The Local Buzz May & June 2021 by Buzzing

For those living, working or visiting Dordogne, Lot et•Garonne, Gironde, Haut Garonne, Tarn et Garonne & Gers A Lifestyle Magazine & Website for • Gironde • Dordogne Lot et Garonne • LotLot, • Gers • Tarn et Garonne • N.Haute Garonne

MAY - JUNE 2021

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Welcome

The Local Buzz is the only A4, glossy magazine and comprehensive website for English speakers living or working in, or visiting these regions.

Magazine

Lifestyle focused, the free, bi-monthly magazine is informative and fun with regional what’s on highlights, timeless editorial and vibrant imagery. If you are unable to pick up a copy, every issue can be read on our website at www.thelocalbuzzmag.com/read-online or can be sent by post.

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Website

Looking for a an English-speaking local business, more listings of what’s on, articles, blogs and area information? Then visit our website which works hand in hand with the magazine, giving you easy search facilities for all kinds of businesses, organisations and events. You can find all the details at www.thelocalbuzzmag.com.

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You can also choose to have your copy delivered direct to your door with a postal subscription. Please complete the form at www.thelocalbuzzmagcom/subscriptions/

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Hello from our Queen Bee We may still not be “out of the woods” in terms of Covid-19 but we are back in print thanks to the increasing rate of vaccinations and the easing of the latest lockdown. Thank you, once again, for your patience and for continued support, it means such a lot. Hopefully, we can start to think about a get-away or a holiday and our Staycation feature aims to help with that decision, without needing to leave our fabulous region. It’s a worthwhile read for visitors too! We also hope you enjoy our seven wondrous museums round-up, as well as our history piece on two amazing women of flight. In Buzzing Content a Local Entrepreneur explains what’s causing the problems with food imports post Brexit and also gives us an insight into how business has had to change to accommodate them. Speaking of food, two more experts, Emma and John Gilchrist, take us on a flavour-packed river, surf and turf journey

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The Local Buzz • May - June 2021

with some zesty white wines. We have listened to our readers too and are pleased to introduce our latest Guest Chef recipe, a Japanese take on duck, in English and French! By way of another introduction to our pages, take a drive through our new dream property section which highlights beautiful properties that reflect the architectural styles in different regions. In sport, John Cook continues his “whole-in-one” series on Golf with a look at the psychology of the game and the need for a positive attitude. Avoiding negativity and being happy is also covered in our wellbeing feature which highlights how colour can give us confidence and affect our mood – the good news is that we can diminish those Covid “blues”! Meanwhile our reader offer and prize competition bring more good things that may just “lift our spirits”. Please keep safe and let’s continue to work at beating this horrible virus together.

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Precision & Procedure No two words better describe how to practise French Law.

France, like no other country, is a legal and administrative obstacle course. This is why when you choose a lawyer to handle a French matter, you need to work with a firm who only specialises in French Law. We have English French-trained lawyers (avocats), living and working in Toulouse. Being there on the spot is certainly practical, but the secret of Bright Avocats’ success is simple: listening, asking the right questions, and finding the most effective course to a satisfactory conclusion.

+33 (0)5 61 57 90 86 - brightavocats@orange.fr 16 place Saint-Georges 31000 TOULOUSE

www.brightavocats.com

We hope you enjoy this issue. Please spread the word about The Local Buzz and let our advertisers know that you saw them in this magazine. For all enquiries please contact buzzing@thelocalbuzzmag.com

CONTENTS May & June Issue

Editorial & Managing Director: Lesley Ashburner

REGULARS

Layout: The Magazine Production Company

Photography: Shutterstock or Jeff Ross unless otherwise stated

7 What’s the Buzz

Regular contributors: Katie Gardner, Emma & John Gilchrist (Les Caulins), Sue Adams, Puzzles-to-Print.

8 The start of our

Our thanks go to our regular contributors as well as Sarah Bright, Andrea Glover, John Cook, Christian Lassure, Hôtel de Bastard, Saint-Amans Gin, Le Restaurant du Château Bellevue and, of course, our advertisers. Cover: Shutterstock

to what’s on

The Local Buzz is free and is published by SAS The Local Buzz, La Rastelle, 47120 Savignac de Duras. Publishers: Lesley Ashburner, Jeanette Hyde, Pamela La Forgia. ISSN 2516-8134. RCS AGEN Siren 842 643 173. Printed by Rotimpres SA on paper from a renewable source. All trademarks are trademarks of the companies concerned. No material may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. The general editorial and articles in this issue do not necessarily reflect the view of the editor or publishers. Please ensure that the company you are dealing with is registered in France. To become a distribution point, to advertise, to send us information, or for any other enquiry contact buzzing@thelocalbuzzmag.com Emergency Numbers: 15 - SAMU Service on a nationwide basis – call for medical assistance

3 Hello

Advertising: buzzing@thelocalbuzzmag.com

regional guide

28 The Iris Garden 30 Gardening Tips 31 Buzz Bits 38 Food & Drink 60 Puzzle Page 61 Business Directory 66 Just Droning FEATURES

32 Staycations

40 Guest Chef 42 Seven Museums 46 Ladies of Flight

47 Property 51 Food Supply 53 Streaming 54 Golf Lesson

17 - Police (gendarmerie) 18 - General emergency you will need to ask for ambulance, gendarmes or service d’incendie (feu) or sapeur pompiers 112 - European standard emergency number for anywhere in EEC 114 - Text messaging service for the deaf or hard of hearing 119 - National helpline for children in danger

The Local Buzz • May - June 2021

58 Legal Query 59 Financial Advice

WELL BEING

56 Mood Colours 58 Ask Katie PLUS… 44 Prize Competition 45 Reader Offer 65 Next Issue 5

ARE YOU A UK NATIONAL LIVING IN FRANCE?

The Transition Period is over but UK Nationals legally resident in France before 31 December 2020 must apply

I’VE LIVED HERE FOR YEARS AND ALREADY HAVE A CARTE DE SÉJOUR, DO I REALLY NEED TO APPLY?

Agreement Residency Permit

Yes! UK Nationals and their dependants who wish to remain resident in France must apply for the new Withdrawal Agreement Residency Permit, even if they already have a Carte de Séjour.

for the new Withdrawal

before 1 July 2021

HOW WE CAN HELP? Contact our conﬁdential helpline for information and support, or send us an enquiry via our website: frenchresidencysupport.org/contact

www.frenchresidencysupport.org

Supported by

Our team of experienced caseworkers can provide information and support for UK Nationals who may need help making their residency applications. HOW DO I APPLY? All applications must be made online via the ofﬁcial French Government portal https://contacts-demarches. interieur.gouv.fr before 1 July 2021.

French Residency Support Project

Helping UK Nationals in France

call 05 32 80 00 05

Monday to Friday 09:30 – 12:00 & 13:30 – 16:00. Saturday 09:30 – 12:00. We cover Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Occitanie, Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Centre Val de Loire, Grand Est and Corsica, however our services are available across France for those applying for residency under the Withdrawal Agreement.

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OUR PICK OF WHAT’S ON IN YOUR REGION DATES FOR YOUR DIARY: (Hopefully) Vide Greniers & Brocantes • Cestas, 24 May (33) • La Buge, 30 May (24) • Saint-Pierre-sur-Dropt, 6 June (47) • Alvignac, 20 June (46) • Condom, 19 June (32) • Septfonds, 27 June (82) • Blagnac, 6 June (31)

The What’s On pages are colour coded for quick, easy department identification. Don’t forget, for lots more What’s On listings visit our website at www.thelocalbuzzmag.com

OPEN GARDENS

Bourses d’Objets • Mérignac, 5 June (33) • Monpazier, 27 June (24) • Layrac, 24 May (47) • Fontanes, 6 June (46) • Auch, 26 June (32) • Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, 30 May (82) • Toulouse, 12 June (31)

Market Days • Pessac, Tuesday (33) • Hautefort, Wednesday (24) • Cocumont, Monday (47) • Pradines, Friday (46) • Condom, Sunday (32) • Monclar de Quercy, Thursday (82) • Muret, Saturday (31)

Gardens of all sizes, shapes and styles are open throughout

France this summer as part of the Jardins Ouverts initiative which supports physically challenged and seriously ill children and young people. www.opengardens.eu In addition the Ministere de la Culture’s Garden Rendezvous scheme takes place 4 to 6 June. bit.ly/3wRBaa9

VÉLO EN FRANCE Will you be one of over half a million riders taking part in the Fête du Vélo across France on 3 to 4 June? Cycle alone or as a family, taking in cities or the rural countryside with a gentle ride or, if you are “so inclined”, a spot of mountain biking! www.veloenfrance.fr

LIGHT THE BONFIRES!

The annual Fête de SaintJean on 24 June originally commemorated the birth of John the Baptist. Today it’s more of a summer solstice celebration. Some say the bonfires burn demons and bring good luck, others that they represent the light of summer. We don’t recommend it but, apparently, jumping over the dying fire guarantees you a marriage by the end of the year!

Celebrating Music The summer solstice on 21 June brings la Fête de la Musique where amateur and professional musicians perform, for free, in a wide variety of venues across France. There may or may not be large gatherings but keep your eyes and ears open, they pop up in streets, gardens and even on balconies! www.fetedelamusique.culture.gouv.fr

Are you buzzing?

Don’t forget to add your event, for free, to our What’s On pages at www.thelocalbuzzmag.com/whats-on

The Local Buzz • May - June 2021

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Whilst correct at time of writing, these events may be subject to change. More events, including virtual versions, can be found at www.thelocalbuzzmag. com/what’s-on. Please be sure to check the event status before attending.

FULL CIRCLE

Party On? Nature, music and astronomy are at the heart of the 10th Festival Vie Sauvage in BOURG which, although cancelled last year, is still hoping to go ahead from 11 to 13 June this year. Held annually at the beginning of summer, the village comes alive, passionately celebrating eating, partying and living – and they do it really, really well! Go wild and enjoy music, concerts, dancing and great food in an 18th-century Citadelle where life is far from dull! www.facebook.com/ festivalviesauvage/ 8

The much awaited Jazz 360 Festival promises to cover all styles of jazz in CENAC from 3 to 13 June. Postponed from 2020, the event remains faithful to its ethos set 11 years ago and is scheduled to present 20 concerts across various communes in the Portes

Entre-deux-Mers. Designed to appeal to both those who are curious about jazz and “jazz aficionados”, it brings together a series of creative, modern jazz performances from an extraordinary selection of musicians. www.jazz.fr

Classic Times Open Days

Les Grandes Heures de Saint-Emilion presents a series of 18 classical music concerts accompanied by wine and a contemporary art exhibition at a variety of châteaux over the summer months. On 3 June at 20:30 for example, pianist Andrei Korobeinikov performs works by Strauss, Rachmaninov and Liszt at Château HautSarpe at SAINT-EMILION. On 17 June it is the turn of Laurent Korcia on violin and Momo Kodama on piano who perform Brahms, Bartok and Beethoven at the Château de Ferrand at SAINT-HIPPOLYTE. Other dates to look out for include 7 and 16 May, 1 and 24 June. www.grandheuresdesaintemilion.fr

Around 50 chateaux and wine estates will be opening their doors from 10:00 to 19:00 during the Journées Portes Ouvertes in CADILLAC Côtes de Bordeaux on 22 and 23 May. Activities may change in accordance with health measures at the time but, as well as meeting the viticulteurs and learning about bio-diversity, you can expect wine tastings, vineyard walks, music and even displays of classic cars. Please don’t forget to drink responsibly… www.cadillaccotesdebordeaux.com/

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The Bordeaux Ville de Pierre exhibition is the first dedicated display of stonemasonry in BORDEAUX. Digging deep into the stone excavation, crafting and construction of the City, and the role that its architecture plays, the exhibits include tools from Jean Missegue and Pierre Savignac and sketches by André Drapé. Together with other documents and films it creates a “muséographique” journey that explains why the City achieved UNESCO World Heritage status. Open at Porte Cailhau on Sundays from 14:00 to 18:00 until 31 May and then daily from 1 June to 30 September at 10:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 18:00. 05 56 00 66 00.

La Cité du Vin in BORDEAUX will be looking at mythology and explaining the close links between wine, gods and men in the Greco-Roman civilisation. Its 4th temporary exhibition, Boire avec Les Dieux (Drinking with the Gods), is open until 29 August and shows the many faces of Dionysos, the Greek god of wine, and the richness of the rituals that surrounded him. Some 50 ancient exhibits include works on loan from the Louvre Museum and the National Archaeological Museum of Athens, together with three creations specially designed for the exhibition by street artists. www.laciteduvin.com/fr

The Big One!

GIRONDE DORDOGNE

CITY OF STONE

Greco-Roman Expo

The 21st Fête le Vin on Les Quais, Rive Gauche in BORDEAUX from 18 to 21 June is the place to be to learn lots more about the deliciously varied Bordeaux wines. With 10 pavilions holding dégustations as well as l’Ecole du Vin de Bordeaux, it’s the ideal time to meet the winegrowers and merchants. Whilst there, enjoy the many activities that are currently being planned and take a stroll along the Garonne. www.bordeaux-fete-levin.com

Q Other events can be found at www.thelocalbuzzmag.com/what’s-on and include • Salon de l’Agriculture Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Bordeaux, 15 to 24 May • Jean-Bernard Gueneau, Photos, Langon, to 28 May

• Discover the Forest, Roaillan, 29 May • Les Music’ Halles Rock, Bazas, 11 to 12 Jun • Expo Les Tondos des Chaumes, Fours

The Local Buzz • May - June 2021

from 12 Jun • Fête de la Musique, Captieux, 21 Jun • Gala de Danse, Langon, 19 & 20, 25 to 27 Jun • Maggie The Cat, dance,

Bordeaux, 29 Jun • Patricia Proust Paintings, Labeyrie, 14 to 30 Jun Enter your region on the website and click search to find all types of events

www.myweddingflorist.fr We are an event company with a difference. Under one roof, we hire tables, chairs, tableware, props, lighting as well as styling, design and wedding coordination. And, of course, beautiful florals. We work with our couples to design a beautiful day that suits their personalities and source special items to create a bespoke look.

www.ourfabulousthings.com

When you go on holiday what happens to your pets? Do you ever need someone to cherish, them just like you would? It’s possible! With HouseSitMatch petsitters you won’t get charged for the petsitting. It’s free! Petsitting is a win-win for both! Elizabeth is a retired lecturer

Bragi is a semi-retired security guard

Elizabeth, loves being active and finds housesitting also offers her the chance to travel the world on her pension. Bragi, started housesitting on turning 60, as a way to escape Winters working as a security guard in Iceland and preparing for his retirement. How does it work? You join HouseSitMatch.com as a member. You get ID checked for safety, then you build a profile and advert. You make secure arrangements with your applicants, then post-holiday, you can review each other. It’s that easy! If you need help, just ask us.

How do you join? Register online via our website

www.housesitmatch.com

Choose a membership plan: Standard (DIY option) = £69 pa Premium (big ads; with support) = £89 pa

All Fired Up

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LA SARLADAISE

With 40 exhibitors, a live firing by Arnauld Le Calvé and a sculpture demonstration by Laure Gaudebert, the 44th Marché Ceramique at BUSSIERE BADIL is a ceramic artists dream. You definitely won’t be “glazing over” with the inspirational and broad range of exhibits that are on show from 10:00 to 18:00 on 25, 26 and 27 June. www.foiredespotiers.com

FOUND IT!

Driven by Les Vieilles Automobiles du Périgord, the 47th Bourse d’Echange can be found on the Allée des Grands Ducs, Site de Picquecailloux in BERGERAC on 26 and 27 June. Cars, motorbikes, cycles, tractors, miniatures and documents for all makes and models are amongst the displays. Trawl for those spare parts or manuals, find that missing miniature from your collection or just go along for the ride and enjoy the assortment of vehicles on show. www.vieillesautosduperigord.fr

Open to all levels from beginners to advanced, the 9th La Ronde Des Châteaux – La Sarladaise brings the chance to compete in three solo races, a two-person relay event, and a hike in the beautiful landscape of Périgord Noir. Kicking off from SARLAT-LA-CANEDA on 6 June, the distances vary from 6 and 13km to 38km. www.athletisme24sarlat. wordpress.com

Great Book Fair Caring for and rehoming animals in need is at the heart of the Phoenix Association. To help further its cause, The Great Phoenix Book Fair will be taking place on 29 May at CAMPSEGRET with over 20,000 used books, all in excellent condition. These include fiction, non-fiction, children’s, French, Dutch, antiquarian, cookery, history and collectibles in paperback and hardback form. The various stands will also feature CDs, DVDs, vinyls, plants, Brica-Brac, children’s games, cards and Jigsaws with prices that start at just €1! All proceeds from the Book Fair, which will meet current safety standards, will go to the Phoenix Association. Full details at www.facebook.com/PhoenixAssociationFrance

The Local Buzz • May - June 2021

DORDOGNE

And Relax!

This Journée du Bien Etre is filled with all kinds of experiences on 12 June at ECHOURGNAC. You can try everything from simply reading and relaxing in a quiet corner, shopping for artisanal health care products, or enjoying woodfired cooking, through to yoga initiation, an intro to sylvotherapy (the healing energy of trees), a Tak et Demont concert and, for 8 to 15 year olds, some guided meditation. The rates and times vary. An ephemeral day just for you! 05 53 81 99 28.

1001 Châteaux

It’s that time of year when not only are we able to sneak a peak inside many of the famous châteaux and manoirs in DORDOGNE and Lot et Garonne, but we can take part in the festivities that surround the Châteaux en Fête initiative. From 29 May to 13 June, doors are opened at various Châteaux, such as Bridoire, Biron and Mounet-Sully, to enchant us with their past. A full list of dates, locations and details of exhibitions, concerts and walks, etc., many of which are free, can be found at www.chateauxenfete.com

RANDO’S FOR ALL

There are several organised Randonnée Pédestre in June and all you need is a good pair of boots, a torch for the evening walks, and stamina. A free 4-7km morning walk leaves the Club de Basket in MOULIN-NEUF at 10:00 every Saturday from the 5th, whilst an evening hike of 7 or 8km departs from SAINT-SULPICE-D’EXCIDEUIL (06 51 57 35 69) on the 6th. Discover the forest with a 20km hike from LALINDE (06 07 52 41 68), also on the 6th, whilst the 8km evening walk from MONPAZIER on the 26th (06 86 97 69 58) includes five gourmand stops along the way!

Q Other events can be found at www.thelocalbuzzmag.com/what’s-on and include • Freestyle crocheting, Monplaisant, 16 Jun • Art Expo: Line Ferron, 29 May to 4 Jun • Concert Jazz MNOP, Excideuil, 23 Jun

• Nicoletta Gospel Concert, Périgueux, 2 Jun • Chorale Cantabile concert, Eymet, 5 Jun • Paradis Latin Concert

Classique, Villars, 12 Jun • Fête de la Musique, Abjat sur Bandiat, 19 Jun • Concert Jazz MNOP, Cubjac, 19 Jun

• Festival Humour en Périgord, Escoire, 26 & 27 Jun Enter your region on the website and click search to find all types of events

www.thelocalbuzzmag.com

www.agence-eleonor.com Agence Eleonor Estate Agency, 36-38 rue du Temple, 24500 EYMET Tél. : 05 53 27 83 45 info@agence-eleonor.com

Other ofﬁces at Villeréal, Bergerac, St. Cyprien, Monpazier, Lalinde, Issigeac

Ref: 9361-EY. 267,500 € HAI. DPE: E A rare property where you can imagine yourself ‘living the dream’! Nestling in the centre of over 2.3 acres of park, this gorgeous stone 2/3-bedroom cottage with a pigeonnier has bags of charm and original features. (7% fees inc)

Ref: 9217-MO. 246,100 € HAI. DPE:Vierge Bungalow comprising a large living/dining room with open kitchen, laundry room, 3 bedrooms, bathroom, and shower, attached garage & workshop. Within walking distance to Monpazier, on just under a quarter of an acre of fenced garden. (7 % fees inc)

Ref: 9387-EY. 246,000 € HAI. DPE: Vierge A beautiful, large stone property located in a village with amenities. This house is full of character and consists of a kitchen, living room, laundry room, dining room, 4 bedrooms, veranda and cellar. Garden with fruit trees, a workshop and a garage. (7% fees inc)

Ref: 9406-VI 174,410 € HAI. DPE: Vierge This beautiful 4-bedroom house full of charm and character with its exposed stone and beams comprises a study & a large living room. Pretty private garden with covered terrace and a garage. (7% fees inc)

Ref: 9344-EY. 160,500 € HAI. DPE: Vierge Beautiful bungalow, located within walking distance of the popular village of Eymet. The property includes a living room / dining room / kitchen, four bedrooms, bathroom, WC and a pretty garden. A must see! (6% fees inc)

Ref: 9402-VI. 223,650 € HAI. DPE: Vierge Restored stone house, located 5 minutes from Villeréal, comprising a kitchen open to living room, dining room, three bedrooms, a master suite with dressing room, a second bathroom and a laundry room that can also be used as a garage. 1 ¼ acres of garden. (7% fees inc)

Ref: 9334-EY. 165,850 € HAI. DPE: Vierge An idyllic stone house to modernise, located in a small hamlet, comprising a kitchen, bedroom, shower room, WC, living / dining room and attic. There is also a barn and a magniﬁcent old stable. All set on just under two acres of garden. (7% fees inc)

Ref: 9319-VI. 180,200 € HAI. DPE: Vierge This charming stone house comprises a spacious living-room/kitchen & 3 large bedrooms. Garage, workshop, carport & shed. The property sits on 1.42 acres of land including a fenced garden with a well and a meadow with a pond.(6% fees inc) EXCLUSIVE TO AGENCE ELEONOR

Tel: +33 (0)5 58 97 71 03 Mobile: +33 (0)6 81 32 83 24

Supplier of Neptune kitchens and furniture

Fully Qualified, Registered and Insured Neptune partner supplying the full range of furniture, kitchens and accessories. Everhot dealer supplying electric range cookers. Farrow & Ball and Autentico paint stockist and much more. candice@fabrica.boutique Tel: 05 53 24 70 19 17, rue de l’Engin, 24500 EYMET www.fabrica.boutique

First choice, best price, direct from factory. Paving and cobblestones, pool coping stones and stairways. Large stock available.

www.guionie.eu email: r.guionie53@gmail.com

phone: 06 23 53 36 78

SAS Guionie, St Front, 47120 Pardaillan (Duras)

LOT ETDORDOGNE GARONNE

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Take a Hike

LOT ET GARONNE

Prestige Concerts

An exquisite repertoire of post romanticism and impressionist modernism is being explored in this performance by Eva Villegas on clarinet and Hughes Leclère on piano at PRAYSSAS on 30 May. Rich in harmonic colours and nuances, these two musicians display both virtuosity and refinement in their work which features Poulenc, Ravel, Debussy, Saint-Saëns and Widor. 05 53 95 00 15.

Breathe Deep Well-being is at the heart of three events taking place in CASTELJALOUX. Learn ways to relax using Korean techniques at the Atelier Initiation Relaxation Coréenne at 14:00 on 29 May. Activité Danse Africaine et Méditation-Relaxation starts at 10:00 on 12 June and aims to free your mind with the African beat. Atelier Bien-Etre at 14:00 on 26 June is all about mindfulness and relaxation. Each event takes place in the calm and serenity of the Lac De Clarens. Sounds good! 06 75 47 34 77.

Setting off from VILLEREAL on 15, 23, 29 May and 6, 12, 20 and 26 June, these varied Randonnée Pédestres are organised by Marcheurs Villeréalais and arrive at different locations such as Moulinet, Birons, Castelnaudde-Gratecambe, Ferrensac, Cancon, Monsaguel and Conne-de-Labarde. All you need is some good footwear, an FFRP licence and a medical certificate. On y va! 06 76 51 81 93.

Body Art You either love them or you hate them but this event does seem to be “written in ink”. The 3rd Tattoo Convention is set to return to the Parc des Expo in AGEN from 25 to 27 June. This Asian edition is sure to be fully loaded with dragons, tigers and all things oriental to adorn whichever part of the body takes your fancy. Ouch! www.agen-expo.com

THE CLASSICS

Three concerts are planned for the 20th Jour de La Musique en Vallée de GAVAUDUN on 15 May. A selection of Chamber music by Bartók, Brahms, Schumann and Schubert will be performed by sibling violinists Sarah Nemtanu and Deborah Nemtanu, followed by the Talweg Trio with violin, piano and cello. www.connaissancejeunesinterpretes.wifeo.com

www.thelocalbuzzmag.com

Saddle up and improve your equestrian abilities with this Mountain Trail MTHA training day. Develop your skills and your relationship with your horse as you learn how to tackle and ride over obstacles with valuable advice from experienced trail riders. Ideal for all types of horses and riders, this fun course is also designed to improve your confidence and takes place on 23 May and 13 June at TRENTELS. 06 17 92 71 25.

If you have ever wanted to find out exactly what goes into farming animals and crops, now’s your chance! Printemps à la Ferme is taking place over three weekends from 29 May to 19 June at around 80 farms. The inaugural weekend will be at BRUCH where, from 19:00, you can see a play, listen to music and enjoy locally produced food. Then it is your choice of farms from raising ducks and geese through to those transforming cereal into flour and pasta and, amongst others, the prune growers. 05 53 77 83 83.

Open Châteaux

The annual Château en Fête from 29 May to 13 June takes in 83 of the most spectacular châteaux from north Périgord to south Lot et Garonne. Each château opens its doors to present their choice of entertainment whether it be music, an exhibition, wine tastings or a concert, etc. Originating from 1137 and now a historical monument for example, the Château de DURAS promises to be illuminating (in more ways than one) with a trip to the 14th-century including a medieval camp, an insight into tableware and a chance to be hands on with weapons and armour of the day. All venues, dates and attractions can be seen at www.chateauxenfete.com

LOT ET GARONNE DORDOGNE

HORSE- DOWN MANSHIP ON THE FARM

Q Other events can be found at www.thelocalbuzzmag.com/what’s-on and include • Atelier de Jeûne et Randonnée, Madaillan, various dates • Jewellery Workshop, Labretonie, 29 May • Rempotage d’Orchidées,

Montpouillan, 24 Jun • Workshop: Health online, Tonneins, 30 Jun • Art exhibition,Lougratte, 11 to 17 Jun • 50 years of Eve de

The Local Buzz • May - June 2021

Laneuville, Pujols, 3 to 15 Jun • Fête des Plantes Rares, Lamont Joie, 6 Jun • Nature Reserve, Grand Tour, Villeton, 22 May

• Quatuor Daphnis concert, Prayssas, 6 Jun Enter your region on the website and click search to find all types of events

Ref. 73474 EYMET

Ref. 73477 SIGOULES Close to a village with shops and schools, 15 minutes from Bergerac. Old renovated barn, 4 bedrooms, outbuilding, swimming pool, all on a plot of 1,4 ha.

Only 10 minutes walk from the centre of Eymet, in a quiet area. Superb building plot of 2000 m² with trees and pond. Exceptional!

Price : 28 600 € FAI

Price : 395 000 € FAI

SIRET 48003796900015

www.skyinfrance.co.uk

Nocturnal fitness

Vigan Jazz As part of the Le Vigan Jazz Festival, the Lorenzo Naccarato Trio takes to the stage at the Espace Culturel Jean Carmet in LE VIGAN at 20:30 on 4 June. Performing on piano, drums and double bass they promise to “take you on a dreamlike journey in an enchanting world”. On 5 June, also at 20:30, it is the turn of BAA Box, a voice, drums and bass trio who plan to take you to an imaginary land thanks to the incredible vocals of Leïla Martial. Sounds intriguing! Gaël Rouillhac has just released his first album, “Waterworks” and, together with violin and accordion, he will be revealing his latest compositions at 20:30 on the 6th. 05 65 32 79 72.

HIGH FLYERS

Multi-disciplined and multi-talented are two words that sum up the animations at the Festival de Cirque des Effilochés at SAINT-LAURENT-LES-TOURS from 4 to 6 June. Open from 15:00 to 23:00 and organised by the circus school, it combines workshops with concerts, culture and spectacular feats. Fun for all the family and daredevils alike! 06 33 63 84 00.

The Local Buzz • May - June 2021

Here’s a way to spend a May evening in DEGAGNAC! Take your pick from a 10km walk, a selection of VTT courses covering 10, 16 and 23km, or a run of 10 or 16km (medical certificate required). Events leave from 19:30 so reflective clothing and a personal light are needed to make sure you stay safe and reach the soup and other items offered by the Comité des Fêtes at the end of each course on 22 May. 07 81 96 04 97.

Pedal Power

Open to all cyclists, La Ronde de l’Ourajou is an annual cycle tour in the heart of the Lot on 20 June at SALVIAC. Organised by the Club Salviac Cyclotourisme, registration for the 46, 71 or 95km circuits is open from 07:30 to 10:00 at the Halle Benoit Serres. For details of licences and to reserve food call 06 88 53 43 96. www.salviaccyclotourisme.com

LOT DORDOGNE

what’s the

BUZZ LOT

ART FOR ALL

Featuring paintings, sculptures, ceramics and, engravings, the postponed Exposition Rencontre des Artistes Amateurs is taking place from 21 to 24 May in PRADINES as part of the Rêvons Ensemble Season. With a new format for its 10th anniversary, in addition to their exhibits the artists have been invited to produce a work based on the theme, “the meeting”. This will be judged by a special jury and a public prize giving will take place at 16:00 on the 24th. The AVEC Pradines Association will be purchasing the winning piece and donating it to the town. 07 68 56 08 35.

LOT

RIVER- It’s Summer! SIDE

Free entry to La Fête de la Rivière awaits you on 19 and 20 June in CAHORS. A variety of games, demonstrations by firefighters, fishing, canoeing, diving and free gabarot cruises will be available together with other activities such as flyboards, jet skis and wakeboards. Refreshments and catering will also be on site throughout the event on the Quai Valentré. 05 65 53 20 65.

From 7 to 16 June, the VALLEE DU CELE becomes the home of CéléTé! Various locations provide everything from cycle rides and walks through to sporting activities for all ages. On land and on the river, you can try your hand at rock climbing, canoeing, biking, fishing, slackline and a host of other events, including swimming, all aimed at enjoyment of the great outdoors. See the website for full details – you can even visit private gardens! 05 65 34 06 25.

Let’s Celebrate

It’s going to be four days of fun, music, entertainment, dancing and gastronomic delights in GOURDON from 25 to 28 June as the Fête de la Saint Jean comes to town. Open every day from 15:00 to 01.00 there is sure to be a huge bonfire as part of these traditional celebrations. The full programme has yet to be unveiled but it’s bound to be exciting. 06 88 15 95 01.

Q Other events can be found at www.thelocalbuzzmag.com/what’s-on and include • Virée Malbike, Albas, Bélaye, Castelfranc, 8 May & 5 Jun • Glorieuses Années 1960 Expo, Saint-Chels, from 2 May to 3 Oct

• Fête des Fromages Fermiers, Rocamadour, 23 May • Transhumance,EspagnacSainte-Eulalie, 23 May • Fête de la Musique,

Léobard, 20 Jun • Las Milhacoise Verte, Milhac, 20 Jun • Symphonique Blue Lake, Figeac, 26 Jun • Retro Tourist Car Rally,

Vayrac, 27 Jun • Bach Organ recital, Rocamadour, 26 Jun Enter your region on the website and click search to find all types of events

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GERS

what’s the

BUZZ

SERIOUS FUN

Art? Step This Way!

GERS

ALL TOGETHER NOW

Together with your crew your task is to make a cardboard boat and then take part in a race on the River Baïse. Can it be done? You will need some seriously good ideas if your craft is to stay afloat but, whatever happens, you can be sure of quite a few laughs along the way. If boatbuilding isn’t for you, why not simply spectate as this crazy idea turns into a flotilla of “boardcraft”. Ship ahoy or ship wreck – which will it be? Ca Patauge à Gauge in CONDOM takes place on 26 June and is organised by Centre Social. 05 62 28 42 70.

What a Character! You can fully integrate with the Rondèu du Castelnau from 25 to 27 June and, just to make sure, the website provides sheet music, lyrics and suggestions for your practice sessions at home beforehand. The musicians will come together to perform the musical répertoire, which reflects the traditional music and dance of Occitanie, during the aperitif-concerts on Saturday evening, Sunday at noon and on Sunday evening. Registration is required for the free workshops covering violin, diatonic accordion, vocals, bagpipes and wind instruments on the Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00. This should definitely be fun! www.arpalhands.org

A fabulous array of humorous caricatures, cartoons and stunning designs are on display at the Salon de La Caricature et du Dessin de Presse in Marciac from 21 to 24 May. Can you recognise the subjects? Take a close look at the different styles and influence your own drawings by studying the elements that are emphasised to display the character behind the sketch. Is it the eyes, ears, mouth, body shape or sense of fun that you first notice when looking at someone? We bet you won’t be seeing anyone in quite the same way again! 05 62 09 30 18.

Ana Vorgan

The 11th Chemins d’Art en Armagnac presents a series of traditional and contemporary art exhibitions in four different locations across four weekends from 21 May to 18 June. At the Château de Fousseries in CONDOM you can see thought-provoking photographs and lino graphs from Ana Vorgan and, nearby at Château de Pouypardin, you will find the extraordinary communal art of Thierry Boutonnier. The Ancien Carmel in Condom is concentrating on artistic photographer Myriam Richard whilst, over in the village of LIGARDES, the contemporary art of Cassandre Cecchela looks at everyday objects in an impressionist style. bit.ly/3uXwVZ2 Cassandre Cecchela

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It’s no coincidence that this special dégustation falls on La Fête des Pères! Château Laffitte-Teston in MAUMUSSON-LAGUIAN is opening its “Speak-Easy” doors at 12:00 on 20 June as it presents Vieilles Vignes et Whisky (grand cru wines and whisky)! Available on reservation, you can also stay for a gourmet meal. Sounds ideal for that Father’s Day treat! 05 62 69 74 58.

TZIGANIE

Bravo Les P’tits

Dedicated to the Gypsy and Balkan scene with well-known Tziganie artists performing from 20:00 until late (or should we say early), the exhilarating and 14th Welcome in Tziganie Festival combines dancing and concerts with exhibitions and a cultural village during the day, reflecting the vibrancy of this much loved music genre. Postponed from last year, the organisers are going ahead on 4 to 6 June with specially adapted seating and a redesigned performance hall at SEISSAN. Single and three-day passes can be obtained at www.welcomeintziganie.festik.net

Organised by children, for children, the brand new Festival Les P’tits Moussent is one that children, parents and grandparents can all enjoy. Since March, Les P’Tits have been making posters, costumes and leaflets, etc., in preparation for the concerts, workshops, games and resident artist displays. You can show your support and enjoy the events at La Petite Pierre in JEGUN from 10:00 to 18:00 on 27 June. www. petitepierre.wixsite.com

GERS DORDOGNE

SPEAKEASY

Q Other events can be found at www.thelocalbuzzmag.com/what’s-on and include • Festival Spirale à Histoires, Riscle, 21 to 23 May • Streaming Concerts, Auch, to end May • Festival Duck-A-Dub

(Ska/Dub), Pavie, 25 to 26 Jun • Valery Orlov in concert, l’Isle-Jourdain, 6 Jun • Atelier du Massage, Estipouy, 13 & 27 Jun

The Local Buzz • May - June 2021

• Concert: Organ & Choir, Samatan, 29 May • Concours de Pêche, Fleurance, 13 Jun • Art Expo Veronique Lançon, Masseube,

28 Jun to 17 Jul • Trail 11, 14, 18 & 34km, Simorre, 23 May Enter your region on the website and click search to find all types of events

An Ideal Prince

The Festival Committee of SERVANAC has confirmed that, this year, it will definitely be holding the Fête de la Musique et

Hats Off to Them

How do you make more than 1000 hats a day? With this visit to the Chapellerie Crambes in CAUSSADE you can find out! The one hour visits, on Wednesday and Friday afternoons from 2 June, take you right through the process from forming to moulding, sewing and then finishing them by hand. www.chapeaux-crambes.fr Here’s another heads up! Chapellerie Willy’s Paris, also in CAUSSADE, offers guided tours on Thursdays and, they say, their hats incorporate “those little je ne sais quoi that one finds on the hats of the royal court of England”. Interesting! 05 63 26 04 04.

The Local Buzz • May - June 2021

BUZZ TARN ET GARONNE

IT’S A RAID!

MUSICAL GOURMET FIESTA Marché Gourmand on 19 June. Similar in style to the very successful 2019 event, it will feature several quality bands such as Rednox, Grand Magazin and, hopefully, The Pipe Smokers. With varied music and refreshments as well as a wide choice of gourmet treats from local artisans, there is definitely sure to be something for everyone! www.animations-servanac.fr

what’s the

The result of a scientific and cultural partnership with the Louvre museum, the exhibition “FerdinandPhilippe d’Orléans (18101842) - Images d’un prince idéal” brings together historical pieces from the finest public and private collections at the Musée Ingres Bourdelle in MONTAUBAN from 18 June to 24 October. Often forgotten today in the turmoil of history, Ferdinand-Philippe was heir to the French throne for 12 years from 1830. His elegant silhouette was painted by Ingres in 1842 and acquired by the Louvre in 2005. It is not only the last painting for which the prince posed before his accidental death at the age of 32, it is also the last male portrait by Ingres who was deeply affected by the tragedy. www. museeingresbourdelle.com

TARN ET GARONNE DORDOGNE

The exciting Raid Tout Absolu is back, ready to test your stamina and fitness on 19 and 20 June at SAINT-ANTONIN-NOBLE-VAL. Open to both expert and family “raiders”, this multi-activity event combines four disciplines for teams of two on the discovery and family raids, and teams of three in the expert raid category. The weekend event comprises trail running, mountain biking, canoeing and orienteering on different courses to suit different abilities. The experts also have another task: via ferrata (rock climbing)! Registration is required and full details can be found at wwwabsoluraid.com.

TARN ET GARONNE

Simply the best

The best of Gospel is what is promised at Nicoletta et Ses Chœurs Gospel on 3 June at l’Eglise Saint Jean de Villenouvelle in MONTAUBAN. This outstanding, spiritual performance takes the audience on a captivating journey through immortal titles such as Oh Happy Day and Amazing Grace, to the beloved songs of Jacques Brel and Edith Piaf and, amongst other favourites, the immense Summertime. The extraordinary acoustics and architectural splendour simply add to the experience, allowing Nicoletta’s magnificent, powerful voice to fill the space with joy. 05 63 63 60 60.

JUST LOVE ART

Celebrating its 10th season, Espace Points de Vue gallery opens in LAUZERTE on 29 May with a vernissage at 18:30. Exquisite art is always a feature of these annual exhibitions and this year is no exception. The four artists displaying their fabulous works throughout June are Martine Auger, Kleber, Jean Suzanne and Christine Valcke. www.artpointsdevue.com

NOTES TO SAVOUR

Performing on rare and ancient instruments, the “Presque Classique” duo will be revisiting some of the classic classics at Pique-Nique Musical, a picnic at the Base de Loisirs le Lomagnon at BEAUMONT-DE-LOMAGNE on 26 June. Join them and their choice of instruments, whether they be Poussot’s monochord, nyckelharpa, clavietta, ukulele, glass harp or hurdy-gurdy from 12:00 to 15:00 for a relaxing yet fun afternoon. 05 63 02 16 76.

Q Other events can be found at www.thelocalbuzzmag.com/what’s-on and include • Randonnée and Picnic, St Symphorien, 23 May • La Grande Sophie concert, Montauban, 22 May • Vide-Jardin plant sale,

Lauzerte, 5 Jun • Art Expo Galerie le 34, Lauzerte, 1 Jun-15 Sep • Atelier, Macramé, Beaumont-de-Lomagne, 26 May

• Fête du Village, Espinas, 13 Jun • Fêtes des Pitchouns, Caussade, 27 Jun • Ronde Nuit Flambeaux, Lauzerte, 26 Jun

• Atelier Bien-Etre (Juicing), Beaumontde-Lomagne, 19 Jun Enter your region on the website and click search to find all types of events

www.thelocalbuzzmag.com

N HAUTE GARONNE

what’s the

BUZZ

Recycled WELCOME AFRICA for Art N.HAUTE GARONNE

SOLIDARITY

Festi’Couleurs, Le Festival de la Mixité, is an artistic, festive event based on diversity and, for this reason, showcases art and culture from around the world. Discover a host of Toulouse musicians, singers, actors, authors, painters and dancers as they perform to raise funds for international solidarity projects. Ideal for the whole family, proceeds from the raffle, for instance, will go to “Mah Vicky” to help develop an agro-organic farm in Congo-Brazzaville. Free to attend, it is certainly going to add even more colour to the “pink city”, TOULOUSE, on 28 and 29 May. www.ake31.com/ festicouleurs/

The Cité de l’Espace, in partnership with Residence 1+2, is joining the delayed Saison Africa 2020 by hosting the Franco-Togolo-Sengalese astrophysicist and visual artist, Caroline Gueye. Physics and theoretical physics are at the core of her artistic process which she creates by melding, heating, engraving and shaping recyclable plastic to generate installations to walk through or, in some cases, sculptures and installations that will only be translated via photographs. Applying quantum mechanics and theories, including string theory, she aims to spark a thought process with the viewer on how theoretical physics influences their daily life. Her exhibition, which is dedicated to space and the future, is on display at the Cité de l’Espace in TOULOUSE from 5 to 26 June. www.cite-espace.com

The 26th Rio Loco Afrika has been confirmed for 13 to 20 June at Prairie des Filtres in TOULOUSE. Highlighting African culture and music and incorporating concerts, shows for young audiences and conferences, the event is set to welcome artists from all over Africa. Alongside others, these include the powerful voices of women’s “supergroup” Amazones d’Afrique, James BKS from the Afro-urban scene, jazz from Ray Lema and Blick Bassy, and the enormous singing talent that is Fatoumata Diawara. 05 61 22 21 43.

SOLAR CHALLENGE

Establishing a symbolic link between renewable energies and transport, Les Defis Solaires 2021 has been organized by Planète Sciences Occitaine to illustrate the benefits and capabilities of solar power. This fun yet scientific event presents wire and radio-guided solar mini-vehicles which compete in speed, “driving”, endurance and weight traction events at Cité de l’Espace in TOULOUSE on 28 and 29 May. These very real challenges are the result of several months of creativity by young people in colleges, high schools and leisure centres who have designed and built their own vehicles. www.cite-espace.com

www.thelocalbuzzmag.com

N HAUTE GARONNE DORDOGNE

PERFECT Fabulist URBAN POP DUO Celebrating the 400th anniversary of the birth of Jean de La Fontaine, the widely read poet and author of the acclaimed “Fables”, the 5th edition of Musique en Dialogue aux Carmélites opens in TOULOUSE with the first of five concerts on 13 June at 11:00 and 16:00. Set in this charming, baroque chapel and combining music performances with literature, poetry, paintings and engravings, etc., you can also meet the artists and enjoy various tastings of regional products in the garden. www. musiquendialogue.festik.net

Forged on the stage, the completeness of this duo is described as “David Fray’s uncompromising keyboard responds to Renaud Capuçons sensual bow”. With works by Bach, Schubert and Schumann for piano and violin you can see their outstanding performance, which goes beyond complementary skills, at the Halle aux Graines in TOULOUSE on 25 May. www.fnacspectacles.com

Postponed from September, Eva Queen is set to appear at the Zenith in TOULOUSE on 30 May. Considered to be the urban pop revelation of the year, Eva has had a meteoric rise in her fan base and already has 200 million YouTube views, a gold record and a platinum single to her credit. This high-energy performance represents a state of mind and values, and delivers a message filled with strength, independence and feminism. www.ticketmaster.fr

Q Other events can be found at www.thelocalbuzzmag.com/what’s-on and include • Ali Baba & The 40 Thieves Concert, Toulouse, 23 May • The Promised Land, Toulouse, 29 May • Les Oiseaux Des Villes

A Velo, Toulouse, 13 Jun • Singer, Christophe Maé, Zenith Toulouse, 17 Jun • Train Historique de Toulouse, 12 Jun

The Local Buzz • May - June 2021

• Alain Souchon concert, Zenith Toulouse, 27 May • 19th Festival l’Alchamie du Jeu, Toulouse, 29 & 30 May • Russie Méconnue,

Toulouse, 12 Jun • Festival Ciné Latino, Toulouse, 9 to 13 Jun Enter your region on the website and click search to find all types of events

Iris -

HOMES + GARDENS

The Gardener’s Friend Sue Adams has lived in SW France for 15 years and founded the website French Properties Direct. She is busy creating her second French garden and wants it to be eye catching, filled with interest and productive regardless of the season. Here she talks about the Iris, the historic emblem of French royalty.

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HOMES + GARDENS

Iris Sharpshooter

Iris Pseudacorus

AN HISTO RICAL PAST From the day that the French King Clovis I (466 to 511) changed his banner symbol from three toads to Irises (known as the Virgin’s flower), France has had a love affair with this glorious plant. In the stylised form of a Fleur-de-Lys, the Iris became the emblem of the Kings of France, being adopted by the grandson of Emperor Charlemagne, who ruled Occitania over a thousand years ago. Today the iris is one of France’s most loved garden plants. At any time of the year there will be one making a statement in a garden somewhere in France. Iris was the goddess of the rainbow in Greek mythology and the plant is well named because the range of colours is immense and not only that, there are over 200 different species of them scattered across the world. They are all typified by six petals with three sticking up and three which flop downwards. These are known as standards and falls, respectively.

Y E AR RO U ND INT EREST

The annual display starts in January with the hardy little Iris Unguicularis which thrives in the alkaline soil so common in SW France. Plant a few at the bottom of a sunny wall and they will thrive in the poor ground, rewarding you with clear blue flowers in

Iris Unguicularis

Iris Barocco

winter months and asking for very little care and attention in return. The more delicate and slightly more difficult Iris Reticulata comes along soon after and then, just a little while later when they are past their best, you have wonderful spring displays of Siberian and Marsh irises. However, the one which captures the attention of most French gardeners, both because of the spectacular range of colours and because of the ease of propagation, is the Bearded Iris or Iris Germanica which flowers in late spring.

The Local Buzz • May - June 2021

Shortly thereafter the Foetid Iris flowers. This iris acquired its name because, when crushed, the leaves smell of rotting meat (lovely). The flowers are an insignificant lilac colour and are easily missed, which can make you wonder if there’s any point in growing a smelly, uninteresting plant. The autumn holds the answer as the seed pods burst open to reveal scarlet berries which stay on the plant for weeks and brighten the dismal months at the end of the year. They are marvellous plants for difficult, shady areas where little else will grow, and they quickly spread from self-sown seeds if they are happy.

Iris Marsh

T H E B E AU T Y OF THE BEARDED IRIS

In the late spring the star of the iris firmament has to be the Bearded Iris. This iris was given its name because of a beard-like ridge of fluff which grows along the centre of the falls. Bearded Irises are exceptionally easy to propagate so if you have a favourite you can share it with friends. This ease of ‘vegetative propagation’ along with selective breeding programmes, where different irises are crossed to create new colour combinations and sizes, means that there is a huge variety of Bearded Irises available and they thrive in the dry sunny conditions

Iris Mrs Andris

found throughout much of France. My own favourite is a collection of English irises bred by the artist Cedric Morris. I first became acquainted with them at Chelsea Flower Show about six years ago where they were exhibited by iris grower Sarah Cook. I have one Cedric Morris iris in my collection of irises and it is the aptly named “Susan”. Susan grows to almost a metre tall and the flowers have a subtle colouring which looks a bit as though the petals have been dipped in tea.

HOMES + GARDENS

PLANTS FO R FREE The correct time to divide and replant Bearded Irises is just after they have finished flowering, so June/July in France. Ideally you should divide them every three or four years as, by then, the rhizomes have become very congested. The process could not be easier: • Dig up the irises you wish to divide and carefully separate out the various rhizomes. This can be tricky as they snap easily but don’t worry about that. • Cut the rhizomes into pieces making sure that each section is plump and healthy, has roots beneath it and has a shoot or two of green leaves sprouting up from it. • Trim the leaves so that they are between 10 and 15 cm long. This reduces the risk of the plant rocking in the wind, which will disturb the roots as they try to establish themselves. • It is very important that the rhizomes of Bearded Irises are exposed to sunlight and that they are allowed to bake in the sun. If they cannot do this they will not flower well. So, when you replant your irises choose a sunny, exposed place in the garden. • Scoop out a shallow hollow and, if your ground is really stony or unforgiving then add some compost to give the new plant a good start. • Nestle the iris rhizome into this prepared hollow and gently tuck soil/compost around and between the roots. You need to gently lift the rhizome out of the soil so that it appears to sit on the soil surface although, of course, the roots are holding it in place. • Then firm it in with a gentle push and, when you have finished planting a patch of rhizomes, give them a good drink of water. If you are not dividing your clump of irises then you should cut out the flower heads, remove dead leaves and trim the green shoots back once flowering has finished. Briefly, they do look like trimmed supermarket leeks but new, green leaves shoot up very rapidly to rejuvenate the appearance of the plant. Bearded Irises are amazingly easy to propagate and swap and share with friends. They are great at coping with French summers and fit marvellously into dry, sunny corners or gravel garden planting schemes, as well as more traditional mixed borders. They deserve a place in all French gardens.

Iris Reticulata

Gardening in May and June Spring eases into summer

It’s the time to deadhead roses

As the temperatures climb, the list of garden tasks evolves accordingly. Sue Adams offers these useful tips. At the beginning of May you can start to introduce your most tender potted plants and seedings into the garden. By the end of June you are likely to be watering them all frantically to prevent them from expiring from the heat and the drought. • Deadhead roses to promote continued flowering – unless, of course, you are growing them for their autumn display of hips. • Feed and water plants in pots on a regular basis. Feed roses after their first flush of flowers, and water then mulch/feed other plants should they look stressed. Strong healthy plants have a much better chance of fighting pests and disease organically. • Prune flowering shrubs that have flowered in the

spring. Next year they will flower on this summer and autumn’s growth. • Deadhead herbaceous perennials and annuals to keep them flowering throughout the summer. • Remove opportunistic annual weeds regularly and before they have the chance to set seed. • Take softwood cuttings. • Cut off the leaves from spring flowering bulbs once they have become brown and add them to the compost heap. • Cut and cook with young herbs, many of which are at their best in the early summer. You can chop and freeze fresh herbs in cubes of ice which can be dropped into your cooking later in the year.

Feed and water regularly

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NEWS

NOTEW

ORTHY

BUZZ BITS

A few news snippets of interest to our region post code and department at vitemadose.covidtracker.fr or via a new handy app called ViteMaDose_off. Free to use and enabling searches by department, the app can be downloaded on iOS at apple.co/3dFMGy3 and Android devices at bit.ly/2PhI1Je. The online sites of Doctolib, Maiia, RDOCLIC, KelDoc and mapharma.net can then be used to book the appointment.

JAB LOCATOR

Having trouble finding a Covid vaccination? Online searches can be made by commune,

Take Off!

CAUGHT ON CAMERA French police are being freed up to use their skills elsewhere, such as in drink and drug driving detection, by an increase from 83 to 223 private, unmarked speed camera cars this year. Being introduced in Nouvelle Aquitaine in the second quarter of 2021 the

cars, which are run by private speed detection companies, carry out checks automatically and encrypt the results which are sent to the police who then validate and confirm the fines.

Faulty Product?

checked it listed 100 foods, 130 vehicle/spare parts and eight baby/children items alongside various household appliances as well as beauty and hygiene products, etc. If you have a concern, it’s quick and easy to check at www.rappel.conso.gouv.fr.

The French Government has recently launched an official site that lists all the recalled products in France. On the date we

FINANCE

Buzz The Local

those living, oret visiting Dordogne, Lot et Gironde, Lot, Haut Garonne, et Garonne those working or visiting Lot&etGers Gironde, Haut Garonne, Tarn et Garonne & Gers Lifestyle & •Website for • Gironde Dordogne Lot etFor Garonne •living, Lot • Gers •& Tarn et Garonne •Dordogne, N.Haute Garonne A Lifestyle Magazine Website for •Tarn Gironde • Dordogne •Garonne, Lot et Garonne • LotLot, • Gers • Tarn et Garonne • N.Haute Garonne For those living, working or visiting Dordogne, Lot et•Garonne, Gironde, Haut Garonne, Tarn et•Garonne &•Garonne, Gers A Lifestyle Magazine & Website for • Gironde • Dordogne LotFor etA Garonne •Magazine LotLot, •working Gers Tarn Garonne • N.Haute Garonne

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The Local Buzz • May - June 2021

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We are delighted to say that flight news is on the up! RyanAir has launched its biggest ever summer schedule from Bordeaux with 33 international routes, and announced the reopening of its base at Toulouse with 18 international routes from June. The company is also extending its € zero flight change fee until the end of October this year for all customers who book before 30th June. For those travelling to/from the UK, Limoges airport will be operating six flights this summer, starting with Bristol on 18 May, and including a new British Airways flight to Southampton from 26 June. Eleven UK routes are planned for Bergerac airport with flights to Liverpool beginning on 1 June. British Airways is also coming to Bergerac with a Southampton route that takes off on 22 June.

S P E C I A L F E AT U R E

STAYCATIONS y a t s o here t We are so lucky in that we don’t need to stray too far from home to enjoy a different landscape, exceptional regional food and great hospitality. As and when we can get-away, here are some good reasons to be a tourist in our “own backyard”. What’s your priority when planning a holiday or get-away? Historical monuments? Water sports on lakes, rivers and canals? Sandy beaches? What about retreats offering courses on wine, food, music, art or yoga? Will you be looking for tours of stunning châteaux, abbeys, cathedrals and bastide towns?

GIRONDE

How about Roman remains, pre-historic relics, medieval villages and, of course, fabulous markets? Perhaps you might want to go fishing, horse-riding, visit exquisite gardens, incredible caves or stay up late and watch the stars in a clear, unpolluted sky? Or simply go for a walk, hire a bike

or boat and enjoy the scenery? Then there’s the choice of where to stay whether it be a gîte, hotel, château, campsite or even your own secret haven high up in a tree! The really good news is that you can find all of that right here, in and around our beautiful region of France.

Bordered on one side by the Silver coast (Côte d’Argent) and covered in the vineyards of some of the world’s most famous wines, GIRONDE is a department of many treasures. Bordeaux, with its stunning architecture, famous landmarks, world-class shops and devotion to the arts is high on the list of places to see, as is Saint Emilion, a UNESCO world heritage village. To the west you will find a bird-watchers paradise, oyster beds and Europe’s largest sand dune. Inland, take a trip up the river and explore magnificent chateaux whilst enjoying oysters, canelé, macarons and, of course, the many different wines.

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S P E C I A L F E AT U R E

DORDOGNE

The land of 1000 châteaux, beckoning rivers and prehistoric art, DORDOGNE is also home to some of France’s finest landscapes! The four areas of White, Black, Green and Purple Périgord all have something special to offer. Learn about the infamous Cyrano de Bergerac, canoe or hire a boat on its rivers, pair foie gras with glorious Monbazillac wine, and cycle through the lush countryside and vineyards. Think Abbeys, gardens, troglodyte and archeological sites, beautiful fortified medieval towns and extraordinary caves and caverns, as well as historical monuments and picture-postcard views.

Bastides galore, rivers, lakes, the Canal de Garonne and, yes, wine, prunes, hazelnuts and duck in all its forms, make up a large part of LOT ET GARONNE. Discover fine art, visit an historical water-lily nursery, marvel at the canal crossing the Garonne, take a stroll around Roman remains and enjoy wine and chocolate tastings. Once the royal seat of Henri of Navarre (later Henri IV of France), its eventful history has more than left its mark with pretty half-timbered houses, arched squares and fortified hilltop towns.

The Local Buzz • May - June 2021

LOT ET GARONNE

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S P E C I A L F E AT U R E

LOT

Rolling hills and valleys, wooded slopes, arable farms and sun-soaked vineyards typify GERS, a region whose population, according to statistics, lives longer than any other in France! Perhaps it’s the infamous Armagnac, the foie gras, the garlic, Gascon black pork, the generous use of duck fat or could it simply be the clean, fresh air? The musketeer, D’Artagnan was born here and is said to be the epitome of Gascon passion and chivalry. The region itself shows its own passion for elaborate belfries, striking cathedrals and bastides.

The Local Buzz • May - June 2021

With its three rivers and picturesque villages, the LOT combines sprawling farmland and limestone causses with winding river valleys, rugged gorges and fascinating caves. Evidence of the Gauls, Romans and medieval times can be seen everywhere with its ancient churches, timber and brick-faced buildings, bridges and clifftop towns. Fruit orchards, geese, sheep and goats dot this varied landscape with walnuts and goat’s cheese featuring on many a menu alongside Quercy melon, truffles, chestnuts, jams of all varieties and the region’s dark red wines.

GERS

S P E C I A L F E AT U R E

The rivers, chalky plateaux and fertile valleys mark out TARN ET GARONNE with its Gallo-Roman history and medieval features. Fine art, ancient castles, dramatic scenery, intriguing footpaths and hills covered in Chasselas grapes ensure a long list of activities from searching out historical monuments through to water sports. Randonée’s, including stepping onto the route to the Camino de Santiago, are as popular as cycling and e-bikes as you make your way through the gorges and breathtaking countryside into towns where clock towers, cloisters and architectural character awaits.

TARN ET GARONNE

Famous for French aviation, the Canal du Midi and, of course, the “pink city” of Toulouse itself, a stay in N. HAUTE GARONNE wouldn’t be complete without a trip to space, a food and wine tour, a walk or bike ride by the canal or banks of the Garonne, or Cassoulet for lunch! This is the place to find traditional woad (pastel) blue gifts together with the ubiquitous candied violets. Churches, cathedrals, mansions and historical buildings house fine art, whilst music venues and museums join gardens, markets and old narrow streets to form a paradise for tourists of all ages.

N.HAUTE GARONNE

For more details, take a look at the Area Information pages on our website. You will also find accommodation, ideas for days out, tours, châteaux and museums, plus a host of other listings in our website Business Directory. In addition, don’t forget to take a look our What’s On pages, also online at www.thelocalbuzzmag.com

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FOOD + DRINK

f r u S , r e v i R & Turf Eating outside is one of the great joys of living here in our part of France and these three recipes from Emma Gilchrist are ideal as a starter, lunch or appetiser. If sharing outside the immediate family (with socially distanced friends) you can always serve them ready to eat on this glorious bread.

Beetroot bread, potted salmon and prawns and a delicious goat’s cheese and potato salad with a cool cucumber relish. What’s not to like!

Easy Beetroot Bread

400g Raw beetroot 500g White bread flour 1 tsp Salt 7g Packet dried yeast or fresh yeast 25ml Tepid water 1 tsp Sugar A little oil for kneading Roast the beetroot until tender, peel and mash well, set to one side. Dissolve the sugar in the water. Sprinkle over the yeast and leave in a warm place until covered with a froth. In a large bowl, mix together the activated yeast, beetroot, sieved flour and salt into a sticky dough. Cover with a wet tea towel and leave for 10 mins. Uncover, oil hands and knead dough briskly for 30 secs.

Cover again for 10 mins, then knead for 30 secs. For the final time, cover for 10 mins, then knead for 30 secs. Now shape the loaf in a tin dusted with flour. Leave in a warm spot for an hour to rise, covered with a damp tea towel. Heat the oven to 180°C (fan) and bake the bread for 30-40 mins.

Tasty Potted Salmon and King Prawns with a Cool Cucumber Relish

160g Unsalted butter 2 tsp Olive oil 200g Skinless salmon fillet 200g Cooked prawns 1 tsp Capers, drained 1 tsp Lemon juice

½ tsp Paprika 30ml White wine 1 tbs Dill Salt and pepper 1 Small cucumber 1 Small shallot, thinly sliced ½ tbs Rice wine vinegar ½ tsp Caster sugar 4 Lemon wedges Pin bone the salmon fillet. Make the clarified butter by melting the butter in a small saucepan on a low heat. The butter will start to foam (this is the buttermilk solids separating from the butter), skim this off. Once melted, remove from the heat and leave to cool for a couple of mins. Pour off the golden liquid, leaving the buttermilk in the saucepan. (The liquid can be kept and

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FOOD + DRINK

Zesty Bergerac Blanc

Both of these salmon and goat’s cheese dishes need wines with great freshness and zesty acidity. Much of the white wines around Bergerac provide the fruity, fresh flavour that we want. North of the Dordogne in the commune of Prigonrieux there are three beautiful examples. used for other recipes and can also be frozen). Heat a frying pan, add the olive oil, add the seasoned salmon and pan fry until cooked. Remove the salmon from the pan and leave to cool. Add the white wine to the pan, scraping the base of the pan to release the remaining flavour. Pour into a bowl, flake the cooled salmon into the white wine, add the prawns, capers, lemon juice, paprika and chopped dill. Place the salmon and prawn mixture into a large ramekin or divide into four small ones. Pour over the clarified butter and place in the fridge to set. For the relish: With a vegetable peeler, peel long strips of cucumber until you reach the seeds (which are not needed). In a bowl mix the cucumber strips and thinly sliced shallots, add the caster sugar and rice wine vinegar and some extra dill if you wish. Serve with slices of toasted Beetroot Bread and lemon wedges.

Whipped Goat’s Cheese and Potato Salad 1kg Ratte potatoes (or any other waxy variety) 2 Spring onions, finely sliced 200g Goat’s cheese log

(the rindless variety) 3 tbs Mayonnaise (homemade or shop bought) 1 tsp Lemon zest Small handful of parsley, chopped 25g Walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped Salt and pepper to taste Cover the potatoes with water in a saucepan, salt the water. Bring to the boil and then turn the heat down to a simmer. Use a knife to check if the potatoes are cooked. Strain through a colander and leave to one side. In a bowl mix the mayonnaise, spring onions, parsley and lemon zest. Crumble in the goat’s cheese and combine. When the potatoes are cooled cut into halves or quarters and stir in the mayonnaise mixture. Sprinkle in the walnuts, taste and check the seasoning. Emma and John Gilchrist have been running their gîte and cookery school, Les Caulins, in Lot-etGaronne since March 2016. Emma has worked with great chefs in some of the best restaurants around the world and John, a former UK Sommelier of the Year and winner of the Mondavi award for the best wine list in the world, is an enthusiast for the smaller wine producers. www.lescaulins.com

The Local Buzz • May - June 2021

Château Combrillac produces a superb range of wines. A great partner for goat’s cheese is the 2019 Bergerac Blanc Sec, 70% Sauvignon, 30% Sémillon. Lime and grapefruit aromas succumb to an explosion of zesty fruit and crunchy apple flavours that persist on the palate. 8€. www.combrillac.fr At Château Montplaisir the sublime 2019 Cuvée Monochrome 100% Chenin Blanc is bursting with mineral tones. The palate is nutty with nutmeg spice and a touch of honey and gives way to spritely greengage and honeysuckle flavours. 9€. www.chateau-montplaisir.com

Head a bit further north to Château de Peyrel where the 2016 Bergerac Sec, 80% Sémillon, 15% Muscadelle and 5% Sauvignon, offers an alternative style of dry white. Golden in colour with a diamond brightness, yellow peach and green plum scents punctured by peppery, pear drop flavours, it finishes with a balanced fruity freshness. 12€. www.chateaudepeyrel.com

GUEST CHEF

Deliciously Local & Deliciously Fresh Freshness, fun and local produce take centre stage at Le Restaurant du Château Bellevue, Cazaubon/ Barbotan-le-Thermes. Never forgetting her Gascon roots, Chef Charlotte Latreille ensures that the food not only reflects the region but it is as good to look at as it is to eat.

Charlotte has also let us have her recipe for a fabulous Shortbread Tartlet with Saffron Cheesecake and Fruits Noirs. What a treat! Find it at: www.thelocalbuzzmag.com/articles

YAKITORI DUCK SKEWERS WITH GASCOGNE FLOC (Serves 4) 400g Gers duck aiguillettes 20cl Floc de Gascogne Rosé plus a few cl for flambéing 1 Small bunch coriander 50g Sesame seeds Salt Ground Espelette pepper, to taste 2 tbs Rapeseed oil 8 Short bamboo skewers Chop the coriander finely. Roast the sesame seeds for 5 mins in a hot oven at 200°C. Make an instant marinade by mixing the Floc, half the coriander, half the sesame seeds and 1 tbs oil. Remove the sinews from each duck aiguillette and cut in half. Place them in a deep dish, add the salt and Espelette pepper for seasoning. Pour the marinade over and set aside in the fridge for around 5 mins. To make the Yakitori, thread one aiguillette half onto each skewer. Heat a pan with 1 tbs oil. When the pan is hot, add the skewers. Let the first side colour and then turn them one by one. When ready, add a few cl of Floc de Gascogne and flambé. Drizzle generously with the rest of the marinade. Arrange and sprinkle with roasted sesame and the rest of the chopped coriander. Enjoy the aiguillettes hot with a chilled glass of Floc rosé. www.chateaubellevue.org

Charlotte nous a également confié sa recette d’une fabuleuse Tartelette Sablée aux Fruits Noirs, Crème Cheesecake au Safran du Gers. Quel gourmandise ! Vous pouvez le trouver sur: www.thelocalbuzzmag.com/articles

Fraîcheur, plaisir et produits du terroir sont à l’honneur au Restaurant du Château Bellevue, Cazaubon / Barbotan-le-Thermes. N’oubliant jamais ses racines gasconnes, la chef Charlotte Latreille veille à ce que la nourriture ne reflète pas seulement la région, mais qu’elle soit aussi belle à regarder qu’à manger. YAKITORI D’AIGUILETTES DE CANARD DU GERS AU FLOC DE GASCOGNE (Pour 4 personnes) 400g d’Aiguillettes de canard du Gers 20cl Floc de Gascogne rosé + quelques cl pour le flambage Un petit bouquet de coriandre 50g Sésame Sel Piment d’Espelette en poudre 2 cuillères à soupe d’huile de colza 8 Brochettes courtes en bambou Ciselez la coriandre finement. Torréfiez le sésame 5mn dans un four chaud à 200°C. Réalisez une marinade instantanée avec le Floc, la moitié de la coriandre, la moitié du sésame et 1 cuillère à soupe d’huile de colza. Mélangez. Retirez la partie nerveuse de chaque aiguillette de canard. Coupez les aiguillettes en deux. Déposez les morceaux dans un plat creux, ajoutez le sel et le piment d’Espelette pour l’assaisonnement. Versez la marinade dessus. Réservez au frais 5mn environ. Confectionnez les Yakitori en piquant la moitié d’une aiguillette sur chaque brochette. Faites chauffer une poêle avec une cuillère à soupe d’huile de colza. Lorsque la poêle est bien chaude, déposez les Yakitori. Laissez colorer le premier côté et tournez-les une à une. Versez quelques centilitres de Floc de Gascogne et flambez. Arrosez généreusement du reste de la marinade. Dressez et parsemez de sésame torréfié et du reste de coriandre ciselée. Dégustez chaud avec un verre de Floc rosé bien frais.

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OUT + ABOUT

Seven WONDERS

DORDOGNE H BORDEAUX

H MONTPLAISANT

GIRONDE

H SOUILLAC

LOT MONFLANQUIN H

LOT et GARONNE

TARN et GARONNE H MONTAUBAN

GERS H MONTREAL DU GERS

Seven Wondrous Museums

TOULOUSE H

N.HAUTE GARONNE

There are so many museums to choose from in our fabulous region but here are seven that offer something a little bit different. Who would have thought that customs and excise would be quite so fascinating but a wealth of surprising facts await you at the Musée National des Douanes in BORDEAUX. The only one of its kind in France, the museum looks at the history of taxes, tolls, prohibition, corruption and duty from Roman times through to the Revolution, including the varied methods used to prevent smuggling. Over 13,000 tools, costumes, weapons and equipment are on display as well as works by Claude Monet and Salvador Dali. www.musee-douanes.fr

BORDEAUX

MONTPLAISANT Located in one of our most beautiful villages, a visit to the Belvès Spinning Mill in MONPLAISANT is an eye opener in terms of industrial heritage and discovering the craft. Walk in the footsteps of the workers in the impressive engine room, find out how the wolf-card, the winder, the chards and the spindle were used, and try your hand in interactive exhibitions. Follow the transition from raw wool to yarn with slide shows, videos, games and displays and you can even take part in a vintage “who dunnit” yarn! www.filaturedebelves.com

MONFLANQUIN

Thanks to the Musée des Bastides, a visit to the bastide town of MONFLANQUIN can help you to discover the facts behind this 13th and 14th-century town planning phenomenon, and find out why we have so many bastides in our region. Found in a beautiful country house, the museum combines explanatory panels and audio and video displays with checkerboard plans and a guided visit to demonstrate the development of these new cities which, in turn, brought new customs and shaped a completely different type of medieval society. www.monflanquin-museedesbastides.com

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OUT + ABOUT Believed to be unique in Europe, the Musée de l’Automate in SOUILLAC is a real toy story. A collection of more than 300 automatons and mechanical toys from the 19th and 20th-centuries form a fairy tale world in which sound and lighting effects bring the toys to life. With a wide variety of themes and characters, many were originally produced by the Roullet-Decamps workshop. Don’t miss La Scène la Pêche Sous-Marine which was made in 1948 and used as a central theme in the Christmas window displays at Galerie Lafayette. www.musee-automate.fr

SOUILLAC

TOULOUSE

Said to be more like a street performance than a permanent exhibition, La Halle de La Machine in TOULOUSE both entertains and educates. With machines that can be held in the palm of your hand and others that weigh up to several tonnes, it will amaze with its ingenious exhibits. Don’t miss the Bread Catapult, the Blackbird Pendulum, the Wine-Serving Machine or the Aerial Service with its Pepper Mill. Take a ride on The Minotaur, climb on the back of The Spider or join giant buffalo and insects on The Carré Sénart Roundabout. Awesome! www.halledelamachine.fr

Recently restored to include the construction of a special roof enclosure to provide a new kind of visitor experience, the 6500m² Villa de Séviac at MONTREAL DU GERS takes you into the world of 4th-century architecture. As one of the largest Gallo-Roman villas in south west Gaul, it is famed for its 625m² of mosaics and thermal baths and highlights the unparalleled luxury of the time. Immerse yourself in the flamboyant lifestyle of this aristocratic villa which forms part of the ancient capital of Elusa, along with the Domus of Cieutat and the Musée du Trésor which complete the picture. www.elusa.fr/la-villa-de-seviac

MONTAUBAN

The Local Buzz • May - June 2021

MONTREAL DU GERS

There’s no denying the broadness of the collection at the Victor Brun Musée d’Histoire Naturelle in MONTAUBAN. Spanning Phosphorite Quercy fossils from 50 to 15 million years ago, right through to a mineral collection that includes a fragment of the exceptional Orgueil meteorite which fell in Tarn et Garonne on 14 May 1864, this intriguing museum has grown and diversified over recent years. Now home to a large collection of birds from across Europe and the world, it also houses large and small mammals as well as fish, reptiles and a wide array of shells. www.museum.montauban.com

COMPETITION

Win a real gourmet experience .

at the Hôtel de Bastard in the cœur de Gascogne

et in the cœur de Gascogne, the Hôtel de Bastard is a delight, not only for its 18th-century setting in the heart of historic Lectoure in Gers but, also, for its gourmet food. Annick and Philippe Birckel are looking forward to welcoming the winner of this exclusive competition for an overnight stay for two with breakfast, dinner, wine and private parking. A beautiful wooden chestnut staircase takes you to a world of comfort in a luxury Junior Suite before dining in the elegant restaurant where chef de cuisine, Philippe, will serve his Menu de Saison with the locally produced Pousse-Rapière aperitif and wine specially chosen to accompany the dishes. Philippe and his team will ensure a menu built around their passion for the region as well as its local wines to provide the most fabulous experience. Close by you will find a variety of different spa and fitness treatments as well as a number of well-trodden walks in Lomagne Gersoise, including the GR65 route to Saint-Jacques de Compostelle. Or you could take a trip on the river Baïse, visit the many historical buildings, enjoy an Armagnac tasting or simply relax by the hotel’s pool.

This easy-to-enter competition has a prize value of around EUR 300 and, subject to availability, is offered from 10 July to 10 October, 2021. The closing date for entries is 8 July, 2021. No refunds or exchange allowed. This is a competition without obligation to buy – the rules of the competition are deposited with S.C.P. Laurent Rodriguez and Gaël Peyssi Bailiffs Associates, 25 rue Louis Mie, 24007, Périgueux, Cedex. These rules can also be seen online at www.thelocalbuzzmag. com/win For a chance to win, all you have to do is answer the following correctly. Answers can be found in this issue of the magazine which can also be seen at www.thelocalbuzzmag.com/read-online www.hotel-de-bastard.com

Enter online at

www.thelocalbuzzmag.com/win 1. Which is “the silent colour” a) Red b) Orange c) Brown 2. Iris was the Greek goddess of a) The fields b) The rainbow c) The stars 3. R aymond de Laroche was nicknamed a) The Baroness b) The Duchess c) The Countess 4. Rocky and Bullwinkle are a) Wrestlers b) Mime artists c) Cartoon characters

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READER OFFER

Cheers!

Produced right here in SW France at Saint Amans in Tarn et Garonne, this finely balanced, award-winning artisanal gin brings together herbs and spices with the region’s finest grapes to deliver a smooth, rounded finish that is both refined in flavour and strong in depth.

ompletely different to a grainbased spirit, this carefully blended, distilled gin uses the surplus grapes from the wine-making process and, as such, is a pure grape alcohol. Made with 18 different home-grown botanicals inspired by the biodiverse Saint Amans garden, including Juniper and Espelette Pepper with grapes harvested from the same rich earth, its production is a true labour of love. Anne, with her love of growing fruits, flowers and herbs, and JeanLouis’ life-long fascination with the winemaking derivative known as “marc de raisin”, combine their skills to ensure perfection from the very best ingredients. Serve the Original Saint Amans Gin with tonic and grapes or enjoy in a cocktail. For an extra tarty tang of

fruit the pretty, natural pink-coloured Saint Amans Gin Rosé incorporates a fresh raspberry maceration and is equally delicious, especially in a glass of bubbles. To help us celebrate the start of summer, Saint Amans Gin is offering readers of The Local Buzz a 10% discount on its online range. These include the Original Gin and Gin Rosé as well as duo-packs and gift sets complete with two engraved gin balloon glasses.This exclusive offer is available until 8 July, 2021 to anyone

Please drink responsibly.

over the age of 18. To take advantage of the 10% discount, enter “GINBUZZ” when placing your order online at www.saintamans.com. Whilst there, take a look at the cocktail recipes too.

Votre voyage commence...

Discover

SOUTHAMPTON

and South of England from Limoges! May 15th to September 25th, with British airways

More information on www.britishairways.com The Local Buzz • May - June 2021

H I S TO RY

LADIES FIRST Two French women who made a name for themselves: one for travelling 274 metres and the other for making a real spectacle of herself! What did they have in common? A love of flying…

R AYM O N DE DE L ARO CHE A bit of a daredevil with a penchant for motorbikes and cars, Elise Raymonde Deroche was born in Paris in 1882. As an actress she was known as Raymonde de Laroche and had heard tales of escapades in the skies from several aviator friends. These included artist-turned-pilot Léon Delagrange who had already flown Thérèse Pelter, the first woman airplane passenger. Inspired by Wilbur Wright’s powered flight exhibitions in 1908, Raymonde begged her friend, pilot and aeroplane builder, Charles Voisin, to teach her to fly. He agreed but, as his aircraft only had one seat, she operated the plane herself whilst he stood on the ground, shouting instructions! Determined and head strong, she first mastered taxiing around the airfield and then took off, some say on the same day, flying just 300 yards (274m). Flight magazine, nicknaming her The Baroness, reported that she circled the airfield twice the next day, “the turnings being made with consummate ease. During this flight of about four miles (6 km) there was a strong gusty wind blowing, but after the first two turnings The Baroness said that it did not bother her, as she had the machine completely under control.” It was a gutsy performance and she not only became the first woman to gain a pilot’s licence but went on to fly at aviation meetings throughout Europe.

Undeterred by severe, life-threatening injuries sustained in a crash in Reims in 1910, she was flying again two years later and won the Aero-Club of France’s Femma Cup for a non-stop long-distance flight of over four hours in 1913. Flying was considered to be too dangerous for women during WWI so she served as a military driver instead, chauffeuring officers to the front line! Setting the women’s distance record at 201 miles (323 km) and an altitude record at 15,700 feet (4.8 km) in 1919, she turned her attention to becoming the first female test pilot. Sadly it was not to be as, on 18 July at Le Crotoy airfield, the experimental aircraft she was co-piloting went into a dive

on approach and crashed, leaving no survivors. This pioneering, courageous and talented “femme du ciel” has not been forgotten with a statue at Paris Le Bourget Airport, and the Women of Aviation Worldwide Week being held every year during the week of 8 March, the date Raymond obtained her pilot’s licence.

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H I S TO RY

SOPHIE BLAN C H ARD The honour of being the first woman to fly in an untethered hot air balloon went to Elisabeth Thible who had flown alongside a M. Fleurant as a passenger in the montgolfier, La Gustave, on 4 June 1784. She was credited with feeding the balloon’s fire box en route. Sophie’s story is a very different one. Nervous on the ground but always comfortable in the air, she became the first professional female balloonist and what a show she put on! Her ballooning history started with her marriage to Jean-Pierre Blanchard, a balloon manufacturer and showman himself who had fallen on hard times. He had decided that a woman “onboard” would attract the crowds and Sophie, who was said to be terrified of riding in a horse-drawn carriage, took to it like a duck to water. Tiny, nervous and with “sharp birdlike features” as one reporter wrote, she found it to be incomparable and made her first solo balloon flight in 1805, earning her licence. These balloons were far different from those we see today and had small, low gondola style “baskets” in which stood a resplendent Sophie in flowing gown and feathered hat. All went fairly well for several years until Jean-Pierre had a heart attack standing next to Sophie whilst flying over the Hague and fell to his death.

The Local Buzz • May - June 2021

He left many debts so she continued to fly, paying off creditors and making sure she put on a spectacular display by launching fireworks from beneath the hydrogen balloon! Such was her performance that she became Napoleon’s “Aeronaut of the Official Festivals” and made a celebration flight for his 1810 wedding to Marie Louise. She was also made chief air minister of ballooning, working on what turned out to be impossible plans for an aerial invasion of England, with French troops in balloons. Later King Louis XVIII kept her on as “Official Aeronaut of the Restoration”. Nowadays, balloons tend to land at dusk and take off at dawn but Sophie preferred to fly at night, staying airborne until dawn and even sleeping in her hydrogen balloon. Apparently she once ascended to avoid a hailstorm and passed out, nearly freezing to death at altitude and, on another occasion, nearly drowned after landing in a swamp. Her exploits with fireworks brought her showmanship to an end on 6 July in 1819 when her “Bengal Fire” demonstration went horribly wrong and flames leapt from the top of her balloon. She tried to slow her descent by losing ballast and almost made it but, instead, she landed on the roof of a house and Sophie tipped out, falling to her death on the street below. A sorry end for an incredible lady.

REGIONAL PROPERTY

Ancient Splendour Dating from the XIth-century and 200 years older than the town itself, this beautifully renovated historic house with successful gîte and chambre d’hôtes business sits in a private, 4H hilltop position with breathtaking 360°views. At one time it was attached to a church and, sitting in the living room with its vaults and vitrails, it is easy to see why it was once a stop on the way to Compostela. If you like truffles there’s an added bonus as it also has a 180 truffle oak plantation! EUR 1,306,250. Ref: 7165-MO www.agence-eleonor.com

NORTH DORDOGNE

Simply Mesmerising This enchanting, quirky 18th-century, 4-bed mill owner’s house sits quietly in a magical valley in Tarn et Garonne. Surrounded by 11 acres of landscaped gardens complete with waterfall, woods, lawns and terraces, it also has a fabulous swimming lake! Renovated and extended by an architect in 2000, its 17th-century fireplace sits comfortably alongside modern features including a floor to ceiling glass window to make the most of the view. EUR 450,000 Ref: 100518CSH82 www.leggettfrance.com

TARN ET GARONNE

Magnifique!

GIRONDE

Recently classified as a Batiment Remarquable because of its stunning architecture, this elegant 6-bed former Domaine Viticole was built in the 1800’s in the Empire Style and retains several features from its wine-making days. One of its historical outbuildings includes the winemaker’s house with splendid wooden detail and, set amongst the oaks, branches from the many acacia trees were used to support the vines. The last bottle of wine was produced in 1982 before the vines were sold but the vats and cellars are still in place, as is the old stone-floored stable which housed the vine-working horses. EUR 1,863,000. Ref: 1094 www.bordeauxbeyond.co.uk

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REGIONAL PROPERTY

Stairway to Heaven? This 7-bed country house and maison d’ami was converted from a barn dating back 100s of years and now offers open spaces, a cathedral ceiling and a contemporary oak kitchen. Giving a hint to its history, a quirky set of steps leads nowhere, unless you want to use them for the original purpose, to mount a horse! Privacy is assured as it sits, with pool, in its own 3.35h of land just 4 mins from a lively Bastide town. EUR 599,150. Ref: 73399 www.arcadimmo.com

LOT ET GARONNE

What’s a Chartreuse? In this part of the world it’s not only a green liqueur but, according to the French dictionary, it’s a single-storey, often elongated, country house, in SW France. Celebrated writer Jean-Marie Bélingard agrees, adding that it’s a manor house, built between 1650 and 1850 composed of exterior architectural elements and interior finishes that manifest an “art de vivre”. This 6-bed stunner is similar but actually dates from 1980! EUR 455,000. www.propertysouthwestfrance.co.uk

QUALITY PROPERTIES REQUIRED Contact Eilidh McGinness, independent estate agent for your dream Dordogne property in the Valley de l’Isle and Foret de la Double.

ADVERT

Competitive rates Mobile: 06 83 85 10 99 Email: immo24-7@orange.fr www.propertysouthwestfrance.co.uk

DORDOGNE

Can you Resist It? Beautifully renovated, this 3-bed maison de ville is believed to have had a connection with local WWII French Resistance fighter, Robert Descorne, whose name lives on in this popular Gironde Bastide town. Set over three floors it hasn’t been lived in since the renovation and features an open plan ground floor, a stunning kitchen, fabulous bathrooms and that all important cellar! EUR 224,000. Ref: 78761ARB33 www.leggettfrance.com

GIRONDE

The Local Buzz • May - June 2021

REGIONAL PROPERTY

A look behind the origins of some of our regional properties These drawings caught our eye as they typify the architecture of our region and explain a lot of what we see when visiting local properties. They are by Christian Lassure and are from his article “The Vernacular Architecture of France”. www.pierreseche.com

THE SINGLE ROOM These buildings were born from a population boom in the late 18th-century and, whilst not many exist today in their original form (some being converted to longères), we can see the link to modern homes in terms of shape and external garage. As the drawing shows, there was the house (1) and a well-house (2). Life was simple for the agricultural workers who lived there with a hearth (a), stone sink (b), entrance (c), small window (d) and a perforated slab for tethering (e).

EXTENDING THE LONGÈRE Originally the house of a day labourour with a small plot of land, craftsman or sharecropper, the Longère took many forms. It could be a single room shared by the family and animals, a living room with additional byre or barn, or a living area with a freestanding byre or barn. Sloping floors took care of the liquid manure and the living space would be at the other end of the room. Shown in the drawing is a typical 19th-century Longère in the Lot comprising a living room (1), animal shelter and hayloft (2), uncovered cistern (3) and bread oven (4). Mod cons included a fireplace (a), stone sink (b), interior cistern (c), feeding trough (d), entrance (e) and window (f).

ABOUT THE MAISON DE MAÎTRE Often referred to as bourgeoisie, the Maison de Maître came about after the Revolution, as a way for wealthy landowners to compete with aristocracy, positioning themselves on a higher social level with new, striking buildings. Usually rectangular and built in stone or brick, or a combination of the two, they have specific features such as a central doorway leading to an impressive staircase, a central corridor, square rooms and, always, an office for the master. Stone or parquet floors, tall windows, moldings and lots of woodwork were used to impress guests and visitors. Two or threestoreys high and set in its own grounds with stables and barns, they often had a second house for the employees. This drawing illustrates a 19th-century dwelling in Gers. The central corridor (1), kitchen (2), living room (3), bedroom (4), and wine-making room (5), of this particular property were created on the ground floor of a former 16th-century fortified grange. It incorporated fireplaces (a), a cooking stove (b), a sink (c), wall dressers (d), wardrobes (e) and the staircase (f).

WE WILL BE HIGHLIGHTING MORE OF THE ARCHITECTURAL DIVERSITY OF OUR REGION IN FUTURE ISSUES.

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BUZZING CONTENT

Beans, Marmite and Tea What has Brexit meant to those who import foods from the UK, what obstacles have they needed to overcome, and what’s the way forward? David Bennion and the team at The Trading Post have spent four years planning for this eventuality and tells of us their struggles and successes. apparent that all that time had been wasted and, although the deal was ‘tariff free’, the complexity and amount of required paperwork was going to come at significant cost. Out of 40-50 UK suppliers, only one was able to supply the correct information now needed for export straight away! This has improved but it’s been a very steep and expensive learning curve.

HOW HAS BREXIT IMPACTED YOUR BUSINESS? It’s been very challenging! Since the initial vote there has been a lot of preparation, research, and systems put into place with UK supply partners and product manufacturers. On 1 January 2021 it soon became

WHAT ABOUT THE ADDITIONAL COSTS FOR DELIVERIES OF UK GOODS? These additional costs arise in four ways: • Vets fees for products of animal origin • France and UK customs clearance fees By buying in bulk we can absorb both of the above costs across 1000’s of products meaning minimal impact to the customer.

The Local Buzz • May - June 2021

“Marmite seems to be more loved than hated” • French TVA (now payable at port of entry) As a registered French business we pay TVA anyway - it’s just that we now pay as goods arrive in the country. For UK companies posting to France, however, their customers now pay on delivery OR the UK company pays it in advance, increasing the product price to absorb the tax. Therefore, for postal deliveries from the UK, they are now paying UK VAT and French TVA as well as customs clearance fees.

BUZZING CONTENT

• Tariffs on goods that are not of UK preferential origin (i.e. supplied from but not manufactured in the UK) These are outside the scope of the trade deal so, in most cases, we have had to source supply from within the EU or delist the product.

HAS YOUR BUSINESS MODEL CHANGED BECAUSE OF BREXIT? Most definitely! When the first lockdown started in 2020, virtually all our trade clients were forced to close. We, like many businesses, started to adapt, and began to offer our products to retail (private) clients. This started as a home delivery service

in the Alps but, as we looked to expand this service, it soon became clear that we couldn’t home deliver across France with our own fleet, especially in the more rural areas, unless we added delivery charges or set minimum order levels. This really was something we wanted to avoid. We felt that collection points were the best solution so we began rolling these out in March. From a small shop in the French Alps in 2006, we now have a new 1200m2 warehouse serving a large area of France via 63 collection points, with more routes and collection points being added.

WHICH ARE THE MOST POPULAR PRODUCTS? The big three are Heinz Baked Beans (over 60,000 tins/year), bacon (some 50 tonnes/year), and sausages (approx. 70 tonnes)! Cheddar, Yorkshire Tea and PG Tips are also popular as are crumpets and vegetarian brands like Quorn and Linda McCartney (we have just been appointed their official French distributor). Other favourites include Bisto, Robinsons Squash and Harry Ramsdens mushy peas. Marmite is more loved than hated it would seem! www.thetradingpost.fr

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STREAMING

Sit Back & Enjoy! There’s something for everyone in this movie and streaming line-up! ORPHAN BLACK

BAYWATCH

Season 5 of this clever, fast-moving thriller makes its entrance with Amazon on 12 May. Made in Canada and featuring Emmy Award-winning Tatiana Maslany in several sharp-witted roles, this series never fails to deliver punchy lines with excellent performances. Catch up on the previous seasons beforehand for the entire story. Prime. TV-MA

Think fit, drug busting lifeguards as opposed to the ”cheesy” 90’s TV series and you could come close to the transformation of this iconic series. Hasselhoff appears as a co-star, allowing a new head lifeguard and his elite Baywatch team to take over in this fun action comedy. Amazon Prime from 12 May. R.

DEAD TO ME If you’ve “been dying” to see this series return, you’ll be glad to know that Season 2 premieres on 8 May with another stunner of a plot. Quirky Jen and Judy are in another spot of trouble in this latest twist. You can bet they go to extreme lengths to protect one another with Det. Perez hot on their heels. Netflix. 15+

THE ADVENTURES OF ROCKY AND BULLWINKLE As an update of the classic ‘60s cartoon, this more modern take on the flying squirrel and his moose pal continues with lively humour for the whole family. They come to the screens with their lovable villain buddies on 11 May. Prime Original. TV-Y.

LUCIFER Yes, the devilishly good-looking Lucifer is back for Part 2 of Season 5 on 28 May. At the end of the first half, Lucifer and Amenadiel argued with their brother Michael and “Dad” finally showed up to break up the fight. Doesn’t sound too strange does it but, heaven help us, these are “celestial beings” with wings and points to score. Netflix. 14+

The Local Buzz • May - June 2021

ARMY OF THE DEAD Pulling off a Las-Vegas heist isn’t easy at the best of times but try doing it in the middle of a zombie apocalypse! This new movie shows how it’s done. Taking the ultimate gamble, can these mercenaries win? Netflix, from 21 May.

ALL OR NOTHING This time the cameras were on international rugby with the documentary film crew following the All Blacks’ 2017 season both on and off the pitch. This was the first time that the secretive team had allowed cameras to record behind the scenes. Expect surprises! Prime from 1 June. 16+

OXYGEN It’s the stuff of nightmares! Waking up in a cryogenic pod with no memory about how she came to be there is just part of this sci-fi horror story but then the poor woman realises that she is running out of air! Will she find a way out in time? A new movie, in French with English subtitles, on Netflix from 12 May.

Where we have been able to find them the age ratings are given as a guide. Dates may vary depending on your country of registration.

SPORT

The Psychology of Golf Standing on the first tee shaking like a leaf, does this sound familiar? Here, John Cook shares his thoughts on the game which, with practise, will help enormously. John Cook continues his “whole in one” series with a look at these specific techniques to improve your golf.

John Cook is Managing Director of finiteapps.com • English Amateur Champion • European Tour Winner • Level 5 and European Tour Coach • Past Under 18 England Boys Coach • National Coach to Thailand

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SPORT THE FIRST TEE

TIPS ON IMPROVING YOUR SCORE

The first thing you need to remember is that you are not the only person this happens to, even the best players in the world tend to be more apprehensive on the first tee than any other.

• It’s just about impossible to concentrate fully for the entire round, it can take up to five hours. Try playing six lots of three holes, 1,2,3 then mark your card, then 4,5,6 mark your card again and so on. This way you start again six times and concentrate for three holes at a time. Set yourself a target for each three holes.

1T ry to make the most smooth and balanced golf swing you have ever made. 2F ocus on an area on the fairway where you want the ball to finish.

• Instead of concentrating on your score, see how many fairways you hit and how many greens you hit in regulation, the score will then take care of itself.

3L ee Trevino was asked why he only looked at his target once, he replied his first look was where he wanted to hit the ball, which was a positive thought. If he allowed himself another look he would look at a point that he would try to avoid, this is a negative thought. 4 I f you have a good start, it often lasts for the complete round.

Believing is a huge part of the game

“You must always talk about winning, never losing, we must never give up”

• If you find yourself further away from the pin than a wedge shot, aim at the centre of the green, do not get suckered into aiming at the pins that are on the sides of the greens or behind greenside bunkers, shots are lost by being too aggressive. I guarantee that if there were no pins in the holes you would aim at the centre of every green and score better.

BELIEVING

THE POWER OF BELIEF

• Always tee the ball up so that you are playing away from trouble, i.e, if there is a lake on the left of the fairway, tee the ball on the left of the tee so you are playing away from the water. If you are playing a hole that doglegs to the right, tee up on the right so you will be playing into the dogleg.

A belief is simply an interpretation that you hold to be true. Our brains are wired for beliefs, and when activated, the body responds as if the belief is reality, producing our results. Our brains cannot distinguish external from internal “reality”. So, if inside we believe we cannot play a certain golf shot, we will struggle every time we attempt to play it. The only way we can change the results we obtain is by changing that belief. An example would be if you held a deep belief that you were always unlucky when you played golf, you would delete all experiences of when you had fortunate breaks. Instead, you would highlight only your bad breaks to yourself and others, and your belief would continue to hold true and be your reality.

Before Sir Roger Bannister broke the 4-minute mile in 1954, medical experts believed that it was medically unsafe for anyone to achieve it. Consequently, no runners believed they could. Once the barrier had been broken, someone had conquered the impossible and, within a year of Bannister’s record, 37 more runners broke the 4-minute barrier. A year later another 300 broke it. The powerful magic that made it possible was simply a change in belief!

• Most of the time when our approach shot finishes a long way from the pin it’s because we’ve judged the distance incorrectly. A great way to remedy this is to rehearse the shot with a practice swing, picturing the ball flying through the air and coming down next to the pin. At this stage check to see where your hands and club finish, play the shot and try to make your hands and club finish in the same place. You’ll find your ball travels the correct distance.

Seve Ballesteros

Finite golf app If you would like a real time one to one lesson with one of our hundreds of professionals download our app for free. Android: Finite golf Apple: Finite apps golf

The Local Buzz • May - June 2021

• Remember that it’s just a game. You, and the players playing behind you, are there to enjoy yourselves. If the players behind are playing quicker, let them play through, you will all enjoy your game more.

WELL BEING

IN THE PINK Or green, or yellow, or blue ... The colours we wear can make a difference to our mental and physical well-being, not to mention our confidence as we start to step back into socialising. Colour can be used to express personality, send subliminal messages about our mood and even attract a mate! Isaac Newton developed the first circular diagram of colour in 1666, but it was Johann Wolfgang Goethe who created a new version, an equilateral triangle that showed the psychological effects of colour, researching the sensations created when colour reached our brain and how they shaped our perceptions. When Keith Jacobs and Frank Justmyer tested the reactions of 24 men with four primary colours in 1974, for example, they found that the galvanic skin response (GSR) showed that red was significantly more arousing than blue or yellow, and that green caused more of a reaction than blue. That stacks up with what we know about red being the colour of passion and intensity but what about the others? What do they represent and how do we react to them? Can they change our mood and build our confidence? Colour psychology divides colours into two: warm and cold. On the warm side there are reds, oranges and yellows which can generate anger and hostility as well as warmth and comfort. Cold colours such as violet, blue and green may make us feel sad whilst, on the positive side, can also generate a sense of calm. Affecting both ourselves and others, wearing a particular colour sends a message, whether it be subliminal or not.

M E L LO W YE L LO W

Need cheering up or want to represent energy and joy, or simply need to focus? Wearing yellow brings positivity, improved creativity and is great for when we need to feel calm or make decisions. It is associated with intelligence and inspiration but, like red, too much of it can cause stress and anxiety so team it with another colour for the best effect.

FUN ORANGE

N AT U R E ’S GREEN

Our blood pressure and heart rate can be decreased by wearing green, the soothing colour of nature, rest, peace and love. Calming and creating a sense of balance, green is seen to represent intelligence and can project trustworthiness.

As a mix of red and yellow, orange stimulates, focussing our minds on physical comforts as well as sensuality. It can put us in a positive and energetic mood, help with creativity, increase our sense of fun and bring optimism and emotional balance. To others it can be joyous but, beware, orange overkill can cause anxiety.

CO M F O RT I N G B ROW N

Brown is what they call a silent colour, one that is associated with trust, justice, stability and support. That’s why wrapping ourselves up in a favourite brown jumper or throw will help us to feel safe, warm and calm.

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WELL BEING

G LO R I O U S P I N K

To the mind, pink is a powerful yet calming colour, representing femininity and, due to female reproductivity, our very own survival. Tranquillity, sexuality, love, innocence, tenderness and even nutrition are all related to this positive colour. Generally calming, over exposure can be exhausting and emotionally overwhelming.

N EUT RA L G REY

As we might expect, grey is a fairly neutral colour which, in its purest form, has no direct psychological effects and, as such, indicates indifference, lack of energy or even depression. It can be a balancing colour but dark grey is likely to generate negative feelings around trust.

PU RPLE CL ARI T Y

Sophisticated and somewhat regal, purple can boost energy levels, help us to focus, clear our mind and help with meditation. Associated with quality, spirituality and intuition, it lends itself to innovation, creativity and luxury but too much of it can have the opposite effect, leading to feelings of inferiority and selfdoubt.

PU RE W HI T E

At the other end of the scale we have white, a clean, hygienic and pure colour that projects innocence, simplicity and peace. Whilst it can transmit a sense of coldness or elitism, it usually leads to positive feelings of relaxation, peace of mind and calm. It’s easy to see why clothes in black and white are so popular, creating a balance between these strong emotions.

PO WERF UL BL ACK

CO O L B LU E

Blue is a relaxing, cool colour, lowering blood pressure and acting almost like a sedative. The hue can have an effect too with a dark blue helping the thought process and a lighter tone aiding concentration. Whilst it can appear cold and indifferent, it also depicts trust, intelligence, a sense of duty and logic. Studies have shown that it can help us to be more creative but take care, it can deepen a depression if we are already feeling “blue”.

H OT R E D

The most reactionary colour is red which is linked to passion, danger, love and desire. It can increase heart and respiratory rates, blood pressure and even our appetite, and may also affect our humour, making us more aggressive. It also depicts strength and leadership, improving confidence in ourselves and others.

When all the colours on the spectrum are mixed, they create black which, as we might expect, has significant connotations. This is a serious, authoritative colour and, as such, can absorb energy, create barriers and be seen to be threatening or even oppressive. So why do so many of us wear it? It has a great positive side that makes us feel and look sophisticated and glamorous, emotionally safe and capable and, sometimes, brings out our inner rock-chick! Be careful though, too much of it and it can trigger depression, fear and sadness.

The Local Buzz • May - June 2021

Wearing the right colour can also be flattering, reducing the effects of tiredness, improving our skin tone and boosting confidence as a result. There are a number of fun, free colour analysis tests online such as this one at bit.ly/3w63R2J. Other features on mental health and wellness can also be found in our Articles section online.

ASK

ADVICE

KATIE!

ADVICE

Katie Gardner is a fully-qualified CBT Counsellor and 11-year expat based on the border of 47/24. She’s here to answer your questions.

Caption

100% effective and now we are told there may be a third wave. That’s not “normal”. This builds uncertainty – which feeds anxiety.

We have developed the habit

www.kgcounselling.com of avoiding other people,

Sonia J writes: My husband and I, having managed to stay friends throughout these lockdowns, are becoming increasingly anxious each time we near the opening up of society again. And each time we get closer, only to get restricted again, the anxiety increases. But we are not normally anxious people! What’s happening?

Hello Sonia The BBC did some research in 2018 (www.bbc. in/2QqI9Xk) about how prisoners, on their release, can suffer from a form of social anxiety and see threat and suspicion everywhere. I think this is very similar. We keep being told life is going to “return to normal”. But the pandemic hasn’t ended, no vaccination is

LEGAL

ADVICE Sarah Bright Thomas is an Avocat Associé and Partner at Bright Avocats. www.brightavocats.com

Life concern questions can be sent to Katie c/o buzzing@thelocalbuzzmag.com

Melanie H writes My French aunt has died, leaving two properties to her three nieces. My two cousins (I am English, they are French) do not want to sell them but I can only see the dilapidated houses draining us in terms of upkeep and repairs. Is there anything that I can about this? Hello Melanie It is, thankfully, possible to end the joint ownership of real estate in France. This is done by requesting the court to sell the properties at a legal auction. Speaking French with Indeed, if one of the friends builds joint owners wishes confidence

Caption

quashing our natural desire to hug each other and to be close with those we care about. We have suppressed so many of our natural responses, we’re not even sure what is acceptable to others now. I might want to hug a friend but will that friend want me to hug them? Previously these things would have been just our natural responses but now we have to micro-manage ourselves on a continuous basis. Add to that the fact that the

extent of our conversational expertise for the past year has been discussing paint colours with the cat and it’s no wonder we’re feeling challenged by it all. It might also be that you have really enjoyed the solitude and lack, or at least diminution, of social demands and perhaps you don’t even want to step back into life as you used to know it. This is the time to reassess what you do, and more importantly, do not want your social and working life to look like.

to sell their share, the others have a right of first refusal but if they do not wish to buy the share, nor do they agree to put the property up for sale, then this can be forced through the courts. As the procedure is lengthy and expensive, before you go ahead with the court procedure, one must

always try to resolve the issue amicably. This is the reason why, as part of our advice and service, we always start this type of case by writing a detailed letter to the reluctant owners, explaining the legal situation and the consequences of their refusal to end the joint ownership.

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FINANCE

Andrea Glover

PROPERTY MATTERS Andrea Glover, International Financial Adviser at The Spectrum IFA Group, highlights the questions that she is being asked most frequently at the moment by both existing and prospective clients. The subject of owning property in the UK as a French tax resident is a hot topic right now. There are many reasons for deciding to keep properties in the UK when moving to France. Whether it be a ‘bolt hole’ to go back to for those who frequently return to the UK for family or work, or as an investment to generate rental income to supplement retirement. Several potential French and UK tax consequences need to be considered when owning property in the UK. In general terms these include:

WEALTH TAX Wealth tax in France is called Impôt sur la Fortune Immobilière (IFI). The assets that are taxable under IFI are all worldwide real estate and investments in real estate which includes, amongst others, the main home as well as second homes. Business property

assets are exempted subject to certain conditions. The tax is triggered by eligible net property wealth of more than €1.3 million. For UK expatriates living in France, foreign assets are exempt from wealth tax for the first five years.

CAPITAL GAINS TAX (CGT) As a French tax resident selling property in the UK, you are liable to CGT both in the UK and in France. Since 2015, the UK has applied CGT on the sale of property of former residents noting that private residence relief, if applicable, is available for the final nine months of ownership. It is only the gain from April 2015 that is taxable and the normal tax free allowance (currently £12,570) also applies. French CGT and social charges are applicable in France on the sale of a UK property and are based on duration of ownership. Some exemptions

The The Local Local Buzz Buzz •• May May -- June June 2021 2021

do apply, for example when the property was the principal residence in the previous 12 months, although certain conditions apply. Under the UK/France double tax treaty, UK expatriates can receive a credit in France for any UK CGT paid on the sale of the UK property, but they cannot offset any UK CGT paid against a social charge payment.

UK PROPERTY RENTAL INCOME

Rental income from a UK property, when resident in France, still requires the completion of a UK tax return. As a result of the UK/France double tax treaty, income tax and social charges are not payable in France. However, it is important to note that this income is still declarable in France and is taken into account when establishing the tax bands applicable for all other declarable income.

INHERITANCE TAX ON A PROPERTY HELD IN THE UK The subject of French inheritance tax is a complex subject that could justify an article in its own right, but in general terms, under the UK/French Double Tax Treaty on inheritance tax, the UK property would fall under UK inheritance rules and applicable taxes. In summary, owning property in the UK has potential tax consequences in both the UK and France and, as with all such matters, I would recommend that you seek the advice of a suitable expert in all circumstances. www.spectrum-ifa.com/ financial-advisor-france/ andrea-glover The article above is provided for information purposes only. It does not constitute advice or a recommendation from The Spectrum IFA Group.

59 59

PUZZLES

Crossword

Planning a visit to an art gallery or museum? The answers to this crossword may come in handy. The clues are in English but the answers are in French. Enjoy!

ACROSS 2. The fine arts 6. A ticket 8. A painting 11. A watercolour (painting) 13. The guard 14. To paint

15. A sketch 16. An exhibition 17. A work of art

DOWN 1. An oil (painting) 3. A map

4. Abstract 5. Realistic 7. The free entry 8. A still life 9. A masterpiece 10. A museum 12. A drawing

With special thanks to Puzzles to Print. www.puzzles-to-print.com. For the crossword solution go to page 65.

Wordsearch Don some sunglasses, sit in the sun and enjoy! Some of the words are in the articles, some are things we come across in life. You will find them running from side to side, top to bottom, bottom to top and, just for fun, diagonally.

SWIMMING POOL WATER

EQUILATERAL

SPORT

CONFIDENCE

ALARM

VIOLET

BOATS

ICEMAKER

VELO

OLIVE

DUNE

HISTORIC

WOAD

SUBLIMINAL

OYSTERS

INTENSITY

TYPICAL

LIFTS

DRUG

TRIANGLE

LILY

CANOE

SHEER

LETTERS

TOLL

YELLOW

HERO

YOUTHFUL

BIRDS

MELLOW

TREASURE

ARRAY DISHY COLOUR YOGA SHAVED WINES PAIR BIKED RANDONEE SAND ENTRE DEUX MERS FAULTY FINEST LEVEL TOUR

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Business Directory

NEW BUILD & RENOVATION 07 80 58 39 60 or 06 75 51 89 13 laquercyoak@gmail.com greyrobert4.wixsite.com/ quercy-oak

A family run business specialising in removals, storage and shipping throughout Europe. Fully registered and insured.

To advertise email: buzzing@thelocalbuzzmag.com

Artisans & Services

Please contact us for advice and quotations: www.safehandshaulage.com Email: info@safehandshaulage.com In France: 05 53 79 26 48

The best place to get carpets and flooring for your French home! Carpets, vinyls, laminate and wood flooring, and LVT (luxury vinyl tiles) from leading manufacturers. Home visits free and without obligation in all of France You contact us - we come to you - job done! Or visit our new showroom, see website for details.

www.jon-thecarpetman.com

Tel: 09 63 56 23 10 or 06 42 19 82 12 Email: jonthecarpetman@gmail.com

Buzz The Local

FINANCE

& Gers Garonne For those living, working or visiting Dordogne, Lot et•Garonne, Gironde, Haut Garonne, Tarn et Garonne &&Gers or For et Garonne A Lifestyle Magazine & Website for • Gironde • Dordogne Lot et Garonne • LotLot, • Gers • Tarn et Garonne • N.Haute Garonne those A Lifestyle Tarn • N.Haute living, Magazine working Garonne, et Garonne Websitevisiting Haut • Tarn for • Gironde Dordogne, • Gers Lot et•Garonne, • Dordogne • LotLot, Gironde, Lot et Garonne Gironde, Lot et Garonne • LotLot, Lot et•Garonne, Haut • Gers Garonne, • Tarn • Dordogne et Garonne Dordogne, Tarn et Garonne • N.Haute for • Gironde or visiting & Gers Garonne working & Website Magazine those living, For A Lifestyle 2021

DECEMBER 2020 & JANUARY

POSITIVE THOUGHTS

The Racing Line

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ROSES!

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JULY & AUGUST 2020

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Artisans & Services Family business offering removal services UK/France

Charity Association Beauville 47470 Sous les cornières Place de la Mairie

2020 Calendar – A4, local scenes available at shop and on website www.boncoeur47.fr

We raise money through our shop (selling clothes & accessories, brocante, books…) and events like book sale / bazaars. We then pass funds on to other good causes (human and animal).

Over €75,000 gifted by Jan 2020

Boutique open: Tues, Wed, Fri – 2 -4pm

Established for over 30 years offering a regular and reliable service.

Thurs: 3 – 5pm Fri & Sun: 10 – 12noon www.boncoeur47.fr 0689 53 24 78 boncoeur@boncoeur47.fr Bon Coeur Contact us for large donations or if coming from afar

QUOTE

COLLECTION

DELIVERY

• • • •

Fully Insured Regular Service Containerised Storage Packing Services

on 0121 353 7263 or email sales@franklinsremovals.co.uk

www.franklinsremovals.co.uk

Roy and Janet Byrne Tel: 05 53 36 34 75 maconfiture@aol.com

Excavation & Levelling Vegetation, Tree & Woodland Clearance www.marsdengroundworks.com

D LEVELLING OODLAND CLEARANCE

Thursday – Eymet Friday – Ste-Livrade sur Lot Saturday – Villereal Sunday – Chateau Stelsia, St Sylvestre

Les Bons Voisins

property management throughout france

no job too small, no project too large

exceptional service at competitive prices

key holding . caretaking . maintenance . supervision changeovers . cleaning . gardening . mail forwarding

. admin help . translation

friendly people providing professional help to home owners in france www.LBVfrance.com 62

e:info@LBVfrance.com

t:+33 (0)5 62 29 26 62

To advertise email: buzzing@thelocalbuzz.com

Alcoholics Anonymous If you or someone you know has a drinking problem join one of the English speaking AA meetings across SW France. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help others achieve sobriety. Sharing experience, strength and hope Call Angela: 05 49 87 79 09 or Bill: 06 14 27 21 90 www.aafrance.net

To advertise email: buzzing@thelocalbuzz.com

FRANCE

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, has been providing lifelong support to our Forces and their families since 1885. We understand the unique demands of service life, whether it’s on UK soil or overseas. Support is available for people at any stage in their military career – no one’s service is ever forgotten. Email: france.branch@ssafa.org.uk Tel: 05 53 24 92 38 ssafa.org.uk/france

Registered as a charity Number 210760, SC038056, 20202001

Artisans & Services

Business Directory

Artisans & Services French Admin

C’est la vie...facile! 06 72 49 45 14 https://frenchadmin.fr contact@frenchadmin.fr Dealing with all your needs in French administration. From Carte vitale to Residency permits, utilities, and driving licences...Sit back and we will deal with it all. 10% off (1st order): LocalBuzz

Specialist in Swedish and deep tissue massage

cgrasby@gmx.co m

ENGLISH SPEAKING DEMENTIA SUPPORT SOUTH DORDOGNE We have funding to start a new group with professional support. If you are interested in joining us as a carer or possible volunteer please contact us. Tel: 06 09 21 06 09 or Email: cgrasby@gmx.com

www.francealzheimer.org/dordogne

AM Cleaning & Property Services • Holiday Home Maintenance & Setup • Window Cleaning • High Pressure Cleaning • Gardening & Lawn Mowing • Hard Water & Calcium Stain Removal • Labouring & Handyman Adrian & Michelle Dear +33 7800 126 05

amcleaningfr@gmail.com Based in Sarlat but willing to travel Siret: 847 797 305 000 12 Sarlat la Caneda 24200

To advertise email: buzzing@thelocalbuzz.com

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Next Issue It’s warming up and the really hot days are on their way. Whilst we wait, our crystal ball is still a little cast over with that Covid cloud. We try our best to be topical but, to be honest, we can’t be sure that we can stay on topic! So, with the best will in the world, this is what we hope to bring you in the next issue - but it could change!

Crossword

solution Here is the solution to the crossword on page 60.

• Summer fun: Plus All that summer has to offer What’s On, Local • Gardening: Sunny side up Entrepreneur • Expert: Financial advice and much, • Out and about: Tours and visits much more • Well being: Skin care in the heat • Property: Makeovers and renovations • Food and drink: Seasonal treats • Entertainment: Courses and hobbies advertise The Local Buzz • May -To June 2021 email: buzzing@thelocalbuzz.com

JUST DRONING

ok A tongue-in-cheek lo

at...

Progressing with the French language by the editor W

hilst our lives have been changed for what seems like forever at the moment, we have to marvel at the way that nature just carries on as normal. The grass has flourished from a dull looking 4cm to a long, lush bright green in what seemed to be the blink of an eye. This, of course, was exactly when the rideon was in for repair, only to return in time for me to end up in a ditch by the road. A local French farmer rescued me, simply lifting it out and this is a commercial grade ride-on! He did seem somewhat relieved though. In my dishevelled, slightly exhausted state, I had said I was in the fosse, not fossé! I shan’t make that mistake again.

Moving to France some 17 years ago, we picked up all sorts of new terminology, especially with our first renovation project. For all of us in those situations, les prises de courant, les robinets, la chaudière, les double vitrages and other such joys all become normal lingo during the works. Then we pick up more as our lives progress and, having gone through a stage of mixing it all up (once saying “Desolée I was perdued” when I arrived late), now I have entered yet another new vocabulary world as we await the arrival of a baby in the family. French baby showers, bébé terminology and, most of all, French customs have come into their own. Indeed, French people

who we hardly know are knitting booties and outfits, sending gifts and offering all sorts of what appear to be brand spanking new “hand-me-downs”. The kindness is extraordinary and totally unexpected, and everyone seems to be so excited and delighted that such a happy event is coming in these difficult Covid times. “Félicitations, c’est fantastique !” Cuddly moments will see the donning of gigoteuse which are different to grenouillères, and which sound like they should be made for my pal la grenouille (Fred the frog) who is back in the pool, whilst a hunt for hats has introduced us to chapeaux, bonnets and casquettes (Ascot ready, not). Then, there are the

lit parapluie and parcs, cocoons and cododos (such a cute word, they go on the side of the bed) and, when it’s time for a “proper” sleep, the suitably adorned lit bébé. A rockin’ 4-wheel-drive 3-in-1 poussette has been assembled using French instructions (those MFI days have served me well) and surveillance via a video/2-way “coucou”/ thermometer thingy is ready for action. It wasn’t like this in my day! Meanwhile, we are looking forward to even more bébés, this time in the outdoor pizza oven where, just like last year, a beautiful nest has appeared. Les quatre fromages, chorizo et champignons will just have to wait! C’est la vie…

www.thelocalbuzzmag.com

AP_GOURMET_DE_FRANCE_210X270_FU.indd 1

28/04/2016 16:01

LEGGETT IMMOBILIER

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE YOU CAN TRUST

ARE YOU THINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING A FRENCH PROPERTY? • Over 10,000 properties on our websites • Thousands of clients ready to buy • Global visibility through top-ranked websites • Specialised, multilingual teams

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+33 (0)5 53 60 84 88 www.leggettfrance.com info@leggett.fr

Bent u Nederlands (sprekend), wilt u werken vanuit huis en ambieert u een carrière als makelaar?

DAN ZIJN WIJ OP ZOEK NAAR U! Neem vandaag nog contact met mij op! Joppe Louwrier+33 (0)5 53 60 82 77 recruitment@leggett.fr

The Local Buzz May & June 2021

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