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ISSUE 46
DECEMBER 2012
publishers of
News and What’s On information for the Dordogne and surrounding area
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PAGE 9
Project to provide jobs for the young
FORTY jobs specifically tailored for young people will be created in the Dordogne in 2013. The department has qualified for a national scheme to increase employment opportunities for the under 25s as it suffers its worst jobless figures on record. The state will fund 75% of the salaries of the new jobs and has promised to create 100,000 positions for young people across the country. At the end of September nearly 20,000 people were looking for work locally – a rise of 5.1% in just one month. In 12 months the Dordogne has seen a 15.5% increase – the highest in Aquitaine (13.7%) and way above the national rise of 10.1%. It is mostly men under 25 and people over 50 who have the most difficulty in finding work. September is traditionally a bad month in the Dordogne as the tourist season ends and young school leavers return. This year had less seasonal agricultural work due in part to the failure of the apple harvest, particularly in the north where many farmers lost 90% of their crop due to a late frost. However the situation is a concern for politicians and leaders in the department. Turn to page 2
Photo: ©PHOTOPQR/SUD OUEST/Frédéric THIERRY
Pizza-maker named world number three A DORDOGNE pizza restaurant boss has been named the third best pizza-maker in the world. Frédéric Nereau, who runs Pharaon Pizza in Coulounieix-Chamiers near Périgueux, picked up a bronze medal for his seafood pizza at a global awards ceremony at Disneyland Paris. His winning pizza was based around Saint-Jacques and a saffron sauce. Locals at his restaurant are particularly fond of another of his pizzas: made with local foie gras, and Mr Nereau has expansion plans, hoping to open a second branch in Périgueux city centre shortly.
Olympic hero’s new mission for disabled
PAGE 7
9/11 firm wins bid to remake Lascaux by JANE HANKS
A Norwegian group of architects has won the contract to reproduce the whole of the Lascaux cave paintings using the very latest techniques – potentially attracting 400,000 visitors a year when it opens in 2015. The Snøhetta firm, which designed the National September 11 memorial on the site of the Twin Towers in New York, was chosen from a shortlist of four architects which included the international award-winning Jean Nouvel – famous locally for the controversial huge metal doors on the covered market in Sarlat. A 17-strong jury was attracted by the Norwegian project because of the way it integrates the building into the foot of the Lascaux hillside just outside Montignac.
As well as the facsimile of the original cave there will be areas explaining cave painting. At present Lascaux 2, which was created 30 years ago, welcomes 300,000 visitors a year and is seen as central to the local tourist industry. In a written description of the new Lascaux 4 project, Snøhetta says that the entrance, designed to blend into the hillside will be brightly lit. There will then be a mid-zone where the light will “diffuse an almost sacred and spiritual atmosphere”. Turn to page 2
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Contents
News What’s On Feature Leisure Time
1-7 8-11 12-13, 24 14
Food and Pets 15 Directory 16-19 Home and Garden 20-21 Property and Finance 22-23
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 24 for the Dordogne): 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: 50 Rue Claude Bernard, 24011 PERIGUEUX CEDEX; Tel: 08 10 25 24 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 site:www.anglais.urssaf. fr, Périgueux, 50 rue Claude-Bernard, 24022 Périgueux Cedex; Tel: 05 53 45 69 00. PREFECTURE: Services de l’Etat-préfecture, Cité administrative 24024 PERIGUEUX CEDEX Tel: 05 53 02 24 24; Email: prefecture@dordogne.gouv.fr 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: www.aafrancesud-ouest.com or call Douglas on 05 53 79 03 12 or Christine on 05 45 98 11 05. Cancer Support France: for advice and someone to talk to: www.cancersupportfrance.info, National Office email: cancersupportfrance@orange.fr, Tel: 05 45 89 30 05. CSF Dordogne Est/lot: Margaret York: 05 65 22 96 37 or 06 35 90 03 41 (24 hrs); csfdoedognelot@yahoo.com CSF Riberac (Charente South and Dordogne West): Teresa Rekowska: 06 43 67 86 11; Email: csfriberac@gmail.com 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 Association Française des Solos: Monthly meetings after divorce, bereavement or separation. Social events for members. Corinne: 05 53 22 68 52 (evenings); or Claire: 05 53 08 55 13 (evenings); Email: afs.bergerac@orange.fr; www.asso-des-solos.fr BRITISH CONSULATE Address: 353 Boulevard du President Wilson 33073, Bordeaux Cedex; Tel + 33 5 57 22 21 10; www.ukinfrance.fco.gov.uk/en ENGLISH-LANGUAGE RADIO Radio Liberté 91.6 Mhz, based in Riberac, Dordogne, broadcasts an Englishlanguage radio show with news in English from Monday to Friday at 12:15 and at 19:30. It also airs a live English program every Friday from 12:30 to 14:30. Online streaming available. 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. PUBLIC HOLIDAYS THIS MONTH December 25: Christmas Day
Dordogne Clubs and Associations Anglican Church of Aquitaine Services: Bertric Burée, Chancelade, Limeuil Haut, Ste Nathalène and Sorges, also in 47, 33. Chaplain Revd Dr Paul Vrolijk 05 53 23 40 73 aquitainechaplain@gmail.com Association Culturelle Franco-Anglaise Aquitaine From French lessons to bridge, plus monthly social get-togethers. - www. acfaa.com
www.photoclub-bergerac.com Bibliothèque Anglaise Meyrals English books and DVDs. Mon 14.00 to 16.00 and Wed 10.00 to noon in 24220 Meyrals. Em Boiling: 05 53 30 30 23 bibliotheque.anglaise@gmail.com Chabrelle Computer Club Charlie Nott: La Roche Chabrelle 24320 St Just Tel: 05 53 90 50 39
Association Culturelle Internationale du Périgord ACIP aims to promote integration. Lycette Schouten Hoogendyk: 05 53 29 27 96 louisa.schoutenhoogendyk@orange.fr www.acip24.com
Centre de Golf Bergeracois Philippa Thornton: 05 53 58 87 18 centredegolfbergeracois@orange.fr
Bergerac Photo Club Meets Wed at 20.30, Maison des Associations, Place Jules Ferry, Bergerac. photoclub-bergerac@orange.fr
The Interesting Gardening Club Jane Evans: 05 53 91 34 96 carolawt@aol.com www.theinterestinggardeningclub.org
Golf Public de Périgueux 05 53 53 02 35 golfpgx@wanadoo.fr www.golfdeperigueux.com
The entrance to Lascaux 4 is designed to be set into the hillside and brightly lit
Lascaux 4 due 2015
From page 1 Visitors will then be asked to leave behind their 21st century trappings and will be equipped with a torch and an explorer’s cape. They will then cross a clearing in the forest so that they are in the open air when they reach the entrance into the facsimile just as visitors did 17,000 years ago to the actual cave. They will then go into the model of the cave which will try to reproduce not only the walls and paintings as accurately as possible – but also the atmosphere – with appropriate lighting, sounds, temperature and humidity. However the ambitious e50million project still has to find a third of its funding after the govern
ment pulled out. The other two thirds are divided between the regional council and the departmental council. Bernard Cazeau, leader of the departmental council, says he is nevertheless determined to see Lascaux 4 open in the summer of 2015 and is actively looking for more money – and hoping to change the government’s mind. Meanwhile Lascaux 3, the travelling exhibition designed to take the famous Dordogne caves to an international public has had a resounding success at its first showing at the Cap Science Museum in Bordeaux. The exhibition closes in January and goes on to Chicago in March.
December 2012
Region chief in Brussels to defend foie gras The vice-president of the Aquitaine region, Jean-Pierre Raynaud, has been to Brussels to defend foie gras production. Production methods for the delicacy have been under attack as earlier this year eight MEPs called for a total foie gras ban in Europe. It came as California outlawed not only production but also sales and a film by the animal rights group PETA, which was shot in the Sarlat area, called force feeding “torture” and urged the luxury London food shop Fortnum & Mason to stop selling it. Mr Raynaud reminded MEPs that production of foie gras is of great economic importance to the south-west and that significant improvements have been made in conditions on duck and geese farms in the past years. He was taking part in a two-day conference to support foie gras as its production methods come under increasing scrutiny.
Two arrested after stabbing
Two people were stabbed and two others arrested last month after an incident at place Francheville, Périgueux. The two arrested were found hiding near the scene in some public toilets.
‘We need people back in work’
From page 1 Colette Langlade, socialist MP for the north of the Dordogne, covering Nontron and Brantôme praised companies for keeping going in these difficult times but said competitiveness was crumbling and needed to be looked at again. She said: “It is particularly tragic for our young population. We need to concentrate efforts on more research and development and find market niches that will work.” The Dordogne has very few big employers – and it is the smaller businesses that are suffering and often need to lay off one or two workers. Laurent Péréa, the mayor of Saint-Capraise de Lalinde and departmental secretary of the Communist party, said that one of the problems in the department was low incomes: “The majority of people live on less than e20,000 a year – so they have no spending power. We need to get people back to work to get the economy moving.” For the right, Philippe Cornet, a UMP regional councillor and leader of the opposition on Périgueux town council said: “Two sectors which are the worst affected by the recession are commerce and the building trade. Sadly many businesses in the Dordogne come under these categories.”
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Dordogne Advertiser
As of the end of this month, the Dordogne Advertiser will have a new publisher. English Language Media, which launched the Advertiser more than four years ago, has sold the title to the Solo Group of the UK. The firm plans a redesign and relaunch in spring 2013. Sarah Smith, director of ELM, said: “We are sad to part company with the paper, having seen it grow from launch to 24 pages, and we thank advertisers and readers for their support and loyalty but we are also looking forward to seeing the new publishers’ plans put into action and the paper grow further.” We have written to all our subscribers – but if you subscribe and have not received a notice from us please contact our office on 0800 91 77 56 (free from a French landline.) ELM continues to be the publisher of The Connexion, France’s English-language newspaper. It also publishes more than 15 helpguides on the different practical issues of life in France. Topics include income tax, education, healthcare and inheritance law. For more details see www.connexionfrance.com
Périgueux is cycle friendly
The first phase to make biking easier in Périgueux has been completed. Two out of seven areas in the city have had cycle lanes added to the roads. The other five will be completed over the next four years. The aim is to make it easier to bike to the voie verte, which is already a cycling track – from all areas of Périgueux and so encourage leisure cycling. It is also hoped that it will make it easier for people to visit the centre of the city from the cycle track – to encourage tourism.
Digs open to general public Two archaeological digs on the site of the future by-pass to the west of Bergerac are to be opened to the public for a day this month to show their finds. Several knapped flints from the Upper Paleolithic period – which makes them about 300,000 years old – have been discovered at the Bout des Vergnes site near to the Mussidan road and on the Pont de la Mouline site. Archaeologists say it shows there was significant activity in the area in that period and they are pleased to have had the chance to explore it before it is covered in tarmac. Sites can be visited on December 5. Call 05 53 57 03 11.
Airport numbers down by 17% by JANE HANKS BERGERAC airport authorities have blamed the economic crisis and a temporary closure for runway resurfacing last winter for a decline in passenger numbers since the new year. By the end of September the number of people passing through the airport was 206,970 and the airport hopes to break the 240,000 passenger total by the end of the year. Last year’s figures for the whole of 2011 were nearly 290,000 – 17% higher than expected for 2012. Serge Mérillou, the President of SMAD (Syndicat Mixte Air Dordogne), which governs the airport, said they were satisfied with the results: “All airports in France showed a downturn in the number of passengers this summer – and Bergerac has not escaped but the damage has been limited in particular because of the strength of the historic Stansted route. “We have continued to run 13 international lines and the Paris route. This year was also affected because we had to close for eight weeks for works on the runway.” He said that the lines which had proved successful were London with 67,009 passengers, Liverpool which had 79% of its seats filled with 18,000 passengers, Rotterdam and Southampton with more than 20,000 passengers each and the route to the Charleroi in Belgium which even showed a slight increase with 16,976 passengers this summer. Christophe Fauvel, the president of the chamber of commerce, which manages the airport, said that in spite of a difficult period the airport had never done so well in terms of publicity. “We have introduced multi-media screens which have allowed tourism professionals and other businesses linked to tourism to promote their
Photos: Jane Hanks
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News 3
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December 2012
Bergerac airport says its London, Liverpool, Rotterdam, Southampton and Charleroi routes were best performers
Resurfacing work last winter has contributed to the passenger decline
The President’s mug now adorns my mugs A young entrepreneur from the Dordogne has succeeded in being the first person to get permission from the president himself to put his image on mugs and other items to sell to the public. He even got François Hollande to sign his name and write his presidential election slogan “Moi, Président” in his own handwriting. 25-year-old Jean-Charles Granchamp from Peyrignac near Terrasson set up his business selling customised mugs in 2010. He is also a baker and sold his bread at the market at François Hollande’s home town of Tulle for many years. There he often met the president. Mr Granchamp said his idea was accepted immediately. “He thought it was amusing and I am sure the local link helped. I asked him to write ‘Moi, Président’ which he used several times during his head-tohead TV debate with Nicolas Sarkozy and which became his catchphrase. He was more than happy to give me several versions to choose from.” However will the French, who unlike the British are not used to drinking from mugs decorated with their nation’s leaders, want to buy his mer-
JeanCharles meets Hollande chandise? He is also planning a beer mug, thimble and mobile phone cover: “So far they are selling well. I sell them on the internet and at the market. And I’ve had inter-
est from a client who’s ordered several to send to England. “I was invited to the Elysée Palace where the president even posed with me and one of the mugs.”
services so they can benefit from the people passing through. On some days in the summer more than 3,000 people are present at the airport.” He said they had also used the airport for sales events which had worked well. Peugeot had a range of second hand cars on show for a week – with information in French and English. Mr Fauvel said they would increase the number of such events: “It will make the airport a more lively and friendly place and will be good for our local businesses giving them the opportunity to get in contact with an international clientele.” Meanwhile the question of who will manage the airport next year is to be decided at the end of this month. For the first time the governing body, made up largely by the conseil général put the management out to tender and is looking at three applicants: construction firm Vinci, the Canadian group SV Lavalin and the chamber of commerce.
Cèpes: Dordogne has vast potential A three-year long study of cèpe mushrooms in the Dordogne has revealed ways of giving woodland owners the best chance of getting a good crop of this much prized species. Like the truffle, the production of the cèpe is elusive and complicated. But a European project, Micosylva, has shown that mushrooms grow better in well managed forests – and that there are certain factors that can be controlled to maximise the possibilities of having a harvest. Nathalie Seegars from the chamber of agriculture in the Dordogne says that land belonging to four owners was scrutinised in depth for three years: “We will never be able to control the production of cèpes – because it depends highly on climatic factors – particularly the amount of rain and temperature. “Generally there is only a good harvest every three or four years. But this study has shown us that there are ways of improving the chances of a crop – and we want to encourage wood owners to look after their forest land and at the same time give them the chance of getting a secondary commercial crop other than timber.” Some 18 zones were studied
across France, Portugal and Spain. It showed how complicated is the relation between climate, soil, exposure, state of the undergrowth, type of trees and mushroom. There were certain conclusions. Mixed species and ages of trees seem to work best. A certain amount of light is needed – but trees must not be planted too far apart. Some undergrowth but not too much is necessary and some dead, rotting wood needs to be kept in the forest. The soil should not be too fertile and finally aspect and position – whether it drains well or not are also relevant. Guidelines have been drawn up for different types of forest. The study also concludes that the Dordogne has an enormous potential for the production and sale of cèpes. At present there are only two specialised markets which guarantee the origin of the mushrooms. These are at Villefranche du Périgord and Monpazier – and buyers come from all over the Aquitaine and the Midi-Pyrenées. Nathalie Seegars says the next step is to help wood owners to sell their product: “We still have a lot of follow up work to do and hope to help farmers to market their produce. It is part of a move to improve and value the forest in the Dordogne.”
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Dordogne Advertiser
December 2012
Did you know?
Mixed fortunes for local media Messiah concert raises over e1,500
A performance of the Messiah at Chancelade, near Périgueux, organised by a member of the Chancelade and Sorges section of the Anglican chaplaincy in the Dordogne has been hailed as a roaring success. It is the third time 72-yearold Veronica Dare-Bryan has put on Handel’s Messiah in the department. More than 250 people were in the audience and Mrs Dare-Bryan said that increasing interest from the local population in the masterpiece meant that nearly 40% were French: “I think it was very well received by the French and I was delighted. It was tremendously hard work to organise – I spent three months dedicated to it – and I’ve just wiped my computer of the 5,000 emails I had to deal with related to
the concert during that time.” She said she had the idea because the Anglican chaplaincy is asked to give 10% of its income to charity – and she thought that performing “the most wonderful work” that she knows would be a good way of raising money. Indeed the chaplaincy has, as a result, been able to give e500 each to the French charities Emmaüs and Paralysés de France and a further e500 to the Abbaye de Chancelade where they played and which is carrying out an ambitious restoration project. She also thought it was a shame that no-one else put on the Messiah locally at Christmas. All the musicians other than the professional soloists agreed to play for nothing – and they came from far and wide to participate.
Photos: François Blasquez
Musicians came from far and wide to play for free
IF You are keen to practise reading and hearing French, you might have already picked up a copy of Sud Ouest newspaper or switched on the radio. Sud Ouest is the big regional French newspaper for the area, with tailored editions for all of the main towns. However it has been struggling financially of late and recently announced plans to cut 180 jobs. Meanwhile, the Dordogne’s public radio station Radio France Bleu Périgord is celebrating its 30th birthday this year. It is the number one radio station in the area with 24.1% of the listening public. Station director Jean-Dominique Warlop says it above all offers a public service: “We are a station which is particularly close to its audience – we welcome them at our studios and the listeners often ring us up for information – or to give us information.” For example in the morning they have listeners all over the department who give the weather conditions where they live and traffic conditions. Mr Warlop adds: “We are a very big department and there are many areas where people feel isolated. The radio creates links between them and brings the community together. “We are also pleased that we are attracting more and more young listeners, despite the fact that it is an ageing population in the Dordogne. They will be our audience of tomorrow. Our target group is 35 to 55.”
Pensioners march over low incomes
Pensioners in the Dordogne have been demonstrating against what they say are unacceptably low pensions. In the department roughly a third of the population is of retirement age and the average income in that group is e600 per month for a woman and e900 for a man. Members of several unions took to the streets recently to demand better rights. José Bruneaux from the CGT union said they have several issues on the agenda: “Many retired people are living in extreme poverty in the department – I know some who receive just e300 a month. “We are asking the government to make sure that pensions don’t drop below the poverty level (e950 a month) and that they should be related to the minimum wage, the Smic.”
The unions are also asking for retired people to have better access to medical services, saying that among other problems there are recent rises in complementary health insurance premiums which some people can no longer afford. They also want pension levels to be reassessed every year. The problem is particularly acute in the Dordogne where many people of retirement age are receiving agricultural pensions which are particularly low. Retired farmers have been campaigning for years to improve their levels. Just recently a group campaigned in Tulle, home town of President Hollande, reminding him to fulfill the promises in his election campaign that he would address the problem.
The Restos du Coeur association has just opened for its 27th winter season and is expecting to help even more families with serious economic problems. The secretary for the Dordogne, Roland Ribes, said that at present they see a rise of 2-3% in the number of their clients each year: “In 2011 we gave out food to 6,600 people, representing about 2,600 families. Many are single-parent families.” Les Restos de Coeur was founded in 1985 by the well known comedian Coluche who has since died. He wished to help the poorer members of society. It is one of the biggest charities in France and has seen its need increase with the arrival of the economic crisis. In the Dordogne there are 31 centres which are run entirely by 450 volunteers. They distribute food to people who are judged in need by a series of criteria laid out by the central organisation all winter from November 26 to the end of March. The group also gives out a hot meal to the 40 or so homeless people in Périgueux every night –
the meal is cooked by inmates at the local prison. There is also a garden at Montpon where people who have been unemployed for eight to 10 years are given regular work growing vegetables which are then used by some of the centres. The charity gets its money from public subsidies, private donations and fundraising concerts. A quarter comes from Europe but Roland Ribes says that this is under threat at a time when their services are needed more than ever: “Europe is at the moment debating whether to end a system of aid to the poorest on the continent which was inspired by Coluche and involved using the unsold stocks from the Common Agricultural Policy. “At present many associations benefit from the system, not only us but also the Red Cross and the Secours Populaire. Our funding is assured for 2013 – but we don’t know what will happen in 2014. More than ever we are going to need to find new methods of funding.” To volunteer get in touch with them at 43 rue de Vésone, Périgueux, or send an email to ad24.siege@restosducoeur.org
Restos du Coeur are back
Dordogne Advertiser
More deaths on the roads
Warning over mushroom risk The government has issued a new warning about the dangers of wild mushrooms after 664 cases of intoxication – most of them in the Aquitaine, the Pays de Loire and Rhône-Alpes. Most were caused by confusing a poisonous mushroom with an edible one. The consequences can be serious – severe digestive problems, liver problems and nearly all need hospitalisation. The advice is: only pick mushrooms you are 100% sure of and if there is any doubt get them identified by a professional.
Chinese TV films locally by JANE HANKS
The Dordogne has found a new television audience – the Chinese – who came to film a drama series destined to be watched by more than 200 million viewers. One of the major networks in China, Hunan TV, has been in France for several weeks and chose the Dordogne to shoot some of the scenes in its romantic series Flowers and Mists. The 60-strong team filmed at Bergerac airport, Périgueux and Les Jardins du Manoir d’Eyrignac. Some 42 episodes of the hugely popular series are being shot in France, mostly in the Aquitaine and Brittany. It tells the tale of a young Chinese woman who is studying in France and hopes to find an old friend. When she finds out that her friend is dead she tries to find the killer. To do so she pretends to be in love with her friend’s brother. Sophie Maynard from Les Jardins du Manoir d’Eyrignac said the team was in the gardens for two days and it went well: “They chose France because of course it is known for being the country of love. “The Chinese are increasingly interested by France – for example our wines are now popular in China. We are beginning to see Chinese tourists here and at a tourism conference we discussed promoting the Dordogne in the Far East. To do so we must make sure information is translated. There is the possibility that the series will bring Chinese viewers to see the places where their heroes and heroines acted out their story.”
Fears for Sarlat hospital Photos: M Jourdain
The préfecture is once again warning drivers to be vigilant after more fatal road accidents. The number of deaths up to the beginning of November totaled 39 – six more than the number for the whole of 2011. This year there have been a total of 198 accidents with 258 injured. The préfet of the Dordogne, Jacques Billant says that weather conditions are difficult at this time of year and that drivers must adjust their speed accordingly. He warns that there will be a continued strong police presence with speed and alcohol controls.
News 5
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December 2012
Staff at Sarlat hospital are concerned over its future. An estimated 500 people, including local politicians, walked through the town to demonstrate and a few days later a delegation met in front of the hospital to coincide with a visit from the director of the Regional Health Authority. The hospital is undergoing severe cutbacks in its budget to make up for a e1.8million deficit. Despite promises no jobs will be lost, staff were concerned when the intensive care unit was recently closed down.
Man held after body found A 26-year-old man has been arrested in Marseille and held in custody in connection with the death of a woman in Bergerac. Pascale Bourdin was found dead in her flat by her brother. An autopsy revealed she died of a brain haemorrhage after being beaten around the head in an attack.
Laboratory staff return to work
The gardens at the Manoir d’Eyrignac were among the venues chosen for the recent filming
Staff at the Porgès laboratory in Sarlat have returned to work after an eight-day strike, agreeing a deal with their employer for a 2.1% pay rise.
Caro and Sean Feely make organic wines near Bergerac
Wine tourism prize for couple An Irish couple from Saussignac near Bergerac have won an international award for sustainable wine tourism. Caro and Sean Feely came to the Dordogne seven years ago and are thrilled with their award from The Great Wine Capitals Global Network, an organisation which links up the nine world class wine capitals, including Bordeaux and the surrounding area, Cape Town, San Francisco-Napa Valley and BilbaoRioja. This is the 10th year of the awards and the first time that a vineyard from the Bergerac area has won, competing with grand crus from Saint Emilion and the Médoc. The judges said that the wines “have been produced with passion and ecology”. As well as making their own organic wine, Caro and Sean Feely offer a variety of holidays or day visits. You can stay at one of their gîtes, have a tour through the vineyards or even blend your own wine. Caro says they are thrilled with the award because it gives international recognition: “It is important because we will now appear in a book which will be published in all the main wine capitals so that someone as far away as Christchurch in New Zealand can read about us. It’s a great coup for us.” She and her husband left city life in Ireland to come here. She was an IT strategy consultant
and he was in finance. They had never grown grapes themselves before but Sean comes from a South African wine producing family so had some knowledge. But it has been very demanding: “It’s been beyond hard. But it’s been worth it.” Caro has also written a book about their life-changing move, Grape Expectations, which was published earlier this year. On the 2012 harvest, she says: “I would say that it’s been a good year. Not exceptional, but we’re happy with it.” Paul-André Barriat, the president of the Fédération des Vins in Bergerac is also happy now the grape harvest is finished but he says that 2012 has not been an easy year and quantities are down by about 20% due to bad weather: “It has been a very difficult year with late frosts and a wet spring followed by a very hot and a very dry summer. “And the vendange was hampered by rain. However the end results are better than I expected. The quality of the Merlots, the dry white wines and the sweet white wines is very good. It was particularly difficult for the Monbazillacs because of the rain and the grapes had to be very carefully sorted to pick out the bad ones. I would say that in the end it was a year which fully challenged the technical competences of our wine producers – but in the end I am satisfied with the outcome.”
Worried about the Euro debt crisis? Talk to Siddalls about how to structure your finances in these difficult times Peter Wakelin, Regional Manager French Head Office: 05 56 34 75 51 Email: bordeaux.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.
6 National News Trial brings new hope for Parkinson’s cure RESEARCHERS may have made a breakthrough in treating Parkinson’s disease with a gene therapy that is injected directly into the brain of sufferers. Fifteen patients (12 in France and three in the UK) received injections of a modified virus that stimulated production of dopamine, a natural substance that is known to help control movement. French team leader Professor Stéphane Palfi, a neurosurgeon at Henri-Mondor Hospital in Créteil and a researcher at CEA/ Inserm, Paris, said that early results showed that the treatment was “well tolerated” and produced “encouraging results, especially at higher doses”.
VAT rise will make life more costly in 2014 MOST everyday products and services are expected to cost a little more as of 2014 after the government unveiled plans to raise VAT. Under the plans, the basic rate of VAT will rise from 19.6% to 20%, expected to bring in about e3.3billion in extra tax a year. Tax on goods and services at the intermediary rate of 7% will rise to 10% (generating e3.8 billion), including restaurant meals and hotel or campsite stays, transport, home help, cinema, museum visits, home renovation work and non-reimbursable medicines. The lowest 5.5% rate, on essentials like food and energy, will be slightly dropped, to 5% - a measure meant to help less well-off families, who spend the largest proportion of their incomes on these.
Psychiatrist faces jail for releasing killer A PSYCHIATRIST has been accused by a Marseille court of being responsible for the death of an 83-year-old man after releasing a schizophrenic patient from a secure hospital. The doctor, Danièle Canarelli, faces up to five years in prison and a e75,000 fine if found guilty of manslaughter. She had allowed her long-term patient, Joël Gaillard, to leave the Edouard-
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Metro bans ‘inclusive’ poster for its politics AN anti-Islamophobia poster campaign has been banned from Paris’s public transport system because of its political and religious connotations. The publicity arm of the bus and Metro authority RATP banned three posters (one of which is shown right) by the Collectif Contre l’islamophobie en France (CCIF). The CCIF has made public a letter explaining RATP’s conclusion that the appearance of symbols like the veil, payots (side curls worn by Orthodox Jews) and crucifixes alongside the phrase “We (too) are the nation” plus the French flag was politically charged. One of the posters of the “We (too) are the nation” campaign is a reworking of the Tennis Court Oath (pictured inset right) painting by Jacques-Louis David (depicting a key meeting in the run-up to the French Revolution), redesigned to give a more diverse range of religious and ethnic identities to the figures involved. Toulouse hospital in Marseille on interim release - although his family said he risked further violence if allowed to return home. Days later, in March 2004, he attacked 83-year-old Germain Trabuc in Gap (Hautes-Alpes) with an axe, killing him.
No CFE property tax for auto-entrepreneurs AUTO-ENTREPRENEURS have been given a reprieve from paying the business tax cotisation foncière des entreprises (CFE) for 2012. The tax, which replaced taxe professionnelle is based on the value of your premises (in auto-entrepreneurs’ case this is often their home) and could be unrealistically high for many of these small businesses. Now more time has been given to analyse how they should be taxed.
Teenager’s ‘Come Back Sarkozy’ ode is hit A TEENAGER’s song pleading for Nicolas Sarkozy to return to politics in France has passed one million views on YouTube in a month. Josh Stanley, 16, from Monaco, has recorded a song begging Sarkozy to return and save France from François Hollande. The song also refers to “taxes that are sinking us” and Peugeot and Renault which have “broken”. Josh who was born in Monaco to a British father and German mother, has made previous songs from his bedroom, including one called The Good Life about his life, and won “Idées jeunes 2012” - a competition held by the Monegasque education authorities for people aged 15-25.
Young computer genius tagged for phone virus
Photo: Photopqr/Le Courrier Picard/Frédéric Douchet
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A 20-YEAR-OLD from Amiens, Picardy, who created a virus that infected at least 17,000 smartphones is to be electronically tagged for six months. Dylan Caron, who dropped out of school at 15, said he did it to prove he is “as good as people with diplomas”. He made software which is free to download to Android phones but which, unknown to users, sent premium rate texts from their phone. He then recuperated small payments from the texts. He is said to have made about e4,000, which he used to buy IT equipment and computer games. His victims are thought to have lost around €500,000. Passing judgment, the judge remarked that “for a first try at committing a crime it was a masterstroke”.
Operations postponed as surgeons strike
MANY operating theatres have been shut due to a surgeons’ strike over perceived threats to their freedom and pay. Several medical unions took part, including hospital surgeons’ union Bloc, although the three largest doctors’ unions, which recently came to an agreement over fees with the health minister, were not involved. The campaigners are opposed to the recent agreement placing new limits on doctors’ rights to charge fees higher than the basic state tariffs (called dépassements d’honoraires) – for example Bloc thinks surgeons should be able to charge more than was agreed.
Algerian remembrance date set for March 19 FRANCE has set March 19 as a day of remembrance for the victims of the Algerian war. The move ends years of disagreement over what to do about the 1954-62 war, with March 19 marking what some see as France’s defeat with the signing of the Evian accord to end the fighting. Right-wing senators voted against the move, saying the date would stir up old hatreds. Thousands of North African-born French citizens known as ‘pieds noirs’ were repatriated to France after March 19. It is thought that 80,000 Harkis, Muslim soldiers who had fought for France, were killed after the war ended.
Authorities investigate ‘big cat’ sightings AUTHORITIES are investigating a rash of big cat sightings in the south of France. A spokesman for the prefecture of the Alpes-de-Haute-
Provence said: “We are studying all hypotheses, including that of a big cat and that of a black panther.” The national office for hunting and wild animals has set up a trap near a village where the beast was spotted, but hunters have been ordered not to shoot it. Several sightings have been reported over a few months: the cat has been spotted drinking from a swimming pool, crossing a road and sleeping in a bush. Footprints of 10cm diameter have been discovered in the hills near the village of Oraison.
Long-term ill prescribed sport for treatment SPORT on prescription is being trialled in Strasbourg, where doctors are prescribing diabetics, the chronically ill and obese and those with heart problems a new diet of swimming, rowing, Nordic walking or cycling. The project, a pilot for France, is being run with the city, the Alsace health agency, the local Assurance Maladie, the prefecture and education authority. Fifty volunteer doctors will prescribe exercise for their patients under the “Sport-santé sur Ordonnance” scheme. The prescription will allow patients to visit special trainers and get a coupon for a free enrolment for an activity.
Mixed reaction for Hollande press briefing PRESIDENT Hollande’s first twoand-a-half hour speech and press conference since his election six months ago reinforced his image of a statesman but failed to address key voter concerns, critics say. During the recent conference, which was billed as an opportunity to educate the public on issues, Hollande defended his policies, including VAT rises and budget caps, in front of 400 journalists at the Elysée Palace.
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Olympic hero’s mission to bring sport opportunities to disabled Olympic medalist Joël Jeannot from SaintAstier is a local hero and known above all for the work he has done to promote sport for disabled people in the region. He has just been awarded the equivalent of the keys of the city for Périgueux – la médaille de la ville – and says he feels a true Périgourdain. Jane Hanks met him at the Journée des Handisports He raced at Brands Hatch which he found difficult and was disappointed to get bronze. But he has nothing but praise for the London Paralympics. “I was on the committee to bring the Olympics to Paris and was very sad when London got the bid. But I don’t think that France could have put on the Paralympics as successfully as the UK,” he says. “The stadiums were full. There were more than 60,000 people watching us. They had bought tickets to come and see real sport being played out in front of them. It didn’t matter that the players were handicapped. It increased confidence in our sportsmen and women.” He says that the attitude of the Anglo-Saxon countries towards disabled people is much more positive than in France: “You tend to look at the best side of things and not the worst which makes it much better for someone in a wheelchair.” Back in the Dordogne, Mr Jeannot set up Handisport to increase the opportunities for disabled people to take part in a physical activity: “It’s not necessarily about winning but giving access to a sport. “It brings people together and they can share their experiences and help each other to combat their own particular problems and live with their handicap. It is more difficult in a rural area like our own because there are fewer facilities and it is easier to become isolated. But we do what we can. It is also very important to have a place where there are the right conditions and
equipment so participants can carry out their sport in safety and confidence.” There are a number of sports on offer: basketball, table tennis, boxing, horse-riding, judo, tennis, athletics, fencing shooting, swimming and indoor bowling. Events are organised around the department – for example there was a recent introduction to water skiing at Trémolat, where of course Mr Jeannot was present to encourage the participants. There was also a handbike trip along the cycle path from Sarlat to Souillac earlier in the autumn. Mr Jeannot is now 47 – and hopes to be in Brazil for the next Olympics: “When I stop participating in events I hope to work behind the scenes to promote sports. It’s what I would have done if Paris had been chosen for the Olympics – it wasn’t, so I went back to being an athlete. I now have a diploma in sport and I want to continue to work in sport.” He feels at home in the Dordogne: “My accident happened 22 years ago – and I have been here for 20 years.
So my whole life in a wheelchair has been here and living in the Dordogne has helped me to keep balanced and sane. We have a very good lifestyle in Périgord.” One of the many projects supported and helped by Mr Jeannot was one to take three residents from a centre for deaf, blind and mentally handicapped people to the Paralympics. The La Peyrouse home at Saint Félix de Villadeix near Bergerac tries to give their residents as many opportunities to participate in the world as possible. They felt it was important that some of them could go to the Paralympics and so organised the trip. Rosa Gomes, one of the carers, said it was a fantastic success: “The British did all they could to welcome us. It was absolutely wonderful. It was very important for our residents and we were all extremely happy with the experience which enriched their lives.” If you are interested in any of the activities which are open for children and adults, call 05 53 07 62 27.
Joël Jeannot was the 2011 handbiking world champion and is heavily involved in improving sport facilities for the disabled in the region
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Joël Jeannot is a very popular man. It was he who set up the Handisport association in the Dordogne – and at its open day people did not stop coming up to him for a hello, a word of encouragement or to have a photo taken with him. He is known for his hugely infectious smile and energy. “I am someone who is very open and I like being with people,” he says. “I have a certain notoriety now and I feel I should use it to advance the cause of sport for disabled people. There is still a lot of work to be done in France.” Mr Jeannot was born in Martinique in 1965, the eldest in a family of six children. He became a motor mechanic but at the age of 25 he was the victim of a work accident when a skip fell off a lorry and left him paralysed. He then came to France for treatment and chance took him to the Dordogne where he has lived for the past 20 years. On his arrival he took up basketball and it opened up the future for him. “I wasn’t very sporty before but the accident made me have to face up to enormous challenges. Now, I am very competitive and I always like to have a new project on the go,” he says. From basketball he moved on to athletics and went to the Paralympics in Sydney where he won a gold medal. In 2004 he was at Athens where he picked up gold in the 10,000m race plus silver in the relay. He skipped China but by London 2012 he had changed sport to handbiking events in which he was world champion in 2011.
8 What’s On
Périgord Pourpre
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December 2012
EXHIBITION Mouleydier
From December 8 – Photographer Michel Momy joined representatives from luxury goods giant Hermès on a special journey to Thar in India to meet local artisans - jewellers, glass-blowers and more - and find out about their savoir-faire and the tricks of their trade. The cultural and knowledge exchange is documented in this impressive series of mostly black-and-white images, displayed at the Château les Merles. www.lesmerles.com
Bergerac MUSIC December 1 Jimi Hendrix masterclass – A day of courses in guitar, bass and drums in Périgueux from 8.30-22.00. Two-hour sessions cost e25. The end result is a big group concert from 18.00 including a discussion of Hendrix’s work. To find out more call 05 53 63 03 70 or visit www.rocksane.com
December Bergerac CONCERT December 2 – Christmas concert from American singer and actress Jeane Manson and the Kumisa Gospel Quartet at the Eglise Notre Dame in Bergerac. Traditional Christmas songs and new compositions, part of her French tour. Doors open 17.00. Tickets e35 from the usual outlets.
Issigeac THEATRE December 6-8 Living Together by Alan Ayckbourn – The second play of Ayckbourn’s renowned The Norman Conquests trilogy, this play explores the relationships within a dysfunctional British family you would not want to live with. Tickets e10-e12. Issigeac château, doors open 19.30. www.mads-theatre.org
Alan Ayckbourn
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Périgord Vert
Ribérac CHARITY
English church services this month
December 8-9 – Offroad Périgueux Vert 4x4 club organises a big rally at the Château de Jumilhac-le-Grand to raise money for the Téléthon. A wide array of vehicles will be on display and there will be a big communal lunch. Minimum donation e25, meal cost e15. www.offroadperigordvert.fr
Champagnac-de-Belair CONCERT December 23 Rendez-Vous de Noël – PreChristmas get-together outside the church in Champagnac, with mulled wine and other winter warmers. Call 05 53 05 29 86 or aprecb.free.fr
Funk Tribute Party – Free disco evening at Le Sans Réserve in Périgueux on what, according to the Mayan calendar, is the last day we exist. Call 05 53 06 12 73 or see www.sans-reserve.org
Photo: © Subbotina Anna - Fotolia.com
Périgueux MUSIC December 21 End of the World Disco
Périgord Noir
What’s On 9
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December 2012
Périgord Blanc Périgueux
MARKET
December 15 Marché au Gras – Market in the centre of Périgueux selling foie gras and other regional produce ready for the Christmas holiday season. www.tourisme-perigueux.fr
Sarlat-la-Canéda MARKET
Until January 31 Marché de Noêl et Patinoire – Sarlat has a big Christmas market offering presents for all budgets, followed by the arrival of an outdoor ice rink on the Place de la Grande Rigaudie for the first month of the New Year. Call 05 53 31 45 45 or see www.sarlat-tourisme.com
December 2 10.30 - Bertric Burée 10.30 - Limeuil 11.00 - Sainte Nathalène 16.00 - Bertric Burée December 9 10.30 - Bertric Burée 10.30 - Limeuil 11.00 - Negrondes 16.00 - Chancelade December 11 18.00 - Saussignac 11.00 - Bertric Burée December 12 18.00 - Eymet December 16 10.30 - Bertric Burée 10.30 - Chancelade 10.30 - Limeuil
16.00 - Sainte Nathalène December 18 18.00 - Limeuil 19.30 - St Pardoux de Mareuil December 19 18.00 - Riberac Hospital Chapel December 20 10.30 - Limeuil 11.00 - Negrondes December 23 10.30 - Bertric Burée 10.30 - Limeuil Tuesday, December 25 10.30 - Bertric Burée 10.30 - Limeuil 11.00 - Sainte Nathalène December 30 10.30 - Bertric Burée 10.30 - Limeuil
Market days Monday: Les Eyzies, Ste Alvère, Tocane St Apre, Beynac Tuesday: Beaumont, Bergerac, Brantôme, Cénac et St Julien, Lanouaille, Le Bugue, Lisle, Mareuil-surBelle, Ribérac, Thiviers, Trémolat, Gourdon, Neuvic, Salignac-Eyvigues, Thenon Wednesday: Bergerac, Cadouin, Hautefort, Jumilhac le Grand, la Tour Blanche, Montignac, Montpon Ménestérol, Piégut Pluviers, Sarlat, Siorac en Périgord, Carlux, Périgueux, Razac, Ste Nathalene Thursday: Domme, Excideuil, La Coquille, Lalinde, Monpazier, St Astier, St Julien de Lampon, St Pardoux la Rivière, Terrasson, Eymet, Meyrals Friday: Bergerac, Brantôme, Le Buisson, Le Lardin, Ribérac, Sarlat, Cubjac, La Roque Gageac, Sigoules, Souillac, Vergt Saturday: Beaumont, Belvès, Bergerac, Le Bugue, Lalinde, Lanouaille, Montignac, Montpon Ménestérol, Nontron, Saint Aulaye, Sarlat, Thiviers,
Villefranche du Périgord, Agonac, Gourdon, La Roche Chalais, Mussidan, Neuvic, Périgueux, Razac Sunday: Angoisse, Bergerac, Calviac, Couze-St-Front, Issigeac, Jumilhac le Grand, Limeuil, Pontours, Pressignac-Vicq, St Cyprien St Front de Pardoux, St Geniès, St Leon sur Vezère, St Pardoux la Rivière, Sarlat, Sorges, Carsac, Daglan, Marquay, Rouffignac Christmas markets: 2 – Allemans, Fossemagne, Le Fleix 8 – Montpon-Ménestérol 9 – Bourdeilles, La Jemaye, Notre-Dame-de-Sanilhac, Saint-Aquilin, Sarliac-sur-l'Isle 15 Coux-et-Bigaroque, Hautefort, Neuvic-sur-l'Isle, Piégut-Pluviers, Vergt 16 - Chavagnac, Coux-etBigaroque, Saint-Geniès 22 - Prigonrieux
10 What’s On
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Get Involved!
noticeboard Winter knitting meet-ups
Café Tricot helps meet people but also spend some relaxing time with a cuppa
WITH winter here, what better way to spend an afternoon than by joining a knitting or sewing class. The association Fil du Temps – which was set up 15 years ago to promote the local heritage – runs a “Café Tricot” on Sundays and an embroidery afternoon on Thursdays at the Wool Mill it has restored and opened to the public at Belvès, “Filature de Belvès”. Every Sunday afternoon throughout the winter you can drop in at the centre at any time which suits you between 14.00 and 17.00. Clarianne Wytzes from the Filature de Belvès says Café Tricot is open to all those who like knitting or crocheting and is for both beginner and advanced levels. “It is very relaxed and you can come for as long or as little time as you like,” she says. “There is a professional teacher to advise you –
either to teach you from scratch or to help you with your projects. It is an opportunity to swap ideas, to chat, to meet new people and at the same time enjoy a cup of tea or coffee.” It costs e4 for the afternoon. On Thursday afternoons from 14.00-17.00, there are embroidery lessons which are for both beginners and advanced levels. You need to bring your own sewing materials and it costs e6 for the session. The association also runs three or five-day courses in quilting, spinning, felting, dyeing wool, weaving and patchwork. Its aim is to share traditional textile skills which can be found in the Périgord and give participants the chance to learn them. Dates for the courses can be found on their website. n www.filaturedebelves.com n Filature de Belvès: 05 53 31 83 05
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What’s On in the capital
Photo: dalbera/Flickr
Two wine rendezvous this month
Walk with dinosaurs FAMILY
December 19-23 – After touring more than 200 cities worldwide and being seen by seven million spectators, the extraordinary Walking With Dinosaurs spectacle is back in Paris at Bercy. Worldrenowned designers have worked with scientists to create 20 life-sized dinosaurs including the terrible Tyrannosaurus Rex. This is a stunning family show with great special effects. Opening times vary according to day. Entry from e30 to e60. See www.bercy.fr
FOOD AND DRINK
MUSIC
December 3 – French singersongwriter and multi-instrumentalist Sébastien Tellier plays one night at the Casino de Paris (which is a concert venue, not a casino) from 19.30. Tickets range from e55 to e199 from the usual outlets. 16 rue Clichy, 9e. Photo: Sweetsofa/Flickr
Festive fun in the city of light
OUTDOORS
Show has all things nautical EXHIBITION
Star Wars toy display EXHIBITION imagination year after year. This year Dior will take pride of place at Printemps while Galeries Lafayette is joined by Louis Vuitton to celebrate the 100th anniversary of its giant dome. Hundreds of streets will have special illuminations – but for the best photo head to the foot of the Champs-Elysées and take a snap of the beautiful avenue bathed in light with the Arc de Triomphe at the top. Christmas markets abound – two of the biggest are at the ChampsElysées and La Défense, selling
Christmas treats, vin chaud, decorations, gifts and warm food. At La Défense, you will find no less than 350 chalets offering a multitude of gifts, handcrafted objects, gourmet food and plenty of decorative ideas. Santa will be there every day for a photo with the children. Open daily 10.00-18.00. Then head over to the square at the front of the Hôtel de Ville and get your skates on. Rentals cost e5 – and the 1,300m2 open-air rink is open daily until 22.00 from December 18 until March.
Paris stage for Cirque du Soleil Photo: Bytemarks/Flickr
December 8-16 – Porte de Versailles transforms into a nautical dream for this major boat show that draws more than 250,000 visitors annually with exhibits, demonstrations and events. The show, called Nautic, aims to appeal to as wide an audience as possible with something for every age and every taste. Some 30 different sectors will be represented including sailing and watersports activities, major races and events, river tourism and sailing equipment. Almost 800 boats will be on show including 200 brand new designs. Open daily 10.0019.00. Paris Expo, Porte de Versailles. Entry e15. For full details, see www.salonnautiqueparis.com
All month – December is a great time to visit Paris, as the city is bathed in sparkling Christmas lights, elaborate window displays, markets and outdoor ice skating rinks. Starting with the window displays, the place to head to is Boulevard Haussmann where Printemps and the Galeries Lafayette do battle each year for the most spectacular show. Top designers and stylists are invited to participate in the creation of the set design and the figures, which outdo each other in magic and
Photo: bibi95/Flickr
Sébastien Tellier
Photo: simononly/Flickr
December 8-9 – Twenty of the finest organic winemakers in France will be showing off their work for the third year running at Vignerons en Seine. It takes place on the Melody Blues barge, moored next to the Pont de Tolbiac near Bercy Village. Entry is e6 including a souvenir glass. Open 10.0019.00. www.verrebouteille.net Meanwhile, from December 14-16, the Maxim’s barge at the Pont de Suffren, near the Eiffel Tower, puts on its annual Salon des Grands Vignobles showcasing fine wines and foie gras. Booking is essential. See grandsvignobles.blogspot.com
FAMILY
Until December 2 – The Cirque du Soleil’s latest touring show, Alegria, spends a week in Paris this winter. The show’s themes are many: power and the handing down of power over time, the evolution from ancient monarchies to modern democracies and old age and youth. Kings’ fools, minstrels, beggars, old aristocrats and children make up the cast along with clowns. Palais Omnisports de Paris Bercy, 20.00 plus some matinée performances. Tickets from e36 to e78. www.cirquedusoleil.com
Until March – The Star Wars Toys exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs on the Rue de Rivoli retraces 35 years of the history of the toys and products derived from George Lucas’s popular space series. Everything from games and toys to comics and other unusual products is on display – 400 items in total. Open Tuesday-Sunday 11.00-18.00, late night on Thursday. Entry e9.50. www.lesartsdecoratifs.fr
Top French horse show SPORT
December 1-9 – The Salon du Cheval is the annual rendezvous for horse fans and features prestigious international equestrian competitions, including the Gucci Paris Masters. It is the biggest horse show in France, with more than 400 exhibitors. Parc des Expositions, Paris Nord Villepinte, on the RER B towards Charles de Gaulle airport. Daily from 10.00. Tickets from e14 to e18.
12 Practical
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From the very start, buying a home in France is a different process to that of the UK. It is highly regulated to offer security for buyer and seller, writes OLIVER ROWLAND BUYING a home in France is a two-stage process, with the first legally-binding step usually being a compromis de vente. When an offer has been accepted (usually verbally) both parties will typically arrange to meet with a notaire to sign this important presale contract. The compromis is similar in most respects to the final acte de vente (sale contract) signed about three months afterwards. The main difference is that the compromis has a sevenday “cooling off ” period, when the buyer can pull out without explanation. (In the case of commercial properties this is not always
automatically the case). If the buyer pulls out after this, the deposit, paid at the signing stage, is lost, compensating the seller. Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov set the bar high for this in 2010, when he lost his e39 million deposit after pulling out of buying a Côte d’Azur villa for e390 million. It is theoretically possible for individuals to complete the compromis stage between themselves without a notaire (by using a model contract), but “it’s the best way to get things wrong,” said an English-speaking notaire from Rennes, Olivier Jammet.
In any case, the acte de vente must involve a notaire and using one from the start will cost you no more, he said. Typically the content of the compromis goes into the final act, so it is not to be taken lightly. It is also legal for the compromis stage to be organised by the estate agent selling the home, though if this is proposed you are not obliged to accept. Typically the parties will meet at the seller’s notaires. A notaire is a state official and is meant to be impartial, however buyers also have the right to involve a notaire of their own choice, if they wish to have the extra reassurance of a lawyer who is unambiguously on “their” side and can double check the compromis to make sure it contains nothing prejudicial to them and contains all the clauses that may benefit them. Where two notaires are involved there are arrangements to share fees and it is at no extra cost to the buyer.
Photo: © Jörg Hackemann - fotolia.com
Sign first, ask questions later when buying a French home
What is the compromis? It is a multi-page contract naming the location and nature of the property and the identities of buyer and seller and noting that they agree respectively to buy from and sell to each other. It includes all the conditions of the sale including any clauses suspensives, which cancel the sale if not fulfilled, and it names a date by which the signature of the acte de vente must take place (though this can be altered later if necessary, on agreement between the parties). This date is the one when the parties could legally take action to force completion. The contract should take into account all relevant factors, like the marital situation of the parties (and type of marriage contract), how the purchase will be financed, if the home is currently rented to tenants etc. (Note that there is also a version called the promesse de vente, used in the Paris area, which involves some legal differences, notably that
er
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understood all important elements of the compromis, though he or she does not have to go through it line by line. Where he or she is English-speaking – as many French notaires are – the notaire may provide English explanations. If so, it will be noted in the acte de vente that this was done. Otherwise a sworn translator may attend to translate the notaire’s words. The notaire must summarise the content of the document and answer all of the buyer’s questions. The buyer will have received a draft copy of the proposed compromis before the meeting so as to consider questions or changes. Mr Jammet said that, as these are long documents, it is rarely practical for all of it to be translated, though the buyer could have this done at their own expense if they wished. However he added that the notaire should make themselves available to answer questions “before, during and after” the meeting.
What if the buyer is abroad and cannot attend to sign? There are several options for the compromis stage. Mr Jammet said: “For the compromis it is easy to organise a proxy signature, for example
by a clerk of the notaire; or the compromis can be sent by post to Britain and returned by post.” However he added that given the importance of the matter it is always best for all parties to be present in person if possible. For the acte, however, both parties usually attend, although it is possible, but complicated to make other arrangements at this stage. What if the buyer speaks little French? The notaire must make sure the buyer has
Buying a home in France - the helpguide The Connexion has a helpguide written in partnership with the Conseils des notaires de France - the publishing arm of France's national notaires group. You can order a printed copy from our website for e9.50 Visit www.connexionfrance.com or call 0800 91 77 56 if you have any problems and we will send you a printed version
The dépôt de garantie A deposit will be agreed between the parties and mentioned in the draft compromis, which should be handed over by cheque on the day of signing it. This is usually 10% in Paris but often 5% in other parts of France, though legallyspeaking none is obligatory (unless the notaire negotiated the sale of the home). The buyer should make sure their bank account contains sufficient funds as the notaire is entitled to bank it immediately. If they withdraw, it should be refunded within 21 days.
Withdrawal by the buyer Only the buyer has a legal right to withdraw and this runs for seven days starting from the day after he or she has these are long documents, received a signed copy of the compromis. If it is rarely practical for all of it attending the office to The diagnostics The seller must sign this will be the day to be translated, however the inform the buyer after the meeting. If the of the condition of process is done by post, notaire should be available to the home by prothe buyer will sign and viding legallysend back a copy, then answer questions required diagnoswait for it to be returned tics. These are certo them, at which point tificates drawn up the retraction period after checks by a professional diagnostiqueur. runs from the day it is presented at their home This is to help the buyer in their decision on (eg. by international recommended post). whether to go through with the sale and in The seven days are calendar days and expire assessing if the home is worth the asking price. at midnight on the last day, but if the last one These include: falls on a Sunday or bank holiday then the n Natural and technological risks – is the limit is prolonged for an extra day. property in a zone at risk of earthquakes or The decision to retract is by recommended flooding etc? post with reception slip and the buyer is in time if they send it back on the seventh day. n Energy performance – this includes the Mr Jammet said there is sometimes a clause award of a letter from A (good) to G (bad) in the compromis saying the buyer will cover indicating the property's energy-efficiency. the notaire’s fees of around e200 in this case. n Floor space in square metres (called the However where this is not included the notaire Loi Carrez diagnostic) – usually only for flats. accepts not to receive payment if the sale does n Infestation by termites – required in not go ahead. risk zones.
“
where the buyer pulls out after the cooling-off period they only lose their deposit, whereas with the compromis the seller could also take legal action to force the buyer to complete).
n Lead – concerns properties built before 1949. Notably examines if there is any lead paint in a degraded state (eg. with flakes coming off). n Gas/electricity – checking the safety of installations: for homes 15 years old or more. n Asbestos – check on its presence and condition in homes built before July 1, 1997. For the more technical ones the seller may wish to seek expert advice as to the seriousness and potential cost of rectifying any problems. Notaires will also be aware of any local problems, Mr Jammet said. “For example in Brittany there are often problems with fungus – there is no obligatory check, so we will recommend the buyer has one done. In Paris the risk is quarrying – holes under the building... so we would run checks.”
Photo: pandore - fotolia.com
Clauses suspensives A variety of clauses may be inserted, meaning that the contract ends if they are not fulfilled. A common one is the requirement that the buyer should have a formal offer of a loan from a bank by a certain date. Mr Jammet said it would also be possible to insert one saying “on condition I sell my home in the UK”, however he said this would only apply if a buyer had already been found (but later dropped out), not if the home was merely on the market. As
Practical 13
14 Leisure Time
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Sponsored by French-themed crossword
What’s in a word?
Easy
Down
2. Magasin specialising in stationery (9) 8. Teatime equivalent of cafetière (7) 9. Toile de tissu for jeans manufacture, whose name derives from the capital of the Gard department (5) 10. Crainte or inquiétude (4) 11. Formerly part of a franc, now of a euro (7) 13. Purchases in a bazar, hypermarché etc (6) 15. Heraldic and precious metal – or cash (6) 18. Lemon _______ or verveine, whose leaves are often used for a refreshing tisane (7) 20. Sweet food made by les abeilles (4) 23. Stew of beef braised in wine, garlic, vegetables and herbes de Provence (5) 24. Soft fruits rouges produced by a plant of the rose family (7) 25. Eleventh month of the Republican Calendar (9)
1. Mediterranean port and resort known as the Venice of Languedoc (4) 2. In its masculine form it is used for heating, in its feminine for frying (5) 3. Classic Godard film, _______ le Fou, starring Jean-Paul Belmondo (7) 4. In music, un intervalle de trois degrés (6) 5. Paris-born sculptor best known for works such as Le Penseur and L’homme qui marche (5) 6. Synonym for neigeux (7) 7. Léon ________, a founder of the Third Republic, who escaped from the siege of Paris in a balloon and briefly became prime minister (8) 12. Alcoholic drink from the Basse-Normandie region (8) 14. River which rises in the Cévennes and flows into the Mediterranean near Agde (7) 16. Arthur _______, restless young poet whom Victor Hugo once described as ‘an infant Shakespeare’ (7) 17. “Une femme sans ______ est une femme sans avenir”; Coco Chanel (6) 19. Young mind attending an établissement scolaire (5) 21. Action d’un oiseau qui s’envole (5) 22. Describes someone with big bones (4)
The France quiz
by Paul Masters
bougie banned from manufacturing in a number of cities and towns throughout Europe. Bougie became synonymous with candle and eventually replaced the Latin word in France, it also took on a second meaning in modern French. Les bougies can also be found under the bonnet of your car - they are your spark plugs. (Belgian Jean J. Lenoir is credited with their invention). The rise of the oil industry, and the subsequent use of paraffin-wax candles led to the disappearance of beeswax, and thankfully tallow, during the last century. However, the invention of the internal combustion engine has given a new lease of life to the town's name. So as you decorate your home over Christmas you can spare a thought for the north African town that lent its name to your bougie wonderland.
Intermediate
1 ROGUE trader Jérôme Kerviel lost his appeal against a prison sentence. How much of Société Générale's money did he lose (and now has to pay back)? 2 How many Bond girls have been French (including Bond-girl and villain Sophie Marceau, pictured above)? 3 WHICH artist is responsible for the biggest-selling album in France? 4 WHO wrote the Hunchback of NotreDame (French title Notre-Dame de Paris)?
5 THE first Frenchman in space (also the first Western European) Jean-Loup Chrétien escaped the atmosphere in which year? 6 "WE say time is a great teacher, unfortunately it kills all its students." Which French classical composer coined this gem? 7 THE Statue of Liberty was a gift from France to the USA - who raised the funds for the pedestal on which she stands? (Clue: He named journalism's most famous prizes). 8 How many former French presidents are still alive?
Difficult
CROSSWORD ANSWERS. Across 2 papeterie; 8 théière; 9 denim; 10 peur; 11 centime; 13 achats; 15 argent; 18 verbena; 20 miel; 23 daube; 24 fraises; 25 Thermidor Down 1 Sète; 2 poêle; 3 Pierrot; 4 tierce; 5 Rodin; 6 enneigé; 7 Gambetta; 12 Calvados; 14 Hérault; 16 Rimbaud; 17 parfum; 19 élève; 21 essor; 22 ossu FRANCE QUIZ ANSWERS: 1. e4.9billion; 2. Nine; 3. Celine Dion (D'eux 1995). Victor Hugo; 5. 1982; 6. Berlioz; 7. Joseph Pulitzer 8.Three (Chirac, Sarkozy and Valéry Giscard d'Estaing)
Sudoku
Across
Photo: Andrey Lunin/Wikimedia
BATHED in sunshine on the south coast of the Mediterranean Sea lies a city which has the distinction of bearing three names. The official name on Algerian maps is Béjaia, but many of the inhabitants speak the Berber language, and use the name Bgayet. For Europeans, however, the city is known as Bougie. The city's current fortunes are based on an oil pipeline running from Hassi Messaoud, deep in the Sahara desert, but the name of Bougie was widespread centuries before the petrochemical industry began. Long before oil, gas and electricity were used to power our homes, Bougie exported beeswax to Europe. Much of it was exported to Genoa, where it was used in the manufacture of fine candles for the wealthy and the Church. The poor had to make do with tallow candles, made from the fat of cows or sheep, and which had the distinct disadvantage of giving off a really awful smell. So awful in fact, that the chandlers or candlemakers were
by John Foley
Dordogne Advertiser
Oysters: the real raw deal
Marinated oysters with Sauterne wine sauce
Serves: 4 Preparation: 15-20 minutes Cooking: 25-30 minutes 1 kg rock oysters, opened and kept chilled 150 ml Sauterne wine 4 large egg whites 25 ml white wine vinegar a pinch of salt For the wine sauce: 250 ml light fish stock 150 ml Sauterne wine 150 ml double cream salt and pepper For the garnish: 1 tbsp butter 1 small plum tomato, quartered 1 button mushroom, quartered sprigs of chervil large handful of tarragon sprig tops
Photo: Rivière/Photocuisine
Method
To prepare oysters: n Rinse and brush them n Put a tea towel over your left hand (if you are righthanded), and hold an oyster in it with the pointed end towards you and the flatter side on top. n Insert the knife three-
quarters along the right-hand side (starting from the point) then cut towards yourself with a side-to-side motion to cut the muscle that holds the shell halves together, then twist it to open the shell. For the best flavour do not eat oysters straight away: tip out the water inside – la première eau – and leave the oysters to one side for about a quarter to half an hour before eating them. Most oysters in France are huîtres creuses – rounded oysters – as opposed to the other variety (plates – flat). The Atlantic coast in the Marennes/Oléron area is especially famous for them. They come in different size calibres, from 5 (the smallest) to 0, with descriptions indicating how full and fleshy they are (spéciales are the meatiest), or whether they were finished off in special maturing beds – de claires. Oysters should be kept in the bottom of the fridge, for no more than a week.
CUT OUT & KEEP!
ingredients
English-speakers may be unsure about the Christmas delicacy of oysters but, as France is Europe’s top producer, it is time to lose the inhibitions and get cracking the traditional way to eat oysters during Christmas and New Year in France is raw. You need minimal equipment to prepare them, though it is worth investing in an oyster knife to avoid struggling or slipping while opening them. These have a rounded handle for a firm grip and a small, firm, triangular blade. Otherwise, use any small, sharp, knife, holding it so as to work just with the tip. You need a tray to put the oysters on and simple accompaniments such as lemon juice or wine vinegar with chopped shallots, plus crusty bread and butter – then you are ready to go.
Food and Pets 15
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Combine the oysters and 150 ml of the Sauterne wine in a bowl, cover and chill until ready to serve. Prepare the sauce by reducing the fish stock by half in a saucepan before adding 150 ml of Sauterne wine. Reduce again by half, then add the double cream. Bring to the boil and reduce over a moderate heat until you have a thick coating consistency. Adjust the seasoning to taste and keep warm to one side. Fill a large saucepan with boiling
water and stir through the white wine vinegar. Whisk the egg whites with a pinch of salt in a large mixing bowl until they form stiff peaks. Form large quenelles of egg white and poach them, turning occasionally until firm yet springy to the touch. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper. Melt the butter in a frying pan and sauté the plum tomato and mushroom
quarters briefly, seasoning as you do. Arrange the oysters in the centre of serving plates and carefully pour the sauce around them. Sit a quenelle of poached egg white on top and top with a quartered plum tomato and piece of mushroom. Arrange the tarragon tops around the sauce at intervals before garnishing the top of the poached egg white with a sprig of chervil. Serve immediately.
Good will to all men, and their friends Pets prefer a quiet time during the festive season which brings extra dangers around the house says SAMANTHA DAVID Everyone loves Christmas but it is a time of year which poses special dangers to pets. Obviously animals should never be given as presents. Even if the household is ready and willing to take on a pet, wrapping an animal up in a box is cruel. Introducing an animal (especially a baby one) into a household full of flashing decorations, noisy crackers, party-poppers, tipsy visitors and over-excited children is not a good start. If you have decided to give a pet (and a responsible adult has agreed to spend the necessary number of years looking after it) just provide a photograph of them on Christmas Day, and collect it from its former home in the New Year when life has calmed down and there is time for house-training etc. For furry friends already resident
Pet Care in your house, try to see Christmas through their eyes. They still need regular food, clean water and (for dogs) walks. So if you are staying out late, or overnight, or all day long, plan ahead. If necessary search online for garde d'animaux and find a professional cat feeder/dog walker for around 10-15 euros per visit. (If you don't know them, ask for a photocopy of their carte d'identité before handing over the house keys.) Even during the season of goodwill, pets still need a quiet retreat in which to sleep, so try and provide
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quiet spaces for them. It is a rare animal which seriously wants to dress up as a fairy or pretend to be a reindeer, so try to protect them from over-excited toddlers. Teach children to leave sleeping animals alone. There are specific Christmas dangers too. Poinsettia, holly, ivy and mistletoe are all toxic, so keep them out of reach. Wire Christmas trees securely in place so that they will not fall over if your young cat climbs into them, or your dog wags overenthusiastically. Do not use glass ornaments which can fall off, smash and cut pets' feet. Ensure that tinsel is out of reach and that electric wires are taped down or run underneath carpets to stop animals chewing through them or tripping over them. Keep anti-freeze locked away and clean up any spills
Photo: © B.Stefanov - fotolia.com
immediately. Cats love the taste of anti-freeze but even the smallest amount will kill them. If your cat walks through a small puddle of anti-freeze on the drive or in the garage and later licks its paws, it will very probably die. Christmas foods are full of ingredients which are toxic to animals. The major danger is chocolate You are more (the darker the more dangerous) likely to enjoy these costumes which is poisonous to both cats and dogs. So never leave boxes of than your pets chocolates where your dog can find them and never, ever allow anyone to give your animals chocolate. Unless you have a pet toothbrush (yes, they do exist) do not allow anyone to feed pets anything containing sugar. Remember that turkey bones can cause choking, and that onions, garlic and grapes are all toxic to animals. If you want to spoil your pets, it is best to buy proper pet treats rather than feed them titbits or scraps.
Tel. 06 58 01 82 76 Web. www.seulementnaturel.eu Email. marc.somsen@chardeyre.com
16 Directory
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Advertise here all year from just e75HT Call free on 0800 91 77 56 or email directory@connexionfrance.com
DORDOGNE DIRECTORY
English-speaking firms near you Find registered tradespeople quickly and easily
De Ryck Elisabeth Interior Architect * Private Homes * Shops * Offices *
Specialists in Oak frames, Timber houses and carpentry Tel: 06 72 01 11 06 web: www.boisdarbreconstruction.com email: info@boisdarbreconstruction.com
20 years experience Tel: 06 30 63 20 40 deryck.interiors@gmail.com
CT HEWITT GENERAL BUILDER
Renovation or New Construction
Chenil Les Mille Calins English Run
5 Star accommodation for Dogs/Cats l l l l l
Underfloor heated kennels Qualified staff Top Quality food and exercise Only 45 minutes south of Caen Convenient Ferry Access
www.goldenwaypets.com Telephone 02 33 37 49 19 Emergency 02 33 38 41 32 Fax 02 33 38 44 16
WAGS AND WHISKERS British owned boarding kennels and cattery 35 years experience Tel: 05 65 35 46 51 www.wagsandwhiskerskennels.co.uk
Dept 46, near Cazals
SIRET: 500607858
The Cats Inn
Luxury Cattery - Cales near Lalinde - Very Spacious - Lots of Love and Attention Tel: Paula 05 53 24 14 42 www.thecatsinncattery.com paulaL24150@aol.com Siret No.520 980 269 00010
BOIS D'ARBRE CONSTRUCTION
Depts 19,24,46,47,82 Languages spoken: English, French, Dutch Le Colombié, 46600 Montvalent
PARKES et DUCELIER
Architectes UK and French Registered Architects Dossiers for Permis de Construire Interior and Landscape design Ordre des Architectes No. 1867 Tel: 05 53 09 33 45 E: mail@parkes-ducellier.com W: www.parkes-ducellier.com Depts: 16,19,24,33,87 Siret: 488 165 564 00011
ABP SASU
Renovation and construction of buildings and swimming pools. New timber framed constructions. Negotiation of diverse products
Tel Alan Fisk: 05 53 56 68 87 Email: abp.sasu@orange.fr
Siret 4899 5394 30011
Renovation - New Build Plastering - Fosse septic - Roofing - Guttering Maintenance & Repairs
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www.lefrancaischezvous.com Tel: 05 53 50 04 68
Contact us for special offers
www.oakwood-import.fr email: franceoak@gmail.com tel: 06 80 33 93 57 Siret 409 972 056
For all your electrical requirements contact
AK Electrical
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ak-electrical@hotmail.co.uk
Tel 06 32 31 61 85
Siret: 49899034000016
siret: 494 064 322 00014
Bergerac Renovation & Building From groundwork, fosse septiques, masonary, interiors, to rooves. Free estimates & advice
Tel: 05 53 81 60 73 christopher.jarrett@wanadoo.fr
Vezere Counselling Help with Stress - Anxiety - Depression - Life Changes
Experienced Mental Health Worker Gill Clunes Ross - Dip social work. RGN Tel: 05 53 51 63 69 or 09 51 80 97 38 Email: gillcr@ymail.com www.vezerecounselling.com Siret: 53445895500018
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Brian Macey - Electrician
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All aspects of building work carried out. Established in the UK for over 20 years. Tel: 06 79 05 98 85 / 05 53 58 92 13 Email: Hewitt.chris@wanadoo.fr Web: www.hewittbuilders.com Depts: 24, 46 & 47
Small Building Works
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Siret: 517 566 196 00013 Regions Covered: 19,24,87
Painter and Decorator Interior and Exterior Cherrypicker assisted for speedy and cost saving service
Tel: 05 53 62 81 40 Email: craig.harriss@orange.fr Web: www.lasimpode.com/cherrypicker Siret 520 298 217 00016
LOCKES GROUNDWORKS & LANDSCAPING
HOUSES ON INTERNET
Building Renovation Digger / Driver Hire, Fosse Septiques, Excavations & Driveways Tel: 05 53 79 77 61 or 06 89 27 11 83 Email: lockes@orange.fr Website: www.lockes47.com
LAND SURVEYOR GEOMETRE TOPOGRAPHIE
Planning Permissions - Setting Out Measured Building Surveys - Topographical Surveys (all sizes)
Mob: 06 33 94 84 53 - Tel: 05 65 31 98 11 barry@bgsurveyor.com www.bgsurveyor.com Siret 51786170400016
Justine Joseph
Renovation Architect 06 79 92 95 88 33580 Monségur - 24590 Salignac-Eyvigues
Hautefort Renovation Professional Building &
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Tel: 05 62 67 39 98 rt@rob-tomlinson.com Regions: All France Siret: 419 490 297 00027
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General building work. 20 years building experience in France. Based in Castelnaud de Gratecambe 47.
Mark Morris Joiner Parquet, Kitchens, Decking, Shutters, Windows & Doors etc - Free Estimates
Siret number: 417 916 574 00011
Email. markmoz72@gmail.com
05 53 36 34 59/ 06 08 71 53 49 jameshopkins@orange.fr www.hopkinsrenovations.com
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WEBSITES
Tel. 06 46 75 07 76
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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 To advertise in The Connexion call freephone in France 0800 91 77 56 / from UK 0844 256 9881 (4p/min)
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ADVERTISING FEATURE
Tree surgery in south-west France Pruning and felling are just some of the services that Roots & Shoots offers THERE are three key parts to the job of tree surgeon, says Mark Wilson of Roots & Shoots. These are tree felling, tree pruning and tree planting, and before any of these can be undertaken an assessment is required. “Each and every situation is different. I always assess the customer’s request by looking at the physical location and then the tree itself, that way I can see potential hazards and such things as dead wood, split and cracked limbs and disease,” said Mark. Following this initial review he provides his professional opinion to the client, free of charge, recommending the best solution.
Mark is fully insured so he can offer customers full peace of mind along with the assurance that any action taken will be completed with full satisfaction. Depending on the size of the task and the location, tree felling and pruning can require a variety of different methods in order to complete the job successfully. Roots & Shoots has a team of trained groundsmen and is fully equipped with an access platform, industrial-sized wood chipper and a stump grinder - this of course keeps the cost of hiring equipment down, making its prices incredibly competitive. Before the job begins Mark can also work out the best solution for dealing
FRENCH INSURANCE IN ENGLISH
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For people who live in / own property in France Straight-forward, honest advice on the best house, car, life & health insurance policies for you Over 15 years experience in French insurance markets English, Dutch & German spoken. Philippe Schreinemachers www.insurance.fr Tel: 05 62 29 20 00 Email: cover@insurance.fr RCS Auch B479 400 657 - Regions: All France
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l‘Ecrin de Verdure
A Garden Design and Build Company “Full service” from sketch schemes to finished garden with integrated systems (lighting/watering/mowing)
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UK 06 79 92 95 88 FR 06 42 85 53 60
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Roots & Shoots
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with clippings and branches and so on. These include environmentally-friendly options such as using a horticultural recycling centre or on-site equipment to make chippings and mulch, or even creating a garden feature with your logs. Have you ever wanted to plant a tree or hedge in your garden but had no idea where to start? Even the smallest plot can accommodate a tree and Mark can advise you. His experience on all aspects of tree and shrub planting will help turn your vision into a reality, be it a grand tree-lined avenue or a humble shrub border. Having long standing relationships with local pépinières, Roots & Shoots offers realistic and competitive prices for a wide variety of trees and shrubs, both large and small. Mark can also work with wood in
24 SERVICES
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N. Dordogne
Roots & Shoots in action with its new chipper other ways to improve your outdoor spaces, from creating more shade in your garden to building pergolas, fences or decking.
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Garden Maintenance Hedge Trimming - Strimming Groundworks / Diggerworks General Property Maintenance Property checks/Keyholding Photo updates Contact Barry On Tel: 05 53 29 03 52 Mobile: 06 24 07 31 14 E: paula.grainger@wanadoo.fr Dept 24 - Radius 50 kms Sarlat
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- Business set up and registration - Business accountancy - Income tax, Wealth tax - Payroll and legal services Contact Alain: 05 53 92 50 00 Email: a.clisson@sapeg.expertscomptables.fr www.sapeg.experts-comptables.fr
To advertise in The Connexion call freephone in France 0800 91 77 56 / from UK 0844 256 9881 (4p/min)
Tea and Cake from 5pm
Cafe Church from 5.30pm - 6.45pm Sponsored by and held at L'Eglise Evangelique Libre de Bergerac, 5 Rue Durou
For details of other meetings brian@lincolns.me.uk or Peter Shire 05 53 22 74 08 www.christiansindordogne.com
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All types of systems.
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Contact Philip Brown 05 53 83 47 51. Mob. 06 48 54 19 70. Email. saudiphil2001@yahoo.com
Prêt à Plonger
STAR SATELLITE
Ad No. 2467
Siret. 75 041196 900017
Depts. 47, 24, 33.
British TV in France
Piscine installation, repairs & maintenance. Bespoke pools, no project too big or small.
BskyB Qualified - For All Your Satellite Needs
Complete package including groundwork, terracing/decking and pool security.
Regions: Dordogne and surrounding Departments
Simon & Julia Holt 0619 071121 or 0553 620152 or Julia: 06 32 10 39 92 simon.holt@wanadoo.fr www.pretaplongerpools.com Siret: 49397835700017
IN DEEP PISCINES Maintenance, leak detection,
Tel: 05 53 80 63 93 Email: contact @starsatellite.fr Web: www.starsatellite.fr
G. W.
Makeovers & Design English Kitchens/ Bathrooms/appliances direct from UK manufacturers Full range of French kitchens supplied Free design/planning service Installations/Makeovers/ Installations Only/Tiling Granite and Stone worksurfaces available
Areas: 24 33 47 Call 05 53 58 09 32 or 06 58 92 09 97
servicing, repairs
Tel: 05 53 22 79 18 / 06 84 68 84 92 Web: www.indeeppiscines.com Email: sean@indeeppiscines.com
siret: 510 011 554 00019
Siret: 50196266600019
KITCHENS & BATHROOMS IN FRANCE For the best deals on your kitchens and bathrooms Call us on 05 53 09 41 88 for a FREE home visit.
Regions: 24, 33, 46, 47, 82 - Siret: 504 576 802 00038
We offer a full planning and design service...all under one roof! Visit our showroom in Perigueux.
Garden Design Service by professional Landscape Architect/Garden Designer
Covering Depts 24,16,17,33,47,46,19 & 87
Tel: 05 53 62 51 94 Mob: 06 24 92 82 57
www.bathroomsinfrance.com Email: info@salon2bains.fr Tel: 05 53 09 41 88 Fax: 05 53 09 21 04
from conception to supervision of installation Virginia Fletcher BA, Dip (Hons) LA, MLA
E-mail: virginia.fletcher@aliceadsl.fr Siret: 44943716900013 - Ad No. 17855
SAPEG expertise et conseil
05 53 75 05 48 06 89 79 05 02 www.roots-shoots.fr info@roots-shoots.fr
Landrover*MG* Rover*Jaguar* Austin-Morris Parts
GARDEN SERVICES
Creation of Garden Maintenance & Tree surgery High quality in respect with nature Philippe Brulé -30 years experience
Electronic Diagnostics & Gearbox Repairs
Tel. 05 65 34 09 91 Working dept: south 19, 46 Email: brule.philippe0346@orange.fr
St Pool Piscines
Concrete pools, reinforced liners. No expensive over design, expertly constructed
www.aquapierre.com stpoolsfrance@gmail.com 05 53 91 45 18
Jardins du Périgord - Design - Creation - Garden management High quality work by qualified gardeners
www.jardinsduperigord.com
www.landypoint.net
05 45 62 27 20
Free Estimates - Depts: Dordogne - Gironde
Web: latelierdecharpente.fr Mob: 06 02 50 11 56 Email: latelier.construction@gmail.com English spoken
Dordogne-Correze-Properties
Exclusive Healthcare
Property Finder Service helping the buyer find their dream home. Telephone: 06 45 10 21 54 john@dordogne-correze-properties.com www.dordogne-correze-properties.com Siret 508 891 983 00019
Your Helping Hand to the French Health System
www.realheating.com info@realheating.com
+33 (0) 4 94 40 31 45
Plumbing, Central & Underfloor Heating Bathrooms, Solar systems, Woodburners.
Tél: 05 53 90 46 34 Siret: 4119 419 830
www.exclusivehealthcare.com
<< L'ATELIER >>
Carpentry - Roofing - Insulation - Wood frames and houses - Decks - Porches - Floors
GAS QUALIFIED INSTALLERS.
Signs, vehicle lettering etc. Free advice and quotes, based in the Dordogne, covering all of France. Tel: 05 53 52 45 82 or 06 32 83 35 97
Email: mark@signsetc.fr Web: www.signsetc.fr Siret: 491205035 00026 - Ad No. 17751
18 Directory
www.dordogneadvertiser.com
Dordogne Advertiser
December 2012
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Make the White move to cut removal costs
From household goods to vehicles and machinery, George White European can fulfill all of your transportation needs If YOU are moving to or from southwest France, George White European can transport household goods, vehicles and almost anything else at surprisingly low prices. Having started international driving over 30 years ago - and obtaining an award from the International Road Transport Union for three million kilometres of safe driving George White can offer an experienced and reliable removals service. The team operate a range of large, multipurpose vehicles, typically operating along routes to and from the southwest of France. This allows costs to the customer to be kept low as the vehicles can be filled with other goods for much of the journey. “With smaller or less flexible vehicles, you may be paying the whole cost for the
Everything Dordogne
driver, fuel, Channel crossing and return journey,” said George, “but by using part of a larger vehicle, costs can usually be shared.” It may surprise some to find out how small a consignment can be handled, and for what price. Depending on the areas being collected from and delivered to, the minimum load could be as little as 2 linear metres of removals, (which is 2.6m tall and 2.4m wide), from as little as £440 + VAT. At the other end of the scale, a full 13.6m long load (max 24 tonnes) of domestic removals can be handled for around £2,500 + VAT and fuel surchage, depending on the locations involved. For those who do have more to move, there are great advantages, as George White European can even transport cars, boats,
Sand and Blast
Seeking Holiday Rentals for Australian Travellers
Sandblasting service for Wood, Metal and Stone. Floor sanding service / hire available.
Affordable Advertising for Property Owners
Tel: 05 55 78 43 71 / 06 67 81 63 46 www.sandandblast.com
Working in Partnership with Australian based business’ Now Listing Properties for Sale info@everythingdordogne.net www.everythingdordogne.net
DIGITAL INSTALLATIONS
We do not only sell & install We also repair digiboxes NOW!! All freesat systems available WITHOUT CARD
For more information call 00 33 (0)5 45 98 25 37 FINNINGER & HELBACH Gmbh Le Petit Fouine, 16210 Curac Tel/Fax: 00 33 (0)5 45 98 25 37 email: FinnHans@aol.com www.digitalsatellitefrance.com Siret: 400 415 246 00026
Mini digger hire from 100 Euros per day HT Hammer, auger, dumper, roller etc available
Areas: 87, 16, 24 Siret: 48852292100037
SECURITY SYSTEMS Alarm calls up to 4 numbers if activated. NO ANNUAL CONTRACTS OR MONTHLY PAYMENTS. Wireless or wired. Cameras with 24/7 recording + Internet access. Security lighting.
Tel: 06 27 76 95 91
E: contact@aquitainealarmes.com W: www.aquitainealarmes.com Regions Covered: 24, 33, 17, 16 SIRET 50793843900019
EcoPower The World's Leading Solar Systems Tel: 05 53 62 31 35 www.ecopower.eu.com
Sarlat, Gourdon and Souillac areas
tractors or machinery. The firm can also quote for full loads to or from places other than southwest France. Whereas house moves (especially international) are usually considered to be a very stressful experience, many of George White European’s customers find the process so smooth and cost-effective they continue to use the service for smaller deliveries. “Many people renovating in France ask us to bring over British building materials,” said George, “and we also source or ship a lot of furniture.” Other items shipped to customers include fencing, horse feed and range cookers, to name a few. +33 (0)6 23 03 85 59 +44 (0)7768 867360 george@georgewhiteeuropean.co.uk www.georgewhiteeuropean.co.uk
Using mulit-purpose vehicles allows George White European to cut charges
SIMPLY BRITISH
Self Storage Dover
INDEPENDENT BRITISH GROCERS
Convenient flexible & secure 24/7 access working with the movers
Large range of food - fresh and frozen, books, greetings cards and gifts
Tel: +44 (0)1304 822 844 doverinfo@aandsselfstorage.co.uk
Tel: 05 61 64 98 89 Email: simplybritfoix@aol.com Web: simplybritish.fr REGION: Shop 09, mail order throughout France
www.doverstorage.co.uk
Moving to or from France?
Weekly services to & from France
Full or part loads, 4 wks free storage, 30 Years experience Bar & Guild Member Contact: Anglo French Removals Tel: +44 (0) 1622 690 653 Email: info@anglofrench.co.uk
www.anglofrench.co.uk
Redcliffe are a reliable Bristol based Remover and Storer with weekly trips to the Dordogne Credit crunch specials
Contact Andrew +44 (0) 7976 702 241 andrew@redclifferemovals.co.uk www.redclifferemovals.co.uk
U.K. WOODBURNERS
Furniture for France
A wide range of quality indoor furniture and sofas supplied and delivered direct to your French property saving you time and money. New showroom "Meubles New Ideas" near Brive(19) now open. For full colour brochure please e-mail info@furnitureforfrance.co.uk or call 0033 (0) 6 46 49 73 45 or 0033 (0) 5 55 25 02 68 www.furnitureforfrance.co.uk
AARROW YEOMAN STOVAX VILLAGER France Agent - P.E.P Leisure Ltd UK 08717174097 FR 0553732521 www.pepleisure.com email: fires@pepleisure.com Regions All France
Spex4less.Com High Quality Prescription Glasses Online Save Money On All Your Prescription Eyewear www.spex4less.com
SARL Maxima Tel April on 0631110202 or 0553312115
REMOVALS
see rates at
Siret no. 498 524 032 00022
George White European Transport
Supply & Installation of :
Special rates to S/W France 13.6m/45ft trailer - Full/Part loads Removals/ materials/vehicles Owner driver. RHA member
Tel : 05 53 63 43 87 / 06 06 41 08 85 Email : maswan@live.co.uk All depts covered Siret 50406233200011
Tel: +44 (0)7768 867 360 Fax: +44 (0)1773 570 090 Fr Mobile: +33 (0)6 23 03 85 59 www.georgewhiteeuropean.co.uk
• Solar domestic hot water systems • Solar swimming pool systems • Wood boiler stoves • Plumbing services
COMMUNITY NEWS AND EVENTS Ayckbourn in Dordogne
DORDOGNE drama group MADS Theatre Company present Living Together by Alan Ayckbourn at Issigeac Chateau on Dec 6. The show is also on Dec 7 and 8. Doors open 19.30. Tickets are e10 on Thursday and Friday and e12 (inc canapés) on Saturday from 05 53 24 56 11 / www.madstheatre.org / mads.bookings@gmail.com
If you would like to have your community event listed in The Connexion email details to news@connexionfrance.com We must receive details by the 10th of the month to appear in the following month's edition
Ash Grove Stoves Supplier of Hunter - Villager
UK - FRANCE - UK
www.maximalocation.com
www.swansolar.eu
WOODBURNERS
REFLEX MOODYS LTD SALISBURY
CHARITY
Phœnix Association Phœnix Adoption
• Weekly Service • Full & Part Loads • Container Storage • BAR Members • On-line Quotation • Internet Shopping Deliveries
00 44 1722 414350 info@reflexmoodys.com www.reflexmoodys.com Company Regn No: UK 5186435 TVA / VAT No: UK 864 7217 04
PEACE – 7-month-old Calico female Peace was dumped in a carrier bag but luckily was found and is safely in Phoenix foster care. She is a gorgeous, sweet little female, who really needs a loving home of her own. Please contact Lynda Atkins, Foster Carer, on: Tel: 05 53 81 30 44 Email: lapuille@gmail.com
Phœnix Association Phœnix Adoption
-
Clean Burn - Fire Visible Boiler versions available Deliveries all over France Prices on our website Lowest Prices Guaranteed Tel: 00 44 (0) 1392 861579 www.ashgrovestoves.com sales@ashgrovestoves.com
PEPITO & CHIPPY Pepito is a 20-year-old gelding and Chippy is a 10-year-old mare, both absolute sweethearts and looking for permanent homes. They are both ‘easy keepers’. Pepito is used to being ridden and is calm and sweet. Chippy has not been ‘educated’ to be ridden but has had a child on her back and not been phased at all. Please contact Patricia on 05 53 50 40 76 or email baerloo@orange.fr For other Phoenix animals awaiting adoption, check out our ADOPTION PAGE at www.phoenixasso.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ PhoenixAssociationFrance
Chats du Quercy
IF YOU can't adopt - foster If you can't foster - sponsor If you can't sponsor - volunteer If you can't volunteer - donate If you can't donate - educate, network and spread the word. Everyone can do something, large or small, to save a life. 05 63 94 73 97 www.chatsduquercy.com
Dordogne Advertiser
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December 2012
Currency Notes
Finance
Jeremy Cook, chief economist at foreign exchange company, World First, talks about the Euro and other currencies.
Sponsored by
Sponsored by
www.worldfirst.com +44 20 7801 1050
Making early plans may give stability Recent suggestions that the Eurozone looks like it is finally beginning to climb out of its debt hole are greatly overstated. With Greece, Spain, Italy and all the rest still nowhere near the point of return, the fact is that a recession on the Continent is likely to extend into the mid-part of 2013. Unfortunately debt and GDP levels are only going one way: the wrong way, and this has clear implications for anyone who is looking to transfer money in or out of France as the euro continues to struggle as a consequence. To the south, Spain has continued to dither on requesting funds, and this in itself has caused problems. From a political point of view the Spanish prime minister has very little to gain from applying for an ECB bailout, but his reticence leaves him open to the accusation he has wilfully harmed the Spanish economy’s prospects, thus causing further market pressures, while the cost to the taxpayer and the size of the bailout increases. In Madrid’s corridors of power, the hope must therefore be that Spain eventually gets a bailout, after being told There is no clear to have one following total European political gridlock – path ahead as to i.e. a scenario that can be blamed on everyone else. The how much euros market reaction to a junking will be worth of the Spanish sovereign bonds will only lead to more Jeremy Cook bailout chatter but, at the time of writing, nothing has been agreed and the pressure continues to mount on the Eurozone countries and the single currency itself. Such problems in struggling Eurozone countries like Spain and Greece have caused the euro value to fluctuate fairly dramatically this year, and 2013 is not looking like it is going to be stable either. This will obviously present problems for anyone who needs to make international currency transfers and some careful forward planning is advisable. For French expats, it has been a challenging period and unfortunately there is no clear path ahead as to how much euros will be worth in the long term. There are ways of fixing exchange rates in advance to take volatility out of the equation and with the continuing economic uncertainty in the Eurozone, this is the kind of step those looking for financial confidence might want to pursue sooner rather than later.
“
For more information about making international money transfers with World First visit the website www.worldfirst.com or call +44 20 7801 1050
How to reduce tax on home-letting
Legal Notes
Inheritance rules cause problems
Photo: © gcpics - Fotolia.com
Photo: © crimson - Fotolia.com
Recession on Continent is likely to extend into the mid-part of 2013
Money 19
I have heard that even as a second home owner I will be subject to CSG on my rental income for 2012 and that this will not be allowable against my self-assessment return in the UK. Do you have any tips on how I can reduce my tax exposure? Renting out your holiday home is a great way to make use of your second home, to generate an income which will help cover the fixed costs of running your property. However, it is important to be aware of the legal requirements, security and other issues before you get started. You will be taxed on the income in France, and, with the new higher taxes, it is even more important to make sure that you plan your tax declaration, taking full advantage of allowable deductions. Many people with second homes do not realise that they may be running a business that needs to be declared as an activity in France. Depending on the circumstances, it can either be declared to the French tax authorities, or if you are running the business at a “professional” level, it may also need to be registered with the chamber of commerce (chambre de commerce) Choices for the structure of your business include: n Entreprise individuelle This is a kind of self-employment registration, with an option known as the régime du bénéfice réel, which gives a business model that takes account of the actual income and expenses of the business - resulting in the equivalent of a standard profit-and-loss type account in the UK, with allowances for capital items (depreciation), mortage interest etc. If your business is registered with the chamber of commerce, there is an obligation to pay French social charges, calculated on the profit of the business – not normally applicable if you are not resident in France. n Micro-entreprise Another option, known as micro-entreprise, allows you to work out your profits by a specified deduction for expenses – this is 50% of your income in most cases. So, if you earned e10,000 in letting income, your “micro profits” would be e5,000. The micro system is useful as it offers a simplified accounting system, and, once the gite is up and running, a 50% deduction for expenses is quite generous. How will I be taxed? If you register as self-employed under one of the systems mentioned above, you will be taxed under either the micro regulations (a fixed deduction de 50% from your sales income) or the réel basis (actual income less actual business expenses). In the latter case, if you make a loss after allowing for capital expenses and other expenses, then there will be no income tax to pay from the gite rental business. The French income declaration is normally be made in May for French residents and at the end of June for non residents. If you do decide to opt for the réel registration, then you have to keep proper books and records and make an annual profit/loss declaration at the end of April each year in addition to making your personal declaration (although keeping records is recommended for any businesses). You have the advantage of depreciation of the building and fixtures and fittings if you opt to put the property in your books. Income tax is charged to non-residents at a flat rate of 20% (current rate on 2011 income). Social contributions (including CSG) are also applicable on this income at15.5% A credit for tax paid will then be available when you complete your UK self assessment return, but only for the 20% deduction, not the CSG which is considered by HMRC to be a social levy. The réel regime with depreciation and mortgage interest may give the best result , so it is worth checking with an accountant which is the best regime for you. Tax options for 2013 will have to be confirmed by 31/1/2013.
Why take a chance with your French tax affairs? Tax & leaseback returns S.A.R.L & S.C.I registrations
T.V.A. Returns Dual taxation advice General Accountancy
enquiries@moneybureau.co.uk 00 44 18 27 70 39 76 Money-bureau
Making a simple declaration can ease problems INHERITANCE is an issue that troubles clients as the French have a “reserve heir” system where offspring, generally, cannot be disinherited. One child can claim one half of his deceased parents’ estates, two children one third each and three or more can get their hands on 75% divided equally. The balance – the disposable quota – is generally free to be left to whoever you want. This can cause trouble: principally over what the surviving spouse can have (who is a reserve heir only in the absence of others, but still has rights, especially regarding the home), whether an ungrateful child can be disinherited and, in second marriages, where there are children from earlier relationships and the present one. Do these rules affect British citizens who have holiday homes in France or those who live here permanently? The answer to the last question is: Yes, quite a lot actually. Your French real estate, – land and anything built on it – must devolve according to French law even if you have never set foot in France. Your personal estate will also do so if you are “permanently or habitually” resident here. Your executors will have to deal with your affairs through two different legal systems. UK affairs will devolve according to UK law and French ones, or some of them, to French law. That is why the EU brought in new rules – which the UK, Ireland and Denmark have not signed up to – which mean those who have their final habitual residence in a signatory country can nominate which legal system will govern their estate’s devolution. An English person living in France can say the laws of England and Wales are to determine who is to inherit from him rather than the reserve heir rules briefly outlined above. How and when can it be done? Firstly, make a simple declaration (a professio juris) in your will saying you want your estate administered according to the laws of England and Wales (or wherever). This can be done immediately. However, the new rules do not come into force until August 17, 2015, and you must survive until after that date. Be aware that local inheritance tax laws still apply. In France, as in the UK, surviving spouses inheriting from their spouse pay no inheritance tax. But if you leave your estate to your children, each can have only e100,000 before tax starts at 5% increasing to 40%. Non-family are taxed at 60% with no reliefs. Step-children are taxed similarly unless you have adopted them. In France a Frenchman can adopt a “child” of any age, but UK nationals can only do so up to the age of 18, in line with the UK adoption age. France has two kinds of adoption: adoption simple, where it is done for inheritance tax and the “child” remains the offspring of the natural parents. In Adoption pleinière on the other hand the child and natural parents cease to have any legal relationship. Under adoption simple the child can inherit, and on a reduced tax basis, from four parents. It is possible for a reserve heir to renounce their entitlement by signing a document to that effect in the presence of two notaries before or after the death of the parent.
20 DIY
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2012 Helpguide to Death in France
The Connexion has published a newly-revised 12-page guide to the formalities surrounding a death in France. Having the procedures to hand can help alleviate some of the stress at this traumatic time. The guide explains, in straightforward language, what forms and certificates are needed, how to find a funeral director and what to look for on their quote, cremation and burial in France, repatriation of a body to the UK, inheritance and bank accounts. The guide also includes a page of actual reader questions and answers.
Published October 1, 2012
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Must Christmas always surprise?
Santa should surprise children, not homeowners
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December 2012
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GIVEN we know exactly when Christmas is going to show up, and how frequently, it is surprising how reluctant people are to make a few tiny, permanent, adjustments in their home to accommodate the annual festival. Outdoors, rather than attempting to use temporary fastenings, it is better to position proper metal loops and hooks discreetly and leave them in place all year. Indoors, careful rearranging of furniture can allow you to drill holes for decorations that can be covered over for the rest of the year. Choose a dry day to install fastenings and hooks for outdoor decorations; a hook on the front door for a wreath, wiring for Christmas lights, a base for an outside Christmas tree, for example. If you have to run power through an external door, instead of attempting to jam the cable under the door, drill a small hole through the frame, remove the plug, run the wire through the hole and then put the plug back on. (Use mastic to block any draughts.) Getting the Christmas tree to stand up can be a challenge. Even if it is cut, planting it in a bucket of tightly-packed, moist, compost or earth will stop the needles falling off. Otherwise, take a large solid board and mount two or three large shelf brackets on it. (Mismatched old ones are fine.) Then screw or wire the tree to the brackets. If your household includes children or other pets, wiring the tree in place will help it withstand climbing, claws and giddy playtime collisions. Drill discreet holes and fill them with rawl plugs at skirting board level, or behind pictures and furniture where they will not be noticed when things go back into position. Then use screw-in hoops which can either be left in place all year or unscrewed in the New Year. This works best if the tree is in a corner. Do not forget to buy a selection of plug boards, adapters and cable covers to keep pets and children safe. If you have animals which might chew cables, spray them with répulsif from pet shops. Homemade Christmas presents have a new fashionable cachet this year and anyone with DIY skills, especially carpentry, can shine. It is easy enough to make little boxes; lacquer them if your skills are up to it and the box is made of hardwood, or paint and decorate them with collage if you need to hide filler and plywood. Think carefully about what might go in the box (photos, jewellery, fishing hooks, tea bags, CDs, letters, etc) before deciding on the size. Keep children busy making pomanders to hang up near a fireplace, kitchen stove or radiator. To make one, run a piece of ribbon around an orange so it divides it into four parts. Use dressmaking pins to keep the ribbon in place, and leave the long ends to hang it up by. Then fill in the four exposed quarters of orange peel with cloves. Large wool needles are useful for making the holes for each clove. These pomanders smell marvellous and make good presents.
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December 2012
Home and Garden 21
Gardening Find the best brocante Facts
deals - and no early starts
Sponsored by Photo: © Julius Kramer - Fotolia.com
The antiques trade is finding a new life online through sites that spot bargains on your behalf
Hedgehogs are a friend in the battle against slugs
Nature can rest, not you
December is a light month in the garden. It is time to pick any remaining brassicas, including brussels sprouts in the vegetable plot, they do not keep well if you just leave them, and choose a mild day to lift your parsnips too. If you have a sheltered, sunny spot in the vegetable garden with rich, well-drained soil, you could try planting some early broad beans this month. If all goes well, you will have your first harvest as early as May. Either plant directly into the earth or germinate in the greenhouse first. You will have to watch out for frost, and keep cloches, polytunnels or fleece to hand in case temperatures plunge. Take cuttings of currant and gooseberry bushes by simply cutting off a good-looking length about 30 cm long and pushing it halfway into the ground. Check any pots that you are planning to leave outside all winter, move them into the shelter of the house and swathe them in bubble wrap against the frost. Use more bubble wrap in the greenhouse if you have one. Think about encouraging wildlife in your garden. Bird feeders and drinkers need to be placed out of feline reach and regularly replenished. (Especially on cold days when the water will freeze solid.) This will encourage birds into the garden, and apart from being lovely to watch, they can help keep pests down. Birds eat all sorts of insects and garden pests like slugs. If you really want to make a bird sanctuary, this is also a good time to position nesting boxes but again, think about scheming cats. You can either buy the boxes in DIY shops or make your own. (They make an ideal project to do with children.) To feed your birds, let some plants form seed heads, and sow some areas of the garden with indigenous plants. Hanging up a dried sunflower head will also keep birds happy through the winter. An undisturbed woodpile can provide shelter for insecteating toads or even a hedgehog. Both will happily eat lots of garden pests. If you have any piles of leaves in the garden, remember that they might also be sheltering a hedgehog. Choose a dry day to go through the garden looking for decorative thistle heads, pine cones and nicely-shaped twigs which can be spray-painted gold and red. If you do not have a holly bush, perhaps a walk through the local woods might be a good idea? Do not forget that ivy adds a good green splash to Christmas decorations. Finally do not forget to check all your gardening equipment (including electrical items), seed stocks and books. Clean the lawn mover and run an oily cloth over the blades to prevent rust. Also check over hand tools and store them clean and oiled. Go through your gardening diary and note what you might need for next season's garden projects.
Reductions, Felling, Hedge cutting, Planting. Experienced tree climbers fully trained and insured. Contact Mark Wilson 0553750548 / 0689790502 www.roots-shoots.fr info@roots-shoots.fr
Banaborose.com specialises in children's furniture and restoration to order by Oliver Rowland IF YOU are looking to give your home an authentic, personalised French touch an online brocante (antiques and secondhand goods) site could be the solution. Whether you are after classic “Lotus” design cups or bowls, a Henkel “apple motif ” pitcher, a cast-iron bed or perhaps a rocking-chair, a growing selection of sites offer to take the effort out of bargain hunting. Instead of going to marchés aux puces (fleamarkets) or vide-greniers (car-boot sales) yourself, these firms do it for you and put a choice selection online. Most of them also tidy them up and make sure they are in good working order. www.banaborose.com is especially known for children’s furniture and specialises in restoring pieces for customers. Its items are not necessarily cheap but are full of character. For example, e360 for a distinctive olive-green 1950s bedroom cabinet/chest of drawers or e170 for a 1950s desk and chair set in red formica and stainless steel. Founder Lisa Guillot said she has been in business for three years. “Online selling of brocante took off about four
It's as if they can visit 10 brocante sales at once and they don't need to rush around
Online brocante founder Stéphanie Rottée
years ago. It’s linked to the fashion for vintage. "My clients like the fact that for a price not much more than those in the big furniture chains they can order very good quality, robust wooden furniture in the colours they want. "They know they’ll have something individual that they’re not going to see all over the place. People might email saying ‘I’m after a chest of drawers in red and black’ – and I send photos of furniture I’ve got in but not done up yet and I decorate it to order. I also work to match what they have at home. “I find families often want to mix old and new – they might have a cot and changing table by a well-known baby products brand – then have a retro chest of drawers.” The styles of Another site, www.madamelabroc.com, the 50s and specialises in items from the 1950s to 70s are the 1970s. Founder Stéphanie Rottée said: speciality of the site www. “Coming to my site means my customers madamelabroc. don’t have to get up at 7.00 to go and look at car boot sales in the rain – not com everyone likes that kind of thing or has the time. I bring together lots and lots of objects, so it’s as if they can visit 10 brocante sales at once and they don’t need to rush around." “I also have delivery solutions so they don’t need to have a car to transport their
stuff. There’s a transporter who does the whole of France and also abroad including the UK, and a little one for the Paris region.” Her items range from a pair of big “Lotus” breakfast cups at e10 to an old bathroom cabinet in off-white wood, with a decorative glass front (e110) or vintage-material cushions for e15 each. www.lapetitebrocanteuse.com aims especially at value for money, said owner Emmanuelle Cleyn. For this reason her largest items can only be delivered in Paris and the surrounding area (for e20) as she is still looking for a good-value national transporter. They can also be collected. However postal delivery is possible for boxes up to 1.2m, she said. “My items are mostly from the 1930s to today,” she said. “I am very careful that the prices are competitive. I created my site as an alternative to Ikea and based my prices on them.” A cast-iron child’s bed - or a seat if one side is lowered - priced e120, would just fit the postal box size. Lovers of kitsch might especially like to check out http://viedpuce.canalblog.com/ where you can pick up old Eiffel Tower glass salt shakers for e30 or snow globe desk calendars from e6. Other brocante sites include: beigefluo.blogspot.com lesdedees.blogspot.com www.sofasurfer.fr www.edmond.tm.fr retourdechine.canalblog.com www.abracadabroc.com tohubohu-vintage.blogspot.com
22 Property
www.dordogneadvertiser.com
Dordogne Advertiser
December 2012
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.
thousands of potential buyers EVERY day. Our 3+3 package costs just 200TTC and gives you three months online advertising as well as a print advert in three editions of The Advertiser. Our 6+6 package is best value at 330TTC and provides the same, but for six months via each channel.
New Consumption and Emission Chart - e.g. Energy rating C & F refers to C for Consumption and F for Emissions
Contact us on 0800 91 77 56 (freephone in France) or email sales@connexionfrance.com
More details on all these properties - and how to contact the seller directly - can be found in the property for sale section of
www.connexionfrance.com
For sellers, the adverts are also displayed across a range of popular English- speaking websites and are seen by
Simply enter the code under each home to find out more Properties in dORDOGNE
83,500 Jumilhac-le-Grand Two bedroom semi-detached house has been completely rebuilt and decorated upstairs to expose original features. Ref: 700937
Energy rating = E
108,900 Saint-Martin-de-Ribérac One bedroom house consists of large living room with corner kitchen, shower room and fenced garden of 3500m2. Ref: 700560
Energy rating = D
99,000
107,800
Near Le Buisson-de-Cadouin Two bedroom house comprises garden of 1365 m2 and outbuildings.
Belvès Two bedroom restored house with garden to the back and outbuildings.
Ref: 3367
Energy rating = G & D
Ref: 3434
115,000
129,600
Jumilhac-le-Grand Four bedroom partially restored townhouse bursting with original.
Near Le Buisson-de-Cadouin Four bedroom house consists of courtyard, garage and outbuildings.
REF: 700781
Energy rating = E
Ref: 3214
179,950
205,000
212,000
Near La Tour-Blanche Two bedroom house comprises sitting room, fitted open-plan kitchen/breakfast room, bathroom, modern shower room, garden, barn, swimming pool and pool house.
Eymet This three bedroom detached bungalow comprises living/dining room, kitchen, bathroom, utility room, garage, garden and luxurious swimming pool.
Near Rouffignac-Saint-Cerninde-Reilhac Two bedroom house consists of living room, kitchen, bathroom, garage and garden.
Ref: IFPC22783
Energy rating = F & B
Ref: AQU-496
Energy rating = e & c
Ref: V5749
234,990
245,000
265,000
Eymet Five bedroom house comprises living/dining room, semi-open kitchen, bathroom, separate WC, garage, workshop, swimming pool and house.
Near Villefranche-de-Lonchat Three bedroom bungalow comprises open plan living room/ kitchen, bathroom, utility room, garage, garden and swimming pool.
La Roche-Chalais Three bedroom modern bungalow comprises large lounge, kitchen/dining room, two shower rooms, office, cellar, double garage and garden.
Ref: 71500
Energy rating = D
Ref: AQU-693
Energy rating = D & B
Ref: 700872
288,000
318,000
320,000
Rouffignac-Saint-Cernin-deReilhac Three bedroom house comprises living room, open kitchen, bathroom, garage, garden and swimming pool.
Bourg-du-Bost Large building spilt into three bedroom house and two bedroom house includes two garages and walled garden.
Near Bergerac Four bedroom detached house includes living room, dining room, kitchen, bathroom, shower room, study, integral garage, and swimming pool.
Ref: V5914
Energy rating = D & A
Ref: 700565
Energy rating = b
Ref: IFPC22356
349,125
372,000
449,000
Ribérac Five bedroom house comprises lounge, drawing room, office, kitchen, shower room, five en-suites, garden and a small separate studio.
Near Le Bugue Six bedroom house set on 4620m2 of land.
Near Beynac Four bedroom house set on 7 hectares of land consists of lounge/dining room, kitchen, shower room, separate WC, terrace, conservatory and outbuilding.
Ref: 700062
Energy rating = D
Ref: 3272
Energy rating = E & E
Ref: FPBC3260C
449,000
465,000
499,000
Sarlat-la-Canéda Perigordian style three bedroom house set on 1842 m2 of land. Includes lounge/dining-room, kitchen, bathroom, en suite, shower room, terrace, summer kitchen and double-garage.
Le Bugue Four bedroom farmhouse and one bedroom guest house includes well maintained garden and swimming pool.
Near Lalinde A restored three bedroom stone Manoir and four bedroom guest house set on one hectare of land with barn, garage, swimming pool and pool house.
Ref: FPBD3436C
Energy rating = e & c
Ref: FPBC1510L
Energy rating = D & D
Ref: FPBS2338M
Energy rating = F & C
Energy rating = E & E
Energy rating = E & C
Energy rating = D
Energy rating = E & F
Energy rating = e & b
Energy rating = E & C
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
Dordogne Advertiser
December 2012
Property 23
www.dordogneadvertiser.com Properties AROUND FRANCE
59,000
64,500
70,300
Baud, Morbihan, Brittany One bedroom house comprises kitchen, small shower room, loft, storage room, garden and garage.
Bédarieux, Hérault, Languedoc Two bedroom house living room/dining room, kitchen, bathroom, shower room and garage.
Paule, Côtes-d'Armor, Brittany Two bedroom cottage consists of open plan living room, corner kitchen, shower room and small private garden.
Ref: ZXC00107
Energy rating = G & D
Ref: 5232vm
80,000
82,500
Remoulins, Gard, Languedoc Two bedroom town house comprises living room, open kitchen, shower room and bathroom.
Guern, Morbihan, Brittany Two bedroom renovated house consists of lounge, open plan kitchen/dining area, new bathroom, garage and large garden.
Ref: G815
Energy rating = E & C
Ref: 700325
129,500
135,200
Cessenon-sur-Orb, Olargues, Languedoc Two bedroom house consists of living room, kitchen, bathroom and small roof terrace.
Châteauneuf-du-Faou, Finistère, Brittany Three bedroom house set on 1/4 acre of land comprises country kitchen, living room, dining room, family bathroom, two stone outbuildings and barn.
Ref: 340631322
Energy rating = d & c
Ref: 3259
Energy rating = d & e
Ref: 3270
92,000 Saint-Nicolas-du-Tertre, Morbihan, Brittany Three bedroom house set on an acre of land comprises living/kitchen room, shower room, conservatory and outbuildings. Energy rating = E
Ref: 83003139610
Saint-Nicolas-du-Pélem, Côtes-d'Armor, Brittany Four bedroom house consists of lounge/dining room, kitchen, two bathrooms, conservatory, summer kitchen and garage. Energy rating = g & g
Ref: PLM01657
180,000
194,250
Uzès, Gard, Languedoc Three bedroom house consists of living room, open kitchen, bathroom, workshop and garage.
Uzès, Gard, Languedoc Two bedroom house set on 3,561 m2 of land comprises living room, kitchen, bathroom, terrace and large garden.
Saint-Nicolas-des-Eaux, Morbihan, Brittany Four bedroom house consists of living room, fitted kitchen with vaulted ceiling, breakfast room, bathroom, garden and outbuildings.
Energy rating = e & f
Ref: W458
Energy rating = C & A
Ref: ZXC00103
200,000
216,000
251,450
Lodève, Hérault, Languedoc Three bedroom house consists of living room, kitchen/dining room, two shower rooms and detached garden.
Evriguet, Morbihan, Brittany Three bedroom stone house comprises three reception rooms, kitchen, bathroom and gardens.
Callac, Côtes-d'Armor, Brittany Two bedroom house comprises private courtyard, gatehouse entrance, workshop, two stone buildings and large barn with three horse boxes.
Ref: 5572vm
Energy rating = D & E
REF: 700570
272,000
278,200
Beaucaire, Gard, Languedoc Three bedroom villa set on 1,000 m2 of land comprises lounge, kitchen, bathroom, office, storage room and utility room.
Rauville-la-Place, Manche Three bedroom house set on 3.63 hectares of land includes outbuildings.
REF: E835
Energy rating = C & D
REF: 700219
Energy rating = D
Ref: 700413
Energy rating = G
REF: 700511
328,600
349,000
Roullours, Calvados Two bedroom and one bedroom house with outbuildings set on 37 acres of land.
Escueillens-et-Saint-Just-deBélengard, Aude, Languedoc Three bedroom house comprises of open plan living, kitchen, bathroom, shower room, conservatory, terrace, garden and garage.
350,000 Quimper, Finistère, Brittany Six bedroom house comprises living room, open kitchen, bathroom, en suite, separate toilet, back kitchen, garage and garden. Ref: IFPC22720
Energy rating = C & B
400,000
Energy rating = d & b
Nages-et-Solorgues, Gard, Languedoc Five bedroom villa and apartment includes swimming pool.
Energy rating = c & c
Ref: 700724
375,000
395,000
Crasville, Manche Three bedroom house and three bedroom guest wing with separate access includes garden and outbuildings.
Capendu, Aude, Languedoc Four bedroom villa consists of living room, kitchen, bathroom, double garage, summer kitchen and swimming pool.
REF: 700944
Energy rating = C
REF: 481v
Ref: 110154664
Energy rating = d
Energy rating = c
Energy rating = c & d
Ploërdut, Morbihan, Brittany Five bedroom house set on 2 acres of land comprises living/ dining room, kitchen, bathroom, conservatory, large cellar and garage. Energy rating = D & B
Ref: 700411
495,000
564,000
Cazouls-lès-Béziers, Hérault, Languedoc Nine bedroom classic French Bourgeoise house consists of French garden, courtyard, garage and swimming pool.
Carcassonne, Aude, Languedoc Four bedroom house consists of living room with kitchen, bathroom, double garage, terrace, swimming pool and garden.
Ref: 342431473
Energy rating = F
450,000
Nages-et-Solorgues, Gard, Languedoc Three bedroom villa consists of living room, kitchen, two bathrooms and garden.
465,000
REF: 475v
Energy rating = E
438,000
Lodève, Hérault, Languedoc Three bedroom villa comprises living room, kitchen, three bathrooms, garage, garden and heated swimming pool. Ref: LAR-491
REF: 700497
Energy rating = e & d
Saint-Romphaire, Manche Three bedroom house set on 3 acres of land comprises fitted kitchen, dining room, bathroom, shower room and outbuildings.
Lodève, Hérault, Languedoc Six bedroom house comprises living room, kitchen, bathroom, shower room, large garden and swimming pool.
Energy rating = c & d
Energy rating = e & f
296,800
315,000
REF: MLP334
Energy rating = e & f
143,775
165,000
Ref: K428
Energy rating = G & F
Energy rating = e & f
Ref: 110154179
Energy rating = D
Energy rating = C&A
24 00 The NewsBack Page
www.dordogneadvertiser.com
Dordogne Dordogne Advertiser Advertiser December Month 2012 Photo: Simon Hanks
Many French expatriates who have moved to the UK have chosen London – and especially the trendy south-west of the capital where café culture is starting to resemble that of France
We swapped Dordogne for the UK
We have got used to media attention directed at the British making a new life in France. Now it seems attention is on the French giving it all up for a life in the UK. Recently Vogue dedicated an article to “French Leave: The French invasion of London is well underway” and a BBC report claimed that London was France’s sixth biggest city with a population of 400,000, which equals the entire population of the Dordogne. The new head of the French consulate for London, Olivier Chambard, says that the community is in a period of expansion – and that there are more than 300,000 French in the country – most of them in the capital. There are numerous websites dedicated to helping the French adapt to life in London and as well as the famous Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle, there are pharmacies and boulangeries to cater to French tastes. So what is it that attracts them? Often they go as students to improve their English and then like it so much that they stay. Elodie Fromenteau from Souillac in the Lot, just over the border of the Dordogne, left four years ago. Her father Robert says that she wants to be a stylist: “She went as a student and since then has done a number of different jobs in the capital and it seems that she can still find a lot to learn in London. At present she’s
The British who live in the Dordogne have come here for a variety of reasons – but often the climate, the landscape, escaping a crowded island, the slower pace of life, not to mention cheaper property prices are some of the attractions. But the UK is seen as a haven for more and more French people. Jane Hanks reports on the increasing numbers crossing the Channel in the opposite direction to us
working for Giorgio Armani and isn’t ready to come home yet.” Another father from Périgueux, José Bruneaux, said his daughter left for England when she was 20. Fifteen years, a husband and three children later she is still living in East London and working as a nurse. “It's really nice because we can visit her and enjoy London and she comes to see us here. I worked as a nurse here and we exchange experiences. I like many of the UK nursing practices,” he said. Another city which attracts the French is Edinburgh which also has its own consulate and French Institution. Marion Bourbouze (pictured with family) loves the city and says that not even the bad weather can put her off. She spoke in detail about why she loves her life in the UK. Why did you come to Edinburgh? I have been here all my adult life. I came here after my degree because I didn’t really know what to do next and studied for an MA at Leeds University. Then I got a job and my boyfriend moved to Scotland and I
weather – but climate on its own is not a reason to live somewhere.
followed him. Now I’m married to an English man and we have three children, Leo, Maya and Milo. I have never gone back to France other than for holidays and to see my family in the south of France. What do you like about your life in Edinburgh? I love it. There is a very good quality of life here. It is a beautiful city and there’s always a lot going on. At the same time the wonderful countryside of the Highlands is not far away and you can even be on the beach with the children in 15 minutes. You are never lonely because you can see anyone you like within 15 minutes. And people are so friendly and you often meet people on the street. The only drawback is the
time to be with the children. From what I hear from my friends in France, working conditions here seem to be more flexible and less hierarchical. It seems to be easier to get a job – and to set up your own business. At one stage I did set one up and it was done in no time. There is hardly any paperwork. It is so much easier than in France.
Do you know a lot of French people? When I first came here I really wanted to mix with the Scottish and learn the language so I didn’t look out for French people – and perhaps even avoided them. But when I had children I felt the need to find some people from my own country – particularly as I wanted my children to speak French as well as English. There is quite a big French community here. But they are all very integrated in the local culture and there is certainly no French ghetto feeling. All my French friends speak English fluently - and my children are bilingual.
Have you kept your French nationality? Yes, as we are in Europe there seems no need to change. My children definitely feel though that they are Scottish even though they have a French mother and an English father. They have the local accent.
Apart from the good life in Edinburgh what do you think attracts the French to life in the UK? I think the working environment is better here. I have a great job. I am the head of marketing for the Scottish Book Trust which I love. I do a four day week which gives me
And do you celebrate Christmas the French or the UK way? Well, a bit of both really. We have a very traditional Christmas meal with my in-laws with turkey and all the trimmings. And then we visit my family for the French version. And sometimes I take them a Christmas pudding because they like it.
Do you hold on to any French traditions? Not really. Well, perhaps there’s just one thing and that’s the way of eating. I make sure that we sit down to the table as a family and eat good food and we tend to eat later than local families.
ADVERTISING FEATURE
The modern way to sell a French property
In spite of the ongoing economic crisis, Houses on Internet has seen its best ever sales this year, and its website sell your house in France is therefore become much more complex and old Houses on Internet has is visited by over 115,000 people from crucial.” school advertising simply does not do made use of the latest For more than four years, Houses on all over the world every month. the job anymore. online advertising “Reaching today’s buyers simply Internet has been successful in selling Today’s buyers do not have time to techniques to record its cannot be done without a top ranking visit the region of their choice regularly French properties to people from all over the world, including most parts of on Google,” said Richard. to go window shopping, and will not best ever year of sales The Houses on Internet websites Europe, the Americas, Australia, Africa have time to drive through the counhave had a page one ranking for more and Asia. WHEN it comes to the property mar- tryside all day to spot houses. than a year now - something that few “We would never have achieved These country roads have now been ket, things used to be so simple. these results if we had not fully used all other companies can lay claim to. replaced with a digital highway - othA house in France could be pur“Maintaining this level is hard work, erwise known as the internet - and for the possibilities the internet has to chased and enjoyed for a number of but definitely worth it,” added Richard. over 98% of property buyers, this is the offer,” said Richard. years - either permanently or just for “It requires constant knowledge of only medium they use when searching the holidays. the latest techniques, frequent updates Then, when an owner decided it was for their dream house. of the websites and a lot of Google “And there are other things that time to sell, they would put up a sign advertising. have changed,” said Richard Kroon, and ask the local agent to hang up a “For example, our online adverts director of Houses on Internet. “No photo of the house in his window. Reaching today's buyers were shown over 3.1 million times last Prospective buyers who happened to longer are there just the 'traditional' simply cannot be done month buyers, like the French, British, pass by showed their interest, and on over 10,000 websites worldwide. Belgians, or Dutch. often it was soon sold, allowing the without a top ranking “This means that anyone looking for “Today's market is truly a global owner to move on. But times have on Google French property - whether far away or one, with over 25 nationalities buying. changed. living in the next village - is just one A worldwide coverage when trying to The French property market has
“
Company founder Richard Kroon
click away from viewing your house.” Visit the website now to get your house online, as this is the time prospective buyers will be planning their early spring viewing trips. 05 55 65 12 19 www.housesoninternet.com