THE NORMANDY
ADVERTISER 95c
ISSUE 28
APRIL 2012
PUBLISHERS OF
News and What’s on information for Normandy and the surrounding area
Cherbourg marks the Titanic’s stop PLUS 3 PAGES OF EASTER WHAT’S ON EVENTS P8-10
Cyclists unite to fight Mont St Michel bike ban AUTHORITIES in charge of the Mont Saint Michel have been urged to rethink plans to ban bicycles from accessing the famous monument. Two cycling groups have written a joint letter to the local mayor and the BasseNormandie préfecture arguing that the ban is unnecessary and possibly illegal. Bike users’ federation FUB, which represents hundreds of independent cycling groups around France, and the Fédération Française de Cyclotourisme say limiting bike access at the busiest times would be enough. Another local cycling group, Vélocité, is considering legal action if the ban is not overturned. From April 28, the car park at the foot of Mont Saint Michel will be moved 2km inland, as works get under way to turn the site back into a natural island accessible only by a new bridge. FUB president Geneviève Laferrère said: “We want the mayor to reconsider his decision, which we think is contrary to the law. “Short-term restrictions on bikes to allow the works to be carried out, and at particularly busy times, would be enough.”
World heritage bid for valley by SAMANTHA DAVID DETERMINED efforts are under way for the Seine valley and the beautiful Côte d’Albâtre in Haute-Normandie to become recognised as an official Unesco world heritage site. The Seine-Maritime departmental council has two full-time officials working on the project, which will be a long process requiring intense lobbying. Department president Didier Marie, who is leading the Vallée de Seine and the Côte d'Albâtre campaign, said the tourist industry would support the bid and that formal Unesco recognition would enhance the region’s unique identity. However, the bid could be complicated by a potential conflict of interest, as plans are under way to re-industrialise and develop parts of the region. Mr Marie said he did not see a conflict between economic development and a Unesco listing. He said it is just a matter of putting everything in the right place, and defining the areas to be protected with precision and care. Continued on page 3
M 05198 - 28 - F: 0,95 E
Am I from Normandy? Sometimes, says election hopeful Hollande
3:HIKPLJ=]UU^ZX:?a@k@c@i@k;
Page 4
Send international money transfers the easy way. Your high street bank offers foreign exchange as part of its service. At HiFX, foreign exchange is our business.
¸ Bank beating exchange rates online or over the phone ¸ Track payments 24 hours a day ¸ Transfer from as little as £50 ¸ VeriSign security used by 97 of the World’s top 100 banks
Don’t let the banks cash in. www.hifx.co.uk
2 News THE NORMANDY
www.normandyadvertiser.com
With a story, email: normandynews@connexionfrance.com (please include a daytime contact number) With a subscription or advert query call: From France: 0800 91 77 56 (freephone) From UK: 0844 256 9881 (4p per minute) or by email: sales@connexionfrance.com The Advertiser is published by: English Language Media Sarl, Le Vedra, 38 rue Grimaldi, 98000 Monaco. Directrice de la publication: Sarah Smith. Printed at Nice-M Matin, 214 Route de Grenoble, 06290 Nice Cedex 3. Environmental policy The Advertiser is printed on recycled newspaper, using a printing company which adheres to stringent regulations to reduce pollution.
Mensuel Depôt légal – a parution ISSN: 2226-9517 CPPAP: PROV007350 Encart abonnement sur une diffusion partielle. Read the Advertiser online at www.normandyadvertiser.com
Contents News What’s On Feature Business
1-7 8-11 12-13 14
Food Directory Home and garden Property
15 16-17 18-19 20-23
Useful Numbers EMERGENCY NUMBERS 18: Emergencies: Calls the fire brigade (Sapeurs Pompiers), but they deal with medical emergencies and are usually the first port of call in rural areas. 112: Emergency calls from your mobile: Be ready with your name and where you are calling from and do not hang up until told to do so. 17: Police (gendarmes) 119: Child abuse. 1616: Sea and lake rescue. 01 40 05 48 48: Anti-poison centre (Paris) 08 10 33 30 + your department number (eg 76 for Seine-Maritime): Gas & electricity emergencies UTILITIES FRANCE TELECOM Website in English: www.francetelecom.com To report a fault online: www.1013.fr (click on the UK flag). English-speaking helpline: 09 69 36 39 00 (from France); + 33 1 55 78 60 56 (outside France). ORANGE: English-speaking helpline: 09 69 36 39 00. SFR: 1023 (+ 33 6 10 00 10 23 from outside France) FREE: 1044 BOUYGUES: 1034 EDF: 24 hour breakdown line: 08 10 33 30 87; Helpline in English: 05 62 16 49 08; From outside France: + 33 5 62 16 49 08; Email: simpleenergywithedf@edf.fr GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS CAISSE D’ALLOCATIONS FAMILIALES - CAF: www.caf.fr; Tel: 08 10 25 14 10. L’ASSURANCE MALADIE (AMELI, formerly known as CPAM – the health service): www.ameli.fr; Tel: 36 46 (MonFri, 8am-5pm) English spoken. URSSAF: English-language website: www.anglais.urssaf.fr - Calvados - 22 rue d'Isigny, 14045 CAEN CEDEX 9 Tel: 08 20 39 51 40 | Manche - 50013 SAINT LO CEDEX Tel: 08 20 39 55 00 | Orne Pôle d'activités d'Ecouves, Rue François Arago, 61250 VALFRAMBERT Tel. 08 20 39 56 10 | Eure - Parc d'activité de la Forêt, Rue Henri Becquerel, BP 250 27092 EVREUX CEDEX 9 Tel: 08 20 39 52 70 | Seine-Maritime - 61 rue Pierre Renaudel, BP 2035X, 76040 ROUEN CEDEX 1 Tel: 08 20 39 57 60 PREFECTURE: Calvados - rue Daniel Huet, 14038 CAEN CEDEX 9 Tel: 02 31 30 64 00 | Manche - place de la Préfecture, CS 10419, 50009 ST LO
CEDEX Tel: 02 33 75 49 50 | Orne - 39 rue Saint Blaise, 61019 ALENCON CEDEX Tel. 02 33 80 61 61 | Eure boulevard Georges Chauvin, 27022 EVREUX CEDEX Tel: 02 32 78 27 27 | Seine-Maritime - 7 place de la Madeleine, 76000 ROUEN Tel: 02 32 76 55 00 OTHER HELP IN ENGLISH COUNSELLING IN FRANCE: for a qualified therapist near you or counselling over the telephone; www.counsellinginfrance.com SOS HELP: Similar to the Samaritans, listeners who are professionally trained; Tel: 01 46 21 46 46; www.soshelpline.org NO PANIC FRANCE: for help with anxiety disorders; Tel: 02 51 28 80 25; www.nopanic.org.uk ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: Bilingual meetings French/English: Picauville (50) At: Centre Socio-Culturel, Prieuré (opposite the church) Tel: 02 33 40 66 53, Friday at 20:00 | Alençon (61) At: 22 Rue Porchaine, Alençon Tel: 02 43 24 88 40 Monday at 20:30-22:00 CANCER SUPPORT FRANCE: for advice and someone to talk to: www.cancersupportfrance.info National Office: Email cancersupportfrance@orange.fr; Tel: 05 45 89 30 05. SOLDIERS, SAILORS, AIRMEN AND FAMILIES ASSOCIATION FORCES (SSAFA): In France: 05 53 01 64 54; Email: france@ssafa.org.uk AVF: Help with French life www.avf.asso.fr OTHER INFO YELLOW PAGES: www.pagesjaunes.fr SPEAKING CLOCK: 3699. WEATHER: 08 92 68 02 + dept. number. LAST INCOMING CALL ON YOUR PHONE: 3131, then ‘5’ if you wish to connect. BRITISH CONSULATE British Consular Services, Paris: Postal address: British Embassy, BP111-08, 75363 Paris Cedex 08. Tel : 01 44 51 31 00 Tel (after hours Emergency Service only): 01 44 51 31 00 PUBLIC HOLIDAYS THIS MONTH April 9 - Easter Monday
Normandy Clubs and Associations Alliance Anglo-Normande A helping hand to integrate through French lessons, meetings and a social calendar, with members of many nationalities. Based between Livarot and Vimoutiers. secretary.normande@orange.fr www.alliance-anglo-normande.info Amicale Culturelle Européenne Offers cultural events and welcomes all nationalties www.amicale-culturelle.eu president@amicale-culturelle.eu Calvados Polo Club Polo matches and events in Lisieux area (14). Open to non-members. Mme Garmond: 02 31 31 19 85 calvadospoloclub@free.fr
April 2012
Business people welcome law on right to fast internet
CONTACT US
ADVERTISER
Normandy Advertiser
Writers in France Relaxed, friendly creative writing group which meets on first Tuesday of every month at the Bistrot du Coin in Passais kitty.stephens@virgin.net Royal British Legion Normandy/Calvados district branch Goona Naidu: 02 31 78 36 40 Ron Matthews: elronmat@wanadoo.fr www.rblnormandy.wordpress.com "Ville-Beau-Son" Choir Anglo-French choir based in Villebaudon (50). Welcomes enthusiastic singers of all abilities. Meets every Wednesday at 20.30 at the Salle Culturelle. Sylvia Miles: 02 33 59 21 81or 02 33 51 13 20 moulin50410@hotmail.com
BUSINESS PEOPLE in Normandy have welcomed an initiative aimed at making ADSL broadband a legal right. A law passed by the Senate, but yet to be debated in the National Assembly, would make internet operators sign legally binding agreements with local authorities for supply of broadband and superfast broadband in their areas. ADSL broadband via the telephone line would become a legal right, at speeds of 2MB by 2014 and 8MB by 2016. Senator Hervé Maurey (Eure), who introduced the law, said there may still be isolated homes that would have to resort to methods like satellite but operators would no longer be able to leave out areas where it is technically feasible to give a good service but less profitable. “If you live on top of a mountain we can’t promise ADSL but we must get as close as possible to 100% - and not just with 512kb like now.” Technical upgrades to lines would be needed to boost the speeds, he said. Valérie Lemière of the Pépinière d'Entreprise Cherbourg-Cotentin, helping busi-
Eure senator Hervé Maurey proposed the new law nessess set up in the Cotentin Peninsula, said poor speeds hamper many people in their work in Basse-Normandie. “In the centre and south of the Manche it causes problems because there are places where the network is of poor quality,” she said. “Even in parts of Saint-Lô people can’t have more than 800kb and today you need to send a lot of rich content - people make videos and have conversations on Skype. In villages where there is no ADSL it is a real nuisance, especially for selfemployed people who work
from home, as many Englishspeakers do; and if you work a lot with people abroad, and send heavy files it’s very annoying. This law would be good news because they could demand connections be put in place.” The founder of business networking body the Normandy Business Group, Judy Mansfield, said: “Some members don’t have broadband and it really impacts on their lives and businesses. Some of them have to use satellite and pay the earth. When people are sending bigger and bigger
files it severely hampers them. The internet now, with the entrepreneurial revolution and people working from home, is your shop window. “It’s like having the shutters down - if people coming past can’t get to it they will go to someone whose shop is open, and you may have lost a lifetime customer.” She added: “The phone line system needs upgrading drastically. If you drive down any country lane you see lines almost dangling on the floor. Internet quality is often dreadful with constant dropping out, and that makes you look unprofessional, especially as many business people hold meetings via Skype.” Martin Gardner who runs the Normandy version of the website AngloINFO said: “In rural Normandy there is no possibility to get ADSL through your landline. We use 1mb, through WiMax [a local wifi transmitter]. We’re too far away from the exchange. It’s due to under-investment by France Telecom - our landline crackles when you talk on it. “They would have to make massive investments to meet targets in the law.”
200 new jobs at Lisieux firm A TELEPHONE marketing firm in Alençon has announced it is expanding, with a new office in Lisieux and the creation of 200 new jobs. Euro CRM, which provides outsourced call centres to firms, has received €700,000 of financial help from the regional council to set up the new base and train tele-sales staff. The firm’s workforce will almost treble, from 120 at present.
Manche rural trade boost THE MANCHE department is taking part in a new scheme to become a “centre of rural excellence”. The joint project, between the regional council, préfecture and state, aims to provide €5.3m in funding to 30 new projects that aim to boost the local economy, encourage local production and help to develop trade. The funding agreement was signed in Saint-Lô last month.
Inheritance Solutions French inheritance rules may mean that your worldwide estate will not be distributed according to your wishes.
May 13 date for marathon
Look after those that matter.
MORE than 9,000 runners are expected to take part in the 15th Mont Saint Michel marathon on May 13. Six races of differing lengths are planned, including a nordic walking race for the first time this year. The starting point is Cherrueix, in the Ille-etVilaine (Brittany). The finish line will once again be at the foot of the monument.
www.siddalls.fr
Jennie Poate, Regional Manager Tel French Head Office: 05 56 34 75 51 Email: northwest.office@siddalls.net French finance in plain English Siddalls France SASU, Parc Innolin, 3 Rue du Golf, 33700 Mérignac - RCS BX 498 800 465. C.I.F. No E001669 auprès de ANACOFI-CIF association agréée par l’Autorité des Marchés Financiers et Courtier d’Assurances, Catégorie B - ORIAS 07 027 475. Garantie Financière et Assurance de Responsabilité Civile Professionnelle conformes aux articles L 541-3 du Code Monétaire et Financier et L 512-6 et 512-7 du Code des Assurances.
Unesco recognition would give area a welcome boost
Boat motor thefts on rise POLICE in the Manche are dealing with a growing number of boat motor thefts. More than 50 cases have been reported in the department since last December. Local fishermen say the spate of thefts is jeopardising their ability to do their job.
Continued from Page 1
Goats keep castle tidy TWO new helpers have been hired to look after the grounds of the Château des Ducs in Caen – a pair of male goats. The animals, with their impressive climbing skills, have started eating their way through excess vegetation on the castle’s steep remparts and are considered significantly more efficient than a human with a lawnmower. Two females will be introduced shortly, in the hope that the team will reproduce. Photo: Fred - Fotolia.com
Airlift rescue from tides AIRBORNE coastguards came to the rescue of four people who found themselves trapped by the approaching tide on the beach at Pointe d’Agon near Coutances (Manche). A passer-by alerted the authorities, who airlifted them to safety. Two people were taken to hospital suffering from shock and mild hypothermia. Tides on the Normandy coastline can be very strong and sudden, and beachgoers are reminded to always check the times before venturing out.
COUNCILLORS in SaintHilaire-du-Harcouët have voted to tighten their belts, cutting back parts of the town’s spending. The town hall official in charge of the budget, Francis Langlois, said savings were being sought “in every area” following a funding freeze from the state.
Looking for journalists The Normandy Advertiser is looking for a bilingual freelance journalist to join the team. Must be an experienced news reporter and based locally. Around four - five days’ work available each month. Please send a CV and examples of published work to editor@connexionfrance.com
Mr Marie points out that the Loire valley, for all its vineyards, fabulous scenery and stunning chateaux, also contains several nuclear power stations. Yves Dauge, a former senator who spent six years lobbying for parts of the Loire valley to become a Unesco world heritage site, said that to qualify, a site has to be considered unique. It does not just have to be beautiful, or large or even of huge value to humans. Mr Dauge, who now works as a consultant for Unesco, said the authorities in the area would need to prove that there was a mechanism for protecting the site. This should not be an issue, because the Boucles de la Seine natural regional park already protects the relevant section of the Seine valley and preservation programmes are already in place for the cliffs on the Channel coastline. There are, however, other difficulties associated with the bid. If other regional groups are lobbying for the inclusion of other sites in the same area, then it becomes a competition between them as to which has the best claim. In Normandy, there is a long-standing lobby, supported notably by former minister Simone Veil, calling for the inclusion of the beaches used in the Normandy landings to become Unesco world heritage sites in 2014, which is the 70th anniversary of D-Day. Mr Marie said he did not believe that the Normandy landing beaches were in direct competition with the Unesco bid, because their heritage is primarily historical whereas his project focuses on natural beauty.
The stunning cliffs at Etretat, on the Côte d’Albâtre are already protected. A Unesco listing could help boost tourism
Author and artist links could help bid NORMANDY’S long association with Impressionist artwork, and its rich literary history, will be used as one of the themes linking the different areas that will be covered by the world heritage bid. Mr Marie points out that the Seine valley and the Côte d’Albâtre are closely associated with a number of writers including Pierre Corneille, Victor Hugo, Guy Maupassant and Gustave Flaubert, who was born in Rouen. And on an art theme, the region is famous for being popular with painters. Normandy and the
Camille Pissarro
Impressionist movement go hand-inhand – from Claude Monet’s famous depictions of Rouen cathedral to Camille Pissarro’s views of Dieppe, via Auguste Renoir, Edouard Manet and Edgar Degas, the region has fascinated artists. Eugène Boudin had close links with nearby Honfleur, and hundreds of thousands of visitors every year still flock to Monet’s beautiful gardens in Giverny. The team working on the Unesco bid will be emphasising these cultural connections when they make their world heritage site bid to Unesco.
Other ambitious plans to improve region THE UNESCO bid comes as the government is considering a report on developing the Vallée de la Seine, including new road and rail links and better access to the region’s ports. The proposals run to nearly 100 pages and include four main projects: a Paris-Le Havre rail link for passengers and freight, a new road link to the port of Achères via the A104, direct access to the Port 2000 in Le Havre and the construction of a ring road to the east of Rouen. The cost of these four projects alone is estimated at €18bn over the next 10-15 years. In order to manage such ambitious projects, the idea is to create a new committee which includes representatives of local and national state authorities, as well as representatives from the world of business and commerce. One idea on the table is the creation of a University of Normandy via the amalgamation of the faculties at Rouen, Le Havre and Caen. It is hoped that this large university would be able to compete on the world stage.
Photo: Thierry Laloux - Fotolia.com
Saint-Hilaire tightens belt
News 3
www.normandyadvertiser.com
April 2012
Photo: Christian Musat - Fotolia.com
Normandy Advertiser
Rouen: new ring road, rail links, port access and changes to the university Another plan involves bringing the administration of the ports of Le Havre, Rouen and Paris under the same authority, again with the idea that this will help the ports compete within Europe and globally. The ports have already formed an economic partnership which is widely seen as a forerunner of the complete amalgamation.
The re-industrialisation plan aims to attract investments, provide jobs and get the area’s economy thriving again. The aeronautic sector is one area which will be encouraged, along with car-building and research. There is also a plan to construct a freight line between Le Havre, Rouen, Paris and the eastern part of the Ile-de-France.
The energy, logistics and waste disposal industries are also to receive a boost. A further interesting proposition is the proposal to make the valley into a “sustainable development laboratory”. Other areas such as tourism and culture are also to be boosted. One idea is to hold an international exhibition called “The Metropolis of Tomorrow” and another is to regroup three museums – Malraux in Le Havre, Beaux-Arts in Rouen and Eugène-Boudin in Honfleur – under the umbrella label of Musée d’Orsay, which is already a well-known brand to visitors in the capital. The idea is to create a cultural identity for the whole region. Overall, it is hoped that with all these projects and initiatives, the region will lead the way in showing other regions how to get out of the financial crisis and kickstart the economy. Final decisions are not due to be taken until November, and whether or not any of the proposals will alter after the elections remains to be seen.
4 News
www.normandyadvertiser.com
Did you know?
Return of a Rouen native François Hollande was born in Normandy
Sit and watch monkeys, antelopes and Indian rhinoceroses from your zoobservatoire roaming freely. The six yurts have a wooden cladding as insulation, but the interiors are done out in traditional Mongolian style, featuring brightly coloured furniture. Equipped for up to five people, each yurt has a double bed and up to three singles.
Each yurt has its own lavatory, hand basin and shower, but there are no cooking facilities. Picnics can be eaten on tables outside or in the restaurant. While you’re in residence, you have free rein of the zoo and you can even have
a private guided visit. Children can help prepare the animals’ food, track down mystery animals, watch the pelicans at feeding time, or visit the farm. Prices are from €90 a night for a two-person yurt. For details, visit www.cerza.com.
DID you know that François Hollande was born and grew up in Normandy? Well, it seems that the Socialist presidential candidate sometimes forgets the fact. It is not mentioned on his website and when he recently returned to Rouen to launch his presidential campaign, he did not make reference to his birthplace. However, last November, his memory seemed sharper. He visited rue Herbeuse in Rouen, where he grew up and was apparently amazed at how the area had changed and the number of new houses. He remembered childhood incidents and chatted with residents before meeting a neighbour who claimed to remember him from way back. When he left, he even promised to come back soon...
Alençon added to list of shrine towns
Photo: Office de Tourisme du Pays d’Alençon
EVER fancied going on a safari? Well, now you can go on one, without even leaving Normandy. Cerza Zoo near Lisieux (Calvados 14) not only has a great selection of wild animals in huge natural enclosures, it also offers accommodation. You can choose from a zoobservatoire (see photo, right), a safari lodge, or a Mongolian yurt (a circular tent tall enough to stand up in and large enough for furniture). The six wooden zoobservatoires can accommodate up to four people. They consist of a living area (with shower, convertible sofa and kitchenette) plus a double bedroom. They have large windows and private balconies, where you can sit and watch the monkeys, antelopes the two Indian rhinoceroses, Winona and Albrecht. For parties of up to six people, there is a small village of 26 safari lodges, built from natural materials. From them you can watch pelicans and wallabies
April 2012
Photo: besoindegauche — Charles Hendelus - wikimedia.org
Try something wild at a safari lodge in the heart of Normandy
Normandy Advertiser
Alençon hopes to draw more visitors to sites such as the Basilica of Notre-Dame ALENCON has joined a select club of 14 other towns in France called the Association des Villes Sanctuaires. Other towns on the shrine towns list include Mont-Saint-Michel, Chartres and Lourdes. Alençon’s claim to pilgrimage fame is based on it being the birthplace of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux and the hometown of her parents. This year, Alençon hopes to benefit from promoting the town alongside other shrine towns in Brazil, the US and South-East Asia. “It’s very exciting,” says Guillaume Barny, the director of the Tourist Office. “It’s taken several years to achieve this, working closely with the diocese and the association, so it’s a real christening for us. We’ll be better known
as a pilgrimage destination and attract more visitors. It will be like a brand name; it will make people say: ‘There is something at Alençon’, so they will make the detour.” France attracts a huge number of religious tourists - 44% of cultural tourism in France is linked to religion, according to World Tourism Organisation estimates, and Notre Dame alone attracts 13 million visitors annually. The tourist office will use a €50,000 budget to provide better tourist brochures and signage and improve information for families. “We already have good hotels and restaurants,” says Guillaume Barny. “We just want to say: ‘We are here, we are interesting and we are a religious centre - come and discover us’.”
Solidarity stores helping with food and a job plan
Stud farm’s future ‘safe’ THE Prefect of the Orne has quashed rumours that the Haras du Pin national stud farm will be privatised. At a committee meeting, Joël Bouchité said: “There is no handover project. The domain remains the property of IFCE [the French Institute for Horses and Riding].” Bouchité added that a technical committee had been in place since 2008 to work on setting up a mixed trade union between the IFCE, the regional council and the department to ensure the site’s future. There were concerns that given the state of disrepair some buildings in the site would be privatised, but the Haras du Pin is one of five sites in Normandy scheduled to host the World Equestrian Games in 2014. Set in nearly 1,018ha, the stud farm dates to Louis XIV’s reign and is classed as a historical monument and known as the “Versailles for horses”. The oldest of the country’s 20 national stud farms, the site is used for breeding, training and research, as well as sporting and cultural events. It has 200 horses, including 30 stallions.
NORMANDY is home to a growing number of solidarity stores selling groceries and other essential items to lowincome households for around 10-20% of the normal prices. The products in a solidarity store are either donated or bought in at cost price. Fresh fruit and vegetables are recuperated from wholesale markets. Shoppers gain access to solidarity stores via the social services, which give out passes. They can then shop in the normal way, choosing products and paying for them at the till, to avoid the potential embarrassment of queueing up for a charity food box and avoiding the problem of being given food unsuitable for the household in question. The scheme began in the 1980s as a way of extending food aid and reducing the wastage of perfectly edible food. This idea was seen as a way of helping the working poor, the unemployed, and vulnerable people such as pensioners and single parents. Apart from providing access to low-cost shopping, solidarity stores may also run workshops aimed at helping people learn new skills, including household man-
Protests over power line CAMPAIGNERS against the construction of a new high-power overhead power line through the Manche countryside have clashed with police after attempting to sabotage the project by tearing down pylons. About 60 protesters took to the fields around Saint-Maur-des-Bois on the first anniversary of the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan to express their outrage at the 400,000-volt très haute tension (THT) cables, which they say represents a much wider problem with France’s reliance on nuclear power. The protesters brought spanners, crowbars and other tools and started dismantling the steel structures that are gradually being erected in the area. Many of the sites are not protected by any security fencing to keep out intruders. Local residents have been engaged in a six-year legal battle over the 160km network of lines, carrying power from Flamanville on the Cotentin Peninsula. They say that the authorities are being influenced by powerful energy lobbyists and are refusing public calls for a full study into the potential health risks. The Mayor of Le Chefresne, Jean-Claude Bossard joined the protest operation and was involved with a heated exchange with police. He said: “The legal route is no longer enough for us. We’ve realised that the state and [electricity network operator] RTE is using every means available to it to get around the law.”
YOUNG children and elderly residents at a retirement home in Basse-Normandie are enjoying each other’s company thanks to a new partnership project. “The town crèche needed extra space for children of pre-school age and so the project and partnership began,” said Philippe Dussouchet, manager at Les Jardins d’Elsa in Ifs. The retirement home now welcomes 18 children aged between two and four and 40 children are looked after at the main crèche in the town. The crèche is separate from the residents’ areas, but the two groups often get together. “There have been many shared moments at mealtimes and at our grandmothers’ day,” said Mr Dussouchet. And elderly residents have welcomed the idea. “It’s nice for them to have this youth and movement - albeit supervised - especially as they don’t get to see their grandchildren all the time,” he added. Some parents were apprehensive at first because of the unusual set-up, but they have now warmed to the idea of their children learning respect for others.
An épicerie solidaire in Douvres la Délivrande offers low-cost foodstuffs to vulnerable people agement and how to write a CV, as well as giving access to cultural activities and services such as hairdressing. The stores also aim to help by creating work-experience schemes, and jobs for the longterm unemployed. The ethos of solidarity stores is one of helping people through a rough patch and
Miller and Martini in Coutances Bassist Marcus Miller is on the festival line-up
BROADBAND NEW! ANYWHERE via Satellite
Yes, anywhere. Yes, 10Mb guaranteed. Yes, technical support is free.
tooway
TM
Choose from 6, 8 or 10Mb packages Special deal for 2nd home owners
Our Best Seller Fixed Broadband for only 29.50€ 18.95€ for your first 6 months
Quick & easy install
1 hours of free calls to 101+ landline destinations & UK & French mobiles
From just 29.95€
Free UK TV
No line rental & great call packages
INTERNATIONAL artists and local musicians are set to bring a festival feel to Coutances next month with the week-long 31st Jazz sous les Pommiers. The programme ranges from New Orleans jazz to electronic music, and up to 30,000 visitors flock to the festival every year. Spokesperson Séverine Hedouin said: “As well as championing French musicians, we also welcome European and international performers.” This year, Marcus Miller (Miles Davis’s bassist), Archie Shepp, Kurt Elling, Pink Martini and flamenco star Diego El Cigala will perform in the town’s theatres and music halls. The festival will also spill out on to parks and squares as street performers dazzle the crowds. This year’s festival will run from May 12-19. Visit www.jazzsouslespommiers.com for details.
ous NGOs. Most stores are found in underprivileged urban areas including Nord-Pas-de-Calais, Paris and Lyon, but more shops are now opening in rural areas. One of the largest NGOs in the field is Association Nationale de Développement des Epiceries Solidaires (ANDES) founded in 2000.
passes are issued for a fixed term, which is negotiated at the beginning of the contract. This will depend on how the client plans to get back on their feet; through getting training to updating skills, starting a small business, or by finding a job. There are around 500 solidarity stores all over France, run by vari-
Satellite Details
Photo: Bengt Nyman - wikimedia.org
A space for young and old
News 5
www.normandyadvertiser.com
April 2012
Photo: ©PHOTOPQR-OUEST FRANCE-MORICE
Normandy Advertiser
Offered only by UKtelecom
tooway
TM
Freephone 0805 631 632 from France Or +44 (0) 1483 833 795 from the UK
SPECIAL
First for Expats in France
enquiries@uktelecom.uk.net www.uktelecom.net
6 News
Sea pollution plan is tested A SUCCESSFUL test has been carried out of containment methods in the event of an oil spill at sea. After a previous trial at Saint-Vaast-laHouge in 2008, Granville, also in the Manche, was chosen for another run through of the tests, called Operation Polmar. This “life-size” operation - from the words pollution maritime - was based on the scenario of a catastrophe in which 2,200 tons of fuel oil leak out of a ship split by crashing into rocks. Four floating barriers of a total length of 320m, supplied by the Polmar storage centre in Le Havre were put in place according to a time frame that was planned around the cycle of the tides. Equipment for attaching the barriers was put in place permanently, should the methods ever have to be used in a real emergency. A spokesman for the DDTM50, a state body with responsibilities for the sea, JeanMarc Bazière, said: “At Granville the equipment was deployed from 7.00 and tested until 19.30. It worked as it was expected to, so it works and will be retained and validated to be put in place at a future date.” A facility for cleaning up the oil was installed further north at Bricqueville-surMer and its effectiveness is being evaluated, he said, as well as impacts on plant and animal life. A Polmar expert for the Manche, JohnYves Behmer, said part of the exercise was to coordinate the organisation of action between between Polmar specialists and local emergency services like the pompiers. Eventually all the main ports of the Manche are to be tested in this way.
www.normandyadvertiser.com
Normandy Advertiser
April 2012
New barter system set up to exchange skills A RESIDENT of the Eure is launching a new bartering scheme in her town. Marie-Odile Trancart, from Conches-enOuche, wants to create a Système d’Echange Local (SEL) - a way of exchanging skills which does away with the need for money. The scheme, of which there are several hundred in France (18 in Normandy), allows people to offer a given number of minutes of work, in exchange for which they are given points that can be exchanged for another resident’s work. In Conches these units will be called shells, in recognition of the town’s name, which derives from the word. Mrs Trancart said she had held a meeting at the mairie which attracted interest and she expects the scheme to go ahead. “It would allow people to have more dignity,” she said. “Personally I have financial difficulties and a scheme like this means you don’t need to pay anything; simply, in exchange, we give something else. “Everyone is capable of doing something: the moral is that we are not useless. “It can go from dog walking to offering a bouquet of flowers, making a cake, mowing the lawn, building, English lessons…. One minute of your time is equal to one unit - one shell. In my case I have a lot of skills - I used to sew a lot, I've looked after children and I’ve cared for people.” She added: “Other areas have their own units - such as sparrows in Paris, in Vernon it’s apples - and if you travel around France the units are exchangeable - you could, for exam-
Marie-Odile Trancart and a co-founder of SEL Conches, Olivier Magnon-Sarr units they have “spent”, and the system is coordinated by the organising team for the SEL. For more about the SEL in Conches, contact Mrs Trancart on 02 32 29 78 86 or call 02 32 37 15 07 or 06 02 23 16 63. There is a national site at www.selidaire.org
ple, spend a night with someone who is part of a similar scheme.” The SEL works in cooperation between all members, so you do not have to exchange directly with the person whose service you use. Each user has a booklet in which a person doing work for them notes the
Charlie to play Papillons de Nuit
POPULAR: Charlie Winston WELL-KNOWN figures like Britons Pete Doherty and Charlie Winston are playing the Papillons de Nuit festival in the Manche next month. The line-up includes an eclectic mix of both French and international performers, ranging from veterans like Julien Clerc to popular young artists like Nolwenn Leroy. The festival is on May 25-27 in Saint-Laurent-de-Cuves. More details at: www.papillonsdenuit.com
Visit the gardens of the Cotentin Peninsula this spring!
50 electric bikes to go on hire FIFTY electrically-assisted bikes are being bought for a public hire scheme in SaintLô and its surrounding area. The local intercommunal body has picked the local maker Mobiky to supply folding bikes for the scheme. They will be available for rent from this spring, as part of local policies to create integrated transport options for the area.
Discover castles and manor houses nestled in beautiful gardens...
Graphic design: CDT50 Photo copyrights (all rights reserved): Monkey Business & J. Palut for Fotolia.com - Saussey, Jardins d’Argences - X - 02/12
Enjoy restaurants vith a view...
For further information, brochures and special deals, contact Manche Tourism on: + 33 ( 0 ) 2 33 05 98 70 / manchetourisme@manche.fr or book online on : www.normandy-peninsula-holidays.com
Normandy Advertiser
April 2012
Tourism chiefs plan to woo back Brit tourists THE regional tourism committee wants to woo British visitors back to Normandy. It has signed up to a scheme called Grand Ouest en GrandeBretagne, with Brittany and Paysde-la-Loire, travel firms and national tourism body Atout France. They pledged to get more Brits to come to the areas, which are traditional favourites but have seen declining popularity. They will also make the welcome and facilities better, they said. A marketing campaign aimed at the UK lists “Magnifiques markets” and “Mémorables D-Day beaches” as among reasons to come. The regional tourist board has recently launched a Facebook page in English, at facebook.com/ normandy.tourism
“C’est beau ici” the Normandy posters say
Normandy is best place to see the stars NORMANDY is exceptional for a clear view of the stars, show results of the annual Villes et Villages Etoilées (Starry Towns and Villages) contest. Out of six communes in France awarded the top five stars four are in Normandy Irreville and Dame-Marie in the Eure; Cottun in Calvados; and Bellou-le-Trichard in the Orne.
News 7
www.normandyadvertiser.com
Full steam ahead to get engine back on the rails
A beautiful locomotive owned by a steam train enthusiasts’ club in Rouen has had to go into the sidings, but with your help it could get back on track. SAMANTHA DAVID reports A STEAM train enthusiasts’ club in Rouen is appealing for donations and volunteers to help get its steam locomotive back on the rails. The Pacific Vapeur Club was formed in 1983 to restore a magnificent Pacific 231 G558 steam train called La Princesse. This type of locomotive was originally built in the United States for the Pacific Railroad, hence the
name. Three years and 8,000 hours of labour later, the Pacific made its first journey from Sotteville-lès-Rouen to Paris Saint-Lazare on June 29, 1986. “It was very emotional,” says Gilbert Manevy, the club’s spokesperson. “There were huge crowds there, too. It was a massive achievement.” Until 2009, La Princesse made regular weekend jour-
neys around Normandy, delighting engineers and passengers alike. Every 10 years the boiler has to undergo a complete overhaul, which involves stripping down the entire mechanism in order to clean and check each part before it is reassembled. This thorough maintenance is a legal requirement in order for the train to run on SNCF’s lines. The last boiler check was completed in 2003 and involved 1,380 hours of labour and the next one was due in 2013, but the train has not been in use since
2009 when it developed a problem with overheating. “The problem is hugely complex,” says Mr Manevy. “There are hardly any foundries left in France which specialise in this type of work.” It was planned to have the locomotive back on the rails for 2011, but so far that magical moment has proved illusive. “We have 450 club members and about 40 of them work on the locomotive regularly. We get together on Tuesdays and Saturdays. But we’re always happy to welcome new people.
Volunteer for the tour ROUEN is seeking 200 volunteers to help marshall during the Tour de France. There will be no pay, says the mairie, but there will be free celebratory meals, and some souvenirs.
Funds for rural boost THIRTY-THREE projects to boost local rural economies in the Manche will benefit from €5.3 million from a new public body Pôle d’Excellence Rurale. This is a partnership between the state and local authorities.
Members of the Pacific Vapeur Club, above, are keen to get their steam locomotive La Princesse on the rails again by spring 2013
“
It doesn’t matter if you speak English or French. Train people all understand each other
It doesn’t matter if you speak English or French. Train people all understand each other. “We need people with metal and iron-working skills, those who have specialist knowledge. But we’re also looking for someone capable of re-upholstering the seats in the carriages. We have nine of them and they also need upkeeping. And if there’s a millionaire out there who wants to buy us the fabric needed, we wouldn’t turn them away either!” The club raises money through membership subscriptions, ticket sales and donations. “Members get reductions on tickets,” says Mr Manevy. The aim is to get La Princesse back up to steam by spring or summer 2013. If you would like to volunteer, donate or join the association, visit http://pacificvapeurclub. free.fr
8 What’s On
www.normandyadvertiser.com
Calvados
noticeboard
GARDENS
Deauville
MUSIC
April 7 Caroline Loeb in Mistinguett, Madonna …et moi, Casino Theatre, 20.30 – Caroline Loeb first topped the French hit parade in 1987, and now returns with a tribute to the music hall artists and singers who influenced and inspired her: Mistinguett, Joséphine Baker, Régine, Brigitte Bardot, Jane Birkin – all past visitors to Deauville. Some great old songs, some well-known, and some from her own new album.The story of music hall in 90 minutes! Tickets €21, under 21s €15 Call 02 31 14 02 14 or visit www.mistinguettmadonnaetmoi.com
Gorgeous Tinker is just one of the stray cats re-homed by Hélianthus
Photos: © B M Palazon
Giving stray animals chance of happiness hunters and she couldn’t afford the operations he needed. We helped out and in the end, he got better.” The group’s activities are financed via a charity shop, donations, and membership subscriptions. The association has about 80 members and 20 regular volunteers who foster animals and run the shop. “We’re always happy to welcome more volunteers,” says Christine. Hélianthus is also trying to set up a network of foster homes to take care of pets if an elderly person is going into hospital for a few days after an elderly lady who was going into hospital had to have her cat put down as there was no one to look after it. Anyone who can foster cats and dogs, who can donate items for the shop, or who knows of anyone local who needs help, can call Christine on 02 43 04 59 34 or 06 01 91 91 34. The association is also looking for someone to sort out their website. For more information see www.helianthus-asso.org or check out the facebook page.
April 2012
April 14-15 Garden Fair 10.00-18.00 – Cabourg, of course, is a Ville Fleurie, proudly boasting the maximum four flowers on its signs. Gardens en Fleurs is the annual springtime festival, with 40 nurseries, garden designers and garden clubs sharing their expertise and selling plants of every kind. There are cookery workshops too, exhibitions and activities for kids. If you’re a gardener, don’t miss it! Entrance is free; and the workshops cost from €5. Call 02 31 06 20 00
Calvados
HÉLIANTHUS was set up in August 2008 by Christine Greene to help stray cats and other animals. It isn’t a kennel – they can’t accommodate animals in need, but they work with the local vet in Pré en Pail, 15 kms south of Orne. When stray animals are brought in, the association pays for testing (FIV or cat aids and FeLV or feline leukaemia). If an animal tests positive, it is usually put down as the diseases are incurable and extremely infectious. However, if a cat is healthy, Hélianthus pays for the animals to be neutered and vaccinated and then either re-homes or releases them. One success story is Tinker the cat who arrived injured and aggressive. “He spent several weeks at the cats’ hospital, but he’s turned into such a sweet cat!” says Christine. “Our treasurer, Jenny Maunder and her husband Ivan, adopted him.” They also help low-income pet owners with vet’s bills. “One old lady’s cat was shot in the face by
Cabourg
Photo: © Alix Laveau
Get Involved!
Normandy Advertiser
Orne
Exmes
CULTURE
Music to bring world together IN a time when the world is split by wars, cruelty and financial crisis, the Association AMI (Artistes et Musiciens Internationaux) is hoping music can bring people together. Artists from Ireland, England, France, Italy, Mexico, Venezuela, Dominican Republic, and the Netherlands will travel to Normandy for the concert, called We are the World, at Théatre Le Piaf in Bernayat at 20.15 on April 21, and the music will range from classical, folk, jazz, bossa nova, and chansons françaises to pop, rock and rap. The association’s aim is to assist in promoting all kinds of artists (music, creative art, theatre) both national and international. They hope to “share wonderful talents and give pleasure to all ears and eyes”. Its president, Pauline Winkelaar Swann, said: “I thought it would be a good idea to reunite nationalities and make music. Music is a universal language and like a smile, it gives so much pleasure to those who receive it and those who give it.” Tickets for the concert are €12 from the tourism office in Bernay. For more details, call the Association AMI on 02 32 46 91 65.
Promote your community event, send details to community@connexionfrance.com
Concert pianist Caroline Haffner April 13 Caroline Haffner, piano recital - music by Frédéric Chopin, L’Eglise Saint-André d’Exmes, 20.30 – A new, international, classic music event starts in Normandy with a piano recital by French pianist Caroline Haffner in Exmes village church. Caroline Haffner is the stage name for Princess Caroline Murat, a member of the French Imperial family, and as a concert pianist she organises European festivals to showcase young talents alongside established professionals in innovative programmes of music often created specially for her events. “I have always loved Normandy” Caroline
said. “I wanted to start a programme in the Normandy countryside and with my own ancestors being fine horsemen, it made sense to link up the elements of music and horses. The Exmes project has taken off because of the support of its mayor, Dr Jean-Georges Guerin Wallner, who thought of a candlelit concert in the church of Saint André. Tickets for the concert and reception are €15 (adults), €5 (18 years and younger), FREE for 10 years and younger. www.carolinehaffner.co.uk Call 06 47 99 78 68 email: normandieclassic@gmail.com
Normandy Advertiser
April 2012
What’s On 9
www.normandyadvertiser.com
Manche
Cherbourg
FAMILY
April
April 10 Cité de la Mer – Centenary of the Departure of the Titanic, 09.30-18.30 – On April 10, 1912, RMS Titanic left Southampton on her maiden voyage to New York. Her first stop was Cherbourg, where 281 French passengers were waiting to board the world’s largest ship. On April 11, she called at Queenstown, now Cobh, in Ireland to take on more passengers before setting off on her ill-fated Atlantic crossing.Three days later, in the North Atlantic, she hit an iceberg, and was so badly damaged she sank in less than three hours. A lack of lifeboats on the vessel, thought to be unsinkable, meant two-thirds of the passengers and crew went down with the ship. Survivors were picked up by the lifeboats of the Carpathia and taken to New York, but more than 1,500 people drowned. Cherbourg is commemorating the centenary of this tragedy with a major exhibition at the Cité de la Mer, set in 2,500 square metres of the vast terminal building where the passengers waited to board the doomed vessel. Interactive videos will help visitors experience the emotions and excitement of the passengers, and meet emigrants waiting to embark.This is a complete new extension to the museum, dedicated to the history of emigration to America. A separate exhibition downstairs is dedicated to the Titanic, and visitors will relive the liner’s construction as well as the atmosphere of working and living on board. No date is yet fixed for the opening, but April 10 is pretty well guaranteed. Check before travelling on www.cherbourg-titanic.com Entry to Cité de la Mer €15.50, children 5-17 €13 (Annual Pass €18/€13) Call 02 33 20 26 26 or reserve online at www.citedelamer.getaticket.com
Photo: © Kybele - Fotolia.com
Eure
Photo: © HGB
Les Andelys
CULTURE
Orne
Carrouges
FAMILY
Photo: © La Chaîne d'Or
April 16 Tapestry and Upholstery Workshop, Hôtel de la Chaîne d’Or, 1.00-15.00 – Three hours of instruction and help from Marie-Laure Langlet. Bring in your small items of furniture for re-upholstery. There’s an hour off in the middle for lunch in the restaurant overlooking the Seine. Price €69, including a fabulous lunch Call 02 32 54 00 31 Reservation essential April 8 Eggs, Riddles and Chocolate, Château de Carrouges,10.00-11.15, 14.00-17.00 – On Easter Day, Oeufs, Énigmes et Chocolat is a treasure hunt in the castle grounds for children aged 7 to 12, with a surprise at the end. This is happening at each of 53 National Monuments, including, in Normandy, Mont Saint-Michel as well as Carrouges. Entry €7.50. Call 02 33 27 20 32
10 What’s On
Calvados
Manche
CULTURE Photo: © Ville-Ouistreham
Ouistreham
www.normandyadvertiser.com
Alençon
April 3-4 Scène Nationale 61, CIRCA, acrobats, April 3 20.30, April 4 19.30 – Be prepared to be staggered by the acrobatics of these seven Australian Kamikazes in their new show, Wunderkammer. Flying bodies, vertiginous human pyramids, girls throwing boys around, a concerto for piano and hula-hoop, tap-dancing on bubble-wrap. Tickets €5 - €20 Call 02 33 29 16 96
CULTURE
Photo: © Patrimoine Manche
DANCE
Photo: © Zenith Caen
Caen
April 2012
FAMILY
April 3 Le Zénith, Ravel’s Bolero in Dance, 20.30 (Also in the Zénith of Rouen April 6) – The first part of this concert is a Hymn to Dance, based on the classical, popular and contemporary repertoire. After the interval, a one-act ballet Tahar et Les Hommes Libres, danced to the music of Ravel’s Bolero with supplementary dances, tells a true story of
Photo: © La Chaîne d’Or
Orne
Azeville
April onwards Audioguide tours of the German gun battery, 14.00-18.00 – Azeville is to the North of Utah beach, and on D-Day its guns caused considerable problems for the invading Americans. The invasion plan called for the Azeville battery to be taken by the first evening, but in fact it held out until June 8.The visit takes in the four gun emplacements and a maze of underground tunnels and blockhouses. Audioguides in English are available.Tickets: Adult €5, children 5-17 €2 Call 02 33 05 55 50 or visit www.patrimoine.manche.fr
Calvados April 29 Vintage Car Rally, Esplanade Loti, 10.00-12.00 Once a month, enthusiasts from all over France – and a few Brits, too – bring their cars and motorbikes (which must be more than 30 years old) to Ouistreham and put them on show. After a couple of hours they parade along Rue de la Mer, through the town and down to the quayside. In April, they will be there on the 29th - and well worth looking at. FREE. Call OT Ouistreham, 02 31 97 18 63
Normandy Advertiser
Pick of the rest in Normandy
Looking for ideas of days out or events near you?
Photo: © Colette, portrait de René Carrère,
* Libre Cours . Caen
unconventional. She was also a friend of Richard Anacréon, bookseller and founder of the museum.The exhibition includes photographs, letters, portraits, first editions and posters. Entrance €2.70, students €1.40, under-19s FREE. Call 02 33 51 02 94 Orne,Tourouvre, FESTIVAL April 29 Maple Syrup Festival Le Temps des Sucres, 14.00-18.00 – Tourouvre has a Museum of Emigration to Canada, where visitors can discover Quebec and its traditions. Sugar Time is March and April, when the maple trees give up their sticky juice, and it’s traditionally a festival time. There are maple syrup lollipops, cookery demonstrations and competitions, concerts and activities for children. Entry €3, some activities extra. Call 02 33 25 55 55
Tourouvre
Calvados, the true spirit of Normandy
Seine, Rouen, CULTURE April 3, 10, 17, 24 La Maison Sublime, 15.00 – This 12th-century house, discovered in 1976 under the courtyard of the Palais de Justice, is the oldest Jewish monument in France. Quite apart from its historical importance, it’s a beautiful Romanesque building, strangely encapsulated underground. Guided tour €6.50 Call 02 32 08 32 40, reservation essential. Seine-Maritime, Le Havre, SPORT April 28 Dock Océane, Basketball STB Le Havre vs Chorale de Roanne, 20.00 – Not every basketball club is named after St Thomas Aquinas, but this one is. It grew out of a Catholic sporting foundation founded in 1903, and has gone on to play, since 2003, in the French Pro A league.This match is against Roanne, a club which grew out of a boys’ choir and won the league in 2007. Tickets €5-€20. Call 08 92 70 08 40; reservation on Internet from Ticketnet or France Billet Manche, Granville, ART April 8 onwards Musée d’Art Moderne Richard Anacréon - Exhibition: Colette, Wednesday to Sunday 14.00-18.00 – Although best known in England for Gigi, as novelist, journalist, actress, and above all feminist, Colette led a life at once fascinating, scandalous and utterly
Photo: © Muséale s de
huile sur toile, collection particulière
"Festyland thrills, spills and family fun, guaranteed"
Visit: www.calvados-tourisme.com
war in North Africa. Choreography is by Nikolai Androsov, with soloists from Moscow and St Petersburg, and the corps de ballet of the Saisons Russes of Moscow.Tickets €37 - €56; Under-12s €28. Bookings at Fnac Call 08 92 68 36 22 (€0,34/mn) www.fnac.com or Carrefour,Ticket Net (Centres Leclerc, Auchan).
Orne, Carentan, MARKET April 29 Foire au Rafrot, Cattle Market, all day – It may only be a flea market organised by the PTA of the Collège Gambetta, but it’s certainly a big one. Between 200 and 300 stalls are expected again this year at the cattle market on Route Américaine, selling anything you can think of. Come along and empty your attic, or help to empty somebody else’s! Entrance FREE. Call 02 33 42 24 17
At the time of going to press The Normandy Advertiser checked, to the best of its ability, that the details of events listed on these pages are correct. However, as such information can change, please always check with organisers beforehand that there are no changes to the programme.
Normandy Business Group We are celebrating our 1ST YEAR with our members First Rate FX Foreign Currency Specialists www.firstratefx.com
Helen Coley Estate Agent orne2@normandiemaisons.com
Emma Paulay French to English Translations www.expressions-traduction.com
Peter White BA (Hons) MCIOB Full Architectural Services www.surveyor-chanteloup.com
French Barrister & Solicitor England & Wales
Hilary Schaper Bacchus Estate Agent www.bacchus-french-property.com
Steve Mobsby Micro Brewery www.mobsbys.com
Gloria Peek Fibre Crafts & Woodturning www.crafts-at-leslandes.com
Anne Mayden Avocat/Solicitor annemayden@me.com
Tim Bowman Armor Environment Individual Drainage Solutions armorenv@sfr.fr
Gijs van Breugel Estate Agent info@normandiemaisons.com
NormandyInSite Online Magazine www.NormandyinSite.com
LeapFrog Services Help with French Admin www.leapfrogservices.net
Bio Verte Environnement Waste Water Treatment Agent www.bio-verte.fr
Chris Murray Guide 2 France Website owner www.guide2normandy.com
Almanfur Equestrian Training Centre michelle.odone@gmail.com
Martyn Worth Specialist Sandblasting www.martynworth.com
Cym Cards Greetings Cards & Gift Wrap www.cymcards.co.uk
Gordon Fry Architectural joinery & cabinet making www.gordon-fry.com
Excuse my French Administrative aide for expats www.excusemy-french.com
Fran Lewis Funeral Celebrant www.englishlanguagefunerals.fr
Cym Cards Greetings Cards & Xmas Crackers www.cymcards.co.uk
AngloINFO Normandy What's On Guide http://normandy.angloinfo.com
Suzanne in France Estate Agent www.suzanneinfrance.com
Anibas Photography Wedding Photography www.anibasphotography.com
Anibas Design Graphic & Website design www.anibasdesign.com
Jacqueline Lowe Estate Agent
Teas & Coffee.com English Tea & Coffee Importer www.teas-coffee.com
Wellesley House Surveying Building Surveyor www.french-property-survey.com
Andre Fourie Carpenter www.fourieandre.com
Sarah Caille Toddler Holiday Gites www.toddlerholiday.com
AngloINFO Normandy 5m page views monthly http://normandy.angloinfo.com
Tim Bowman ArchiSurv France Architects & Surveyors bas22@sfr.fr
Specialites Britanniques British Produce www.specialites-britanniques.com
French Advice Advice and Information www.kidsinfrance.com
First Rate FX Foreign Currency Specialists www.firstratefx.com
Gwen Payton Estate Agent villedieu@normandiemaisons.com
AngloINFO Normandy Active Forum & Discussion http://normandy.angloinfo.com
Betty Rombout Estate Agent morbihan@terresdefrance.fr
First Rate FX Foreign Currency Specialists www.firstratefx.com
Julia Quinn Bijoux Funky Handmade Jewellery www.cheekylemur.esty.com
Mel Comley Author
http://melcomleyromances.blogspot.com
Gerry Pearce General Builder 02 33 59 07 36
Steve's Igloo Chilled & Frozen Products www.specialites-britanniques.com
AngloINFO Normandy 36,000 registered members http://normandy.angloinfo.com
Expat Morgans Pony Breeder & Livery Yard www.expatmorgans.com
CDM Home and Garden Maintenance Hommes des Toutes Mains cartref61@gmail.com
Peter White BA(Hons) MCIOB Professional Building Surveyor www.surveyor-chanteloup.com
Paul Phillips - Goldwing Consulting Business Development Services www.goldwing-consulting.com
Nigel Morecroft Online UK Supermarket www.missmysupermarket.com
Gloria Peek Fibre Crafts & Woodturning www.crafts-at-leslandes.com
Baby Classics Traditional Children's Clothes www.babyclassics.co.uk
Hellen Brown Horse & Rider Equipment www.selleriestpierre.com
Lynne & Ham Macdonald Patchwork fabric & Accessories www.le-joueur-de-pipeau.com
Watermill Crafts Craft Supplies www.watermill-crafts.com
AngloINFO Normandy English VO Cinema Listings http://normandy.angloinfo.com
Joanna Reintjes - AFA Expertise Certified Accountant 0044 620 287 144
First Rate FX Foreign Currency Specialists www.firstratefx.com
Joanna Reintjes - AFA Expertise Expert Comptable www.afaexpertise.com
Anne Mayden Estate Agent perche@normandiemaisons.com
Maureen Phillips Translator 09 77 19 91 10
Dean Bartlett Wimborne Removals www.wimborneremovals.co.uk
Paul & Pat Witchard LBV Les Bons Voisins Manche Ouest www.lbvfrance.com
Barry Humphreys MiniMoves Relocation www.minimoves.eu
Joanna Reintjes - AFA Expertise Certified Accountant 0044 620 287 144
Herve GOGIBU Talenz International Business Services Accountancy & Tax Services 02 31 53 15 13
Francesca Bostock Estate Agent vire@normandiemaisons.com
Mel Comley Author
http://melcomley.blogspot.com
Classic Dashboards Classic Car Interior Resoration www.classicdashboards.com
AngloINFO Normandy Life in Normandy, in English! http://normandy.angloinfo.com
Sarah Caille Toddler Holiday Gites www.toddlerholiday.com
Sheelagh Gorham Bacchus Estate Agent www.bacchus-french-property.com
Simon Lorkin Antique Furniture Restoration www.simonlorkin.com
Helen Wells Estate Agent avranches@normandiemaisons.com
Helen Sartori Home Made Jams & Chutneys www.nice-n-spice.info
Anne Mayden Horse Properties perche@normandiemaisons.com
Steve's Igloo Chilled & Frozen Products www.specialites-britanniques.com
Priceless Pets Pet-Sitters www.pricelesspetsfrance.com
Barry Humphreys Pet Relocation www.Pet-Moves.com
Saveena Marshall Depot Vente www.lebonchoixdepotvente.com
AngloINFO Normandy Advertise for free on AngloINFO http://normandy.angloinfo.com
Specialites Britanniques British Produce www.specialites-britanniques.com
Peta Morton CortaFlex France Distributors www.cortaflexfrance.com
Hayley Nunn Mobile Dog Grooming www.topdog50160.webs.com
Jayne Jones Decorated Cakes www.caketoppersdirect.webs.com
Julia Quinn Mobile Hairdresser 02 33 64 12 36
Martin Gardner AngloInfo Normandy Normandy Website http://normandy.angloinfo.com
Jenny Luck Cancer Support in Normandy www.csfbassenormandie.com
AngloINFO Normandy 3,600 Business Listings http://normandy.angloinfo.com
AngloINFO Normandy 190 pages of info http://normandy.angloinfo.com
Joanna Reintjes - AFA Expertise Expert Comptable www.afaexpertise.com
Jennie Poate Siddalls Financial Advice www.siddalls.fr
AngloINFO Normandy Weekly Newsletter http://normandy.angloinfo.com
Peta Morton French Equestrian Properties www.franceequestre.com
GK Sandblasting Sandblasting Services www.gksandblasting.com
Jayne Jones Beauty Beautician jaynejones@orange.fr
Judy Mansfield Business Coach www.remark-ability.com
Nathalie Bailey Estate Agent orne1@normandiemaisons.com
Hilary Decaumont Court Sworn Translator www.leapfrogservices.net
sourdeval@normandiemaisons.com
Fabien Cordiez www.corlegal.com
Join us at www.meetup.com/Normandy-Business-Group/
www.normandyadvertiser.com
Wise plant and pool choices will keep garden in top form Past years have been difficult for gardeners with dry hot springtimes followed by wet and windy summers, but using the right plants will help keep the garden looking good so you can enjoy it. And, if it still needs a little something, then RAY CLANCY looks at what needs to be done with pools THERE are a number of tasks that can be done this month to make sure your garden looks its best over the summer. Gite and second home-owners in particular can harness a wide range of new products to keep flowers blooming. Now is the time to be planting hanging baskets, boxes and pots. Heather Verard, a Chelsea exhibitor and garden designer who now runs her own garden centre, A Propos du Jardin in Villedieu-les-Poêles in Normandy, recommends using a
slow-release fertiliser and buying good quality compost. “It is a false economy to scrimp and save when it comes to compost,” she said. “All plants need to be nourished – feeding is terribly important. If you use a slow-release fertiliser, they will look good without you having to be there to tend to them constantly. It doesn’t need to be expensive. Slow-release cones work out at about 20 cents each,” she explained. She also recommends mulching flower beds. “This has two benefits. It keeps the moisture in the soil and
Pruning and feeding is vital if you are hoping for a colourful display throughout the summer it helps to keep the weeds at bay. A product like ecorce de pin also looks natural and pretty. The chunkier varieties won’t get scrapped around so much by the birds,” she added. Feeding is vital at this time of the year. Roses need a good fertiliser if they haven’t already been given one, and lawns will also benefit from weeding and feeding. New for 2012 is Bacteriosol, an eco-friendly prod-
“ Photo: © hoboton - Fotolia.com
Normandy Adver
Photo: © nsphotography - Fotolia.com
12 Blooming good
A simple wood or iron bench with a few cushions can really lift a drab corner of a garden
uct that feeds and airs the soil. “Moss grows on hard compacted soil, so it is important to aerate your lawn. If we get a dry spell, don’t cut your lawn too short,” said Mrs Verard. She also recommends using your bath and dish water in the garden. “As long as there is no bleach in it, it will not harm your plants.” Her top plants to try this year all cope well with varying weather conditions. Nepeta (cat mint) is great for attracting bees for pollination if you have fruit trees in your garden, and copes well with most weather conditions. Agastache is her favourite plant, as it flowers non-stop for four months. It is tall, but does not need staking. Prostanthera (Australian mint) is an evergreen with small leaves, aromatic foliage, gives good ground cover and has a mass of blue, white or pink flowers. It needs welldrained soil, but is hardy and drought-tolerant. Her final recommendation is dahlias. “People think they are too much hard work and that you have to lift them in the autumn and store them in a shed over the winter. That
is all nonsense. In France they will live happily without being lifted as long as they are planted deep enough. They give you a riot of colour well into October,” she said. She also believes that good quality garden furniture can help to make a garden look extra special. “I would advise people to buy the best quality they can afford. A simple wood or iron bench with a few cushions or some plants can really lift a drab corner of a garden,” she explained. Other good props include arbours for roses, trellis for sweet-smelling plants like honeysuckle, and summery tables and chairs, again with cushions or pots with colourful plants. April is a good time to sort out your swimming pool, if you have one in your garden. Brian McHale, of Vendée Pools, said automatic covers are becoming cheaper and therefore more popular. They also have the advantage that they fulfill France’s strict pool security regulations, which means you don’t need a security fence as well. “They look better and work all year
THE authoritative guide to buying a home in France Written by the Notaires de France and published by Conseils des Notaires. Available in English from The Connexion, priced €7.50 or £7
(plus postage and packaging)
See our website www.connexionfrance.com
rtiser
www.normandyadvertiser.com
April 2012
Blooming good 13
Top tips will keep your pool clean and safe Photo: © narumolpug - Fotolia.com
Photo: © FC Photography - Fotolia.com
It’s time to plant up hanging baskets and window boxes for a colourful display above, buy the best quality garden furniture you can afford to enhance your garden
round, so there is no need to have a summer and a winter cover. They are so easy to operate and are not heavy, like some of the winter covers,” Mr McHale said. If budget is not a problem, there are some exciting new products on the market this year. They include pool-cleaning robots and an automatic self-cleaning pool where the water is recirculated into the pool via
jets on the bottom instead of on the side. This means that any dirt in the water falls into a drain underneath. Mr McHale also pointed out that pool owners often leave it too late to sort out their pool and he often gets panicky phone calls from gite owners whose pools have gone green. “Now is the time to make sure your cleaning system is working and to make sure you have enough chemi-
“ Photo: © Paul Maguire - Fotolia.com
Moss grows on hard compacted soil so it is important to aerate your lawn
cals. You can’t sort out a green pool overnight, and just flinging in extra chemicals is not going to work.” Each pool is different and with a little practice, some technical help and a thorough cleaning regime, you will be able to stay on top of your pool and get full pleasure from it for many years to come. The key component in your armoury against an unsafe pool is the filtration system. Another key element in keeping your pool clean is to keep the dirt out of it in the first place, so it is advisable not to have any loose material like sand or gravel near the pool, to keep potted plants well away from the water and to try to site your pool away from trees and shrubs, especially pine trees, advises Mr McHale. It is also worth considering a poolside shower to rinse dirty feet and suntanned bodies before entering the pool. Also, keep the pool covered when not in use. If you are heating your pool, don’t make it too warm as anything over 28C invites algae growth, can damage the liner and make the job of the pool chemicals more difficult.
12. Check pool water pH and chloSO... you’ve got your swimming rine twice a week in winter pool brightening up your garden 13. Check daily in swimming seaand making life more pleasant in summer – but you will have to do son with your checker – and keep pH and chlorine at the right some work to keep it in top levels (pools can turn green in shape. More importantly, the 30 minutes in summer) work is intended to keep water 14. Invest in a “robot”: it does an clean and safe – that’s the main aim of routine pool maintenance. excellent cleaning job and should be used weekly Reader and pool owner Simon 15. Make friends with your local Lang, who lives in Saint-Papoul, swimming pool company: they in the Aude, shares some hints can provide advice when things based on his own experience: go awry (e.g. when the water is 1. Ensure pool liner/tiling is in “milky” or green) good condition: there should be 16. If possible, jet spray around no wrinkles in the liner (these the pool tiling, to avoid dirt entercollect dirt and wear out more ing the pool quickly when you clean) nor 17. Cover pool with summer cover leaks in tile grouting. (like giant bubble wrap) each 2. Check the pump works well, and that the pump house is clean (to avoid frogs, other animals and dirt from blocking the filtration) 3. Check hose connections and that frost has not affected pipes and connections 4. Keep the water to the correct level, so the pump works properly in winter as in summer 5. Calculate the appropriate number of hours to run your filtration pump. As warmer weather lets algae grow quicker, use this calculation: degrees C divided by 2 (thus, 26C Reader Simon Lang gives tips on pools divided by 2 = 13 hours per day, 4C = 2 hours) evening before air temperature 6. Check and clean pump filter falls below water temperature, to daily (summer) or weekly (winter) retain as much heat as possible 7. Buy two or three filters (depend18. Security equipment is legally ing on your system) so you can necessary, whether an alarm, rotate their washing fencing or a robust cover. The lat8. Thoroughly spray-clean filter ter also keeps winter dirt out of after each replacement the pool, so restoring the pool is 9. Wash filter in washing machine easy when summer arrives. after each spray-clean every 19. Set a regular time each week month for pool care and make it part of 10. In winter, run pump in daylight your routine hours (as algae grow in sunlight) 20. The whole point of pool mainrather than when electricity is tenance is to keep dirt out of the cheaper (ie. at night) pool, and the water clean. Fix a 11. Buy an electronic pH and ritual for doing all this, and it's chlorine checker – they are not a problem quick, easy to use and reliable
14 Business
www.normandyadvertiser.com
JUDY MANSFIELD has lived and worked in Calvados for nearly nine years. She is an agent commercial, and worked at an estate agency in Lisieux for several years before branching out into business development, primarily for currency specialists First Rate FX and latterly for small businesses in Normandy.
Leap forward this spring with a marketing strategy THOSE of us in the tourism business will be dusting off the garden furniture, giving the gîte a spruce-up, deciding on menus… The estate agents among us are taking viewing bookings, and there is nothing nicer than taking people to look at houses in the spring sunshine, cheered by the sight of daffodils and primroses. How can your business benefit from the end of winter? Are you looking out for opportunities to do some marketing? Watch out for holidays and calendar events that you can adapt into your marketing plan. In February, there is St Valentine’s Day and Shrove Tuesday; March has St Patrick’s Day and, this year, Mothering Sunday (UK). The French elections will be held in April and May, and of course, Easter lends itself to some great marketing opportunities. Can you offer Mother’s Day Gift Vouchers, or even vouchers as an alternative to the Easter chocolates? Use these opportunities to contact clients listed in your database - perhaps you could also include a special offer or a competition. Try to think creatively to make sure your business stands out from the crowd. If you do not yet have a blog, consider starting one. You can find a free version on both WordPress and Google. If you already have a blog, and a Facebook Business Page, write about current topics to draw attention to your brand,
such as the forthcoming breathalyser kits that everyone will have to have in their car. What about you garage owners, mechanics, cider makers or wine experts? Even gîte or B&B owners and estate agents who have visitors from overseas who may not know about the new law can use this to talk about their product or service. And of course, you could even buy the kits to give away free as a special offer for people as an incentive to buy your beer or book your gîte. But make sure you tell people about your special offers - get vocal and talk about what you are doing. Use these free channels: LinkedIn Facebook Google+ YouTube Audioboo Twitter Pinterest Blogging on WordPress Normandy Business Group will be holding its popular masterclasses on many of these subjects throughout the spring, so do come and join us. For an example of a great joint venture and collaboration, have a look at the full-page Directory of some of our Normandy Business Group members on page 11 of this issue. Finally, a big thank-you goes to Sabina Lorkin of Anibas Design, who has used her skills to provide us with
April 2012
FINANCE Sponsored by
How to break into the French tax system Photo: © Pixel & Création - Fotolia.com
March was a busy month for many members of Normandy Business Group and after a bitterly cold winter, the arrival of spring seems to be lifting everyone’s spirits
Normandy Advertiser
As a tax resident your worldwide income is declared
Photo: © queidea - Fotolia.com
our smart new logo, reflecting the Normandy colours. I love it. What do you think? My recommended reading this month is Nikki Pilkington. Nikki lived in France for many years, and has considerable knowledge on all aspects of social
nikkipilkington.com. To join Normandy Business Group - log in via our website at www. meetup.com/normandybusiness-group and you can follow us on Twitter @NormandyBizGroup
“
Jelly update! Our Normandy Jelly co-working group goes from strength to strength. This group meets on the first Tuesday of every month at Le Bowling in Vire. A new Orne Jelly Group has started in the south of the region at the fabulous StarTech61 resource, Conseil Général de l’Orne, 27 Boulevard Strasbourg, 6100 Alençon. These will be held on the third Tuesday of every month. To book, contact Michael Connors at connorsml@gmail.com or call 06 14 60 19 09. Jelly is a casual coworking event, where freelancers, home workers and people running small businesses meet to get out of their normal homeworking space, meet new people and work together in a social environment. Bring your laptop or whatever you are working on at the moment and enjoy the buzz of working with others for a few hours. Free parking and wifi are available, and tea and coffee are available for a small charge.
Tell people about your special offers - get vocal and talk about what you are doing
networking. She has a page on Facebook, as well as an informative blog at Nikkipilkington.com. I can also recommend her 30 Day Challenge series. Each course is on a different aspect of social networking and takes you from zero to hero, with a new task every day for 30 days. They are available on Kindle, as an eBook you can download to your pc, or even via email each day. I have followed several of them already and learned loads of helpful stuff. They cost about £5 per course. Check them out on Amazon or via www.30daychallenges.
Other Info... MY recommended reading this month is Robert Clay’s www.marketingwizdom.com. Jackie Jarvis’s book 85 Inspiring Ways to Market your Small Business is worth a look - www.marketingcrm.co.uk. Normandy Business Group and Normandy Jelly Coworking - www.meetup.com/normandy-business-group.
Judy can be contacted through The Advertiser or by email: normandybizgroup@orange.fr She is on Twitter at @NormandyBizGp
WE came to live in Paris last July after a job transfer by my UK bank employer. We loved French life but wanted to move to the countryside, so we bought a home near Deauville and my husband now commutes three days a week. It is good because he gets more time with the kids. I know that the tax year ended in December, but I am not sure how to go about getting into the French tax system - can you advise? P.T. AS NEW arrivals you will be first-time declarers and, although have now bought in France, your tax office will probably not have fully updated their records. It is up to you to organise your affairs and make your first income tax declaration in France. The deadline is May 31. You can either visit the tax office or look on www.impots.gouv.fr for more information. An English-speaking accountant would also be useful, and your employer’s human resources department may also be able to give you some help. When you declare in France as a tax resident it is your worldwide income which gets declared - so even though your husband’s salary is still paid from the UK it is still declarable in France. The good news is that you get a 10% deduction off the gross salary for expenses (which will in effect help towards the cost of train tickets to Paris) and the taxable amount is after employees’ national insurance. You also get personal allowances for you and the children. All other UK income would be declarable from July onwards (split-year treatment), although you may have already paid income tax at source, for example on bank interest. Which you would need to go back to the UK tax office for to claim any refund. Your foreign income gets declared on a separate form (form 2047) and there is also an important requirement to declare the details of any foreign bank accounts. Every entry then gets brought forward to the main declaration (form 2042). Your husband should be exonerated from French social security on his salary under the EU secondment rules and this also allows you to continue to claim UK family allowance. The exonerations certificate can be extended but his employer will need to ask Newcastle Social Security Office to complete this process. This exemption certificate also gives you the right to French healthcare for you and the family. You can apply for his carte vitale if you have not already done so. This should also cover you and the family as dependants (unless you are working too, in which case you would make your own application and obtain your own social security number). The children can be added to either card.
Normandy Advertiser
Food/Pets 15
www.normandyadvertiser.com
April 2012
The buffet staple that stands the test of time
Traditional Quiche Lorraine
CUT OUT & KEEP!
After winning the first BBC MasterChef in 1990, JOAN BUNTING was soon writing a food column and doing local radio for the BBC. Now the former teacher has retired and moved permanently to her home in France, but she is still keen to tell readers about good food
INGREDIENTS Pastry: 250g plain flour 150g unsalted butter, softened 1 tsp salt 2 tbsp water
language often – German, French, German and most recently French again. Perhaps one constant is their quiches. These possibly graced the tables of the court in Nancy as far back as 1550, but they were flat and made of bread, rather like a pizza. Gradually the bases changed to pastry and a variety of mixtures used to fill them. In Lorraine quetches and mirabelles were the most common sweet versions, while savoury ones had cream, onions, or even chopped veal and pork. The one we know as the quiche Lorraine, probably the original 16th century version, contains only eggs, cream and bacon, though elsewhere in France, Gruyère cheese is added. This, say regional experts, is simply not right. It might be a quiche, but not a quiche Lorraine.
Photo:© Joan Bunting
BELOVED of fundraising dos, bring-a-dish events and buffets, the quiche these days has migrated all over the world and boasts a mindboggling variety of fillings. Food snobs deride it and hearts may sink on hearing the words “I’ll bring a quiche”, but it is here to stay. In France, ingredients, dishes and tastes express the history of the people and colour the country’s many regional identities. The word quiche comes from the German word “kuchen”, or cake. The German-influenced Lorraine gives us, of course, the best-known quiche of all, although these days it is much altered and tweaked. As with most culinary traditions, the nearer one gets to the origins of a dish the more “authentic” it is likely to be. The people of Lorraine have changed nationality and even
Filling: 200g lean smoked lardons 15g butter 3 egg yolks and 1 whole egg, beaten 375ml of crème fraiche épaisse Salt, pepper and a pinch of nutmeg
METHOD Sift the flour on to a cool work surface and put the butter in the centre. Bring the flour over the butter and squeeze them together, then rub the flour into the butter until you have particles like peas. Make a well in the centre of this mixture and add the salt and water and, using your fingertips, draw the butter and flour into the well and mix together quickly and lightly until smooth. Wrap and then chill for 30 minutes. Pre-heat the oven to 190C and put a baking sheet in the oven to heat.
Line a 25cm flan tin or ring with the pastry, and bake blind for 15 minutes. Allow to cool, leaving baking sheet in oven. Sauté the lardons in the butter until golden, sprinkle on the base of the flan. Mix the eggs and cream together and season to taste. Put the tin on the baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes until the filling is set and golden brown. Don’t over-cook. Note: To avoid the dreaded soggy bottom, this is better not made in a ceramic flan dish. Of course, you can take a short cut and use ready-made pastry.
Tried and tested by us A member of the Normandy Advertiser team tested out the recipe and said: I had only a ceramic flan dish so I baked the pastry blind – using some chickpeas to weigh it down – and let it cool before adding the filling. Although a simple recipe, I found only using lardons very plain therefore would like to experiment adding more ingredients. I also found the 190C temperature to be too hot for my fan-assisted oven so would recommend using a lower temperature.
PET CARE
Keep your animal on right side of law THERE are numerous legal obligations to familiarise yourself with when you own a pet or animal de compagnie in France. The responsibilities of animal ownership are taken seriously; your mairie will have exact information on guidelines relating to your commune. These are drawn up according to whether you live in a town, village or rural environment. You will be expected to be in control of your animal at all times. Be aware of your environment throughout the year. A busy road, sheep in the field, building construction work – take on board what this means for you and your pet. Pets are generally adored in France, but persistent nuisances are not tolerated. From dealing with unrelenting yapping to physically restraining over-enthusiastic animals, the French attitude is somewhat different. Contentious measures are frequently in use: electronic anti-barking devices, dogs chained
Photo: pixphoto - Fotolia.com
By Samantha Brick
Pet Care up for hours on end and muzzles are all the norm in French pet culture. If you cannot control your pet, expect to be advised to use such measures. For your animal’s safety (and that of others if you live near a road or pathway), securely fence the perimeter of your grounds, restrict your animal to an outbuilding or your house. You are liable for any damage caused by your pets if they have escaped or strayed from your property. You are only allowed to keep a
This column is sponsored by
maximum of nine domestic animals – above this, welfare, sanitation and the animals’ environment falls under the strict control of your departmental DDSV (Direction Départemental des Services Vétérinaires). They will want to ensure that your animals’ wellbeing complies with their regulations, and will make regular visits to ensure this is the case. This is regardless of whether your animals are a commercial proposition or pets.
If you arrived in France with your pet signed up to the UK microchip registration scheme, don’t forget to register his or her identity on the French National Register. Your vet will have the necessary paperwork to complete and send off on your behalf. Get into the habit of asking your vet to scan your pet’s microchip when you have a consultation. It’s not unheard of for the chip to move underneath the animal’s skin or to be registered under
someone else’s name (mistakes do happen!). If you’ve recently bought a pet in France, it is a legal requirement that the pet – this includes dogs, cats, and ferrets – is microchipped. Until July 2011, a tattoo was another form of identification accepted. There is a €135 fine for any animals found without either form of identification. While vaccinations are not compulsory for a domestic animal in a French household, if you intend to travel around France with your pet (visit Corsica or campsites, for example) or board it while you are away, you will need an up-to-date pet passport and vaccinations. In French law, abandonment of a pet is a crime punishable by a €30,000 fine and up to two years’ imprisonment. There are also heavy penalties for cruelty to an animal. For example, the police or other animal officials have the right to enter your car or your property if they suspect that an animal is in distress. It goes without saying – never leave your animal unattended in your car!
Tel. 06 58 01 82 76 Web. www.seulementnaturel.eu Email. marc.somsen@chardeyre.com
16 Directory
www.normandyadvertiser.com
NORMANDY
ADVERTISER
Normandy Advertiser
April 2012
Advertise here ALL YEAR from just €75HT Call free on 0800 91 77 56 or email directory@connexionfrance.com
NORMANDY DIRECTORY
English-speaking firms near you For your security, we check that the French businesses in this section are officially registered with the authorities
Find registered tradespeople quickly and easily
DEVILLE PROPERTY SERVICES Nice People In Normandy Planning Applications Project Management - Property Management
www.nicepeopleinnormandy.com nicepeople@fsmail.net 02 33 69 49 36 - 06 33 26 78 82 Siret: 48847516100011
Barn & attic conversion specialists. We undertake all aspects of renovation & improvement projects. We legally employ English speaking staff & do not sub-contract. Full 10 year insurance backed guarantee.
TEL: 02 31 67 76 90 www.devilleservices.com Areas: 14 , 50 , 61 Siret: 5026366000018
David Pickering Complete Building Services
Chenil Les Mille Calins English Run
5 Star accommodation for Dogs/Cats Underfloor heated kennels Qualified staff Top Quality food and exercise Only 45 minutes south of Caen Convenient Ferry Access
www.goldenwaypets.com Telephone 02 33 37 49 19 Emergency 02 33 38 41 32 Fax 02 33 38 44 16
GOLDENWAY INTERNATIONAL PETS & LIVE ANIMALS
World Wide Pet Relocator Ministry approved No. 61195004 – 61195001 Offices CDG Airport Paris Offices and Kennels Normandy Tel: 01 48 62 87 25 CDG Paris Tel: 02 33 38 41 32 Normandy www.goldenwaypets.com Siret: 397549551
Chenil du Val Kennels Small, friendly, professional kennel Special care/attention for your pets. Quarantine alternative
Contact Angie: Tel 02 33 17 17 61 Between Periers/Coutances/St Lo
Email: angie.clarke@wanadoo.fr Siret 50993743900016
WWW.BOCAGE RENOVATIONS.COM For All Your Building & Renovations Works
Specializing in Installation of Fosse Toutes Eaux - Mini Digger/Dumper Hire Email: david.pickering@wanadoo.fr Tel: 02 33 17 24 82 Mobile: 06 20 14 73 69 Siret: 481 189 991
English and Fluent French speaking agent, always needing more houses for sale, 8 years experience info@normandyandbrittanyhousesforsale.com TEL FR: +33 (0) 6 19 17 34 61 TEL UK: +44 (0) 7880 501 116 www.NormandyandBrittanyhousesforsale.com Siret: 519 751 465
Crafts at Les Landes Spinning and other crafts. Half, Full day tuition or residential B&B www.crafts-at-leslandes.com tel: 00 33 (0)2 33 960904 SIRET No 489 459 438 00011
FRENCH TUITION by phone & Skype with Sylvie Tel: 02 31 32 28 83 sylaine@laposte.net www.frenchtutor.sylvielaine.fr
Help with the French system Interpreting, phonecalls Admin & paperwork Call Hilary on 00 33 (0) 6 10 69 05 53
( Many can be Viewed ) Backed up by 10 year Insurance 14 years working in France
NORMANDY FRENCH TUITION
Tel: 02 31 67 62 51 Mob: 06 19 91 29 48
Small groups, 1 to 1 online, intensive courses, translation Tél: 02 33 65 39 73 Mob: 06 15 76 37 34 www.normandyfrenchtuition.com
Ad No. 18516
Qualified bilingual teacher
GENERAL BUILDER Roofs, Loft conversions, Plumbing & Electrical, Groundworks. Experienced team for all renovation work. __________________________
Ad No. 19261
SW COMPUTERS PC repairs,upgrades, sales.help with internet connections, call out or bring to us.
Tel: Mark 02 33 90 64 93 Mob: 06 72 66 61 51 www.swcomputers.eu Siret: 48397386300028
French Without Tears
One to One Language Course. Tuition with Accomodation www.cours-a-cucugnan.com Tel: 06 78 15 19 29 Siret: 521701474 - Ad No. 17685
TIMBER PRESERVATION Eradication of rot and woodboring insects 20 year certificated guarantee covering all France Tel: Jim +33 (0) 679274563 Email: jimdanmoto@aol.co.uk Siret 488081233
Mesnil Renovation Areas 14/50/61
Full / Part Renovations, carpentry, masonry, plastering, tiling, kitchens, replacement windows and doors. www.buildersnormandy.com Tel. 02 31 09 26 54 Siret 48423125300010
Stuart Upton CARPENTRY & ROOFING Full 10 year Insurance Backed Guarantee Tel: 02 33 64 89 28 / 06 06 43 52 28 Email: upton_stuart@hotmail.com Regions Covered 61, 14, 50 Siret 48036552700013
Andrew Morgan
Electrician
All works guaranteed and carried out to French regulations standard. Tel: 02 31 67 34 40 Email: morbox@orange.fr Regions Covered: 50,61,and 14 - Siret: 49427469900011
JS Menuiserie John Shipton - 02 14 16 14 47
Carpenter/Joiner All kinds of handmade furniture and carpentry work. From door fittings to kitchens.
email: jshippo1962@gmail.com siret 499 313 658
Tel: 05 55 65 12 19
Sworn Translations
Large or Small Projects
Siret: 48877612100011
Sell your property to a worldwide audience using our global network. Our fees are the lowest in France, our results are the best. WWW. HOUSESONINTERNET.COM
Ad No. 12902
www.leapfrogservices.net
Email: ave.goosey@wanadoo.fr
HOUSES ON INTERNET
€ U R R E N C Y
£ R A N S F E R
PIONEER FRANCE Best rates from the market leader info@pioneerfrance.com www.pioneerfrance.com/currency Tel: 05 53 07 06 27
€ U R R E N C Y
£ R A N S F E R
PIONEER FRANCE Best rates from the market leader info@pioneerfrance.com www.pioneerfrance.com/currency Tel: 05 53 07 06 27
Normandy Advertiser
Directory 17
www.normandyadvertiser.com
April 2012
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Foreign buyers are searching French properties HOUSES on Internet - the marketing and internet company that helps private owners sell their French property without using an estate agent - has been so successful during the past few months that it now desperately needs more houses in order to meet the growing demand from abroad. Richard Kroon, director and founder, said: “It is a bit frustrating to be honest. After a year with new sales records in 2011, the trend continued this year, which means that more houses from our portfolio have now been sold than ‘new’ ones coming in for sale.” The boost in sales is due to the company’s continuous global advertising on Google and the leading French property websites. As a result of the company’s success in sales, Houses on Internet has been
forced, in a number of cases, to disappoint prospective buyers. “While we currently have about 325 properties for sale throughout the country, there are also over 100,000 visitors, literally, from around the world, who browse our website on a daily basis - and most of them are looking to buy within four to six months,” said Richard. “More than half of those visitors live in countries other than the ‘traditional’ ones: France, UK, Holland and Belgium.” Over 50% of people who bought a house through Houses on Internet were either non-European (from countries such as Canada, Australia, Russia and China), or came from parts of Europe that have in the past been less active on the French property market. Examples of those are Finland, Switzerland and Germany.
The group of potential buyers is large and diverse. “They are constantly checking our website for houses that have recently been put on the market - and many of them also contact us directly to tell us what they are looking for, so we have a pretty good idea of what it is they want,” said Richard. According to Richard demand is currently high for relatively new bungalows (for people wanting to downsize), renovated country houses, villas and large properties and estates suitable for keeping horses. Many also want a house to renovate, in any region, that is under €100,000. “What these people search for is, in fact, not so much different from what was sold through us over the past 12 months, when we sold houses from €60,000 to €1.9 million,” he added.
bml angloagence.com
Seans Garden Services
Kilrush Cars Ltd
English registered cars House insurance - Health cover
Lawns – Hedges – Trees Overgrown plots cleared. Free quotes for one-off jobs.
1700 British clients trust us 02 96 87 21 21 contact@angloagence.com Dinan, Brittany
Call Sean 02 31 09 27 00 Email: sean.melanaphy@wanadoo.fr Siret: 50139841600013
AllianZ Insurance
GARDEN MAINTENANCE
CAR HOME HEALTH Siret N° ORIAS 07/022 348
Garden Clearance - Grass Cutting Hedge Cutting - Strimming and Weed Killing Tel: Charlie 02 33 91 78 05 Email: charlie.habin@gmail.com St Sever Area Siret 49763502900018
AXA INSURANCE
To advertise here call freephone in France 0800 91 77 56 / from UK 0844 256 9881 (4p/min)
Insurance in Lower Normandy Christophe Marie, Vire - Tel: 02 31 68 01 96 Email: christophe.marie@agents.allianz.fr
J. LECLUZE ST HILAIRE DU HARCOUET - 50600
A large selection of European
L H D eft
and
rive
Cars
One owner - FSH - C.O.C Tel: 00 44 (0) 1252 782883
www.kilrushcars.com
CHIMNEY SWEEP PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
HOME - CAR - HEALTH
DEPTS 50 & 14
We insure UK registered cars
Stephen Ramsbottom - 0233172361
ENGLISH SPOKEN (call Angeline) - 02 33 49 12 34
e-mail: manchepropertyservices@hotmail.com siret: 51114827200012
englishspokenlecluze.e-monsite.com
Exclusive Healthcare LE BREWERY
Your Helping Hand to the French Health System
10 years of brewing in Normandy
+33 (0) 4 94 40 31 45
Art is an Ale
www.exclusivehealthcare.com
Great beer for all occasions
languages in just a few weeks. Interested prospective sellers can visit the website for more information and to sign-on directly.
SARL QUESNEE
FIVE STAR REMOVALS
HOME & PROPERTY SECURITY SOLUTIONS
Chris Hutt
TV & Internet - all works guaranteed
www.ashnormandie.com Tel: 02 33 91 69 29 Email: chrishutt@wanadoo.fr Siret: 491 624 367
152 Ave de Flandre 75019 Paris Tel: 09 81 72 17 02 Mobile : 06 61 32 77 91 Email : templierblanc@hotmail.fr www.templierssecuriteprotectionprivee.com
Light Removals to and from Northern France. Best prices, best service.
T: + 44 (0) 079705 30723 E: classicalternatives@msn.com Ad No. 18445
REFLEX MOODYS LTD SALISBURY
REMOVALS
FREE ADVICE & QUOTES
VIRE - 02 31 68 95 00 CAEN - 02 31 85 27 62
UK - FRANCE - UK
• Weekly Service • Full & Part Loads • Container Storage • BAR Members • On-line Quotation • Internet Shopping Deliveries
Chimney Sweep Wood Stove Installer Property Management
00 44 1722 414350 info@reflexmoodys.com www.reflexmoodys.com Company Regn No: UK 5186435 TVA / VAT No: UK 864 7217 04
Iain Davison www.propertycarepeople.com Tel: 02 33 14 09 55 Email: property.care@orange.fr Siret: 494799968 Ad No. 19022
Spex4less.Com High Quality Prescription Glasses Online Save Money On All Your Prescription Eyewear www.spex4less.com
Tel: 09 54 61 28 51 / 06 71 28 00 66 www.dr-groundworks.com dr.groundworks@yahoo.com
ENGLISH TV INSTALLER
05 55 65 12 19 www.housesoninternet.com
COMPLETE RANGE OF ALARMS GATES- GARAGE DOORS -CCTV
Dr Groundworks
ALL ASPECTS OF PERSONAL & PROPERTY SECURITY EVENT SECURITY MANAGEMENT STUD FARMS
61320 Joue-du-Bois
“The most popular areas for foreign buyers currently are Normandy, Brittany, Poitou-Charentes, Limousin, the northeast of Aquitaine and the whole Mediterranean area.” Houses on Internet can have a customer’s property profile online in three
Groundworks including gravel drives, septic tanks, drainage, footings, concrete bases and landscaping. Based near Carentan (50)
TEMPLIERS SECURITE PROTECTION PRIVEE
www.le-brewery.com Tel: 02 33 37 77 26
Richard Kroon is looking for more properties to sell for the Houses on Internet website so he can keep with demand for French property
MOVING TO OR FROM FRANCE? Weekly services to & from France
Full or part loads, 4 wks free storage, 30 Years experience
S BERTIN COUVERTURE
15 Years experience in roofing and zinc New and restauration / Chimney Sweep
02 33 38 28 86
With 10 years insurance - Siret: 50792761400010
WOOD STOVE STUDIO Wood burning stoves and Cuisinieres from
Cashin Camina Cleanburn Esse Hunter Parkray Stovax on display at our dept 61 showroom
Selkirk chimney and flexible liner Full installation service
Bar & Guild Member Contact: Anglo French Removals Tel: +44 (0) 1622 690 653 Email: info@anglofrench.co.uk
www.woodstovestudio.com info@woodstovestudio.com Tel 02 33 12 57 26
www.anglofrench.co.uk
Siret 498 597 632 00013
Landscape Gardener
Auberge du Lac "Where friends meet"
(est 1994)
Bar/Restaurant, Lunch, Dinner, Sunday Roast Our contact details are:
*Maintenance *Patios & Decking *Fencing & Walling *Shrubs & Grasses stocked *Mini digger work
Barrage de Vezins, 50540 Tel: 02 33 48 03 48 www.aubergedulacvezins.com email: aubergedulac@ymail.com
Tel: 02 33 90 92 28 Mob: 06 68 74 83 41 markdupee@hotmail.com
Ad No. 17730
CHIMNEY SWEEP Black Cat Services Expert English Sweep, Mess Free Registered, Insured. Certificate de Ramonage Issued
Tel : 02 33 50 84 91 Email: steve@baintons.com
POWER & LIGHT SERVICES ELECTRICAL & PLUMBING SERVICES ALL WORK FULLY INSURED.
Siret: 495 098 428 000 16
Tel: 02 33 70 88 24 Email: john.hipwell@orange.fr Regions Covered: 50,14,61,22
Ad No. 19187
Siret: 515 210 847 00015
FISHFACE REMOVALS
WOODBURNERS
UK - FRANCE - UK Full and part loads You pack, we move, you save! 0044 (0)1327 264627 UK Email: info@fishfaceremovals.com www.fishfaceremovals.com
INVICTA INTERNATIONAL LIGHT HAULAGE SERVICES
Store Collections, General Removals, Motorcycle Recovery. France, UK, Europe.
Tel: 02 33 64 99 31
Email: invicta@invicta-international.com SIRET Number 51407345.1-0001.5
Ash Grove Stoves Supplier of Hunter - Villager -
Clean Burn - Fire Visible Boiler versions available Deliveries all over France Prices on our website Lowest Prices Guaranteed Tel: 00 44 (0) 1392 861579 www.ashgrovestoves.com sales@ashgrovestoves.com
18 Home and Garden
www.normandyadvertiser.com
Normandy Advertiser
April 2012
Show your metal and Gardening enhance your garden
Check your soil to ensure good hydrangea colour
Get ready for a summer display If Simon’s stainless steel work is not what you want in the garden, simple steel arches can transform the look of your outside space and separate different garden themes slight change in a curve or a line can make it look much better,” he explained. As proportion is key, you will also need to bear in mind the size of the room or garden. Blacksmiths will often want to meet you in person, see the area that you have in mind for the piece and take measurements if needed. As for the materials, artistic metalwork can be created using steel, stainless steel, bronze or copper. While steel is cheaper, maintaining it can up the price – it will have to be galvanised and painted, and if water gets in, it can
Simon Robinson produced this stunning gate in Dublin
rust. To protect his stainless steel creations from the elements, Simon has them electro-polished, a process which takes off molecules of metal from the surface. “If a job is done properly, then that’s it – it will remain like that,” Simon said. After that, maintaining the creations means simply getting the hose out to wash exterior pieces and a dust cloth for ones in the home. The whole process of creating a piece can be very personal. For larger pieces, blacksmiths will often take into account the client’s life and work closely with them. “I’m sensitive to their surroundings. I put as much of that person into the piece as I can. When you’re working, how you’re thinking and feeling comes through into the work, otherwise it hasn’t got any soul in it. When someone really puts themselves into the work, it comes alive.” When Simon came to France, he already had a full portfolio of work from a successful career in the UK, but he was still pleasantly surprised with the welcome that he received. “I’ve found that, when it comes to the work I do, I’m treated as an artist in France, and given a certain amount of respect. For the French, there is the notion that arts and culture is the mainstay of their country.” Contact Simon Robinson: www.forgerobinson.com
Photo: © PITRS - Fotolia.com
ONE-OFF artistic metalwork designed by a blacksmith can be a focal point for your garden or home, and a timeless piece to pass down to future generations. It is not often that you can create a design, discuss it with a professional, and see it come to life chez vous. Whether you are looking for practical pieces such as garden gates, metalwork for the patio, banisters and balustrades, or if you want to mark a special occasion or anniversary with a sculpture or gift, going to a blacksmith could be the answer. Simon Robinson, an expert in hand-forging stainless steel, at Flers in Normandy (www.forgerobinson.com), said: “Everything I make is different – the commission could be absolutely anything. “What I make is to go in a house, on a house, in a garden or in a public space. “It can be domestic, sculptural or even monumental,” he added. “It depends what the person wants – for the home or garden, it could be a seat or a fountain. I’ve even made small pieces of jewellery in the past.” The first step is to come up with an idea of what you might like, or explain that you are interested in a certain type of piece. “Sometimes clients will show me a photograph or a sketch,” said Simon. In some cases, he will then work on the design to make it aesthetically more appealing. “Just a
Above: Give your garden a touch of elegance with a chair that uses your own ideas on decoration or, below, one of Simon Robinson’s creations for a garden statue feature
AS THE warm weather arrives, there is plenty to do in the garden. Any remaining winter covers and protections should be cleaned and packed away for next year, and all your pots and containers prepared for this season’s planting. Use rainy days to go through your shed and check tools; clean, repair and replace whatever is necessary so that you are ready for the summer. Roses should be well fertilised with manure and sprayed with an anti-fungicide to protect them against blackspot, mildew and rust. This is especially important during a wet April. Inspect rambling and climbing roses, and tie up any stray stems. For others, trim off any frost-damaged parts. If you favour an organic approach, you could think of using tea leaves around the base of the plant for fertiliser. Planting lavender near roses will keep aphids at bay, because they do not like the pungent smell. If you have a lawn, this is the month to tackle moss and other weeds. If you don’t fancy going down the chemical route, a good going-over with a rake will also work wonders. To get a truly lush lawn this summer, you will also need to start fertilising now, and as long is it is not too wet, mowing. If there are any bare patches, this month is also, once you have dealt with any moss, the time to re-seed – an ideal task for a wet day! If you don’t have a lawn but are yearning for a stretch of British greensward, now is the time to plant one. It is much cheaper to grow from scratch than buy in turf, and is not that hard. Prepare the ground thoroughly; remove all weeds and roots, break up all clods and rake in some fertiliser before sowing your seeds. Keep the birds off with a good old-fashioned scarecrow. Weed flowerbeds thoroughly, and cut back old growth. Prune shrubs taking out any old wood in the centre and encouraging a pleasing shape. If you are nervous about how far to go, take some cuttings just in case! Sow hardy annuals directly into the earth with a good scattering of manure. If you have blue hydrangeas and want to intensify their colour, increase the acidity of the soil by adding aluminium sulphate to the soil. Don’t overdo it however, as in large doses it can be toxic. The best approach is to add small quantities at regular intervals until you get the colour you want. (Pink hydrangeas prefer an alkaline or neutral soil.) In the kitchen garden, turn the soil and add manure. Check all your hosepipes and watering arrangements to ensure they haven’t been frost-damaged. Pre-warm soil by covering it with gardener’s fleece or black plastic sheeting for a week or 10 days before sowing broad beans, beetroot, carrots, parsnips, peas, radish, spinach and turnips. You can also plant asparagus, onion sets, potatoes and shallots. You can get a head start with everything else by planting in seed trays. Inside, don’t forget to start fertilising your indoor plants and move tender souls into their summer positions so that their leaves don’t get scorched through windows.
Photo: toraya - Fotolia.com
If your garden needs sprucing up, simple art and decoration techniques can work wonders. And you don’t have to go for intricate items and designs. REBECCA LAWN reports.
Photo: © JElenathewise - Fotolia.com
Facts
Normandy Advertiser
DIY 19
www.normandyadvertiser.com
April 2012
D I Y tips
2012 Income Tax Helpguide INFORMATION YOU CAN TRUST ON LIFE IN FRANCE
Take good care of wood burners Photo: Rubber Dragon - flickr.com
Shows how to declare your income such as pensions, rent, ISAs, shares, savings and interest with a visual guide to the French tax forms Explains how France's tax system works and how your income is assessed and charged Published April 1, 2012, to include the latest information Choose between PDF digital edition or paper copy posted to your French home
ONLY
€9.50
The 2012 helpguide is now on sale for €9.50 for a downloadable or printed version (printed version does not include p&p)
PLUS P&P
You can order at the helpguide section of www.connexionfrance.com or call (free from France) 0800 91 77 56 or 0844 256 9881 from UK (4p/min) to pay by credit card
Checks to be made: The baffle plate The baffle is the plate suspended above the flame and can be made of steel or cast iron. Check it has no cracks, if it does it needs replacing as they are there to protect the burner. If the baffle is easy to remove then it is worth taking it out and cleaning away any deposits that might have built up on it. Fire bricks As for the baffle plate, check the fire brick walls on the inside of the burner are intact and not warped or cracked. Leaving damaged bricks in will reduce the effectiveness of your burner and could lead to the outer shell overheating and then having to replace the whole burner if it gets damaged. Seals Make sure the rope seals around the fire door are sealing correctly. Sweep the flue It is very important to keep the flue pipes swept. If they are not kept clear and there is a fire, you may not be covered by insurance. You must have proof of having had your chimney swept, so make sure that once a year you get it professionally done and obtain a dated receipt from the company. Wood burners are a lovely feature and economical way of heating your home. Follow these simple tips to get the most out of yours.
SUBSCRIBE The Connexion
NORMANDY ADVERTISER
France, in English News, interviews, practical info & more
Packed with local news, features & events
Subscribe to The Connexion and Live in Normandy? receive Normandy Advertiser for FREE
SUBSCRIBE
WITH the cold months finally over it is easy to give your wood burner a quick clean and then forget about it until the autumn, but do not leave it until the last minute to take care of it. Here are some tips on how to keep to your wood burner in tip-top condition and get the best results from it when in use. Cleaning the glass door. You can buy special products for cleaning the glass, but nothing beats using an old newspaper, ash and some vinegar. It is best to clean it whilst the door is still slightly warm. Brush off any loose residue and, with a damp piece of newspaper, rub ash from the fire in small circular motions on to the glass. Keep doing this, renewing the piece of paper if necessary, until the door is clear of residue. Wipe the door clean with a mix of warm water and white vinegar and dry with a clean cloth. Repeat if necessary.
Remember: Everyone permanently resident in France must make a declaration
3 WAYS TO
Take time to ensure your wood burner is in good shape
Online www.normandyadvertiser.fr www.connexionfrance.com Call FREE from France 0800 91 77 56 Or for just 4p/min from the UK 0844 256 9881 Lines are open between 9am - 1pm Post this coupon to Subscription Services, BP 61096, 06002 Nice Cedex 1 Payment must be by euro cheque (from a French bank) or sterling cheque (from a UK bank). Cheques should be made payable to English Language Media
Fill in your details (in capitals please): Name: ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Town: __________________________________________Postcode: ____________________________________________ Country : ______________________________________Telephone: ____________________________________________ Email: ________________________________________________________________________________________________
Normandy Advertiser ONE YEAR (12 EDITIONS) To a French address: €10 (£9) To a UK or other EU address: €18 (16)
The Connexion ONE YEAR (12 EDITIONS) To a French address: €33 (£30 by UK cheque) To a UK or other EU address: €44 (£40) Other addresses: €70 (£64)
The Connexion and receive Normandy Advertiser for FREE ONE YEAR (12 EDITIONS) To a Normandy address (14, 27, 50, 61, and 76 departments only): €33 (£30 by UK cheque) Please note: Subscriptions must reach us by the 16th of the month to ensure delivery of the next issue. We would like to send you a weekly email with news and practical information about life in France. You can unsubscribe at any time. We will never pass your details on to a third party. If you do NOT want this please tick here NO THANKS!
20 Property
www.normandyadvertiser.com
Normandy Advertiser
April 2012
Houses for sale across France Buying or selling a property? We can help. Our website www.connexionfrance.com carries details of more than 14,000 homes for sale across France. We also feature properties for sale in this dedicated section of the paper each month. To find out more about any particular property, go to www.connexionfrance.com and enter the ref: code shown under the property.
age costs just €200TTC and gives you three months online advertising as well as a print advert in three editions of The Advertiser. Our 6+6 package is best value at €330TTC and provides the same, but for six months via each channel.
New Consumption and Emission Chart - e.g. Energy rating C & F refers to C for Consumption and F for Emissions
Contact us on 0800 91 77 56 (freephone in France) or email sales@connexionfrance.com
More details on all these properties - and how to contact the seller directly - can be found in the property for sale section of
For sellers, the adverts are also displayed across a range of popular English- speaking websites and are seen by thousands of potential buyers EVERY day. Our 3+3 pack-
www.connexionfrance.com
Simply enter the code under each home to find out more PROPERTIES IN NORMANDY
€99,900
€102,150
€106,240
Carentan, Manche This charming hamlet house comes with a garden and courtyard. The property currently offers 4 main rooms, including 2 bedrooms and a living room, also a bathroom and wc.
Cerisy-la-Salle, Manche This stone house comes with lock-up garage and garden. The property comprises 2 bedrooms, 1 shower room, 1 wc, a living room with a total surface area of 81sqm.
Domfront, Orne This contemporary house is set in 1.67 acres of wooded land and comes with a garage, barn, and shed. It consists of a kitchen, living room, 3 bedrooms, bathroom and veranda.
REF: 41220
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: 40607
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: 40551
€116,600
€123,000
€132,305
Alençon, Orne This charming stone house comes with an outbuilding. The property offers a fitted kitchen, living room, study, 2 bedrooms, a bathroom, and a 3rd bedroom on the ground floor.
Trun, Orne Charming, spacious, stone-built cottage which has been well-renovated. Sunny balcony. Good views over garden and surrounding pasture. 3 bedrooms
Vire, Calvados This stone cottage is set in a lovely garden. The property offers a living room with a fireplace, fitted kitchen, bathroom, store-room, 2 bedrooms - one en-suite.
REF: 43313
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: DOM1330
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: 41860
€140,400
€148,500
€155,000
Domfront, Orne This charming longère is set in 1 acre of garden and comes with a garage and a large workshop. The property offers a spacious kitchen, lounge, bathroom, 2 bedrooms and a linen room.
Chanu, Orne Retaining a very cosy, homely and traditional French feel, this property comprises a spacious lounge/dining room, kitchen, family bathroom,a conservatory and 2 spacious bedrooms
Near Percy, Manche Set in beautiful Normandy countryside, this modernlyrestored farmhouse has 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, gas central heating with a woodburning stove in the lounge.
REF: 42101
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: 12505
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: IFPC21918
€160,250
€165,000
€167,200
Vire, Calvados This stone house is set in a 2.4 acres of land and comes with an extending annex, a large barn and a garage. It has a lounge, dining room, kitchen, 2 bedrooms and a bathroom.
Saint-Barthélemy, Manche The property comprises of a living room, kitchen, 2 bedrooms, bathroom, wc. On the first floor there are a further 2 bedrooms, a bathroom and an attic. In the basement there is a cellar.
Sourdeval, Manche An old farm with a newly renovated 2 bedroomed house and attached barn to develop this property further.
REF: 41867
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: 42303
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: 83
€171,000
€172,400
€174,900
Chavoy, Manche Stone and slate property built in 1850, situated in a hamlet in a peaceful setting, with a garden area of 1.23 acres(5,000 sqm). Oil central heating. Large cellar. Outbuilding.
Ger, Manche Elegant house on 1.6 acres of flat land with lovely views all around and great outriding. Entrance, kitchen, lounge, dining room, wc, bathroom, boiler room, double garage. 4 bedrooms, wc.
Baudre, Manche Stone and slate property, lies in the countryside in a peaceful setting, with a garden and pond. Wood heating. Outbuilding. Character property with exposed beams.
REF: CHAVOY00167.2323
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: 54
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: BAUDRE13347
€180,200
€192,400
€199,000
La Haye-Bellefond, Manche This is a delightful detached property in a peaceful part of the countryside. The house is currently 2 bedroomed, but there are another 2 large rooms nearly finished off.
Mesnil-Clinchamps, Calvados A delightfully-renovated cottage on the outskirts of this pretty village. As well as two balconies providing terrific views over the orchard and surrounding countryside, there is a pool.
Montreuil-en-Caux, Seine-Maritime Charming half-timbered longère in the perfect Caux countryside. Quality-built with superb materials. Well placed in a sumptuous garden.
REF: 12302
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: 39
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: 12
€203,000
€209,200
€217,300
Les Loges-Marchis, Manche This is the whole package: stunning house, great location, country views, no neighbours and no roads. Fully restored to perfection, 3 bedroomed house, all so tastefully decorated.
Saint-Ovin, Manche This is 4 bedroomed house is nestled in the countryside near Avranches. The ground floor is tiled throughout and each main room has patio doors to the terrace which is on three sides.
Percy, Manche Beautifully-renovated, detached 3 bedroomed stone property situated on a hill overlooking the countryside. Tastefully decorated and benefits from double-glazing. Well presented.
REF: 55
ENERGY RATING = Not given
The adverts above cost from just €200
REF: 122 TTC
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: 11532
ENERGY RATING = Not given
ENERGY RATING = Not given
ENERGY RATING = D
ENERGY RATING = Not given
ENERGY RATING = Not given
ENERGY RATING = Not given
ENERGY RATING = Not given
for three months of web advertising and three months of print advertising.
Let our distribution get you a sale. Contact our sales team on 0800 91 77 56 (freephone in France) or email sales@connexionfrance.com
Normandy Advertiser
April 2012
Property 21
www.normandyadvertiser.com PROPERTIES IN NORMANDY
€220,000
€221,400
€237,500
Domfront, Orne A south-facing 3 bedroomed farmhouse with attached barn fully renovated within the last five years. Large single garage and double covered wood-store. Plunge pool.
Notre-Dame-de-Cenilly, Manche This is a beautifully-renovated, spacious family house is situated in the country, a short walk from the nearest village and about 25 minutes from the sea. Centrallyheated, 4 bedrooms.
Eu, Seine-Maritime This farmhouse and outbuildings are set in a U-shape with large gardens surrounded by trees. Beyond lies an open area with a mixture of grass and trees, with a further derelict building.
REF: DOM1277
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: 12051
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: IFPC20915
€240,000
€256,000
€267,500
Bernay, Eure This house is secluded as it is approached by a long drive and the garden is bordered by mature trees and shrubs. To the front there is a paved terrace which faces south.
Surville, Manche Unspoilt sandy beaches are only 3 mins away from this gorgeous, stone 4 bedroomed house. The reception rooms are large and airy and decorated to a high standard, so are the bedrooms.
L'Épinay-le-Comte, Orne This is a gem of a property situated in a quiet location just outside the village. It is a carefullyrenovated, traditional French farmhouse which dates back to 1836.
REF: IFPC21434
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: 11550
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: 12170
€275,000
€290,000
€299,000
Trun, Orne Imposing house built in 1850, in excellent condition. Walk to pretty market town. Beautiful gardens 7.910m2 (1.95 acres). Barn to convert. 4 bedrooms and 3 shower rooms.
Vaudry, Calvados An architect-designed house, in quiet 'cul de sac' above the Vire valley. With a country feel, the large plate-glass windows of the living and dining room look onto a beautiful garden.
Bolbec, Seine-Maritime A delightful 1898 detached “Maison de Maître”, built from traditional red brick and firestone under a new slate roof. Original features retained. Positioned in a quiet rural area.
REF: DOM1331
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: IFPC21848
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: DOM1289
€315,000
€324,000
€336,000
Pont-Audemer, Eure Spacious `colombage` house under a slate tiled roof in good condition set in 2200m2 (0.54acres). 6/7 rooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 wcs, kitchen, 2 reception rooms, cave and garage.
Avranches, Manche A very charming Normandy house full of character dating from the 18th century located in a magnificent setting. 5 bedrooms, 7 rooms. Possibility to obtain extra 10 hectares.
Valognes, Manche Elegant detached house built in 1973 in very good condition. Set in landscaped gardens. Delightful views. 5/6 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, double garage. 1km to town centre.
REF: DOM1293
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: DOM1377
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: DOM1319
€349,950
€350,000
€364,000
Avranches, Manche Stone-built house dating back to 1750 with extensive renovations and building work most recently carried out in 1997, this spacious house is set on an elevated position with extensive views.
Gournay-en-Bray, Seine-Maritime Fine L-shaped house of stone, flint and red brick, tiled roof. Carefully renovated to preserve the integrity of the original structure. Sheltered courtyard.
Sourdeval, Manche Superb 19th century villa with entry into large living room, open-plan kitchen, wc, 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, convertible attic, cellar, cave, garage and workshop.
REF: DOM1303
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: IFPC20812
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: 81
€372,750
€378,000
€383,400
Vire, Calvados Comprising 2 separate dwellings linked by a door on the ground floor, these 2 homes have a total of 7 bedrooms, with the possibility of creating more. The wellkept garden and outhouse.
Bagnoles de l'Orne, Orne Set in the heart of the National Park of Normandy, this fully renovated 19th c. house has 5 bedrooms and a separate 2 bedroomed guest cottage. There is also a lovely garden.
Sacey, Manche This 5 bedroomed house, which is used as a 3 bedroomed home and 2 bedroomed gîte, is situated just 20minutes from Mont Saint Michel.
REF: 99
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: NOR61CHA
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: 80
€390,000
€393,750
€399,000
Lyons-la-Forêt, Eure This detached, spacious and characteristic "Maison de Maître" from 1840 was carefully renovated between 1998 and 2008. Many authentic details like the double oak front door.
Plomb, Manche In an idyllic setting less than 15 minutes from the coast, this attractive 4 bedroom millhouse and 2 bed miller's cottage offer an enviable lifestyle. Surrounded by beautiful mature gardens.
Rouen, Seine-Maritime Charming country house set in 1.0 hect. (2.47 acres). Currently operating as successful B&B. Sleeps 15. Certified income. Airport 50 minutes. Channel tunnel under 1h 45mins.
REF: HNO-235
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: 12014
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: DOM1152
€405,000
€420,000
€429,000
Montebourg, Manche This beautifully-appointed 6 bedroomed house has panoramic views over the landscaped gardens to the Abbey, countryside and coastline beyond.
Évreux, Eure Beautiful 4 Bedroomed “Maison de Maitre” with gardens of 800m², a 3 bedroomed gîte, fully equipped and ready for immediate rental – plus a 1 bedroom apartment.
Domfront, Orne Charming 17th century château decorated to a good standard. Some further work required. 7 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 3 wcs, kitchen, 2 large reception rooms and loft.
REF: 11952
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: IFPC21989
ENERGY RATING = D
REF: DOM1398
€440,000
€450,000
€462,000
Dieppe, Seine-Maritime Wonderful 12th century Abbey used by nuns until the revolution, and the resistance during World War II. Partly restored, with 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms in the usable wing.
Le Neubourg, Eure This former presbytery in the village (first built in 1810), has lots of charm (timbered beams and old wooden interior shutters) and modern comforts. 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.
Barneville-Carteret, Manche An historic manor house, complete with the original stone spiral staircase, in need of internal renovation. The majority of the external renovation has been completed.
REF: IFPC20301
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: IFPC21878
ENERGY RATING = D
REF: 11991
€490,000
€499,800
€499,950
Brionne, Eure An exceptional opportunity to purchase two fully-restored properties in a popular holiday area with good access to the coast, golf courses, horse riding, boating, walking, fishing etc.
St-Pierre-sur-Dives, Calvados Elegant 18 century manor house including 2 gîtes (3 houses in total) set in parkland. Many original features retained. Delightful views across the countryside.
Honfleur, Eure Normandy ‘colombage’ manor house and 3 large outbuildings in sound condition with water and electricity. 1 large outbuilding without water and electricity. 1 large hanger barn with gates.
REF: IFPC16232
ENERGY RATING = D
REF: DOM1304
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: DOM873
ENERGY RATING = Not given
ENERGY RATING = Not given
ENERGY RATING = Not given
ENERGY RATING = Not given
ENERGY RATING = Not given
ENERGY RATING = Not given
ENERGY RATING = Not given
ENERGY RATING = Not given
ENERGY RATING = Not given
ENERGY RATING = Not given
22 Property
www.normandyadvertiser.com
Normandy Advertiser
April 2012
PROPERTIES AROUND FRANCE
€101,175
€106,300
€110,000
Silfiac, Morbihan This partly-renovated house includes a fully equipped kitchen, French doors onto the garden, lounge, living area to finish with exposed beams, a and a bar.
Nontron This cottage is set in 285m2 of land and comes with a garage and a well. It has a large living room with fireplace, a fitted kitchen, a bedroom, a shower room and a separate wc.
Limoux, Aude This lovely stone house comes with a garage and a small garden. Within about 81sqm of living space, the house comprises a 33.3sqm kitchen and a 17.6 sqm veranda on the ground floor.
REF: 096
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: 38497
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: 31337
€115,000
€119,000
€124,877
Cherval This ancient stone house is set on 1 acre of land and comes with excellent views. It comprising a fitted kitchen, a living room with a character fireplace, a bathroom and 2 bedrooms.
Tuchan, Aude Fully-renovated attached village house with many authentic details still visible. The property is located in a small village and has a large terrace on the roof.
Pontrieux, Côtes-d'Armor This house is set in a 0.32 acres of land and comes with a terrace and a garden shed. It has a lounge with a fireplace, a fitted kitchen, a shower room and a wc and 1 large bedroom.
REF: 41746
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: LAR-266
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: 42070
€133,750
€143,000
€148,000
Labey Stone and tiled property situated in a hamlet in a peaceful setting, with an enclosed garden area of 345 sqm. Workshop/shed. Well. Septic tank. Electric and wood heating.
Plémet, Côtes-d'Armor This modern, 5-bedroomed house is close to all amenities and in addition to the living space, this property has a large basement, comprising a garage, laundry room and work space.
Sarrazac This lovely Maison Bourgeoise is set in 700 sqm of land with plenty of character, and a garage. The property offers a living room, kitchen, 5 bedrooms, two bathrooms and an attic.
REF: LABEY9087
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: 12203
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: 34650
€154,425
€160,000
€165,000
Sainte-Brigitte, Morbihan Superb views over the countryside and tranquillity guaranteed for this pleasant and very bright bungalow with 4 bedrooms, comprising of entrance hall, fitted kitchen and lounge.
Excideuil This charming farmhouse is set in 810 sqm of garden and comes with a little chalet and lovely views. The property has been renovated to a very tasteful standard.
Saint-Pierre-la-Mer, Aude This villa is set in 110sqm of land and comes with a beautiful garden and great views. The property comprises a kitchen , bedroom, shower room and a veranda
REF: 144
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: 40442
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: 40758
€175,000
€178,000
€186,000
Jumilhac-le-Grand This 3 bedroomed, 1 bathroomed home with great equine possibilities, is nestled in a hamlet in the beautiful countryside of the Perigord Vert. Very well presented throughout.
Near Carcassonne, Aude Lovely, large, detached property situated on the edge of a village with amenities close to Carcassonne. Main work has already been completed with 3 separate, 2 bedroom dwellings.
Drouges, Ille-et-Vilaine The property comprises an entrance hall, a dining room, an equipped kitchen, a utility room with wc and shower, a boiler room, a living room and a sitting room. 4 bedrooms.
REF: BVI0005627
ENERGY RATING = C
REF: 810
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: 41299
€195,000
€205,000
€214,000
Vendres, Hérault This beautiful villa comes with an enclosed garden. Within 83 sqm of living space and on a single level, it comprises a livingroom, veranda, kitchen, 2 bedrooms and a linen room.
Ploërmel, Morbihan This detached farmhouse from 1901 with double garage is located in a small, peaceful hamlet with virtually no traffic. It is in excellent condition both inside and out.
Monpazier This restored stone house is in a tranquil location with lovely views over the surrounding countryside. The property comprises a living room with fireplace and fitted kitchen.
REF: 28822
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: BRE-642
ENERGY RATING = C
REF: FPBH2196M
€223,630
€232,200
€238,000
Huelgoat, Finistère A great opportunity to purchase an excellently renovated 5 bedroomed farmhouse that still retains all its character and charm. Situated deep in the countryside yet close to town.
Thiviers The house was built in 1982 and has been finished to a very high standard. With parquet floors upstairs, ceramic tiles downstairs and double glazing throughout.
Capendu, Aude Detached house with big garage, 3 bedrooms, lounge, kitchen, wc, cellar, office. Land of 1149m² close to the river, very quiet, nice views of the river, good condition.
REF: KPS 963
ENERGY RATING = G
REF: 12327
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: 110152252
€243,800
€249,000
€256,800
Jumilhac-le-Grand This 2 bedroomed home in an elevated position offering on one level the kitchen , lounge , bathroom and WC with living accommodation attached garage and store . Built in 1995.
Pézenas, Hérault This villa has a lovely, secluded garden with a pool all with the benefit of mature shrubs and fruit trees. Large kitchen, separate wc and bathroom, 3 goodsized bedrooms.
Huelgoat, Finistère Tucked away in the beautiful Breton hills with uninterrupted views over the countryside is this pretty cottage set in a half acre of landscaped gardens complete with established gîte.
REF: BVI0006563
ENERGY RATING = D
REF: 5710
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: KPS 795
€258,000
€263,150
€278,200
Trèbes, Aude A splendid winegrower-style house, located in a village only 5 minutes away from Trèbes, and very well renovated. 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, garden with trees and swimming pool.
Dinan, Côtes-d'Armor Charming house with B & B potential. Large sitting room with fire place and living room with open plan kitchen. 3 ensuite bedrooms. Several outbuildings, could be converted.
Eymet This beautifully-renovated stone farmhouse is set on the hillside of the Dropt river valley not more than 10 kms from the Bastide town of Eymet in the Dordogne.
REF: 110154036
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: 11160
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: APS1952
€283,550
€295,000
€299,000
Finistère This well established and profitable gîte complex consists of owner’s accommodation, 3 letting gîtes plus a below-ground swimming pool that meets all French regulations.
Monpazier This attractive stone house is situated in a small hamlet overlooking the countryside. The house has an entrance hall, large living room, kitchen, 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and 2 wcs.
Near Carcassonne, Aude This beautifully-presented villa is situated in a hamlet on the edge of Carcassonne. 4 bedrooms with 2 shower rooms and 1 bathroom, large living room with fully equipped kitchen.
REF: KPS 1174
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: FPBR2233M
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: 34
ENERGY RATING = Not given
ENERGY RATING = Not given
ENERGY RATING = Not given
ENERGY RATING = Not given
ENERGY RATING = Not given
ENERGY RATING = Not given
ENERGY RATING = Not given
ENERGY RATING = G
ENERGY RATING = G
ENERGY RATING = B
Normandy Advertiser
April 2012
Property 23
www.normandyadvertiser.com PROPERTIES AROUND FRANCE
€305,000
€307,000
€316,500
Sarlat This 18th century stone barn has been entirely restored and is peacefully situated in 6000 m2 of land with far-reaching views from the swimming-pool and terrace.
Hérault Comfortable and charming house located at the edge of a village, just a few steps from all shops, offering about 107m2 of living space including 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.
Dinan, Côtes-d'Armor Hamlet near village and close to the river Rance. Renovated longère in beautiful garden of ±3438m². Large reception rooms with super fireplaces. Equipped kitchen. 5 bedrooms. Garage.
REF: FPBB3249C
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: 10765-TLA323500E
ENERGY RATING = D
REF: 11159
€325,000
€327,050
€336,000
St-Pons-de-Thomières, Hérault A few minutes from St. Pons de Thomières in a very quiet village, is this beautiful villa. The covered swimming pool ensures swimming in spring as well as autumn.
St-Caradec-Trégomel, Morbihan In the countryside but 35 mins from Lorient, this ancient maison de maître property has a particular charm. Renovated 30 years ago by an artist who fell in love with this place.
Vélines Completely renovated house with separate living space on the ground floor. Ideal for a family or to rent out a part of the house. Huge garden, swimming pool, garage and outbuildings.
REF: V5720
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: 202
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: BVI0006848
€347,750
€357,000
€360,000
Morbihan This incredible house is set in some stunning scenery with its own ornamental lake, swimming pool and is bordered by the river Sarre. Not only that, it is also fed by its own water source.
Neuvic Magnificent 6 bedroomed single storey modern property in immaculate condition throughout. The kitchen includes ceramic hob, integrated washing machine, dishwasher and fridge.
Sérignan, Hérault Contemporary villa situated 5 kms from sandy beaches. On the ground floor, there is a bedroom with a shower room and a kitchen leading to a large living room. 4 more bedrooms upstairs.
REF: KPS 481
ENERGY RATING = E
REF: 11429
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: IFPC21740
€363,800
€365,000
€366,750
Le Buisson This well-restored stone house is situated near the town of Le Buisson with shops and all facilities. Comprising living room, kitchen, 2 bedrooms, bathroom, wc and attic.
Minervois, Aude This pretty winegrower's house in exposed stone over 2 floors with a view of the village and hills, offers a living room with open plan kitchen, living room, terrace and south-facing garden.
Dinan, Côtes-d'Armor On the outskirts of a village with easy access to the Rennes/St Malo motorway. Large character property (±370m² floor area) divided over 4 levels. Several reception rooms with fireplaces.
REF: FPBF1070L
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: jpb755
ENERGY RATING = D
REF: 11313
€378,000
€388,125
€398,000
Hérault Traditional villa with 130 m2 living space, a garage, a superb equipped summer kitchen and a pool, on 1520 m2 of land including a buildable section with independent access.
Iffendic, Ille-et-Vilaine, A spacious traditional stone property with over400m² of habitable living space in the centre of the community.
Le Buisson-de-Cadouin This restored stone house has a large kitchen, living room, dining room, 2 bedrooms, bathroom. 2 further bedrooms in dependence nearby, both ensuite. 1 bedroomed gîte.
REF: 10765-AM432000E
ENERGY RATING = C
REF: 146067
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: FPBE1193L
€402,800
€407,000
€417,000
Maël-Carhaix, Côtes-d'Armor Stone house with 3 bedrooms and a number of other buildings set in the countryside with 8 hectares of land.
Échourgnac Both these properties have new electrics, plumbing, double glazing, new roofing and pools. The second house, currently used as a gîte, is equipped for wheelchair access.
Langlade, Gard Very quiet and residential place for this nice recent villa. 3 bedrooms, bathroom. Large terrace with view over the Vaunage Valley. Charming garden with swimming pool and spa.
REF: 2805
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: BVI0005094
ENERGY RATING = C
REF: 484v
€424,000
€430,000
€449,400
Eymet Very attractive stone house on the immediate outskirts of a beautiful bastide town. Lounge, dining area, kitchen area, study, 3/4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, wc, garage and outbuildings.
Trèbes, Aude Large villa with luxurious features in a very popular village. Featuring a large living room with reversible air conditioning and a fireplace, office, kitchen, bathroom and 4 bedrooms.
Morbihan This is a delightfully-restored 19th century granite longère comprising of a main house, plus 2 gîtes and an outbuilding to convert to create a further 2 gîtes.
REF: APS2125
ENERGY RATING = F
REF: 110153706
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: KPS 1778
€459,000
€452,625
€464,500
Céret, Pyrénées-Orientales The villa is airy and light and the area is completely quiet and secluded with no neighbours nearby. The lively, artistic and cultural centre of Ceret is nice 3 minute drive away.
Domelain, Ille-et-Vilaine Two very attractive Breton stone houses, both renovated to a good standard with a barn and an annex making them ideal for two families or for holiday rental.
Sarlat-la-Canéda Situated in a very peaceful environment but close to Sarlat and all major tourist sites, a very nice Perigordian-style house, with a pond of about 1,000 m2 on land of 5,500 m2.
REF: 1347
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: 2200
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: FPBR3348C
€472,500
€475,000
€480,000
Pontivy, Morbihan Two charming stone-built cottages (cir 1610/1732) in the heart of Brittany. In pristine condition with swimming pool and tennis court. Substantial income.
Domme This charming property has been tastefully restored. It is situated on approximately 5 hectares, very quiet and with a beautiful view over the valley and the Dordogne River.
Montauriol, Pyrénées-Orientales Offering stunning views over the Roussillon plain, vineyards and up to the sea, beautiful villa with a main living room, dining area, separate kitchen, conservatory, 4 bedrooms and 1 bathroom.
REF: DOM1160
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: FPBH3341C
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: DH602
€483,000
€495,000
€496,000
Eymet The property consists of an old stone house with a barn and a small studio. The main house has been renovated whilst retaining many features. The house is in an elevated position.
Uzès, Gard Charming stone farmhouse, completely renovated, offering a living area of 200m2 and land of 1.8hectares. It has 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a swimming pool.
Saint-Malo, Ille-et-Vilaine Very attractive stone house set in 12,000m2 of enclosed, mature gardens including 2 lakes. Kitchen, sitting room/salon of 60m2, 5 bedrooms. Superb presentation throughout.
REF: APS1547
ENERGY RATING = D
REF: FP04072011
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: 146521
ENERGY RATING = Not given
ENERGY RATING = C
ENERGY RATING = Not given
ENERGY RATING = Not given
ENERGY RATING = Not given
ENERGY RATING = C
ENERGY RATING = D
ENERGY RATING = D
ENERGY RATING = Not given
ENERGY RATING = Not given
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor. Incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam. Quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi. Š Bupa 2010 Ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore.
Your guide to retiring in
SPAIN ng in
e r guid
tiri to re
Y ITAL
You
Your gu
ide to re
FRANC
tiring in
E
www.bupa.com