ERIKA: 95c | ISSUE 16 | NOVEMBER 2012
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Total is guilty on oil spill P7
News and What’s On for Côtes d’Armor, Finistère, Ille-et-Vilaine and Morbihan
TIME OUT GUIDE TOURISM FEARS Jazz and folk lead festival line-ups
PAGES 8-9
Quimper first in line for electric car hire Quimper looks set to be chosen for a new pay-as-youdrive electric car programme aimed at cutting air pollution. The city could have its first green vehicles available to hire for consumers and business by the end of the year after mayor Bernard Poignant confirmed that he has been in talks with businessman Vincent Bolloré to bring his famous “Blue Cars” to the town. It will mean the town installing numerous electric charging points but this is not going to be a problem according to Mr Poignant who is delighted that Quimper is set to become the first place in northern France outside Paris to offer electric cars for hire. In Paris the Bolloré cars, initially produced to showcase the firm’s range of power cell batteries, cost e10 a day or e15 a week and an annual subscription of e144 allows users to take the car for only half an hour at a time for e5. The small four-seat, threedoor electric car has a 30 kiloWatt battery coupled to a Turn to page 2
Island sale may hit visitor numbers
PAGE 5
Impressive project to build statues P3
At-a-glance round-up of the French system
PAGE 12
Ferry fuel rise would hit fares and routes by RAY CLANCY
BRITTANY’S EASTER ISLAND
HEALTH
BRITTANY Ferries has warned that it could be forced to put up fares by at least 20% and possibly cut services – or go out of business – if new fuel regulations being imposed by France and the UK come into force as planned. The ferry operator, which has had a troubled few weeks with an industrial dispute keeping ships tied up at quayside in France for almost a fortnight, is one of the ferry operators campaigning for the two governments to grant an exemption from the new rules. In a worst-case scenario, ferry companies, already facing challenging times because of the economic downturn, could go out of business because of the regulations on the sulphur content in the fuel they use that are set to be introduced in January 2015.
A spokesman said: “While Brittany Ferries supports these changes for the improvement of the environment, 2015 is an unrealistic deadline by which to implement them because we do not have sufficient time to invest in alternative technologies.” He pointed out that Brittany Ferries’ fuel costs alone would increase by a minimum of 60% to more than £100million per year as low sulphur fuel is considerably more expensive than the heavy oil fuel currently used. “Passenger fares and freight rates would have to increase by at least 20%,” he said. Turn to page 4
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2 News BRITTANY
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Contents News What’s On Feature Mind Matters
1-5 6-11 12-13, 24 14
Food and Pets 15 Directory 16-17 Home and Garden 18-19 Property and Finance 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 (Mon-Fri, 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: 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 November 1 - All Saints' Day November 11 - Armistice Day
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 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
Local money helps boost small shops More towns and cities in Brittany are adopting local currencies with the aim of keeping local wealth in local pockets. La monnaie locale is already being used in Brest and Dinan – with Concarneau hoping to get its local scheme up-and-running in time for the busy festive shopping period. Rennes and Nantes are aiming for similar projects next spring. The aim is to get people spending more in smaller businesses and by using the currency they will be showing their support for the local economy. For the people of Brittany it is harking back to days of old when the region had its own currency until 1534. In Brest, the association set up to create the local system said that it does not replace the euro, but is used alongside it. The city’s local money is called the Héol and comes in five different note denominations. Already hundreds of businesses, including bookshops, hairdressers, restaurants, grocery shops and bakers have signed up to use it since it went into circulation at the beginning of the year.
Electric cars will cope with Breton weather From page 1 super capacitor that provides a range of 250km before it needs to be recharged. It has a maximum speed of 130kph and a recharge takes about four hours. Bolloré’s car batteries are produced just outside Quimper at the firm’s factory. Bolloré said his batteries are safer than the lithium-ion variety used by most of the car industry because they are less prone to overheating. They are also more stable when being charged. He has been delighted with the success of the scheme in Paris and now wants to expand. He said: “The big plus point is that customers get to use a real car that has plenty of room, but generates no noise or smell. It’s also important to note that the Brittany made battery has also coped with really cold weather with no problem.” The cars will be available to anyone aged 18 or older with a valid driving licence who takes out a paid subscription. An available car can be collected for use from any rental station and returned to any other rental station. Each car has on board GPS capabilities and can be tracked by the system’s operations centre.
Hundreds of shops in Brest accept the Héol as well as euros
Noa Soudée of the Association de Développement de l’Economie Sociale et Solidaire du Pays de Brest, which was involved in setting up the local currency, said: “Our aim is to promote local business and introduce a more natural flow to the use of money and create a bond between people.”
According to French author Philippe Derudder, who has written a book on local currencies, it is becoming more popular because it is so simple at a time when the eurozone is struggling. He said: “It means the money is invested 100% in the local economy and it has a feel good factor.”
November 2012
Skirts should be normal for men too! David Beckham is famous for wearing one and fashion designer Marc Jacobs is encouraging men to do so – but here in Brittany, a group is also joining the cause and is out to persuade people that there is nothing shameful about a man wearing a skirt. The association Men in Skirts, founded in 2007, has been trying to encourage more men in the region to go for this mode of dressing. They have been parading in the streets of Rennes and telling men that the skirt is a unisex piece of clothing. Spokesman Jérémie Lefebvre said: “We just want men to try it. In history lots of civilisations had men wearing skirts,” said. “We want to fight against the cliché that skirts are just for women. People should have respect for a man who wants to wear a skirt. Our dream is that one day shops will sell skirts for men without prejudice,” he added. The association is backing a Springtime for the Skirt event that is being organised for next year.
Brittany Pages
News 3
November 2012
Giant hillside statues are a reminder of ancient history Standing tall and straight and looking in the direction of the sea, giant granite statues are one by one appearing on a Breton hillside as part of a project to remember the region’s ancient history. Philippe Abjean, the philosophy teacher who came up with the idea of creating what is known as The Valley of the Saints at Carnoët, likens them to the giant stones of Easter Island – and his plans are just as ambitious as those of the Easter islanders. He said: “We live in a throwaway society and the idea is to create something that will last, something that will still be around in hundreds of years time.” The first seven sculptures represent the saints who came across the sea from England, Ireland and Wales bringing Christianity to what is now Brittany. Another 14 have been erected and more are in the process of being installed and the plan is for the valley to eventually have 1,000 statues all made out of local granite. Mr Abjean, who is president of the Valley of the Saints Association set up to fund the project, said: “It might seem a little crazy but people need an ambitious project. We hope to add around 20 new statues a year. Rome wasn’t built in a day. “The aim is to remember our heritage and promote Breton culture, especially the saints, in an artistic form. I think of it as like Easter Island.” His vision is to create an artwork in the countryside but also to help people remember the history of the area and the role that saints played in establishing a Breton heritage. The site is full of surprises. For a start it is not a valley at all but an
Between 2,000 and 5,000 people took to the streets of Rennes to demonstrate against worsening work conditions and job precarity at firms across the region. The day of action was organised by the CGT, one of France’s biggest unions. Among those marching were workers at PSA Peugeot-Citroën who face job cuts at the car manufacturer’s Rennes base, as well as staff working at La Poste and the Michelin factory in Vannes.
Snail slows rugby project A rare breed of snail has held up plans by Stade Brestois rugby club to build a new training centre. The club has agreed to revise its plans to ensure the species is protected, after local wildlife charity Bretagne Vivante threatened to take legal action to halt the construction work. Club president Michel Guyot has asked architects to go back to the drawing board for the e10million project.
The plan is for the valley at Carnoët to eventually have 1,000 statues all made out of local granite ancient moat that was probably inhabited centuries ago even before the Romans arrived in the area. A monastery was founded on the site by Saint Gildas, a British clergyman who is regarded as one of the founders of Christianity in the region and lived in Brittany on the island of Rhyus. It is also said to be the site of a battle between Richard the Lionheart and
local Breton barons in 1197. The sculptures are works by local artists including Jacques Dumas from Pedernec, Patrice Le Guen from Santec, Fabrice Lentz from SaintFiarce, Olivier Leveque from PleneufVal-Andre, David Puech from Plougrescant and Seenu Shanmugam from Ploezal, who said that it brings money into the local community at a
time when there is not a lot of demand for large works. At 3m high and weighing around 12 tonnes each, the statues are being funded by donations from local businesses and people. Carnoët mayor Remy Lorinquer said: “The site is full of history and this is an exciting project as it brings work to local sculptures and visitors to the area.”
Farmers launch charm offensive to promote pork
Pig farmers in Brittany are embarking on a charm offensive to convince people to buy more pork products. The consumer is facing higher prices for sausages and pate due to an increase in the cost of animal feed but farmers believe that it is worth paying a little bit more for good meat produced in the region. They also want to change public perceptions about their profession. It is no secret that they are regarded as being partly responsible for the infamous green seaweed that blights some beaches in the summer as the increasing use of pesticides has been found to be one of the causes. They are also often criticised for their farming methods as pigs are being more intensely reared to compete with an influx of cheaper pork from other parts of Europe. They kicked off their campaign by releasing a million pink pig shaped balloons in front of the station in Rennes and farmers were handing out leaflets inviting people to visit their farms to see for themselves how pigs are reared.
Thousands march for jobs
Hundreds of balloon pigs were positioned outside Rennes station for the campaign “We want to break the prejudices, end the view that pigs are not reared well. We want to change the way pig breeders are seen in Brittany,” said David Riou of the Brittany regional pig committee. He reckons that around 10,000 people will have taken up the invitation to visit farm open days. Around 26 million pigs are reared in Brittany, about 60% of
France’s total pork production, by 7,000 breeders. Most of them are small farmers with an average of 230 pigs each. The committee has adopted a new slogan – “It grunts, it farts but nevertheless thanks to him you eat healthily, well and local”. Mr Riou also said that the campaign aims to show people that pig farmers are adopting more environmentally
friendly methods such as capturing methane gas produced by the animals and converting it into energy. “Our research shows that people in Brittany want more information about pig rearing so that it what we are doing. “We want them to understand the reality of our profession and the progress that has been made in recent years,” he added.
Global award for Brest trams Brest’s tram system has been named the best new project in the world this year at a public transport awards ceremony in London. The Light Rail Awards are organised by Tramways and Urban Transit magazine. The Breton city celebrated the opening of the new tramway with a weekend-long party this summer.
Plea for help after poor apple harvest The Côtes-d’Armor chamber of agriculture has asked the préfecture to activate an emergency plan for fruit producers after some have reported a 90% drop in their harvest this year due to bad weather. Eating apples have been particularly badly hit as they flower and are pollinated before cider apples. This year it was cold and wet in springtime which discouraged bees then a lack of sunshine and too much rain has meant that the fruits are smaller. Many producers have seen production drop by 50% and a significant number by 90%. They say that popular varieties such as Boskop, Pink Lady and William pears will be in short supply. Across the border in Normandy production is also down and other apple and pear producing regions in France have been affected by the weather this year. It is a major blow to France which is a major apple producer. Figures from the French agriculture ministry suggest that apple and pear production in the country as a whole is expected to be 25% lower than last year, and the lowest for a decade. The situation facing some small-scale apple and pear producers is so bad
that there are fears some may go out of business. A chamber of agriculture spokesman said: “The cold and rain has had a considerable effect on yields. There were fewer bees around during the critical weeks of pollination and some growers also experienced unseasonal frost earlier in the year in May and hail during the summer also affected the crops, causing the young fruit to be knocked of the trees. There has also been more disease around, most notably a mildew type fungus.” Jacques Baux from Trélat near Saint-Malo said that last year he produced 620 tonnes of apples but this year production is down by two thirds. Areas particularly badly hit include La Mene, Dinan, Lamballe and Paimpol. Producers are now looking to next year and hoping that it will be a better one. “Otherwise we will have to think about whether it is wise to have all you eggs in one basket,” said Mr Baux.
4 News Food charity needs supplies
Busy months for coastguards Coastguards patrolling the Brittany shore have reported an increase in the number of false alarms and prank calls. The group says it has received 135 calls that were not urgent in the past four months, although in 90% of cases the caller was acting in good faith and was not deliberately making a malicious call. Coastguards were called out to 1,579 incidents from June to October. Some 20 people died off the Brittany coast this summer, down from 27 last year.
Protest over Sunday opening Supermarket workers at Carrefour Market in Lamballe, and other local traders, have demonstrated outside the store after it announced it was planning to open on Sundays for the first time. The CGT union said the move would threaten smaller shops in the area and put jobs at risk.
Chambers of commerce row A ROW has broken out between the Chambers of Commerce in Brest, Quimper, Morlaix and SaintMalo over how tax income should be shared between the four of them. The groups had a tense meeting in Saint-Malo in October where an agreement could not be reached.
A DISPUTE between two neighbours over noise pollution caused by pigs looks set to end up in court. Quimperlé resident Philippe Montigné has begun legal action against his neighbour who has a small pig farm next to the perimeter fencing separating the two men’s properties. Mr Montigné, who runs several gites on his land, says the noise has become unbearable and is putting off guests.
Breton insult competition AN annual competition that sees Breton speakers attempt to trade the most insults in 15 minutes has returned for its third consecutive year. The contest aims to celebrate the richness of the Breton language.
Green fuel switch could have ‘disastrous consequences’ From page 1 Brittany Ferries is one of the firms arguing that it would have no choice but to cut staff costs and reduce crossings if the fuel regulations came into force in 2015, which would leave people travelling to and from France with a much reduced choice and paying at least 20% more. A spokesman said any eventual fare rise because of the fuel costs would “inevitably result in a fall in business and, at the very least, a reduction in services and the closure of more peripheral routes and, quite possibly, a cessation of business”. Under the Marpol VI regulations adopted by the International Maritime Organisation, the United Nations agency based in London, fuel used by vessels in the Channel must have a maximum sulphur content of 0.1% compared to the current figure of 1% as part of an agreed plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at sea. The ferry companies say that they are already making good progress in terms of reducing the sulphur content of the fuel they use and the timescale involved to reach the target is unworkable because of the cost involved. They also point out that the regulation only applies to the Channel, the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, and regulations for everywhere else are much more relaxed. They added that in 2006 the sulphur content reduced from 3.5% to 1.5% and in 2010 to 1% but in the current economic climate reducing it further is set to be too burdensome as the fuel alternatives are so pricey. Brittany Ferries has already introduced a cost-cutting exercise to cope with higher running costs, currency fluctuations and a drop in passenger numbers. Because of the high cost of diesel, which is low in sulphur, the ferry companies believe it would be more cost effective to liquefied natural gas (LNG) but there is no supply chain in place and this is likely only to be viable for new ships from 2020. The only technical alternative is to fit ships with sulphur scrubbing abatement technology but, after years of trials and devel-
The campaign comes after a difficult period for Brittany Ferries, where staff walked out on strike in September
‘‘
These regulations will add to inflation and have disastrous consequences for the UK as well as Western France
opment, it is still not proven that scrubbers can reduce sulphur emissions by the required amount and retro-fitting them to existing ships can cause problems of stability so they are not currently regarded as a realistic alternative to low sulphur fuel in time for 2015. The Brittany Ferries spokesman added: “These new regulations will also have the effect of pushing up diesel prices as shipping will add considerable demand to that of cars and lor-
ries. The irony is that to satisfy this increased demand, more diesel will have to be shipped from refineries as far away as the far east and south America which will actually increase global CO2 emissions. “This will be exacerbated by the shift of more lorries onto the roads away from longer ferry routes such as the one we operate to Spain. All in all, these regulations will add to inflation and have disastrous consequences for the UK as well as Western France. However, this is because they are ill thought through and are being forced upon shipping prematurely, rather than being ill-conceived.” There is provision for an exemption if two countries agree to it. As British and French companies are most affected by the rules the ferry industry in both countries, including Brittany Ferries, P&O Ferries, Stena Lines, and LD Lines is seeking an exemption until 2020 by which time alternative
fuels, such as LNG could well be feasible and new technology to reduce sulphur emissions can be implemented. P&O Ferries fleet director John Garner said: “We support efforts to reduce the impact of shipping on the environment but proposals that increase the cost burden on shipping companies are a clear threat to jobs and risk a modal shift that would see more trade moving by road as the cost of sea transport rises. “We have already called on the UK government to act on this issue and work with its European partners to defer the implementation of the proposals so that a full study of the economic, social and environmental impact can be completed.” He added that prices could need to increase by 20% to try to cover the costs involved when the new rules come into force, which will inevitably mean a fall in business with a subsequent impact on jobs.
Ferries back in action after 10-day dispute BRITTANY Ferries are back to normal for the time being, after unions signed a deal to end the dispute that had kept ships tied up at quayside in France and Spain for 10 days. The walkout affected 55,000 travellers and 4,500 freight vehicles. Passengers booked on ferries during the industrial action had been advised to head for Calais for a free crossing, or ask for a refund. Company bosses had halted all services because of a series of wildcat strikes that hit sailings. Crews had been protesting about a proposed new contract that cut some bonuses and imposed new working rotas. Protestors had demonstrated outside the company’s offices in Roscoff and held mass meetings and marches at the Gare Maritime. Brittany Ferries said it needed to cut costs quickly and that it was facing intense pressure from rival companies, many of whom “employ lower-paid crew”. The changes were part of a bid to cut losses at the Roscoff-based company which last year lost e18million – and over the past four years has lost
Photo: Mike Cattell/Flickr
Legal action over pig noise
November 2012
Photo: PHOTOPQR/LE TELEGRAMME
The Lamballe branch of welfare charity Secours Populaire has issued an urgent appeal for help because food stocks are at an all-time low. The volunteers say they are bracing themselves for an exceptionally busy winter, with more people than ever before seeking their help. The number of people benefiting from food handouts grew by 50 in the past year alone, reaching 320. Donations are welcome via the Lamballe mairie.
Brittany Pages
Brittany Ferries lost e18million last year and union officials asked 1,300 crew to vote yes or no to a new deal e70million. The new proposals will cut costs by e6million. Officials from the CGT union signed the deal after a marathon phone and text session where they contacted
nearly 1,300 crew to ask them their views on the plan. There was a point when a resolution looked unlikely, after management failed to turn up to a crucial meeting with the transport
ministry. Transport minister Frédéric Cuvillier had asked company bosses to attend a round-table meeting with union and local government leaders in a bid to broker a deal in the dispute.
Brittany Pages
News 5
November 2012
Hospitals share patient data
Stolen goods photos online Ille-et-Vilaine préfecture has published photos of a wide range of stolen items that have recently been found by police. An online photo gallery allows owners who have been the victim of thefts to identify their goods – everything from chainsaws and computers to bottles of Saint-Emilion grand cru. Most of the items were stolen in a spate of cellar break-ins in apartment blocks in 2011. See www.bretagne.pref.gouv.fr/ Nos-publications/ Galeries-de-photos
GSK fights ‘sex addict’ drug fine DRUG company GSK is appealing after being ordered by a court to pay e117,000 to a Parkinson’s sufferer in Rennes who claims he became addicted to sex and gambling as a side effect of one of its drugs, Réquip. Didier Jambart accuses the firm of not being clear enough about the potential risks of the medicine. GSK’s appeal opened as Brittany Pages went to press.
Region has few foreigners Brittany is the French region with the fewest nonFrench nationals, according to new figures. Of the 5.3 million migrants in France, only 85,500 are permanently resident in the region - representing 2.7% of the Breton population. This compares with 10.2% in Alsace and 9.9% in Paca. One in six foreigners is British (14,000) followed by the Portuguese (6,200) and Turkish (5,400). The stats from official body Insee are based on 2009 data.
Lorient bike hire launches Lorient has launched a public bike hire scheme, with 200 bicycles available to borrow from stands in city centre streets for short periods. The service includes several foldable and electric bikes, as well as models kitted out with child seats and paniers to cater for a wide range of different journeys. The city has invested e300,000 in the launch and there are plans for the number of bikes to treble between now and 2015. To find out more about the scheme, see the website: www.lorient-velo.fr
Fears over tourism as wealthy buyers eye up paradise island by RAY CLANCY
Wealthy buyers from across the globe, including China, the Middle East and Eastern Europe, are said to be interested in paying tens of million of euros for a paradise island off the coast of Brittany. The 23-hectare island of Berder in the Gulf of Morbihan is being sold by the Yves Rocher group and locals in the nearby village of Larmor-Baden are already playing spot the foreigner. Mayor Denis Bertholom pointed out that the island and the area in general already attracts a large number of holidaymakers. Conferences and seminars at the island’s manor house means that there is a constant flow of people coming to and from the island. He is sceptical about foreign buyers and believes that it will probably be sold to a company that can continue to run it as a holiday and leisure complex. But the sale is unlikely to be straightforward. Some would like to see it bought for the local community and run as a going concern. Currently only those staying on the island can walk around and use its 3km-long unspoilt beach despite it being accessible by foot at low tide. But François Goulard, president of the Morbihan departmental council, believes it will be hard to come up with the kind of money needed from public funds. He has talked the issue through with representatives from Yves Rocher. He said: “If it was bought for public use it would be necessary to give free access to walkers and other members of the public and that would impact on the privacy aspect which is used in marketing conferences and seminars.” There is concern about what will happen to the Association Loisirs
Photo: CDT Morbihan - Marc Schaffner
A group of Brittany hospitals has worked together to build a vast new data centre that will store secure medical information for 1.5 million patients in the region. The high-security centre, in Rennes, holds the results of blood tests, MRI scans and other medical examinations and is staffed by 200 people. It makes it easier for hospitals to transfer patient data.
The Ile de Berder has been owned by Yves Rocher, but many residents would like it to be open to all the public Vacances which runs the manor house as a holiday centre. It currently employs nine full-time staff. A spokesman said that they are on contracts until the end of December 2013 but what happens after that will depend on the new owner. He added: “We have a lot of regular users and already have a lot of bookings for next year. We are not sure what to say to people.” The decision by Yves Rocher has also left a lot of local tourism businesses wondering what it will mean for them. Public ownership could increase business – a private owner who decides to keep the island private could have an adverse effect.
‘Flying doctor’ scheme ‘Mini baby boom’ axed after council row in rural Brittany THE largest island of the coast of Brittany, Belle-Île, has lost its mobile GP service after a row broke out between the doctors and local politicians. At the beginning of the year it was decided to introduce a six-month pilot programme to provide extra doctors for the island in the summer months when its population swells from 5,000 to 30,000. The island, which is 14km from the coast, used to have five full-time doctors but two have left and a third said that he was getting too old to carry out remote work around the island, leaving the other two unable to cope with demand. Aurey doctor Eric Henry proposed a “flying” doctor scheme where GPs from the mainland would arrive for a 24-hour period to provide extra cover and the pilot got under way in April with the backing of local councillors and the regional health board. Now the doctors have called it a day, saying that councillors have not provided a parking facility at Quiberon, maps for their boat and information on the layout of the island as
Belle-Île: once again without enough GPs
promised. In turn the council says that it was too expensive and it was only every going to be a short term measure until a more permanent solution could be found. Mr Henry said that GPs felt that the elected councillors had gone back on the contract that was agreed and signed and claimed that some doctors had been insulted and accused of wanting too much money for the service which was costing e1,050 a day, a figure agreed in advance with the regional health board and the local council. Mr Henry added that the attitude of the council was the
opposite of the people who welcomed the new service. He added: “The doctors don’t make extra money from the service.” It means that the island is once again without enough GPs. Frédéric Le Gars, the mayor of Le Palais, the largest town on the island, said that the long-term goal is to have a full time GP surgery with five doctors working alongside the island’s nurses. “The system worked well for six months but it not our preferred solution. Councillors favour having our own permanent doctors,” added Mr Le Gars.
Some might put it down to the fresh country air, as new figures reveal that it is rural small communes in Brittany where the most babies in the region are being born. Tréouergat in Finistère saw the highest number of births in 2011 at 39.9 per thousand. It is followed by SaintGeorges-de Chesné, in Ille-etVilaine, with 35.9 and SaintJouan-de-l’Isle, on the Côtesd'Armor with 35.9. It is being described as a mini baby boom as the average birth rate in the whole of France is 12.72 per thousand. The experts believe it is not due to an idyllic country life but because young couples are being forced out of towns and cities by the cost of property. The baby booms are found in small towns that are not far from larger cities where it is possible to commute to work. For example, the figures show that of the 20 communes with the highest birth rates 15 are within a 20 to 40km radius of Rennes. Others are found within commuting distance of Brest. This is certainly the case for Tréouergat where there is no
station, no cinema, no historic monuments and not even a school. The bar only opens once a month. But it has a young population with over half the adults under the age of 44 and a birth rate that has been steadily growing since 2007. With a population of 320 there were 11 babies born last year, a record for the town. The people living there are not surprised. “It might not seem very dynamic here as we are a rural area with more tractors than cars. But we have built 22 new houses to attract young families,” said a spokeswoman at the mayor’s office. “We aim to be child friendly and it is a lovely place to bring up children and it is fast and easy journey to get into Brest. That’s why young couples are attracted here. They can live in the countryside and work in Brest.” According to Olivier Léon, head of research at the regional statistics office of Brittany, towns further away from large urban conurbations are unlikely to benefit like Tréouergat because the further away they are the less attractive they are.
6 National News
Brittany Pages
November 2012
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Budget limits set by Euro bill FRANCE has ratified the European budgetary discipline treaty, the 13th country to do so and the ninth in the Eurozone. It contains measures to force most EU countries to reduce their budgetary deficits to 3% of gross domestic product. Countries with major debt problems must keep deficits under 0.5% of GDP. President Hollande had attacked the treaty during
Breath test law may be scrapped after delays
The lack of breath test kits means an e11 fine for not having one has been waived DRIVERS have been given an extra four months’ grace over the imposition of e11 fines for not carrying breath tests - and the law may even be scrapped. A shortage of tests across the country has prompted the his election campaign and promised to get it changed if elected, but succeeded only in getting additional growth measures tacked on.
Cannabis beer seller arrested A GROCER in a Paris suburb has been charged with “incitement to use drugs” for selling a hemp beer called “Cannabia”. Although the bottles contained only hemp – varieties of cannabis with
interior ministry to delay the start of the fines until March 1 and Interior Minister Manuel Valls said he wanted to use this interval to evaluate the usefulness of the law. Tourists were also expected to carry the kits.
very low levels of active ingredient THC grown for fibre and seeds – the labels were deemed provocative because, apart from the name, they also showed a cannabis leaf and had a section labelled “scratch and smile” which gives off a cannabis resin smell.
Reforms tackle ‘poor’ schooling SCHOOLS are set for widespread changes - including a
return to a four-and-a-half day week - as President Hollande sets out plans to overturn years of poor performance. An investigation in July, the Refondons l’école (Rebuild Education), found that one in three primary pupils was judged as “poor” or “very poor”, one in five left school without real qualifications, and just one in three students gained a degree. The school week would change to four-and-a-half days, with a preference for Wednesday morning classes.
Latest budget targets capital earnings but pigeons object REMOVING fixed-rate taxation for income from capital and raising charges for auto-entrepreneurs are among tough new measures proposed in the 2013 budget. “Aligning taxation of capital with taxation of work” is the measure expected to bring in the most: around e3 billion. As of next year it is proposed that capital gains simply be included in the general income to be taxed according to the normal bands (with the exception of interest of less than e2,000). This could have the effect of lowering taxation for households whose income only reaches lower bands (5.5% or 14%) but increasing it for those in the higher ones (30% or more). Another controversial measure is “aligning the social charges of auto-entrepreneurs with those of other sole traders”. The Federation of Auto-Entrepreneurs said, it “empties the scheme of most of its substance”. Other key proposals include: n A freeze on income tax bands (ie. they will start at the same income levels as in 2012) n The cap on the family quotient will be lowered. According to the government, couples with two children would have to declare more than e77,193 to be affected by this. n A new 45% tax band for income above e150,000. n A new 75% tax on income above e1 million (only on the part exceeding a million). n The amount that can be saved by the use of niches fiscales will be reduced to e10,000 for 2013 income onwards. n A new banding system for wealth tax. The budget has spawned an opposition movement calling itself les Pigeons or ‘dupes’, which has criticised many of the measures. The proposals were being debated as the Pages went to press. Photo: © Unclesam - fotolia.com
ROMANIANS and Bulgarians may now work in France as models, welders and fishermen. Citizens of these “new” EU countries are restricted to certain jobs as part of the transition to full working rights in 2014 – and the number has risen from 150 to 291. The aim is also to help immigrants from the countries integrate into France in the wake of controversy over the dismantling of camps of illegal immigrants.
Photo: © Sébastien - Fotolia.com
New EU arrivals get job rights
Brittany Pages
News 7
November 2012
Oil spill ruling brings new hope for protecting Breton coastline by RAY CLANCY
IT HAS taken 13 years, but finally the oil giant Total has been held responsible for one of France’s worst oil disasters that killed tens of thousands of sea birds and spilled 20,000 tonnes of crude oil onto the shoreline along Brittany and the Pays de la Loire. It was the day the sea turned black. Few people living along the coastline will ever forget December 12, 1999 when the stricken oil tanker Erika contaminated 400km of the north west coast of France. France’s highest court has upheld a 2008 conviction against Total. The company had argued that it should be absolved of blame as it did not own the tanker and the spill occurred over 22km off the coast and therefore not in French waters. But the Cour de Cassation in Paris has finally put paid to that argument in what is being hailed as an historic decision as it means that ecological harm becomes part of French law. Politicians and ecologists across the region welcomed the decision and said that they hope that Total does not carry out a threat to take the matter to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. Pierrick Massiot, president of the Brittany conseil général said: “The courts have recognised that Total was criminally and civilly responsible for what happened. The sea is no longer a zone without rights. This is a victory and a relief for everyone who was affected by the black tide that hit our coastline. “It is a decision that we have waited 13 years for. For Brittany and Bretons, who have endured many maritime disasters, it is the satisfaction of seeing justice done and knowing that it will no longer be possible to soil our coastline without being held responsible.” One of the most distressing sights after the spill was the birds that died, their feathers clogged with oil despite the efforts of thousands of helpers who tried to rescue them. Allain Bougrain-Dubourg, president of the League for the Protection of Birds, said that people should now look to the future. He said: “If this decision had gone the other way then it would have been an invitation to pollute French waters. It is a piece of environmental legal history. People will not be able to pollute the sea the way they used to.” Pays de La Loire president Jacques Auxiette said it was an immense decision for everyone living
A volunteer helps clear the beach in Noirmoutier that was ruined when Erika oil washed up
near the coast of Brittany, Poitou Charentes and the Loire estuary and went beyond just oil spillages. He said: “It is a resounding blow to crews of ships that want to try to dump garbage in the sea that pollutes our coast. “Years of effort at a local level have been rewarded. From a legal point of view we will be working to make sure this decision is also enshrined in international maritime law.” But Total has not ruled out further legal action in what it regards as removing a stain on its character. Total lawyer Daniel Soulez-Lariviere said after the ruling in Paris that he was concerned at the precedent set by the French courts in contradicting the 1992 Civil Liability Convention. He said he would discuss with Total taking the case to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. Total has already been fined e375,000 and ordered to pay nearly e400million in damages to the French state and the local fishing industry. Campaign groups said that if Total had been absolved of blame for this disaster, 30 years of environmental protection law would have been undermined. Jean-Pierre Mignard, a lawyer for several coastal districts affected, said: “This is a decision that will make all oil companies think about the organisation of maritime transport.” Former environment minister Corinne Lepage, who is a lawyer for 15 of the communes affected by the disaster, said that “it was the right decision for all defenders of the environment”, adding that the kind of recklessness shown by Total in overlooking maintenance problems should never be allowed to happen again.
Brittany council president Pierrick Massiot: ‘The sea is no longer a zone without rights’
13 years of uncertainty brought to an end IT WAS on December 8, 1999 that the tanker Erika left Dunkirk and sailed down the Channel bound for Italy with a cargo of heavy fuel oil. As she entered the Bay of Biscay she ran into a heavy storm. Oil tankers are built to withstand such conditions but the Erika was an old single-hulled vessel reaching the end of her life. The storm got worse and by midday on December 11 she started to list to starboard by 10 to 12 degrees in mountainous seas and take in water. When she broke in two the next morning a huge blanket of oil drifted towards Brittany’s coastline. A few hours later the first oil stricken birds were found on the shoreline and so began a massive clean-up operation that would take a whole year. What has unfolded in the years since then was that the Erika should never have been allowed to sail. She was old and her maintenance record was poor. She
had been built over 25 years before in Japan for the cheaper end of the market and three of her sister ships had suffered major structural damage. She had been built and run on the cheap. There were serious doubts about her seaworthiness but she cost a lot less than other vessels to charter. It turned out she had been chartered by French oil giant Total from her Italian owner and was sailing under a Maltese flag. When officials looked at who was to blame it became extremely complicated but eventually Total, the Italian owner and its manager, were found guilty of negligence, as was Rina, the Italian company that declared the Erika seaworthy. Brittany and the Pays de la Loire regions, towns and cities along the coast and associations called for both civil and criminal penalties, and notably reparations for the ecological damage. Total set up a special Atlantic Coast Task Force
with a budget of e200million to clean up the beaches, treat the waste matter and recover the oil remaining in the sunken vessel’s tanks. But the company refused to accept criminal responsibility and when found guilty appealed and appealed. It took 13 years for the legal process to finally reach France’s highest court. Right up until the judgment was announced there were concerns that Total’s campaign to “wipe a stain” from its character would succeed but the court pronounced against the company. Campaigners are finally happy that at last blame for the sinking of the Erika has been decided. They now want to make sure that her legacy means the Brittany coastline will not be ravaged by black oil again. Single-hulled tankers are banned from entering European ports and the idea of ecological damage as a criminal offence is now implanted in French law.
Worried about the Euro debt crisis? Talk to Siddalls about how to structure your finances in these difficult times Jennie Poate, Regional Manager French Head Office: 05 56 34 75 51 Email: northwest.office@siddalls.net
www.siddalls.fr French finance in plain English Siddalls France SASU, Parc Innolin, 3 Rue du Golf, 33700 Mérignac - RCS BX 498 800 465. C.I.F. No E001669 auprès de ANACOFI-CIF association agréée par l’Autorité des Marchés Financiers et Courtier d’Assurances, Catégorie B - ORIAS 07 027 475. Garantie Financière et Assurance de Responsabilité Civile Professionnelle conformes aux articles L 541-3 du Code Monétaire et Financier et L 512-6 et 512-7 du Code des Assurances.
8 What’s On
Brittany Pages
Ille-et-Vilaine
Rennes
November 2012
FESTIVAL
November
November 1-17 Yaouank – Meaning “young” in Breton, this festival in Rennes aims to introduce young listeners and musicians to the region's cultural past and keep traditions alive. Combining traditional Breton folk with world and contemporary music, Yaouank is famous for its grand finale,
considered one of the biggest fest-noz celebrations in the world with 12 hours of food, singing and dancing from 17.00 to 5.00. Some 6,000 spectators are expected across the two weeks, in venues of all shapes and sizes dotted around the city. www.yaouank.com
Startijenn will be performing
Morbihan November 6-11 Les Indisciplinées – This contemporary music festival welcomes a diverse range of acts from electro, metal and indie pop to French folk, including headline gigs from Lambchop and Two Door Cinema Club. There are six nights of shows in total, in five different venues around Lorient. Tickets start at e7 and go up to e25 depending on the night. www.lesindisciplinees.com
Lorient
MUSIC Two Door Cinema Club are playing Saturday 10 November
Ille-et-Vilaine November 8-16 Jazz à l'Ouest – Now in its 23rd year, this festival will stage some 32 concerts in venues and bars across Rennes and its suburbs. This year's edition will honour the violin and its role in jazz orchestras, too often associated with classical music or folk. Tradition and modernity come together for this festival. Prices vary according to the concerts. For more, call 02 99 86 95 95 or see www. jazzalouest.com
Rennes
MUSIC
Brittany Pages
What’s On 9
November 2012
Finistère
Finistère
Brest CINEMA
November 13-18 Brest European Short Film Festival – Film professionals, young directors and fans gather in Brest to enjoy a broad range of short films rarely broadcast on television. Created in 1986, this event has gradually built up reputation and attracts bigger crowds every year. See the programme at www.filmcourt.fr
Ille-et-Vilaine Rennes ART
Until December 8 Marion Verboom: Agger – This solo exhibition of work by Nantes-born sculpture artist Marion Verboom explores the shapes and composition of the human body, tools and construction. Open Tuesday-Saturday 14.0018.00, free. Call 02 23 35 06 42 or visit www.40mcube.org
Until November 6 – The port museum in Douarnenez has an exhibition looking at local linen and hemp and the role they played in contributing to Brittany's trade prosperity. Entry e7.50. www.port-musee.org
Morbihan
Finistère
November 2-4 Absolument Breizh – This festival aims to highlight the best of Breton culture and craftsmanship, with more than 100 companies, artisans and artists on stands showcasing everything from clothing to food. It takes place at the Parc des Expositions in Lanester and entry is free. Open Friday 14.0019.00 and Saturday/Sunday 10.00-19.00. Call 02 97 76 88 99 or see www.expo-congres.com
Explore the tropical rainforests of Africa, South America and the Pacific - in Brest. The National Botanical Conservatory has an enormous variety of trees under one roof: more than 400 species from the world over. Entry e4.50, concessions e3. www.cbnbrest.fr
Lanester FESTIVAL
Brest GARDENS
Brocantes and vide-greniers
FINISTèRE
4 – Châteaulin, Guipavas, Landivisiau, Le Faou, Ploneour, Plouvorn, Plozevet, Saint-Yvi 9 – Quimper 10 – Brest, Clohars 11 – Melgven, Plouescat, Saint-Sauveur 18 – Crozon, Landereau, Lesneven, Plozevet, Quimper 25 – Châteaulin
Ille-et-Vilaine
10 – Goven 18 – Breteil, Chartres de Bretagne, La Richardais, Le Minihic sur Rance, Rennes 24 – Rennes 25 – Dol de Bretagne, Rennes
Côtes d’Armor
3 – Coetmieux, Plouaret 4 – Coetmieux, Lancieux, Loudeac,
Douarnenez HISTORY
Plouaret, Saint-Alban 10 – Lamballe 11 – Corseul, Duault, Plérin 18 – Erquy, Trégueux, Trémuson, Yffiniac 24 – Plancoet 25 – Plouec-sur-Lie, Ploezal, Yffiniac
MORBIHAN
1 – Hennebont 4 – Belz, Crach, Damgan, Sulniac 10 – Guer 11 – Cléguer, Ferel, Gourin, Guegon, Moreac, Pleucadeuc, Questembert, SaintJean-Brevelay, Vannes 17 – Pluvigner 18 – Hennebont, Malansac, Monteneuf, Plumergat, Pontivy 24 – Auray, Le Tour du Parc 25 – Branderion, La Croix Hellean, Ploermel
10 What’s On
Brittany Pages
November 2012
Get Involved!
noticeboard Support the poppy appeal
An RBL ceremony in Moëlan-sur-Mer and (below) Rodney and Kate Curtis
THE BRITTANY branch of the Royal British Legion is believed to be the biggest in France, with 176 members. November is a very busy time of the year, with the Poppy Appeal and a whole series of commemorative events and ceremonies organised in conjunction with the French authorities around November 11. The group provides welfare for extroops and is always running fundraising activities such as jumble sales, coffee mornings and other social events. “You never know what the needs might be,” says chairman Rodney Curtis. “But we always try to help out. We can also help if ex-service people die in France, and the family are facing difficulties with arranging the funeral. “The Poppy Appeal is specifically for ex-service people who have been wounded in action, and for bereaved
families who need support. When we started the first appeal in this area, back in 1994, we raised £25 but nowadays it’s in the region of £10,000 and it grows every single year. “It’s illegal to get out into the street with a collecting box in France, so we put collection boxes in local British shops, bars, cafés, restaurants and museums. And we advertise for donations. Last year an anonymous benefactor gave the Appeal a cheque for e2,000.” The British Legion keep up graves of war service personnel. The branch also lay wreaths and ensure that the Royal British Legion standard flies at events surrounding D-Day. If you would like to join the Royal British Legion, see their website for more details (rblbrittany.free.fr) or email the membership secretary on geoffrey.lace@orange.fr
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What’s On 11
November 2012
What’s On in the capital
November 2012 – Paris goes tango mad each autumn during Tango in the Suburbs (Banlieues Tango). Venues across the city and its suburbs welcome the biggest names from the Latino dance scene. For six weeks, Paris and several cities in Ile-de-France welcome the top of the dance world and live to the rhythm of the tango with concerts, bals and milongas, workshops and dance lessons, plus specially-chosen cinema. www.festival-paris-banlieues-tango.fr
Bastille art
ART
November 1-5 – The Arsenal port beside the Place de la Bastille is the venue for one of France’s biggest contemporary art fairs this month, attracting more than 40,000 collectors and enthusiasts and 500 artists from all over Europe. This year’s theme is movement. Open daily 11.00-20.00, late night until 22.00 on Thursday. Entry e10. www.joel-garcia-organisation.fr
Eclectic mix
FESTIVAL
November 16 December 17 – Africolor is a month-long African music festival taking place in various venues in the immediate Paris suburbs. An eclectic mix of 25 concerts is on the bill, spanning contemporary folk, funk, jazz, hip-hop and dance. www.africolor.com
Photo: Salvador Dali Persistance de la memoire 1931 Museum of Modern Art MoMa New York USA Salvador Dali Fundacio Gala Salvador Dali Adagp Paris 2012
FESTIVAL
200 Dali works on show
Montmartre artists open up studios
CULTURE
November 16 - 18 – One of the biggest communities of artists and crafts people in Paris opens their studios for the weekend to show work and explain their techniques. The Anvers Aux Abbesses association in Montmartre, covers everything from painting, sculpture, ceramics and mosaics to photo, video and animation. Find details, plus a venue map at www. anversauxabbesses.fr
Paris seen by Hollywood CINEMA
Until December 15 – Paris has fascinated US filmmakers since the birth of cinema, and this free Hôtel de Ville exhibition explores the way the city has been portrayed. Tuesday to Sunday 11.00-19.00. www.paris.fr
Photo: Philippe Halsman © Halsman Archive / Magnum Photos
Latin beat as streets go tango
EXHIBITION From November 21-March 25 – This autumn sees the launch of a major new exhibition on the Spanish surrealist artist Salvador Dali at the Pompidou Centre, with more than 200 works of art – paintings, sculptures and sketches on display in time-themed sections. It includes classic pieces such as the Persistence of Memory (Melting watches) and the Endless Enigma, but also has works that visitors will not be familiar with. It will also be a chance to discover more than 100 ideas from Dali for projects in cinema, photography and television that show his pioneering work in performance art. The Museo Nacional Reina Sofia in Madrid and the Fundacio Gala-Salvador Dalí, Figueres, have provided the exhibits. Open Wednesday-Monday 11.00-21.00. Tickets are e13 or e10 for concessions. Under-18s go free. www.centrepompidou.fr
Armistice Day on Champs-Elysées HISTORY November 11 – A military parade along the ChampsElysées sees President Hollande laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier under the Arc de Triomphe, in memory of those who gave their lives in both world wars.
Photo: loran/Wikimedia
World tennis best play Bercy SPORT
Paris preview ahead of Quo UK tour MUSIC
November 20 – British rockers Status Quo are playing a UK tour this December but French residents can see them earlier when they play the Casino de Paris for one night only this month. Tickets range from e62 to e95 from www.
gdp.fr or 0892 392 192. Meanwhile the Zénith is the venue for a host of big-name pop and rock acts this month, including Deep Purple on November 13, The Cranberries on 25 and Lionel Richie on 28. www.zenith-paris.com
Until November 4 – The ATP World Tour is one of the world’s highest-ranking tennis competitions – and the BNP Paribas Masters in Paris is the last round in this year’s tournament before the grand final in London. The cream of world tennis will play at the Palais Omnisports at Bercy, with a e2.4million pot for the winner. Last year Roger Federer beat Frenchman Jo-Wilifred Tsonga in the final. Day passes start at e20, morning only sessions are e11. See www.atpworldtour.com or book online at bnpparibasmasters. fft-tickets.com
Christmas comes early with window displays NOSES will be pressed to windows on Boulevard Haussmann this month as the big stores vie to show off the best Christmas window display. Last year Karl Lagerfield decorated Printemps Haussmann for Chanel and this year Dior will take pride of place while Galeries Lafayette had a rock and roll theme and this year is joined by Louis Vuitton to celebrate the 100th anniversary of its giant dome. Dates are still to be announced for the unveilings. This month also sees 100 streets get special illuminations and the Champs-Elysées Christmas Market.
12 Practical
Brittany Pages
Make sure all is well with your healthcare needs When you are ill, the last thing you need to worry about is what to do, where to go for treatment and how much it will cost. Our guide to healthcare in France will give you all the information you need to help you feel in control A SURVEY by the World Health Organisation judged France's healthcare to be the best in the world and expats often say it is one of the things they like best about living here. Long waits to see specialists or for operations are typically unheard of and even small towns usually have facilities such as blood test labs (laboratoires d’analyses médicales) and scanner or X-ray centres, which give you back the results the same day. The picture is not perfect: cities are often better served by doctors than rural areas, and those used to “free” healthcare on the NHS have to get used to a system of state reimbursements plus private insurance. What is more, since 2007, newcomer early retirees typically find themselves locked out of the state reimbursements system until they have lived in France for five years (although they may receive two years’ cover via the NHS) and have to go private unless they plan to find some form of work. Why you have to pay your doctor Unlike in the UK where the typical visit to a doctor involves no payment, GPs and specialists are paid upfront in France. You must there fore remember to bring a chequebook or sufficient cash (not all doctors accept cards). This money is then reimbursed through two different systems, state social security (known as the Sécu) and an optional private health insurance policy (‘top-up’) or mutuelle. Your GP (médecin traitant) You must choose a doctor as your médecin traitant (personal doctor) if you wish to receive the full levels of reimbursement. This policy has been becoming increasingly strict since it was set up some 10 years ago. Before that French people were used to going directly to specialists; if you have a sore throat, you
would pick up the Yellow Pages and look for a nearby ENT doctor etc. Now, if you do not set up a médecin traitant, any health costs you pay will be considered hors parcours (outside the care pathway): in other words, you are not following the normal procedures. This means visits to a GP or specialists without going via your own doctor will be reimbursed at a lower level than that to which you would normally be entitled.
“
GPs and specialists are paid upfront in France, so remember to bring a chequebook or sufficient cash
Finding doctors Doctors are not allowed to advertise so English-speaking doctors cannot advertise their services. This means you may need to ask around to find one. The CPAM site www.ameli-direct.fr can help you find a doctor. Moving over The way in which your healthcare is covered in France will vary according to whether you are an early retiree (ie below state retirement age but not working), a state pensioner, an employee or here to start a business. If you are on an exportable UK long-term incapacity benefit (now called Employment and Support Allowance, ESA), this should give you similar entitlement to a state pensioner (currently
there are questions over how this will be managed for expats, because the UK government is seeking tougher assessments of people claiming this benefit to judge their ability to work and continuing right to it). Your EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) should cover you for any health problems you encounter during any transition period before you are officially resident in France. Getting a carte vitale The carte vitale is a plastic credit-card-sized card that is used to simplify health reimbursements, supplied by your CPAM or (if you are self-employed) other caisse. You hand it to your doctor when you attend a consultation, along with payment. You will then receive a reimbursement automatically into your bank account. In the case of paying for medicines at a pharmacy, the carte vitale system allows you to avoid paying for the reimbursed part of the medicine upfront. The pharmacy essentially advances you the money, and reclaims it from the Cpam (called the tiers payant system: third-party payer). If you also have a top-up insurance mutuelle which covers medicines (most French people do), there may be little or nothing to pay upfront. Hospital stays The state health system pays for hospitalisation in a public hospital or a clinique privée conventionnée (private clinic that has signed an agreement with the state) at a rate of 80 per cent. However, out of the daily fees there is a part that is not reimbursed for each day you stay
Free dental check-ups are available for children at six, nine and 15 longer than 24 hours, the forfait hospitalier (typically 18 per day). This is reimbursed by some mutuelles. Eye care Eye care is expensive, which has led to internet shops such as www.happyview.fr specialising in budget glasses, proving popular, although they are controversial, not least with conventional opticians. At present, glasses and contact lenses can only be sold (including on the internet) after first getting a prescription from an ophthalmologist. Opticians are not medical professionals and are not part of the health service. Dentists Free dental check-ups are available for children at six, nine and 15. Each household
Practical 13
November 2012
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I was treated like royalty
Photo: Sergej Khackimullin - Fotolia.com
should be sent a form by their local Cpam offering the free visit. Chase yours up if it does not arrive. The visit does not have to be paid for and reclaimed; the CPAM will pay the dentist directly. This is intended as a preventative measure. If the child needs follow-up treatment, this is reimbursed at 100 per cent. At other times, a child's dental care is under the same rules as for an adult. Dental care in France is carried out under the usual carte vitale system. You do not need to go via your médecin traitant, but check which sector your dentist operates in. For
most communes, you can do this via www. ameli.fr. Affections de longue durée An affection de longue durée (ALD) is an illness that needs treating for more than six months, needs expensive treatments and gives a right to reimbursement at 100 per cent, for treatment relating to it. ALDs include a stroke causing disability, serious heart illness, HIV, diabetes, severe high blood pressure, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and cancer. See www.ameli.fr or call the Cpam helplines.
Healthcare helpguide – updated The Connexion newspaper has a helpguide to healthcare from which the information above is extracted. It has information on costs and reimbursements, insurance, finding a doctor, dental care, eye care, pregnancy, long-term illnesses and much more.
Download a copy for 7.50 at www.connexionfrance.com or call 0800 91 77 56 for a printed version to be sent to you (a postage charge will be added.)
A MOVE to France from Britain may have its pros and cons but one expat, Ralph Hanson, could not be happier with experience of healthcare here. Mr Hanson, 67, is enthusiastic about the good service he received in hospital for what was in itself an unpleasant experience – a toe condition requiring amputation due to diabetic complications. He moved to France nine years ago, seeking a better lifestyle, he said. He benefits from French state healthcare under the reciprocal EU arrangements as a British state pensioner and has “100 per cent” state cover for treatment for diabetes, as it is an affection de longue durée (a condition on a list of recognised long-term illnesses) which allows for complete reimbursement up to the standard tarifs for medicines and medical acts. However, where someone uses a “sector 2” doctor (entitled to charge above the basic rates) the patient – or their private top-up insurer pays the difference. The forfait hospitalier, a daily charge towards costs of a hospital stay, also remains payable, but was covered by Mr Hanson’s top-up mutuelle. He said his condition is well-monitored in France. “I go to my GP every month and also go monthly to a laboratory that takes my blood. My toe started hurting and so my doctor sent me to a diabetes unit at the Limoges CHU [teaching hospital]. “The hospital doctor spoke English to me – I find many hospital personnel do – and said ‘you should come in tomorrow’. I said I couldn’t because I had a flight booked to visit a bereaved friend in the UK. I wasn’t expecting it. In the UK they’d probably have said ‘come back in six months’. But she said ‘it’s very urgent, come in as soon as possible’ and I realised it was in my
Ralph Hanson moved to France nine years ago, seeking a better lifestyle best interests, so I put off the trip.” On arriving at hospital a bed was found for him in half an hour, he said. “That day before lunchtime I’d had two X-rays and two scans and in the afternoon I had another two. During the stay the nurses probably took my sugar levels about ten times a day and night. At one point one of them said ‘I can’t get any blood’ and I said ‘no, it’s because you’ve had it all!’ “During the stay I was concerned about the money side, because I thought I had to pay for my food – OK for two or three days, but not so good if I needed to stay several weeks – so I said I’d have to stop having so much
food. There was breakfast plus five-course lunches and dinners tailored to things a diabetic should eat. However the nurse said ‘why? It’s 100 per cent, all you have to pay for is your bed’ [which was covered by the mutuelle].” Mr Hanson said he went into hospital on a Monday and he stayed for monitoring until the weekend after which it was decided amputation of the toe was required. “I had the toe off on the next Tuesday – it was that quick,” he said. “It didn’t matter what part of the hospital I went to, they were brilliant and you could have eaten your meal off the floor, it was as clean as could be, and every time they did anything they put disinfectant gel on their hands.” He added: “I was in pain after the operation, but every time I buzzed, the nurses came and gave tablets or a saline painkiller drip, they never kept me waiting.” He has now had several followup checks at the hospital. “They treat you like royalty. I cannot praise them enough and I’ve not had to pay for anything.”
14 Mind Matters
Brittany Pages
November 2012
%5,77$1< )25 (9(5<21(
352027,1* %5,77$1< ZZZ EULWWDQ\IRUHYHU\RQH FRP French-themed crossword Across 2. Elephant who first appeared in a book for children by Jean de Brunhoff (5) 5. Member of Christian sect which flourished in southern France in the 12th and 13th centuries (6) 6. Capital's principal airport prior to opening of Paris-Charles de Gaulle in 1974 (4) 7. Bouches-du-Rhône city noted for its Roman amphitheatre and association with Van Gogh (5) 8. France’s sixth largest city and capital of the Pays de la Loire region (6) 10. Introduced in 1979 this artificial “basket” currency was the precursor of the euro (3) 11. Popular flatfish – as good in English as in French (4) 13. Unwanted messaging known in French as pourriel (4) 15. Normandy city where William the Conqueror is buried (4) 16. Napoleon’s favourite horse, nicknamed after a battle in 1800 (7) 17. French self-catering holiday house or flat (4) 18. French “broken on the wheel” makes a debauched man in English (4) 19. List of choices for a fixed-price meal (4) 20. Pointe de terre, as for instance in Antibes (3) 22. Starter in a French meal (6)
AFTER an expansive French lunch, and still a bit bloated from all the delicious courses, what could be better than a breath of fresh air and a walk in the countryside or down by the sea? But in some seasons you cannot venture far without carrying something to protect you from a sudden change in the weather. Ask a British walker and they will probably carry with them a cagoule, which to us means a light-weight waterproof jacket and, since the name is clearly French in origin, you might expect the French walker to carry one as well. But if you ask, you will probably be met with incomprehension, for the word cagoule in French means no more than a hood, so it would not do much to protect you from the elements. In fact a cagoule may be closed at the front to protect and cover the face, in
Sudoku
which case we would call it a balaclava in English. But, of course, we borrowed that word from the headwear of the Russian soldiers, who were defending the city of the same name during the Crimean war. So what might your French friends wish to carry with them in case of a sudden downpour? In all probability they would pick up a K-Way. This light-weight waterproof jacket was invented in Paris in 1965 by Léon-Claude Duhamel, and his company’s name has taken the place of coupe-vent (windcheater), anorak and imper (from impermeable) in the daily language – but it has not replaced cagoule because that simply means something different.
Intermediate
Down 1. According to some, the battle of Waterloo was won on this school’s playing fields (4) 2. French eaterie serving all day – less formal than a restaurant (9) 3. Light summer wine traditionally made from red grapes (4) 4. Bumbling chief inspector of the Sûreté (8) 9. Fromage de Savoie (5) 12. Former province roughly between the Rhône and Garonne rivers and extending north from the Mediterranean to the Cévennes and the Massif Central (9) 14. Raymond ________, statesman who served as Président de la République and five times as prime minister (8) 15. Jean-Baptiste-Camille _____, 19th-century landscape painter said to be the most forged of all artists (5) 21. Prefixing à-porter or à-manger – how convenient (4) 23. Polite request to respond to an invitation (4)
4 WHICH motor racing circuit hosted the last French F1 GP race, in 2008? 5 WHAT is the highest mountain in France?
1 Named after a former French president, this Paris museum of modern art was designed by Richard Rogers and Renzo Piano. What is it? 2 HANDBALL players from which French club have been accused of betting against themselves in a game? 3 A MINISTER recently broke the speed limit when testing an electric car in the centre of Paris – what is the speed limit in towns and cities?
6 THE Grotte de Lascaux contains prehistoric cave paintings that date back more than 17,000 years. In which department is Lascaux? 7 WHICH French actress has become the newest Bond Girl, appearing in the new Skyfall movie alongside 007 Daniel Craig?
Difficult
CROSSWORD ANSWERS. Across 2 Babar; 5 Cathar; 6 Orly; 7 Arles; 8 Nantes; 10 ecu; 11 sole; 13 spam; 15 Caen; 16 Marengo; 17 gite; 18 roué; 19 menu; 20 cap; 22 entrée; 24 rabid; 25 orme; 26 Oeuvre; 27 tabac Down 1 Eton; 2 brasserie; 3 rosé; 4 Clouseau; 9 Tomme; 12 Languedoc; 14 Poincaré; 15 Corot; 21 pret; 23 RSVP FRANCE QUIZ ANSWERS: 1. The Centre Pompidou; 2. Montpellier; 3. 50kph; 4. Magny-Cours; 5. Mont Blanc; 6. Dordogne; 7. Bérénice Marlohe
Easy
cagoule
What la rage will make a dog in English (5) Arbre susceptible to Dutch disease (4) Complete body of an artist’s work (6) Tobacco products sold here (5)
The France quiz
by Paul Masters Photo: Georges Meguerditchian
What’s in a word?
24. 25. 26. 27.
by John Foley
Brittany Pages
Food and Pets 15
November 2012
Perfect partners in crime
Creamy star anise and vanilla flavoured salmon blanquette
CUT OUT & KEEP!
ingredients
30g unsalted butter 30g plain flour 750ml whole milk 2 star anise 1 vanilla pod, split in half lengthways with seeds scraped out 600g skinless salmon fillet, cut into 2in cubes 1 spring onion, very finely sliced salt and pepper
French fictional detective Maigret loved the classic blanquette de veau after a hard day chasing criminals, writes Oliver Rowland
Method
often served as a starter. Since around the Second World War it has typically been a main dish, served with white rice, and it is now found in some of the best restaurants and considered a staple of French gastronomy. Blanquette d’agneau was widespread from the early 19th century, especially in the south-east and the Languedoc – because of the greater availability of lamb in those areas. In our recipe, right, we use salmon for a tasty alternative. Chefs often cook the dish in a heavy cast-iron pan, though some, including three-star chef Alain Ducasse, say a pressure cooker is also ideal. The term blanquette can also refer to a kind of white grape and, by extension, to a sparkling wine made from it, especially Blanquette de Limoux, from the Languedoc-Roussillon.
Preheat the oven to 170°C (150°C fan)/325°F/ gas 3. Prepare the sauce by melting the butter in a large heatproof saucepan set over a medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until you have a smooth roux. Add the milk in a slow, steady stream, whisking simultaneously so you keep a smooth sauce. Add the star anise and vanilla pod and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the salmon fillets and cover with a lid. Transfer to the oven and cook for
Photo: Rivière/Photocuisine
FRENCH literary crime buster Maigret was famously fond of the blanquette de veau made for him by Mme Maigret – and he is not the only one to savour this classic, creamy dish, whose name comes from the pale colour of the meat or fish and sauce. Blanquette – from blanc (white) – is traditionally made with veal, though it can be made with other lightcoloured protein, such as lamb, rabbit, poultry or fish. It is a ragoût (stew), made by boiling the main ingredient in a pan with accompaniments such as carrots, onions, celery and lardons (bacon pieces) to make a stock. This is then thickened with egg yolks and crême fraîche (but, say purists, not flour). It is usually finished off with mushrooms. It was a popular family dish by the 18th century and was
Serves: 4 Preparation: 10-15 minutes Cooking: 25-30 minutes
12-15 minutes until the salmon chunks are cooked through. Remove the pan from the oven
and adjust the seasoning to taste. Ladle into serving bowls and garnish with the spring onion before serving.
Spaying your cats is vital - as is the snip
IT GOES without saying that unless you are intending to breed your cats and are 100 per cent sure you can find good homes for the kittens, you should have them all sterilised. There are obvious reasons for having a female cat sterilised but equally pressing reasons for neutering a male cat, albeit less obvious. It is socially irresponsible to let a fully sexed cat roam the streets, but the instinct to get out and make whoopee will have your tomcat howling, scratching doors and breaking glass to do just that. And once he is free, he will inevitably roam far and wide and fight, increasing his chances of picking up fatal viruses as well as localised infections. Roaming animals are also
Photo: petarpaunchev - Fotolia.com
It is not just female felines that need to be sterilised - neutering male cats is simple and essential to keep them safe and cut the risk of infections, says SAMANTHA DAVID
Pet Care vulnerable to human cruelty, road traffic, poisoning, kidnapping, and all manner of other dangers. Later in life fully sexed male animals commonly suffer from prostate problems which are distressing, time-consuming and expensive to treat. But worst of all, you cannot house-train fully sexed male cats. On a daily basis they spray their territory, their entire territory, ie your house, with the most foul-smelling urine on the planet. The snip is the answer and the price in France is usually around 50. The procedure takes little more
This column is sponsored by
It is socially irresponsible to let a fully sexed cat roam the streets than 10 minutes and in most cases there will be only one or two tiny self-dissolving stitches meaning no return trip to the vet. A male cat can be sterilised as soon as the testes feel like two little peas in a furry sac just under the tail. This usually happens at about five to six months old but very occa-
sionally only one testicle descends, meaning the cat is cryptorchid. At this point many vets will advise you to wait and see if the other one appears. This, however, means putting up with all the inconvenience of having a bossy, stroppy testosteronecharged teenage moggy in the house while you wait (usually in vain) for
two testes to appear in the scrotum. (You should never let a cryptorchid cat breed as the condition is hereditary.) Other vets will offer to remove solely the descended testicle. This, however, means that although your cat will be infertile, he will still behave like a full tom: he'll still roam, fight and spray his territory. And if by some strange chance the second testicle does descend, he'll have to have a second operation. If the fugitive testicle remains in hiding, it will have an increased risk of developing cancer and other fatal complications later on. So it is best to get it removed immediately, at the same time as the descended one. It will probably cost more because the vet may have to carry out exploratory surgery in order to locate the missing item – undescended testes have a tendency to be smaller than normal ones – and it also may result in larger surgical wounds and more stitching. You may even need a return visit to get the stitches removed. But having one comprehensive operation means only one general anaesthetic for your pet and peace of mind for you.
Tel. 06 58 01 82 76 Web. www.seulementnaturel.eu Email. marc.somsen@chardeyre.com
16 Directory
Brittany Pages
November 2012
Advertise here all year from just e75HT 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 Directory adverts are available in 3 sizes and in colour or black and white.
e75HT e114HT
Colour
(16-30 words)
REGISTRATION
The BRITTANY PAGES checks that all French businesses advertising on these pages are registered with the French authorities. While not all firms choose to display their siret number in their advert, they have all been verified. Advertisers without sirets are not allowed, those who use siret en cours (who are in the process of registering their business) will be removed if a number is not given within one month. UK businesses are checked at Companies House - and UK sole traders must have a UK billing address.
What is a siret?
THE siret is a 14-digit number identifying a business, issued by the national statistics body Insee. It proves a business has been registered with the French authorities. You can check it on www.infogreffe.fr (This site checks the siren - the first 10 digits or the siret). However, while www.infogreffe.fr will list the occupation 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
Breeder of Dutch Sheep, Ouissant sheep and Kune Kune Pigs Call Carole on 02 97 34 70 44 carole.williams@orange.fr
ANDREW ALLEN - ARCHITECT
www.architectbrittany.com
02 96 83 47 25
LB
DG
LG
DP
LP
R
O
Y
Payment
UNDECLARED work is illegal in France. If you are asked for cash, this should ring alarms bells. There are tax breaks associated with many forms of construction and other areas like home tuition, so it is beneficial to get receipts. For some of these benefits the company chosen must be accredited. Any work costing more than e150 must have a receipt. For some services you could pay using Cesu (Cheque emploi service universel). This is an official government-sponsored way of employing people,
JEREMY SMITH
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
BUILDERS & RENOVATION
B R E TO N B U IL D Carpenter, roofer and general builder specialising in the renovation of traditional Breton Properties.
info@bretonbuild.com 02 97 38 57 61 www.bretonbuild.com
that also allows tax breaks. (Connexion has a helpguide on employing people in your home. See www.connexionfrance.com)
CATEGORIES THE directory is split into the different types of businesses covering the Brittany area. To locate a company, simply find the type of business you need which are indicated with an illustrative symbol and the title underneath (see right for some examples).
Ed Chalkley: Maitre Artisan
Building Renovation & Property Maintenance
View work at edwardchalkley@blogspot.com Tel: 02.96.82.72.91(evenings)
Tel: 06 31 26 16 21 / 02 97 43 57 81 Web: www.artisanmultiservice.com Email: shaunlake@hotmail.com
Siret number: 513 187 153 00012
Siret no: 500405089
Complete Interior Renovation with all trades undertaken. Registered Carpenter. Portable: 06.70.54.13.76
Covering all of Brittany Shaun Lake
Regions 29/56/35/22 Siret: 489 314 278 00032
Plans Planning Permisions Mike Welby 0296875737 www.welby.fr
ARCHITECTS
If your job is worth doing It's worth doing well
DB
of a firm, this can sometimes undersell a business, which may be able to carry out a range of tasks not mentioned on the site. You can also ask to see a copy of the business’ insurance certificate and the card issued by the chambres de métiers which will list the competences of a firm. Being registered does not, of course, guarantee workmanship but it is an important step in selecting tradespeople.
Siret: 492 349 931 00013
CHARITY FIELDS
Yellow
Colour
e225HT e339HT
Orange
B&W
Red
(31-45 words)
Light Purple
47mm x 75mm
call 0800 91 77 56
Dark Purple
Treble
Colour
e150HT e225HT
Light Green
47mm x 50mm
B&W
Choose from these colours:
Double
Rounded
Dark Green
} } }
B&W
Standard
Light Blue
47mm x 25mm
(1-15 words)
Dark Blue
Single
HOW TO BOOK AN ADVERT Choose the size of your advert from the examples on the left. You can have a black and white advert; or you can choose a colour from the list below. Finally, you can choose to have rounded corners to the box to help make your advert stand out (See right). Then, when you have made your choice,
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
Fabrick Dinan
Solving all your Building Needs Office in Dinan Centre
www.fabrickdinan.com info@fabrickdinan.com
Tel: 02 96 39 27 67 Siret: 519 572 135 00019
Stairs2measure.com
J. S. H. Easy Access specialist in Ramps, Handrails, Door Frames, Non-Slip Surfaces, Wet rooms
Made to measure wooden staircases
Tel: 02 96 23 97 58 - Mob: 06 26 53 91 03 Email: spencer91122@hotmail.co.uk
Email: quote@stairs2measure.com
Siret : 519 571 392
Web: www.stairs2measure.com
Getting it right first time
CHARLES HAIGH CONSTRUCTION
Free Quotes, Dep 22/29
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
Tel: 02 56 33 50 11 Mob: 06 04 17 26 65
Renovations - Extensions Alterations - Dry Lining Excavations - Fosse Septiques Covering Depts 22 & 29
Tel: 02 96 44 26 20 Email: charleshaigh@orange.fr Siret: 453 231 920 00019
Brittany Pages
Directory 17
November 2012
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Help with home or office PC
SOStoolbox.com offers on site and remote support, providing bespoke solutions to your IT problems MARTIN of SOStoolbox, is an IT professional with 30 years experience in IT customer support. Now resident in central Bretagne, he has spent the greater part of his career endeavouring to get his customers what they need – even when they don't quite know what to ask for. “I can provide remote and on-site support, bridging the gaps between expectations, capabilities and possibilities,” said Martin. “For reasons of reliability, security and control, I tend to recommend open source solutions.” Examples of open source products include Google’s Android operating system used on phones and tablet computers. The most common open source operating system is Linux.
Stuart Barker Plastering
“Countless devices such as the Kindle and set-top boxes often have Linux inside, but as a brand it’s weak,” said Martin. Linux performs the same function as Windows. Applications are created by independent progammers (instead of corporations such as Microsoft and Apple) and include word processors, home cinemas and weather stations. Many of the apps are stable and secure, and a small sample can be seen on the toolbox at SOStoolbox.com. “Much of it is developed by the open source community, but the big names in IT also have a huge input,” said Martin. So, if it really is this brilliant, why isn’t everybody using it? “Largely commercial arm-twisting,” said Martin.
COMPUTERS, TV, PHONE,
35 years experience:
Boarding l Insulation l Floors l Tiling Painting l Block Laying l 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
56 MORBIHAN 56
All types of work, Exterior-Interior, New - Renovation-Repair. Entreprise Bown Robert
Tel/Fax: 02 97 51 10 11 - Mob: 06 38 34 20 78 Email: robert.bown@orange.fr Siret: 424 531 069 00013
Computer
Help & Repair Linux • MS • OsX
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
Thistle Renovations Ltd
Timber Treatment, Preventative & Remedial Woodworm & Dry Rot, Plastering, Pointing 02 96 29 59 41 Thistle22@orange.fr Siret 503 281 438
SARLSteve&WendyFoster Renovations 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
Jon Oram
Plastering l Rendering l Pointing l Limework l Tiling l Decorating l Renovation l Restoration All Aspects of Work Undertaken
Tel: 02 98 99 77 46 Mobile: 06 25 78 93 63 E-mail: Jonandorice@wanadoo.fr
CLC Building & Property Maintenance
Renovations, Repairs, Conversions, Extensions Tel: 06 59 71 50 29 or 02 98 86 95 37 Troleron 29530 Plonevez du Faou
Stonework Block work Plastering Plasterboarding Roofing
Email: clc-chrislynn@hotmail.com Ad No. 17612
BUSINESS & WEBSITES
www.BREAKDOWNSOS.com
Mobile PC repairs Mobile: 06 28 11 31 60 Evening: 02 96 13 14 48 Contact Paul - Operating Dept22 Radius 30km Corlay
09 66 40 09 87 martin@sostoolbox.com www.sostoolbox.com
JARDINERIE HOLLANDAISE Garden Centre and Garden Maintenance Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday or on 'RDV' Le Garly 56480 Ste. Brigitte
Tel/Fax: 02 97 27 62 19 - Mobile : 06 75 39 25 79 Email: contact@jardinerie-hollandaise.com Web: www.jardinerie-hollandaise.com Siret: 40029026800020
Tel: 09 66 40 09 87
sostoolbox.com
Infortech
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 Siret: 489 684 696 00011
LA CASSIERE
“About 80% of the web as we see it is driven by Linux, but that’s not the desktop,” said Martin, who believes many PC users don’t know about Linux. “The desktop PC was always going to be a tough proposition – it's so diverse and so is the user community.” Linux is less ‘vertical’ than others. For example, a Mac uses hardware, an operating system and applications created by Apple. In contrast, the Linux operating system will run on any hardware and run applications made by third parties. “It's more bespoke,” said Martin. “If you want that cerise satin lining it's yours, but you need a good tailor. Linux is secure and cost-effective.” By analysing your requirements, Martin can help set-up a complete system for your home or office.
EDUCATION / LANGUAGE PENELOPE GRAHAM-HELWIG Traductrice Assermentée SWORN TRANSLATOR
Legal - Property - Birth Certificates - Driving Licenses
Tel: 02 99 20 26 86 Mobile: 06 89 89 75 81
Email: pennyhelwig@hotmail.com
ESTATE AGENTS Property for sale in Brittany Buying / Selling property in Morbihan Translation - Negotiation - Advertising Currency Exchange
Tel: 02 97 67 17 93 Mob: 06 27 14 51 14
info@propertyforsaleinbrittany.co.uk www.propertyforsaleinbrittany.co.uk
HOUSES ON INTERNET
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
Tel: 05 55 65 12 19 GARDENS & POOLS
Tree Surgeon Stuart Lee
Qualified, Insured, Equipped Stump grinder and Woodchipper
02 99 68 43 46
www.lejardinieranglais.com Highest Quality Handmade Sheds
Outbuildings, Animal Houses, All Garden Fur niture Made to your specifications www.shedsfrance.com shedsfrance@yahoo.co.uk 02 97 70 68 83 06 04 16 58 05
GENERAL
Ubuntu desktop and Qreator app showing QR code for SOStoolbox
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
+33 (0) 4 94 40 31 45 www.exclusivehealthcare.com
Anna Pathfinder Your life coach in Brittany www.annapathfinder.com
Tel. 02 99 44 38 09
Surveys Based Dinan Centre
Guided walks in English
Discover the Monts d'Arrée in all their beauty!
kelly@walkandtalk.fr www.walkandtalk.fr 02 98 81 12 41
Liana Mobile Hairdresser
Huelgoat and its surrounding areas Discounts available for group bookings
02 98 99 90 51 - 06 66 38 31 11 Email: l.wheaton@laposte.net INSURANCE & FINANCE
bml angloagence.com
English registered cars House insurance - Health cover 1700 British clients trust us 02 96 87 21 21 contact@angloagence.com Dinan, Brittany
AXA INSURANCE
Guillaume POISSANT
Tel: 02 97 23 42 15 or English: 06 71 78 71 74 Email: societevalomet@orange.fr Siret: 417535572
Prestige Painting & Decorating Services Every aspect of Decorating, Interior & Exterior, Wall Papering, Tiling, Sealants Work, Power Washing, Wood Treatments Contact Adrian or Lena Baker
Tel: 02 96 83 97 49
Mob: 06 58 04 51 46 adrian.Lenabaker@hotmail.fr Siret 51442634500013
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 eco-nett Home Services
Home l Car l Health l Business l Banking
CENTRAL BRITTANY AREA (22)
agence.poissant@axa.fr www.axapoissantinsurance.com
T: + 44 (0) 079705 30723 E: classicalternatives@msn.com
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
RETAIL
WOODBURNERS
VALOMET
Plumbing Heating & Sanitary Renewable Energy - Electricity Security Checks - Rewiring - Quotes in English
OVEN DEEP CLEAN SPECIALIST PAINTING, DECORATING, TILING, LAMBRIS
Locminé, Morbihan 56500
France. Best prices, best service.
fabrickdinan@gmail.com
EXPERT INSURANCE & FINANCIAL ADVICE IN ENGLISH
02 97 60 08 23
Light Removals to and from Northern
02 96 27 16 53
PROPERTY SERVICES HEALTH & BEAUTY
FIVE STAR REMOVALS
PLUMBERS
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18 DIY
Brittany Pages
2012 Helpguide to Local Taxes
November 2012
DIY tips Sponsored by
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INFORMATION YOU CAN TRUST ON LIFE IN FRANCE
Open fires are romantic but heat goes up the chimney
Keep your house warm this winter KEEPING a house warm requires insulation as well as heating and even really simple DIY measures can make an enormous difference. To check just how much cold air is blowing into the house, move a lighted candle round a door or window frame. Exterior doors, especially beautiful old wooden ones, are particularly tricky. If the fit is too snug they stick when it rains, but if the fit is too easy they will be draughty. The simplest solution is self-adhesive foam strip, but if you want something more permanent use metal weather-strip. This is the same concept but is tacked into place. Then move on to chimneys. An open fireplace is a romantic feature in a room, but when the fire is lit most of the heat shoots straight up the chimney, and when it's not the chimney sucks hot air out of the house. Consider installing an insert (essentially an arrangement which puts the fire behind a fireproof glass door). This is not complicated and will raise the temperature of the house even before you light the fire. Remember to have all working chimneys swept annually and get a certificate from the sweep. Without one, in the event of a chimney fire your insurance would almost definitely be invalidated. If you have unused chimneys which have not been sealed off, get going. It is not necessary to use bricks and mortar, you can just as easily close off a fireplace by using a sheet of plywood, particleboard or even hardboard! Fit a vent if you think the chimney might need ventilating, which it definitely will if it's been closed off at the top, for example. Before screwing it into place, squirt a layer of mastic round the edge to ensure a draft-proof fit. Finally, use waterproof wood glue to add decorative edging and to hide the screws and mastic. Cat flaps are often very ill fitting and some of them can even be blown open by the wind. Models offering double doors or doors controlled by a collar containing a chip are often not popular with cats. The best solution, where possible, is to install two or more cat flaps, so that for example the cat goes through an internal door from a hall or utility room to a garage and then out of the garage. Remember that it is entirely possible to install a cat flap in a wall. November is also the last chance to turn off external taps and drain the pipes. Lag all pipes against frost. Either buy preformed expanded polystyrene lagging or go green and wrap them in thick layers of old clothes. The pipes your side of the water meter are your responsibility, the pipes the other side are the responsibility of whoever provides your tap water. But lagging is easy and avoids all the inconvenience of burst pipes, whoever has to repair them. Finally, check the outflow from your washing machine. If it is just sitting into the outflow pipe, wrap some old clothes around it to block the gap.
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Brittany Pages
Home and Garden 19
November 2012
Gardening Facts
les bocages
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Daffodils: Now is perfect time to search for bulbets
Look for bulbs for a free crop Now is the ideal time to lookout for free bulbs and roots to propagate for next year. Basically, bulbs are modified leaves and roots form tubers, corms and rhizomes. All can be propagated by careful division to give a new crop of plants for free. There are also other ways of propagation, of which we will talk later. First you have to understand what a bulb needs in order to get the healthiest stock. The plants send out leaf bases and stock these with enough nutrients and starch to grow into a healthy plant. This takes about six months, so late summer, early winter is ideal for lifting the youngsters. When you are digging around the parent plants of daffodil, narcisii, hippeastrum, snowdrop and tulip this month, carefully lift out the older bulbs and pick the plumpest and firmest bulbets. These have had the benefit of a full season of development. Reject any thin or very soft ones. These can be planted directly into free draining fertile soil, with location depending on the species. Twice the height of the bulb is a good rule of thumb for depth. Corms are the roots of plants like crocosmia, freesia and gladioli. The corm when cut is solid, as it is a root, whereas the bulb is layered leaves. On lifting these plants, you will find pseudo bulbs, but these are solid and may need to be divided with a knife. When you have them loose, you may forget which way is up, the trick is that the top is usually knobbly and there is a small dent in the base. Rhizomes are true roots and the new plants are budded directly from the underground stem. Plants in this category include lily of the valley, bamboo, canna, iris and a bit more exotically – ginger. Again, uncovering the parent plant, you have to carefully clean the root and look for small buds of leaves – these can be small green knobs or sharp projections. Using a sharp knife, cut a decent slice of root on either side of the leaf node and plant just below the surface, you don't want to drown the new buds. Bulbils are an exception to the rule that are worth mentioning. These actually grow in the leaf axils of the parent plant and tiger lily is the best example. At the end of the flowering period pick the ripe bulbils from the parent plant and plant in shallow pots – 2.5cm deep. Allow the small plants to develop over the winter, grow, die back and in the following autumn lift and plant in the final position in the garden. Most bulb and root propagated plants will not flower in their first year and it is actually better to encourage leaf growth and pick out the flowers. This will send more energy to the bulb and in the second year you will be rewarded with a healthy profusion of home-grown flowers.
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The shop, a Haussmannian building, claims its extraordinary collection of lightbulbs is unique
Leading light in Paris The Bazar d'Electricité has been lighting up homes for 125 years with its selection of 5,000 types of bulbs - and it is switched on to all the latest trends, writes OLIVER ROWLAND EUROPE’S oldest lighting shop – opened two years after Edison invented the electric bulb – marks its 125th year this year. The Bazar d’Electricité in Paris’s Bastille district is still in the same premises – a Haussmannian building in which well-heeled Parisian visitors can see lights set off in surroundings similar to their own homes. It has an extraordinary selection, including 5,000 kinds of bulb alone (which the shop claims is “unique”). Manager Julien Perez said the Bazar was Europe’s first shop for electrical goods. “It was born with the commercialisation of the bulb, so we’ve been here since the start. It was founded by Mr Cochet, a talented engineer who took care of the technical side and his wife looked after the commercial side. "Mr Cochet was something of a visionary who had understood the importance of these discoveries. “If you go to the Musée de l’Électricité at Porte de la Villette you will see the first declarations of electrical installations for private individuals and they are signed by Bazar d'Electricité technicians because for electrical advice in Paris at the end of the 19th century, it was just us. “At first we sold bulbs with carbon filaments then at the start of the 20th century we passed to tungsten filaments; today it’s fluorescent lowenergy bulbs which work with powders with gas, or LEDs working with electric diodes.” Mr Perez said the Bazar runs along the lines of the great Parisian stores which are its contemporaries, with
different departments, each with a complete range and specially trained staff. For customers with old homes, seeking out rare bulbs or switches, they can help them identify replacements, he said. “However, we must also stick to modern norms – for example, unfortunately there are slim little Legrand ones which are not allowed any more, so even if I could get them I couldn’t sell them. As for bulbs, filament ones have been phased out since the [2007] Grenelle Environnement, at first the big ones and recently even little ones at 40 or 25 watts; though I stocked up and still have the right to sell my stock. So I can provide the old-style bulbs as well as the latest ones. “Another of our strengths is that we work with a lot of artisans and industrialists – we worked with the grandfather 100 years ago and now we work with the son – so we have a certain originality and exclusivity. If you’re looking for a bronze chandelier with Swarovski crystal or
The shop stocks a range of classic and modern styles Bohemian glass pendants in a certain shape and colour, we can do it. If you want oldfashioned fake candles made from wax, we have artisans who make them just for us, so we can restore period chandeliers, keeping the authenticity. We have oldfashioned glasswork that is hard to find, or period flexes made to modern norms – they come in hundreds of different colours and widths,
smooth or twisted. We offer a complete service – if someone has bought a flat and wants switches, dimmers, hangings, lamps... in suchand-such a style, we really can do it all.” The shop also caters for people who want cuttingedge modernity, he said, with the most sought-after designer lighting being Italianmade. However, French makers are still leaders in the classic styles. “One thing to bear in mind is that modern homes often have lower ceilings – 2.5m instead of 3m in the Haussmannian style, so we’re looking more at wall or floor lights rather than ceiling-hung ones in modern homes.” Also on a lighting theme: www.eco-luminaires.com keeps up with the trends. It is an internet-only business offering contemporary-styled lighting helping people consume less electricity, including low-energy and LED lighting and compact fluorescent bulbs. Its lights also give off very little heat and last longer than usual, it says.
The Bazar d'Electricité in the Bastille district of Paris has been trading for 125 years
20 Property Sponsored by
Brittany Pages
November 2012
www.fabrick22.com
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.
advertising as well as a print advert in three editions of the Brittany Pages. Our 6+6 package is best value at 330TTC and provides the same, but for six months via each channel.
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For sellers, the adverts are also displayed across a range of popular English- speaking websites and are seen by thousands of potential buyers EVERY day. Our 3+3 package costs just 200TTC and gives you three months online
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Simply enter the code under each home to find out more Properties in BRITTANY
70,300
91,300
106,400
Paule, Côtes-d'Armor Two bedroom cottage consists of open plan living room, corner kitchen, shower room and small private garden.
Maël-Carhaix, Côtes-d'Armor Two bedroom stone cottage comprises fitted kitchen, living room, bathroom and attic space offering the possibility to expand. Good opportunity to buy as a holiday home.
Saint-Quay-Portrieux, Côtes-d'Armor Two bedroom house set on 262m2 of land consists of living room, kitchen, bathroom and store room.
Ref: 3270
Energy rating = G & F
Ref: 3230
Energy rating = e & c
Ref: PLM01589
125,350
135,200
164,300
Plumieux, Côtes-d'Armor Two bedroom cottage comprises conservatory, and private garden.
Châteauneuf-du-Faou, Finistère Three bedroom house set on 1/4 acre of land comprises country kitchen, living room, dining room, family bathroom, two stone outbuildings and barn.
Poullaouen, Finistère Three bedroom house set on 1/2 acre of land comprises living room, dining room, modern fitted kitchen, shower room, garage and outbuilding.
Ref: 700736
Energy rating = F
Ref: 3259
Energy rating = g & g
Ref: 3334
210,000
234,300
251,450
Luitré, Ille-et-Vilaine Three bedroom house consists of living room, fitted kitchen, bathroom, paved terrace and outbuilding.
Rostrenen, Côtes-d'Armor Four bedroom house and two bedroom cottage set on 3750 m2 of land with two large barns.
Callac, Côtes-d'Armor Two bedroom house comprises private courtyard, gatehouse entrance, workshop, two stone buildings and large barn with three horse boxes.
Ref: CRN00656
Energy rating = E & C
Ref: PLM01091
Energy rating = F
Ref: 700413
280,000
304,000
350,000
Near Locminé, Morbihan Seven bedroom house comprises vaulted sitting room, kitchen, dining room, bathroom, shower room, en-suite, separate toilet, utility room, garage and wine cellar.
Plouézec, Côtes-d'Armor Four bedroom house set on 2800m2 of land consists of living room, fitted kitchen, utility room, bathroom, shower room, separate toilet and open garage.
Quimper, Finistère Six bedroom house comprises living room, open kitchen, bathroom, en suite, separate toilet, back kitchen, garage and garden.
REF: IFPC22282
Energy rating = D & B
REF: PLM01276
Energy rating = D
Ref: IFPC22720
364,000
450,000
455,000
Parigné, Ille-et-Vilaine Three bedroom house set on 5000m2 of land comprises living room, fitted kitchen, dressing room, office, bathroom, two separate toilets, garage and wine cellar.
Ploërdut, Morbihan Five bedroom house set on 2 acres of land comprises living/ dining room, kitchen, bathroom, conservatory, large cellar and garage.
Etables, Côtes-d'Armor Five bedroom house consists of living room, dining room, equipped kitchen, en-suite shower room and enclosed parkland garden.
Ref: CRN00649
Energy rating = C & A
Ref: 700411
Energy rating = D
Ref: PLM00800
Energy rating = f & g
Energy rating = D & E
Energy rating = F
Energy rating = C & B
Energy rating = E
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
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Brittany Pages
Business and Legal 21
November 2012
JIM ADCOCK moved to France in 2007 after many years’ experience in corporate and small businesses, including practical freelance support. He runs Stairs2measure.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.
Finance
Innovative ideas are needed to stay afloat
Sponsored by
Some four years have passed since the demise of Lehman Brothers sparked a global financial crisis in 2008 – many expected that this would require drastic action but would then see a return to some form of normality. However, we now see across Europe the prospect of austerity for another two, three or five years with continuing pain but with no clear solution beyond the tough measures. What has become evident since the financial meltdown is the fact that many countries as well as banks have precarious financial models that are related to the past rather than the future. The Euro area has well documented issues with differing economies and ageing populations with retirement ages not set at modern levels of reality and many with labour costs significantly higher than those of Germany. The same can be said of Britain despite the timely action taken to reduce the deficit. There does seem to be a somewhat myopic fixation with past glory in many states which suggests dismissal of a new world economic order. The ‘Brics’ – Brazil, Russia, India, China and latterly South Africa are forecast to have a combined GDP that
will exceed that of the Euro zone by 2015. The reality is that China has been buying up valuable natural resources for years and Russia has an important role in European energy resources, the clock cannot be turned back. Within this scenario we can expect a Europe with very low growth for many years to come – so what does that offer for businesses including those here in Brittany? The harsh reality is that if growth is very low and interest rates start to creep up together with direct and indirect taxation, businesses will go backwards not forwards. Inevitably this will call for innovative ways of reducing costs and for stimulating at least a little growth at an individual level, but what else can be done? The first approach is to
accept the new reality where nothing can be taken for granted and to look for new local solutions – the global approach and exporting to the Brics will work for a minority but what of the rest? Brittany for example has its own challenges having seen the farming heritage diminish over the years with young qualified people leaving the region to find work. I am now going to reveal my eternal optimism and try to engage those of you who live here, or own holiday properties, in the start of a debate on how contribution to the sustainability of businesses and the economy can be stimulated. For example I have previously floated the idea of more co-operatives or collectives as a way of promoting growth
and reducing costs – there must be some creative thinkers out there who have some ideas worth consideration. Whilst nationally the world plods on to resolve the protracted financial mess, let’s see if there are some ways at a local level where the future outlook can be improved. Please get involved and, as a business person or consumer, come forward with some ideas that can help sustain the local economy and benefit your lives here. All suggestions/ideas should be addressed ‘debate’ and sent to this e-mail address brittany@outsourced-org.com by the last week of November. The January column will feature the responses: let us make that a local article about local ideas! Join the debate!
Useful websites The Brittany Business Network: www.synergienet.com Business information: www.apce.com
To find SIREN numbers, check the following sites: www.infogreffe.fr www.manageo.fr www.societe.com
To contact Jim Adcock directly, email ja@connexionfrance.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
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Time to stop tearing your hair out and join the bid to come up with new ideas
How do changes affect staff costs?
TVA: The limits are currently e81,500 for the sale of goods, and e32,600 for services I have been running my business in France for two years and, whilst we have survived a dip in turnover as a result of the crisis, we are optimistic about the order book for next year. We have two members of staff – one on a part-time CDD contract and one on a permanent contract. We need to know about changes to social security from the recent budget and how that will impact our cost base for the next 12 months. We also have wondered about whether it would be a good idea for us to ask to come out of TVA at the end of 2013 as our clients are mostly individuals? How do we go about this? Employing staff is more costly than ever now that President Hollande and his new government have stripped back the incentives that were available. This means that supplementary work hours are now subject to social charges and are no longer exonerated from income tax. For the CDD contract you need to be aware that there will be holiday pay due at the end of the period – typically 10% of the gross value of the contract and the same for the uncertaintity bonus – prime de précarité. If there is an upturn in the order book, then you might want to re-employ your CDD person but you must leave a gap between contracts to avoid the employment being reclassified as “permanent”. Retirement cotisations will rise by .20% points – from November 1, 2012. Added to the already high 15.5% CSG (general social charges) the cost of your own social charge bill is increased as well as for your staff. You might want to consider other staff incentives such as holiday vouchers, luncheon vouchers or employee saving plans which will allow you to provide staff bonuses with less social charges. TVA: From the size of your business and the fact that you are employing staff it would seem unlikley that you will be under the TVA threshhold this year. The limits are currently e81,500 for sale of goods, and e32,600 for services. You normally have to be below the limits for the last two years to deregister for 2013, which may of course be the case in the current economic climate. The TVA rate is set to stay at 19.6% for the timebeing.
22 Property
Brittany Pages
November 2012
Properties AROUND FRANCE
65,300
76,500
80,000
Sourdeval, Manche, Normandy One bedroom house set on 0.44 acre of land comprises main room, shower room and open garage. In need of modernisation.
Near Capendu, Aude, Languedoc Four bedroom fully renovated house consists of lounge, kitchen, bathroom and separate toilet.
Remoulins, Gard, Languedoc Two bedroom town house comprises living room, open kitchen, shower room and bathroom.
Ref: MNB01318
Energy rating = G & G
Ref: 110153007
Energy rating = C & D
Ref: G815
81,980
98,000
99,000
Pont-d'Ouilly, Calvados, Normandy Two bedroom house consists of living room, kitchen, bathroom, conservatory, garage and outbuildings.
Saint-Gilles, Gard, Languedoc Two bedroom apartment comprises living/dining room/ kitchen, bathroom and garage.
Near Le Buisson-de-Cadouin, Dordogne Two bedroom house comprises garden of 1365m2 and outbuildings.
Ref: XJN02780
Energy rating = F & F
Ref: Y533
Energy rating = C & B
Ref: 3367
99,000
103,500
121,900
Le Gast, Calvados, Normandy Two bedroom house set on an acre of land comprises living room, fitted kitchen, utility room, separate toilet and two storey stone barn.
Capendu, Aude, Languedoc Three bedroom renovated house living room, kitchen, shower room, separate toilet and attached barn.
Belvès, Dordogne Two bedroom restored house with garden to the back and outbuildings.
Ref: 700616
Energy rating = G
Ref: 110152781
Energy rating = f & c
Ref: 3434
126,500
155,000
167,000
Pépieux, Aude, Languedoc Four bedroom house consists of kitchen, living room, dining room and two bathrooms.
Saint-Lô, Manche, Normandy Three bedroom house set on an acre of land consists of living room, kitchen/breakfast room, dining room, bathroom, shower room and utility room.
Near Lalinde, Dordogne Three bedroom bungalow comprises living room, open kitchen, bathroom, terrace, garden and garage.
REF: 700861
Energy rating = d
Ref: 13817s
Energy rating = e & c
Ref: BVI0007469
180,000
190,000
200,000
Uzès, Gard, Languedoc Two bedroom house set on 3561m2 of land comprises living room, kitchen, bathroom, terrace and large garden.
Near Verteillac, Dordogne Three bedroom house consists of two bathrooms, gardens and outbuildings.
Lodève, Hérault, Languedoc Three bedroom house consists of living room, kitchen/dining room, two shower rooms and detached garden.
Ref: W458
Energy rating = C & A
REF: BVI0007404
Energy rating = F
Ref: 5572vm
243,000
243,800
258,000
Marguerittes, Gard, Languedoc Four bedroom villa set on 500m2 of land comprises living room, kitchen, bathroom, separate toilet, terrace and teak pool.
Near Monpeyroux, Dordogne Two bedroom house with three one bedroom cottages set on 3.9 hectares of land.
Capendu, Aude, Languedoc Four bedroom house comprises living room, dining room, kitchen, garage and garden.
Ref: D441
Energy rating = C & D
Ref: BVI0007776
Energy rating = F
Ref: 110154709
260,000
272,000
291,500
Ceaucé, Orne, Normandy Three bedroom house consists of living/dining room, kitchen, bathroom, separate toilet and office.
Beaucaire, Gard, Languedoc Three bedroom villa set on 1000m2 of land comprises lounge, kitchen, bathroom, office, storage room and utility room.
Near Saint-Germain-duSalembre, Dordogne Five bedroom house comprises sitting room, kitchen, two bathrooms, attached barn and outbuildings.
REF: BHJ00514
Energy rating = D
REF: E835
Energy rating = C & D
Ref: BVI0007500
294,000
320,000
330,000
Maupertuis, Manche, Normandy Four bedroom house and three bedroom gîte set on over an acre of land consists of two storey outbuilding and large garage.
Near Bergerac, Dordogne Four bedroom detached house includes living room, dining room, kitchen, bathroom, shower room, study, integral garage, and swimming pool.
Manduel, Gard, Languedoc Three bedroom villa set on 2000m2 of land consists of two living rooms, two kitchens, bathroom, swimming pool, two garages and workshop.
REF: 700936
Energy rating = E
Ref: IFPC22356
Energy rating = E & F
Ref: W482
344,500
354,000
378,000
Pierres, Calvados, Normandy Three bedroom house and three gîtes set on 2 acres of land with indoor heated swimming pool.
Saint-Cyprien, Pyrénées-Orientales, Languedoc Four bedroom villa set on 780m2 of land comprises living room, kitchen, three bathrooms and garage.
Alençon, Orne, Normandy Four bedroom house set on 5200m2 of land comprises double garage and swimming pool.
REF: 700774
Energy rating = D
REF: 83003166389
Energy rating = c & a
REF: XJN02717
380,000
385,000
395,000
Near Montignac, Dordogne Three bedroom 17th century farmhouse comprises living room, dining room, kitchen, large garden and barn.
Longny-au-Perche, Orne, Normandy Five bedroom house set on 1 hectare of land consists of living room, kitchen, dining room, bathroom and artist's studio.
Vire, Calvados, Normandy Two modern open plan 3 bedroom houses overlooking a 18-hole golf course.
Ref: V5689
Energy rating = C & D
REF: XJN02807
Energy rating = e & g
REF: IFPC22799
Energy rating = E & C
Energy rating = G & D
Energy rating = F & C
Energy rating = D
Energy rating = D & E
Energy rating = d & b
Energy rating = D
Energy rating = D & C
Energy rating = D & F
Energy rating = c & e
Brittany Pages
Property and Legal 23
November 2012
Properties AROUND FRANCE
402,600
When it comes to the exchange rates, the future is far from clear cut, writes Jeremy Cook from World First.
Nontron, Dordogne Four bedroom farmhouse consists of two living rooms, large kitchen, bathroom, utility room, garden, barn, outbuildings and swimming pool. Ref: 1674
Sponsored by Energy rating = D
Photo: © Andre - Fotolia.com
Fluctuating exchange rates can prove a nightmare to anyone transfering money abroad
Near Saint-Pois, Manche, Normandy Three bedroom house and one bedroom gîte set on 4.5 hectares of land.
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432,500
REF: BNO-637
Currency Notes
Energy rating = E & c
438,000 Nages-et-Solorgues, Gard, Languedoc Three bedroom villa consists of living room, kitchen, two bathrooms and garden. REF: 481v
Energy rating = D & B
465,000 Le Bugue, Dordogne Four bedroom farmhouse and one bedroom guest house includes well maintained garden and swimming pool. Ref: FPBC1510L
Energy rating = D & D
475,000 Saint-Séverin-d'Estissac, Dordogne Five bedroom manor house and two bedroom cottage set on 9 hectares of land. Ref: 700569
Energy rating = D
493,500 Le Mesnil-Garnier, Manche, Normandy Five bedroom house set on 7.5 acres of land comprises modern living room, fitted kitchen, dining area, shower room, utility room, stables and outbuildings. Ref: 700185
Energy rating = C
495,000 Nages-et-Solorgues, Gard, Languedoc Five bedroom villa comprises summer kitchen, large terrace, two large garages, garden and swimming pool. Ref: 558v
Energy rating = D & C
535,600 Etrépagny, Eure, Normandy Four bedroom Old Mill house consists of living room, kitchen, two bathrooms, shower room, wine cellar, garden, small storage building and small house. REF: 83003151870
Energy rating = e & c
545,000 Bergerac, Dordogne Four bedroom renovated house comprises living/dining room, kitchen, two en-suites, garden and swimming pool. Ref: 83003116527
Energy rating = d & e
583,000 Périgueux, Dordogne Five bedroom house and Gîte set on 10.291m2 of land consists of barn, gardens, terraces and swimming pool. Ref: V5746
Energy rating = e & f
Changing rates can cost buyers dear If I had a pound for every French-based client who has called asking for a prediction on where exchange rates are headed in the last few months, I would be a rich man. However, exactly how rich I would be once the money was transferred from the UK to France is really far less certain. Virtually all the Western economies have been in trouble over the last few years and their respective currencies have borne the brunt of these problems. There have been many false dawns for the global recovery, in the last 12 months alone, but each sign of optimism has been quickly overcome by a shaky data report here or a ratings agency downgrade there. The exchange rates have reflected this picture, fluctuating one way and the other, proving a nightmare for anyone involved in sending money overseas for whatever reason. It has long since been accepted that the UK economy is “bumping along the bottom” of the longest period of protracted economic decline that anyone can care to remember. But if we look at the fortunes of the humble pound in isolation, it has been doing rather well against many of the key currencies of late. Sterling has remained relatively weak against the US dollar; however it has fared rather better against the beleaguered euro which fell to its lowest value for some four years earlier this year. Many clients with transactions coming up in the not too distant future decided to lock in at this point, and fixed their rate in advance to take advantage of the situation. The evidence was there in the numbers. If you consider that, by September, £300,000 would buy you approximately e370,000 versus around e330,000 at the same time last year, you’ll get an idea about how much the euro has fallen in the last calendar year. Many investors have been swooping in to take advantage of property bargains in France, in particular, but also elsewhere in the Eurozone, despite the ongoing crisis. However, the euro has embarked on a rally in recent weeks, regaining some ground on the pound and proving an irritant for anyone who is already committed to a property purchase and who has not fixed their rate. The truth is that no-one knows what is going to happen in the future and you need to have your eye closely peeled on the markets if you are involved in any kind of large money currency transfer anytime soon.
For more information about making international money transfers with World First visit the website www.worldfirst.com or call +44 20 7801 1050
The two-tier civil court network is undergoing change
Which court does what in France? Could you tell me who does what in the French court system? We have a matter which has become contentious and we do not know where to start. J.F.
Recently the civil court network underwent some changes so the explanations given below are valid as from December 2012. There are two tiers, very much like in England, with the County Court and the High Court. In France there is the tribunal d’instance and the tribunal de grande instance, often referred to as the TGI. The remit of the two courts is as follows: The tribunal d’instance is competent for disputes with associated values of between e4,000 and e10,000 and has a “reserved” jurisdiction over landlord and tenant issues, neighbour disputes and rent arrears. If two partners want to enter into a cohabitation agreement, known in France as a PACS, they can apply either to a Notaire or to the tribunal d’instance to have the cohabitation convention registered as binding. The TGI is competent for civil matters where the sums claimed are over e10,000. It is also the court where divorce petitions are introduced or where disputes relating to inheritance are heard. Matters brought before the TGI are dealt with usually by three professional magistrates, assisted by a court clerk, while in the tribunal d’instance only one judge sits in court. Another difference between the two is that at the tribunal d’instance parties do not need to be assisted by a barrister (in French an avocat) but proceedings before the TGI call for representation by an avocat . There are several tribunaux d’instance in each department, but only one TGI, usually situated in the main town (cheflieu de departement.)
24 People
Brittany Pages
November 2012
Known as Ushant, Ouessant or Eusa, this island at the entrance to the English Channel has long made its living at sea – now, though, mayor Denis Palluel hopes its microclimate can bring in year-round tourism opportunities. SAMANTHA DAVID finds out more Blue seas, white beaches and hard rock at Penn WHEN the weather on the mainland of Arlan on the north-east of the Ile d’Ouessant Finistère is cloudy, foggy and cold the tiny crab-shaped island of Ouessant (Eusa in Breton, Ushant in English) can often be bathed in bright sunlight due to its microclimate. Mayor Denis Palluel says it is “paradise”, yet it marks the north-western extremity of metropolitan France, and the southern entrance to the English Channel. Just 8km by 3km, it has a permanent population of around 850, swelling to 2,500 in the summer months when second-home owners arrive from the mainland. The only village is called Lampaul. Its waters are some of Europe’s most dangerous and difficult to navigate due to submerged rocks and reefs, strong tides and currents, and plunging winter temperatures. Not far away, the oil tanker Amoco Cadiz was wrecked on rocks at Portsall in 1978. In the past, the seagoing tradition meant the women were the farmers, cultivating root vegetables, bringing up the children and looking after the older generation during the long absences of their men, some of whom never returned. Gradually, however, farming died out and today the island is almost totally uncultivated apart from a few domestic kitchen gardens. It has few trees either, only a few in the centre of the island near the freshwater lake. Mr Palluel was not born on the island although his grandparents came from the island. “I arrived in 1982 because I had a job island is working for the local council or workfamilies have lived here for generahere as a teacher. Then I just stayed. ing in the personal services sector. tions, and there are some newcomers Either you like it here or you don’t.” “It’s an ageing population, we do have some too, who have chosen to live this life.” He is still teaching at the school younger people and some families. We have However, population numbers are and says he wanted to be mayor to 60-70 children in schools on the island but falling; it’s hard to find work and propimprove life on the island for everyonce they finish collège, they go to lycée on the erty prices are high because of the one and to make a contribution to mainland and that means boarding.” demand from second-home buyers. island life. “It is interesting and excitOne of their main problems, he says is the “People see the price of property here ing. Of course, human nature being timetabling of ferries. He says Finistère’s and think we must all be rich, but the what it is, people tend to complain Conseil Général does not understand the average income on the island is one of more than congratulate but when we Denis Palluel islanders’ needs. “The timetable means it’s easy the lowest in Finistère.” get things right, being the mayor is for a visitor to get a boat here, spend the day He is keen to develop opportunities very satisfying. and then go home in the evening. But it’s that will keep the island open all year round, “Ouessant is paradise during the holidays but rather than concentrating on the short summer impossible for islanders to go to the mainland it’s a real place with real life problems and joys for the day. Attending a one-hour appointment season but says that most employment on the too. Most of the population are people whose means two nights off the island.” Having said all that, when asked about the future he’s optimistic. “As long as people want to live here and struggle to keep going, then n ONE-WAY ferry tickets to n If you are in a hurry the n Ouessant tourist office life will continue. And it is paradise, tell your Ouessant cost around e30 high-speed “water taxi” is has a full list of accommoreaders to come and visit us!” and regular ferries run all e65, one way. dation ranging from campReaders who do make the trip can see one of year round by Penn Ar Bed n Finist'air runs flights sites to stylish hotels. the world’s smallest sheep, the Ouessant or from Brest. from Brest-Bretagne airport n The island also boasts a Breton Dwarf sheep, which originated on the n In summer, Finist'mer in nine-seat Cessnas with range of bars, cafés and island. It stands barely 49cm (19in) at the runs ferries from Conquet space for 500kg of freight. restaurants. shoulder. They are usually dark brown, and and Lanildut. Flights take 15 minutes. www.ouessant.org raised for wool rather than meat.
Lampaul is the only town on the island
Welcome to paradise – next stop is America
GETTING THERE
Mr Palluel is keen to get the island better known and in 2010 Ouessant got its own official tartan design registered with the Scottish Tartan Authority. The Eusa or Ouessant tartan is in the island’s own colours of yellow, red and black with touches of white, blue and green. Ouessant has also hosted an annual five-day festival every August since 1999. It is devoted to writers from islands and this year highlighted books from the Caribbean. Every September, the “Ilophone” music festival features a wide selection of music including Celtic folk, rock, jazz, and classical. Other activities include bird-watching, boattrips, cycling, diving, hiking, riding, poetry-workshops, trips to the two museums. Guided visits round the lighthouse at Stiff – first built in 1695 – are also available and the seas round Ouessant have one of the world’s highest concentrations of lighthouses. There are two on the island itself with three others on nearby rocky outcrops. The Phare du Créac’h from 1863 is the second most powerful lighthouse in the world. It houses a lighthouse museum in its base. All the other lighthouses are automatically controlled from here.
ADVERTISING FEATURE
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