‘Belle Plaisance’ Finistère, Bénodet
Every year, the picturesque coastal town of Bénodet celebrates the bygone age of sailboats, gathering period pre-1950 vessels, classic yachts and wooden boats.The boats race between the Odet river and the Glénan isalnds over the three days of regatta. FREE. www.rdv-belleplaisance.fr Call 02 98 57 26 09
Fête des Cerisiers Finistère, La Forêt-Fouesnant
This is a parade with music and more. Starting at 14.00 in the Espace Culturel, dancers and singers in traditional dress will parade to the Théâtre de Verdure de Peniti.There will be Breton games, photo exhibitions, demonstrations of traditional crafts and traditional crêpes with cider. Great family fun. €4 for adults, FREE for under 12s. www.foret-fouesnant-tourisme.com or 02 98 51 42 07
June 22
Joan Baez Finistère, Brest
You don’t often get the chance to see and hear a musical legend performing, so grab this one while you can. €67.50 Call 02 98 33 70 70 or see www.lequartz.com
June 27
June 22-23
Braderie du Centre-Ville Ille-et-Vilaine, Rennes
Festival desARTiculé Ille-et-Vilaine, Moulins
The whole of Rennes’ beautiful city centre transforms into a braderie with stalls in the streets, from 09.00 to 18.00. FREE. www.tourisme-rennes.com 02 99 36 64 93
Last time attracting 22,000 visitors, this festival welcomes street art, music, circus skills and theatre, all of which will be great family shows. Free camping also available nearby. €5 or €3 a day Adults FREE for 0-11 years. www.desarticule.fr
June 30
Great Cyclist event Côtes d’Armor, Callac
June 22-24
Known as the LPB, this is a major date in cyclists’ calendars, welcoming over 7,000 participants last year.There are 4 circuits to choose from (from 27km to 155km) and it raises funds for cystic fibrosis charities. Cyclists gather from 06.30 and they set off from the town centre at 09.00. €16 to €20 for participants. www.laplbmuco.org or call 02 96 45 83 56
Salon du Livre Morbihan, Vannes
This book festival is held at the Jardins des Remparts in the historic walled town of Vannes. Readers can come and discover new works, meet and listen to authors and maybe get their books signed. FREE entry. www.livresenbretagne.fr 02 97 01 62 30 or www.tourisme-vannes.com 08 25 13 56 10
Religious Pardon Côtes d’Armor, Guingamp
These events are still a large part of French culture, definitely to be experienced at least once. Guingamp’s night-time Pardon begins at 21.00 with Mass at the Basilique 22.00, followed by a lamplight procession through the streets to the town centre. FREE. Call 02 96 43 73 89
Baden en Fête Morbihan, Baden
A local event with a great variety of activities: music, dance, classic cars, decoarated bikes, theatre and storytelling with aperitifs (only in France!) FREE entry. www.baden.fr
Classic Car Rally Côtes d’Armor, Trégastel
A great spot for admiring and taking photos, as many ancient and beautiful vehicles will be here. FREE Call 02 96 15 38 38 or see www.ville-tregastel.fr
Serious Sandcastles Morbihan, Bangor
This Concours Châteaux de Sable requires more than a bucket and spade: these people are into sand carvings and more! Bring your camera, enjoy some snacks on the beach and be impressed. FREE. www.morbihan.com
Fest Noz and Fire Morbihan, Arzon
An evening of traditional Breton entertainment in Port Navalo including live music and dancing, refreshments and a vibrant atmosphere open to everyone. Minimal entry fee www.arzon.eu or call 02 97 53 77 88
June 23
Fête de la Musique Côtes d’Armor, Saint-Carreuc
Festival Celtytud Finistère, Plouezoc’h
The fun begins at 16.00, with live music, choral groups, brass bands, modern groups, snacks and refreshments on site plus, from 21.30, concerts in the bars. Best of all, it’s free entry. FREE entry Call 02 96 73 49 57 or see www.tourisme-moncontour.com
This lively weekend event starts with a grand Fest-Noz event at 21.00 complete with the Hamon-Martin quintet, Sonerien an Aod and other live bands, guaranteeing great music and a vibrant Breton atmosphere. Event continues tomorrow.€7 Call 06 84 62 34 60 www.facebook.com/celtytud.plouezoch
Fest Noz and Bonfire
Folklores du Monde Ille-et-Vilaine, Saint-Malo
Côtes d’Armor, Etables-sur-Mer
In memory of Joan of Arc, the bonfires are burning, and this one includes a Fest Noz outdoor party with live music, dancing and refreshments. Starts 20.30 and ends around 01.00 (near the Stade). FREE entry. Call 02 96 70 65 41
A truly international festival, including participants from Trinidad and Tobago,Tahiti, Mongolia, Poland and the UK. Daytime events in the street, evenings in the Salle du Panier Fleuri. Continues until 8th July. Events around €7 adults, parade FREE. www.saint-malo-tourisme.com or call 08 25 13 52 00
June 23-24
Côtes d'Armor
Watersports Day Côtes d’Armor, Perros-Guirrec
The Watersports centre and nautical clubs are offering the chance to have a go at diving, surfing, sea kayaks, sailboats and plenty of free activities. Have a go! FREE entry. Call 02 96 49 81 21
Saint-Brieuc SPORT
Funfair and Fireworks Côtes d’Armor, Lanvollon
This funfair lasts two days and includes a pyrotechnic display on Saturday at 23.00, and on Sunday there’s also a huge rummage sale from 20.00 to 19.00 all around the town. FREE entry. Call 02 96 70 12 47 June 24
BMX Championship Final Côtes d’Armor, Saint-Brieuc
Head for the BMX ramps on rue Pierre de Coubertin and cheer on your favourites as they race, twist, jump and perform their stunts. See www.saintbrieucbmx.com
Vide Grenier Street Sale Côtes d’Armor, Trézény
Rather like a car-boot-sale but in the streets of Trézény, only for non-professionals looking to empty out their attics or garages. Come and see what bargains can be found. FREE entry. Call 02 96 38 08 88
Photo: © Richard Villalon - Fotolia.com
Brittany Pages
June 3 Trotting Race Fancy a day at the races? Come to the Hippodrome de la Baie and see if you can pick a winner. Entry: €5 with programme and FREE for under 18s. Call 02 96 72 77 51
10 What’s On
Brittany Pages
Finistère
Region-wide
June 2012
OUT AND ABOUT
Pont-Croix CULTURE June 16-30 Medicines and Plants in the Middle Ages - An unusual exhibition in the Maison Commune of old-world Pont-Croix, which has its own herb garden and will display original illuminated texts as part of the exhibition. Open every afternoon from 16.00 to 18.30 plus Thursday mornings (market day). €2 adults, FREE for under 12 years. www.pont-croix.info Photo: © womue - Fotolia.com
Morbihan
Photo: © CRTB
Trédion
June 2-3 Rendez-vous aux Jardins - This national initiative aims to promote public and private gardens, opening around 2,000 gardens across the country. Below is just a selection of the many sites which will be open this weekend. Call for details of opening times. All FREE. Finistère, Brélès: Château de Kergroadez, guided tours, photo exhibition 02 98 32 43 93 Finistère, Nevez: Les Jardins de Rospico, near Pont-Aven, stunning plants 02 98 06 71 29 Côtes d'Armor, Lamballe: The medieval gardens of Eglise Saint Jean 02 96 50 13 50 Côtes d'Armor, Lanvollon: Orangerie at the Château de Lysandré 02 96 20 24 73 Morbihan,Vannes: Jardins de la Préfecture and Jardins des Remparts (right) 08 25 13 56 10 Morbihan, Bignan: Domaine de Kerguéhennec with its famous sculptures 02 97 60 31 84 Ille-et-Vilaine, Dinard: Parc de Port Breton, guided walks and entertainment 02 99 46 94 12 Ille-et-Vilaine, Bréal: Jardins de Brocéliande, land of Arthurian legend 02 99 60 08 04
FESTIVAL Photo: © CRTB
June 16 Music Festival - Trédion festival focuses on new and emerging music but includes styles across the spectrum: techno, hip-hop, choral, world music and rock. Open to everyone and encouraging participation of all types of groups and individuals, this is a real community event that has achieved national success. FREE to participate Call 02 97 67 11 33 or visit www.tourismebretagne.com
Morbihan
Photo: © Yvann K - Fotolia.com
Auray CULTURE
Côtes d'Armor
Photo: © supermimicry - Fotolia.com
June 4 Seaweed Discovery Day – One for the whole family: discover how seaweed used to provide an income for locals, how it’s used for beauty products and even cookery. There’s a 90-minute outdoor exploration followed by a cookery workshop for 2½ hours. Bring your boots! Book online or at the Tourist Office. Entry from €8. Call 02 96 20 24 73 www.algues-armorique.com
Photo: © Anja Kaiser - Fotolia.com
Plouha FAMILY
June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Books and Postcard Fair – A must for any serious collector, this event also has the bonus of being in an idyllic setting on the quayside at Port de Saint Goustan. Held every week throughout the month, it’s a favourite with both committed collectors and those happy to browse. Come along and see if you can unearth a rare bargain. FREE entry Call 02 97 24 09 75 or visit www.auray-tourisme.com
Pick of the rest in Brittany Morbihan
June 2 - 3 Circus celebrations, Côtes d’Armor, Boutdeville – Immerse yourself in a 1930s world at this event, uniting professionals and amateurs for circus shows, music, improvisation and even a steam engine. Lively and sure to make you smile! Call 06 09 86 21 99 www.galapiat-cirque.fr June 3 Collectors’ Fair, Côtes d’Armor, Etables-sur-Mer – Head to the Salle des Loisirs to find a treasure trove of books, coins, stamps and postcards from 09.00 to 18.00.You might find that rare item missing from your collection…Entry €1. Call 02 96 70 79 40 June 6 Collegium Orpheus, Finistère, Brest – The highlight of the programme is one of sacred music’s finest works, Mozart’s Coronation Mass K317, but also featuring are the Sinfonia Concertante in E flat K364 and Haydn’s Cello Concerto.This concert
takes place in the Grand Théâtre of Le Quartz, rue du Château, conducted by Jean-Marc Labylle. €15 to €30. www.lequartz.com Call 02 98 33 70 70 June 19 Sea Shanty Evening, Côtes d’Armor, Plérin – Head to the Café Les Mouettes on the harbour where, from 20.00, you can sit and enjoy traditional Breton sea shanties played by local enthusiasts. Call 06 78 20 68 76 June 21 Fête de la Musique, Morbihan,Vannes – A great spot to enjoy the national music festival on this Midsummer Day.Vannes will be filled with the sounds of live bands and concerts that are set up along the harbours and the ramparts and will be buzzing to the musical activities planned for this celebration. FREE to participate. www.tourisme-vannes.com
At the time of going to press The Brittany Pages checked, to the best of its ability, that the details of events listed on these pages are correct. However, as such information can change, please always check with organisers beforehand that there are no changes to the programme.
Questembert
FAMILY
June 27 Convivihalles – Here’s a great idea: a farmers’ market from 5pm at Les Halles, with plenty of local producers to choose from, and the chance to sign up for a collective sociable meal under cover of the market hall, costing under €10.You can be sure that the produce will be of the tastiest and freshest, the company lively and convivial and you’ll be treated to a free concert as you eat. FREE entry. Call 02 97 26 56 00 or visit www.questembert.com
Brittany Pages
What’s On 11
June 2012
What’s On in the capital
Photo: Chris Killip
British season at Le Bal
Weekend of art workshops June 8-9 – A network of fine arts workshops, backed by the Mairie de Paris, are opening their doors to the public for a series of free workshops over this weekend. Students’ work will be on display and there is a range of talks and demonstrations from the artists – covering everything from painting and fabricwork to engraving, sketching, photography, cartoons, film-making, modelling and architecture. Open 15.00-21.00 on Friday and 15.00-19.00 on Saturday. The venues are as follows: 48 rue de Sévigné (M° St Paul or Chemin-Vert) 80 Boulevard du Montparnasse (M° Montparnasse-Bienvenüe); 28/30 rue Gauthey (M° Brochant) 158 rue Legendre (M° Guy Mocquet) 5 Place Marc Bloch (M° Buzenval) http://ateliers-beauxarts.activites.paris.fr
ARTS
EXHIBITION All summer, until August 19 – The work of two critically acclaimed chroniclers of everyday British life – photographer Chris Killip and film-maker John Smith – go on display as part of a special UK-themed season of events at Le Bal, the cultural space tucked behind the Place de Clichy (18e). Killip was a prolific photographer in the north of England in the 1970s, witnessing the social upheaval and conflict between the working class and politicians during the collapse of the industrial era. Smith’s short documentary, The Girl Chewing Gum, is based on the comings and goings in a busy London street. A number of associated talks and screenings are planned, on Wednesday evenings in June at 20.00. www.le-bal.fr
Paris pride New film festival on Champs-Elysées Rocker Johnny set to fill
FAMILY Jazz and
June 7-10 – The Cité Internationale, Paris’s international student campus near the Porte d’Orléans, hosts a major marionnette festival, Les Scènes Ouvertes à l’Insolite, for the ninth year running. A generation of young puppet-makers and performers, from Israel to Quebec, will be putting on a series of 15 shows over four evenings, including two open-air performances. M° Cité Universitaire (RER B) www.theatredelamarionnette.com
flowers for a summer afternoon
June 9 - July 29 – Every summer, the vast Bois de Vincennes park holds a series of mostly free jazz concerts in the Parc Floral gardens on weekend afternoons. Spanning seven weeks, the Paris Jazz Festival sees talented jazz performers take to the open-air stage. Most performances are at 15.00 and 16.30 and it is an ideal opportunity for a picnic. M° Château de Vincennes (1) or Vincennes (RER A). Open daily 9.30-21.00. Entry to park is 5 or 2.50 for young people aged seven to 25.A pass for the whole festival costs 20.The full programme will be online shortly at www.parisjazzfestival.fr
Photo: ktylerconk/Flickr
MUSIC
June 15-17 – French rock legend Johnny Hallyday plays three nights at the Stade de France as part of his latest tour. Doors open at 18.00 and the support act (to be confirmed) will take to the stage at 19.30.Tickets range from €35 to €140.The Stade de France will also host the Red Hot Chili Peppers on June 30.
MUSIC
Photo: alainalele/Flickr
Puppet talent put on a show
stadium three times over Photo: Georges Biard/Wikimedia
June 30 – One of the city’s most vibrant and colourful festivals, attracting locals and visitors alike, Paris Pride takes to the streets on the last Saturday in June, setting off as usual at 14.00 from Montparnasse and winding through the city to the Place de la Bastille. marche.inter-lgbt.org
June 6-12 – A new addition this year to Paris’s cultural calendar, the inaugural Champs-Elysées Film Festival features 100 screenings and special events in the half-a-dozen cinemas that line the famous avenue. The guest of honour is American producer Harvey Weinstein (pictured), who will be discussing his work, with retrospective screenings of Chicago, Gangs of New York, Kill Bill,The English Patient and Shakespeare in Love. Canadian actor Donald Sutherland – star of the Dirty Dozen, MASH and the Hunger Games – will also be speaking.The packed programme also includes independent productions, shorts, exclusive preview screenings of forthcoming releases and international films from Iran, Croatia, Estonia and Iceland among others. www.parisfilmfest.fr
CINEMA
Photo: David Shankbone/Wikimedia
OUTDOORS
12 Living
Brittany Page
House guests from hell? How Having a home in France often means there is no shortage of friends and relatives wanting to visit – but entertaining can be stressful. Second home owner SALLY ANN VOAK provides advice for a tranquil summer WHY is it that the most charming people turn into absolute horrors when they are invited (or invite themselves) to spend a few days in France? As owners of a cottage in rural Normandy, my husband and I have been amazed at just how unthinking some visitors can be: demanding cooked English breakfasts every day, loading our fridge with their cans of beer, complaining about the farm smells, the flies, the lack of bus services, hogging our small bathroom, or, worst of all, being rude to our wonderful neighbours and local restaurant owners. After 20 years, we have at last learned that many disasters are our own fault: we did not prepare our guests properly, were too anxious to please them, reluctant to set sensible limits on the visit and far too keen to rabbit on about the delights of our rural lifestyle, making it sound like a glossy magazine fantasy instead of the sometimes gritty reality. Here are some useful tips:
1
PRE-VISIT: Stipulate length of stay, and set an arrival time where possible. Do not leave the departure date open. Suggest they bring a car or hire one at the airport, otherwise you will do all the driving. Tell them in advance if the power cuts out when overloaded: do not wait until they plug in two hairdryers and a computer. If there is no internet connection or wi-fi, it is sensible to mention it.
“
We have learnt that many disasters are our own fault: we did not prepare our guests properly, were too anxious to please them and reluctant to set sensible limits on the visit
‘It’s not for people who like being waited on’ If you only have one small bathroom, be honest. Daily jobs like visiting the déchetterie or bottle bank are good to mention, too. Ask about dietary problems/requirements. Keep a couple of good local gîte numbers by the phone (together with medical contacts). If they begin to sound less enthusiastic, you can gently suggest alternative accommodation. If your house is a second home, make sure you arrive at least a day before your guests, to check for dead mice, spiders, flies, cobwebs. Put clean towels and sheets in their room, plus tissues, waste basket, insect repellent, spare quilt in case of chills, books about France and local magazines. Do not go overboard on food preparation –
PAT WARD-LEE (pictured far left) is a retired engineer who owns a second home with his wife, Sally Ann (pictured right), near Neufchâtel-en-Bray in the SeineMaritime. The couple find that relatives are often more demanding than friends: “Twenty years ago, just after we bought our Normandy cottage, we received regular phone calls from relatives who thought they ought to come over and check it out –
as if they were doing us a favour. “It is very simple and quite remote, so not suitable for people who spend their holidays being waited on at posh hotels, or have young children who could fall down the narrow stairs or the well.” The couple’s favourite guests bring casual clothes and walking shoes, are polite to the local people and restaurateurs, help with household chores and stay for just a couple of days.
just have one hearty casserole dish ready plus your usual groceries and plenty of fruit. Planning meals together (and sending the guests to explore the shops) will be part of the fun. If they ask about bringing gifts, spirits are useful, maybe some English marmalade, cheese or tea if you live in France all year round. Champagne is always a winner.
crasies. If they ask how they can help, suggest they prepare a meal or barbecue. French shop opening hours are a mystery to most non-residents, so explain these as well. Encourage them to sleep in late, so you can have your shower in peace and tidy up.
2
ON ARRIVAL: Have a simple supper together and discuss their stay. Tell them if there will be half-days or evenings when you will be out and recommend any local sites or trips (with brochures and local chateaux/exhibition details to hand). Explain plumbing/power/safety idiosyn-
‘ o i y
3
MEALS: Go out for breakfast if possible: croissants and coffee at the local village café would be a treat. Fetch baguettes for lunch, use paper or oilcloth tablecloths to save on washing. Accept a paid-for night at a restaurant, graciously, but check the bill. We once let a friend pay for 22 armagnacs – he did not notice the mistake (our group consumed two), and was
ADVERTISIN
Demand for French family breaks remains strong Final 2011 sales figures from The Hoseasons Group reveal bookings for France finished at three times the volume they were 10 years ago. ACCORDING to those 2011 sales, Brittany, Normandy and the Dordogne are the most popular regions for UK holidaymakers; with families, by a ratio of 3:1, the biggest fans. And it is therefore no surprise to learn that three per cent of breaks included a pet, and longer durations of 14 nights+ accounted for 40% of all bookings. The final statistics also show that UK holidaymakers to France don't plan too far ahead with 36 per cent of them making a booking within three months of arrival at their chosen holiday property. France has been a popular choice for British family holidays for gener-
ations due to its accessibility, alluring culture, world beating wines and sublime food. And a self-catering holiday in France still represents great value for holidaymakers as well as fantastic opportunity for holiday home owners. Simon Law, VP Property at The Hoseasons Group, commented: "Our booking figures for renowned brands like cottages4you and French Country Cottages clearly show that France continues to be one of the most popular European destinations, particularly with our database of holidaymakers which is one of the largest in the industry.
"For property owners, these figures underline the importance of choosing the right partner to market your holiday home and our owners are secure from the start knowing that they are working with a British holiday letting agency that is fully licenced and bonded to operate in France. "In addition, owners have access to a full agency service from our Head Office on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales as well as support from a team of 15 bilingual regional managers based across France. And of course, superb marketing underwritten by a group budget of
£27million is what drives the allimportant bookings". Gerald and Victoire de Maleville are a great example of owners working very successfully with the Hoseasons Group. In 2010, they secured 34 weeks of bookings and in 2011 sales were up by as much as 18 per cent. Husband and wife team Gerald and Victoire started renting out holiday cottages as a way to restore some of the beautiful buildings inherited from Gerald's parents and for him, the properties have become a business. In 2007 he decided to take a three year break from his job as commercial development director at Moet and Chandon to concentrate on the renovation project and has big plans for self-catering in the
Dordogne. Gerald was the architect behind the renovations and personally oversaw the building work, whilst his wife Victoire, who has an excellent eye for colour and design, took care of the decoration and furnishings as well as adding the final touches to ensure perfection. To date, the couple have renovated four properties within the Sarlat area of the Dordogne and each has been beautifully restored, combining classic architectural features with modern fittings and quality furnishings. Gerald said: "The general standard of the properties has to be high for today's holidaymaker. They are looking for a home from home, with the facilities they would expect in their own residence. We take great
es
Living 13
June 2012
w to deal with visitors
Visitors will often think of t as a gîte, not your home’
PATRICIA STOUGHTON (above), a journalist who writes about French life, culture and history, has learned how to cope with guests the hard way. With her husband Nigel, she has owned a holiday house near Quimper, Brittany for 30 years. She says: “Of course, you want to welcome your friends, but visitors will often think of it as a gîte, not your home. Our first guests stayed for 10 days, which was unexpected. “One of our worst experiences was when a
too embarrassed to query the total. If your friends are unfamiliar with French menus, start by discussing the desserts and work back. They can then choose a plain meat or fish dish and salad if they are reluctant to try local delicacies. If your guests have a horror of eating live crustaceans, do not order fruits de mer for yourself. Seeing you tucking in could make them sick. TRIPS: Do not take all your visitors to the same châteaux, museum or gardens: before long, you will be bored. Try somewhere new, and make sure there is not too much driving. Your guests may not be as good at walking as you (they probably
4
packed the wrong shoes), so do not embark on a long randonnée unless specifically requested. Markets are magic – you cannot go wrong. Explain how important they are to your local economy. Local veteran car rallies, races, canal or boat trips go down well, but do your homework first. As we know, in France, opening times can change.
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LANGUAGE PROBLEMS: If your guests have little or no French, do not invite the neighbours for dinner. By the end of the meal, you will be exhausted. Once the wine starts flowing, anything could happen. You have got to live here, remember. Instead, have a few close friends round for
guest invited five of his friends, unknown to us, for dinner, while we were out. Another time, one harangued a waiter in our local restaurant. We had to go back and apologise. “You must set limits: be firm when people try to take over the kitchen or speak critically about the French. Our best guests are those who go straight to our big map of Brittany in the kitchen and tell us how much they are looking forward to learning more about this wonderful place.” pre-dinner drinks and plan some subjects for discussion in advance. The royal family, food, sport and the economy are fairly safe. Avoid farming topics, as translating these subjects delicately is very difficult.
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CHILDREN: Set boundaries. Farming and fishing localities can be full of danger for city kids. Find out their interests: boats, exciting museums and seaside, ruins, plant and animal spotting, canoeing. At night, star-gazing is awesome in France. Make a point of mentioning the "Green" aspects of your area: no litter, not too much noise, good behaviour in restaurants. Make it general though, so their parents do not take umbrage.
Reader tip
Lay down a few ground rules
BRIAN and Jane Allender have lived in France for several years and have had their fare share of visitors. They say they like to see friends and show them around the area but over time have learnt that a few ground rules from the start help to make the visit more pleasurable. Brian said: "I would say - first of all - know your airports. People say they'll come into Bordeaux but don’t realise that from where we are in the east of the Dordogne it’s a long way away and that we have to pay to go on the motorway. Our family's nearest airport in the UK is Gatwick (with flights to Bordeaux) but it is much easier if they catch the train to London City Airport and fly into Brive. “Also make sure that people tell you if they change their dates. We had one couple who didn't tell us and as we had other guests arriving at a different airport on the same day we had to leave them to stay in a hotel at the first airport so we could drive to the second one. “We’ve also learnt that it is best not to be backward in coming forward when asking for a contribution for their stay. Our worst experience was when friends came and didn't give us a penny but did offer to buy us lunch when we drove them to the airport. On the way we decided to go to St. Emilion and take them to a château for a wine tasting, only to find that they didn't like French wine and so I felt duty bound to spend a fair bit buying a few bottles. To top it all they split the lunch two ways! Funnily enough we haven't seen them since. “We've found the best solution is to have a kitty. It is difficult to ask people but they usually don't mind. In this day and age no-one's got bottomless pockets. We go out of our way to entertain guests but there's a point after which we begin to feel we're being taken for a ride. So it's best to nip it in the bud early or it might mean a friendship going sour. Often the guests don't realise because they are on holiday and forget that you live here and that in actual fact you are not on permanent holiday. “Another tip is to get hold of a lot of leaflets with ideas for you and them about what you're going to do while they're with you. That makes it easier to decide on activities. “And, finally, I can say from experience that after the first few years visitors do begin to tail off. When you are first here everyone - even people you haven't seen for ages - seem to turn up on the doorstep but now it's really only family and real friends who come.”
NG FEATURE pride in making sure we fit the best quality bathrooms, kitchens and decorate the properties to be modern, comfortable and welcoming, whilst retaining the relaxing atmosphere and traditional features of these wonderful buildings. Victoire added: "The Dordogne has good summer weather and offers holidaymakers many activities. As Francophiles will know, there are lots of historical places to visit nearby including the medieval city of Sarlat with its famous twiceweekly market, many ancient châteaux including Castelnaud, Beynac and the ancient town of Domme known as the 'Acropolis of the Dordogne' with its quaint streets, boutiques and restaurants. There are also lots of places for walking and cycling but it is especially good fun to hire a canoe at nearby Vitrac and drift gently down the river stopping off at one of the
many pebble beaches to enjoy a lazy picnic or to swim in the Dordogne’s clear and unpolluted waters. "We chose French Country Cottages when they were recommended to us by a satisfied owner. The Dordogne is very popular with English visitors, so it seemed sensible to choose a company that could market our properties to such a wide audience and secure bookings on our behalf. We've had some great photography taken to show the properties at their best both online and through the brochures, which are great for getting our properties seen by thousands of potential customers." Simon continued, "Like Gerald and Victoire, those who travel to the country regularly or who already own a property there are always so passionate about what it has to offer and we are actively encouraging Francophiles to share their experi-
ences via the France Fan Club blog. Launched in February 2012, we hope this will provide a forum for fans of France to exchange tips and share their fondest family holiday memories, inspiring more families to enjoy all that France has to offer." With a major property recruitment programme underway, the 2012 portfolio is the strongest yet, carefully selected by a skilled team of holiday letting specialists. Property owners considering letting their holiday home can find more information at www.rentmycottage.com or www.je-loue-ma-maison.com; if you prefer to call then dial (+ 44) (0) 1282 845541 and ask for either David or James who will be happy to chat through your options in either English or French! To get involved in the France Fan Club, simply send your tips and memories to blogmaster@cottages4you.co.uk
14 Mind Matters
Brittany Pages
June 2012
BRITTANY FOR EVERYONE
PROMOTING BRITTANY - www.brittanyforeveryone.com French-themed crossword
by John Foley
What’s in a word?
kir
Down
2. Walled city in Brittany whose inhabitants are Malouins (5-4) 8. Medieval philosopher and theologian whose romance with Héloïse has become legendary (7) 9. Oiseau for foie gras (3) 10. Go cycling – faire du ____ (4) 11. Mythical creature with a spiralled horn (7) 13. Transfer data from a digital device to a computer (6) 15. Copenhagen’s amusement park and pleasure garden (6) 18. Post-Impressionist painter whose works include The Card Players and Les Grandes Baigneuses (7) 20. Widely-used abbreviation for broadband technology (1,1,1,1) 23. As Simone de Beauvoir once wrote, “___ travail, de mourir, quand on aime si fort la vie” (3) 24. Letter sometimes highly decorated at the beginning of a chapter (7) 25. In English, a street like this is often a cul de sac (4,5)
1. Legendary chanteuse born in Paris in 1915 (4) 2. Useful unit of volume when ordering for a wood-burning stove (5) 3. American dancer _______ Duncan, strangled by her own scarf in a motoring accident in Nice (7) 4. Latin hymn sung at matins or at a thanksgiving service (2,4) 5. Mayonnaise made with garlic (5) 6. Dark, nutty variety of sherry (7) 7. Outside, en _____ ___ (5-3) 12. White wine made near Nantes in the Pays de la Loire (8) 14. Beggar in the parable about a rich man in St Luke’s Gospel (7) 16. Printed type slanting to the right (7) 17. This month’s Zodiac sign (6) 19. English film actor David _____, captured by Inspector Clouseau in The Pink Panther (5) 21. River rising near Dijon and flowing through Paris to the Channel (5) 22. Mediterranean island to which Napoleon was exiled in 1814 (4)
The France quiz
by Paul Masters
in the escape of 5,000 French prisoners of war from the nearby camp at Longvic. This led to his arrest by the Germans, and he was condemned to death for resistance activities. The death sentence was laid aside, however, and he immediately resumed his secret activities. He managed to conceal himself until the war in Europe ended. Public recognition followed, after the war. Canon Kir was elected both as mayor of Dijon and also as MP for the Côtes d’Or for more than 20 years. It was Canon Kir’s internationalism which lead to the twinning of Dijon with over 20 foreign cities, and at receptions for his international guests he was in the habit of offering the local white wine, an acidic Bourgogne Aligoté, sweetened with crème de cassis, thus promoting two local products. Although he did not invent the drink, he popularised what was previously known simply as blanccass, and was honoured by having it renamed after him.
1 WHICH tax-exiled French rock star is reportedly facing a €9m demand from the fisc? 2 DISNEYLAND Paris celebrated a milestone anniversary recently. How old is it?
Photo: monregard - Fotolia.com
IF YOU go to an event in the Salle des Fêtes, the chances are that if you are offered a drink before the meal, kir will be on the list. First a glug of crème de cassis in the bottom of the glass, and then white wine to top it up. It is such a popular drink, but what is the significance of the name? Félix Kir was born in 1876, and was ordained as a priest in 1901. His talents did not pass unnoticed and he quickly achieved promotion within the church. But it was in politics that he really made his name. In 1940, this charismatic and at times pugnacious character entered the vacuum of local politics in Dijon, and the manner in which he stood up to the German occupying forces won him considerable popularity. He helped, among other things, ensure the supply of food into the city during the war years, and, more dramatically, played an important role
Across
5 CYCLISTS in which French city have been given permission to ignore certain red lights if they are turning right, as part of an experiment? 6 WHICH French presidential candidate received the lowest score in the first round of the elections? 7 WHICH celebrity got into a spot of bother on a trip to Paris recently, when a friend she was travelling with pointed a gun at a photographer?
3 WHICH Hollywood celebrity couple are reportedly planning to get married in their home town of Correns in the Var? 4 WHICH stretch of coast in the south of France has recently been awarded national park status?
8 FRANCOIS Hollande was previously the partner of (and has four children with) which other leading Socialist politician?
Sudoku Intermediate
Difficult
CROSSWORD ANSWERS. Across: 2 Saint-Malo; 8 Abelard; 9 oie; 10 vélo; 11 unicorn; 13 upload; 15 Tivoli; 18 Cézanne; 20 ADSL; 23 dur; 24 initial; 25 sans issue Down: 1 Piaf; 2 stère; 3 Isadora; 4 Te Deum; 5 aïoli; 6 oloroso; 7 plein air; 12 muscadet; 14 Lazarus; 16 italics; 17 Gemini; 19 Niven; 21 Seine; 22 Elba FRANCE QUIZ ANSWERS. 1. Johnny Hallyday. 2 20 years. 3 Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. 4 The Calanques. 5 Paris. 6 Jacques Cheminade. 7 Pippa Middleton. 8 Ségolène Royal
Easy
Puzzles by websudoku.com
Brittany Pages
Food/Pets 15
June 2012
Now is the time for cherries
Duck breast with cherries
CUT OUT & KEEP!
After winning the first BBC MasterChef in 1990, JOAN BUNTING was soon writing a food column and doing local radio for the BBC. Now she has retired and moved permanently to her home in France, but she is still keen to tell readers about good food
INGREDIENTS 2 large or 4 small duck breasts (magrets de canard) 300g morello cherries (griottes) washed and stoned. You can use other cherries but make sure they are not too sweet. 2 tbsp cherry liqueur 100ml chicken stock 300ml port (no need to spend a lot, cheap works fine) 3 tbsp sherry vinegar (vinaigre de xérès) 1 tbsp brown sugar 1 tbsp runny honey salt and pepper
varieties evolved goes back to Lucullus in 72BC, it appears that most regions of France have their own favourite varieties and their own recipes. Clafoutis in the Limousin area, liqueurs and other spirits in the east, candied in Provence. There are, though, certain things that can be made anywhere from June’s ruby harvest. Jam, for example, can be made from any variety. I also bottle the dark cherries from the orchard and pickle the light coloured Napoleon ones. I am glad that some years ago I invested in a cherry stoner. Though a bit messy to use, it is far less fiddly than any other method. For this month’s recipe I have gone for a savoury dish – I believe it is a marriage made in heaven.
Photo: Joan Bunting
I SWEAR the cherry orchards surrounding our hamlet are fitted with timers. On one day in spring, every single tree bursts into bloom and we find ourselves floating on a fragrant ocean of pale pink and white. It is equally amazing to me that after what seems like a very few weeks later I can pick the fruit. The only problem then is what to do with the buckets full that I pick or am given. I never tasted cherries picked from the tree until I was well past childhood, but even then, nothing compared to the summer we visited a friend in Lorraine. We sat in her garden and were invited to help ourselves. I do not recall the variety but I do remember the sweet/acid sensation that hit my tastebuds. Because the way cherry
METHOD Slash the skin of the duck diagonally, season well on both sides. Bring the port, liqueur and the honey to the boil, lower the heat and add the cherries. Cover and leave to simmer for 10 minutes. Remove the cherries with a slotted spoon and reserve. Reduce the syrup to about 20ml by continuing to bubble it in the pan. Heat a heavy frying pan until very hot. Cook the duck skinside down for 7-8 minutes.
Discard the resulting fat, then turn the duck and cook on the flesh side for 5-7 minutes according to your taste. Wrap in foil and rest in a warm place. Wipe out the pan, then allow the sugar to caramelise over a medium heat, add the vinegar to de-glaze. then add the stock and the cherry syrup. Reduce to about 200ml, check the seasoning, then add the cherries to warm through. Slice the duck breasts and arrange on four warm plates. Spoon over the sauce and add the cherries.
WHICH WINE SHOULD I DRINK WITH THIS? Caline Montfort, of Julien de Savignac wine merchants (julien-de-savignac.com), says: I would recommend Château Thénac rouge 2008 (retail price €17) Côtes de Bergerac. A superb and very elegant red wine, full of black and red fruits (red cherries, prunes, blackberry and strawberries). Soft and mature tannins. A complex wine which marries beautifully duck with red fruits.
Summer hazards for pets in France With summer finally here, SAMANTHA BRICK looks at the dangers posed by other animals to your pet’s wellbeing IN FRANCE, there are certain wild animals, insects and snakes that can pose a genuine threat to your animal’s life. While some of these animals tend to live in the southern part of France, it is prudent to make yourself familiar with species known to pose local health risks via your veterinary clinic or mairie. The processionary pine caterpillar (chenille processionnaire) is one animal found across France that can potentially kill your pet. At the start of spring these caterpillars come out of round, white, fuzzy nests built in pine trees and travel across the ground in single file, frequently stopping in writhing circles. Usually brown, hairy and about three centimetres long; their procession continues throughout the summer. They should be avoided at all times as their fibres can “burn” the skin of any animal (or person) that
Pet Care touches them. Small animals have been known to die from such an injury. If your pet comes into contact with these caterpillars, seek veterinary assistance immediately. In many areas of France, there are poisonous snakes, including vipers, which are lured out by the hot weather to bask in the sun. Vets recommend that you always keep your dog on a leash. Even at home, pay attention around log piles, swimming pool terraces and children’s play areas. Across France, the wild boar (sanglier) dominate the countryside and,
This column is sponsored by
Wild boar are known to attack dogs – you should never approach one in recent years, have taken to foraging closer to towns and villages. The wild boar is normally nocturnal, and usually scavenges in groups. In the summer months, female boar are extremely protective of their young. A boar – these animals can weigh up to 120 kilos – will usually run away from humans on sight, but some will become aggressive if approached. Dogs may be attacked; male boar have tusks which can
seriously wound a dog. Never approach one; veterinary advice is to make loud noises which will usually scare the boar off. Leishmaniasis is a disease that mainly affects domestic dogs. It is carried by a small, yellow sand fly that resembles a mosquito. It is in the south of France that vets warn of this fly. The mosquito bite will typically occur on the dog’s nose or ears and the disease can incubate for a
year. Symptoms include hair around a dog’s eyes falling out, unusual claw growth and weight loss. The disease is fatal if left untreated. Products are available from vets which should be used to protect against this disease from spring to autumn. It is advisable to keep your dog inside from dusk until dawn, when the flies are most active. Heartworm disease is another risk associated with southern areas of France. It is caused by a parasite transmitted in its larvae stage by mosquitoes. Once the larva matures the adult worms reside in – and cause blockages, inflammation and damage to – blood vessels. While most commonly found in cats and dogs, other animals can be infected. The infection is undetectable during the six first months. Symptoms include coughing, exhaustion, severe weight loss and fainting. Cats may show pneumonia-like symptoms, vomiting and diarrhoea. The disease, while fatal, is treatable; early diagnosis can result in full recovery. Pets can be protected from infection with anti-mosquito drops and collar treatments.
Tel. 06 58 01 82 76 Web. www.seulementnaturel.eu Email. marc.somsen@chardeyre.com
16 Directory
Brittany Pages
June 2012
Advertise here ALL YEAR from just €75HT Call free on 0800 91 77 56 or email directory@connexionfrance.com
BRITTANY DIRECTORY
English-speaking firms near you For your security, we check that the French businesses in this section are officially registered with the authorities
Find registered tradespeople quickly and easily By advertising in our directory you get the chance to run advertorials (the articles you see on these pages). We are currently offering these at a two for one price, so two x 1/4 page advertorials, maximum 400 words plus photo, costs just €200HT. A minimum two month break between publishing applies and the second advertorial is a repeat of the first. If you wish to change the second there is a €25 fee together with a €15 fee if you want us to provide a photo. ANIMALS
IN THE DOG HOUSE
Small established family run KENNELS & CATTERY - COLLOREC
Quality care for your pet
02 98 73 91 10 - 06 33 44 71 17 collorec@me.com Siret: 492 349 931 00013
Canine Behaviourist
Solving your dog and puppy problems using calm, assertive and positive reinforcement methods Tel: 02 96 36 65 61 Mob: 06 45 79 01 67 Email: locarn1@yahoo.co.uk Siret. 481 238 483 00012
CHARITY FIELDS
BUILDERS & RENOVATION
Fabrick 22
Solving all your Building Needs
02 96 83 47 25 FRENCH REGISTERED ARCHITECT Design - Planning permissions Project management - All building types and sizes
Tel: 02 96 21 23 67 Mob: 06 43 79 37 54 Email: mail@jeremysmitharchitects.com www.jeremysmitharchitects.com Siret: 512004024300014
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Siret: 519 572 135 00019
Siret 503 281 438
Ad No. 17612
J. S. H. Easy Access specialist in Ramps, Handrails, Door Frames, Non-Slip Surfaces, Wet rooms
SARL Steve & Wendy Foster Renovations
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Tel: 06 31 26 16 21 / 02 97 43 57 81 Web Address: www.artisanmultiservice.com Email: shaunwlake@hotmail.com Siret no: 500405089
Stairs2measure.com Made to measure wooden staircases
Tel: 02 56 33 50 11 Mob: 06 04 17 26 65 Email: quote@stairs2measure.com
JEREMY SMITH
CLC
Siret: 480 938 083 00015
Stonework z Block work z Plastering z Plasterboarding z Roofing
Web: www.stairs2measure.com
CHARLES HAIGH CONSTRUCTION Renovations - Extensions Alterations - Dry Lining Excavations - Fosse Septiques Covering Depts 22 & 29
Tel: 02 96 44 26 20 Email: charleshaigh@orange.fr
Electrical - Plumbing - Tiling Doors & Windows - Stud-walls Insulation www.renov8it4u.com Tel: 02 98 26 43 95 Mobile: 06 68 25 46 54 Email: steve.wendy.foster@orange.fr
St Malo, Dinard, Dinan
SARL BCBP Stonework, Renovation Groundwork, Gardening Full and Part Renovations & Conversions Connection to Main Drain and Septic Tank From Mini-Diggers to 20t Diggers Paving & Decking Perfect English Spoken
Bruno Bonnier Tel: 06 71 05 60 82 www.bcbp.fr
Email: bonnier.cleran@orange.fr Siret : 47942748600010
Building & Property Maintenance Renovations, Repairs, Conversions, Extensions Tel: 06 59 71 50 29 or 02 98 86 95 37 Troleron 29530 Plonevez du Faou
Email: clc-chrislynn@hotmail.com
BUSINESS & WEBSITES
www.PCBREAKDOWNSOS.com Mobile PC repairs Mobile: 06 28 11 31 60 Evening: 02 96 13 14 48 Contact Paul - Operating Dept22 Radius 30km Corlay
A BUSINESS TO PROMOTE A PROPERTY TO SELL ADVERTISE FOR FREE www.brittanyforeveryone.com COMPUTERS, TV, PHONE,
Plans Planning Permisions Mike Welby 0296875737 www.welby.fr
Stuart Barker Plastering 35 years experience:
Boarding O Insulation O Floors O Tiling Painting O Block Laying O Digger Works Tel: +33 (0) 2 98 93 87 43 Mobile: +33 (0) 6 23 67 84 17 Email: platrier.homeservice@hotmail.com Siret No.: 511 627 341 00015
Wellesley House Surveying Registered and Based in Brittany
Property Surveys Brittany/Normandy/Loire - English Style Contact: Nick Warner Tel: (France) +33 (0)296 31 83 30 Email: info@french-property-survey.com Web page: www.french-property-survey.com SIRET No. 452 539 273 00014
56 MORBIHAN 56
All types of work, Exterior-Interior, New - Renovation-Repair. Entreprise Brown Robert
Tel/Fax: 02 97 51 10 11 Siret: 424 531 069 00013
Carpenter, roofer and general builder specialising in the renovation of traditional Breton Properties.
Siret: 489 684 696 00011
ESTATE AGENTS Property for sale in Brittany Buying / Selling property in Morbihan Translation - Negotiation - Advertising Currency Exchange
info@propertyforsaleinbrittany.co.uk www.propertyforsaleinbrittany.co.uk
Tel: 02 98 99 77 46 Mobile: 06 25 78 93 63 E-mail: Jonandorice@wanadoo.fr
Highest Quality Handmade Sheds
Outbuildings, Animal Houses, All Garden Furniture Made to your specifications www.shedsfrance.com shedsfrance@yahoo.co.uk 02 97 70 68 83 06 04 16 58 05
JARDINERIE HOLLANDAISE
Garden Centre and Garden Maintenance Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday or on 'RDV' Le Garly 56480 Ste. Brigitte
Siret: 40029026800020
Regions 29/56/35/22
Plastering O Rendering O Pointing O Limework O Tiling O Decorating O Renovation O Restoration All Aspects of Work Undertaken
GARDENS & POOLS
PC & Mac Computer Engineer From teething troubles to total trauma We Can Help! Tel: 02 98 71 14 91 / 06 32 30 70 54 Email: dale@infortechfrance.com www.infortechfrance.com
Tel: 02 97 67 17 93 Mob: 06 27 14 51 14
Jon Oram
Tel: 05 55 65 12 19
Tel/Fax: 02 97 27 62 19 - Mobile : 06 75 39 25 79 Email: contact@jardinerie-hollandaise.com Web: www.jardinerie-hollandaise.com
info@bretonbuild.com 02 97 38 57 61 www.bretonbuild.com Siret: 489 314 278 00032
Sell your property to a worldwide audience using our global network. Our fees are the lowest in France, our results are the best. WWW. HOUSESONINTERNET.COM
Infortech
Siret: 453 231 920 00019
BRETON BUILD
English registered cars House insurance - Health cover 1700 British clients trust us 02 96 87 21 21 contact@angloagence.com Dinan, Brittany
02 96 29 59 41 Thistle22@orange.fr
Free Quotes, Dep 22/29
bml angloagence.com
Tel: +33 (0)2 96 84 86 28 Email: catch22services@aol.com Web: www.electricianbrittany.com
www.fabrick22.com info@fabrick22.com Tel: 02 96 39 27 67
Building Renovation & Property Maintenance Covering all of Brittany Shaun Lake
www.architectbrittany.com
Registered and insured in France
Mike and Pam Derby
Thistle Renovations Ltd
Call Carole on 02 97 34 70 44 carole.williams@orange.fr
ANDREW ALLEN - ARCHITECT
Bilingual English Electrician/Plumber
Timber Treatment, Preventative & Remedial Woodworm & Dry Rot, Plastering, Pointing
Tel: 02 96 23 97 58 - Mob: 06 26 53 91 03 Email: spencer91122@hotmail.co.uk
If your job is worth doing It's worth doing well
LA CASSIERE Installer of all types of sewerage systems, agent for BIOROCK. All groundworks undertaken. Tel: 02 96 26 22 56 Mobile: 06 11 18 22 19 Email: lacassieretp@free.fr
Office in Dinan Centre
Breeder of Dutch Sheep, Ouissant sheep and Kune Kune Pigs
ARCHITECTS
We will keep you up to date with features and special events in your area of France in all our publications which could help to boost your business. We include the text from your advertisement in our online directory for no extra charge. Want to advertise in our national paper The Connexion or sister papers in other regions? Call our sales team for more information.
English and Fluent French speaking agent, always needing more houses for sale, 8 years experience info@normandyandbrittanyhousesforsale.com TEL FR: +33 (0) 6 19 17 34 61 TEL UK: +44 (0) 7880 501 116 www.NormandyandBrittanyhousesforsale.com Siret: 519 751 465
Les Bocages
David Robins Royal Forestry Society trained Arborist www.lesbocages.com Felling, pruning, planting all aspects of tree care. Tel: 02.97.39.99.82 56160 LOCMALO Siret No. 480 997 584 00028
Le Jardinier Anglais.com Tree surgery services All tree work undertaken within 150km of Rennes. Specialists in dismantling difficult / dangerous trees, wood chipper, stump grinder, extreme hedge cutting.
FREE CONSULTATION enquiries@lejardinieranglais.com www.lejardinieranglais.com +33 (0) 7 86 53 67 26 Siret: 483 859 203
Brittany Pages
Directory 17
June 2012
ADVERTISING FEATURES
New video service to increase private house sales Houses on Internet, the company that helps private home owners to sell their French properties without using an agent, is expanding its services - and taking property selling to a whole new level RICHARD Kroon, director and founder of Houses on Internet, is responsible for the innovative and pro-active way that distinguishes his company from the competition. Supplying prospective buyers with all the information on a house you can think of (along with, on average, 50 good-sized photos) and advertising each property worldwide is a standard service for Houses on Internet. However, the company is now adding custom-made videos of the houses on sale to the services that it offers. There are two reasons for the company
adding videos when it already shows so many photos. “The first is that seeing a video you can play over and over again is much closer to the experience of an actual viewing than looking at static photos,” said Richard. The other reason is more technical, but just as important, explained Richard. The videos produced will be visible from the Houses on Internet site, but will actually be stored on the global video platform YouTube. A couple of years ago YouTube was bought by Google and following this the powerful Google search engine was
implemented into YouTube, which is why it is now the most visited video platform worldwide. “Houses on Internet has been an official partner of Google for a couple of years now, and has recently also teamed up with YouTube,” said Richard. “This means that the combination of these two search engines will increase the already impressive number of visi-
“
These two search engines will increase the already impressive number of visitors of 100,000 each month
tors, of about 100,000 each month, to the Houses on Internet website as well as the number of prospective buyers our clients reach. Now clients can bring the marketing of their property to the next level too.” In terms of opportunities to gain a French mortgage, a recent article in the Financial Times states that three leading French banks have now reduced the interest rates they charge British people who want to buy a house in France. Ever since the financial crisis started, the lending criteria have been, and still are, strict. “It is harder than it used to be to get a loan approved, yet these banks are still willing to lend and now at very attractive rates,” said Richard. “You can download the article in full from the homepage of the Houses on Internet website.” 05 55 65 12 19 www.housesoninternet.com
Trevor Dallas of TV Brittany explains how you can see every single event at the London 2012 Olympics
“
FROM 27 July the Olympics will be televised for over two weeks and will show 26 sports broken down into 39 disciplines. In total there will be in excess of 300 actual events broadcast in high definition by the BBC. Freesat has created 24 dedicated Olympic HD channels that will show every Olympic sport from every Olympic venue. In addition to the 24 temporary BBC HD Olympics channels listed in the Freesat TV guide, live “streams” will be available via the BBC Red Button service. Freesat customers with standard definition boxes will be able to see the 24 BBC Olympics channels in standard definition.
SD, HD and the HDR recording box are all subscription free and offer over 180 TV and radio channels all in superb digital quality,” said Trevor. There are currently five HD channels available on the high definition boxes: BBC One HD, BBC HD, IVT1 HD, Channel 4 HD and NHK World HD (HD-ready TV required). However, those with generic “nonFreesat or non-Sky” boxes may be losing
Want to watch 24 BBC Olympic channels in HD?
GENERAL
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“All 24 Olympic channels will be listed in the Freesat TV guide, so with a recording digibox you will also be able to programme your viewing choices in advance and watch at your own leisure,” said Trevor. “This is particularly useful if there are two events on at the same time that you just cannot miss. From archery to canoe slalom and judo to swimming, whatever your choice, it will be available to view when you want it.” For people with HD receivers and 3D televisions, the BBC is aiming to show the opening ceremony, the men’s 100m final and the closing ceremony in 3D. “The full range of Freesat digiboxes -
MOTORING
Ian Torode Servicing / repairs for most makes of vehicle / garden machinery. Car Help - Advice - Parts. Web: www.mowermaninbrittany.net e-mail: admin@partsbroker.net Tel: 02 56 22 90 12
PLUMBERS
Ed Chalkley: Maitre Artisan Complete Interior Renovation with all trades undertaken. Registered Carpenter.
View work at edwardchalkley@blogspot.com Tel: 02.96.82.72.91(evenings)
Your life coach in Brittany
Siret number: 513 187 153 00012
Tel. 02 99 44 38 09
Portable: 06.70.54.13.76
Jerzual Plomberie
Mobile Hairdresser Huelgoat and its surrounding areas
Certified Gas and Electrical Heating Engineers. All your Gas and Electrical requirements including regular servicing Based Dinan Centre
02 98 99 90 51 - 06 66 38 31 11 Email: l.wheaton@laposte.net
02 96 27 16 53
HEALTH & BEAUTY
Liana
Discounts available for group bookings
INSURANCE & FINANCE AXA INSURANCE
Guillaume POISSANT
EXPERT INSURANCE & FINANCIAL ADVICE IN ENGLISH
02 97 60 08 23
Home Car Health Business Banking Locminé, Morbihan 56500
agence.poissant@axa.fr www.axapoissantinsurance.com
TV Brittany will help you to ensure you do not miss a single event during the London 2012 Olympics
PROPERTY SERVICES
Prestige Painting & Decorating Services
To advertise here call freephone in France 0800 91 77 56 / from UK 0844 256 9881 (4p/min)
Every aspect of Decorating, Interior & Exterior, Wall Papering, Tiling, Sealants Work, Power Washing, Wood Treatments
Home Exchange without the need to find a direct exchange partner.
Contact Adrian or Lena Baker
Anna Pathfinder www.annapathfinder.com
All 24 Olympic channels will be listed in the Freesat TV guide, so with a recording digibox you will also be able to programme your viewing choices in advance
fabrickdinan@gmail.com All Plumbing and Heating requirements Oil Boiler Breakdowns & Servicing - Chimney Sweeping. Prompt /reliable service Tel: +33 (0) 2 96 24 78 11 or Mobile +33 (0) 6 42 72 39 00 Email: vince@vbplombier.fr - Web: www.vbplombier.fr Contact: Vince or Mandy Boon
Tel: 02 96 83 97 49
Mob: 06 58 04 51 46
The Holiday Exchange
Richard Kroon owns Houses on Internet channels soon as their frequencies change to make way for newer and more exciting features. “Freesat boxes automatically update from the satellite giving seamless transition to any advances available,” said Trevor. “If a satellite dish is aligned to receive the UK channels from Astra 2, then the Freesat SD and HD boxes are a straight replacement for the generic box - so there will be no need to pay an engineer for installation. For the HDR recording box a new LNB (low-noise block downconverter) and second cable to the box is required to take full advantage of the recording facilities so may require some technical intervention.” For further information about the range of Freesat boxes, contact TV Brittany. 02 97 74 24 56 www.tvbrittany.com
RETAIL
Spex4less.Com High Quality Prescription Glasses Online Save Money On All Your Prescription Eyewear www.spex4less.com
WOODBURNERS
Email: info@theholidayexchange.com Tel: 02 97 93 91 56 Web: www.theholidayexchange.com
Ash Grove Stoves Supplier of Hunter - Villager
Siret: 53015743700019
adrian.Lenabaker@hotmail.fr Siret 51442634500013
Getting it right first time Danish workmanship built to last Newbuilds - Extentions - Repairs - Carpentry - Roofing
www.artisancarpenter.com email : info@peterjensen.fr Tel : 02 96 29 51 66 Mob: 06 30 24 55 29 Siret : 489651976
eco-nett Home Services OVEN DEEP CLEAN SPECIALIST PAINTING, DECORATING, TILING, LAMBRIS CENTRAL BRITTANY AREA (22)
Tel: 06 04 49 83 70 email: eco-nett@hotmail.com website: www.eco-nett.webs.com
BRETON COUNTRY COTTAGES
Property Management and Holiday Letting Services We will take care of your second home or holiday property leaving you free to enjoy it.
Tel: 0297398742
www.bretoncountrycottages.com
wilkinson.bcc@wanadoo.fr REMOVALS
SIRET 528 090 152 00018
Sewage Systems Bio Assianissement Installer / Distributor of Sewage Systems Approved by the French Government and Authorities Obligatory Decennial / Responsibility Civil Insurance From Conception to Conformity
FREE QUOTES Tel: 02 56 34 71 41 Mobile: 06 31 81 60 97 Contact@bioassainissement.com www.bioassainissement.com
FIVE STAR REMOVALS
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Kitchens & Furniture
www.rustique-revival.com Siret: 497 736 272 Ad No. 18809
Light Removals to and from Northern France. Best prices, best service.
Villager, Hunter, Aarrow & Stratford Stoves
T: + 44 (0) 079705 30723 E: classicalternatives@msn.com
Quality Stoves Delivered throughout France
Ad No. 18589
REDCLIFFE are a reliable
Bristol based Remover and Storer with weekly trips to Brittany Credit crunch specials
Contact Andrew +44 (0) 7976 702 241 andrew@redclifferemovals.co.uk www.redclifferemovals.co.uk
Esse Cooking Ranges www.woodburningstovesandcookers.com
Tel: 02 97 74 73 48 Based in Josselin 56
CLASSIFIEDS MYFORD LATHE 3 1/2inch with motor 3&4 Jawchucks, Lathe Tools 150, remers 42, adjustable remers 24 and much more. Tel 02 99 57 88 52
Book your advert now for the July issue - copy deadline June 5 call freephone from France 0800 91 77 56 or 0844 256 9881 (4p/min) from the UK
18 DIY
Brittany Pages
June 2012
2012 Income Tax Helpguide D I Y t i p s INFORMATION YOU CAN TRUST ON LIFE IN FRANCE O
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Fosses septiques should be checked at regular intervals MANY houses in rural France are still equipped with septic tanks for drains waste disposal. Correct maintenance of the septic tank system is essential to prevent it failing. If there is a problem with the tank, you will soon know about it thanks to the foul smells that will creep back up the pipes and generally linger around the area where the tank is installed. The first thing to remember is that even if the system seems to be working well it is essential to have the tank pumped out every two to four years depending on amount of use. Under the new French regulations, it has to be emptied at least every four years. If the tank gets too full, the solid waste will get into the drainage pipes causing them to clog and subsequently for the system to fail. In France it has to be a professional that carries out the emptying of the tank – you could face a fine if you use an unauthorised company. Septic tanks have their own little ecosystem, so it is very important to pay attention to what is sent down the pipes to the tank. Do not wash solids down the kitchen sink such as ground coffee. Do not pour fats and oils down the sink either, as they will clog up the pipes. Never flush kitchen towels, tissues, disposable nappies, sanitary towels, tampons or such material down the toilet. Do not pour solvents such as pesticides, chemicals, white spirit or other such toxic products down the drain. You can use bleach, detergents and other household cleaning products but try to use a minimal dosage. Outside, near the actual tank, make sure not to plant trees or plants with large roots as these could break the pipe and even the tank. Do not compact the soils over the top of the infiltration area. Make sure it is away from where you are likely to park cars or want to put a shed. It is a good idea to visually check your tank twice a year. If the system is working correctly there should be no odours. If there are, it could be a sign that there is a problem. However, if there are foul smells coming up the drains in rooms that are not used often, do not panic. It is probably just a case of the water has dried up in the U pipe and therefore the gases are able to escape. Simply run water down the drain regularly to stop this from happening. The French government now carries out controls on septic tank installations. If you are contacted for such a visit you will need to make sure that the inspector has access to the tank. He will then check its condition and location, the ventilation, volume and sludge level of the tank. He will look at the drains, the filtration system, the soil around and proximity of any water sources. You will also be required to show proof of maintenance. If the system does not pass the control, the inspector will inform you of what changes need to be made.
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Home & Garden 19
June 2012
Gardening Facts
les bocages
Photo: © nickos - Fotolia.com
Sponsored by
Oak trees are a haven, even when they start to die
Mighty oak is a mighty meal THERE is a saying that an oak tree “spends 300 years growing, 300 years living and 300 years dying” and it is this last 300 years that I would like to cover this month. The signs that a tree is getting into the last stages of its life are the die-back of branch ends, known as becoming “Stag Headed” – and cracks appearing in the bark and around branch collars. Also, less fruiting and possibly the appearance of fungal bodies, in the forms of bracket fungus on the trunk and mushrooms around the base, usually following the course of the roots. In this state, the tree starts to become a major source of food and shelter. The tree initially hosts more and more fungi and these break down the wood that opens up the way for insects that initially eat the live wood and then progress to the insects that eat dead and dying wood, the xylophages. These include woodlice, some beetles and wood boring wasps and hornets. Other species that utilise the tree as the bark and heartwood become more penetrable are the gardener’s friend, the hoverfly. The larvae and pupae live develop in the bark cavities. Another characteristic is “die-back from inside” so that the trunk becomes hollow and takes on a horseshoe shape. As long as there is continuous live tissue between the roots and the crown, water and sugars can be transported up and down and the tree can be quite healthy. One advantage of a large tree being hollow is that it can actually be less liable to topple as the weight is reduced and the tree more flexible in heavy winds. The opening up of the tree gives cover to bigger species as well. Bats, dormice, toads and snakes will all colonise the cracks and niches that open in the trunk and the increasing debris provides cozy cover for overwintering. Due to all the increased activity on the insect front, a more visible tenant takes up residence – the woodpecker. In Brittany the three main types are the Green (actually yellowish), Greater and Lesser Spotted woodpecker. They use the trees for nesting and food, depending on the species of bird. They prefer to nest high up and most prefer a tree that has soft heartwood and is starting to rot. They will start by exploratory drumming, this is to ascertain the denseness of the tree and then go on to excavate for nest holes in the spring. Some woodpeckers will use the same nest for many seasons, others build a new one each year. Even when dead, a tree will be frequented by woodpeckers and tree creepers quite happily – they treat it as a buffet of seasonal insects, larvae and spiders.
DAVE ROBINS - ARBORIST Trees inspected, crown-lifted, reduced or felled Hedges trimmed, renovated and pruned Forestry management plans prepared Free consultations and quotes Copious amounts of advice given
Tel. 00 33 (0) 2 97 39 99 82
david.robins@wanadoo.fr
www.lesbocages.com
The great outdoors It is time to get your patio and decking ready for those long summer evenings. REBECCA LAWN looks at what is involved SUMMER is the time for relaxing with a book outdoors or enjoying a barbecue with family and friends. Cleaning, decorating and renovating your patio and garden this month will help you make the most of the nice weather to come. The good news is that as long as you maintain your patio (by pulling out weeds and sweeping off any dust or dry leaves), it will not need to be properly cleaned very often. Investing in a pressure washer could be a good move as they are more powerful than garden hoses and use less water. Landscape gardener Jonathan Broad, who is based in Languedoc-Roussillon (www.abroadhorizon.com), says: “With decking or a patio that’s well-built, you don’t need to do much.” However, you will need to check that none of the bricks or stones have come loose due to rain seeping in through cracks. Mr Broad says: “For patios of stone or paving slabs, I will lay them on to sand, not mortar or concrete, as it’s flexible. If you lay it onto concrete and it cracks, the patio will also crack.” If you have noticed serious cracks in your patio, the worst-case scenario is to have to replace it. Mr Broad adds: “With ones made of tiles, some can come loose in winter, so you can just replace a few tiles, rather than the whole thing.” As for furniture, if it has not been used in a while, it might also need cleaning or repainting. If you have a swing, make sure to grease the hinges. Compared to patios, wooden decking tends to need more care – make sure to clean it after summer and again after winter. If you are unable to do it yourself, you could contact a gardening professional. You may also need to treat the wood if necessary. As some parts of the country can get very hot in summer and very cold in winter, this can have an effect on wooden decking. Mr Broad says: “Cheap wood can crack and split as it will expand and contract due to the weather, so you have to consider that. I’d really advise using good quality material. Joints in patios can also be broken up by frost.” Once you have taken care of the cleaning side, you can look at surrounding your patio with plants and even decorate with candles and chimes. As for hedges, the Royal Horticultural
Photo: CandyBox Images - Fotolia.com
Brittany Pages
Decking and patio that has been well-built should require minimal maintenance
“
Trim hedges whenever they look like they need it. In fact, the more often the better. If you leave it, it’s a false economy as you might have to pay someone to do it Jonathan Broad Landscape gardener
Society advises pruning them at least once a year to maintain them. You can use hand-held hedge shears for small hedges, but the job will be much easier with an electronic one for larger hedges. Mr Broad adds: “Most hedges will be evergreen as opposed to deciduous as you don’t want to lose the green in winter. You can trim hedges whenever they look like they need it. In fact, the more often, the better, as the denser it will get. You’ll get more small shoots which will fill the hedge out. If you leave it, it’s a false economy as you might have to pay someone to do it. If you can only do it twice a year, prune them in autumn and spring as that’s when they grow the fastest.” It is also a good time to rake up any remaining leaves in your garden and collect them for compost.
20 Property Sponsored by
Brittany Pages
June 2012
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Houses for sale across France Buying or selling a property? We can help. Our website www.connexionfrance.com carries details of more than 14,000 homes for sale across France. We also feature properties for sale in this dedicated section of the paper each month. To find out more about any particular property, go to www.connexionfrance.com and enter the ref: code shown under the property.
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Simply enter the code under each home to find out more PROPERTIES IN BRITTANY
€96,300
€104,860
€111,825
Finistère Originally a village bar, this stone built, semi detached property has been cleverly renovated to provide a spacious, 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom, house. It still retains many original features.
Guimiliau, Finistère Situated in the centre of the village are these renovated twin cottages, still retaining all their old world charm. This property has with small front garden and private, rear, south-facing patio.
Gausson, Côtes-d'Armor The property comprises ground floor entrance, a kitchen/ dining room, lounge, WC and 2 shower rooms. On 1st floor there are 3 bedrooms with en-suite bathroom.
REF: KPS 1805
ENERGY RATING = D
REF: KPS 801
ENERGY RATING = G
REF: L8237
€126,260
€155,150
€200,000
Carhaix-Plouguer, Finistère This property is located in a rural, private area and overlooking lovely countryside. The house is in very good shape, habitable right away with absolutely nothing to do.
Guémené-sur-Scorff, Morbihan The house offers you 2 kitchens, 2 lounges, 5 bedrooms, a shower room and a bathroom. To the front is a spacious graveled area, with parking for several cars and a pretty walled BBQ area.
Lannion, Côtes-d'Armor Beautiful granite longère in a peaceful, rural setting. Recently renovated to the highest quality throughout, this property comprises 3 bedrooms, one en-suite, a separate bathroom.
REF: M709-5291486
ENERGY RATING = E
REF: KPS 1832
ENERGY RATING = E
REF: IFPC22107
€230,000
€267,500
€295,000
Kerguzul, Morbihan This longère offers open-plan living with huge granite fireplace with woodburner in the lounge area, patio doors to garden, dining area with arched window, and a fully-fitted kitchen.
Callac, Côtes-d'Armor Beautiful character 3 bedroom farmhouse with 2 x 2 bed cottages and a large belowground swimming pool, all set in 10 acres, being 2 acres of established gardens.
Ploërmel, Morbihan Main house is a barn conversion, built in late 1800's with unique features: Lounge, double-height, dual-aspect with woodburner and feature stonework, kitchen/dining room.
REF: IFPC20367
ENERGY RATING = E
REF: IFPC22268
ENERGY RATING = E
REF: IFPC21961
€320,000
€325,000
€372,750
Moustoir-Remungol, Morbihan A uniquely-designed, granitefaced country house built in 1988. The main entrance takes you into a lobby with access to a large dining room, leading down to a vaulted sitting room.
Glomel, Côtes-d'Armor This 200-year-old Breton house and adjoining cottage, of granite and slate, have been lovingly restored by the present owners to the highest possible specifications.
Merléac, Côtes-d'Armor The property comprises ground floor entrance, fitted kitchen with, a spacious living room with fireplace, an office, bedroom, utility room, WC. At first floor are 3 bedrooms.
REF: IFPC22282
ENERGY RATING = D
REF: IFPC22127
ENERGY RATING = C
REF: L10074
€420,000
€447,300
€556,400
Rostrenen, Côtes-d'Armor Large stone house set in landscaped gardens. Completely renovated 15 years ago, preserving many original features. An extension has been added with stone exterior.
Merdrignac, Côtes-d'Armor The property consists of, on ground floor, a hall, dining room, fitted kitchen, 2 caves and shower room. The first floor has sitting room, dining room, 2 bedrooms, bathroom, WC.
Morbihan Beautiful and very rare 5 bedroom mill house with swimming pool and a lovely 2 bedroom cottage. The main house is set over 4 floors with wonderful views and its own weir.
REF: IFPC22052
ENERGY RATING = C
REF: M2024
ENERGY RATING = F
REF: KPS 1071
ENERGY RATING = D
ENERGY RATING = E
ENERGY RATING = B
ENERGY RATING = E
ENERGY RATING = D
The adverts above cost from just €200TTC for three months of web advertising and three months of print advertising. Let our distribution get you a sale. Contact our sales team on 0800 91 77 56 (freephone in France) or email sales@connexionfrance.com
Building your dreams... Bespoke Building Solutions Specialist in Period and Character Renovations
Pre-purchase Property Assessment Septic Tank Installations In house Architectural Service
Brittany Pages
Business 21
June 2012
JIM ADCOCK moved to France in 2007 after many years’ experience in corporate and small businesses, including practical freelance support. He runs Stairs2 measure.com, providing made-to-measure wooden staircases, and is a founder member of The Brittany Business Network. He writes regularly for the Brittany Pages on local business issues and welcomes your feedback, comments and input.
Loans cannot fund growth
LegalNotes Answered by
Photo: © pixarno - Fotolia.com
Photo: © Marina Lohrbach - Fotolia.com
Sustainable growth for businesses and the national economy can only happen on the basis of a solid foundation
The political debate around Europe over the past few weeks has drifted more towards growth than austerity: an admirable sentiment, but how do you achieve that growth without increasing debt? A FEW years ago I was invited into a small UK business to develop a long-term business plan and funding options for a company that had exclusive rights to import products from a leading French manufacturer. The directors had chased the dream and were continuing to do so; the “growth” was achieved by the directors drawing little or no salary and repeatedly re-mortgaging their reasonably valuable personal properties to keep the business afloat. However, while the business plans brought in some outside funding, the directors’ ambition outweighed the income and they fell back to the old ways of not drawing salaries and borrowing against personal assets. The reason for introducing this story is to make the point that in business you need to be clear what your objectives are – surely not to work for nothing indefinitely – therefore it is essential to remain objective and ensure that the business is self-funding within a reasonable timescale. There comes a time where ambition has to be checked by reality and more achievable goals have to be set with-
in the financial means available. That means borrowing should be held at a level that the business can afford, whether the finance comes from the directors or banks. The UK had greater problems
ed from somewhere, the only alternative is to increase the national debt. The likely solution here is increased taxation, certainly for the more wealthy, however there is a school of economic thought that accepts the theory of the Laffer Curve. This supports the view that beyond a certain point taxation revenue diminishes as tax rates increase; there seems to be
“
There comes a time where ambition has to be checked by reality and more achievable goals set within the financial means available.
than France in this respect as lending was high against supposedly ever-increasing property prices. As we now know bubbles can burst! So, what is the relevance of a small company when looking at the plans for national growth versus austerity which have come to the fore in France following the election of President Hollande? It is because the same principles apply. Countries cannot indefinitely grow by state borrowing – and massive increases in public sector employment have to be fund-
consensus that this is around the 70% tax rate but this can vary by country. The new government in France now has to balance
the books with this paradox in mind. While increasing the number of teachers is laudable, the benefits are long term and those better-educated people leaving the system need jobs to go to. Therefore there needs to be wealth creation from the private sector to balance the cost of good public policy along with austerity in the form of reducing costs sensibly and cutting waste. There is some concern that more public employment can translate into greater bureaucracy for business – and surely now is the time for more innovation such as the autoentrepreneur regime and not for more restrictions. This is an opportunity to generate sustainable growth with social responsibility. My personal hope is that the business sector and entrepreneurialism are seen as at least as equally important as the public sector in providing the sustainable growth that most of us want to see.
Useful websites The Brittany Business Network: www.synergienet.com Business information: www.apce.com Régime auto-entrepreneur www.lautoentrepreneur.fr
To contact Jim Adcock directly, email brittany@outsourced-org.com
THE authoritative guide to buying a home in France Written by the Notaires de France and published by Conseils des Notaires.
Available in English from The Connexion, priced €7.50 or £7 (plus postage and packaging) See our website www.connexionfrance.com
Business status gives tax break I AM set up as an auto-entrepreneur and submit earnings information online each quarter. The amount I then have to pay is calculated automatically. I read recently that I may have to pay an amount over and above this. I do not mean personal tax but other business taxes. Is this right? AS AN auto entrepreneur you are exempt from some business taxes such as the cotisation sur la valeur ajoutée des entreprises (CVAE). This tax is part of the contribution économique territoriale (CET), which replaced from 2010 onwards, the old taxe professionnelle which was abolished in 2009. The CET includes another tax, the cotisation foncière des entreprises. For the first three years after you have set up as an auto entrepreneur, you are not liable to the cotisation foncière des entreprises. In order to benefit from the exemption, though, you must comply with strict conditions, which are as follows: The first requirement is that you must have opted for the regime known as “micro-social”. This is the regime under which your social contributions are assessed each month, or each term, and calculated according to your turnover for the previous month or term. The second condition is that your business must not be the continuation of an existing activity, meaning that in the immediate three years prior to you becoming an auto entrepreneur, you, your spouse, partner, children or parents have not been involved in a business similar to the one carried out under the auto entrepreneur status. And, thirdly, you must have applied for the tax exemption by the end of the first year of activity, which will be on December 31. Also, further temporary exemption can be granted by your local authority, depending on the location of your business or the type of the activity you are carrying out. Otherwise after three years of exemption, the cotisation foncière des entreprises (CFE) is due. The amount of this tax varies and it is assessed by the local authority. It is calculated according to the rental value of the building used for your business, with a minimum of around €200. With twenty years of experience in the Anglo-French legal systems, Agnès Crompton-Roberts, Avocat are the choice legal representatives SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDE ADVICE ON: LITIGATION O DEBT RECOVERY O PROBLEMS WITH FRENCH FIRMS O PROPERTY DISPUTES O BUSINESS SET-UP O PROBATE O FRENCH INHERITANCE LAW O CONVEYANCING O ACCIDENTS AND PERSONAL INJURY
Agnès Crompton-Roberts Avocat
www.abcfrenchlaw.com Tel: +33 (0) 962 33 5884 Mob: +33 (0)6 16 38 94 15
22 Property
Brittany Pages
June 2012
PROPERTIES AROUND FRANCE
€96,000
€107,000
€110,000
Saint-Angeau, Charente Set in the heart of a charming hamlet, 3 bedrooms, terrace, good condition throughout, parking lot and beautiful enclosed small garden.
Plaisance, Gers Spacious village house offering 3-4 independent apartments. Garden at the back of 1500m² with well. Car park in front with shed and BBQ. Garden shed.
Lesterps, Charente This imposing character property is situated on a tiny lane and comprises living room with fireplace and woodburner insert, dining room, kitchen, bathroom WC. 4 bedrooms.
REF: N134
ENERGY RATING = E
REF: LBP176
ENERGY RATING = C
REF: BVI0007074
€117,000
€121,000
€130,200
Argenton-sur-Creuse, Indre This charming property is located in a quiet hamlet and comprises of a kitchen, sitting room, bedroom, shower room and separate WC. Upstairs there are 2 bedrooms.
Saint-Claude, Charente South-facing converted porcherie set in a garden enjoying beautiful views over fields and woodland. Large open-plan lounge/diner/kitchen area with central wood burner.
Mayenne An ideal starter house near Ambrières-les-Vallées, in the quiet countryside – this fairly-new 3 bedroom house has a separate garage and workshop and lovely garden.
REF: 538
ENERGY RATING = F
REF: IFPC20430
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: H2865
€149,330
€157,500
€165,000
Marsac, Creuse Detached bungalow in good condition sitting in the middle of its grounds with outdoor pool. You enter the property by the conservatory, through to lounge/dining room.
Chantonnay, Vendée Modernised and detached 5 bedroom family home. Spacious accommodation throughout, newly installed eco reverse air heating system installed, double glazed throughout.
Clamecy, Nièvre Recently-renovated farmhouse comprising of 2 separate living areas, one being the main house with independent attached apartment, suitable as a large family house or run as a gîte.
REF: 1694
ENERGY RATING = E
REF: JAB123995
ENERGY RATING = C
REF: IFPC20001
€171,600
€180,200
€195,000
Les Plaines, Savoie Detached house to renovate including 2 apartments with courtyard and garden.
Montmorillon, Vienne Exceptional split-level property overlooking the River Gartempe and facing a beautiful mill on the opposite bank of the river. Located in a conservation area of natural beauty.
Bellenaves, Allier Beautiful property (16th – 18th c.) on the outskirts of this charming village. Former part of the Chateau, the 2 properties are now separated by medieval stone fortifications.
REF: 7377124
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: 5376
ENERGY RATING = E
REF: IFPC21474
€200,000
€208,000
€217,500
Gorron, Mayenne The farmhouse is set in about 3/4 of an acre. The attached barn has been converted into a wheelchair-friendly, 3 bedroomed self contained annex (gîte) with income potential.
Near Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Lot This is a spacious house with a lot of character and a good atmosphere, with a large south-faced terrace. Balcony, terrace, 4 bedrooms and pool.
Massérac, Loire-Atlantique This property is situated close to the river Vilaine in an elevated position with panoramic views, mainly to the west. It is contained within its own grounds with some fruit trees.
REF: IFPC21680
ENERGY RATING = D
REF: 1-252
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: IFPC22334
€220,000
€225,000
€234,300
St-Savinien, Charente-Maritime This charming property has been renovated in a high standard and is full of character with exposed stonework and beams. There is a pool with a large surrounding patio area.
Tardets, Pyrénées-Atlantiques This immaculately-presented home is located on a quiet lane yet just 2km from the market town of Tardets. There is a small barn separate from the house.
Civray, Vienne This property sits on the outer edge of a hamlet and less than 5 mins drive to the market town of Civray. It offers 190m² of habitable space, including 4 bedrooms and various outbuildings.
REF: P4350
ENERGY RATING = F
REF: 1397
ENERGY RATING = D
REF: 1535
€245,000
€259,000
€269,500
Blesle, Puy-de-Dôme Lovingly-restored stone house in private garden overlooking fields and forests. On the ground floor there is a large kitchen with Aga and a large lounge which is open to the roof timbers.
Elbes, Aveyron Detached stone and slate property, built in the 14th century and located in the countryside, with a large garden bordering a stream. 3 barns .
Pau, Pyrénées-Atlantiques Character house situated on 6400m² of land with a pool and lovely views of the countryside. Four bedrooms, outbuildings, swimming pool.
REF: IFPC21802
ENERGY RATING = D
REF: ELBES5613MM
ENERGY RATING = C
REF: LB437
€278,250
€280,000
€295,000
L'Absie, Deux-Sèvres Traditionally built, spacious and well-presented bungalow with complete basement apartment, situated within its own enclosed grounds on the edge of a little village.
Samatan, Gers On a 4800m0 land, the house is composed of an entrance, a kitchen (+storeroom), dining room opening onto terraces, a sitting room, a shower room, and 3 bedrooms (1 en-suite).
Hautes-Pyrénées Located in the hills near Bagnères-de-Bigorre, with a view of the Pyrénées, an outbuilding and 8 hectares of land, is this partly-restored, 19th century farmhouse.
REF: HF326
ENERGY RATING = C
REF: 3822
ENERGY RATING = C
REF: 103188
€310,000
€317,000
€325,000
Arlanc, Puy-de-Dôme Magnificent maison de maître with many original features, such as wooden parquet floors and fireplaces. The property offers spacious accommodation with a lovely garden.
L'Isle-Jourdain, Vienne Superb house in the centre of the village, includes hall, kitchen, dinning, lounge, study, 4 bedrooms, 2 with en-suite, outbuildings, garage, barn and a great garden.
Laruns, Pyrénées-Atlantiques This quality residence, near the popular skiing area of the Pyrénées, offers plenty of space (7 bedrooms) for a large family to enjoy the mountains, lake and the fresh mountain air.
REF: 1318
ENERGY RATING = E
REF: JM655
ENERGY RATING = E
REF: 1375
€330,000
€335,000
€343,900
Alpes-de-Haute-Provence In Pierrevert, a 122m² villa on two levels with large garage and 31m² independent studio flat on top of the garage. High standard, beautiful amenities.
Vayres, Haute-Vienne Accommodation comprises 4/5 double bedrooms, 3 with en-suite. Fully-fitted modern kitchen, office, large lounge, utility room, cloakroom, linen room and 2 separate WCs.
Mareuil-sur-Lay, Vendée A superb, detached 4 bedroom riverside residence set on the edge of one of the prettiest villages in Vendée, where shops, bakers and restaurants are a 400meter walk away.
REF: 151227
ENERGY RATING = C
REF: IFPC21175
ENERGY RATING = C
REF: JAB125210
ENERGY RATING = D
ENERGY RATING = E
ENERGY RATING = E
ENERGY RATING = Not given
ENERGY RATING = E
ENERGY RATING = C
ENERGY RATING = E
ENERGY RATING = D
ENERGY RATING = C
ENERGY RATING = D
Brittany Pages
Property 23
June 2012
PROPERTIES AROUND FRANCE
€348,000
€349,800
Cahors, Lot Attractive and well-renovated stone house set in small hamlet, with large gardens, swimming pool, guest cottage and views over the Cahors vineyard.
Eymet, Dordogne The property is situated in a small hamlet. It is a haven of peace and tranquillity. The house and its separate gîtes overlook its own land and a stream.
REF: V46291
ENERGY RATING = D
REF: APS1955
€355,000
€365,000
Chauffailles, Saône-et-Loire Old house built in 1889, consisting of cellar, garage, entrance hall, kitchen, WC, laundry, office, living room, 4 bedrooms.
Vic-Fezensac, Gers A fully restored ‘Gasconne’ style house with a living space of 140 sqm, all on 1800m2 of land. This two story property has a garage and is surrounded by trees. ENERGY RATING = D
REF: PA549
€375,000
€381,500
Évian les Bains, Haute-Savoie Charming farmhouse built in 1809, attic, vaulted wine cellar under the house, laundry room, workshop. Oil central heating, triple glazed, wood stove in living room. Paved courtyard.
Near Pertuis, Vaucluse Once a stable, this stone building has been delicately transformed into a spacious ‘maison de village’ of character. It has 2 double bedrooms, 1 single and 2 bathrooms.
REF: IFPC20432
ENERGY RATING = E
REF: IFPC21832
€394,200
€390,000
Hérault Very inviting and impeccable villa of solid traditional construction, completely renovated with care and taste, on a lovely garden plot with pool. The home also offers a 2 bedroom apartment.
Near Valmorel, Savoie This is a fabulous, recently-built chalet with exceptional views, close to Valmorel ski resort. It has direct access to the slopes and is within easy reach of the shops in the resort.
REF: 10765-L394200E
ENERGY RATING = D
REF: LA7335297
€406,000
€410,000
Near Moissac, Tarn-et-Garonne Spacious old stone farmhouse with letting gîte, attractive outbuildings, swimming pool all set in gardens. A good family home together with income. Rural location with great views.
Gognies-Chaussée, Nord Superb 5 bedroom villa, only 5 minutes from the Belgium border and only 26 minutes from Mons. It offers a kitchen/utility room, huge living room, 3 car garage. Good quality facilities.
REF: V82282
ENERGY RATING = D
REF: gognies
€419,000
€425,000
Villepôt, Loire-Atlantique Fully-renovated private longère offering luxury accommodation in a charming tranquil setting with significant land.
Dun-le-Palestel, Creuse This unique, very large manor house from 1974 is located within walking distance of the centre of a charming town. This property has three floors and no less than 10 bedrooms.
REF: IFPC20682
ENERGY RATING = B
REF: LIM-443
€435,000
€436,800
Neuvic-sur-l'Isle, Dordogne The property is a spacious detached maison de maître, built in the mid-19th century, with an impressive double-fronted front elevation and the main accommodation on 2 floors.
St-Hilaire, Charente-Maritime A beautiful ‘Charentaise’ style house located in a park. Peaceful area. This stunning property has a living space of 180m2 and includes a guest house.
REF: IFPC22159
ENERGY RATING = D
REF: P4441
€450,000 La Motte, Var Villa complex consisting of a 3 bed villa and a 1 bedroomed gîte in it's own grounds of approx 1/3 acre. All bedrooms are en-suite and the grounds have a pool, patio, BBQ area.
REF: 3807
ENERGY RATING = E
REF: IFPC21455
€472,500
€486,500
Vouvant, Vendée Substantial 15th century house and gîte business swimming pool, mini golf and tennis court offering generous income from both the French and UK market.
Pézenas, Hérault This detached, luxurious villa from 1993 sits on a top location at just 40 minutes from the Mediterranean. The house is very light, in excellent condition with all the comfort one needs.
REF: HF607
ENERGY RATING = D
REF: LAR-615
€495,000
€498,000
Madiran, Gers Spacious, well-renovated Gascon country house, together with a 2 bedroomed gîte, pool and additional outbuildings, tucked away in Madiran wine country.
Near Chantilly, Oise This light and spacious detached villa from 2004 is located in a quiet district at just 45 minutes from Paris. The house was designed and built to the highest standards.
REF: GD4154
ENERGY RATING = D
REF: PIC-502
ENERGY RATING = G
Our tax bill was a big surprise ENERGY RATING = E
ENERGY RATING = D
ENERGY RATING = F
Check your expenses for running internet business
ENERGY RATING = D
ENERGY RATING = C
ENERGY RATING = E
ENERGY RATING = D
ENERGY RATING = C
ENERGY RATING = E
WE HAVE been resident in France for a couple of years and we are a bit shocked by our 2010 tax bill. We have a small internet business which is on the micro regime and have investment and property income. What should we expect to pay for our 2011 tax bill in September (€38,000 annual income of which €10,000 relates to the internet business)? Is there anything we should be looking out for when we complete our tax return? The children are grown up and independent, but we support my mother who lives close by. J.J. YOUR internet business will be declared on the complementary pages of the income tax return, and you will be taxed on your total receipts less a 34% deduction. It is a good idea to check your actual expenses, to see whether a change to the “réel” regime will be beneficial for 2013. Your investment income will need to be declared on the main part of the 2042 return, but also on the 2047 (income from foreign sources), if any of the income arises outside France. Dividend income from EU companies should be split out as there is a 40% abatement, although the tax credit of €230 per couple is long gone (that is part of what would have pushed up your 2010 tax bill). Gains on the sale of shares are still partially exonerated, but now fully subject to CSG social charges– whereas, in effect, previously gains below the exoneration limit were not reported. Any French tax-free funds will not need to be reported, and your tax form should reflect what has been reported by your bank already – check that any products where you pay CSG at source are also entered in a box. Photo: © Louis Renaud - Fotolia.com
€440,000 L'Isle-en-Dodon, Haute-Garonne This stone country house has been entirely renovated. It has lots of style with traditional fireplaces, exposed beams, exposed stone walls and parquet flooring.
Sponsored by
Photo: © drubig-photo - Fotolia.com
REF: JEAM
FINANCE
24 People
Brittany Pages
June 2012
A life full of simple pleasures Denis Le Braz believes he has the best job in the world. Every summer he welcomes tourists aboard his traditional fishing boat and teaches them about Les Sept Iles - the bird life, the Breton language, the rocks and the Celtic culture. SAMANTHA DAVID got a taste of life on board the Saint Guirec DENIS Le Braz is the captain of the Saint Guirec, a traditional sailing boat that does day cruises around Les Sept Iles. It is a replica of a 1920s fishing boat which was built in 1986. Originally this type of vessel was used for catching crayfish. “I always wanted a traditional boat,” he says. When he was young, he bought a scooter, so he could go around the local shipyards and watch people making the boats. “It’s more than a craft, it’s a real art,” he says. “There isn’t a single right angle in a traditional boat, all the lines are special, unique, beautifully curved.” By the time he was ready to buy the Saint Guirec, he had already had several fishing boats, but he knew that what he wanted to do was introduce people to the old traditional ways of sailing. “It’s completely traditional in style, but with all mod cons on board,” he says. “Hydraulics, computer systems, satellite GPS, everything.” His cruises go within a few metres of the rocks, so that the passengers, who are also crew for the day, can see all the wildlife on the islands. “I’ve had a few accidents over the years,” he laughs. “But nothing serious!” Denis learned to navigate the islands when he was 15, by giving the old fishermen in the docks a bottle of Porto in return for their local know-how of the sea. “I love tradition, the Breton culture, the history, everything about it,” he says. “I was born inland, in a rural environment, but my father was a sailor and I don’t remember the first time I went on a boat. I must have been a baby.” He also has a quirky tale to tell about his first name. “Denis was a friend of my parents. He was attacked and seriously injured by a shark. So they named me after him!” Denis is a keen bird watcher and a longstanding member of the LPO (Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux), which has an information centre on the Ile Grand. “I know quite a lot about the local birdlife,” he says. “And tourists like to learn about it. I tell them all about the gannets and puffins. We have all sorts of birds here.” The boat does not go too close to either birds or seals however, in order not to disturb them. “I love the simple life,” he declares. “The sea,
Denis Le Braz, inset, loves taking tourists around Les Sept Iles, combining his passion for the sea with his love of wildlife
nature, being nice with people, fishing.” He has a professional fishing boat which he takes out during the spring and the autumn, but it is a serious fishing boat, not a tourist venture. “Sometimes when I’ve talked and talked all summer long, it’s good to be quiet for a while,” he says. The crew consists of Valerie and Tangi. Valerie Le Maguer made her first trip across the Atlantic in 1985, and now navigates around Les Sept Iles, and Tangi Raoul is the son of one Denis’s friends and has the sea in his blood. The tale goes that he first came aboard the vessel when his mother was expecting him, and now at the age of 23 is a full time crew-member. When he’s not sailing, he’s swimming or diving. “We stay close to the coast,” says Denis. “It’s better for the visitors, and more of a challenge for us!” But what all three of them appreciate most is the great atmosphere on board. “It’s simple, it’s gentle, it’s friendly,” says Denis. “I’m not much of a townie anyway, but the three of us are so happy when we’re out on the Saint Guirec. It is his dream job, he says, except when the weather is bad, because if the sea is too rough, they have to cancel bookings. Many of their visitors come back year after year, and the boat
also takes out parties of local people too. It’s a great day out when they have visitors. “There’s only one island where you can disembark, and we stop there for a picnic. The other islands are out of bounds, because they’re bird sanctuaries.” Thinking about the future, Denis wonders about buying a larger fishing boat to replace the one they use at the moment. “We could increase our fishing, especially the lobster pots. And with a bigger boat we could allow tourists to come out fishing with us, which is impossible at the moment.” There are plenty of lobsters, explains Denis, because the fish which used to eat them have been over-fished. “I like nice green tourism, intelligent, cultural ideas and schemes where everyone gets a share,” he says, “rather than one big company scooping the lot.”
He enjoys sharing his language (Breton) and the local culture with the people who come on his excursions. He often speaks in Breton but picked up some English when he was at sailing school in the UK. “I explain it all,” he says. “Names of the rocks, the birds, the history of the Breton language, Celtic culture, everything. People come because they’re curious.” And they return because they have such a good time on the Saint Guirec.