95c
ISSUE 30
JUNE 2012
PUBLISHERS OF
News and What’s on information for Normandy and the surrounding area
Supermarkets fined for price promo con by RAY CLANCY
At the court, lawyers for the supermarkets claimed that it was not their fault. They passed the blame on to TWO supermarket giants have been suppliers who decide what would be fined a total of €140,000 for misleadpromoted and at what price. ing shoppers over buy-one-get-oneThe lawyers also said that it could be free products and other promotions in a result of bar codes not being updattheir superstores in Normandy. ed quickly enough, as the supermarCarrefour at Mont-Saint-Aignan, kets have to change prices on a daily Barentin and Tourville-la-Rivière basis to keep up with their competiwere fined a total of €100,000. Leclerc tors and to take prowas fined €30,000 at motions into account. Yvetot and €10,000 at However, UFC Que Rouen Saint-Sever. Choisir pointed out The steep fines were that other stores in Le handed out for what Consumers need Havre and Dieppe that the court in Rouen were previously fined heard were “misleading to be aware that for similar practices commercial practices” these promotions had put new systems in after the consumer pro- may not be a place to avoid misleadtection body DDPP in ing shoppers. The the Seine-Maritime good deal group said that out of found that in eight out UFC Que Choisir 25 shops checked in the of 10 cases examined, it department, only nine was possible to buy the had put in place such systems. same products cheaper without the UFC Que Choisir’s Rouen president, promotion. Danielle Gale, said: “Consumers need The DDPP looked in particular at a to be aware that these promotions may number of promotions in stores, not be a good deal. They should look including sliced ham, taboulé, soft carefully at the offer and look at the drinks, motor oil and dried dog food. price of individual items and then It is a growing practice in supermardecide if it is worth it.” kets throughout France to offer special promotions such as buy three and get one free, or six slices for the price of M 05198 - 30 - F: 0,95 E four. However, it is often cheaper to buy products individually, according to the consumer organisation UFC Que Choisir.
‘Absolutely stunning’
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Full story
Page 3
Visitors’ reaction to the Mont Saint Michel changes
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With a subscription or advert query call: From France: 0800 91 77 56 (freephone) From UK: 0844 256 9881 (4p per minute) or by email: sales@connexionfrance.com The Advertiser is published by: English Language Media Sarl, Le Vedra, 38 rue Grimaldi, 98000 Monaco. Directrice de la publication: Sarah Smith. Printed at Nice-M Matin, 214 Route de Grenoble, 06290 Nice Cedex 3. Environmental policy The Advertiser is printed on recycled newspaper, using a printing company which adheres to stringent regulations to reduce pollution.
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Contents 1-7 8-11 12-13, 24 14
Food Directory Home and garden Property & Business
15 16-17 18-19 20-23
Useful Numbers EMERGENCY NUMBERS 18: Emergencies: Calls the fire brigade (Sapeurs Pompiers), but they deal with medical emergencies and are usually the first port of call in rural areas. 112: Emergency calls from your mobile: Be ready with your name and where you are calling from and do not hang up until told to do so. 17: Police (gendarmes) 119: Child abuse. 1616: Sea and lake rescue. 01 40 05 48 48: Anti-poison centre (Paris) 08 10 33 30 + your department number (eg 76 for Seine-Maritime): Gas & electricity emergencies UTILITIES FRANCE TELECOM Website in English: www.francetelecom.com To report a fault online: www.1013.fr (click on the UK flag). English-speaking helpline: 09 69 36 39 00 (from France); + 33 1 55 78 60 56 (outside France). ORANGE: English-speaking helpline: 09 69 36 39 00. SFR: 1023 (+ 33 6 10 00 10 23 from outside France) FREE: 1044 BOUYGUES: 1034 EDF: 24 hour breakdown line: 08 10 33 30 87; Helpline in English: 05 62 16 49 08; From outside France: + 33 5 62 16 49 08; Email: simpleenergywithedf@edf.fr GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS CAISSE D’ALLOCATIONS FAMILIALES - CAF: www.caf.fr; Tel: 08 10 25 14 10. L’ASSURANCE MALADIE (AMELI, formerly known as CPAM – the health service): www.ameli.fr; Tel: 36 46 (Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm) English spoken. URSSAF: English-language website: www.anglais.urssaf.fr - Calvados - 22 rue d'Isigny, 14045 CAEN CEDEX 9 Tel: 08 20 39 51 40 | Manche - 50013 SAINT LO CEDEX Tel: 08 20 39 55 00 | Orne Pôle d'activités d'Ecouves, Rue François Arago, 61250 VALFRAMBERT Tel. 08 20 39 56 10 | Eure - Parc d'activité de la Forêt, Rue Henri Becquerel, BP 250 27092 EVREUX CEDEX 9 Tel: 08 20 39 52 70 | Seine-Maritime - 61 rue Pierre Renaudel, BP 2035X, 76040 ROUEN CEDEX 1 Tel: 08 20 39 57 60 PREFECTURE: Calvados - rue Daniel Huet, 14038 CAEN CEDEX 9 Tel: 02 31 30 64 00 | Manche - place de la Préfecture, CS 10419, 50009 ST LO
CEDEX Tel: 02 33 75 49 50 | Orne - 39 rue Saint Blaise, 61019 ALENCON CEDEX Tel. 02 33 80 61 61 | Eure boulevard Georges Chauvin, 27022 EVREUX CEDEX Tel: 02 32 78 27 27 | Seine-Maritime - 7 place de la Madeleine, 76000 ROUEN Tel: 02 32 76 55 00 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: Bilingual meetings French/English: Picauville (50) At: Centre Socio-Culturel, Prieuré (opposite the church) Tel: 02 33 40 66 53, Friday at 20:00 | Alençon (61) At: 22 Rue Porchaine, Alençon Tel: 02 43 24 88 40 Monday at 20:30-22:00 CANCER SUPPORT FRANCE: for advice and someone to talk to: www.cancersupportfrance.info National Office: Email cancersupportfrance@orange.fr; Tel: 05 45 89 30 05. SOLDIERS, SAILORS, AIRMEN AND FAMILIES ASSOCIATION FORCES (SSAFA): In France: 05 53 01 64 54; Email: france@ssafa.org.uk AVF: Help with French life www.avf.asso.fr OTHER INFO YELLOW PAGES: www.pagesjaunes.fr SPEAKING CLOCK: 3699. WEATHER: 08 92 68 02 + dept. number. LAST INCOMING CALL ON YOUR PHONE: 3131, then ‘5’ if you wish to connect. BRITISH CONSULATE British Consular Services, Paris: Postal address: British Embassy, BP111-08, 75363 Paris Cedex 08. Tel : 01 44 51 31 00 Tel (after hours Emergency Service only): 01 44 51 31 00 PUBLIC HOLIDAYS THIS MONTH None
Normandy Clubs and Associations Alliance Anglo-Normande A helping hand to integrate through French lessons, meetings and a social calendar, with members of many nationalities. Based between Livarot and Vimoutiers. secretary.normande@orange.fr www.alliance-anglo-normande.info Amicale Culturelle Européenne Offers cultural events and welcomes all nationalties www.amicale-culturelle.eu president@amicale-culturelle.eu Calvados Polo Club Polo matches and events in Lisieux area (14). Open to non-members. Mme Garmond: 02 31 31 19 85 calvadospoloclub@free.fr
June 2012
Green light for TGV link is good news for region
CONTACT US
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Writers in France Relaxed, friendly creative writing group which meets on first Tuesday of every month at the Bistrot du Coin in Passais kitty.stephens@virgin.net Royal British Legion Normandy/Calvados district branch Goona Naidu: 02 31 78 36 40 Ron Matthews: elronmat@wanadoo.fr www.rblnormandy.wordpress.com "Ville-Beau-Son" Choir Anglo-French choir based in Villebaudon (50). Welcomes enthusiastic singers of all abilities. Meets every Wednesday at 20.30 at the Salle Culturelle. Sylvia Miles: 02 33 59 21 81or 02 33 51 13 20 moulin50410@hotmail.com
BUSINESS and tourism organisations in Normandy have welcomed the announcement from French rail owners that the new high speed link between Paris and major cities in the region will go ahead. The confirmation from Réseau Ferré de France (RFF) puts an end to speculation that the project might be reduced or even shelved because of the cost. RFF says it is fully committed and will now carry out feasibility studies and full costings for the €15m project. It will mean vast improvements to travelling times along two routes: from Paris to Rouen and on to Le Havre and from Paris to Caen. Travelling time between Caen and Paris will be reduced from one hour 50 minutes to one and a quarter hours. Similarly, three quarters of an hour will be shaved off the Le Havre-Paris journey. Rouen, Lisieux and Deauville will also benefit from faster connections as part of improved rail links between cities not on the direct high speed route. The one major decision left is where a new sta-
Photo: eldelinux/Wikimedia
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TGVs would significantly cut the journey time to Paris tion will be built. The options are near Rouen, near Evreux or between the two. Basse-Normandie president Laurent Beauvais said the new lines would boost the region’s economic power. Business leaders also support the decision to go ahead, but say they
have become frustrated by the amount of time it has taken to get this far. Gilles Sergent, the Calvados representative for the French Business Confederation, said: “The situation has become increasingly unacceptable for business leaders and others. If
we are to compete, we need to reduce train times between Normandy and Paris.” Gerard Lisset, president of the Haute-Normandie regional economic council, has been a major campaigner for a fast train service to the capital. He too believes that it will lead to improved business. It is also expected to boost the tourism industry, as visitors from Paris can reach some of the region’s major holiday spots even faster and vice versa. A spokesman for Normandy’s tourist board said: “It will be possible to do a day trip to Caen from Paris, for example. It opens up a whole faster transport system to the region.” However, opinion is divided as to whether it will have much impact on house prices. Some estate agents believe more Parisians could be tempted to buy second homes in the region, but according to the estate agents’ group Fnaim, the areas that are most popular with buyers from Paris are on the coast and not necessarily near the new rail lines.
News in brief Remember to check for tides WITH the weather improving, beachgoers are being warned to check the tide tables before setting out. The sea in Normandy can be a long way out at times, but the tides can come in fast and emergency services are frequently called out to rescue trapped bathers. The highest coefficients in June are from Monday 4 to Wednesday 6.
Bike hire comes to Saint-Lô A NEW folding electric bicycle hire scheme has launched in Saint-Lô. Called Mobiky, the €40,000 scheme makes it possible for users to take their bicycles on other forms of transport. Fifty bikes are available from nine pick-up points, with prices from €7.50 a day to €357 a year.
Normandy mayors join government THE SOCIALIST mayor of Cherbourg, Bernard Cazeneuve, has been rewarded with a post in the new French government, following the election of François Hollande as president. He becomes minister for European affairs, reporting to foreign minister Laurent Fabius. Cazeneuve was a strong campaigner for Hollande during the presidential elections and played a key role in manifesto points on nuclear power. Rouen mayor Valérie Fourneyron, meanwhile, has been named sports minister.
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Normandy Advertiser
June 2012
News 3
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With vehicles now banned from the foot of Normandy’s most popular landmark, RAY CLANCY visited to find out whether the new arrangements were working – and what tourists thought OFFICIALS at the Mont Saint Michel have promised to make changes after some initial teething problems in the opening weeks of vehicles being banned from the foot of the monument. The second major stage to transform the historic site back into an island has been completed, with cars now banned from the foot of the rock and only shuttle buses allowed access. However, the first few weeks of the new system revealed that there were not enough signs to help visitors find their way around the new car park and walkways. Claire Montémont, a spokeswoman for the Baie du Mont-Saint-Michel group, which is in charge of the 10year €185m project, said a full evaluation would be carried out over the summer season to find out what other improvements can be made. The first problems emerged as soon as the new visitor arrival site was opened at the end of April, some 2.5km from the old car park, which was right next to the Mont. Ms Montémont said: “Staff realised that people had difficulty working out which path to take and immediately put more people on the ground to help. There have been enormous changes and our priority is to make sure visitors get the most from the new system. “It will take a full season to fully evaluate how it is working and how people are adapting to the changes. We will make improvements as quickly as we can.” More shuttle buses have already been introduced, after it was discovered that for security reasons they could only take 75 passengers rather than the planned 100. Transport supplier Véolia Transdev has been fined €400,000 and could lose its licence next year over the mistake. Another major disappointment has been security issues with the double-deck horse driven maringottes which were due to offer another method of reaching the Mont. They have been unable to take passengers so far.
Photo: Ray Clancy
Early problems for Mont access Point of view: Ray Clancy
‘The Mont has become just another tourist trap’
The real test for the new access system to Mont Saint Michel will be in the peak months of July and August This is a huge disappointment, according to Laurent Beauvais, president of Basse-Normandie regional council and the Baie du Mont Saint Michel group. He said it was an opportunity to showcase traditional breeds of working horse such as the Normandy cob, the Brittany postiers and the percherons. Some 36 horses have been bought and trained but cannot be used as the carriages are not strong enough to take the number of passengers envisaged. They are now being redesigned but no date has yet been given for their introduction. The real test for the new transport system will be during the summer holidays in July and August, when the Mont sees a huge surge in visitor numbers. Ms Montémont said: “May was a
busy month, but we are prepared for a bigger rush this summer. Our research shows that most people arrive between 10.00 and 15.00 and leave between 16.00 and 19.00, so we need to make sure there are enough buses. “We think many people will want to walk out but after coping with the steep paths and steps they may prefer to take a shuttle bus back to the car park, so there might be more demand for the return journey.” She also acknowledged that people who have difficulty walking could find the visit more arduous, but pointed out that there are smaller electric shuttle buses for disabled people and those with luggage who are staying in the hotels on the Mont. She added: “Visiting Mont Saint
Michel is not easy for those who are less active, but we are trying to make it as easy as we can. If people have complaints we will listen to them and act on them if necessary.” Cycles are also barred for most of the season. Originally the plan was to ban them completely but cycling organisations objected and it has now been agreed that people can cycle along the causeway from the beginning of October to the end of March. Dogs are not allowed on the shuttle buses so visitors wishing to take their pets will need to walk or use the kennel facilities provided at the car park for €7. The next major change will come in 2014, when a new bridge is opened and the current causeway taken away.
WHEN I first visited Mont Saint Michel 25 years ago, it was as stunning then as it is now, with the houses and buildings clinging to the rock intimately and the great abbey with its gold-topped spire. It soon became like an old friend. With the car park right next to the bottom of the rock, you could literally step out and immediately feel part of this ancient monument. All that has changed now. The new car park for 4,000 vehicles is 3km away and you end up walking anything between five and 10 minutes to reach the new shuttle buses that are the only public transport now allowed to approach Mont Saint Michel. That is if you can find them, as there are not many signs, although officials say they are going to sort this out. When you get out of your car, you cannot even see the Mont. In many ways it is a super modern car park, nicely landscaped and next to it is a new information centre. The shuttles are space-age, made from wood, metal and glass, but I think they are too modern and do not really fit in. By 2014, the sand and silt that has built up over centuries will have been dredged and a new bridge built to replace the current causeway, allowing the Mont to become an island again. While I applaud the thinking behind the changes, for me the immediate feeling of intimacy has been lost. The Mont has become, for the moment, just another tourist trap. It is not just the new car park and transport system. Businesses seem to have upped their prices this year, with a very basic ice cream now €3, although if you hunt around you will find one place selling them at €2. Businesses claim they are worried that there will be fewer visitors, as people will be put off by the long walks and possible queues for the shuttle buses at the height of the summer season – so perhaps an increase in prices is a coping mechanism. As with all things new, change can take some getting used to. I am sure that in my eyes the new approach to the Mont will eventually become more friendly and I am looking forward to the next 25 years.
We like new approach – but it is confusing Photo: Ray Clancy
VISITORS to Mont St Michel interviewed by the Normandy Advertiser are broadly in favour of the new navette transport system at Mont Saint Michel, but they want clearer signs in the new car park and at the bus stops. They also like the fact that cars can no longer park alongside the world-famous tourist hotspot. Bert Tigges, on holiday from the Netherlands, said: “It is my first visit, so I don’t know what it was like before, but I really enjoyed the walk. It took about 20 minutes and gave us a great view as we approached. You can just take your time and enjoy the view.” Florence Capurro, who was visiting for the day from the Loire-Atlantique, said: “It is stunning and the approach to Mont Saint Michel is breathtaking. I think having cars
parked next to it must have spoilt the view. You have to walk from the car park to the shuttle stop, but the sun was shining and it was pleasant. I suppose it wouldn’t be so nice in the rain.” Marcey Willey, on holiday from the United States, said: “Mont Saint Michel is stunning and I don’t think anything could spoil the view. It was a bit confusing as there were not enough signs in the car park. We decided to walk over, as it was such a lovely day.” Reae Wijataard, on holiday from the Netherlands, added: “I have been here before and I prefer the new approach. It is good for the environment that cars are kept away and I enjoyed the walk rather than taking the shuttle bus. I support the idea of returning it to a more natural outlook.”
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Normandy Advertiser
June 2012
Football giant-killers Barfleur lighthouse is fear coach will move
Photo: Rundvald/Wikimedia
one of world’s tallest
Phare de Gatteville: difficult stretch of coast for ships
THE Phare de Gatteville lighthouse in Barfleur (Manche) is the third-tallest stone lighthouse in the world, standing at 75m in height – the tallest being at Ile-Vierge, Finistère. It was built between 1829 and 1835, replacing an existing, smaller lighthouse on the site to offer better protection to ships from the strong currents at the tip of Barfleur. Made from granite, there are 365 steps and 52 windows, leading up to a duallevel keeper’s deck. Vegetable oil was used to power the light until 1873, then mineral oil, and an electric lantern has been used since 1893. The lighthouse was connected to the national grid in 1948. One lamp is lit on clear days and two in bad weather. The lighthouse closed for renovation in 1996 and reopened a year later as a lighthouse museum. The 1980 film Diva by JeanJacques Beineix was partially shot at the lighthouse.
Photo: © Christophe Morin / IP3 / MaxPPP
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US Quevilly coach Régis Brouard: ‘Our joy is not just for the town, but all of Normandy’ FANS of the Normandy football team that came close to beating former league champions Olympique Lyonnais in the final of the French Cup are praying this summer that US Quevilly coach Régis Brouard will not be tempted to move elsewhere. The small town’s amateur players are being feted as heroes after losing just 1-0 to giants Lyon at the Stade de France in Paris. The day after the match, thousands turned out to welcome the team home and even locals who never support football were full of praise for the remarkable job the team did. Now the concern is that Brouard will be tempted by offers from professional clubs, although he has already turned down an offer from Amiens. Caen and Le Havre are both said to be interested in the coach whose nickname is “the wizard”. Brouard has not yet hinted at what his plans are. When asked, he said that all he wants to do at present is to enjoy the current
success of the team: “I just want to say a very big thank you to all our fans. “It was magnificent to see a sea of yellow and black flags at the Stade de France, a wonderful moment. “Our joy is not just for the town of Quevilly but for all of Normandy, I know that football fans from all over the region were supporting us.” Team captain Grégory Beaugard was also full of praise for the fans. He said: “I can’t thank our supporters enough. “It is thanks to them that we had the courage to go to Paris and show them what we are capable of. Being presented with the runners-up medals was a great moment for the whole team.” Club president Michel Mallet said the experience was also a great example for young players in Normandy who look up to the team. He said: “For us it was a victory, not a defeat. It was a great sporting moment. I hope it will inspire young people.”
April was a weather write-off THE month of April was officially one of the wettest on record in many parts of Normandy, with a new record for the amount of rainfall in one 24-hour period. Météo France recorded 28mm of rain in Cherbourg from Saturday 28 to Sunday 29 April, beating the previous record of 27.9mm set in 1967. It was Basse-Normandie
that took the brunt of April showers this year with 27mm falling in Alençon, 26mm at L’Aigle, 18 mm at Deauville, 17mm at Cerisy-la-Salle, and 15mm at Caen on the same weekend. Caen came close to beating the record for the most rainfall for the whole of the month with a total of 108mm of rain in April, close to the
all time high of 108.2mm in April 1998. Alençon also came close to beating its record rainfall of 119.6mm in April 2004 with 114.8mm this year. A Météo France spokesman said: “The last couple of years have been dry in April but this year we saw mostly above average rainfall during the month.”
Normandy Advertiser
News 5
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June 2012
Campaigners want mobile phone mast power reduced
A SINGER-songwriter famous for his rendition of a popular homage to the good life in Normandy has been mourned across France after dying from cancer. Eric Charden wrote Made in Normandie in 1973 and the song won the hearts of people in the region as an ode to all the good things including the apple trees, cider, brown and white cows, the rain and the food. It tells the story of an American GI parachuted into Normandy during the D-Day campaign and his joy at discovering the good things. He finds the people friendly and he falls in love with Normandy, despite the violence of the war and being homesick for his native Pennsylvania and his new wife. It was a huge hit for Charden and his first wife Annie Stone and has remained popular, often sung at French get-togethers. Female group Les Elles, from Caen, did a cover version on their first album in 1995. The Frenchman died aged 69 from cancer of the lymphatic system, just days after the launch of his latest album with Stone, Made in France, a collection of some of his best hits including Made in Normandie.
by RAY CLANCY
Bumper month for traffic at Le Havre port PORT authorities in Le Havre are celebrating after a busy month for traffic in May, with 18 cruise stopovers, including a visit from the Queen Elizabeth II. They say Le Havre is proving a popular break point on cruises taking in London, Amsterdam, Hamburg, Copenhagen and Oslo. The forecast is for 110 stopovers to have been achieved by the end of the year, representing a total of 230,000 passengers and 85,000 crew members – a two-fold increase on 10 years ago.
Saint Theresa parents’ relics return to Alençon WORSHIPPERS in Alençon turned out to venerate the relics of the parents of Saint Theresa of Lisieux as they passed through the couple’s birth town, at a special ceremony at the town’s Notre-Dame basilica. The relics of Louis and Zélie Martin are going on tour until July, with most of the stops in Italy, before they head to Milan for the 7th World Meeting of Families with Pope Benedict XVI.
PARENTS in Caen are becoming increasingly concerned about the number of mobile telephone masts that are being installed in the city, close to schools. They believe that the aerials are emitting higher electromagnetic levels than is recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and are demanding that telephone operators reduce their power. There are 83 already in place in Caen and a further 15 expected soon. Two aerials within 140m of a primary school have become the focus for a campaign to either get the emissions reduced or to get a protection curtain installed for the sake of children and teachers. Campaign group l’Association Modul’ondes said that tests done in March 2010 and again in November 2011 have found that the aerials on the church tower next to La Pigacière primary school have emissions that exceed the 0.6 volts per meter that is recommended by WHO. The official tests found emissions were on average between one and two volts per meter with maximums of 3.5 to 5.4, according to Christian Rouyer, a member of Modul’ondes. Parents have reported an increase in the number of headaches among children and teachers say they have also been experiencing more headaches. Laurent Bocéni, who has two children at La Pigacière said: “We are clear that there is a risk to our children and to teachers. We just want the emissions to be reduced to the level recommended by the WHO.” Mr Rouyer said that people did not always realise that there were
Photo: ©PHOTOPQR/OUEST FRANCE/Sébastien Breteau
‘Made in Normandie’ singer dies
Christian Rouyer: Campaign group says emissions from masts near schools are dangerously high mobile telephone aerials near them as they can be hidden behind trees and on chimneys. He said: “It is not just this school that is affected but the whole city. Everyone in Caen is near an aerial and therefore subject to emissions at their homes, at school, in the street 24 hours a day, seven days a week.” There are also concerns about two aerials at the Lemonnier Institute, one near the Clos Herbert primary school and one at the Lycée Dumont d’Urville. The potential health effects of electromagnetic emissions from
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It is not just this school that is affected but the whole city. Everyone in Caen is near an aerial and therefore subject to emissions Christian Rouyer
Modul’ondes campaign group member
Granville course marks its 100th anniversary
Woman ‘saw the dog as rival’ in relationship A WOMAN in Saint-Lô is facing a fourmonth prison sentence for throwing her dog from a 14th floor window. The court heard of a drunken row between the woman and her partner, who she said loved the dog more than her. It is alleged she threatened to kill the dog with a knife but her partner managed to disarm her, and when he came back from putting the knife back in the drawer, the dog was on the ground below the tower block. Prosecutors said the woman “saw the dog as a rival”. The judgment is due on June 7.
Cité de la Mer turns 10 MORE than 5,000 people attended the 10th anniversary celebrations for the Cité de la Mer in Cherbourg – beating the visitor record set when the marine attraction first opened in 2002. There were queues of up to two-and-a-half as visitors took advantage of the free entry.
The popular course at Bréville-sur-Mer offers spectacular views out to sea ONE of France’s foremost golf courses, at Granville, is celebrating its 100th anniversary this summer after a major restoration programme to preserve its unique links course. Set next to the sea at Bréville-sur-Mer (Manche), it began as a nine-hole course created by a group of passionate golfers who rented a parcel of land next to the sea from the local council. The full-size course was designed in 1921 by Englishman Harry Colt, known as the father of modern golf course architecture. Today it is popular with players from all over Europe.
The secret of its enduring success has been the hard work undertaken to preserve its links terrain, according to club spokesman Daniel Petiot. He said: “In recent years we have made a concerted effort to restore the natural links quality of the course by re-seeding with carefully chosen grass varieties and by refurbishing the bunkers. Some greens have dramatic slopes with banks behind giving the opportunity to play a wide variety of shots.” There are spectacular views over the whole course and across the sea to Chausey and Jersey on a clear day.
mobile phone aerials is the subject of considerable debate. The French medical union, le Syndicat de la Médecine Générale en France, is calling for more research and points out that some people are more susceptible to effects than others. It currently recommends that emissions should be kept as low as possible. The deputy mayor of Caen, Rudy Orphelin, has written to the mobile phone companies asking them to reduce the emissions from aerials in the city and has said that he is not against banning new ones being installed if they refuse to do so.
6 National News
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Normandy Advertiser
June 2012
News from across France A BRITISH man who commuted to Paris twice a month for theft sprees at Charles de Gaulle Airport has been jailed for a year. “John”, in his 40s, targeted luggage, mainly in terminal 2C. He took valuables and cash, such as €70,000 in cash from the baggage of the Prime Minister of Chad, as well as mobile phones or laptops. He would stay in an airport hotel before flying back with his haul, reports said. He was arrested after being found with a suitcase belonging to a Cameroon traveller.
Air France will cut up to 5,000 jobs
Photo: ©Samuel Dietz / Maxppp
Airport thief’s London ‘commute’
Ayrault re-named to spare Arab blushes
Spectacles discount for the over-60s OLDER people on low incomes are to get a special pass that will give them cheaper spectacles and eye tests. Opticians, health insurers, spectacle manufacturers and glass-
maker Essilor have banded together to offer the pass-lunettes as they say older people have more need of eyecare, more expensive prescriptions and they are not well covered by social security or health insurance. The pass will be available to any over-60s eligible for the Aide à la Complémentaire Santé (a benefit partially covering costs of buying top-up healthcare insurance). Details will be posted to those who are already claiming the benefit.
Eurostar plan to add new destinations CHANNEL Tunnel train operator Eurostar wants to add around 10 new destinations to its service. At present it serves just Paris, London and Brussels, but is looking to travel to cities such as
Montpellier are French champions MONTPELLIER football club have become French champions for the first time in the club’s history. The victory – pipping Paris Saint-Germain – is yet another sporting success for the city whose handball team are French champions for the 14th time. Its rugby team are again for the Top 14 finals. Montpellier won a nerve-wracking final game against newly-relegated Auxerre 2-1 – with the Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Geneva, Marseille and Lyon, boss Nicolas Petrovic told the Financial Times. Its plans come as German operator Deutsche Bahn said it will offer Chunnel services from late in 2015.
Club red-faced over spelling mistake A SPELLING mistake has left Olympique de Marseille football club with red faces, as they got the word orange wrong on their strips. The reversible jerseys carry a quote from a song by Marseille rapper Akhenaton, but it is grammatically incorrect. It reads: Et nos cœurs sont oranges, comme au couchant sont les flots” but the word orange does not need the “s”, which makes it read “And our hearts are oranges, like the waves at sunset”. Sports shops across France have the strips on sale now at €150 for the Techfit version and €90 for the ordinary one. OM will wear them for the first time in a league match at Sochaux. Orange is used as part of the club’s fight against racism, echoing fans who turn their bomber jackets inside out to show the orange lining.
Economy stagnates in first quarter THE French economy showed zero growth in the first quarter of 2012, official Insee figures show. On top of this, the body has now revised down its growth calculation for the last quarter of 2011, to 0.1% instead of 0.2%. However an overall figure of 1.7% has been maintained for last year. French national debt is now calculated to have reached 86% of GDP
match being interrupted three times by angry rival supporters. It did not finish until 23.30. The win is even more special as their €36 million budget is a fraction of other teams – and especially Qatar-owned PSG who spent €42m on one player. Montpellier striker Olivier Giroud also took the top goal-scorer title – he and PSG’s Brazilian Nenê both had 21 goals but Giroud scored fewer penalties.
(the market value of all goods and services produced in France in the year) by the end of last year, slightly up on the 85.8% announced before. At the end of last year the government predicted there would be 1% growth in 2012, a figure it had revised down from a previous 1.75%.
Security stepped up for ‘normal’ Hollande SCORES of specialised police are being reassigned to the protection of François Hollande and others close to him. The new president, who has said he wants to be seen as “normal”, is now having to adjust to the hyperprotected life of a head of state. Hollande benefited from 15 bodyguards during the elections – they are expected to form the nucleus of his Groupe de Sécurité de la Présidence de la République (GSPR). President Sarkozy’s GSPR consisted of 80 officers, who will shortly be reassigned to other jobs. The armed, plain-clothes officers consist of three teams who divide their time between protection, training and rest. It is not known if Hollande’s protection will be similar. Until now he has preferred minimal security, with no bodyguard at the primaries and just four at the start of his campaign.
Court rejects café smoking appeal SMOKERS can continue to smoke in café terraces that are enclosed by plastic sheeting, the Paris appeal court has ruled. The court rejected an appeal by anti-smoking group Droits des Nonfumeurs (DNF) who wanted to strike out a lower court ruling allow-
ing five Parisian cafés to permit smoking on their terraces. DNF had said the lightweight plastic enclosures were just a way for the cafés to get around the law banning smoking in enclosed public places. It said the air inside them was more polluted than the Périphérique and president Gérard Audureau now plans to petition the new health minister for the law to be clarified.
Racers quizzed after two die in rally crash POLICE are still trying to work out the cause of a rally car crash that killed two people and injured 19 spectators at the Riviera village of Plan-de-la-Tour. They questioned the driver and navigator, who are both long-time competitors, and are also examining the car for any mechanical failure. The VW Golf ploughed into spectators after running straight-on at a corner. A 20-year-old man and a 50year-old steward were killed. Five people were seriously hurt, with two youths fighting for their lives.
Photo: © Kzenon - Fotolia.com
NEW prime minister Jean-Marc Ayrault is causing blushes in many Arab countries – especially for journalists – as his surname sounds the same as a colloquial word for penis. The French Foreign Ministry has now put out a new version of the pronunciation, saying it is permissible to pronounce the normally silent L and T letters. A similar problem arose in France for Russian president Vladimir Putin, whose name sounds similar to putain, a French slang word for prostitute and a common swear word.
AIR France is set to cut 5,000 jobs over the next three years as part of a new business plan aimed to get it back into the black. Le Figaro said the airline aimed to cut its non-fuel costs by 20% and would transfer some leisure flights to its low-cost carrier Transavia, cut costs in economy class and improve comfort in business class. The number of freight planes would be reduced as would maintenance costs. However, news site La Tribune said only up to 3,000 employees would go – and an Air France spokesman denied any figures had been agreed. Le Figaro said voluntary redundancy would be open to all staff: ground crew, cabin crew and, for the first time, pilots. The company has 4,000 pilots, including 590 over-55s but the retirement age is 65. Air France says at least 500 pilots have more than 25 years' service – who will benefit from the maximum redundancy pay-out.
Schools go back to five-day week PRIMARY schools are going back to a five-day week, new education minister Vincent Peillon has said. He wants a return to the pre-2008 system by next year’s rentrée (September 2013) but said local mairies could whether to open school on Wednesdays or Saturdays. Ending Saturday morning school in 2008 led to longer school days on the remaining days and this was criticised as tiring for the children by leading parents’ association FCPE, the national Academy of Medicine and a parliamentary report. However, a government poll of 5,000 parents and school staff last year found just 33% wanted to change the four-day week.
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Memorial jumps to mark D-Day EARLY June will see parachutists of different nationalities recreate part of the DDay airborne landings, by jumping from a Second World War plane in historic dress above Norman towns. A French group taking part, ABC Airborne Center from Perpignan, said they will jump from an old Dakota – as used by American troops who parachuted into France on D-Day over the night of June 5-6, 1944. The only element that will not be from the period is the parachutes themselves, which will however be military ones in the traditional round style as opposed to the modern rectangular ones that are easier to manouevre, said ABC Airborne Center president Christian Dislair. He said the group was also taking part in a jump at Hiesville on June 1 and another at Amfreville on June 4. “We organise training courses in France for this kind of military jumping and take part in these commemorative jumps.” Anyone can take part in the jumps with them, he said. “You must be at least 18 and have a medical certificate, and if you have never jumped, take a training course.” The group provides the old uniforms. About 20 people are jumping with ABC Airborne Center, he said. “People do it because they are passionate about history and want to pay homage to the airborne troops.” Other groups taking part in commemorative jumps in Normandy this month include American group Liberty Jump Team which trains in Texas and whose jumpers are mainly active or retired forces members. Spokesman Jill Launay said: “We seek to honour all veterans as we feel history did not stop with Second World War but continues today.” To find out more about jumping with Airborne Center see: tinyurl.com/ AirborneCenter or call Mr Dislair on 06 08 63 97 99. One-week parachuting courses are about €400.
News 7
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June 2012
Beautiful gardens open to all
MORE than 100 gardens in Normandy, some of them not usually seen by the public, will be open in the first weekend of June as part of an annual national cultural event aimed at promoting the vast variety of flowers, trees and plants in France. Throughout Normandy, they are a mixture of private and public spaces and some are opening for the first time this weekend, June 1-3. As well as guided visits, there is a variety of workshops, concerts, lectures, games and competitions taking place linked to this year’s theme for Rendez-vous aux Jardins which is “the garden and its images”. Bruno Delavenne, president of the Association des Parcs et Jardins de Haute-Normandie, said it was an opportunity to see many historic and rare plants, as well as learn more about how gardens are created. He said: “The mild climate and fertile soil of Normandy is ideal for gardening. This is an opportunity for gardeners and owners to meet and learn more, as well as see some of the region’s most beautiful gardens. In these difficult economic times, a garden is a place of beauty and peace.” They include the rose garden at Château de Mesnil
Geoffroy at Ermenouville, which has more than 2,500 rose bushes and almost 2,000 different varieties collected by Prince Kayali, a founder of the Normandy Rose Gardens Association. There are two distinct rose gardens, one with highly scented varieties and another with historic varieties. Near Bayeaux, the Jardin du Château de Brécy is one of the few remaining examples of a 17th century French garden. It has four formal terraces and is well known for its fine box, yew and hornbeam hedges and topiary, as well as its medieval walled garden. English gardens over the ages have had a big influence on Normandy and an example of this is Le Bois des Moutiers at Varengeville-surMer just outside Dieppe. It was created by Guillaume Mallet and renowned British garden architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. English landscape gardener Gertrude Jekyll also worked on the gardens. One of the biggest collections of rhododendrons can be found at the Jardin de Clairbois at Brix near Cherbourg and for scented flowers and rare trees the Jardin Flore et Sens is like an oasis in the middle of the bustling cathedral town of Coutances.
Some of the major gardens taking part Basse-Normandie CALVADOS (14) Balleroy – Jardin des Oubliées Caen – Jardin des Plantes Cambremer – Jardins du Pays d’Auge Castillon – Jardins de Plantbessin Mezidon-Canon – Parc du Château de Canon Ouilly-le-Vicomte – Parc du Château de Boutemont Saint-Gabriel-Brécy – Parc du Château de Brécy Vendeuvre – Parc du Château de Vendeuvre MANCHE (50) Brix – Jardin de Clairbois Cherbourg-Octeville – Parc Emmanuel Liais Martinvast – Parc du Domaine de Beaurepaire St Germain des Vaux – Jardin Jacques Prévert Saussey – Jardin d’Argences Tourlaville – Parc du Château de Tourlaville Urville-Nacqueville – Parc du Domaine de Nacqueville Vauville – Jardin Botanique ORNE (61) Le-Champ-de-la-Pierre – Parc du Château Préaux-du-Perche – Jardin François
Remalard – Jardin de la Petite Rochelle La Rouge – Parc du Château de Lorière St-Christophe-le-Jajolet – Jardin du Château de Sassy
Haute-Normandie EURE (27) Giverny – Jardin du Musée d’Art Américain Giverny – Jardin de Claude Monet Harcourt – Arboretum Le Neubourg – Champ-de-Bataille Miserey – Les Jardins du Château St Just Vandrimare SEINE-MARITIME (76) Auffay – Le Bosmelet Auzouville-sur-Ry – Jardin Plume Beaumont-le-Hareng – Le Jardin de Bellevue Doudeville – Parc de Galleville Tourville-sur-Arques – Miromesnil Normanville – Jardin d’Art et d’Essai St Martin de Boscherville – Abbaye St Georges St Pierre-de-Manneville – Parc du Manoir de Villers Varengeville-sur-Mer – Bois des Moutiers Etaimpuis – Le Clos du Coudray
THE LAST Citroën 2CV produced for sale in France has been found burned out, after it was stolen from a collector. Car enthusiast Roger Brioult, 90, its owner, died just a few days after the loss of his prize vehicle, worth more than €100,000. It was found burned out near La Roussière in the Eure and was identified by its chassis number. A spokesman for the local gendarmes said: “This gentleman was distraught when he found out about the theft of his car.” The author of Le Parisien newspaper’s En Voiture blog, Matthieu Turel, called it “pure vandalism, stupid and criminal, and an incredible waste”. The light grey 2CV Special had only five kilometres on the clock and had never had plates, as Mr Brioult only drove it a few metres from the delivery truck to his property. He had
Photo: ©PHOTOPQR/OUEST FRANCE/Alix Froissart
2CV fan dies after prized car is stolen
The vintage Citroën 2CV found burned near La Roussière in the Eure ordered it specially, in 1974, so as to be sure of getting the last one off the production line at Citroën’s LevalloisPerret factory. A car collector all his life, he founded the respected magazine Revue
Technique Automobile and had 14 other historic cars in his collection as well as 14 motorbikes. He took delivery of the car in April 1988 and was given a certificate from Citroën confirming its authenticity as
the last car to be sold from the production line. It is not clear when the car was stolen, but police believe it was sometime between the end of January and March 13, when the owner’s wife Jeanine, 95, noticed that a fence at the back of their property, near the garage built to house the car collection, had been moved. She also told police that she had seen a strange car parked nearby, but had not thought to report it. The 2CV was first presented by Citroën at the Salon de l’Automobile in 1948. Production ended in France in 1988 and in Portugal two years later. Its heyday was the 1960s and 1970s and it is still one of the most recognisable cultural icons of France. Numerous associations for enthusiasts arrange regular meet-ups.
Dinosaur ‘mummy’ on show A NINE-metre dinosaur skeleton nicknamed “the mummy” – because it has remarkably preserved some of the creature’s skin – is to go on show at the pre-historic museum in Villers-sur-Mer this month. The prosaurolophus is one of three skeletons that were recently discovered in the US and that are making the trip to Normandy for the temporary exhibition at Paléospace. To find out more, see www.paleospace-villers.fr or call 02 31 81 77 60.
8 What’s On
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June 2012
FESTIVAL
June 2-9 D-Day Festival, Bayeux, Longues-sur-Mer, Carentan, Sainte-Mère-Église – After 68 years, the D-Day commemorations seem to get bigger every year. Three military camps are being reconstituted at Sainte-Mère-Église, Sainte-Marie-du-Mont and Utah Beach (Manche), and the festivities start on June 2 with the Carentan Liberty March and a screening of The Longest Day at Sainte-Mère-Église. On June 3 there’s a parachute drop over the same town, and on June 5 a firework display at 23.00 at Longues-sur-Mer.The National Commemoration is at Sword Beach (Hermanville-sur-Mer) at 16.00 on June 6, followed by an open-air concert and fireworks at Arromanches (21.30), while at Bayeux on June 7 there’s a Liberation Ball at 19.00. Go to Omaha Beach on June 9 for a giant picnic at 19.30, with a firework display at 23.00. Call 02 31 51 28 28 or visit www.bessin-normandie.com
Photo: © U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Austin M. May
June
Photo: © wikipedia.org
Photo: © freemilitaryphotos
Pick of the rest in Normandy
Photo: © arbr'en-ciel
Seine-Maritime, Préaux, FAMILY June 3 Mother’s Day free tree-climb for mothers 12.30 to 17.00 – Arbr’en Ciel’s park at Préaux advertises ‘100% adventure’, with six different courses where you can swing and slide through the treetops, up to 15 metres from the ground. For Mother’s Day there is a special offer: mums go free. Price: from €10 to €18, FREE for Mums. Call 06 45 77 89 97, www.arbreenciel-aventure.com Eure, Digny, FESTIVAL June 2-3 Fête de la Trinité – Just a good old-fashioned French village fête with stalls, sideshows, bands, street artists, lots of food and attractions for old and young, including a kids’ fishing contest in the village pond, stocked with 20 kg of trout. Call 02 37 29 00 18
Manche, Saint-Hilaire-duHarcouët, MUSIC June 3 Salle du Rex - Mozart Requiem 17.00 – A performance by the Kamerton Chamber Choir, with a string orchestra, of Mozart’s last and greatest work, completed only after the composer’s death by his pupil Süssmayr and others. Conducted by the choir’s founder, Oleg Afonine.Tickets €10, child €4. Call 02 33 79 38 88 Photo: © visitnormandy.com
Orne, Saint-Cénéri-le-Géréi, MUSIC June 30 Nocturne with String Quartet 20.30 – One of the most beautiful villages in France; the gardens of La
Mansonière; 800 candles;The Arpeggione Quartet; Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert. A perfect recipe for an unforgettable evening.Tickets €10; child €5 Call 02 33 26 73 24
Seine-Maritime Veules-les-Roses
CULTURE
Photo: © Gegeours - wikipedia.org
Photo: © Conseil Général de l'Orne
Orne, Alençon, Argentan, MUSIC June 20-24 Choir Festival (Orne en Choeurs) – The massed choirs of the Orne, together with the University Choir of Caen – 500 performers in all – offer five nights of music from Gounod to the seventies.They perform in the courtyard of the Maison du Département in Alençon on June 20 (21.00) and with Gérald de Palmas on June 23 (21.00); on June 22 in Argentan (20.00), and on June 24 in the church at Montsort (14.30 and 18.00). On June 21 the stage in Alençon is given over to Alex Massmedia and Melissa N’Konda. Free; reservation available from Office de Tourisme Alençon 02 33 80 66 33. Call 02 33 81 60 00
June 16-17 Rose Festival 10.00 to 18.00 – La Rose en Fête is where Veules les Roses lives up to its name; held in the courtyard of the château and the Clos Saint Vincent de Paul, it offers 30 stalls for advice and shopping, exhibitions of old and new garden tools, workshops and events all day long. Symbol of the event is the rose Ma Normandie. Entry is FREE. Call 02 35 97 64 11 or 02 35 97 63 05 or email tourisme@veules-les-roses.fr
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June 2012
Formigny
FESTIVAL
Manche
Cherbourg
CULTURE
Orne
Haras du Pin
Photo: © alfalabel
June 1 Medieval Festival 20.00 to 23.00 - On April 15, 1450 an English army led by Sir Thomas Kyriell was defeated by a combined French and Breton force, an action which handed Normandy back to France and hastened the end of the Hundred Years’ War. And the Compagnons de Formigny are making sure we don’t forget it. Come and visit the battlefield, watch re-enactments, try some hippocras (spiced wine) and enjoy the evening. Entry FREE. Call 02 31 21 38 28
Photo: © CCAM
Photo: © alfalabel
June 2 Sea Rowing Coupe de France 10.30 to 18.00 – Cherbourg’s sea rowing club (Cherbourg Club Aviron de Mer) takes advantage of the world’s biggest artificial harbour to run an intensive programme of events, and this year hosts the National League Championships, in which four-oared boats compete over a 6km course, starting and finishing at the Base Nautique. Call 02 33 94 99 00 or visit www.coupedefrance2012.cherbourg-aviron.fr
Mont Saint-Michel
MUSIC
Photo: © Yoshinori Mido
Manche
Photo: © j-f lefevre
FAMILY June 7 Jeudis du Pin season opens 15.00 – Every Thursday throughout the summer, in the Cour Colbert of this most prestigious of the French National Stud establishments, some of the world’s finest horses are put through their paces, in hand or in harness, for your delight. Even if you’re not a great horse lover, the very best of anything is always worth seeing. For the full visit, come at 14.15 and spend the whole afternoon. Entrance €6; for a full visit to the stables, the grounds and the show, €13.50; students €12, children €9. Call 02 33 36 68 68
June 9 Bach Cello Suites 20.30 – A recital in the Abbey by Jean-Guihen Queyras, including J.S.Bach’s Suites for cello Nos. 3, 5 and 6.The perfect marriage of architecture and music for a summer’s evening. Price: €18.50, under -26s €11 Call 02 33 89 80 04 or email evenements-amsm@monuments-nationaux.fr
Eure
D-Day commemorations and ramblers festival at Mont Saint-Michel
Évreux MUSIC
Photo: © Klaus Roethlisberger
June 5 Le Cadran, Hélène Segara 20.30 – The star of Notre-Dame de Paris has gone from lowly piano bars to selling millions of CDs, becoming one of the great names of modern French music. Book early; this is sure to be a sell-out! Tickets €33 - €39 Call 02 32 29 63 00 www.billetterie.lecadran.com
Eure
Verneuil-sur-Avre
FAMILY
June 1 ‘Paris-sur Avre’ Son et Lumière performance 22.00 (Nightfall) – At the end of the 19th century, eight of the springs which feed the river Avre were diverted to supply water to Paris, including the Élysée Palace.This show, held in front of the Abbaye Saint-Nicolas, uses sound, light and a large amateur cast recruited in nearby Tilliéres to tell the story. An event for all the family. Come early to get a good seat and a drink for your picnic! Adult €7, 5-12s €5 available at the gate or by telephone. Call 02 32 32 17 17
In June and throughout the summer visit the D-Day landing beaches
At the time of going to press The Normandy Advertiser team checked, to the best of its ability, that the details of events listed here are correct. However, we recommend that you check with organisers before setting out to see there have not been any last minute changes to programmes.
For further information, brochures and special deals, contact Manche Tourism on + 33 (0)2 33 05 98 70 or book online on : Graphic design: R2pub - Photo copyrights (all rights reserved): MontSt-Michel∏sc00p for Fotolia.com - for CDT - S. Barrault - X - 04/12
“Rando baie” from 22nd to 24th June Festival in the Bay of Mont saint-Michel
www.normandy-peninsula-holidays.com
manchetourisme@manche.fr
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June 2012
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Africa in their hearts THE Friends of Uganda Association based in Saint-Lucien in Seine Maritime (76) does exactly what it says on the tin: it provides support to some of the poorest people in Africa. The association has been going since 2004 and is on the look out for new members, particularly people who could help with fundraising. The founders, Keith and Jeanette Mills, spent many years working in Africa. Their children were born in Zambia and brought up in Uganda and when they moved back to Europe they never forgot the country. They celebrated their 60th birthdays with a holiday in Uganda. “But we didn’t really do anything we’d planned,” says Keith. “We met these wonderful Ugandan people running a charity called the Dream Scheme, and spent the time with them.” Once back in France they dived into fund-raising for the Dream Scheme. “Now it’s a permanent part of our lives,” says Keith. They have organised sponsorship for 65 primary school chil-
Keith and Jeanette Mills fell in love with Uganda, and now run a charity, The Friends of Uganda, to educate some of the poorest children there
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dren, 10 secondary pupils and three young people in teacher training. “We’re always looking for sponsors,” says Keith. Uganda has a low profile in France because it’s not an ex-French colony. In an ideal world, they would love to find people to put on independent events in aid of the charity; a dance, an exhibition, a garden party. Keith has published a book of recipes which he sells in aid of the charity, and the couple also hold fund-raising dinner parties. Their annual story-telling walk usually makes a good contribution and they sell Ugandan crafts that they bring back from Africa. Keith and Jeanette are looking forward to taking their grown-up sons back to Uganda next year, and they’ll be visiting all the projects and meeting all the sponsored children. “We love Uganda and we just want to help,” says Keith. Get in touch via the website www.amis-d-ouganda.com
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What’s On in the capital
Photo: Chris Killip
British season at Le Bal
Weekend of art workshops June 8-9 – A network of fine arts workshops, backed by the Mairie de Paris, are opening their doors to the public for a series of free workshops over this weekend. Students’ work will be on display and there is a range of talks and demonstrations from the artists – covering everything from painting and fabricwork to engraving, sketching, photography, cartoons, film-making, modelling and architecture. Open 15.00-21.00 on Friday and 15.00-19.00 on Saturday. The venues are as follows: 48 rue de Sévigné (M° St Paul or Chemin-Vert) 80 Boulevard du Montparnasse (M° Montparnasse-Bienvenüe); 28/30 rue Gauthey (M° Brochant) 158 rue Legendre (M° Guy Mocquet) 5 Place Marc Bloch (M° Buzenval) http://ateliers-beauxarts.activites.paris.fr
ARTS
EXHIBITION All summer, until August 19 – The work of two critically acclaimed chroniclers of everyday British life – photographer Chris Killip and film-maker John Smith – go on display as part of a special UK-themed season of events at Le Bal, the cultural space tucked behind the Place de Clichy (18e). Killip was a prolific photographer in the north of England in the 1970s, witnessing the social upheaval and conflict between the working class and politicians during the collapse of the industrial era. Smith’s short documentary, The Girl Chewing Gum, is based on the comings and goings in a busy London street. A number of associated talks and screenings are planned, on Wednesday evenings in June at 20.00. www.le-bal.fr
Paris pride New film festival on Champs-Elysées Rocker Johnny set to fill
FAMILY Jazz and
June 7-10 – The Cité Internationale, Paris’s international student campus near the Porte d’Orléans, hosts a major marionnette festival, Les Scènes Ouvertes à l’Insolite, for the ninth year running. A generation of young puppet-makers and performers, from Israel to Quebec, will be putting on a series of 15 shows over four evenings, including two open-air performances. M° Cité Universitaire (RER B) www.theatredelamarionnette.com
flowers for a summer afternoon
June 9 - July 29 – Every summer, the vast Bois de Vincennes park holds a series of mostly free jazz concerts in the Parc Floral gardens on weekend afternoons. Spanning seven weeks, the Paris Jazz Festival sees talented jazz performers take to the open-air stage. Most performances are at 15.00 and 16.30 and it is an ideal opportunity for a picnic. M° Château de Vincennes (1) or Vincennes (RER A). Open daily 9.30-21.00. Entry to park is 5 or 2.50 for young people aged seven to 25.A pass for the whole festival costs 20.The full programme will be online shortly at www.parisjazzfestival.fr
Photo: ktylerconk/Flickr
MUSIC
June 15-17 – French rock legend Johnny Hallyday plays three nights at the Stade de France as part of his latest tour. Doors open at 18.00 and the support act (to be confirmed) will take to the stage at 19.30.Tickets range from €35 to €140.The Stade de France will also host the Red Hot Chili Peppers on June 30.
MUSIC
Photo: alainalele/Flickr
Puppet talent put on a show
stadium three times over Photo: Georges Biard/Wikimedia
June 30 – One of the city’s most vibrant and colourful festivals, attracting locals and visitors alike, Paris Pride takes to the streets on the last Saturday in June, setting off as usual at 14.00 from Montparnasse and winding through the city to the Place de la Bastille. marche.inter-lgbt.org
June 6-12 – A new addition this year to Paris’s cultural calendar, the inaugural Champs-Elysées Film Festival features 100 screenings and special events in the half-a-dozen cinemas that line the famous avenue. The guest of honour is American producer Harvey Weinstein (pictured), who will be discussing his work, with retrospective screenings of Chicago, Gangs of New York, Kill Bill,The English Patient and Shakespeare in Love. Canadian actor Donald Sutherland – star of the Dirty Dozen, MASH and the Hunger Games – will also be speaking.The packed programme also includes independent productions, shorts, exclusive preview screenings of forthcoming releases and international films from Iran, Croatia, Estonia and Iceland among others. www.parisfilmfest.fr
CINEMA
Photo: David Shankbone/Wikimedia
OUTDOORS
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House guests from hell? How Having a home in France often means there is no shortage of friends and relatives wanting to visit – but entertaining can be stressful. Second home owner SALLY ANN VOAK provides advice for a tranquil summer WHY is it that the most charming people turn into absolute horrors when they are invited (or invite themselves) to spend a few days in France? As owners of a cottage in rural Normandy, my husband and I have been amazed at just how unthinking some visitors can be: demanding cooked English breakfasts every day, loading our fridge with their cans of beer, complaining about the farm smells, the flies, the lack of bus services, hogging our small bathroom, or, worst of all, being rude to our wonderful neighbours and local restaurant owners. After 20 years, we have at last learned that many disasters are our own fault: we did not prepare our guests properly, were too anxious to please them, reluctant to set sensible limits on the visit and far too keen to rabbit on about the delights of our rural lifestyle, making it sound like a glossy magazine fantasy instead of the sometimes gritty reality. Here are some useful tips:
1
PRE-VISIT: Stipulate length of stay, and set an arrival time where possible. Do not leave the departure date open. Suggest they bring a car or hire one at the airport, otherwise you will do all the driving. Tell them in advance if the power cuts out when overloaded: do not wait until they plug in two hairdryers and a computer. If there is no internet connection or wi-fi, it is sensible to mention it.
“
We have learnt that many disasters are our own fault: we did not prepare our guests properly, were too anxious to please them and reluctant to set sensible limits on the visit
‘It’s not for people who like being waited on’ If you only have one small bathroom, be honest. Daily jobs like visiting the déchetterie or bottle bank are good to mention, too. Ask about dietary problems/requirements. Keep a couple of good local gîte numbers by the phone (together with medical contacts). If they begin to sound less enthusiastic, you can gently suggest alternative accommodation. If your house is a second home, make sure you arrive at least a day before your guests, to check for dead mice, spiders, flies, cobwebs. Put clean towels and sheets in their room, plus tissues, waste basket, insect repellent, spare quilt in case of chills, books about France and local magazines. Do not go overboard on food preparation –
PAT WARD-LEE (pictured far left) is a retired engineer who owns a second home with his wife, Sally Ann (pictured right), near Neufchâtel-en-Bray in the SeineMaritime. The couple find that relatives are often more demanding than friends: “Twenty years ago, just after we bought our Normandy cottage, we received regular phone calls from relatives who thought they ought to come over and check it out –
as if they were doing us a favour. “It is very simple and quite remote, so not suitable for people who spend their holidays being waited on at posh hotels, or have young children who could fall down the narrow stairs or the well.” The couple’s favourite guests bring casual clothes and walking shoes, are polite to the local people and restaurateurs, help with household chores and stay for just a couple of days.
just have one hearty casserole dish ready plus your usual groceries and plenty of fruit. Planning meals together (and sending the guests to explore the shops) will be part of the fun. If they ask about bringing gifts, spirits are useful, maybe some English marmalade, cheese or tea if you live in France all year round. Champagne is always a winner.
crasies. If they ask how they can help, suggest they prepare a meal or barbecue. French shop opening hours are a mystery to most non-residents, so explain these as well. Encourage them to sleep in late, so you can have your shower in peace and tidy up.
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ON ARRIVAL: Have a simple supper together and discuss their stay. Tell them if there will be half-days or evenings when you will be out and recommend any local sites or trips (with brochures and local chateaux/exhibition details to hand). Explain plumbing/power/safety idiosyn-
‘ o i y
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MEALS: Go out for breakfast if possible: croissants and coffee at the local village café would be a treat. Fetch baguettes for lunch, use paper or oilcloth tablecloths to save on washing. Accept a paid-for night at a restaurant, graciously, but check the bill. We once let a friend pay for 22 armagnacs – he did not notice the mistake (our group consumed two), and was
ADVERTISIN
Demand for French family breaks remains strong Final 2011 sales figures from The Hoseasons Group reveal bookings for France finished at three times the volume they were 10 years ago. ACCORDING to those 2011 sales, Brittany, Normandy and the Dordogne are the most popular regions for UK holidaymakers; with families, by a ratio of 3:1, the biggest fans. And it is therefore no surprise to learn that three per cent of breaks included a pet, and longer durations of 14 nights+ accounted for 40% of all bookings. The final statistics also show that UK holidaymakers to France don't plan too far ahead with 36 per cent of them making a booking within three months of arrival at their chosen holiday property. France has been a popular choice for British family holidays for gener-
ations due to its accessibility, alluring culture, world beating wines and sublime food. And a self-catering holiday in France still represents great value for holidaymakers as well as fantastic opportunity for holiday home owners. Simon Law, VP Property at The Hoseasons Group, commented: "Our booking figures for renowned brands like cottages4you and French Country Cottages clearly show that France continues to be one of the most popular European destinations, particularly with our database of holidaymakers which is one of the largest in the industry.
"For property owners, these figures underline the importance of choosing the right partner to market your holiday home and our owners are secure from the start knowing that they are working with a British holiday letting agency that is fully licenced and bonded to operate in France. "In addition, owners have access to a full agency service from our Head Office on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales as well as support from a team of 15 bilingual regional managers based across France. And of course, superb marketing underwritten by a group budget of
£27million is what drives the allimportant bookings". Gerald and Victoire de Maleville are a great example of owners working very successfully with the Hoseasons Group. In 2010, they secured 34 weeks of bookings and in 2011 sales were up by as much as 18 per cent. Husband and wife team Gerald and Victoire started renting out holiday cottages as a way to restore some of the beautiful buildings inherited from Gerald's parents and for him, the properties have become a business. In 2007 he decided to take a three year break from his job as commercial development director at Moet and Chandon to concentrate on the renovation project and has big plans for self-catering in the
Dordogne. Gerald was the architect behind the renovations and personally oversaw the building work, whilst his wife Victoire, who has an excellent eye for colour and design, took care of the decoration and furnishings as well as adding the final touches to ensure perfection. To date, the couple have renovated four properties within the Sarlat area of the Dordogne and each has been beautifully restored, combining classic architectural features with modern fittings and quality furnishings. Gerald said: "The general standard of the properties has to be high for today's holidaymaker. They are looking for a home from home, with the facilities they would expect in their own residence. We take great
rtiser
w to deal with visitors
Visitors will often think of t as a gîte, not your home’
PATRICIA STOUGHTON (above), a journalist who writes about French life, culture and history, has learned how to cope with guests the hard way. With her husband Nigel, she has owned a holiday house near Quimper, Brittany for 30 years. She says: “Of course, you want to welcome your friends, but visitors will often think of it as a gîte, not your home. Our first guests stayed for 10 days, which was unexpected. “One of our worst experiences was when a
too embarrassed to query the total. If your friends are unfamiliar with French menus, start by discussing the desserts and work back. They can then choose a plain meat or fish dish and salad if they are reluctant to try local delicacies. If your guests have a horror of eating live crustaceans, do not order fruits de mer for yourself. Seeing you tucking in could make them sick. TRIPS: Do not take all your visitors to the same châteaux, museum or gardens: before long, you will be bored. Try somewhere new, and make sure there is not too much driving. Your guests may not be as good at walking as you (they probably
4
Living 13
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June 2012
packed the wrong shoes), so do not embark on a long randonnée unless specifically requested. Markets are magic – you cannot go wrong. Explain how important they are to your local economy. Local veteran car rallies, races, canal or boat trips go down well, but do your homework first. As we know, in France, opening times can change.
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LANGUAGE PROBLEMS: If your guests have little or no French, do not invite the neighbours for dinner. By the end of the meal, you will be exhausted. Once the wine starts flowing, anything could happen. You have got to live here, remember. Instead, have a few close friends round for
guest invited five of his friends, unknown to us, for dinner, while we were out. Another time, one harangued a waiter in our local restaurant. We had to go back and apologise. “You must set limits: be firm when people try to take over the kitchen or speak critically about the French. Our best guests are those who go straight to our big map of Brittany in the kitchen and tell us how much they are looking forward to learning more about this wonderful place.” pre-dinner drinks and plan some subjects for discussion in advance. The royal family, food, sport and the economy are fairly safe. Avoid farming topics, as translating these subjects delicately is very difficult.
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CHILDREN: Set boundaries. Farming and fishing localities can be full of danger for city kids. Find out their interests: boats, exciting museums and seaside, ruins, plant and animal spotting, canoeing. At night, star-gazing is awesome in France. Make a point of mentioning the "Green" aspects of your area: no litter, not too much noise, good behaviour in restaurants. Make it general though, so their parents do not take umbrage.
Reader tip
Lay down a few ground rules
BRIAN and Jane Allender have lived in France for several years and have had their fare share of visitors. They say they like to see friends and show them around the area but over time have learnt that a few ground rules from the start help to make the visit more pleasurable. Brian said: "I would say - first of all - know your airports. People say they'll come into Bordeaux but don’t realise that from where we are in the east of the Dordogne it’s a long way away and that we have to pay to go on the motorway. Our family's nearest airport in the UK is Gatwick (with flights to Bordeaux) but it is much easier if they catch the train to London City Airport and fly into Brive. “Also make sure that people tell you if they change their dates. We had one couple who didn't tell us and as we had other guests arriving at a different airport on the same day we had to leave them to stay in a hotel at the first airport so we could drive to the second one. “We’ve also learnt that it is best not to be backward in coming forward when asking for a contribution for their stay. Our worst experience was when friends came and didn't give us a penny but did offer to buy us lunch when we drove them to the airport. On the way we decided to go to St. Emilion and take them to a château for a wine tasting, only to find that they didn't like French wine and so I felt duty bound to spend a fair bit buying a few bottles. To top it all they split the lunch two ways! Funnily enough we haven't seen them since. “We've found the best solution is to have a kitty. It is difficult to ask people but they usually don't mind. In this day and age no-one's got bottomless pockets. We go out of our way to entertain guests but there's a point after which we begin to feel we're being taken for a ride. So it's best to nip it in the bud early or it might mean a friendship going sour. Often the guests don't realise because they are on holiday and forget that you live here and that in actual fact you are not on permanent holiday. “Another tip is to get hold of a lot of leaflets with ideas for you and them about what you're going to do while they're with you. That makes it easier to decide on activities. “And, finally, I can say from experience that after the first few years visitors do begin to tail off. When you are first here everyone - even people you haven't seen for ages - seem to turn up on the doorstep but now it's really only family and real friends who come.”
NG FEATURE pride in making sure we fit the best quality bathrooms, kitchens and decorate the properties to be modern, comfortable and welcoming, whilst retaining the relaxing atmosphere and traditional features of these wonderful buildings. Victoire added: "The Dordogne has good summer weather and offers holidaymakers many activities. As Francophiles will know, there are lots of historical places to visit nearby including the medieval city of Sarlat with its famous twiceweekly market, many ancient châteaux including Castelnaud, Beynac and the ancient town of Domme known as the 'Acropolis of the Dordogne' with its quaint streets, boutiques and restaurants. There are also lots of places for walking and cycling but it is especially good fun to hire a canoe at nearby Vitrac and drift gently down the river stopping off at one of the
many pebble beaches to enjoy a lazy picnic or to swim in the Dordogne’s clear and unpolluted waters. "We chose French Country Cottages when they were recommended to us by a satisfied owner. The Dordogne is very popular with English visitors, so it seemed sensible to choose a company that could market our properties to such a wide audience and secure bookings on our behalf. We've had some great photography taken to show the properties at their best both online and through the brochures, which are great for getting our properties seen by thousands of potential customers." Simon continued, "Like Gerald and Victoire, those who travel to the country regularly or who already own a property there are always so passionate about what it has to offer and we are actively encouraging Francophiles to share their experi-
ences via the France Fan Club blog. Launched in February 2012, we hope this will provide a forum for fans of France to exchange tips and share their fondest family holiday memories, inspiring more families to enjoy all that France has to offer." With a major property recruitment programme underway, the 2012 portfolio is the strongest yet, carefully selected by a skilled team of holiday letting specialists. Property owners considering letting their holiday home can find more information at www.rentmycottage.com or www.je-loue-ma-maison.com; if you prefer to call then dial (+ 44) (0) 1282 845541 and ask for either David or James who will be happy to chat through your options in either English or French! To get involved in the France Fan Club, simply send your tips and memories to blogmaster@cottages4you.co.uk
14 Leisure time
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Normandy Advertiser
French-themed crossword
What’s in a word?
kir
Down
2. Walled city in Brittany whose inhabitants are Malouins (5-4) 8. Medieval philosopher and theologian whose romance with Héloïse has become legendary (7) 9. Oiseau for foie gras (3) 10. Go cycling – faire du ____ (4) 11. Mythical creature with a spiralled horn (7) 13. Transfer data from a digital device to a computer (6) 15. Copenhagen’s amusement park and pleasure garden (6) 18. Post-Impressionist painter whose works include The Card Players and Les Grandes Baigneuses (7) 20. Widely-used abbreviation for broadband technology (1,1,1,1) 23. As Simone de Beauvoir once wrote, “___ travail, de mourir, quand on aime si fort la vie” (3) 24. Letter sometimes highly decorated at the beginning of a chapter (7) 25. In English, a street like this is often a cul de sac (4,5)
1. Legendary chanteuse born in Paris in 1915 (4) 2. Useful unit of volume when ordering for a wood-burning stove (5) 3. American dancer _______ Duncan, strangled by her own scarf in a motoring accident in Nice (7) 4. Latin hymn sung at matins or at a thanksgiving service (2,4) 5. Mayonnaise made with garlic (5) 6. Dark, nutty variety of sherry (7) 7. Outside, en _____ ___ (5-3) 12. White wine made near Nantes in the Pays de la Loire (8) 14. Beggar in the parable about a rich man in St Luke’s Gospel (7) 16. Printed type slanting to the right (7) 17. This month’s Zodiac sign (6) 19. English film actor David _____, captured by Inspector Clouseau in The Pink Panther (5) 21. River rising near Dijon and flowing through Paris to the Channel (5) 22. Mediterranean island to which Napoleon was exiled in 1814 (4)
The France quiz
by Paul Masters
in the escape of 5,000 French prisoners of war from the nearby camp at Longvic. This led to his arrest by the Germans, and he was condemned to death for resistance activities. The death sentence was laid aside, however, and he immediately resumed his secret activities. He managed to conceal himself until the war in Europe ended. Public recognition followed, after the war. Canon Kir was elected both as mayor of Dijon and also as MP for the Côtes d’Or for more than 20 years. It was Canon Kir’s internationalism which lead to the twinning of Dijon with over 20 foreign cities, and at receptions for his international guests he was in the habit of offering the local white wine, an acidic Bourgogne Aligoté, sweetened with crème de cassis, thus promoting two local products. Although he did not invent the drink, he popularised what was previously known simply as blanccass, and was honoured by having it renamed after him.
1 WHICH tax-exiled French rock star is reportedly facing a €9m demand from the fisc? 2 DISNEYLAND Paris celebrated a milestone anniversary recently. How old is it?
5 CYCLISTS in which French city have been given permission to ignore certain red lights if they are turning right, as part of an experiment? 6 WHICH French presidential candidate received the lowest score in the first round of the elections? 7 WHICH celebrity got into a spot of bother on a trip to Paris recently, when a friend she was travelling with pointed a gun at a photographer?
3 WHICH Hollywood celebrity couple are reportedly planning to get married in their home town of Correns in the Var? 4 WHICH stretch of coast in the south of France has recently been awarded national park status?
8 FRANCOIS Hollande was previously the partner of (and has four children with) which other leading Socialist politician?
Sudoku
Puzzles by websudoku.com
Intermediate
Difficult
CROSSWORD ANSWERS. Across: 2 Saint-Malo; 8 Abelard; 9 oie; 10 vélo; 11 unicorn; 13 upload; 15 Tivoli; 18 Cézanne; 20 ADSL; 23 dur; 24 initial; 25 sans issue Down: 1 Piaf; 2 stère; 3 Isadora; 4 Te Deum; 5 aïoli; 6 oloroso; 7 plein air; 12 muscadet; 14 Lazarus; 16 italics; 17 Gemini; 19 Niven; 21 Seine; 22 Elba FRANCE QUIZ ANSWERS. 1. Johnny Hallyday. 2 20 years. 3 Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. 4 The Calanques. 5 Paris. 6 Jacques Cheminade. 7 Pippa Middleton. 8 Ségolène Royal
Easy
by John Foley
Across
Photo: monregard - Fotolia.com
IF YOU go to an event in the Salle des Fêtes, the chances are that if you are offered a drink before the meal, kir will be on the list. First a glug of crème de cassis in the bottom of the glass, and then white wine to top it up. It is such a popular drink, but what is the significance of the name? Félix Kir was born in 1876, and was ordained as a priest in 1901. His talents did not pass unnoticed and he quickly achieved promotion within the church. But it was in politics that he really made his name. In 1940, this charismatic and at times pugnacious character entered the vacuum of local politics in Dijon, and the manner in which he stood up to the German occupying forces won him considerable popularity. He helped, among other things, ensure the supply of food into the city during the war years, and, more dramatically, played an important role
June 2012
Normandy Advertiser
Food/Pets 15
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June 2012
Now is the time for cherries
Duck breast with cherries
CUT OUT & KEEP!
After winning the first BBC MasterChef in 1990, JOAN BUNTING was soon writing a food column and doing local radio for the BBC. Now she has retired and moved permanently to her home in France, but she is still keen to tell readers about good food
INGREDIENTS 2 large or 4 small duck breasts (magrets de canard) 300g morello cherries (griottes) washed and stoned. You can use other cherries but make sure they are not too sweet. 2 tbsp cherry liqueur 100ml chicken stock 300ml port (no need to spend a lot, cheap works fine) 3 tbsp sherry vinegar (vinaigre de xérès) 1 tbsp brown sugar 1 tbsp runny honey salt and pepper
varieties evolved goes back to Lucullus in 72BC, it appears that most regions of France have their own favourite varieties and their own recipes. Clafoutis in the Limousin area, liqueurs and other spirits in the east, candied in Provence. There are, though, certain things that can be made anywhere from June’s ruby harvest. Jam, for example, can be made from any variety. I also bottle the dark cherries from the orchard and pickle the light coloured Napoleon ones. I am glad that some years ago I invested in a cherry stoner. Though a bit messy to use, it is far less fiddly than any other method. For this month’s recipe I have gone for a savoury dish – I believe it is a marriage made in heaven.
Photo: Joan Bunting
I SWEAR the cherry orchards surrounding our hamlet are fitted with timers. On one day in spring, every single tree bursts into bloom and we find ourselves floating on a fragrant ocean of pale pink and white. It is equally amazing to me that after what seems like a very few weeks later I can pick the fruit. The only problem then is what to do with the buckets full that I pick or am given. I never tasted cherries picked from the tree until I was well past childhood, but even then, nothing compared to the summer we visited a friend in Lorraine. We sat in her garden and were invited to help ourselves. I do not recall the variety but I do remember the sweet/acid sensation that hit my tastebuds. Because the way cherry
METHOD Slash the skin of the duck diagonally, season well on both sides. Bring the port, liqueur and the honey to the boil, lower the heat and add the cherries. Cover and leave to simmer for 10 minutes. Remove the cherries with a slotted spoon and reserve. Reduce the syrup to about 20ml by continuing to bubble it in the pan. Heat a heavy frying pan until very hot. Cook the duck skinside down for 7-8 minutes.
Discard the resulting fat, then turn the duck and cook on the flesh side for 5-7 minutes according to your taste. Wrap in foil and rest in a warm place. Wipe out the pan, then allow the sugar to caramelise over a medium heat, add the vinegar to de-glaze. then add the stock and the cherry syrup. Reduce to about 200ml, check the seasoning, then add the cherries to warm through. Slice the duck breasts and arrange on four warm plates. Spoon over the sauce and add the cherries.
WHICH WINE SHOULD I DRINK WITH THIS? Caline Montfort, of Julien de Savignac wine merchants (julien-de-savignac.com), says: I would recommend Château Thénac rouge 2008 (retail price €17) Côtes de Bergerac. A superb and very elegant red wine, full of black and red fruits (red cherries, prunes, blackberry and strawberries). Soft and mature tannins. A complex wine which marries beautifully duck with red fruits.
Summer hazards for pets in France With summer finally here, SAMANTHA BRICK looks at the dangers posed by other animals to your pet’s wellbeing IN FRANCE, there are certain wild animals, insects and snakes that can pose a genuine threat to your animal’s life. While some of these animals tend to live in the southern part of France, it is prudent to make yourself familiar with species known to pose local health risks via your veterinary clinic or mairie. The processionary pine caterpillar (chenille processionnaire) is one animal found across France that can potentially kill your pet. At the start of spring these caterpillars come out of round, white, fuzzy nests built in pine trees and travel across the ground in single file, frequently stopping in writhing circles. Usually brown, hairy and about three centimetres long; their procession continues throughout the summer. They should be avoided at all times as their fibres can “burn” the skin of any animal (or person) that
Pet Care touches them. Small animals have been known to die from such an injury. If your pet comes into contact with these caterpillars, seek veterinary assistance immediately. In many areas of France, there are poisonous snakes, including vipers, which are lured out by the hot weather to bask in the sun. Vets recommend that you always keep your dog on a leash. Even at home, pay attention around log piles, swimming pool terraces and children’s play areas. Across France, the wild boar (sanglier) dominate the countryside and,
This column is sponsored by
Wild boar are known to attack dogs – you should never approach one in recent years, have taken to foraging closer to towns and villages. The wild boar is normally nocturnal, and usually scavenges in groups. In the summer months, female boar are extremely protective of their young. A boar – these animals can weigh up to 120 kilos – will usually run away from humans on sight, but some will become aggressive if approached. Dogs may be attacked; male boar have tusks which can
seriously wound a dog. Never approach one; veterinary advice is to make loud noises which will usually scare the boar off. Leishmaniasis is a disease that mainly affects domestic dogs. It is carried by a small, yellow sand fly that resembles a mosquito. It is in the south of France that vets warn of this fly. The mosquito bite will typically occur on the dog’s nose or ears and the disease can incubate for a
year. Symptoms include hair around a dog’s eyes falling out, unusual claw growth and weight loss. The disease is fatal if left untreated. Products are available from vets which should be used to protect against this disease from spring to autumn. It is advisable to keep your dog inside from dusk until dawn, when the flies are most active. Heartworm disease is another risk associated with southern areas of France. It is caused by a parasite transmitted in its larvae stage by mosquitoes. Once the larva matures the adult worms reside in – and cause blockages, inflammation and damage to – blood vessels. While most commonly found in cats and dogs, other animals can be infected. The infection is undetectable during the six first months. Symptoms include coughing, exhaustion, severe weight loss and fainting. Cats may show pneumonia-like symptoms, vomiting and diarrhoea. The disease, while fatal, is treatable; early diagnosis can result in full recovery. Pets can be protected from infection with anti-mosquito drops and collar treatments.
Tel. 06 58 01 82 76 Web. www.seulementnaturel.eu Email. marc.somsen@chardeyre.com
16 Directory
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June 2012
Advertise here ALL YEAR from just €75HT Call free on 0800 91 77 56 or email directory@connexionfrance.com
NORMANDY DIRECTORY
English-speaking firms near you For your security, we check that the French businesses in this section are officially registered with the authorities
Find registered tradespeople quickly and easily Chenil du Val Kennels Contact Angie: Tel 02 33 17 17 61
Mesnil Renovation
Email: angie.clarke@wanadoo.fr
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DEVILLE PROPERTY SERVICES Barn & attic conversion specialists. We undertake all aspects of renovation & improvement projects. We legally employ English speaking staff & do not sub-contract. Full 10 year insurance backed guarantee.
TEL: 02 31 67 76 90
email: jshippo1962@gmail.com siret 499 313 658
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Spinning and other crafts. Half, Full day tuition or residential B&B www.crafts-at-leslandes.com tel: 00 33 (0)2 33 960904 SIRET No 489 459 438 00011
Sworn Translations Help with the French system Interpreting, phonecalls Admin & paperwork Call Hilary on 00 33 (0) 6 10 69 05 53
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NORMANDY FRENCH TUITION Qualified bilingual teacher
David Pickering Complete Building Services
Ad No. 19261
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All works guaranteed and carried out to French regulations standard. Tel: 02 31 67 34 40 Email: morbox@orange.fr
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Full & part renovations, Drives, Land clearance & Fosse Installation, Footings, Block laying, Digger & Dumper hire Tel Andrew: +33 (0) 679274563 Email: jimdanmoto@aol.co.uk __________________________
Tel: 01 48 62 87 25 CDG Paris Tel: 02 33 38 41 32 Normandy www.goldenwaypets.com
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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
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English and Fluent French speaking agent, always needing more houses for sale, 8 years experience info@normandyandbrittanyhousesforsale.com TEL FR: +33 (0) 6 19 17 34 61 TEL UK: +44 (0) 7880 501 116 www.NormandyandBrittanyhousesforsale.com Siret: 519 751 465
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Normandy Advertiser
Directory 17
www.normandyadvertiser.com
June 2012
ADVERTISING FEATURE
New video service to increase private house sales Houses on Internet, the company that helps private home owners to sell their French properties without using an agent, is expanding its services - and taking property selling to a whole new level RICHARD Kroon, director and founder of Houses on Internet, is responsible for the innovative and pro-active way that distinguishes his company from the competition. Supplying prospective buyers with all the information on a house you can think of (along with, on average, 50 good-sized photos) and advertising each property worldwide is a standard service for Houses on Internet. However, the company is now adding custom-made videos of the houses on sale to the services that it offers. There are two reasons for the company
adding videos when it already shows so many photos. “The first is that seeing a video you can play over and over again is much closer to the experience of an actual viewing than looking at static photos,” said Richard. The other reason is more technical, but just as important, explained Richard. The videos produced will be visible from the Houses on Internet site, but will actually be stored on the global video platform YouTube. A couple of years ago YouTube was bought by Google and following this the powerful Google search engine was
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implemented into YouTube, which is why it is now the most visited video platform worldwide. “Houses on Internet has been an official partner of Google for a couple of years now, and has recently also teamed up with YouTube,” said Richard. “This means that the combination of these two search engines will increase the already impressive number of visi-
“
These two search engines will increase the already impressive number of visitors of 100,000 each month
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tors, of about 100,000 each month, to the Houses on Internet website as well as the number of prospective buyers our clients reach. Now clients can bring the marketing of their property to the next level too.” In terms of opportunities to gain a French mortgage, a recent article in the Financial Times states that three leading French banks have now reduced the interest rates they charge British people who want to buy a house in France. Ever since the financial crisis started, the lending criteria have been, and still are, strict. “It is harder than it used to be to get a loan approved, yet these banks are still willing to lend and now at very attractive rates,” said Richard. “You can download the article in full from the homepage of the Houses on Internet website.”
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Tel: 09 54 61 28 51 / 06 71 28 00 66 www.dr-groundworks.com dr.groundworks@yahoo.com
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Book your advert now for the July issue - copy deadline June 5 call freephone from France 0800 91 77 56 or 0844 256 9881 (4p/min) from the UK
18 DIY
www.normandyadvertiser.com
Normandy Advertiser
June 2012
2012 Income Tax Helpguide D I Y t i p s INFORMATION YOU CAN TRUST ON LIFE IN FRANCE O
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Fosses septiques should be checked at regular intervals MANY houses in rural France are still equipped with septic tanks for drains waste disposal. Correct maintenance of the septic tank system is essential to prevent it failing. If there is a problem with the tank, you will soon know about it thanks to the foul smells that will creep back up the pipes and generally linger around the area where the tank is installed. The first thing to remember is that even if the system seems to be working well it is essential to have the tank pumped out every two to four years depending on amount of use. Under the new French regulations, it has to be emptied at least every four years. If the tank gets too full, the solid waste will get into the drainage pipes causing them to clog and subsequently for the system to fail. In France it has to be a professional that carries out the emptying of the tank – you could face a fine if you use an unauthorised company. Septic tanks have their own little ecosystem, so it is very important to pay attention to what is sent down the pipes to the tank. Do not wash solids down the kitchen sink such as ground coffee. Do not pour fats and oils down the sink either, as they will clog up the pipes. Never flush kitchen towels, tissues, disposable nappies, sanitary towels, tampons or such material down the toilet. Do not pour solvents such as pesticides, chemicals, white spirit or other such toxic products down the drain. You can use bleach, detergents and other household cleaning products but try to use a minimal dosage. Outside, near the actual tank, make sure not to plant trees or plants with large roots as these could break the pipe and even the tank. Do not compact the soils over the top of the infiltration area. Make sure it is away from where you are likely to park cars or want to put a shed. It is a good idea to visually check your tank twice a year. If the system is working correctly there should be no odours. If there are, it could be a sign that there is a problem. However, if there are foul smells coming up the drains in rooms that are not used often, do not panic. It is probably just a case of the water has dried up in the U pipe and therefore the gases are able to escape. Simply run water down the drain regularly to stop this from happening. The French government now carries out controls on septic tank installations. If you are contacted for such a visit you will need to make sure that the inspector has access to the tank. He will then check its condition and location, the ventilation, volume and sludge level of the tank. He will look at the drains, the filtration system, the soil around and proximity of any water sources. You will also be required to show proof of maintenance. If the system does not pass the control, the inspector will inform you of what changes need to be made.
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June 2012
The great outdoors
Gardening Facts
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Gifts from the garden by SAMANTHA DAVID AS WE speed towards the midsummer night, the longest day of the year, the main tasks are watering, dead-heading and harvesting from the vegetable garden. To check that you are not over-watering, stick your finger into the ground. If it is still damp an inch under the surface, you do not need to water. To save water and ensure that it soaks right into the earth rather than evaporates off it, water late at night or very early in the morning and do not forget to keep feeding if you want the very best crops and blooms. Keep a beady eye on squashes like courgettes and melons as they will explode into giant specimens almost overnight if not picked while still small and tasty. Salad crops should be nicely established and there is still time to plant one or two more rows of lettuce for cropping in August. If anything does escape and manage to bolt or explode and you do not have chickens, do not forget the compost heap. Carrots and potatoes should be starting this month, and when picked the same day both can be cooked for just a few minutes in butter, a splash of water and a sprinkle of salt. Peas can be blanched and thrown into mixed salads still warm. If you water judiciously, weeds should not be too much of a problem, but taking a hoe over your vegetable garden will do more good than extra fertiliser. Just break the dry surface, hack out any weeds that have established themselves and re-form watering trenches to prevent any leaks. There are two schools of thought on tomatoes. You can either take out side shoots and just retain one main stem firmly tied to a stake, or let nature take its course but keep the plant low. Whichever you choose, they will appreciate a souvenir from the local horse riding stables. If you have not already got brassicas planted out, now is the last chance. Do not forget the brussel sprouts for Christmas lunch. Leaks should also be planted out and do not bother trimming the tops or the roots, it does not have the slightest effect. If anything in the garden shows signs of infestation, aphids, whitefly, red spider mites etc, try a biological spray or even just spray with soapy water. Marigolds planted in the vegetable garden are also said to discourage these pests. Slugs and snails can be caught in beer traps, and don't forget to net fruit plants and strawberries against the birds. House plants like yukkas, rubber plants, weeping figs and small potted citrus trees can be safely brought outside to decorate balconies and terraces, but be careful not to leave them in direct sunlight. Most of them will prefer dappled light or only morning sun. If you re-pot and feed them, you will be amazed at how much they will have grown by the time you take them in again after the summer.
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Home and Garden 19
It is time to get your patio and decking ready for those long summer evenings. REBECCA LAWN looks at what is involved SUMMER is the time for relaxing with a book outdoors or enjoying a barbecue with family and friends. Cleaning, decorating and renovating your patio and garden this month will help you make the most of the nice weather to come. The good news is that as long as you maintain your patio (by pulling out weeds and sweeping off any dust or dry leaves), it will not need to be properly cleaned very often. Investing in a pressure washer could be a good move as they are more powerful than garden hoses and use less water. Landscape gardener Jonathan Broad, who is based in Languedoc-Roussillon (www.abroadhorizon.com), says: “With decking or a patio that’s well-built, you don’t need to do much.” However, you will need to check that none of the bricks or stones have come loose due to rain seeping in through cracks. Mr Broad says: “For patios of stone or paving slabs, I will lay them on to sand, not mortar or concrete, as it’s flexible. If you lay it onto concrete and it cracks, the patio will also crack.” If you have noticed serious cracks in your patio, the worst-case scenario is to have to replace it. Mr Broad adds: “With ones made of tiles, some can come loose in winter, so you can just replace a few tiles, rather than the whole thing.” As for furniture, if it has not been used in a while, it might also need cleaning or repainting. If you have a swing, make sure to grease the hinges. Compared to patios, wooden decking tends to need more care – make sure to clean it after summer and again after winter. If you are unable to do it yourself, you could contact a gardening professional. You may also need to treat the wood if necessary. As some parts of the country can get very hot in summer and very cold in winter, this can have an effect on wooden decking. Mr Broad says: “Cheap wood can crack and split as it will expand and contract due to the weather, so you have to consider that. I’d really advise using good quality material. Joints in patios can also be broken up by frost.” Once you have taken care of the cleaning side, you can look at surrounding your patio with plants and even decorate with candles and chimes. As for hedges, the Royal Horticultural
Photo: CandyBox Images - Fotolia.com
Normandy Advertiser
Decking and patio that has been well-built should require minimal maintenance
“
Trim hedges whenever they look like they need it. In fact, the more often the better. If you leave it, it’s a false economy as you might have to pay someone to do it Jonathan Broad Landscape gardener
Society advises pruning them at least once a year to maintain them. You can use hand-held hedge shears for small hedges, but the job will be much easier with an electronic one for larger hedges. Mr Broad adds: “Most hedges will be evergreen as opposed to deciduous as you don’t want to lose the green in winter. You can trim hedges whenever they look like they need it. In fact, the more often, the better, as the denser it will get. You’ll get more small shoots which will fill the hedge out. If you leave it, it’s a false economy as you might have to pay someone to do it. If you can only do it twice a year, prune them in autumn and spring as that’s when they grow the fastest.” It is also a good time to rake up any remaining leaves in your garden and collect them for compost.
20 Property
www.normandyadvertiser.com
Normandy Advertiser
June 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.
age 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
For sellers, the adverts are also displayed across a range of popular English- speaking websites and are seen by thousands of potential buyers EVERY day. Our 3+3 pack-
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Simply enter the code under each home to find out more PROPERTIES IN NORMANDY
€101,000
€114,200
€122,475
Sees, Orne This stone house comes with a garden, garage and barn. The property comprises a living room, exposed beams and a corner kitchen, a bedroom and a bathroom with jacuzzi bath.
Brouains, Manche Bungalow with over an acre of grounds. Gas central heating, oak floors throughout. Kitchen, lounge, bedroom, WC, shower room, master bedroom. Outside steps to 1st floor storage room.
Hambye, Manche A beautiful end-terraced stone cottage situated in quiet hamlet. Whilst internally, the property needs refreshing and some updating, the house still maintains its original charm.
REF: 45662
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: 25
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: 700026
€128,400
€149,950
€159,950
Pont-d'Ouilly, Orne Attractive maison de maître property situated in the beautiful Suisse Normandie valleys with garden of 3000m² leading down to the river.
Brionne, Eure Charming Normandy ‘colombage’ house, dating back 100 years. Delightful garden. Very good location. 3 Bedrooms.
St-Sauveur-le-Vicomte, Manche This is a unique opportunity to purchase this lovely two-storey converted barn which comes fully-furnished to a high standard. All rooms have a southerly aspect with views.
REF: 13552PO
ENERGY RATING = E
REF: DOM1408
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: IFPC18527
€162,000
€174,900
€188,200
Flers, Orne Charming stone-built property (1900) comprising 2 separate houses in good condition. 6 bedrooms. Enclosed garden with jacuzzi. Garage.
Percy, Manche This stone house comes with 3 bedrooms, lounge, dining room with fitted kitchen, shower and bathrooms and has an attached outbuilding that could be made into more accommodation.
Bellefontaine, Manche Pretty country house standing in 10 acres with stunning views of the Normandy countryside overlooking the valley of the river See which will make you never want to leave.
REF: DOM1371
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: 13444 MH
ENERGY RATING = D
REF: 8
€195,000
€208,950
€233,200
Proussy, Calvados This beautiful old cider and cattle farm boasts 3 large bedrooms all with en-suites, and a further small room, for storage or dressing. It is a cosy house, and has a very large garden.
Domfront, Orne Stone house built in 1772. Totally refurbished. Excellent condition. Formally 2 houses (could be house and gîte). 4 bedrooms. 880m² garden. 800m to shops. Outstanding value.
Saint-Jean-de-Daye, Manche Two fully-renovated, beautifullypresented houses on 4000m² of land with further scope for increase in living space. Set in a lovely location with far-reaching views over the marais.
REF: IFPC21903
ENERGY RATING = F
REF: DOM1357
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: 13527scb
€240,000
€245,000
€299,000
Bernay, Eure This house is secluded as it is approached by a long drive and the garden is bordered by mature trees and shrubs. 3 bedrooms, terrace and outbuilding.
La Mancellière, Manche A beautifully-renovated Normandy farmhouse approached by a long private drive with gated entrance. It has large fully-enclosed, secure lawned gardens/orchards.
Bolbec, Seine-Maritime A delightful 1898 detached maison de maître, built from traditional red brick and firestone under a new slate roof. Original features retained. Positioned in a quiet rural area.
REF: IFPC21434
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: IFPC22196
ENERGY RATING = D
REF: DOM1289
€315,000
€371,000
€398,000
Pont-Audemer, Eure Spacious ‘colombage’ house under a slate tiled roof in good condition set in 2200m². 6/7 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 WCs, kitchen, 2 reception rooms.
Gathemo, Manche A rare combination of modern comfort and traditional features are offered in this beautifullyrenovated 3 bedroom stone longère. The house is set in well maintained gardens with views.
Lisores, Calvados Brick and slate/tiled property, lies in the countryside in a peaceful setting. The property is in a lovely valley just 5 minutes from a town with all of the amenities. Pond. Stream.
REF: DOM1293
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: 700617
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: LISORES3978
€425,250
€450,000
€490,000
Bayeux, Calvados A classical French ‘Corps de Ferme’ with stone farmhouse and outbuildings under slate roofs, thought to date back to 17th Century. Truly rural, but not remote.
Le Neubourg, Eure Normandy house with 8 bedrooms, south facing, in fenced, wooded grounds with garages and outbuildings. This former presbytery has lots of charm and modern comforts.
Le Bec Hellouin, Eure The properties are situated in a pretty wooded hamlet immediately above Le Bec Hellouin, officially recognised as one of the prettiest villages in France.
REF: DOM1189
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: IFPC21878
ENERGY RATING = D
REF: IFPC16232
ENERGY RATING = Not given
ENERGY RATING = F
ENERGY RATING = Not given
ENERGY RATING = E
ENERGY RATING = Not given
ENERGY RATING = Not given
ENERGY RATING = D
The adverts above cost from just €200TTC for three months of web advertising and three months of print advertising.
Let our distribution get you a sale. Contact our sales team on 0800 91 77 56 (freephone in France) or email sales@connexionfrance.com
Normandy Advertiser
June 2012
JUDY MANSFIELD has lived and worked in Calvados for nearly nine years. She is an agent commercial, and worked at an estate agency in Lisieux for several years before branching out into business development, primarily for currency specialists First Rate FX and latterly for small businesses in Normandy.
Card tricks
There are lots of things to think around business cards, from initial design, to business card etiquette, right through to what you actually do with them. Whilst you plan carefully the website design, the logo, the colour of your packaging etc (you do plan carefully, don't you?!), what thought do you give to your business card? It is the impression that you give people to take away with them. What do you want them to think about you and your business? printed in the shape of a piggy moneybank. All great talking points. NBG member Julia Quinn has different funky quotes on the back of each card for her hairdressing business. For her jewellery business, she uses photographs of her lovely items for her jewellery business cards. Clever use of materials - I’ve seen cards printed on vellum, on see through plastic, even on edible rice paper (for a cake making company!) Use the reverse of the card - Even if it is just for a logo, or your company colour with your website address, use the space. Most people turn a card Good business cards give a good impression over for a look. White space son’s card, and contact them instead. says ‘nothing’. Add an appointment ‘time Similarly, don’t give out cards with and date’ space, or a calendar, funny saytippex or biro amendments. It screams ing, photograph of you, or your prod‘amateur’! Get more printed, or people ucts. One side in French and the other in will get the impression you are slapdash. English can also be very useful. I was once given a card by a lady who Be wary of free cards - It is debatdescribed herself as a business coach. able whether these are a good business She used someone else’s card, scribbled tool. I have used Vistaprint for my perout their details and wrote her own sonal ‘home address and tel number’ details in biro on the back. I never contype cards, but would never use them for tacted her. She may be excellent but she business. Whilst there is a cost implicahad already killed her reputation with tion, your cards should be viewed as an me. Finally, keep your cards clean in a investment in your business. They send card holder (even an envelope is better out a message, and do you want your than nothing) and keep them everymessage to say ‘cheap’? where! In your bag, your car, your office, Home-made cards? -These give the at trade shows… Staple them to invoices, same message as ‘free’ cards, There are to quotes, to your product packaging. exceptions to the rule however. I was This month’s ‘to do’: Take a look at your once given a fabulous card, handwritten own business card. Ask others to comin gorgeous script, in purple ink, on a ment (honestly) on how you could luggage tag label with a purple ribbon. It improve it. Go through all those cards was for a small business that sold high you have collected (don’t throw them quality craft items and art materials. The away, you will need them next month!) business owner was a calligrapher, so and note what you think is good or bad each one was beautiful and unique, and about them. This will tell you what you this card was totally appropriate to that should and should not have on your business. However, these wouldn’t work card! Check out NBG members who well for an accountant or an artisan. design and print business cards too Do NOT: Don’t ever, ever give out (www.meetup.com/ stained or creased cards, even if it is the normandy-business-group) last one in stock. Ask for the other per-
This month’s reading recommendation is to go and have a look at Moo. On their www.moo.com website. They have a great blog and inspiration gallery to get you started. They also very generously share tips from leading experts
Judy can be contacted through The Advertiser or by email: judy.mansfield@gmail.com or Suzanne Pearce: suzanneinfrance.com Judy is on Twitter at @NormandyBizGp
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Our tax bill was a big surprise
Check your expenses for running internet business WE HAVE been resident in Normandy for a couple of years and we are a bit shocked by our 2010 tax bill. We have a small internet business which is on the micro regime and have investment and property income. What should we expect to pay for our 2011 tax bill in September (€38,000 annual income of which €10,000 relates to the internet business)? Is there anything we should be looking out for when we complete our tax return? The children are grown up and independent, but we support my mother who lives close by. J.J. YOUR internet business will be declared on the complementary pages of the income tax return, and you will be taxed on your total receipts less a 34% deduction. It is a good idea to check your actual expenses, to see whether a change to the “réel” regime will be beneficial for 2013. Your investment income will need to be declared on the main part of the 2042 return, but also on the 2047 (income from foreign sources), if any of the income arises outside France. Dividend income from EU companies should be split out as there is a 40% abatement, although the tax credit of €230 per couple is long gone (that is part of what would have pushed up your 2010 tax bill). Gains on the sale of shares are still partially exonerated, but now fully subject to CSG social charges– whereas, in effect, previously gains below the exoneration limit were not reported. Any French tax-free funds will not need to be reported, and your tax form should reflect what has been reported by your bank already – check that any products where you pay CSG at source are also entered in a box. Photo: © Louis Renaud - Fotolia.com
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FINANCE Photo: © drubig-photo - Fotolia.com
AT a recent Normandy Business Group meeting, we discussed what makes a good business card. Here are some of my thoughts. Good weight cardstock - Cards printed on flimsy weight card felt ‘cheap’ and could reflect on how your business is viewed. Use of colour - A card that is bland does not make it stand out. Be bold, be different to make people look at the card you have given them. Card content - Don’t overcrowd the card - it is an introduction, an aide memoire, no more. You don’t need to cram everything on there, or your message will get lost in the ‘noise’ and will confuse the person you give it to. Put the detail on your website. So, what Should be on your card?... Card essentials - Include your name, your company name, telephone number, website - and what you DO. That’s not the same as your job title or position. Explain clearly what it is you do - it may not be apparent from your company name or job title. “Steve Smith, Director, Artisans R Us” tells no-one anything! Try “Steve Smith, Expert Roofing Work in Normandy” is much clearer. Different business? Different card - Many of our entrepreneurial NBG members have more than one business. If this is the case, get a different card for each business. Don’t confuse your clients or business contacts. If you can’t afford different cards, try getting some sticky labels made and add them to the back of your cards. Good individual design - be creative! - Give your cards a talking point. Use rounded corners, or overprint in Braille. A lady in UK who sells teapots had her cardstock cut in the shape of a teapot. A savings company had cards
Business 21
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22 Property
www.normandyadvertiser.com
Normandy Advertiser
June 2012
PROPERTIES AROUND FRANCE
€96,000
€107,000
€110,000
Saint-Angeau, Charente Set in the heart of a charming hamlet, 3 bedrooms, terrace, good condition throughout, parking lot and beautiful enclosed small garden.
Plaisance, Gers Spacious village house offering 3-4 independent apartments. Garden at the back of 1500m² with well. Car park in front with shed and BBQ. Garden shed.
Lesterps, Charente This imposing character property is situated on a tiny lane and comprises living room with fireplace and woodburner insert, dining room, kitchen, bathroom WC. 4 bedrooms.
REF: N134
ENERGY RATING = E
REF: LBP176
ENERGY RATING = C
REF: BVI0007074
€117,000
€121,000
€130,200
Argenton-sur-Creuse, Indre This charming property is located in a quiet hamlet and comprises of a kitchen, sitting room, bedroom, shower room and separate WC. Upstairs there are 2 bedrooms.
Saint-Claude, Charente South-facing converted porcherie set in a garden enjoying beautiful views over fields and woodland. Large open-plan lounge/diner/kitchen area with central wood burner.
Mayenne An ideal starter house near Ambrières-les-Vallées, in the quiet countryside – this fairly-new 3 bedroom house has a separate garage and workshop and lovely garden.
REF: 538
ENERGY RATING = F
REF: IFPC20430
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: H2865
€149,330
€157,500
€165,000
Marsac, Creuse Detached bungalow in good condition sitting in the middle of its grounds with outdoor pool. You enter the property by the conservatory, through to lounge/dining room.
Chantonnay, Vendée Modernised and detached 5 bedroom family home. Spacious accommodation throughout, newly installed eco reverse air heating system installed, double glazed throughout.
Clamecy, Nièvre Recently-renovated farmhouse comprising of 2 separate living areas, one being the main house with independent attached apartment, suitable as a large family house or run as a gîte.
REF: 1694
ENERGY RATING = E
REF: JAB123995
ENERGY RATING = C
REF: IFPC20001
€171,600
€180,200
€195,000
Les Plaines, Savoie Detached house to renovate including 2 apartments with courtyard and garden.
Montmorillon, Vienne Exceptional split-level property overlooking the River Gartempe and facing a beautiful mill on the opposite bank of the river. Located in a conservation area of natural beauty.
Bellenaves, Allier Beautiful property (16th – 18th c.) on the outskirts of this charming village. Former part of the Chateau, the 2 properties are now separated by medieval stone fortifications.
REF: 7377124
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: 5376
ENERGY RATING = E
REF: IFPC21474
€200,000
€208,000
€217,500
Gorron, Mayenne The farmhouse is set in about 3/4 of an acre. The attached barn has been converted into a wheelchair-friendly, 3 bedroomed self contained annex (gîte) with income potential.
Near Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Lot This is a spacious house with a lot of character and a good atmosphere, with a large south-faced terrace. Balcony, terrace, 4 bedrooms and pool.
Massérac, Loire-Atlantique This property is situated close to the river Vilaine in an elevated position with panoramic views, mainly to the west. It is contained within its own grounds with some fruit trees.
REF: IFPC21680
ENERGY RATING = D
REF: 1-252
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: IFPC22334
€220,000
€225,000
€234,300
St-Savinien, Charente-Maritime This charming property has been renovated in a high standard and is full of character with exposed stonework and beams. There is a pool with a large surrounding patio area.
Tardets, Pyrénées-Atlantiques This immaculately-presented home is located on a quiet lane yet just 2km from the market town of Tardets. There is a small barn separate from the house.
Civray, Vienne This property sits on the outer edge of a hamlet and less than 5 mins drive to the market town of Civray. It offers 190m² of habitable space, including 4 bedrooms and various outbuildings.
REF: P4350
ENERGY RATING = F
REF: 1397
ENERGY RATING = D
REF: 1535
€245,000
€259,000
€269,500
Blesle, Puy-de-Dôme Lovingly-restored stone house in private garden overlooking fields and forests. On the ground floor there is a large kitchen with Aga and a large lounge which is open to the roof timbers.
Elbes, Aveyron Detached stone and slate property, built in the 14th century and located in the countryside, with a large garden bordering a stream. 3 barns .
Pau, Pyrénées-Atlantiques Character house situated on 6400m² of land with a pool and lovely views of the countryside. Four bedrooms, outbuildings, swimming pool.
REF: IFPC21802
ENERGY RATING = D
REF: ELBES5613MM
ENERGY RATING = C
REF: LB437
€278,250
€280,000
€295,000
L'Absie, Deux-Sèvres Traditionally built, spacious and well-presented bungalow with complete basement apartment, situated within its own enclosed grounds on the edge of a little village.
Samatan, Gers On a 4800m0 land, the house is composed of an entrance, a kitchen (+storeroom), dining room opening onto terraces, a sitting room, a shower room, and 3 bedrooms (1 en-suite).
Hautes-Pyrénées Located in the hills near Bagnères-de-Bigorre, with a view of the Pyrénées, an outbuilding and 8 hectares of land, is this partly-restored, 19th century farmhouse.
REF: HF326
ENERGY RATING = C
REF: 3822
ENERGY RATING = C
REF: 103188
€310,000
€317,000
€320,000
Arlanc, Puy-de-Dôme Magnificent maison de maître with many original features, such as wooden parquet floors and fireplaces. The property offers spacious accommodation with a lovely garden.
L'Isle-Jourdain, Vienne Superb house in the centre of the village, includes hall, kitchen, dinning, lounge, study, 4 bedrooms, 2 with en-suite, outbuildings, garage, barn and a great garden.
Moustoir-Remungol, Morbihan A uniquely-designed, granitefaced country house built in 1988. The main entrance takes you into a lobby with access to a large dining room, leading down to a vaulted sitting room.
REF: 1318
ENERGY RATING = E
REF: JM655
ENERGY RATING = E
REF: IFPC22282
€325,000
€330,000
€335,000
Laruns, Pyrénées-Atlantiques This quality residence, near the popular skiing area of the Pyrénées, offers plenty of space (7 bedrooms) for a large family to enjoy the mountains, lake and the fresh mountain air.
Alpes-de-Haute-Provence In Pierrevert, a 122m² villa on two levels with large garage and 31m² independent studio flat on top of the garage. High standard, beautiful amenities.
Vayres, Haute-Vienne Accommodation comprises 4/5 double bedrooms, 3 with en-suite. Fully-fitted modern kitchen, office, large lounge, utility room, cloakroom, linen room and 2 separate WCs.
REF: 1375
ENERGY RATING = C
REF: 151227
ENERGY RATING = C
REF: IFPC21175
ENERGY RATING = D
ENERGY RATING = E
ENERGY RATING = E
ENERGY RATING = Not given
ENERGY RATING = E
ENERGY RATING = C
ENERGY RATING = E
ENERGY RATING = D
ENERGY RATING = D
ENERGY RATING = C
Normandy Advertiser
June 2012
Property 23
www.normandyadvertiser.com PROPERTIES AROUND FRANCE
€343,900
€348,000
€349,800
Mareuil-sur-Lay, Vendée A superb, detached 4 bedroom riverside residence set on the edge of one of the prettiest villages in Vendée, where shops, bakers and restaurants are a 400meter walk away.
Cahors, Lot Attractive and well-renovated stone house set in small hamlet, with large gardens, swimming pool, guest cottage and views over the Cahors vineyard.
Eymet, Dordogne The property in situated in a small hamlet. It is a haven of peace and tranquillity. The house and its separate gîtes overlook its own land and a stream.
REF: JAB125210
ENERGY RATING = D
REF: V46291
ENERGY RATING = D
REF: APS1955
€355,000
€365,000
€370,000
Chauffailles, Saône-et-Loire Old house built in 1889, consisting of cellar, garage, entrance hall, kitchen, WC, laundry, office, living room, 4 bedrooms.
Vic-Fezensac, Gers A fully restored ‘Gasconne’ style house with a living space of 140 sqm, all on 1800m2 of land. This two story property has a garage and is surrounded by trees.
Near Carcassonne, Aude Beautiful 4 bedroom villa in very good condition situated in a village just 5 minutes from Carcassonne. Wonderful landscaped garden with trees, swimming pool. Large garage.
REF: JEAM
ENERGY RATING = D
REF: PA549
ENERGY RATING = E
REF: 744
€372,750
€375,000
€381,500
Merléac, Côtes-d'Armor The property comprises ground floor entrance, fitted kitchen with, a spacious living room with fireplace, an office, bedroom, utility room, WC. At first floor are 3 bedrooms.
Évian les Bains, Haute-Savoie Charming farmhouse built in 1809, attic, vaulted wine cellar under the house, laundry room, workshop. Oil central heating, triple glazed, wood stove in living room. Paved courtyard.
Near Pertuis, Vaucluse Once a stable, this stone building has been delicately transformed into a spacious ‘maison de village’ of character. It has 2 double bedrooms, 1 single and 2 bathrooms.
REF: L10074
ENERGY RATING = E
REF: IFPC20432
ENERGY RATING = E
REF: IFPC21832
€394,200
€390,000
€400,000
Hérault Very inviting and impeccable villa of solid traditional construction, completely renovated with care and taste, on a lovely garden plot with pool. The home also offers a 2 bedroom apartment.
Near Valmorel, Savoie This is a fabulous, recently-built chalet with exceptional views, close to Valmorel ski resort. It has direct access to the slopes and is within easy reach of the shops in the resort.
Oradour-Fanais, Charente The property is ready to be moved into and offers many possibilities – residential, b&b, gites, horses. The 2 houses can be easily connected. All amenities at Oradour-Fanais.
REF: 10765-L394200E
ENERGY RATING = D
REF: LA7335297
ENERGY RATING = F
REF: POC01297
€406,000
€410,000
€415,000
Near Moissac, Tarn-et-Garonne Spacious old stone farmhouse with letting gîte, attractive outbuildings, swimming pool all set in gardens. A good family home together with income. Rural location with great views.
Gognies-Chaussée, Nord Superb 5 bedroom villa, only 5 minutes from the Belgium border and only 26 minutes from Mons. It offers a kitchen/utility room, huge living room, 3 car garage. Good quality facilities.
Viellesegur, Pyrénées-Atlantiques This beautiful old stone house dating from 1859, is full of charm and character and is set in lovely gardens with a large stone outbuilding offering loads of potential and a covered pool.
REF: V82282
ENERGY RATING = D
REF: gognies
ENERGY RATING = D
REF: 1542
€419,000
€425,000
€429,000
Villepôt, Loire-Atlantique Fully-renovated private longère offering luxury accommodation in a charming tranquil setting with significant land.
Dun-le-Palestel, Creuse This unique, very large manor house from 1974 is located within walking distance of the centre of a charming town. This property has three floors and no less than 10 bedrooms.
Tarn-et-Garonne Very romantic farmhouse near Montaigu-de-Quercy, with breath-taking views. Now in use as farmhouse with 2 gîtes and some camp sites.
REF: IFPC20682
ENERGY RATING = B
REF: LIM-443
ENERGY RATING = C
REF: 136
€435,000
€436,800
€440,000
Neuvic-sur-l'Isle, Dordogne The property is a spacious detached maison de maître, built in the mid-19th century, with an impressive double-fronted front elevation and the main accommodation on 2 floors.
St-Hilaire, Charente-Maritime A beautiful ‘Charentaise’ style house located in a park. Peaceful area. This stunning property has a living space of 180m2 and includes a guest house.
L'Isle-en-Dodon, Haute-Garonne This stone country house has been entirely renovated. It has lots of style with traditional fireplaces, exposed beams, exposed stone walls and parquet flooring.
REF: IFPC22159
ENERGY RATING = D
REF: P4441
ENERGY RATING = E
REF: 3807
€447,300
€450,000
€465,000
Merdrignac, Côtes-d'Armor The property consists of, on ground floor, a hall, dining room, fitted kitchen, 2 caves and shower room. The first floor has sitting room, dining room, 2 bedrooms, bathroom, WC.
La Motte, Var Villa complex consisting of a 3 bed villa and a 1 bedroomed gîte in it's own grounds of approx 1/3 acre. All bedrooms are en-suite and the grounds have a pool, patio, BBQ area.
Le Bugue, Dordogne Beautiful old farmhouse, about 200 years old, in a small hamlet within walking distance of a tourist town. 4 bedrooms. Swimming pool.
REF: M2024
ENERGY RATING = F
REF: IFPC21455
ENERGY RATING = D
REF: FPBC1510L
€472,500
€486,500
€488,000
Vouvant, Vendée Substantial 15th century house and gîte business swimming pool, mini golf and tennis court offering generous income from both the French and UK market.
Pézenas, Hérault This detached, luxurious villa from 1993 sits on a top location at just 40 minutes from the Mediterranean. The house is very light, in excellent condition with all the comfort one needs.
Near Saintes, Charente-Maritime Recently-updated, architecturallymagnificent house dating from 1820, set amongst vines. This impressive house with 285m² accommodation over 3 floors.
REF: HF607
ENERGY RATING = D
REF: LAR-615
ENERGY RATING = C
REF: IFPC20376
€495,000
€498,000
€499,950
Madiran, Gers Spacious, well-renovated Gascon country house, together with a 2 bedroomed gîte, pool and additional outbuildings, tucked away in Madiran wine country.
Near Chantilly, Oise This light and spacious detached villa from 2004 is located in a quiet district at just 45 minutes from Paris. The house was designed and built to the highest standards.
Near Saumur, Maine-et-Loire This superb stone property offers a warm, spacious family home along with an established gîte business with development potential for 2 additional gîtes.
REF: GD4154
ENERGY RATING = D
REF: PIC-502
ENERGY RATING = E
REF: IFPC17098
ENERGY RATING = G
ENERGY RATING = D
ENERGY RATING = D
ENERGY RATING = D
ENERGY RATING = C
ENERGY RATING = F
ENERGY RATING = E
ENERGY RATING = D
ENERGY RATING = C
ENERGY RATING = C
24 People
www.normandyadvertiser.com
Normandy Advertiser
June 2012
Enjoying the fruits of her labour AGATHE Letellier runs the Manoir d’Aprovalle, between Trouville and Honfleur in Calvados (14), where they make Calvados, cider, cider vinegar and pommeau – a mix of apple juice and calvados. “Pommeau makes a lovely apéritif,” she says, “because the calvados gives it body, it’s between 16 and 18 degrees proof, whilst the apple juice gives it all the roundness and sweetness of the fruit. Our pommeau is matured for two years before we sell it. It’s very traditional in this region, although perhaps less well-known in other parts of France.” She launches into a technical explanation of exactly how it’s made, at what point it’s clarified and exactly what taste they’re looking for when they bottle it. She’s clearly well versed in all the stages of making the domain’s products. “This property has been in our family for over 100 years, since my grandfather arrived in Normandy at the end of the 19th century and established a farm here,” she says. The farm was originally mixed, but since 1998, when Agathe took over, it has specialised in apple and pear products. “We’ve planted 1,800 new apples trees, 17 different varieties of them. We selected enough local varieties to make all our products with our own fruit.” Before taking up the reins at the Manoir d’Aprovalle, Agathe worked
When Agathe Letellier took over her family farm, she turned her marketing skills to products typical of Normandy – Calvados and Pommeau. SAMANTHA DAVID went to see how her hard work is paying off in various different organisations, but always in sales and marketing. “All my experience in other fields has been very useful here, but obviously I’ve also done a lot of courses in cider and calvados-making,” she says. However, she believes that although there is a technical side to making cider, you also learn a lot from experience because apples are all different, and even harvests from the same tree vary according to the weather etc. “It’s a question of taste and experience,” she says. “Everyone makes their own products, according to their tastes.” Her son and two daughters don’t work in the family business for the moment, but she doesn’t rule it out in the future. “Who knows? Anyone can do anything at any age. They might come back and take over like I did, or they might not.” Her days are always varied. “It’s a small business, so I could be doing anything from helping out with the apple harvest to working in the distilling plant or the cellars, or doing the accounts or dealing with inspectors or talking to visitors.” About 80% of their sales are made directly to the general public. They run lots of tastings and tours of the property, so that people can see how their products are made. The remaining stock is sold to restaurants in the area and in Paris and Bordeaux. “I think consumers today are more canny than Pommeau is they used to be,” matured in barrels says Agathe. for two years “They want to
Agathe Letellier prides herself on using local varieties of apple in her products, which she hopes to export know what’s in their glass, where it came from, how it was made.” She says they haven’t been affected by any downturn in tourism to the area. Not having all their eggs in one
“
Making cider is like wine-making. It’s a blend of modern techniques and traditional values
basket helps, she thinks, so if one lot of tourists don’t come, someone else will. They also work colossally hard during the summer season, opening seven days a week to people who come for demonstrations, picnics
and tastings. They also link their products to other local produce, like cheese and paté, a selection of which is assembled in the picnic baskets in the shop. “People are curious, they’re interested and want to know how things are made,” she says. “So we’re always busy in the summer months.” She thinks they respond to a need which already exists. “People want to understand the history and tradition of their food and drink. Making cider is like wine-making, it has really moved on a lot. It’s a blend of modern techniques and traditional values. “Today, we understand the fermentation process better, we make better products, to higher hygiene standards and of course, they have a longer shelf life. The standards are very high.” She sees the business as contributing to the traditions, culture and image of Normandy, and others appear to agree – they recently won
a bronze medal for their grand reserve calvados. “It’s a form of eco-tourism. People come, they learn something, and buy a local product.” Looking to the future, she wants to develop exports, and has an employee working on it full time. Initially they’re looking at Germany, Belgium and Holland, but Agathe sees no reason why eventually they shouldn’t export to the UK as well. “We’d love to get into the Polish and the American markets,” she says. Setting up new business opportunities is always hard, but that’s the nature of the beast. “These are good markets because they already have strong drinks segments, and they are countries which are receptive to the products we make. “Exporting is a question of human relations really, and meeting people and making contacts, building networks. And that’s what we’re doing.” For more information see www.apreval.com