Ask Amanda 30 Summertime Tennis 32-33 Take a Break 34-36 Community Life 38-39 Business Directory 40-46
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Are you ready to embark on a journey of discovery and connection within your local community?
Exciting experiences and the rich cultural treasures of our region await you!
Here are a few larger events that are going on in the area, but dont forget to check out your local supermarkets, facebook groups and tourist offices for events local to you.
Festival Ludique International de Parthenay (FLIP) - 9th - 20th July PARTHENAY
Reaction Poetry Group: Will be enjoying their summer break in July and August. Date and theme for September will be advertised in the next edition of DSM at Café des Belles
Embrace the thrill of embarking on an unforgettable journey brimming with hidden treasures just waiting for you to uncover!
Exploring Brocantes and Vide Greniers is not just fun; it's an unmissable experience!
These events are hosted throughout the region, and you are guaranteed to discover a host of surprises.
Sunday 6th July
BESSINES-VIDEGRENIERGAULLOIS
Stade le Gros Buisson route de la Rochelle Beaulieu à Bessines
From Hypermarkets to countryside markets in the Deux-Sèvres, France is leading a quiet but determined revolution—one that's as much about culture as it is about sustainability. It's called “anti-gaspi”—short for anti-gaspillage—and it’s changing the way people shop, cook, eat, and live.
More than a set of policies, France’s anti-waste movement is becoming a way of life, blending traditional values with modern urgency. Here's what it means, how it works, and how everyday people are embracing it.
What Is “Anti-Gaspi”?
At its core, “anti-gaspi” means anti-waste. The term gained momentum with the 2016 French law that made it illegal for supermarkets to throw away unsold but edible food. Instead, they must donate it to charities or food banks.
Since then, anti-gaspi laws have expanded into fashion, electronics, packaging, and household goods.
The goal? Cut down on landfill, reduce overproduction, and promote repair, reuse, and redistribution.
According to La CERC Nouvelle-Aquitaine*, a staggering 9.95 million tonnes of waste was received into the waste management facilities across the region in 2023. Of which only 3.53 million tonnes was material that could be recycled.
At the time of their 2024 survey, the NouvelleAquitaine region boasted 490 facilities specializing in waste management, a net increase of 11 sites compared to the 2021 survey.
*https://www.cerc-na.fr
Restaurant Doggy Bags Are Encouraged
Key Anti-Gaspi Laws Making an Impact
Supermarkets Must Donate Food
Shops over 400m² must sign agreements with charities to donate edible food past its best before date but still safe to consume.
Ban on Destroying Unsold Goods
Since 2022, companies can no longer destroy new, unsold items like clothes, electronics, toys, and beauty products. They must donate or recycle them.
Restaurants are now required to offer doggy bags if requested, helping reduce food waste in the hospitality sector—a big shift in a country once hesitant to pack leftovers.
Extended
Producer Responsibility (EPR)
Manufacturers must now plan for the full life cycle of their products—from design to recycling—especially in textiles, furniture, and electronics.
Repair Culture is Back
Grants and subsidies are available to repair appliances and electronics, rather than replace them. It’s part of France’s “repair bonus” scheme, helping reduce e-waste.
Anti-Gaspi in Everyday Life
In the Kitchen:
Apps like Too Good To Go and Phenix connect consumers with surplus food from bakeries, restaurants, and supermarkets—often at half the price. In the Deux-Sèvres, many local producers and markets now proudly display “anti-gaspi” produce: imperfect vegetables, day-old bread, or nearly-expired cheese that’s still perfectly good.
Clothing:
Second-hand shopping is booming, from second hand shops to village vide-greniers (attic sales). Online platforms like Vinted and LeBonCoin make it easy to buy and sell gentlyused clothes and items
In the Home:
Repair cafés and DIY workshops are increasingly common in rural France, often supported by local government offices or associations.
Cultural Shift or Quiet Revolution?
For a country that values food, tradition, and elegance, France's embrace of anti-gaspi is not entirely new—it’s a return to older, slower ways of living. Grandmothers always had tricks to stretch leftovers or mend clothes. What’s changed is the institutional support, the digital tools, and the national pride in waste-conscious living.
Why It Matters
France throws away around 10 million tonnes of food per year, and 20% of that is still edible. The anti-gaspi movement isn’t just about laws—it’s about responsibility, innovation, and living well without excess.
Whether you’re a Parisian chef or a retiree in rural Deux-Sèvres, anti-gaspi is reshaping how people think about consumption and care—both for the planet and for each other
Conclusion: Less Waste, More Taste (and Heart)
Embracing the anti-gaspi way is about more than reducing waste—it's about embracing creativity, community, and consciousness. It's about eating better, wasting less, fixing more, and valuing what we have.
In true French fashion, it's not just practical—it’s also beautifully human.
The Best French Apps & Tools to Help You Live the Anti-Gaspi Way
Across France, the anti-gaspi movement is being powered by a wave of clever, user-friendly apps that help everyday people cut food, fashion, and product waste with just a few taps.
Here are a selection of top tools making sustainable living more accessible across the country.
Too Good To Go
Category: Food Waste
Use it for: Picking up surprise bags of surplus food from bakeries, supermarkets, cafés, and restaurants at big discounts.
Where it works: Widely available across France, including smaller towns.
Phenix
Category: Food Waste & Grocery Savings
Use it for: Buying discounted unsold food from local stores.
Extra bonus: Includes a filter for vegetarian, organic, and short-dated goods.
Geev
Category: Freecycling
Use it for: Giving away or picking up free second-hand items—including furniture, clothes, books, and food.
Vinted
Category: Fashion & Clothing
Use it for: Buying and selling second-hand clothes, shoes, accessories, and home decor.
What makes it different: Unlike most resale platforms, Vinted doesn’t charge seller fees, making it wildly popular in France.
LeBonCoin
Category: General
Classifieds
Use it for: Selling, buying, or giving away anything—from cars and furniture to building materials and plants.
Top tip: Set location filters to your département (e.g., Deux-Sèvres) to find items close to home.
Eco edge: Local pickup avoids shipping and packaging waste.
Back Market
Category: Refurbished Electronics
Use it for: Buying highquality, professionally refurbished smartphones, laptops, tablets, and appliances.
Why it’s eco-friendly:
Prevents perfectly functional electronics from being scrapped too early
Yuka
Category: Food & Cosmetics
Transparency
Use it for: Scanning barcodes to see how healthy and sustainable products are. How it helps: Encourages smarter shopping choices and discourages overconsumption of ultraprocessed goods.
Most of these apps are free and available
and Android.
Some require French language skills, but many offer English interfaces or intuitive design.
Set your location to your region (e.g., 79 –Deux-Sèvres) to find local listings, deals, and drop-off points.
Check with your mairie or local waste management office as they often collaborate with these apps and run zero-waste events year-round.
How to Start Using Them
on both iOS
As we enter into the warm and vibrant month of July, markets and supermarkets come alive with an abundance of summer fruits and vegetables. It truly is a time for a delightful rainbow of colours to grace your plate, bringing not only visual appeal but also exciting flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. This month, we have chosen to spotlight two particularly wonderful ingredients that are in their prime during this season: juicy cantaloupe melons and versatile courgettes (zucchini). Both of these ingredients are easy to find, but are also remarkably simple for you to grow in your own garden.
Cantaloupe Melon
The Cantaloupe Melon is such a versatile fruit, packed with vitamin A and C, it is not only delicious, but also provides some health benefits including hydration and anti-oxidant properties. It has sweet and firm orange coloured flesh and pairs well with other fruits of the season or even with charcuterie, such as parma ham.
Add slices or chunks of Cantaloupe to salads for a touch of sweetness and colour. Mix into your favourite smoothie receipe for extra freshness, colour and flavour or add pureed melon to ice-cream or sorbets as a wonderful summertime treat.
If you are having a summertime BBQ, Cantaloupe Melon can be grilled. As the sugars caramalise, it creates a unique sweet and smoky flavour.
This type of Melon can be enjoyed at any time of the day and has a special place at breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can also use the skins after removing the flesh as a unique bowl to serve your summertime fruit salads in.
When buying your Cantaloupe Melon check for any signs of bruising and it should feel firm to the touch but not rock hard. It should have a sweet and fruity odour but if you can smell a slightly musky scent, it may be a sign that it is over ripe.
Courgettes
Courgettes, also know as Zucchini, are at their best this time of year. They are classified as a fruit rather than a vegetable, as the seeds are on the inside, it can be enjoyed eaten raw or cooked. The skin contains fibre and potassium and the flesh benefits from high levels of Vitamin C and other anti-oxidants.
If you choose to eat Courgettes raw, you can slice them or even spiralize them to add different textures to your salads and pasta dishes. They can also be grilled, roasted, fried or even stuffed with rice or other roasted vegetables. They can also be added to cakes to make them moist and tender.
Courgettes tend to absorb flavours that they are cooked with and therefore are a brilliant addition to soups, stews and salads. If you have grown your own courgettes at home, they can be made into wonderful pickles and chutneys so you can continue to enjoy them for many months to come.
Courge�eandLemon Riso�o
Ing�edients
• 750ml Stock (vegetable or chicken)
• 25g unsalted butter
• 2 shallots, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
• 3 sprigs of fresh thyme, leaves only
• 200g risotto rice
• 200ml white wine
• 200g, trimmed, and cut into 1cm cubes
• 4 heaped tbsp grated parmesan
• 1 unwaxed lemon, zest finely grated plus 1 tbsp juice
• 2 hard boiled eggs
• Salt and pepper to season
Method
1. In a saucepan, make up the stock as per the instructions and keep warm on a low to medium heat.
2. In a separate heavy based saucepan, heat the butter until melted and then add the shallots, garlic and thyme. Fry for 1-2 minutes or until soft.
3. Add the rice to the pan and mix well to ensure that the rice is coated. Add all the white wine and simmer until all the liquid has almost evaporated.
4. Keeping the pan on a medium heat, gradually add the warm stock to the rice, using a ladle, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid before adding more. Stir the rice regularly to ensure it does not stick to the bottom of the pan.
5. When you have added approximately half of the stock to the rice, add in the chopped courgettes and stir. Continue to add in the remaining stock until the rice is tender but still has a little bit of bite. This should take around 15 to 18 minutes.
6. Stir in the grated parmesan, lemon juice and grated lemon zest. Cut the hard boiled eggs in half. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve immediately adding the eggs to the top. Sprinkle with extra parmesan cheese and fresh herbs of your choice.
Courge�eCake Ing�edients
• 80ml vegetable oil (plus a little extra for greasing)
• 150g light brown sugar
• 2 medium eggs
• 160g courgette, grated
• 180g plain flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp fine salt
• 2 tbsp demerara sugar, for sprinkling
Method
MelonSalsaTacos
1. Preheat the oven to 200c / 180c fan or Gas mark 6. Grease a 900g loaf tin and line the bottom of the tin with a strip of baking paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the oil, light brown sugar and eggs together and mix until smooth. Add the grated courgettes to the bowl and mix well. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt.
3. Add the dry ingredients into the bowl with the wet ingredients and mix until they are combined. Carefully transfer the mixture into the loaf tin.
4. Place in the preheated over and bake for 30 - 35 minutes. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the demerara sugar to the top of the load before returning it to the over for a further 10 - 20 minutes. Check that the cake is cooked by inserting a skewer into the centre of the cake. If the skewer comes away clean, remove from the oven. If not, return to the oven for a further 5 minutes and repeat until the cake is cooked.
5. Leave in the tin to cool for around 20 minutes and then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once completely cool, slice and serve.
Ing�edients
• 1 medium cantaloupe melon cut into small cubes (deseeded and skinned)
• 1 ripe mango, pealed, stoned and chopped into small chunks
• ¼ small red cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 medium cucumber, cut into small chunks
• ½ medium sized red onion, diced
• ½ bell pepper, deseeded and chopped into small chunks
• Handfull of fresh corriander, finely chopped
• 1 small jalapeno pepper, diced (optional)
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil or neural flavour oil
• Taco shells or tortilla breads of your choice
• 2 medium chicken breast fillets, plain or breaded or 2 fillets of white fish such as cod or haddock
• Salt and pepper to taste
Method
1. In a frying pan, heat a small amount of oil and cook either the chicken breast or fish fillets, ensuring that they have been seasoned to taste. Once cooked, set aside to cool.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melon, mango, cucumber, onion, red cabbage, bell pepper and corriander. Add the jalapeno if you have chosen to include it for a bit of heat.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the lime juice, oil and salt together.
4. Add the lime and oil dressing to the large bowl of ingredients and mix well. Season to taste.
5. Slice the chicken or fish fillets and add to the taco shells or tortilla wraps along with the salsa.
6. Serve with optional tortilla chips and dips or green salad.
MelonandProsciu�oPla�er
Ing�edients
• 1 medium cantaloupe melon, skinned and deseeded, cut into small chunks
• 200g prosciutto ham, sliced (any other type of cured ham also works well)
• 1 packet of small mozzarella balls
• Selection of fresh salad leaves such as lambs lettuce, rocket, chard to your taste.
• 1 small courgette, cut into thin strips
• 100g of cherry tomatoes
• Handful of fresh herbs such as basil or mint, lightly chopped
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and Pepper to taste
Method
1. Begin by preparing the fruit and salad items. Add them to a large mixing bowl and set to one side.
2. In a small bowl, whisk the balsamic vinegar and olive oil together until well combined.
3. Add the vinegar and oil dressing to the salad bowl and mix well until all the ingredients are well coated.
4. Serve the salad on a large plate or serving platter and add the ham and mozarella.
MelonandOrangeSmoothie Ing�edients
• 2 oranges (peeled) any variety will work
• 1 cantaloup melon, peeled, deseeded and cut into chunks
• 1 frozen banana, peeled and cut into chunks
• 125ml milk or dairy free milk such as soya or almond
• 60g plain greek yoghurt
Method
1. Using a blender or food mixer, combine all the ingredients together and blend until smooth.
2. Ifyoupreferaslightlythickersmoothie,youcanstartby adding less milk and then gradually add more once blended to get the consistency you like.
3. Serve immediately either as it is or over ice for extra freshness.
Continuing on the series about Electric car ownership, Steve shares his knowledge and insight into the practicalities of owning an EV in France.
This month’s topic guides you through all you need to know about charging your car.
So, there are several types of charging points for electric cars, each offering different speeds and capabilities. Here's a breakdown: Types of Charging Points
1. Level 1 AC Charging (7 kW Slow Charging) This is the most basic type of charging, typically using a standard household outlet or a type 2 connector (Single Phase Mains). It's slow and usually takes about 8-20 hours to fully charge an EV.
2. Level 2 AC Charging (22 kW Fast Charging): These chargers use a 3 phase 240V outlet and can charge an EV much faster, typically within 4-8 hours. However, not many houses have a 3-phase supply.
3. DC Fast Charging (24 kW or Higher Rapid Charging): These provide a high-power direct current (DC) and can charge an EV to 80% in about 30 minutes to an hour. They are commonly found at public charging stations and along main roads and autoroutes.
4. Ultra-Rapid Charging (>100 kW): These are the fastest chargers available, providing power at 100 kW or more. They can add significant range in just 15-30 minutes.
How to Use Them
1. Locate a charging point: Use apps like Zap-Map, Electromaps, Electroverse, or your car's navigation system to find nearby charging stations.
2. Connect the charger: For Level 1 and Level 2 chargers, you'll need to connect your own cable – the one that came with the car when you bought it – to the charger. By contrast, for DC fast chargers, the cable is usually tethered to the charger.
3. Start charging: Follow the instructions on the charger or the app you're using. You may need to scan a QR code or use a contactless card or fob to start the charging session. Instructions are often in a pictorial format so you don’t need to worry about what language they are in. You can often change the display language on the charger screen if there is one.
4. Monitor the charge: Keep an eye on the charging progress through the app or the charger's display. Most will notify you when the charging is complete.
5. Stop the charge: Once your car is fully charged or you need to leave, stop the charge using the app or on the charger's interface. Depending on the charger, you may need to ‘tap out’ by holding your card up to the card reader on the charging unit.
To find fellow EV in the area where you can share information and ask questions, do consider joining the Deux-Sèvres EV Owners Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/dsevowners/.
6. Payment Pay for the charging session through the app, contactless card, or other payment methods provided by the charging network. If you have set up an account such as with AlterBase within the DeuxSèvres, payment is taken from your bank account. Fast and Ultra Fast chargers will often accept bank cards/ credit cards for payment.
7. Charging speed: The speed of charging also depends on the battery temperature and the level of charge of the battery. The fastest charging is often between 20% and 80% state of charge and charging slows down above 80% to avoid overheating the battery and causing long term damage. For most daily use, it’s more economical to limit your charging to a maximum of 80% and only charge to 100% for long journeys.
In some local areas, there are only low power AC chargers. These work well for a top-up whilst you go and have lunch or do some shopping. However, you will need some form of contactless card for the charging network (not a merely a bank card) to use them.
In Deux Sèvres, consider signing up with AlterBase which has the most widespread network in the department. They have just revised their contracts and now have an app and a smart key fob that can be used at each charger.
Using public charging points can seem overwhelming at first, but with a little practice, it becomes second nature.
With Steve Morton
Beware!
In the February edi�on of the DSM, I wrote the brave, and some would say foolhardy, words “We’ll soon be introducing Keira to our bicycles – wish us luck!”
For those of you who didn’t catch the ar�cle, here’s a quick résumé. Keira is a rescue pup who we adopted from Galia, the animal refuge in Fontenay le Comte, last autumn. As she was just 6 months old when we brought her home, we decided to enrol her in the puppy class at the local dog training club straight away. To begin with she found the group quite a challenge as all she wanted to do was play with the other pups, but the trainer was adamant – you work when you’re on le terrain, and play when the class has finished. Fortunately she’s a quick learner and soon realized how best to earn a treat (�ny pieces of frankfurter sausage as it happens) and progressed rapidly each week.
Then one Saturday morning we turned up at the training to be greeted with the words ‘Tu peux rejoinder les confirmés aujourd’hui’ (which apparently means that they think you have control of your dog, as opposed to the opposite!). Wow, promo�on! As it happens, Keira was quite happy to join the more advanced group as they were allowed to tackle the agility course, which she loved.
Anyway, back to the bicycles…
As Keira was beginning to get more confident every day, we thought we’d introduce her to a bike trailer. So down to the local bicycle shop to rent une remorque for the weekend to try before we buy. I wouldn’t say that it was an immediate hit with her, but a�er a couple of hours of encouragement in the garden (& several mini frankfurters!), she se�led down inside and we set off for the coast.
The great thing in France is the amazing network of cycle paths throughout the country, which is so much safer than cycling on the road. Add to this the flat terrain along the vendéen coast, and it really is cycling for so�ies (although David might not agree, as he was the one towing the trailer –30kgs in total with dog & remorque. In fact the trailer is actually designed to take dogs up to 40kgs, but we certainly wouldn’t recommend it!).
So, a�er the adventures over the weekend, did we decide to buy?? Absolutely, and the vendeur even deducted the rental cost from the price of the trailer – 180€ including fi�ngs. We’re already planning our next cycling ou�ng in the campervan, as the trailer folds flat to fit into the garage at the back.
Most people think of photography falling into a number of specific areas – such as portrait, landscape, sport and so on. But interesting images can also be created from focusing tightly on smaller items, hence my title.
And small objects can be the key to a larger story. The link of chain is on a harbour wall on Île de Ré. It was taken in full sunshine at a fast shutter speed. I think the darkened metal eaten away by years of salt spray tells a story if you will allow your imagination free rein. What boats might this chain have held to the shore in swell or storm is but one possibility.
And this brings up that a photograph only really works when there are two experiences – the photographer and the viewer. They may both be the experiences of one person but they are very different. The detail of the surface of this chain only fully registered with me when I viewed it on a large screen and decided how I wanted to crop it.
I rarely name photographs but this one seemed to be looking for a name, so in memory of Roger McGough’s poem Come close and Sleep now which contains the wonderful line you will put on a dress of guilt and broken high ideals I chose the final three words as its title.
The chillies drying in front of the dresser tell many potential stories. There is one of growth and harvest and future food. There is French in the crudites plates at the bottom and the asparagus plate at top left and English in the wooden plaque referring to releasing hounds because we have visitors. There is family history in the egg coddlers and other tales in the various plates and ornaments.
The important photographic elements were capturing the chillies in place and keeping the two shelves at the one third and two third points. A touch of straightening in the editor completed this as an image, The viewer can then continue the journey as they see fit.
The final image is of a pewter wine filter used to strain out the sediment that can be found at the bottom of some expensive red wines.
The poppy was grown by my wife, who is a wonderful gardener. I took this photograph not because it was a beautiful flower but because the petals had begun to fall. It told me of the care in its growth, through the beauty of its display to the beginning of its fading that would end with it being added to the compost heap to help to feed a new season of plants.
The initial photography is very standard but I have darkened the background with an editor to lose the edges of the red sofa behind it and leave just the lines of the wood burner top on which the vase stands and take the viewer’s eye to the flower.
Photographically this works for me because of the light running from right to left which emphasizes the decoration with the shadows. In editing terms those shadows have been enhanced to bring out more detail and the image has been tightly cropped to contain nothing but the wine filter. This filter is a funnel and its only flat surface is the top so it was photographed upside down and then turned back the other way in the editor so that the grapes hang downwards.
What story this tells of the owner, the photographer or the viewer I leave to your imagination.
If you would like to discuss your photographs and mine and those of other friendly photographers please get in touch with me at stevemarshall128@gmail.com
With Jacqueline Brown
This afternoon I am enjoying a moment with six friends. We are in a beautiful setting, tumbling scented flowers, lots of colour and the gentle hum of bees. My friends are poised over thick sheets of paper and a quiet concentration has descended over the wooden table. Jugs and vases spill over with garden gathered flowers, sitting next to a bowl of dark, glossy cherries - the scene has been set and there is inspiration all around. Their eyes dart from paper to flowers and back again as they help each other learn, improve or simply just try watercolour painting in a relaxed atmosphere.
They are a talented bunch with skills including crochet, knitting, sewing, dressmaking, leatherwork, painting, printing and photography. We are all good at different things, but what is important is making the time to share our interests with friends, new and old. Nothing is quite so isolating as moving to a new country, away from family, friends and familiar faces. I am in awe of them as I watch their blank pages evolve, from a faint pencil sketch to the first pale colours splashing on the paper. Some choose the whole composition; others focus on a closer detail.
Those who have done it before offer encouraging words to those who are feeling a little lost or unsure. The chatter, the clink of brushes into glass jars, the laughter of a shared moment of friendship, these are the perfect ingredients for a relaxing and therapeutic afternoon for us all.
I am not joining in! Many years ago, a local artist ran a watercolour workshop at a gardening group I helped to run. All eyes were on him as he demonstrated his technique, flicking his brush over the paper as a beautiful flower appeared. We all went back to our tables, and one by one started flicking our brushes over our paper, some more confidently than others. One by one beautiful flowers appeared all around me, and as he made his way around the room, he offered encouraging comments and helpful advice. Then he arrived at my effort to paint a yellow pansy, took one look at the rather unattractive brown blob and walked away. I know, how rude.
Obviously, my friends would be more encouraging and supportive this afternoon, but I am happy to be the observer with the pen and paper today, and record the moment in words. We are all different and my eyes and brain are not connected in an arty way. While I appreciate the beauty of what I see, I lack the ability to hold a pencil or brush in my hand and replicate it on the paper.
I might feel a little inadequate, but what is important is getting out and enjoying time with others. Creativity stimulates our brains, so learning or sharing a skill, having a good laugh or offering words of encouragement will boost our brains and our moods. Now summer is here, pick a nice day, grab a couple of friends and challenge yourselves to try something new.
http://www.frenchvillagediaries.com
SecretsBeneathaRivieraSky
by Jennifer Bohnet
The title of this book perfectly sums up what you will discover inside when you meet the three generations of the Agistini women, Agnes, Francine and Jasmine.
Their lives in Devon have always had the shadow of their French past hanging over them. For Agnes, it is the painful memories of her disastrous marriage to husband, Oscar. For Francine, it is the control her absent father had over her and for her daughter Jasmine, it is the mystery of an unknown grandfather who her mother and grandmother refuse to talk about.
With news of Oscar’s death, the three women return to Cannes, hoping to sort out the formalities of his estate and finally lay their demons to rest. However, the more they discover about Oscar’s life and the secrets from his past, the more they learn about themselves. It soon becomes an interesting tangle of stories, with lots of grit to get stuck into.
All three women are strong, likeable characters, as I’ve come to enjoy when I open a Jennifer Bohnet novel, and discovering their stories kept me turning the pages hoping they would find peace in their present lives. They don’t so much grieve for Oscar, but as his life unravels, it enables them to understand each other, accept the changes thrust upon them and find ways to forge new futures.
All this with the backdrop of the French Riviera, the cafés, markets and food – it was a pleasure to escape to Cannes, and this is another Jennifer Bohnet book I can recommend.
TheParisDancer
by Nicola Rayner
Reviews by Jacqueline Brown
As she made her way to New York at the beginning of the book, it was the sadness radiating from Mim that was the first thing that struck me and pulled me in. I could feel her fragility and grief, even though at that point so much of her story is still hidden in the shadows. She was an easy character to bond with and I knew I needed to learn more about her.
The intrigue in Esther’s story that began in Paris just before the outbreak of the Second World War was as gripping for me as it was for Mim. They were a Jewish family who had fled persecution, and forged a new life in Paris, finding work behind the scenes in a music hall. From an early age, Esther had a feeling that she wasn’t like the rest of her family, but found her solace in her writing, something that also resonated with Mim. As she reads the scribbled memoir Esther has left her, secrets from the family spill from the pages.
Her distraction comes from meeting two lively yet very different people, Bibi, her aunt’s elderly neighbour and Lucky, a dancer she sat next to on the flight. Bibi, never without a martini, always made me smile and was there to offer a different perspective on the past. I loved the way they began to explore New York through different dance experiences and how dancing was the movement that propelled this book forward, entwining both the past and the present-day storylines.
If you enjoy historical fiction set during the Occupation, add this book to your 2025 reading list. The characters will stick with you long after you finish the last page.
With Clare Hill
Welcome back to my Garden Diary, here we are in July already. This year seems to be whizzing past. I have had a busy few weeks, including a week at my parents in Leicestershire in May, although I didn’t have too much gardening to do this visit, we did visit our favourite garden centre and the market for plants too. I replanted Mum’s alpine area and gave the roses a good feed, and then started weeding the front garden. It was a hot week, only one short sharp shower. The hydrangeas were beginning to wilt badly too, despite the rich clay soil there.
Once home, our roses here started their first flush of blooms and despite the lack of rain they are still putting on a good show. My tall beloved purple irises took a bit of a bashing during one very windy afternoon, despite being tied in to help support them. We added more supports and I picked a few to fill my jugs for the kitchen table. The fragrance is intoxicating I think you either love it or loathe it!
Talking of irises, I noticed on a local Facebook group an iris garden being opened to the public for a few afternoons. After work we got changed and set off to find it. A private collector had over 400 varieties of which around 100 were for sale. Prices ranged from 6 Euros each to 40! Unfortunately, or fortunately, I had left the cheque book at home so my purchases were limited to the cash we had with us. Honestly, where to start to pick a few to reserve?
As I wandered around the plots I realised I had to follow my heart and go with the first 3 I had noticed. So joining my garden on 25 July are Iris ‘Lets play dress up’ Iris ‘Keeping up Apperances’ and Iris ‘Gypsy Lord’. I’ll keep you posted on their progress next year.
This week despite my regular rain dancing, none has fallen. Friends report a good downpour about 20km away, we had one evening with rumbles of thunder even, but nothing fell from the sky. Yesterday, Martin rigged me up a pump system to take rainwater from the storage to a hosepipe so I could at least water the pots more easily. I’m nursing a shoulder injury and can’t lug the 11 liter watering cans around at the moment. So I joyfully watered via the pump and hosepipe set up, and will be carrying on, as there is no rain in the 10 day forecast.
14th July celebrations will soon be here and then St Swithuns day on 15th. You probably recall the folklaw, “if on St Swithuns day ye do rain, for forty days it will remain” I’m not sure what to wish for at the moment!
Well, if we do get summer thunder storms, will you be harvesting the rainwater? Its always kinder to use rainwater on plants than tap water and a valuable resource in any garden large or small.
Jobs to do in July
Harvest garlic and onions from late June onwards. To enable them to dry out, you can lay them on top of the soil for a few days, watch out for any showers, then store in a cool dry place.
Harvest new potatoes, I love them steamed with fresh mint.
July is the ideal time to plant bienials like
foxgloves, honesty, sweet rocket and stocks for flowering the next spring, think about sowing delphinium seeds for flowers the following summer too. Some varieties can be excellent for bees and other pollinators too.
A few fast growing crops include radish, french beans and carrots can be sown now. Carrots can be sown directly into shallow drills or into pots, try to avoid thinning them out to prevent carrot fly.
Plant out winter cabbages so they are mature before Christmas. Plant 45cm apart, keep well watered over the summer and check for cabbage white caterpillars; place net over the crop if needed.
You can sow lettuce seeds in shallow drills or pots, thin the seedlings and then harvest young leaves, or try the cut and come again varieties.
If you have Wisteria, best practice is to cut back the new whippy growth to 7 buds from the plant cane in July. I save the offcuts for using in wreaths and if strong enough, natural garden supports (when dried)
Water Camelias over the summer, especially if they are in pots. This helps the plant set flowers for next Spring flowers.
To encourage dahlias to bloom, nip out the tops with your fingers to give a bushier plant, and then after blooms have faded keep dead heading to encourage more blooms. Keep an eye out for pest like slugs and snails too.
Olive trees will benefit from a summer feed right through to September. I use a granular feed especially for olives and citrus plants.
You can take cuttings from succulents easily over the summer, the small clusters can be broken off and re planted or given away to friends to start
their collection.
If you are dead heading your roses, you can take some cuttings at the same time. Choose a healthy stem around the thickness of a pencil. Cut them around 10cm tall, remove the majority of the leaves. Dip the end into rooting powder if you have some, then pop into a tall plantpot with a mix of soil and compost. I do 4 to a pot. Label them as you won't remember what they are! Keep watered. You may propogate for your own use in the garden, never to sell, as roses are subject to Plant Breeders Rights Laws.
Divide irises by gently removing from the soil and split gently, replant into a sunny position so the sun can reach the tubers. Share your spare ones with friends.
Helping Wildlife in July;
Avoid trimming hedges and trees, blackbirds, thrushes, sparrows, greenfinches and goldfinches often nest as late as August, often with a second or third brood. Always check hedges and shrubs thoroughly before trimming. One year I was mowing under our hazel tree, I knocked my head on a branch, and down came a nest and 3 goldfinch chicks. We successfully raised all 3 chicks until they fledged, as the parents stayed around and I fed them every 2 to 3 hours! I really did have empty nest syndrome after the third one flew!
Leave shallow bowls of water out for the hedgehogs, babies will be emerging in June to July. The birds and insects including dragonflies will also appreciate a refreshing drink or bath too. Make sure there are shallow areas with pebbles or stones at the edge.
Help butterflies to breed in your garden by planting a few of the plants where they lay their eggs; hops or current varieties are used by the Comma butterfly for example. Both the Small White and Large White love Nasturtiums , and the Holly Blue favours both holly and Ivy.
Well, one of my favourite things to do in July is to admire the many fields of Sunflowers growing in this wonderful region we call home.
I hope you enjoy your garden this July!
A bientot,
The Day That Shook a Kingdom
It was July 14, 1789, in Paris—a city simmering with unrest. Bread was scarce, taxes were high, and King Louis XVI’s government was on the brink of collapse. Citizens, fed up with centuries of injustice and inequality, took up arms.
Their target? The Bastille—a medieval fortress and prison that had become a symbol of royal tyranny. Though it held only seven prisoners that day, its fall marked a turning point. When the people stormed the Bastille, they weren’t just opening prison gates—they were cracking open a revolution.
From Revolution to Republic
The French Revolution that followed was as bloody as it was bold. Heads rolled—quite literally—as revolutionaries like Robespierre, Danton, and Marat led the charge for equality and freedom.
But the revolution also planted seeds: of liberté, égalité, fraternité—liberty, equality, and fraternity. These ideals, though born in chaos, would go on to shape France’s national identity and inspire movements around the world.
A National Holiday Is Born
Strangely, Bastille Day wasn’t declared a national holiday until almost a century later. In 1880, as the Third Republic tried to unify a fractured nation, July 14th was chosen as a symbol of both revolutionary courage and national unity.
Today, it’s officially known as La Fête Nationale—and it’s celebrated with fireworks, music, parades, and public joy.
How We Celebrate
The most iconic event is the military parade on the ChampsÉlysées in Paris, attended by the President and broadcast nationwide. But Bastille Day isn’t just about pomp—it’s about people.
In villages and cities across France, you’ll find:
• Fireworks displays, especially spectacular in Paris at the Eiffel Tower.
• Public dances (bals populaires) in town squares.
• Communal meals, picnics, and wine shared among neighbours.
• Re-enactments and concerts, often with a historical theme.
Bastille Day Abroad
Interestingly, Bastille Day is also celebrated beyond France’s borders. French expatriate communities and Francophiles mark the occasion in cities from New York to New Delhi with cultural festivals, French cuisine, and tricolor flags.
Why It Still Matters
More than 230 years after the Bastille fell, the ideals of the French Revolution still resonate—especially in a world struggling with inequality, identity, and civic engagement. Bastille Day reminds us that democracy is never a given— it must be claimed, protected, and reimagined by each generation.
As this is the first time we’ve met, before we start talking about running a holiday rental in France, a bit of background.
I’m a Brit, married to Pauline, and in the 15 years before we left the UK in 2007, I was a television journalist with the BBC. How/why we left the UK is another story for another day, so let’s just say that despite not even the tiniest bit of experience or knowledge of running a holiday rental business, we decided this is what we wanted to do.
But not in the UK.
With David Brenner
First location choice was France - our favourite holiday destination. But even back in 2007, the holiday rental market here - especially in the prime vacation areas - seemed just too competitive and too intimidating for a couple of inexperienced newbies like us. Even the budget from our UK property sale - which had seemed decent enough - suddenly looked horribly inadequate.
Spain ? Nope. Didn’t fancy that. Or Portugal. So how about Italy ?
Though Tuscany prices made Dordogne seem cheap, Italy did have serious possibilities. So we shifted our relocation target a little - and 96 viewings later, (with two offers that fell through for….er…strange reasons), we ended up as the new owners of an acre of sun-baked, south-facing hillside in the central region of Abruzzo, together with two derelict houses, twelve olive trees and stupendous views.
96 VIEWINGS ?!?!? Yes ! Because not only were we looking for our new home, it had to be…
• in a recognised holiday destination area. (Location. Location. Location…)
• easy to get to, and within good reach of local amenities and attractions. (Ditto…)
• inside our budget !
And most importantly of all, we needed to be 100% sure this property would be not only a great new home for us, with excellent rental accommodation - but also appealing enough for potential guests to come across it in a listing and think, “Ooh…that looks nice !”
These property search principles will be the same for you here in France as they were for us in Italy, except that here - as I’m sure you know - there are two distinct kinds of private holiday accommodation…
• Chambre d’Hôtes - essentially a B&B (which may also offer an evening meal).
• Gîte - a holiday let. Usually self-contained accommodation in a converted barn or other building on your property.
Whichever works best for your plans/budget, there’s one last vital step you need to take before you open for business. Regardless of whether you’re a Brit with permanent French residency, or subject to existing Brexit rules governing how long you can spend here each year, you’ll need to run your plans past your local Mairie and/or a Notaire and obtain whatever permits are necessary for you to start trading. Especially important, as new rules covering holiday rentals - and big fines for breaking them - came into force in 2025.
After 12 great years in Abruzzo, in 2019 we sold our rental biz and our home, and finally got our move to France. During our time since in Deux Sèvres , we’ve met people wanting to do here what we did in Italy. The rules/ regulations here are of course unique to France - but the principles behind successfully running a holiday accommodation business are exactly the same wherever you are - and they never change.
I’ll tell you why next month…
If you’re already running – or planning to start – your own holiday rental business in Deux Sèvres, and would like to discuss your ideas with David, contact him on 1davidbrenner+DSM@gmail.com
PRACTISING AS AN ACCOUNTANT OR BOOKKEEPER IN FRANCE
With Karen Jones
It is probably right to start off by that this profession is strictly regulated: its key activities can only be carried out by chartered accountants registered with the Order of Chartered Accountants. Anyone qualified as an assistant comptable/ secretaire is not able to do freelance work because of these regulations and must be employed by a cabinet or a société/company in house on the payroll.
Accountants can be self-employed if they follow the rules. The profession is regulated by a law from February 2022 – N° 21 85594. Also, article 2 and 40 of the Ordinance of 1945. In order for any person to offer the services of an account the following qualifications or accepted equivalents from European institutes are required – note that British qualifications will need to go through a VAE process as they are no longer acceptable in France:
Diploma in Accounting and Management (DCG): Bac+3 level diploma that offers complete training in accounting and management. It is often required for accounting positions and allows access to positions of responsibility. – This qualification is aimed at in house accounting, it is not suitable for independent services.
Higher Diploma in Accounting and Management (DSCG): Bac+5 level diploma that deepens knowledge in accounting and management. It is usually required for high-level accounting positions and is a prerequisite for becoming a certified public accountant.
The Expert Comptable chartered accountant is a professional holder of the chartered accountant diploma that he takes after having obtained the Higher Diploma of Accounting and Management (DSCG, master's degree) and having completed a 3-year internship in a firm, as a trainee-chartered accountant, and be registered on the Roll of the Order found at this website. https://www.expertscomptables.fr
An accountant registered with the Order of Chartered Accountants can carry out the following activities and is legally prohibited from subcontracting.
These include maintaining, centralizing, opening, closing, monitoring, correcting and consolidating the accounts of companies and organizations to which they are not bound by an employment contract.
An accountant, and this includes bookkeepers who are qualified as ‘assistant comptable’ and who are not registered with the Order, are forbidden to practice as a self-employed person, regardless of the status.
A chartered accountant can not subcontract work to a non-chartered accountant. https://www.legifrance. gouv.fr/juri/id/JURITEXT000045308919
Financial and Criminal Risk - Anyone operating outside of the regulations is deemed to be exercising an illegal accounting profession to which there are risks to the person offering the service and the person who employs them:
Anyone who illegally practices the accounting profession is liable to criminal prosecution (sanctions provided for in article 433-17 of the Penal Code: one year in prison and a fine of €15,000). If you knowingly use a person who illegally practices the accounting profession, you risk being considered as an accomplice to this criminal offense.
As a result of the new law, Solutions became affiliated to an accounting company to be able to offer correct advice to entrepreneurs and retrained in French payroll and the accounting of payroll. If you would like help with additional administrative support, contact Karen at Solutions France.
This month, I’d like to start by giving a warm welcome to Lisa and Elfed, the new owners of The Deux-Sèvres Monthly. It’s a pleasure to see the magazine continue in safe hands, and I wish them every success as they take it forward. The DSM has always been a valuable resource for the Englishspeaking community here in France, and I’m delighted to continue contributing to it.
Many of you will know me as “Ask Amanda,” a column I’ve proudly written for the past 15 years. During that time, I’ve helped hundreds of expatriates navigate the often-confusing world of financial planning, pensions, investments, and inheritance tax here in France.
Settling in France is a big life change, and understanding how the financial landscape differs from your home country is essential. That’s where I come in. I specialise in helping people make sense of their options and ensure they’re using the financial tools available here in the most effective way.
One key area I advise on is tax-efficient financial planning in France. Many expatriates are unaware that France has its own tax-efficient investment “wrappers” that can significantly reduce your tax liability—especially if structured correctly. Making sure your money is working efficiently under French tax law can make a big difference both now and in the future.
Importantly, you don’t need to invest only in euros. As international financial planners, we have the flexibility to work in multiple currencies, including GBP and USD, which can be a crucial advantage for clients with UK or global ties. We offer truly
international solutions designed to work for your specific situation.
What sets my service apart is that I don’t charge for consultations or reports. I believe you should be able to explore your options without pressure or obligation. Everyone’s circumstances are different—no two clients are the same—and that’s why all advice is tailored to suit your personal needs and goals.
Whether you’re planning for retirement, looking to invest with peace of mind, or want to understand how inheritance tax works under French and UK rules, I can help guide you clearly and confidently. You can ask me anything—it’s what Ask Amanda is all about!
I’m also proud to say that we are fully regulated in France to provide financial and investment advice. Transparency is at the heart of everything we do. You’ll always understand how our recommendations work, what your options are, and how any charges are structured.
And should your plans change in the future, our solutions are portable, so you can take them with you if you move to another country. We know that life isn’t always static, and your finances should be able to move with you.
If you have questions or just want to understand your current position a little better, please do get in touch. You’ll find friendly, jargon-free advice from someone who understands the challenges and opportunities of living in France as an expat.
Until next time,
Whether you want to register for our newsletter, attend one of our road shows or speak to me directly, please call or email me on the contacts below & I will be glad to help you.
We do not charge for reviews, reports or recommendations we provide.
Amanda Johnson works as an Independent Financial Adviser with the Spectrum IFA Group tel: 06 73 27 25 43 or email: amanda. johnson@spectrum-ifa.com www.spectrum-ifa.com/amanda-johnson Whether you want to register for a newsletter, attend a roadshow or speak Amanda directly, please call or email her. The Spectrum IFA Group do not charge for reviews, reports, or recommendations.
« The Spectrum IFA Group » is a registered trademark, exclusive rights to use in France granted to TSG Insurance Services S.A.R.L. Siège Social: 34 Bd des Italiens, 75009 « Société de Courtage d'assurances » R.C.S. Paris B 447 609 108 (2003B04384) Numéro d'immatriculation 07 025 332 - www.orias.fr « Conseiller en investissements financiers, référence sous le numéro E002440 par ANACOFI-CIF, association agréée par l’Autorité des Marchés Financiers »
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A National Ritual:
Summer Tennis Across France
In France, summer begins not just with sunshine and lavender fields—it begins with the sound of a tennis ball striking clay. From the electric buzz of Roland-Garros to the timeless elegance of Wimbledon, the French embrace the global tennis season with signature flair, turning sport into a lifestyle.
Roland-Garros:Where Style Meets the Clay
Late May in Paris is pure magic. As the red clay of Roland-Garros heats up, so does the city’s love affair with tennis. The French Open is more than a Grand Slam—it’s a cultural institution.
Whether you’re lucky enough to score a seat at Court Philippe-Chatrier or simply joining the crowd at a café terrace, the experience is immersive: the pop of champagne corks, whispers about the latest upset, the rustle of crisp linen dresses and sun hats. Roland-Garros is a celebration of precision, poise, and Parisian panache.
Courts, Culture & Summer
But the story doesn’t end in Paris. All over France, from Normandy to Nice, summer tennis tournaments transform local courts into lively social scenes. Known as “tournois d’été”, these competitions are staples in towns and villages, where players of every level—junior to veteran—chase titles and tan lines.
Families build vacations around these tournaments. Mornings are for matches, afternoons for beach swims or mountain hikes, and evenings for shared dinners and local wine. It’s a rhythm unique to France: sport as a way of life, not just a pursuit.
Tennis Holidays
& Rising Stars
For young hopefuls, summer is also a time to sharpen their skills at “stages de tennis”—tennis camps that combine technical training with summer fun. Set in idyllic locations, these camps are equal parts serious coaching and joyful memory-making.
As June fades into July, French tennis lovers shift their gaze across the Channel to Wimbledon. The contrast is delicious: from the warm earth of Paris to the cool, manicured lawns of London. The French admire Wimbledon’s ritual—the whites, the strawberries and cream, the polite drama—and watch with keen interest, especially if a French player is still in the draw..
Wimbledon, the world’s oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament, transforms a quiet corner of southwest London into the epicenter of athletic grace and social tradition. But Wimbledon is more than just a showcase of sporting excellence—it’s a cultural event with traditions as enduring as the grass courts themselves.
Age old Traditions
Watching Wimbledon becomes a social ritual, often paired with apéros and animated debates about whether power or elegance will win the day. These tennis tournaments aren’t just sporting events - it’s a celebration of tradition, etiquette, and timeless elegance which is celebrated across the world.
Tennis Treats
Of course, no Wimbledon experience is complete without indulging in a bowl of fresh strawberries and cream. This sweet treat dates back to the first tournament in 1877, when seasonal fruit and dairy became synonymous with summer sophistication. Add to that a nicely chilled bottle of fizzy and you have a recipe for fun, frills and treats to be enjoyed in the summer sun.
Something for everyone
The traditions of summer time tennis truley offer something for everyone, whether you are actively taking part, or being an enthusiastic spectator, the summer tennis season has something to offer you.
Wimbledon: French Eyes on Grass
Crossword
Young mares (7)
Army officer (5) 8 Hours of darkness (5)
Memory loss (7)
Terse (7)
Be (5) 12 Dairy product (6)
Slumbering (6) 18 Punctuation mark (5)
Instance (7)
Turf accountants (7)
Connections (5)
Once more (5)
Indigestion remedy (7)
1 Organisation of admirers (3,4) 2 Reasoned thinking (5)
SOLVE THE SUDUKO PUZZLE! EACH BOX SHOULD CONTAIN A SERIES OF NUMBERS FROM 1 TO 9. EACH LINE GOING DOWN AND ACROSS SHOULD ALSO HAVE A SERIES OF NUMBERS FROM 1 TO 9.
