The Local Buzz July - August 2022 by Buzzing

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

JULY & AUGUST 2022

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SUMMER NIGHTS

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REGIONAL WHAT’S ON GUIDE

Caring for Pets Regional Attractions Government Grants

Keeping Cool Property • Food & Drink • Finance

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

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

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

www.brightavocats.com

Welcome

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

Magazine

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

Website

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GIRONDE

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

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H AUCH

TOULOUSE H

N.HAUTE GARONNE

Hello from our Queen Bee Hello to summer and hello to you. This issue is packed with warm thoughts with a look at taking care of our pets on hot days, through to summer nights in our region, regional attractions to look out for, and even how to keep cool. Did you know that France has had a role in many a hat making it to market? You can see exactly how in our Hats feature and find out how to make sure you ask for the right one with our handy French guide. In sport, we tee-off with a look at golf and choosing the right course (in more ways than one) and, also with health in mind, we have an explanation on the different types of massage therapy and their benefits. In property, we focus on the role of an immobilier and, in finance, there’s an explanation on SIPPs and how they benefit a non-UK resident living in France. Talking of benefits, we also highlight French Government Grants and how to obtain them.

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The Local Buzz • July - August 2022

Don’t forget our fabulous food and drink and guest chef pages and, when you have a moment, our French crossword and fun wordsearch. Looking for more? Then have a read through our What’s On pages and the Buzz Bits for some of the most recent news items. Now for some different news. Having worked on the magazine on my own now since December 2020, it has been difficult to find enough time to continue to develop our growth plans. In addition, surprise surprise, I am getting married! So, I have taken the decision to take a break for a while, spending time with my husband to be, and working on the future in the background. We will be back with you soon, bigger and better but, in the meantime, I send more warm thoughts and thanks to you, our readers, for your loyalty and to you, our advertisers, for your support over the past four years. Enjoy your summer!

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WE NOW HAVE FREE COLLECTION POINTS IN: DORDOGNE – BERGERAC, EYMET, EXCIDEUIL, NONTRON, PERIGUEUX, SARLAT-LA-CANEDA, RIBERAC HAUTE GARONNE – TOULOUSE, SAINT MARTORY GERS – AUCH, CONDOM, L’ISLE JORDAIN, MIELAN LOT – CAHORS, FIGEAC LOT ET GARONNE – DURAS, AGEN, FUMEL TARN – ALBI, CASTRES, MAZAMET TARN ET GARONNE – CAUSSADE, LAUZERTE +MORE IN SURROUNDING AREAS, SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR UP-TO-DATE SCHEDULES & LOCATIONS FREE DELIVERY* - NO MINIMUM ORDER

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

CONTENTS July & August Issue

Editorial & Managing Director: Lesley Ashburner

REGULARS

Layout: The Magazine Production Company

Advertising: buzzing@thelocalbuzzmag.com

Photography: Shutterstock or Jeff Ross unless otherwise stated

regional guide to what’s on

Our thanks go to our regular contributors as well as Andrea Glover, Sarah Bright, Evy Jester, Terrie Simpson and Iwona Trybuch. Cover: Shutterstock

15 - SAMU Service on a nationwide basis – call for medical assistance 17 -

28 Gardening,

Mediterranean style 30 Jobs in the Garden

The Local Buzz is free and is published by SAS The Local Buzz, 102 Chemin de la Plaine, 47120 Saint Pierre Sur Dropt ISSN 2516-8134. RCS AGEN Siren 842 643 173. Printed by Rotimpres SA on paper from a renewable source.

Emergency Numbers:

What’s the Buzz

8 The start of our

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

All trademarks are trademarks of the companies concerned. No material may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. The general editorial and articles in this issue do not necessarily reflect the view of the editor or publishers. Please ensure that the company you are dealing with is registered in France. To become a distribution point, to advertise, to send us information, or for any other enquiry contact buzzing@thelocalbuzzmag.com

Hello

31 Buzz Bits

32 Food & Drink 34 Guest Chef

60 Puzzle Page

66 Just Droning

FEATURES

36 Keeping Cool

38 S ummer Nights

42 Regional

Attractions 44 The Hats Have It

46 Government Grants 50 Property Pages

Police (gendarmerie)

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

The Local Buzz • July - August 2022

53 Finance

54 Tee-Off With Golf

56 Legal Query

WELL BEING 56 Ask Katie

57 Massage Therapy

58 Caring For Our Pets PLUS…

61 Business Directory 5

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L E S PA R T E N A I R E S I N S T I T U T I O N N E L S

L E S PA R T E N A I R E S P R O F E S S I O N N E L S & LO G I S T I Q U E S

L E S PA R T E N A I R E S M E D I A S

what’s the BUZZ Are you buzzing?

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

OUR PICK OF WHAT’S ON IN YOUR REGION DATES FOR YOUR DIARY: Vide Greniers • Rauzan, 23 Jul (33) • Bourdeilles, 7 Aug (24) • Fumel, 7 Aug (47) • Bretenoux, 24 Jul (46) • Lectoure, 31 Jul (32) • Bruniquel, 7 Aug (82) • Toulouse, 24 Jul (31)

Bourses d’Objets • Pessac, 27 Aug (33) • Meyrais, 24 Jul (24) • Bournel, 31 Jul (47) • Teyssieu, 14 Aug (46) • Seissan, 5 Aug (32) • Saint-Loup, 15 Aug (82) • Toulouse, 30 Jul (31)

Marchés Traditionnels • Libourne, Friday (33) • Montignac, Saturday (24) • Tonneins, Wednesday (47) • Salviac, Friday (46) • Samatan, Monday (32) • Castelsarrasin, Thursday (82) • Colomiers, Sunday (31)

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

LE TOUR!

Gers, Tarn et Garonne and Lot will all have a share of this year’s Tour de France in the final stages before the riders head off to Paris and the finish line. On 22 July, the 188.5km route of Stage 19 will see them pass through places like Masseube, Auch and Valence d’Agen, experiencing a 2km 6.2% climb at Lauzerte, followed by a 1.6km climb of 6.3% at Côte de SaintDaunès, before an overnight stop in Cahors. At 40.7km, Stage 20 is the shortest

course of the entire event, covering Lacapelle-Marival to Rocamadour but it packs a punch near the end with a 4.7% climb for 1.6km at

Côte de Magès. Don’t forget to encourage the riders with a loud “chapeau” or two. For full details visit www.letour.fr

VIVE LA FRANCE! Whether you are joining in the celebrations for France’s La Fête Nationale, also known as Bastille Day, or the Fête de la Fédération

The Local Buzz • July - August 2022

in honour of the day the French people united exactly a year later, there are sure to be fireworks somewhere nearby on 14 July. There

will also be dancing and concerts of every kind. Check at your local mairie for events in your neighbourhood and enjoy!

GIRONDE

what’s the

BUZZ

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

GIRONDE

Perform!

Jazzy Days Music from the East, Gypsy Jazz and the return of Tom Ibarra are just some of the delights in store at this year’s ANDERNOS Jazz Festival which is held across three venues from 29 to 31 July. Alès Demil, the 15-year old winner of the Blue Note of the 9th Tremplin d’Action Jazz, will also be performing, as well as Nicolle Rochelle and Julien Brunetaud with some great blues and jazz standards. A beach concert by the March Mallow quartet will take you back to the 50s and, closing the festival, the Tricia Evy Quartet will remind us of the great sounds of Ella Fitzgerald. www.andernos-jazz-festival.fr

DORDOGNE

PABLO LIVES! The third Festival Perform features over 20 local and international artists and dance companies in this series of presentations aimed at questioning artistic performance in all its forms. Contemporary art, living arts and digital art will all be featured in this unusual, thought-provoking piece of theatre which promotes the countryside and its community. You can catch it in VERTHEUIL on 19 August. www.winterstory.org

ALL THE CLASSICS

The positioning of wine and popular spirits in the works of Pablo Picasso is the subject of Picasso, an exhibition at La Cité du Vin in BORDEAUX until 28 August. Bringing together more than 80 works, the showcase sheds new light on this great artist’s achievements, revealing the effervescent creativity that drove him throughout his life. Paying tribute to the abundant production and the diversity of the media he used, it includes paintings, drawings, ceramics and even films. www.laciteduvin.com

Festival Flam is a classical music concert held in a convent, a château and a church in BLAYE, BOURG, GAURIAC and BAYON from 5 to 15 August. For its 10th edition it brings works by Britten, Schubert, Mozart, Tchaikovski and Brahms to different concerts each evening. Happy days! www.festivalflam.fr

www.thelocalbuzzmag.com

Three hundred years after Eleanor brought Aquitania to the English crown, King Charles VII decided to reclaim the province. For the first time on a battlefield, the artillery decimated the troops of the English general, John Talbot, bringing the Hundred Years War to an end. La Bataille de Castillon is a breathtaking spectacle where nobles, villagers, acrobats, warlords and cavalry come together with fights, stunts and great pyrotechnic effects to relive the battle. A page of history will unfold, live, right before your eyes at CASTILLON-LA-BATEILLE from 21 to 23 July. www.batailledecastillon.com

Oyster Heaven

La Fête de l’Huitre opens on 12 August at ARES for three days of concerts, bands and majorettes, entertainment and live shows. Afternoon sports and a musical quiz join Replay, Killbilly and EchOo before Thierry de Sono Aquitaine takes over the show at 23:30. The last day will also see a “Disco Inferno” before a spectacular firework display at 23:00. 06 04 08 77 09.

GIRONDE

INTO BATTLE

Road Works

A new site at PELLEGRUE will be the setting for the 28th edition of Bastid’art, the Festival International des Arts de la Rue, “L’Appel de la Grue” from 5 to 7 August. With more than 50 free performances, it combines street art with theatrical, acrobatic and dance performances from acts such as Tuga, Virus, Brass Attack, Maudit Building, and Goulamas’k together with Kraken Mecanique and Martha Paiva. www.bastidart.org

Q Other events can be found at www.thelocalbuzzmag.com/what’s-on and include • 200 ans Pont de Pierre, Bordeaux, to 31 Aug • Expo Vincent Richeux, St Germain d’Esteuil, to 1 Sep • Music Fest’l, Cap Ferret,

9 to 16 Jul • Walk/hike, Soulac Sur Mer, 18 Jul • O’City Vipers, Lacanau, 27 Jul • Les Tchica Boum,

The Local Buzz • July - August 2022

Hourtin, 2 Aug • Foire Aux Vins, Lesparre-Médoc, 5 to 7 Aug • Les Estivales, Montagne, 2 to 6 Aug

• SunSka Festival, Vertheuil, 5 to 7 Aug Enter your region on the website and click search to find all types of events.

SIRET 48003796900015

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English/French speaking estate agents Tel: + 33 (0)5 53 09 33 45 Fax: + 33 (0)5 53 09 36 12 Quality properties for sale urgently required. We are an efficient and friendly team of bilingual professionals with excellent local knowledge and a portfolio of properties in the Dordogne, Gironde and Lot et Garonne. T: +33 (0)5 53 83 30 46 info@richardimmo.com

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7 rue du Château 47410 Lauzun

A r c h i t e c t u r e Le Bourg, 24310, bourdeilles

Tél 05 53 09 33 45 - Mobile 06 87 45 15 79

e-mail: contact@papillonarchitecture.com

Siret: 488 165 564 00011

website: www.papillonarchitecture.com

what’s the

BUZZ DORDOGNE

DORDOGNE

VARIETY SHOWS

POP OVER There will definitely be an atmosphere of jazz and blues pop in EYMET on 16 July as Pierre de Bethmann on piano, Sylvain Romano on bass, and Tony Rabeson on drums shake up the Place Gambetta from 20:30. You can expect some amazing piano playing, outstanding drumming and seductive bass notes as the trio revisit the standards in their own way. 05 53 22 22 10.

Night Feasts

Les Nuits Gourmandes in PERIGUEUX brings together around 100 producers, artisans and commercial suppliers of some of the region’s best food and drink. For the 8th year, it combines a festive, musical atmosphere with a wide selection of local produce every Tuesday from 20 July to 24 August at the Place de la Clautre. 05 53 02 82 00.

Concerts, theatrical performances, dancing, singing, folklore and gastronomy make up Estivales, a celebration of life on various dates in July and August. Free to attend, and held across different venues in and around BERGERAC, it includes Osmose in concert on 18 July, Macha on 25th, Solak Balik on 3 August, Jeudi ça Danse, and Mardi on Chante throughout the event. 05 53 74 66 66.

BUBBLES! Don’t shower before you go! From 19:00 on 17 July you can be as lathered up as you like at the Soirée Mousse Géante in SAINT-CYPRIEN. Held not far from the Grange des Pėres, this extraordinary concert not only has foam (and lots of it) but it offers great music too with Bandazik, DJ Philou, DJ François and Misstik from 19:00. Don’t forget your cossie! www.dordogne-perigord-tourisme.fr

The Local Buzz • July - August 2022

DORDOGNE

Golden Weekend If you haven’t experienced the transhumance de moutons, this could be the perfect time! As well as the incredible sheep herding trek, the Fête Patronale at BARTHELEMYDE-BELLEGARDE incorporates a brocante and randonnée pédestre plus an evening meal on the Saturday and a fantastic firework display. Or perhaps you won’t want to miss the cycling course on Sunday morning! You can take your pick from all these events on 27 and 28 August. www.dordogne-perigordtourisme.fr

A MUSICAL SUMMER

The 34th Festival du Périgord Pourpre L’Eté Musical is being held from 3 to 16 August across a variety of locations including MONPAZIER, SAINT AVIT SENIEUR, MARSALES and SAINT GERMAIN. Opera opens the programme of daily concerts with Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutte, followed by other concerts and performances such as dynamic dance by Dance N’Speak Easy, the Florin Niculescu Jazz Quartet, flamenco dance and a grand classical concert to close. 05 53 74 30 94

DORDOGNE

GOING GLOBAL

With world music and dance in mind, eight shows and 300 artists can be found at this year’s Festival Cultures aux Cœurs at MONTIGNAC-LASCAUX from 25 to 31 July. Les Gypsy Kings and Tonino Baliardo open the event and, on 28th, are followed by a Soirée Accords Majeurs complete with Le Pari des Bretelles and the Gangbé Brass Band. On the 30th it’s the time for a Soirée Latino with music from Colombia, Chile and Mexico to close this fabulous 41st extravaganza. 05 53 50 14 00.

Q Other events can be found at www.thelocalbuzzmag.com/what’s-on and include • Pop Shaker concert, Montpon-Menesterol, 15 Jul • Course Cycliste, Saint-Astier, 17 Jul • 70 Years of Fête,

Lalinde, 21 Jul • Sardinade, La RocheChalais, 30 Jul • Harp Concert, SaintMedard-d’Excideuil, 3 Aug

• Tacos et Musique, Payzac, 4 Aug • Fest Périgord Noir, various, 28 Jul to 19 Aug • Soirées des Ménestrels, Issigeac, 9 Aug

• Randonnée Gandumas, Dussac, 20 Aug Enter your region on the website and click search to find all types of events.

www.thelocalbuzzmag.com

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

Other offices at Villeréal, Bergerac, St. Cyprien, Monpazier, Miramont de Guyenne, Issigeac

Ref:10011-VI 168,540 € HAI. DPE: D A recently redecorated town house offering stunning views and a fenced, mature garden of nearly 1 acre. The sitting room opens to the balcony, to enjoy the views! There are 2 bedrooms on the ground floor and a 3rd (unheated) in the basement. Exclusive to Agence Eleonor! (6% fees inc)

Ref: 10124-MO 392,200 € HAI. DPE: D Lovely stone 4-bed longère, with exposed beams and stone throughout, located in peaceful rolling countryside. Various outbuildings including garage, workshop, pigsty and wine cellar complete the property. All set on a gorgeous, landscaped fully fenced garden of almost 1.25 acres. (6% fees inc)

Ref: 10000-STC 575,000€ HAI. DPE: E Maison du Maitre situated just a few steps from the centre of a village. Dating from the 19th century, the property has been updated by the current owners whilst preserving several period features. Offering 7 bedrooms in the main house plus separate private 1 bedroom annex and double garage. Exclusive! (4.5% fees inc)

Ref:10120-EY 164,780€ HAI. DPE:Vierge Ensemble of stone buildings and tobacco barn, on 1634m² of land with direct access to the river and within a short walk to the nearest village. Habitable space includes Sitting room / kitchen, 2 bedrooms, and shower room. Exciting renovation project with architect plans available on request. (7% fees inc)

Ref: 9835-VI 316,000 € HAI. DPE: C A beautiful, bright and spacious stone property with great potential for bed and breakfast in a charming bastide town. Tastefully renovated, it offers 4 bedrooms, living room kitchen and large, well established garden of half an acre. (7% fees inc)

Ref: 9961-EY 159,000€ HAI. DPE:F Lovely village house with 3 bedrooms & 2 bathrooms, set over 2 floors, with a mature and enclosed garden of around a quarter of an acre, with large terrace to enjoy beautiful countryside views. Could easily be expanded on the ground floor to create a separate self-contained annex. Exclusive! (6% fees inc)

Ref: 10028-EY 850,000 € HAI. DPE: E Superb 5-bedroom Chateau set in almost 15 acres with: walled garden, fruit trees, lake, substantial outbuildings plus stables. Partly renovated while retaining all the original features and includes an art gallery and orangery. There is enormous scope to develop the additional 1100m² into a family home, guest accommodation or a wedding venue. (4.94% fees inc)

Ref: 10094-MO 472,500 € HAI. DPE: E Traditional collection of stone buildings offering a large house, stone barn and hangar, ideally located on 22 hectares of meadow land. The 4-bedroom house has a south facing covered terrace, and is full of original features, with beams, exposed stone walls and a beautiful open stone fireplace. Exclusive! (5% fees inc)

VISIT THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY July/August : Tuesday to Thursday except public holidays at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.

DISCOVER OUR SPRING COLLECTION

MAISON GUINGUET 163 Cavales street, DURAS 47120 FRANCE +33(0)5 53 83 72 47 - contact@maisonguinguet.com - www.maisonguinguet.com

LOT ETDORDOGNE GARONNE

what’s the

BUZZ LOT ET GARONNE

Living Art

It’s a new site for Bastid’Art’s Festival International des Arts Vivants, “Libre Comme L’Art”, this year as artists from around the world bring circus, theatre, dance and concerts to Ferme l’Oisonnière at BOURGOUGNAGUE on 13 and 14 August. Fun for all the family, each of the 45 performances is free and includes the mad antics of Mimo TUGA Einz, Virus, Graines du Sel and, amongst many others, Collectif Kraken Mecanique. 09 67 52 73 46.

Cool Sounds

If its percussion you want then don’t miss the 12th Festival Autour des Percussions in BARBASTE on 13 August. The mesmerising Ara Oko tops the bill and is joined by Bunda Blanca, Tabajaro Do Samba, Alkiminia, Batide Luca, Batuk’a Dune and the Limouzi Samba Gang. Passing through the streets in Albret from 17:00 to 18:00, the bands convene at the Site Pré du Curé where they play together and separately before a final bouquet of pyrotechnics at 23:30. 05 53 65 81 91.

Asta be good

Opening with a film, this year’s Asta’Folk festival at ASTAFFORT gives pride of place to traditional dance, music and song from the south west. Held from 11 to 14 August, it also welcomes different repertoires from the Alpes du Sud, Auvergne, Berry, Bretagne and Poitou. There will also be choreographic, instrumental and vocal workshops as well as concerts, street music and dancing. 06 40 86 01 03.

DORDOGNE

STAR TURN

You can experience a multitude of popular French tunes all at once at Des Chansons Plein La Tête in TONNEINS on 24 July. The 12 star performers (maybe 13 if there’s a surprise) all come from famous musical TV shows and will be singing hits from yesterday, the day before yesterday and today. As this is a charity performance they have donated their time and talent and are fully intent on delighting their audience of all ages. 05 53 79 22 79.

www.thelocalbuzzmag.com

Starting with a Bodega du Rugby on Saturday, 6 August, the Duras Fête Son Vin is always widely attended and why not! You can sample some of the best local wines and meet the wine growers themselves on Sunday at the wine fair under the covered hall and, after the tastings and all-day children’s entertainment, enjoy a concert at 22:30 complete with stunning artistry on the face of the château. Catering will be available on site with restaurant and the rugby bodega for both lunch and dinner. www.durasfetesonvin.com

Hi Folks Featuring a Basque concert with Anne Etchegoyen on the Saturday and Batuc Fanfar’, a spectacular show from Burundi and Mexico the next day, the all-explosive Festival des Folkloriades comes to CASTELMORON-SUR-LOT from 22 to 24 July. The joyous entertainment will also include a DJ and/or a brass band so be sure to have your dancing shoes at the ready. 05 53 84 90 36.

MEDIEVAL DAYS

LOT ET GARONNE

WINE FEST

It would be very hard to forget MONFLANQUIN’s Medieval past but, just to be sure, the 30th Journées Médiévales is there to remind us from 13 to 15 August. With troubadours, parades and demonstrations on the healing power of plants and herbs, shearing sheep and horse vaulting, you can also take in a guided tour of the Musée des Bastides on each of the three days. In the evenings, Knights on horses present exciting tournaments (Spectacle Tournoi de Chevalerie Nocturne) throughout the event, and thrilling fire shows will be lighting up the night sky on both the 13th and 15th. 05 53 36 40 19.

Q Other events can be found at www.thelocalbuzzmag.com/what’s-on and include • Night cycling rally, Bruch, 29 Jul • Berticot Music Tub, Duras, 5 Aug • Musical Brunch, Cancon, 21 & 28 Aug

• Treasure Hunt, Nérac, 9 & 23 Aug • Jupiter & Okwess Concert, Monflanquin, 23 Jul • Nadau Concert,

The Local Buzz • July - August 2022

Lavardac, 10 Aug • Choir Concert Gala, Mézin, 23 Jul • Soirées BC/BG, Miramont-de-Guyenne, 21 Jul to 18 Aug

• Mandeline and Flute, Poussignac, 31 Jul Enter your region on the website and click search to find all types of events.

Ref 73577

Ref. 73588 Beautiful property of two dwelling houses, a barn, garden.

Magnificent property, 6 bedrooms, barn, outbuilding, swimming pool on land of over 1 ha.

In the middle of the vineyards, five minutes from all shops.

Privileged location overlooking the large lake, 5 minutes from all amenities.

Price : 462 000 € FAI DPE : E 262

Price : 682 000 € FAI DPE : D 162

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

Supplier of

paints & wallpapers

Fully Qualified, Registered and Insured

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

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

phone: 06 23 53 36 78

SAS Guionie, St Front, 47120 Pardaillan (Duras)

With over 132 colours to choose from in the Farrow & Ball collection, in all different ﬁnishes from emulsions to distemper to exterior eggshells and beautiful hand printed wallpaper, it’s easy to create the result you are looking for. Right now it’s all about shutters, front doors and windows with many inspirational photographs to choose from, from traditional to contemporary and, for the more daring, some bright colours.

candice@fabrica.boutique Tel: 05 53 24 70 19 17, rue de l’Engin, 24500 EYMET www.fabrica.boutique

ALL THAT JAAAZZ

It’s the 46th Festival de Jazz in SOUILLAC from 16 to 23 July and what a line up they have planned! Performing across a wide variety of venues, the jam-packed programme includes unforgettable performances from The Yellbows, Monkeys D Swing, Mama Shakers, Supersonic, Suzanne, Jazz Ensemble de Tulle, Eric Séva and Daniel Zimmerman and, amongst others, Ana Carla Maza. Whether you are into contemporary, swing or trad jazz, this series of concerts is set to blow your mind! www.souillacenjazz.fr

Time to Shine

If you play an instrument or sing, these Festiv’Arts workshops could be for you! Organised by CLaC, the Stage de Musique Pour Tous invites musicians to bring their instruments and become part of a group of 24, working on different pieces of music from 12 to 16 July in FRAYSSINHES. The Stage de Chant Choral at TEYSSIEU, from 16 to 22 July, brings together a choir singing sacred chants and songs inspired from medieval times and culminates in a church concert performance. www.clac-la valande.fr

CLASSICAL WORKS

LOT

what’s the

BUZZ LOT

HAPPY 40TH!

Created in 1982, Le CAHORS Blues Festival gears up on 12 July with the semi-final of the Mississippi Blues Trail Challenge, followed by the grand final on the 13th. Then the fun really begins with a veritable who’s who of blues musicians taking to the stage in a series of concerts that will more than lift the spirits. To name just a few, the international selection of artists include Thorbjørn Risager and the Black Tornado, Christone Kingfish Ingram, The Money Makers, Barrence Whitfield and the Savages, the Mike Green Band, Kirk Fletcher, Neal Black and the Healers and Kaz Hawkins. The only sour note is that it closes on 17 July. www.cahorsbluesfestival.com

From 20 July to 3 August, CAHORS welcomes ClassiCahors, the 7th Festival de Musique Classique. Rich in emotion with quality performances from world-renown artists, this year’s event honours Schubert with several of his works, and includes the first Choir Academy, an amateur choir directed by Michel Piquemal. Les Arts Florissants are first to appear with harpsichord and violin on the 20th, followed by the baroque Ensemble La Rêveuse on the 23rd, Quatuor Dutilleux on the 24th, and a performance of Schubert’s Symphonie No 5 by the Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse on the 25th – and that’s just the first five days! For the full programme go to www.classicahors.com.

The Local Buzz • July - August 2022

LOT

Sacred Moments

If music be the food of love there will be lots of it going around from 15 to 26 August during “Migrations”, the annual musique sacrée Festival de ROCAMADOUR. 12,000 festival goers are expected to attend 50 performances across 12 nights of prestigious concerts by 250 musicians. Promising unique moments in unique places and featuring young talent as well as professional musicians, the varied programme includes choral works as well as piano, orchestras, brass and strings. For details of the full programme, including the final concert under the stars, go to www.rocamadourfestival.com.

HELLO AFRICA

Films, literature, conferences, food, exhibitions, a market, dance performances and music concerts make up AfriCajarc, the 23rd Festival des Cultures Africaines in CAJARC. Youssou N’dour headlines the impressive list of talent which also includes Keziah Jones, Kog, Lucia de Carvalho and Faizal Mostrixx. Enjoy the rhythm and beat of Africa from 15:00 to the early hours of the morning from 21 to 24 July. www.africajarc.com

Chilling with Cello The Rencontres des Violoncelle has become a reference for the French school of cello and chamber music with maestro performances, seminars and a children’s workshop. Now in its 33rd year and held in the medieval village of BELAYE from 6 to 12 August it features works by many of the “greats” such as Haydn, Beethoven, Bach, Vivaldi, Kodaly, Franck, Mendelssohn and Brahms. Incorporating piano and strings into many of the performances, Dvorak, Le Beau, Boccherini and Britten are not forgotten either. On the 8th, the concert moves to LUZECH with renditions of works by Bonis, Boellmann, Schumann, Haydn and Mozart. www.belaye-violoncelle.fr

Q Other events can be found at www.thelocalbuzzmag.com/what’s-on and include • Festival Cirque Musique, Caniac-du-Causse, 17 Jul • Fête de la Moto, Saint Laurent Lolmie, 16 & 17 Jul • Fest’l Chanson à Texte,

Montcuq, 21 to 23 Jul • Fêtes des Lumières, Goujounac, 30 Jul • Les Temps des Guitares Fest’l, Puy-l L’Evéque, 28 to 31 Jul

• Exposition Canine Nationale, Cahors, 31 Jul • La Vélotoise cycle/hike event, Figeac, 7 Aug • Fête Votive d’Albas, Albas, 5 to 8 Aug

• A Cappella concert, Marcilhac-sur-Célé, 28 Aug Enter your region on the website and click search to find all types of events.

www.thelocalbuzzmag.com

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GERS

what’s the

BUZZ

Oh la Vie

Go Latino GERS

THE STARS ARE OUT!

It’s July/August so that can only mean it’s Jazz in Marciac time! With the likes of Diana Krall, Jeff Beck (fingers crossed for a surprise visit by his buddie, Johnny Depp), Gregory Porter, Jamie Cullum, Herbie Hancock, Emile Parisien and, amongst others, Nile Rogers and James Blunt, it’s an event that can’t be missed! 22 July to 6 August in MARCIAC. Look for dates, times and how to buy tickets at www.jazzinmarciac.com

The biggest European festival of Latin and Afro-Cuban music, salsa, Latin jazz and hiphop is happening in VIC-FEZENSAC from 28 to 31 July. Over four days and nights Tempo Latino will be presenting concerts and workshops with international artists and teachers from Cuba, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Venezuela and, amongst others, Panama, bringing that all important authenticity to the geo-rhythmic sounds emanating from the three different stages. www.tempo-latino.com

It’s the 37th edition of the Foire aux Vins et Eaux de Vies Gersois in JEGUN on 12 August. This year’s festival is set to welcome local producers, fanfares from brass musicians, and all kinds of artisanal gastronomic delights in a festive and convivial atmosphere. Why not go along and meet the vinicultures and sample their wares, drinking responsibly of course? www.facebook. com/foireauxvinsdejegun/

DORDOGNE

ON GUARD!

The 10th D’Artagnan Festival opens on 13 August for two days with a new theme “d’Artagnan from reality to myth”. As well as swashbuckling shows and circus performers, there will be old wooden games, an introduction to the mini rapier, 17th-century “head races”, wood and basketry workshops, sessions on bookbinding, and a playful look at the science of coats of arms and their manufacture. Held at the Place d’Artagnan in LUPIAC, it promises to be a legendary event for all ages. 05 62 09 24 09.

www.thelocalbuzzmag.com

GERS DORDOGNE

COSMIC!

Laura Perrudin met Salami Rose Joe Louis at a Parisian concert and the result was not only a meeting of minds but of instrumental aspirations too. With her chromatic electric harp and extraordinary vocals, Laura joins Salami’s synthesizers, drums machine and stunning voice to perform their own style of music, influenced by jazz, hip hop and soul. Enjoy what is billed as a lush and cosmic sound universe at L’Astrada in MARCIAC on 22 July. www.lastrada-marciac.fr

In The Streets

I GLADIATOR?

Bring out the Roman in you with a day at the Domus de Cieutat, joining the gladiators and legionnaires to free the Gallo-Roman in EAUZE on 22 to 23 July. This Fête Romaine d’Elusa isn’t all a battle though as there will also be a craftsmen’s village, a comic show, outdoor theatre and antique workshops. Ideal for the whole family, both one and twoday passes are available to ensure you don’t miss a minute of the continuous entertainment. 05 62 09 71 38.

There’s a wealth of talent lined up to join the 12th Festival Musique en Chemin at LA ROMIEU on 21 and 22 July. From Kaleidoscope with its choir and harmonica through to a Baroque concert, classical percussion, a nature walk and conferences covering homeopathic medicine and, the next day, ecology, there is sure to be something for everyone. 09 67 81 80 78.

Q Other events can be found at www.thelocalbuzzmag.com/what’s-on and include • Country Festival, Mirande, 13 to 16 Jul • Argentinian Concert, La Romieu, 21 Jul • Dine under the stars, Fleurance, 21 & 28 Jul

• Les Théâtrales d’Eté, Samatan, 19 to 22 Jul • Bach Festival Gers, Cello, Bassoues, 29 Jul • Lakecia Benjamin, Marciac, 26 Jul

The Local Buzz • July - August 2022

• 32nd Astronomy Festival, Fleurance, 5 to 11 Aug • Initiation Antique Ceramics, Eauze, 11 Aug

• Visite, Armagnac Dartigalongue, Nogaro, to 30 Aug Enter your region on the website and click search to find all types of events.

NEW ROUTE

Fly to London-Gatwick from Limoges, starting May 1st, 2022.

166184_eJ_FR_Limoges-Gatwick_MagazineAdd_EN.indd 1

14/04/2022 14:52

Got a Bite!

It’s the perfect time to go fishing “en famille” and that’s exactly what is being organised on 18 Jul at MONTAIGU-DE-QUERCY, at BEAUMONT-DE-LOMAGNE and SAINT-SARDOS on the 20th, at VALENCE on 21st, at LAUZERTE on the 22nd and they continue into August too. Details can be found at www.tourismetarnetgaronne.fr but, in SAINT-SARDOS for instance, all equipment is provided and there are two supervised sessions complete with training and demonstrations, one on a lake and the other in the canal. 05 63 64 16 32.

TARN ET GARONNE

what’s the

BUZZ

FREE JAZZ TARN ET GARONNE

The Festival Bleu Trompette at MONTPEZATDE-QUERCY opens with a flourish on 20 July with authentic jazz from the Mississippi Jazz Band. The life of Django is the subject of the Original Paris Swing and Ramon Galàn concert on Thursday, whilst Nicolas Gardel 4Tet revisits some of the jazz classics on the 22nd. Closing the event, the Money Maker Big Band takes to the stage with their own unique R&B and rock and roll. There is also a gourmet market with a different meal served every evening before the free performances. www.bleutrompette.fr

HEADS UP

Hatmaking is forging ahead into its next decade with the 30th Estivals du Chapeau at CAUSSADE from 14 to 18 July. Head-turning parades, hat competitions, exhibitions, demonstrations, visits to hat shops, musical entertainment and milliners from all over the world will be combining to make this year’s Festival a real Bobby-dazzler! 06 73 32 35 65.

The Local Buzz • July - August 2022

OPERATIC JOY

Instead of the usual operatic drama and angst, La Belle Hélène is full of fun, laughter and improvisation by the artists as well as, sometimes, the public! This Opéra Bouffe by Jacques Offenbach is in three acts and takes place in open air at the 26th Festival des Châteaux de BRUNIQUEL on 28 to 31 July and 3 to 7 August. A country graillou (cheeses, terrines, breads, wines and fruit) follows each performance in the château courtyard with the artists. www.bruniqueloff.com

TARN ET GARONNE

ON THE CIRCUIT

Unlike most corridas, there won’t be a bull in sight at this year’s event in MONTECH on 26 August. This is a Corrida Pédestre with the option to run once round the track for a 5km race or twice for 10km. Two children’s races are also included and, thankfully, the races are run in the evening with departure at 19:15 when, hopefully, it may be cooling down a bit? 06 52 87 41 43.

Music for All

Celebrate live music in all its forms at the Fête de la Musique in LAUZERTE on 21 July. This free, popular event, which is open to amateur and professional musicians alike, highlights the breadth and diversity of musical practices as well as musical genres. The evening begins with a performance by music school students at 19:00, the Ekladame choir at 21:00, and is then followed by an open-stage. Bring your own acoustic instruments and have fun! 06 64 83 91 70.

BACK IN TIME

There will be fighting in the streets in CAYLUS during Les Fêtes Médiévales on 22 and 23 July. The skirmishes may be mock but what is real is the effort and authenticity that goes into making this one of the best medieval events around. A whole village of craftsmen and merchants, troubadours, acrobats, jugglers and swordsmen will be providing the entertainment, plus there are workshops for children. Don’t miss the practical demonstrations and artisanal tastings before the medieval banquet and fire show! 06 98 74 49 43.

DORDOGNE

Q Other events can be found at www.thelocalbuzzmag.com/what’s-on and include • Accordion Concert, Montaigu-de-Quercy, 16 Jul • Motocross, Saint-VincentLespinasse, 17 Jul • Soirêe Retrouvailles,

Montech, 23 Jul • Garlic Festival, Beaumont-de-Lomagne, 24 Jul • Festival des Voix, Lafrançaise, 2 to 6 Aug

• Balade en Voiture, Roquecor, 15 Aug • Les Estivales de Montjoi, 9 Jul to 21 Aug • Contemporary Art, SaintAntonin-Noble-Val,

18 Jul to 15 Aug • Church Organ Concert, Lauzerte, 21 Aug Enter your region on the website and click search to find all types of events.

www.thelocalbuzzmag.com

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N HAUTE GARONNE

what’s the

BUZZ

N.HAUTE GARONNE

LES ETOILES

ALL YOURS

Workshops, showcases, concerts, open air cinema and a creative market await you in LAUNAC at the Festival Danses et Musiques pour Tous from 13 to 17 July. Suitable for families, there is also a circus, a flamenco evening, pottery workshops and body awakening courses, contemporary dance improvisation and songs from around the world with the Maria Ronin Trio. Other courses include Irish dancing, plastic arts, tap dancing and musical awakening sessions. Sounds like fun! www.lesartsausoleil.org

Discover the magic of a concert under and with the stars at Carnaval des Animaux (Festival de TOULOUSE) this summer from 8 to 24 July. Held at the Jardin Raymond VI, the 19 performances include classical music, jazz, pop and flamenco dance together with film. Legends such as Lambert Wilson, Julie Depardieu, Kavinsky and Natalie Dessay are on the bill together with, amongst others, Julien Clerc, Alex Vizorek and the Orchestre National du Capitole. www.festival.toulouse.fr

DORDOGNE

Illuminating

Candlelight is a series of open-air concerts, illuminated by candles and presenting the songs of some of our most adored artists. For instance, 20 July welcomes the music of Justin Beiber and, Mamma Mia, ABBA Ring Ring’s it out on 27 and 28 July. Michael Jackson pops up to see if his music can Beat It on 29th and 30th July, and the melodious jazz of Louis Armstrong makes an appearance on 19 Aug, just ahead of Coldplay on the 20th – it really will be a Sky Full of Stars in TOULOUSE that night! For the full programme go to www.feverup.com

GO COUNTRY Take your partner by the hand, this 11th Festival Country at BOUSSENS could be the ideal opportunity to perfect your country line dancing with daytime workshops and evening dance sessions hosted by Rustileg. Starting at 14:00 on 30 July with dancing and workshops, this heeltoe-heel festival also includes a motorcycle blessing on the Sunday, a display of American cars and tricycles, and a parade. Children’s entertainment based around a US camp with inflatable games and an educational farm can also be enjoyed throughout the event. 06 75 87 67 88.

www.thelocalbuzzmag.com

Sculptures, photographs, videos and other iconic, and not so well known, works will be on show at the Manifeste Orlan, Corps et Sculptures exhibition at Les Abattoirs in TOULOUSE until 28 August. Loaned from both public and private collections, the display shows the innovative mind and mind-blowing skills of this pioneering artist who became a key figure in the world of feminist and performative art. www.lesabattoirs.org

AFROJACK

How would you like an evening with friends. Sounds good, especially when you add in 6000m² of open-air dancing, tapas, food trucks and cocktails. Did we mention a beer garden? That’s there too, as is the top DJ, Afrojack! Join him for a banging evening at the Pony Club, Hippodrome de TOULOUSE on 21 July. www.dice.fm

N HAUTE GARONNE DORDOGNE

ORLAN

It’s a Match!

The French leg of the World Rugby Sevens Series returns to the Ernest-Wallon stadium in TOULOUSE from 20 to 22 May, promising entertainment, sport and fun! The tournament, which features both men’s and women’s teams, kicks off at 17:00 on the Friday and includes a concert on Saturday evening. Tickets are available daily or as a three-day pass. www.billetterie.ffr.fr

Q Other events can be found at www.thelocalbuzzmag.com/what’s-on and include • RDV Nature, Revel, to 15 Oct • 14th Fest’l Esti, Vaudreuille, 15 & 16 Jul • Randonnée, Saint-Lys, 20 Jul

• Concert Fimo, Palaminy, 24 Jul • Vivaldi, Four Seasons, Toulouse, 1 Aug • Bastide Secrets, Grenade, 4 Aug

The Local Buzz • July - August 2022

• Amanecer Concert, Toulouse, 16 to 20 Aug • Paper Recycling, Pinsaguel, 24 Aug • Les Vendredis de L’Eté, Muret, to 26 Aug

Enter your region on the website and click search to find all types of events.

HOMES + GARDENS

Add some

Mediterranean

Magic

to your garden

In summer, when it is as hot and dry as it is likely to be in SW France, the idea of a Mediterranean-style garden can be very appealing. Sue Adams tells us how to achieve its magical effects.

editerranean plants are evocative of long, hot days and velvety summer nights, eating al fresco and swimming in a pool. Adding them to your garden is easier to achieve than you imagine and they fit today’s more naturalistic and climate conscious approach to gardening well. As long as some of the principles associated with planting for a warmer, dryer climate are understood you

Calamondins

Yukka

can add an element of the Mediterranean to your garden, even if your house is not on the French Riviera.

WHAT DO THEY NEED? The essential requirements of Mediterranean plants are good drainage, sunshine and shelter. We do have frosts here, so avoid planting truly frost-tender plants unless you have some means of safely overwintering them. This could mean growing them in pots or transplanting them into pots which are brought undercover for the winter. If you leave the pots outside you must protect them against the elements. Use horticultural fleece to cover the plant, pack bubble wrap around the pot itself (roots are much more vulnerable to

Arbutus

frost in a pot than they are in the ground) and overwinter it in a sheltered south or south east facing position. I find this works with our lemon trees. If your Mediterranean plants are staying in the ground all winter you can still protect them against the cold with fleece, a thick mulch of straw or dry leaves, but bear in mind that they will always be most successful if you plant them in a sunny, sheltered spot in the first place. I find this works well with Canna Lilies and Dahlias, which disappear completely below ground in winter. Others, such as Banana plants (Musa Bajoo is the hardiest), can have their stems packed with the dead leaves of summer, tying twine around them to ensure that everything stays in place.

Eryngium

www.thelocalbuzzmag.com

HOMES + GARDENS

Chusan Palm Verbascum

WHAT ABOUT WATERING?

MAKING YOUR SELECTION

Apart from the cold, another killer is water - too much as well as too little. Many plants will survive temperatures of below zero if they can keep dry. So add grit to the planting hole if your soil is heavy, mulch around the collar of the plant with gravel to help keep its head above damp ground and make sure you do not plant it anywhere likely to collect water in the winter. A couple of years ago I killed a collection of Fritillaria bulbs, which had thrived for me in the freezing but dry conditions found in NE England, because I planted them in the rich soil of a newly created border which turned into a puddle in January in SW France. Their natural habitat is the dry, windswept hillsides of Turkey. It follows from this that you should significantly reduce the watering of pot plants which you bring under cover for the winter months. A final point to bear in mind is that at the beginning of spring it can appear that you have lost your frost tender plant but you may have a pleasant surprise a month later when it starts to regrow from below ground. This happened to me with two Solanums (potato vines) this year. They died back completely only for new shoots to emerge from the base in April.

There is an immense pallet to play with and use to add an extra, Mediterranean dimension to your French garden. Below are some other Mediterranean style plants I have grown here successfully: Convolvulus Cneorum

• Trees such as Italian Cypress (try to grow the variety called Totem, because it is best for achieving a tall, thin, pencil-like shape), Mimosa (Acacia Dealbata), the silk tree (Albizia Julibrissins), the Judas tree (Cirsis Siliquastrum), Olives, Calamondins (which can grow in the ground against a sheltered south facing wall), Arbutus (strawberry trees) and Palm trees – most notably the Chusan Palm (Trachycarpus Fortunei) which is the most hardy. • Aromatic and grey leaved shrubs such as Rosemary, Lavenders, Thyme, Oregano, Oleander, Convolvulus Cneorum, Perovskia, Artemisia and Cistus. • Tightly pruned mounds of Pittosporum, Box, Bay and Berberis. • Fleshy leaved Agaves and Aloes, Yucca and Sedums, and other structural plants such as Eryngium, Verbascum and Acanthus.

The Local Buzz • July - August 2022

Acanthus

Sue Adams has lived in SW France for 16 years and is developing a small field into a garden with orchard, vegetable and soft fruit gardens, flower beds, dry garden and a wildlife haven. It will forever be a work in progress. You can read more from Sue at www.jardinpaysan.com.

HOMES + GARDENS

Gardening

in July & August

Hot Tips T

hese two summer months seem to become increasingly challenging as we are confronted with water shortages and erratic swings in the weather. Sue Adams helps us to keep our gardens at their best. • Irrigation is critical at this time of year but you should do it wisely if faced with water restrictions. Be selective where you water and never water in the heat of the day. Pots should be your priority as they are almost entirely dependent on you for water and food. If you are faced with a watering ban use ‘grey’ water and move pot plants to a position where they are less exposed to wind or the strongest sun. • There is no need to water your lawn. If it goes brown it will recover its colour when the rains come. • If you have a wildflower meadow cut it now and remove the grass cuttings. • Continue to feed plants in pots. • Deadhead and cut back spent flowers on a regular basis. This helps to promote new growth and more flowers. The exceptions to

this are grasses and plants with ornamental seed heads such as Rosa Moyesii and Eryngiums. • Collect seeds on dry days. The easiest thing to do is to sow them immediately, as that is what nature would do but, if you need to keep them for a period of time, they generally stay at their best in a sealed container in the fridge. • Divide and replant bearded irises while they are still in their period of summer dormancy. • Snip back shrubby herbs such as thyme, rosemary and sage to stop them becoming leggy and to promote young growth. • Towards the end of the summer some plants can also be propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings. Evergreens such as camellias, hebes, trachelospermum and ceanothus respond best to this method. • In the vegetable garden continue sowing successional crops such as salads, beetroot, radishes and carrots. Harvest crops regularly as they will mature quickly.

Join our team

The Local Buzz is growing and we are looking to extend our team to include auto/micro entrepreneurs in Gironde, Dordogne, Lot et Garonne, Lot, Gers, Tarn et Garonne and N Haute Garonne. At the moment we have opportunities in Sales, focusing on our printed magazine and upcoming new website. Past sales experience is required and knowledge of media sales would be helpful. The ability to speak French would be a bonus. Retainer plus commission, target-based bonuses, flexible hours and working from home. What could be better! Want to know more? Send your CV and contact details to Lesley Ashburner at lesley@thelocalbuzzmag.com

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NEWS

NOTEW

ORTHY

BUZZ BITS

A few news snippets of interest to our region HOT HOT HOT

Have you noticed the mustard shortage? It was caused by a 9% annual rise in the price of mustard seed and a poor harvest in Canada, from where around 80% of France’s import of mustard seeds comes from. Ukraine and Russia are also both major producers but, with the war and embargoes, production has ground to a halt. The alternative is ratfort, otherwise known as horseradish, which until now, was not as popular but French cuisine is now using a lot more of it - so best keep an eye on the shelves for that too!

ON ALERT

The Local Buzz • July - August 2022

Don’t be caught In the last issue we reported on the Carte Vitale scam but it seems there are lots of others too. At least 25% of scams relate to clothes or food, and another quarter concern telephone contracts and accommodation. Urssaf, for instance, has reported a significant rise in scams targeting its members Smartphone emergency alerts are being launched soon (at time of writing). The FR Alert system, which does not require an app but does require a fairly recent smartphone, is designed to alert people about major emergencies or incidents and will emit a continuous sound, even if the phone is in silent mode, until the message is read. The warnings may be about floods, storms, public security, pollution or major accidents and will be sent to people who are at immediate risk or within a specific area.

in recent months. If you receive a message from a “known” service but it has spelling errors, or they want your bank details or password, it is best to contact the organisation and ask if the message was, indeed, from them. In addition, resist the urge to click links on strange emails and texts.

Take Off

Ryanair is celebrating a new route from Toulouse to Trapani with flights from €19.99 until end October this year. The airline has also announced its winter programme which adds Tenerife Sud to its flights from Bordeaux, and Bologne, Cracovie, Luxembourg, Rabat and Tenerife Sud from Toulouse.

FOOD + DRINK

! y h c a e P Just The Perfect Fillet Steak with Fondant Potatoes

Emma and John Gilchrist

ummer isn’t all about planchas and BBQs, sometimes we just want to cook and enjoy something that doesn’t take long but which tastes fantastic. With this in mind, Emma gives us her method for a delicious steak, and a pudding that is perfect for this time of year.

200g Beef, cut from the thick end of the fillet. Room temperature 1 Large garlic clove, bashed 2 Sprigs of thyme 1 Sprig of rosemary 125g Butter Oil Salt Freshly ground black pepper

For the Steak Season the steak liberally with salt and freshly ground black pepper and drizzle over a little oil. Work the seasoning into the steak using your fingertips. Meanwhile, place a frying pan over a high heat and add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan. When smoking hot, add the beef, cut-side down and move around the pan for the first few seconds of cooking so it doesn’t stick. After this point, leave the beef to caramelise without moving it for two to three mins, until it has a wonderful

dark golden crust. Turn the steak over and repeat. Sear the steak along the edges to obtain a nice colour, then sit it on its base. Add the garlic, thyme and rosemary to the pan, followed by generous knobs of butter. Allow to melt and bubble, all the while basting the butter over the steak for two to three mins

on each side for a perfect medium-rare finish. Remove from the pan and allow to rest for 10 mins in a warm place before serving. Chef Tip: Whisk in 100ml red wine and 100ml beef stock to the butter to make a red wine sauce.

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FOOD + DRINK

Great Fronsac reds with steak West of Libourne, Fronsac is a wonderful appellation that produces fruity, bold red wine with an old school dryness which makes them perfect with steak. For the Fondant Potatoes 6 Medium potatoes 1 tbs Olive oil 200g Unsalted butter, cubed 4 Large garlic cloves, bashed 2 Sprigs rosemary 2 Sprigs thyme 200ml Chicken or vegetable stock Slice the ends off the potatoes so they lie flat on either side. Heat the oil in a pan over a medium-low heat. When hot, add the potatoes cut-side down. Fry for five to seven mins, or until deep golden brown, then flip and fry on the other side. Add the butter to the pan to melt. Scatter the garlic and herbs around the potatoes and season well. Carefully pour the stock around the potatoes. Cover and simmer gently for 25 to 30 mins, or until the potatoes are tender, then serve.

Peach Frangipane Tart For the Tart Dough 125g All-purpose flour 45g Granulated sugar Pinch salt 100g Chilled unsalted butter, in small pieces 1 Egg yolk beaten with 2 tsp water Combine the flour, sugar and salt in a mixing bowl. Work in the butter thoroughly. Stir in egg yolk mixture and knead briefly until dough is smooth, then form into a flat disk. Roll dough to a large circle and lay it in a 25cm tart pan with a removable bottom.

Press in well. Refrigerate or freeze for one hour. Heat oven to 180°C and blind bake the tart shell for about 15 mins until lightly browned. For the Filling 100g Flaked almonds, more for sprinkling 1 tbs All-purpose flour 100g Granulated sugar 100g Unsalted butter, at room temperature 2 Eggs 3 or 4 Peaches, halved and stoned Place the almonds, flour and sugar in a food processor and grind to a rough powder. Add butter and pulse until well incorporated. Add eggs and process for about two mins until smooth and creamy. (Alternatively, use ground almonds and make the batter with a mixer instead.) Pour the almond batter into the pre-baked pastry case and smooth with a spatula. Press peaches, cut side down, into the batter. Sprinkle with a handful of sliced almonds. Lower oven temperature to 160oC and bake for 30 to 40 mins until golden. Cool on a rack, remove outer rim of tart pan and serve.

The Local Buzz • July - August 2022

A good place to start is the beautiful barrel aged 100% Merlot Passion de Magondeau 2012. A soft blackberry and tobacco nose with a silky, velvety feeling on the palate and a good hit of acidity with soft tannins. www.chateaumagondeau.com, 24€.

A little more gutsy is Chateau de la Dauphine. Merlot with a light splash of Cabernet Franc. Deep scarlet with a ripe nose of plums and truffles, silky tannin and a small pinch of liquorice to finish. www.chateau-dauphine.com, 20€

If you are after a wine that really packs a punch then look no further than the 50/50 Merlot and Malbec Barrabaque Divin Rouge. Leap out of the glass red fruit, vanilla and toasty new oak, very ripe cherries and spice on the palate with a big weighty dryness to finish www.chateaubarrabaque.com, 30€

Emma and John Gilchrist have been running their gîte and cookery school, Les Caulins, in Lot-et-Garonne since March 2016. Emma has worked with great chefs in some of the best restaurants around the world and John, a former UK Sommelier of the Year and winner of the Mondavi award for the best wine list in the world, is an enthusiast for the smaller wine producers. www.lescaulins.com

GUEST CHEF

Summer Flavours Iwona Trybuch ran a catering company in Poland for eight years and, now happily living in France, she provides private catering services combining her love of Polish and French cuisine. Ideal for vegetarians, these two recipes are a wonderfully refreshing option for summer.

Iwona has also let us have the recipe for her colourful “Chlodnik”, a cold beetroot soup. You can find the recipe online at: www.thelocalbuzzmag.com/articles Iwona nous a également confié la recette de << Chlodnik >>, coloré, une soupe froide de betteraves. Vous pouvez trouver la recette en ligne sur : www.thelocalbuzzmag.com/articles

RAVIOLI WITH POTATO FILLING AND COTTAGE CHEESE (Serves 4-6) The cottage cheese (faisselles) needs to be strained for two days beforehand. Dough: 500g Flour, 280ml Hot water Filling: 700g Potato, 300g Cottage Cheese, 2 Onions, 2-3 Knobs of butter Salt and pepper For the stuffing Boil the potatoes in salted water until cooked, drain and pass them through a sieve or press. Dice the onions and sauté in a skillet until golden brown. Finally, mix all the ingredients with the cheese. Add salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. For the dough Mix the flour with the hot water (this can be done by hand or with a mixer). It is important that the finished dough is kept in a bowl undera damp towel to stop it from drying out. Take ¼ of the dough and roll it to about 2mm thick. Using a cookie cutter, cut out circles of about 8 to 10cm in diameter. With a teaspoon, place the stuffing in the middle of the dough. Brush the edges with water and “glue” them together to make a dumpling. Place three or four dumplings in a large pot of salted, boiling water, stirring gently and cooking for about three mins or until they float to the surface. Repeat the process until you finish the dough and stuffing. Strain and serve. iwonatbernaciak@gmail.com

Iwona Trybuch a dirigé une entreprise de restauration en Pologne pendant huit ans et, maintenant heureuse de vivre en France, elle propose des services de restauration privés combinant son amour de la cuisine polonaise et française. Idéales pour les végétariens, ces recettes sont une option merveilleusement rafraîchissante pour l’été. RAVIOLI À LA FARCE DE POMME DE TERRE ET AUX FAISSELLES (Pour 4-6 personnes) La faisselle doit être égoutter pendant deux jours. Pâte : 500g Farine, 280ml Eau chaude Farce :700g Pomme de terre (pdt), 300g Faisselle, 2 Oignions, 2-3 Cas de Beurre, Sel et poivre Pour la farce Faites bouillir les pdt dans de l’eau salée. Passez les pdt cuites dans la presse. Coupez-les oignions en dés et faites-les revenir dans une poêle jusqu’à ce qu’ils soient dorés. Enfin, mélanger tous les ingrédients avec le fromage. Ajoutez sel et du poivre fraichement moulu au gout. Pour la pâte Mélanger la farine avec l’eau chaude cela peut fait à la main ou par robot. Il est important de conserver la pâte finie dans un bol sous un torchon humide. Alors la pâte ne se desséchera pas. Prendre ¼ de la pâte et l’étaler jusqu’à lui donner épaisseur de 2 mm environ. A l’aide d’un emporte-pièce découpez des cercles d’un diamètre d’environ 8 à 10 cm. Mettre la farce avec une cuillère à café au centre de la pâte. Ensuite vous devez coller les cotes ensemble pour faire un ravioli. Après faites bouillir une grande casserole d’eau salée et plongez les raviolis trois ou quatre, à la fois. Remuez doucement et cuire pendant trois mins ou jusqu’à ce qu’ils remontent à la surface. Répéter l’opération jusqu’à finir la pâte et farce. Égoutter et servir.

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FOOD + DRINK

HANDY GUIDE TO MEAT CUTS It certainly is BBQ weather so if, like us, you have a problem remembering which cut is which in French, we hope this helps.

BEEF/BOEUF LAMB/AGNEAU Neck – Collier Shoulder – Epaule/Echine Rack – Carré Chops – Côte or Côtelette Breast – Poitrine/Poitrail Leg – Gigot Shank – Souris Scrag End – Collet Saddle - Selle

Fillet – Filet/Tournedos/Fillet Mignon Sirloin – Faux-Filet Fore-Rib – Entrecote Chuck Steak – Basses-Côtes Rump – Rumsteak Topside/Flank – Gite à la Noix Thick flank - Rond de Gite Hanging Tenderloin – Osseline/Onglet Flank /Skirt undercut - Bavette Beef cubes – Bourgignon Thick Rib/Brisket – Paleron/Macreuse/ Pot au feu/Plat de Côte Oxtail – Queue Minced Beef – Steak Haché

PORK/PORC

POULTRY/VOLAILLE

Hock/Shank – Jarret Tenderloin – Filet Mignon Loin End – Pointe Loin – Filet Chops – Carré de Côte Neck – Echine Rib Tips – Plat de Cotes Spare Ribs – Travers de Cote Bacon – Poitrine Shoulder – Epaule Trotters – Pieds Head – Tête

Duck - Canard Chicken – Poulet Young chicken – Poulette/Poussin Cockerel – Coq Guinea Fowl – Pintade Turkey – Dinde Goose – Oie Pheasant – Faisane Breast - Poitrine Thigh/Leg - Cuisse Drumstick - Pilon

The Local Buzz • July - August 2022

R E G I O N A L AT T R A C T I O N S

KEEPING COOL IN OUR SEVEN WONDROUS REGIONS GIRONDE

Simply relax

Kite surfing is great fun The exileration of canyoning

The Silver Coast (Côte d’Argent) is right on our doorstep here with the west coast sands beckoning us to enter the cool Atlantic Ocean. If tides and waves are not for you, then why not visit one of the many lakes – some of them have their own sandy beaches too! Plage du Lac d’Hostens, for instance, is a great place to swim and also offers kayaking amongst its water activities. The largest freshwater lake in France can be found at Hourtin Carcans and is the ideal place to try stand-up paddle, kite surfing, sailing, and windsurfing, whilst family swimming is a joy in the pure, calm waters of France’s second largest freshwater spot at Lake Cazaux at La Teste de Buch.

DORDOGNE The land of 1000 castles could also claim to have 1000 ways to get wet! How about canyoning through forest streams, shooting down or just paddling at the base of one of the many stunning waterfalls, or simply canoeing along the river? You can also go wild at one of the natural beaches such as the long Plage de Caudon at Vitrac with pretty islands and a rock that will have you thinking you are in Gibraltar, or Creysse’s pebble beach and its clear, shallow-edged water. For supervised swimming there is the

beautiful Plan d’eau de Miel in Beynat or, to the south west, the lawns and sandy beach that fringe the Plan d’eau de Lamothe Fénelon, a veritable oasis of peace with supervised swimming in July and August.

LOT ET GARONNE You will be spoilt for choice at Lac de Lougratte which is more like a leisure centre than a 7000m² lake, and offers a clean, sandy beach, fishing, pedalos, toboggans and a diving pontoon. Lac du Moulineau at Damazan combines water-skiing with an aquatic park and supervised swimming, or visit Nautilius BKS at Castelmoron-sur-Lot and hire one of its motor boats, hydroplanes, pedal boats or canoes for a cool trip on the river. Then, of course, there is the Mas d’Agenais summer pool, the Lud’o Park near Nérac with its fountains and inflatables, Aquasud’s two pools and aquatic area in Agen, and the fun-packed Aquaval water park in Marmande!

LOT For pure fun head to the Parc Aquatique La Saule at Betaille with its water jet walkway, kiddies pool, exhilarating waterslides, trampolines and inflatables. Another main attractions is Quercyland, an aquatic park with five pools, four toboggans, pedal boats and, amongst

Waterpark heaven

Calm, peaceful lakes

Natural beaches with superb views

Scenic boat rides

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R E G I O N A L AT T R A C T I O N S Slides, slides and more slides

Make a splash with an inflatable

other water activities, a variety of inflatables. Enjoying a protected, natural setting, Aquapark at Lac Vert de Catus is the perfect place to perfect your balance on its giant inflatables or, speaking of natural environments, you could simply bathe in the scenery with a paddle or the river at Puy l’Eveque, Castelfranc, Luzech, Douelle and the Plan d’eau at Montcuq.

GERS Fancy some water skiing, water slides, paddle boarding or pedalling a pedalo? Then 25ha of clear water awaits you at Lac de l’Isle Jourdain and, for swimming, there is a pool nearby. Or how about the 64ha fish-filled Lac de Saint-Cricq at Thoux, home to supervised swimming, pedal boating, windsurfing, catamarans and the Midi-Pyrénées’ first sailing club? There is no shortage of swimming and water slides either with Base de Loisirs throughout the Lot including CastéraVerduzan, Solomiac, Saramon, Lac d’Aignan and, in Condom, the fabulous Aqualudiques de la Ténarèze with its three pools, toboggans, waterfall, paddling pool, water cannons and whirlpools.

TARN ET GARONNE Rafting, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, water-skiing. These are just some of the

many sports and activities offered along the waterways and lakes at Bressols, Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, LamotheCapdeville, Nègrepelisse, Beaumont-deLomagne, Moissac and Saint-Nicolas-dela-Grave as well as other beauty spots such as Monclar-de-Quercy, Laguépie and Montauban. The Aquapark at Beaumontde-Lomagne is the place to go for those bouncy inflatables, whilst water-based well-being is at the centre of Quercy’O in Caussade. For those who just want to swim, there are open air pools at Montpezat-de-Quercy, Beaumont-deLomagne, Valence and Lafrançaise.

Paddle a canoe or kayak Supervised swimming

N HAUTE GARONNE Jet skis join the canoes, paddle boats and pedalos at Base de Loisirs Muret Plage which also offers a sandy beach, inflatables, kayaking and giant toboggans. The Base Nautique et de Loisirs de Sabatouse at Longages is open all summer for paddle, kayak and pedalo hire, as is Lac de la Thesauque at Montgeard with its additional inflatables and swimming beaches. Water-skiing joins the “aquativities” at La Source Wake Park in Carbonne as well as at Lac du Bocage at Fenouillet, whilst amazing views of the Pyrenées can be enjoyed alongside fabulous swimming at the blue flagged, sandy beached Lac de Montrejeau.

Inflatable adventures

Grab a jet ski

Pedalo power

Incredible locations

The Local Buzz • July - August 2022

R E G I O N A L AT T R A C T I O N S

Making the most of these

SUMMER NIGHTS What do the words “Summer Nights” conjure up for you?

For those lucky enough to live in or visit our region, it will probably bring happy memories and dreams of dancing at the night markets, dinner in the vines, open air theatre, candlelit gardens and concerts of every kind.

LES MARCHÉS Attended by all ages, Marchés Nocturnes are, quite simply, fun, and often start with the traditional waving of napkins, flags, or arms to accordion or brass-based Bandas playing French folklore such as Vino Griego. There’s a dance that goes with it too, you can figure out the steps at https://bit.ly/3xbmFyR. Then there are the traditional accordionists and their electronic counterparts who charge the atmosphere with their fast-fingered musical talent whilst giving modern pop and rock a run for their money. Speaking of talent, don’t miss the local choirs, singers and bands and, towards the end of the night, some of the best DJ’s you will ever have experienced. Equally important, let’s not forget the dancing! This year, as well as the newly updated and obligatory Macarena, https://bit.ly/3aIiT8N, and the popular Madison, https://bit.ly/3x9KQhf, there will probably be the Mambo, https://bit.ly/3zgtGkD, and, for sure, the latest line dance to hit French dance floors, the Jerusalema, https://bit.ly/3GRJGva

VINEYARD PLEASURES High summer is the time when vineyards open their premises to music, dancing, food and, naturally, their wines, helping you to discover the nuances of the local grapes and their growers. You may be sitting in the vines or overlooking them, dancing and listening to a local band, but you can expect to see your neighbours and make new friends in a convivial, often peaceful and beautiful countryside setting.

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R E G I O N A L AT T R A C T I O N S

DECORATIVE SETTINGS With so many stunning castles, manor houses, abbeys and ruins it is not hard to see why there are so many outdoor concerts, theatrical performances and even film screenings held in some very special locations. Light shows on the walls, lasers in the sky, fireworks and picnics on the lawns can all be enjoyed in a surreal setting that lends itself to an unforgettable evening.

FEELING HUNGRY? Food and wine form a large part of vineyard and night market events with local suppliers offering a variety of meats which, once selected, will be cooked there and then. Alternatively, you can usually choose from a selection of fish and pasta dishes along with delicious frites fried in duck fat, paella, local cheeses, breads, fruits and desserts. The markets always have a great selection of local wines and beers and, depending on the size of the event, you may

also find dishes from afar. There is only one rule, bring our own cutlery and, quite often, glasses. In many vineyards, as well as their range of wines and food by local artisans, you can also enjoy a special gastronomic dinner on the lawns or a romantic picnic in the vines. Food trucks are growing in popularity at all the outdoor events with venues such as châteaux augmenting their own gastro-menus with the latest food trend or a real favourite in France: fish ‘n chips.

OPEN AIR CONCERTS Lyric festivals and outdoor concerts are held throughout the region featuring poetry, orchestral, operatic, big band, swing, rock, jazz and theatrical performances. Whichever type of event you choose, you are sure to have a wonderful evening. Who knows, you may also be reminded of Sandy telling the Pink Ladies all about her special summer night with Danny in Grease. He had very different memories, at least according to what he told the Thunderbirds! You may be hearing that song a few times too – all together now “well-a well-a well-a huh”… Les Nuits d’Eté (Summer Nights) is a collection of songs that you might hear at one of these music gatherings. Written by Hector Berlioz, it is based on six poems by another Frenchman, Théophile Gautier, and was originally intended for a soloist and piano. Although completed in 1841, it was pretty much forgotten until the 20th century when it became one of the composer’s most popular works. Based on the progression of love from youthful innocence to loss and, finally, renewal, it is now often played by a full orchestra. You can hear each of the six pieces at https://bit. ly/3atAhOe

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Don’t forget our

REGIONAL ATTRACTIONS

There are many reasons why we could be tempted to buzz off and take a day trip or enjoy a weekend away, without ever leaving this part of France. Here are just a few of our “regional attractions”.

GIRONDE

DORDOGNE

Gironde is named after the 70km, tidal Gironde Estuary, the largest estuary in Europe. With the Atlantic Ocean and the Bay of Biscay to the west, it is also home to the gigantic 105m high, 2.7km long sand Dune du Pilat (Pyla). The Parc Ornithologique du Teich has welcomed over 300 species of birds in the last 43 years and, of course, oyster farms populate the Bassins. A visit to Bordeaux will have you enthralled with its history, art galleries and stunning architecture, especially in the Place de la Bourse, Esplanade des Quinconces and around the impressive Pont de Pierre. In contrast, the vine-filled, rocky limestone hillside of St Emilion also invites you to enter its 8th and 10th-century catacombs. Other world famous winegrowing areas include the Médoc, Graves and Entre Deux Mers.

“The land of 1001 châteaux”. The Benedictine Abbey de Brantôme, 500-years of knife-making at Nontron, and even panning for gold in the Musée de l’Or can be found in the lush green valleys of Périgord Vert. Colombage buildings, a military museum, and Le Jardin des Arènes amphitheatre are some of the treasures in Périgord Blanc with its limestone plateaux. The vineyards and rolling hills of Périgord Pourpre give way to medieval towns like Issigeac, beautiful Monpazier and its 30 national monuments, and Bergerac with its Cyrano legend. Thick woods line the Dordogne and Vézère rivers flowing beneath spectacular fortified settings such as Domme in Périgord Noir. For caves visit Les Eyries de Tayac, or go back in time at Musée National de la Préhistoire.

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R E G I O N A L AT T R A C T I O N S

LOT ET GARONNE

TARN ET GARONNE

Apart from Agen prunes, fields of sunflowers and the famous Marmande tomatoes, Lot et Garonne is known for many things, including its undulating countryside and, of course, its rivers and canals. At Villascopia, Castelculier, experience a recreated 4thcentury spa and, in Agen itself, take a cycle ride or barge across the sky-high Agen aqueduct before visiting works by Goya at Musée des Beaux Arts. There are a wealth of ancient châteaux too such as those at Bonaguil, Gavaudun and Duras, and bastide towns such as Monflanquin and its Maison du Prince Noir, Villeréal and the old Leper House, and Tournon-d’Agenais with its 17thcentury bell tower.

With fertile, agricultural land, hills dotted with vineyards, and the Canal des Mers, it is no surprise that Tarn et Garonne is ideal for nature lovers. Flora and fauna on sheer limestone cliffs in the Aveyron and Bonnette river valleys combine with over 1000 acres in the Agre Forest at Montech where protected species of birds are regularly spotted. Historic towns include 10thcentury Montauban with its Musée d’Ingres, and Auvillar, once a port on the Garonne river. Moissac has a religious and artistic heritage, Lauzerte features Le Jardin du Pèlerin, Lavit de Lomagne was once HQ to the royal court, and Bruniquel has its fabulous châteaux.

LOT

N HAUTE GARONNE

Three rivers with magnificent causses (valleys), limestone cliffs, picturesque châteaux, wooded slopes and pastureland surrounding pretty bastide towns make up Lot. Half-timbered buildings are the hallmark of historic Figeac where you can gain an understanding of the Rosetta Stone, whilst the sacred spot of Rocamadour, the second most visited place by pilgrims as part of the route to Santiago de Compostela, sits high above the Alzou canyon. Experience medieval life at the Rignault Museum at Saint Cirq Lapopie, or wonder at the 29,000+ year old Spotted Horses cave art at the Pech-Merle caves. Enjoy local cheese, melon and walnuts and see how saffron is grown.

Thousands of tourists flock to the Toulouse area, not just for the architecture, Canal du Midi and River Garonne but also as part of their Camino Francés to Santiago pilgrimage. As France’s fourth largest city, La Ville Rose, as Toulouse is known, is famous for its red brick structures as well as its neo-classical architecture such as the 17/18th-century Capitole City Hall. For a tour of the city from the days of the Celts and Romans visit Musée St Raymond, or marvel at the 14th and 15th-century stained glass windows in the Cathédrale St Etienne. Take a bateaux-mouches on the river or a barge along the Midi or Brienne canals for a glorious view of the city. Aviation and space are particularly important in this part of the world with Airbus and Cité de l’Espace both on the doorstep.

GERS Geese, ducks, sunflowers, Armagnac and, of course, D’Artagnan spring to mind in this scenic department. It has its share of medieval towns too such as Mauvezin, Fleurance and Bassoues, as well as renaissance architecture such as Château de Caumont, and cathedrals like the 13thcentury Gothic Cathédrale Sainte Marie in Auch. This is “Musketeer country” thanks to D’Artagnan who came from Lupiac and, today, sits astride a 3.5m bronze statue close to the D’Artagnan museum. Quaint Larressingle brings a real taste of the middle ages with its museum and re-enactments, whilst Condom is host to a multitude of Armagnac producers, seven churches and 100 towers.

You can read more about the region in the Area Information pages on our website at www.thelocalbuzzmag.com. A look through the business directory will also reveal ideas for days out, where to stay, sports activities, art galleries, museums, and even zoos! As a taster, you will find regional recipes at the end of each area information page as well as in our articles on food and drink. Enjoy!

The Local Buzz • July - August 2022

H I S TO RY

Heads up the sun is out! Stroll through any French market and you are likely to see an array of hats, tempting you with their ability to keep the sun at bay.

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H I S TO RY

hey may not have originated here but France gave both the Panama and Fedora hats a head start!

PANAMA Summer wouldn’t be summer without the infamous straw Panama hat which shot to global fame after its launch at the World‘s Fair in Paris in 1855. Made by a blocking and weaving process, the Cuenca and Brisa are the two most common types of weaves, towering ahead of the Crochet, Fancy, Torcido and New Order versions. Which is yours? If it has a herringbone pattern, it is a Cuenca and uses more straw than the Brisa, a weave that looks like small diamonds or squares and which is often preferred for its lighter weight. A tight weave denotes quality and provides excellent protection against the sun. Measuring the tightness of the weave was achieved by setting a square frame one inch from the edge of the hat’s brim edge, then counting the carerra, the peaks of the cross weaves, moving in a parallel direction. The tighter the weave, the more carerras there are. Today they are turned out in huge quantities and in a variety of colours and weaves but the original hats could take as long as eight months to make a single model, passing from the weaver to the finisher, shaper, bleacher and, finally, through a quality check to remove imperfections. At that stage, a quality Panama could sell outside of Ecuador for between $450 and $10,000!

FEDORA

Did you know that the felt Fedora came to fame as a result of a melodramatic play of the same name and which, later, was adapted by Umberto Giordano into an opera? Written by French dramatist, Victorien Sardou for Sarah Bernhardt in 1882, the play featured the popular, cross-dressing actress in a Fedora, a centre-creased, soft brimmed hat. Fashionable for women, it was soon adopted as a symbol by the women’s rights movement before it was taken up

by Edward, Prince of Wales, in 1924. Usually made from felt, fur or animal hides, the standard design includes a creased crown, an angled brim, a pinch at the top and some sort of decoration above the brim. Women’s Fedora’s are more elaborate and slimmer than the men’s which usually have stylised brims with edges turned down at the front and up at the back. The width of the brim, size and colour change with fashion trends and today’s variations include the Stetson. Think Tom Landry in the Dallas Cowboys, Indiana Jones, Freddy Krueger with his brown fedora in Nightmare on Elm Street and, of course, Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca.

BERET Adored and adorned by both men and women, life in France would not be the same without the ubiquitous French beret. Worn flat at the front or raised at one side for a cheeky appeal, berets make a fashion statement all of their own. Part of French living heritage and thought to date back to the middle ages, these soft, disc-shaped caps were traditionally worn by workers throughout France, usually in black. Strongly identifying with s outh west France, they are recognised as typical Basque headgear. Sometimes referred to as Béret Basque, big commemorative black berets are a coveted prize in the Basque section of the Tour de France and other sports as well as in in Bertso (Basque singing) competitions. You will often see them in both black and blue at traditional events and in red and white at local festivals. Military (and revolutionary) uniforms aside, berets became particularly popular as a fashion item in the 1920s, and were often associated with intellectual and artistic stereotypes. Nowadays they are thought to be more all-encompassing and are found in cities and rural locations alike in a multitude of colours, often accessorised with a sewn badge, logo or ornamental accessory. Whilst the image of a Frenchman with his beret and a baguette is probably a little

The Local Buzz • July - August 2022

old-fashioned, berets have seen a revival in recent years thanks to a change in clientele. Those made by Laulhère in Paris for example, can sell for up to Eur 1000 when made with the finest wool or leather and decorated with sequins and stones! For a less extravagant version, head to your local market.

MILLINERS TO THE WORLD Caussade and Septfonds are the homes of hats in this part of France with several milliners offering tours around their globally recognised establishments. You can also see their creations, along with many other hat varieties, millinery demonstrations and parades at the 30th Les Estivals du Chapeau in Caussade from 14 to 18 July. See our What’s On pages for more information.

KNOW YOUR HEADWEAR IN FRENCH Bandana: Le Bandana Beanie: Le Bonnet Beret: Le Béret Cowboy Hat: Le Chapeau de Cowboy Flat Cap: La Casquette Anglaise Baseball Cap: La Casquette Hard Hat: Le Casque Swimming Hat: Le Bonnet de Bain Tophat: Le-Haut-de-Forme Turban: Le Turban Visor: La Visière

ADVICE

A Question of GOVERNMENT GRANTS There are a wealth of French Government Grants available but what are they for, are you eligible and how do you access them?

p until January of this year, French Government grants and tax credits for renovation work were handled by a variety of different government agencies. Now, it is covered under the MaPrimeRenov umbrella and is much easier and more straightforward, with projects being tracked online, direct payments, and around 450 information desks for one-to-one meetings.

Heat exchanger (pompes à chaleur aireau) €4727 or air-air €450 Removing a fuel tank (dépose d’une cave à fioul): €400 Exterior wall insulation (isolation des murs par l’extérieur): €58/m² Interior wall insulation (isolation des murs par l’intérieur): €33/m² Loft/underfloor insulation (isolation des combles perdus/d’un plancher bas): €11/m²

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE? In a nutshell, the grants are available to French households to improve their energy efficiency, whether that be for improvements, upgrades or new installations of insulation, heating and insulating systems. Up to EUR 20,000 in grants is available, depending on income, the property and the project in relation to the ecological gain that will be achieved.

WHAT’S AVAILABLE? There are different levels of grants for different income levels, with an additional subsidy to reflect the energy benefits (CEE: Certificats d’économies d’énergie). Taking an average salary into account and based on the MaPrimeRenov’Violet level with full CEE, for instance, you could be entitled to the following grants (and this is only a small selection of the 30+ options that are covered): Solar heating (chauffage solaire): €6727 Pellet heating system (chaudières à granulés): €6727 Pellet woodburner (poêles à granulés): €2045 Thermodynamic water heater (chauffe-eau thermodynamique): €484

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EUROPE GRANITE Specialists suppliers of marble, granite, ceramic and quartz materials Decorative marble, kitchens and worktops, creative bathrooms

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Providing expertise, advice and a tailor-made service in Gironde, Dordogne, Lot et Garonne. Please contact us for a free quotation: Tel: 06 48 97 09 36

Email: europegranite@gmail.com

ADVICE Different levels of grants are offered depending on how many there are in the household and what the total household income is. Homeowners, landlords and, in some cases, second home owners, can apply as long as the property is more than two years old. However, at the first stage of the application you are asked for your numero fiscal (from your tax form) and, later, will be asked to include your last French tax return. Only those works carried out by a certified RGE (Reconnu Garant de l’Environnement) supplier are covered.

THE PROCESS

1.Create an account on the MaPrimeRenov site. You will then receive an email confirming your suitability and the level (and colour) of your grant(s). Here’s a useful tip: you can also arrange to meet a representative of France

Rénov’ or l’ANAH (l’Agence Nationale pour l’Amélioration de l’Habitat) to confirm what is available to you in your own particular circumstances. We took our building plans along to ANAH and were pleasantly surprised at how helpful they were, even telling us about grants that we thought were not relevant to our project. 2.Obtain quotes from RGE suppliers and submit them for approval online. Once approved: 3.Carry out the works and add the invoice(s) to your online account at MaPrimeRenov, together with certificates of conformity if applicable. 4.Request payment online and then, once received, pay the supplier.

a meeting or find out about RGE suppliers at France Rénov’ at www.france-renov. gouv.fr and/or l’ANAH at www.anah2. aides-en-ligne.com The methods and figures are based on the latest information at time of print and may be subject to change.

FIRST STEPS: You can simulate your grant suitability and the financial support available at www.maprimerenov.gouv.fr, or arrange

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Little Greene QUALITY

T HINKING

PA I N T

WA L L PA P E R

ABOUT HOME RENOVATION ?

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10 Avenue de Marmande, Allemans-du-Dropt, 47800 05 53 64 37 43 - www.la-belle-maison.com

PROPERTY

MAKING THAT SALE IS ONLY PART OF THE PROCESS Terrie Simpson of Agence Eleonor explains what makes the difference when buying or selling a property in France.

Terrie Simpson

ven seasoned buyers and sellers of property here in France can find the process difficult and extremely stressful, let alone those moving to France for the first time. Noone can prepare you for the legislation, associated costs and procedures that need to be followed when acquiring or selling property here, unless it is an experienced, registered immobilier.

KNOWLEDGE

Local, on-the-spot and privy to potentially crucial information, a good immobilier will do far more than simply find a house and

sell it to you. Their advice before, during and even after you have moved in (or moved out), will smooth the path and ensure you live the dream, not experience a nightmare. Aware of different notaires and their individual preferences when it comes to language, timeframes and methods of working, your immobilier will suggest which notaire is right for your circumstances, and is there to make sure that the correct paperwork is lodged at the appropriate time. These are just some of the reasons why there appears to be a disparity between an agent who operates on a mandate with a reduced rate of commission, as opposed to a local immobilier offering a complete service. For instance, immobiliers with a track record in a specific area are likely to know a property’s history and/or the family that owns it. Many a

buyer has wasted a lot of time and been disappointed when, further down the purchase road, they have found that their chosen property is owned by a group of heirs, one of whom refuses to sell.

EXPERTISE The price negotiations and initial contracts are hard enough and are part of any mandat, but then comes the, sometimes, sticking points of the various elements making up the DPE, and the confusing subject of septic tanks, not to mention which furniture is being left, the timescales of the move itself, insurance and even the meter readings! Regardless of the time they take, these essentials can add up to a lot of money too – especially if mistakes are made. What’s more, they are not something that you will necessarily want to handle alone. Your immobilier can help with keeping track of the required

paperwork, translation, key holding, visits and, for possible tricky issues, may even be on site to make sure that all runs smoothly.

TEAMWORK Employing personnel in both sales and admin roles to ensure help is there right when it is needed, they advertise properties nationally as well as internationally, taking your property to market via many different avenues, and that’s absolutely essential. Gone are the days when the focus was primarily on UK buyers. Today’s properties are being snapped up by French, Europeans, and global purchasers. By combining skills and knowledge, and devoting quality time to buyers and sellers alike, immobiliers can reach the right result; a happy buyer and a delighted seller, with minimal stress. www.agence-eleonor.com

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REGIONAL PROPERTY

Medieval Splendour You will be right in the heart of things in this 5-bed village house with independent gite and garden. Located on a picturesque village square in Lot et Garonne, this traditional character house dates back to medieval times and has retained many features including a beautiful staircase. Ideal for family pets, the fully fenced separate garden has magnificent south facing views over the valley and river. Ref: A13880, EUR 320,000 www.frenchestateagents.com

Selling?

We need to talk! We have registered buyers waiting for the right property. Is it yours? Call us : 05 56 71 36 59 Email: marketing@beauxvillages.com SOLD

SOLD

Beaux Villages IMMOBILIER

WINNER OF BEST ESTATE AGENCY FRANCE

International Associate of Savills

2021-2022 The Local Buzz • May - June 2022

REGIONAL PROPERTY

For the love of stone Have you ever looked at a clifftop and thought wow, it would be wonderful to live there? Well now’s your chance with this rare, peaceful and charming 3-bed house that sits next to a château and enjoys incredible views over the Dordogne. As well as the exceptional location it offers an Inglenook fireplace, a troglodyte cellar, the opportunity to create a studio, and a Nordic bath on one of the terraces – an ideal place to watch the sunset. Ref: A13970, EUR 375,000 www.frenchestateagents.com

W E A R E R EC R U I T I N G !

Start a new career as a property sales agent

It has been an excellent opportunity to build my own business. Andrea Bevan LEGGETT AGENT

READ ANDREA’S STORY

If you would like the freedom to grow a successful business supported by an award winning team, please contact our recruitment department: +33 (0)5 53 60 82 77 recruitment@leggett.fr www.leggettfrance.com

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FINANCE

SIPPs Andrea Glover

Explained

Andrea Glover is an International Financial Adviser at The Spectrum IFA Group and tells us about International SIPPs – what are they and how do they benefit a non-UK resident living in France?

yself and my colleagues have seen a significant increase in enquires this year from clients who have private pension schemes in the UK. Many are having difficulties accessing pension benefits for the first time due to changes post BREXIT or their UK adviser has informed them that they can no longer work with them, because of the post BREXIT rules on ‘passporting rights’. One of the solutions that has helped many of these clients is a scheme called an International Self Invested Personal Pension (SIPP). Here I explain the background to this product and why it might be the appropriate home for your pension funds.

BACKGROUND The SIPP was first introduced in the UK budget in 1989 and, following further regulation, became a registered pension plan in April 2006. SIPPs were introduced to encourage individuals to save for their retirement.

SIPPs are often set up by the provider using a master trust and the provider will normally be the scheme administrator and trustee. The individual then becomes a member of the scheme and investments are normally in the name of the provider or the trustee but are earmarked for the individual member.

THE ADVANTAGES The main advantage of a SIPP, compared to a traditional personal pension, is the level of investment flexibility the member has, as the range of available investments is much wider than a standard personal pension. An International SIPP is a UK SIPP that has been specifically designed for nonUK residents. The structure is similar to that of a SIPP and both are regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority. An International SIPP provides the ability to invest in several currencies and some providers

The Local Buzz • July - August 2022

allow withdrawals in euros, paid directly to a French bank account. As with a SIPP, the international version allows you to transfer your pension or consolidate several pension plans into one simplified scheme. More importantly, the International SIPP allows a locally based, regulated financial adviser to implement an investment strategy and assist you with overall retirement planning. It is also important to note that a locally based adviser will have knowledge of the French tax treatment of any income from the pension and the various options available. You can transfer from most private or company pensions to an International SIPP and you can also consider transferring from a defined benefit or final salary scheme, if you’re not already taking benefits. However, you can’t transfer from an annuity or many of the public sector and government schemes.

OR QROPS? If you have a very large pension pot, a Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme (QROPS) may be a more suitable home for your pension funds, as it can help protect against future tax liabilities for those nearing the UK Lifetime Allowance (currently £1,073,100). As with all such matters, it is important to seek advice from a regulated adviser to ensure that the appropriate recommendation is given for your individual circumstances. www.spectrum-ifa.com/ financial-advisor-france/ andrea-glover

The article above is provided for information purposes only. It does not constitute advice or a recommendation from The Spectrum IFA Group.

Take a shot SPORT

Thinking of playing golf? We take a light-hearted look at courses, the basic rules and, of course, the all-important etiquette.

here are a wealth of courses out there, all with their own specially designed fairways, greens, bunkers and hazards, not to mention the rough! Standing on the first tee, staring down the fairway, it can be hard to imagine how many strokes it is going to take before you actually get to the green, the soft, plush area surrounding the hole. You may land in a sand-filled bunker, finish up in a stream or pond, veer off into the fringe or, worse, end up in the rough hunting for your ball in long grass and trees. At the green it is not as easy as it looks to putt the ball into the hole as there are cambers, gradients, the lay of the grass and your own nerves to overcome first.

However, before you even pick up a club, whether it be a driver or putter, there are a few things to think about.

COURSES If you are just starting out, the last thing you need is a course that beats you! It can be overwhelming to take on an 18-hole golf course straight away so it is worth considering a smaller 9-hole venue. For many, where their friends play can be a deciding factor, with welcome advice about drainage, where it is too flat, or if the green is too slow or too fast. As you progress in the game these all become very important factors. Each course is designed differently

with interesting challenges such as bunkers and water hazards. Ideally you want it to be varied too with long, short and straight holes as part of the play. If the gradient is too steep or the course design is too difficult you may not be able to actually make the shots with your existing skill level so think carefully about the type of game you are looking for and which clubs you will need. In addition, some courses dictate the direction of play, whilst others allow you to change it up and play a different route. How often do you want to play and how much are you able to plan ahead is the next big question. Do you have to book a tee (a game) in advance or is flexible

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SPORT

scheduling allowed? Or should you become a member of a private club and enjoy priority and flexible times?

SCORING Scores are based on the Par, the standard number of strokes the course expects you to take from the tee to the hole. The idea is that you try to beat the Par, as well as your opponent. • Ace – brilliant, it’s a hole in one, straight from the tee and into the hole. • Eagle – an additional two strokes (two strokes under par). • Birdie – one stroke under par (also known as a double eagle). • Bogey – one stroke above par. • Double Bogey – two strokes above par. • Triple Bogey – three strokes above par.

HANDICAPS (AND WE DON’T MEAN THE GOLF CLUB)

The rules changed in January 2020 and you now need at least three scorecards to calculate your handicap. This can be done on one of the many apps online using a standard formula and should be updated with the next three scorecards and so on. Men’s handicaps tend to be between zero and 28, women’s from zero to 36. Once you have your handicap you can play anyone, regardless of ability, as the handicap is designed to equalise the game and gives those with less experience a chance of victory! However a large gap between handicaps can mean a very slow game for the more experienced person and may not be as enjoyable. A low handicap means that you are pretty good but you won’t have as many strokes to play with! On a par 72 course, for instance, a player with a handicap of five is expected to complete the course in no more than 77 strokes (five over par). On the same course, someone with a handicap of 20 would have 92 strokes (20 over par). If the five handicapper has an off-day and shoots 81, the score would be four over par but, if the opponent finishes with 94, their score would win with two over par.

The Local Buzz • July - August 2022

ETIQUETTE Known as a “gentleman’s game”, golf has an etiquette all of its own, even during the fiercest competition. These include: • “Clean up” after yourself: that means putting a grass divot back after you’ve hit the ball, or raking over the sand if you’ve been in the bunker. • Despite what you’ve seen in the movies, you really must keep quiet during someone’s backswing. • Avoid walking across someone else’s line (the line from their ball to the hole) as it can upset the lay of the land, literally. • Don’t hit the ball into a group that is ahead of you. Wait for them to finish. • If you do make a mistake and your ball is heading towards a moving target, i.e. another golfer or group, shout FORE! • If a group behind you is playing faster, let them through. • Maintain your composure and avoid angry outbursts. • Abide by the rules (obtain a copy of the Rule Book to be sure).

BASIC RULES It is said that Ian Woosnan was once fined two strokes because he had too many clubs in his bag. You are allowed up to 14. Tee-up within tee-box parameters and markers (yellow for men, red for ladies and white for medal competitions). Don’t play someone else’s ball! It helps to mark your own with a coloured felt pen. If you have to lift a ball to check, notify your opponent beforehand and mark the spot with a ball marker. Play the ball where it lies (unless hazard rules apply or it’s on the putting green where you can mark it, lift it and clean it before placing it back on the exact spot). Your opponent completes your scorecard so make sure it is correct before both of you sign it. For more information on the game, and ahead of the continuation of John Cook’s “Hole” In One series, take a look at his invaluable tips in previous issues at www.thelocalbuzzmag.com/read-online.

ASK

ADVICE

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

Sharon P writes Recently my mother, in the UK, was moved into an end of life care home and my (younger) brother is constantly on the phone badgering me to go over. My upbringing, with a narcissistic mother, was dysfunctional. I have had only sporadic contact with her since we moved over here and the relief when I made the decision to emotionally/ geographically part from them was life-changing. My husband and I are happy here and our (adult) children often visit; we are a close and harmonious

family. I am very proud of this given that my own upbringing was dreadful and I’m worried that if I do go back it might set me back. But I feel sorry for my brother who, I believe, is just beginning to realise just how much he has been manipulated over the years. Do I go back? Will I regret it if I don’t? Hello Sharon If you decide not to go it is very possible you might regret it and there will be no emotional end-point. However, if you do perhaps you could do it just for you and your

brother? He, too, is a product of his upbringing. This will enable you to have a better relationship with him going forward (from your longer email it seems it has been your mother who has divided you over the years). Going back, to say goodbye to your mother will, I believe, help give you closure. If you do go, write a long stream-of-consciousness style letter to her beforehand (not to actually give to her, you’re doing this for you and for your eyes only) and pour out all the hurt, distress and outrage you have felt over the years. Let rip. This will help you remain emotionally detached when you are there because you will have purged at least some of it. The best

you can do, for you, is to forgive her for her lack of care and attention when you most needed it. Even lowgrade parental blame and resentment perpetuates a cycle of emotional pain and triggers that can negatively affect your overall wellbeing. After all, she too was more than likely a product of her upbringing – who is to know? Then you can walk away with no self-recrimination and less hangover from a distressing past. And, hopefully, a new future with your brother in it.

have you ordered under a daily penalty to proceed with the work, or he could do the work himself and have you ordered to compensate him. As you have the legal obligation to cut the overhanging branches, you should also be aware that if your neighbour had to take

you to court to force you to comply with your legal obligation, you could also be ordered to compensate him for his legal fees. Therefore, it may be difficult and expensive now to cut back the branches but it will be even more so if you don’t.

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

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

Andy S asks: My neighbour has been complaining about my trees which slightly overhang his garden. They are tall, difficult to cut back and will be expensive to do. Whose responsibility is it and who should pay for the work?

Hi Andy: The Civil Code has a very straightforward answer to your question: you are responsible for cutting the overhanging branches and for the costs of doing so. If you refuse to do it yourself, the neighbour has two options in court: either

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WELL BEING

Just what is Massage Therapy? Evy Jester of Evy Massage Therapy in Prayssac (Lot), studied at the Massage School of Santa Monica in California and has worked in both the United States and Europe. Here she explains the different types and benefits of massage therapy.

hese are stressful times of never-ending Covid and global crises, not to mention problems large and small in all our lives. That is when caring is most important: caring for your loved ones, your neighbours and yourself. Massage can be a great help, and can also be a regular part of healthy living. Yet in France, massage for wellness and relaxation is still relatively unknown.

THE BENEFITS • Reduces muscle and joint pain, as well as stiffness • Enhances flexibility and range of motion • Improves sleep • Aids digestion • Reduces fatigue, anxiety and depression • Is a natural detoxifier, as it helps to remove waste products by increasing lymphatic drainage • Provides pain relief for arthritis However, massage does not (and never will) reduce weight or help get rid of cellulite.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A MASSAGE After discussing any specific needs or problems, the client lies down on a padded, heated (in wintertime) massage

table with a face rest for optimal comfort. For privacy and warmth, the client is covered with a cotton sheet so that only the part of the body being worked on is exposed. It is best not to talk during the massage, and any music should be unobtrusive. The focus is the massage. A session lasts a little over an hour, in addition to discussion time. The client should never feel rushed after a massage. As Covid-19 is still with us, the therapist remains masked. After each session, sheets are changed and the room thoroughly aired. Most people feel very relaxed after a massage, and should never plan on physical or intellectual activity immediately afterwards. Many experience fewer aches and pains built up from tension or repetitive activity in their daily life. After a day or two, clients usually enjoy increased energy and mobility.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF MASSAGE Swedish Massage: a gentle massage, suitable for people seeking relaxation and tension relief. Deep Tissue Massage: pressure is used to delve deeper into the muscles; it can help relieve chronic pain and stiffness. Sports Massage: concentrates on muscles solicited by a given sport; it can help prevent injuries before competition and recovery time after.

The Local Buzz • July - August 2022

Aromatherapy Massage: to treat specific problems, the therapist selects and blends essential oils which are applied during the massage session. Shiatsu: pressure is applied to specific parts of the body, no oils are used and the client remains fully clothed.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU HAVE A MASSAGE?

For an overall ‘tune-up’ and relaxation, every four to six weeks is usually adequate. For specific pain after an injury, or in the case of arthritis, it is usually recommended to have a weekly massage for the first few weeks, then to adjust the frequency as needed.

WHICH THERAPIST? When choosing a therapist it is vital to verify that they have had proper training and experience. A serious massage therapist does not pretend to have medical qualifications, but will always ask questions about your health and may suggest that you see a doctor first. You should feel that your therapist is empathetic and takes time to listen. The therapist needs to gain your trust, then the real work can begin. Evy offers in-home sessions locally and travels further afield for multi-massage sessions. www.evymassage.fr

WELL-BEING

HELPING OUR PETS AVOID HEAT STROKE THIS SUMMER Many of our pets love the sunshine but that feeling of warmth as they soak in the rays can soon lead to heat stroke and even sunburn if we are not careful. Whether they are guinea pigs, hamsters, fish, birds, cats, dogs, rabbits, donkeys or horses, etc., keeping our animals safe and comfortable in hot weather isn’t always easy but we hope these ideas help.

Keep them cool with this solid, anti-slip, Piscine Dog Pool from €39.99 at www.zooplus.fr. Or how about this stainless steel water fountain for cats and dogs, complete with built-in pump and carbon filters at €48.99? www.zooplus.fr

Ear, ear! Your dog or cat will have their heads up with these soft baseball hats and bandanas at €8.75 from www.lightinthebox.com/fr

Water can be even more fun with a floating toy or two. These are both from www.zooplus.fr with prices that start at €9.99 for the KONG Wet Wubba and from €10.99 for the KONG Aqua.

This cute Costway Lit can be packed up quickly for use on the beach or in the garden and offers a comfortable respite from the sun with its removable canopy. €49.99, www.amazon.fr

Take the ouch out of touch, at least where hot pavements and sand are concerned, with these anti-slip, breathable summer booties for cats and dogs. In four colours from €8.75 at www.lightinthebox.com/fr

Worried about their food warming up on hot days whilst you are out? Help is at hand with this Trixie Distributeur Automatique TX1 that can automatically dispense one, two or three meals a day and has a built-in cool pack. From www.maxizoo.fr at €20.89.

Rabbits, hamsters, cats, mice? This could suit any of our smaller pets. The Maisonnette Cool Cico is designed to keep its cool thanks to a granite stone top. €12.29 from www.wanimo.com

An evaporating collar? Incorporating non-toxic polymer beads that absorb four times their volume in water, this Collier Rafraichissant stops them giving off steam by releasing its own refreshing vapour. From €17.09 from www.wanimo.com

Lighter coloured fur and bare skin patches can be protected with a petsafe sun cream such as Dermoscent SunFREE for dogs and cats at €18.44 from www.amazon.fr

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WELL-BEING

Going out? Then you might like this cool portable fan! Easily attached to a cat or dog cage, it’s a breath of fresh air at €29.75 from www.francepetshop.com

Cooling down has never been nicer than on this refreshing gel mat designed to reduce your furry friend’s core temperature for up to six hours. Nontoxic, ready to use and no electricity required! Tapis Rafraichissant Doogy, €13.99, www.francepetshop.com

Give your bunny, hamster, guinea pig and cat or dog a break from the heat with this comfy cooling mat by Trixie. Plateau Rafraîchissant from €6.90 at www.lafermedesanimaux.com Harness their temperature during a hot spell with this refreshing Aqua Coolkeeper vest. From €12.95 at www.lafermedesanimaux.com

Top Tips for Sunny Days Woah! Lightweight and allowing a pony, donkey or horse to move freely, this Couverture Rafraichissante pour Cheval will help to keep them fresh for four to six hours. €99.00 www.technichefrance.com

• Provide lots of fresh, cold water • Make sure they have a shaded area • Place ice cubes in their water bowls • Provide damp towels for them to lie on • Keep an eye open for flystrike • Don’t leave them in a car*, even with the

windows open • Move fish tanks and bird cages away from Sensitive eyes? Not anymore with these Naiyafly UV protection sunglasses for cats and dogs. Ideal if they like to put their head out of the car window, they are windproof and waterproof too! €8.35, www.amazon.fr

The Local Buzz • July - August 2022

window hotspots • Apply sun cream – but make sure it is pet-safe

* If you see an animal in a hot car, call the police or, if it’s at a retail outlet, contact security immediately. You could be at risk of a fine if you break a window yourself or act without authorisation. However, it’s not just cars. Conservatories and caravans can be a death trap for any animal. It might be 22°C outside but the temperature inside can quickly rise to around 47°C, and that’s a risk to life.

PUZZLES

Crossword

Tiny streets, rural country lanes, auto routes and rond-points – driving in France can be a very different experience. This crossword won’t drive you round the bend though! The clues are in English but the answers are in French. Beep beep …

ACROSS 3. The street 4. Straight ahead 7. A hitchhiker 8. The turn signal 9. A car 14. A traffic jam 16. A motorway

17. Fill it up 18. A traffic circle

DOWN 1. The stop light 2. To park 3. The headlights 5. To pass

6. The brakes 10. A truck 11. The petrol 12. Broke down 13. To drive 15. The steering wheel

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

Wordsearch Find a cool spot and have fun with this wordsearch. Some of the words are in the articles, some are things we come across in life. You will find them running from side to side, top to bottom, bottom to top and, just for fun, diagonally.

QUARTET

TART

MUSTARD

MEDITERRANEAN

CLIMATE

YELLOW

LACE

FISH

TAX

PLANTS

CHEAT

ENERGY

CATS

BERET

GLUE

FUEL

ONLINE

HEATER

TUNA

FEDORA

ANAH

INSULATE

EAST

WATER

TRUST

HAPPY

YOUNG

CLIMBING

STRAY

CERTIFICATS

PANAMA

BIRDS

RABBIT

SWEDISH

BLUE

HORSES

MAPRIMERENOV

PING

LEVY

BIRTHDAY

PELLET STRING ENERGIE SUNSTROKE POOL CREDITS MASSAGE

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

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

French Admin

C’est la vie...facile! Supply and fitting of all your flooring needs Carpets, natural flooring, solid woods, vinyls, rugs, artificial grass and made to measure blinds. Visit our showroom in Montauban 82000 or contact us for a home visit. 05 63 20 51 59 carpetmanfrance@orange.fr

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

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

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FRANCE

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

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Crossword

solution

Here is the solution to the crossword on page 60.

The Local Buzz • July - August 2022

JUST DRONING

ok A tongue-in-cheek lo

at...

Life in rural France by the editor W

ell, we have been experiencing a bit of a heat wave (canicule) haven’t we! I must say, having had a few skin cancers already I am very wary of being in the sun during certain hours and, given that the temperatures were approaching, if not going over, 40°C I found myself entombed in a shuttered office with the air con going full blast. However, one evening I did venture out to a local bar where, thanks to (so I have heard) new rules about maintaining a certain temperature range in outdoor seating areas, I found myself sat under a wonderfully cooling misting system.

It was great but, actually, turned up a bit too high. I arrived looking reasonably okay, sat there like a lettuce in a supermarket, and left looking like I had spent a month in a rain forest. Talk about a dripping wreck, but the sun soon brought my curls back, albeit in a less than orderly fashion (mental note, should I buy a plastic poncho for next time – I think not!) I learned a thing or two about chickens this month too! So what came first, the chicken or the egg? It has to be the chicken surely. Having spent a lifetime thinking I was eating something that could have become a cute chick, I had no idea but it seems that not

all eggs are fertile. Daddy cockerel delivers his donation via a cloacal kiss and fertilises the egg of the day, continuing to fertilise eggs for a week or so after the romantic encounter. Like all mums, she knows what is what and which is which and instinctively knows which ones to sit on. What a cracking revelation that was and who knew hens were so clever! Back to the question though, the eggs need a cockerel to lay fertilised eggs so, unless the cockerel laid them in the first place (err no..), it had to be the chicken – didn’t it? Remember the tale of the disappearing car keys in the last issue? I must thank a

reader who wrote to say that the pic we had used was just all wrong. So please accept our apologies. It seems that the image was of Australian magpies and, as she said, they couldn’t have flown that far. Sadly the photo library we used hadn’t made the distinction but we have let them know. Since then, I have heard about many local people losing rings and small garden items in exactly the same way. The French, or maybe it’s just Lot et Garonne magpies, are obviously very good at their fabled hobby. Well they can buzz off. Until next time ….

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AP_GOURMET_DE_FRANCE_210X270_FU.indd 1

28/04/2016 16:01

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE YOU CAN TRUST chalet villa château farmhouse apartment vineyard gîte cottage coast country city

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€249,310 Gironde

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Ref: A13712 - Beautiful barn conversion 35 min from Bordeaux, 40 min from Atlantic beaches.

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7% agency fees included paid by the buyer. Energy class: F Climate class: B

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5% agency fees included paid by the buyer. Energy class: D Climate class: D

Agency fees paid by seller. DPE: Ongoing

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Ref: A10687 - Beautiful Perigourdine farmhouse with swimming pool, large stone barn and 2.71 acres.

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Ref: A13757 - Exceptional stone house with pool, outbuildings and 4½ acres of grounds.

Ref: A13620 - Modern 5 bedroom villa with a large plot of land, in a tranquil, rural location.

6% agency fees included paid by the buyer. DPE: No data

Agency fees paid by seller. Energy class: C Climate class: A

Agency fees paid by seller. Energy class: C Climate class: C

6% agency fees included paid by the buyer. Energy class: C Climate class: D

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The Local Buzz July - August 2022

Articles inside

Business Directory

Just Droning

Caring For Our Pets

Puzzle Page

Massage Therapy

The start of our

Finance

Tee-Off With Golf

Government Grants

Summer Nights

Food & Drink

Keeping Cool

Regional Attractions