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LANGUEDOCPAGESFebruary 2012 - Issue 7

publishers of 95c

ELTON, RADIOHEAD ANDBJORK TO PLAY NIMES P5

No1 The most popularregion in France

LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON is official-ly the “most popular region inFrance” with more people opting tomove here than to any other area ofFrance, official statistics show.

At the end of 2011 the region had2,610,890 residents and the highestpopulation growth of all regions inFrance in the 10 years up to 2009(the latest census dates).

The influx means that nearly half ofall residents were not born here.

Research chief for the Nationalstatistics body Insee Roger Rabiersaid that of the 49% of “outsiders”35% were born elsewhere in Franceand 14% were born outside ofFrance.

He added: “There are, essentially,three reasons people come: work –because even though the region hashigh unemployment it is very strongon creating jobs; others are broughtin for their studies, while theremainder find it an ideal place topass their retirement.

“The majority are young and activeworkers, mostly couples, with only20% of them retired.”

There has been a 14% increase inpopulation since 1999 and it topsthe growth charts, ahead of second-placed neighbours, Midi-Pyrénées.

The majority of incomers (135,500)chose to settle in Hérault, while78,800 opted for Gard. Pyrénées-Orientales attracted some 53,100newcomers, compared to 44,200 inthe Aude - only 3,650 new arrivalschose to make their home in land-locked Lozère over the past decade.

Attractive way of life: Montpellier isa popular choice for both people moving to France and within thecountry. The area offers work but also appeals to students and retirees

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RECENT visitors toLanguedoc might beintrigued by the distinctiveblack and white “Non au gazde schiste” posters in someparts of the region, but theyare part of a continuing cam-paign against shale gasextraction which has beenwaging for more than a year.

Now, just months after par-liament voted to ban the con-troversial technique of

hydraulic fracturing (knownas “fracking”) that protesterssay poses a threat to ground-water, Oise MP François-Michel Gonnot has said thegovernment should repeal theanti-fracking Loi Jacob.

Mr Gonnot, from PresidentSarkozy’s UMP party, said thelaw had been passed in hastein the middle of “popularemotion” in the run-up to thepresidential campaign but it

was a “judicial monster” thatwas not being followed else-where in the world.

Last July Ecology MinisterNathalie Kosciusko-Morizetrevoked a number of permitsgranted for shale gas explo-ration in the south of France,including a zone covering4,327 square kilometres alongthe Rhône running fromMontélimar to Montpellier.

Her announcement wasconfirmed by PresidentNicolas Sarkozy during a visitto Alès in October when hesaid there would be noextraction ofshale gas byhydraulicfracturing inFrance, andthat only con-ventionalmethods ofenergy extrac-tion would bepermitted.

Speaking on avisit to celebrate the award ofUnesco World Heritage statusto the Cévennes, Mr Sarkozysaid ecological concerns weremore important than profitfrom hydrocarbons.

The government revokedthree permits for the extrac-tion of shale gas in Langue-doc (US company Schuep-bach, which held two of therevoked permits, had specifi-cally indicated it would beusing hydraulic fracturing),but five other permits are stillin place.

Now Languedoc-

Roussillons’ regional councilhas asked that the governmentrevoke permits for the Bassind’Alès, Plaine d’Alès, Nîmesand Navacelle (Gard), andPlaines du Languedoc (inHérault and Aude depart-ments).

The call has been givenurgency as at the end of 2011,oil giant Total said it wouldbe appealing against therevoking of its permit, whichwas withdrawn on the basisof the ambiguity of its plans.

Although Total was explicitin its permitapplicationthat thecontrover-sial – andnow illegal– frackingtechniquewould notbe used,the gov-ernment

maintained that Total had notsufficiently defined whichalternative technique wouldbe used.

Total has lodged an appealat the Tribunal Administratifde Paris and is also expectedto lobby ministers directly toget the permit restored.

Shale gas protesters fear thatsuch lobbying could meanthe Loi Jacob could be over-turned after the presidentialelections which are scheduledfor April and May. They sayrushing through the law lastsummer was done to winvotes and could be halted.

2 News Languedoc Pages February 2012

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With a subscription or advert query call:From France: 0800 91 77 56 (freephone)From UK: 0844 256 9881 (4p per minute)or by email:sales@connexionfrance.com

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Directrice de la publication: Sarah Smith.

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ONE OF the permits that theLanguedoc-Roussillonregional council wants tohave overturned is that forthe Plaines du Languedocgranted to Swedish companyLundin.

Covering a zone of some2,348km2 stretching from thewine-producing area of SaintChinian to the Mediter-ranean; east along the coastto Agde and west toGruissan, it contains 300,000inhabitants.

The five-year permit wasofficially awarded on October30, 2009 and while there is aschedule of work for 2012 onthe Lundin website withmention of wells in Val deMarais and Est Champagnethere is no mention ofLanguedoc.

Company spokespersonMaria Hamilton said Lundinwas essentially a conventional

oil company (i.e. one dealingin oil produced by primary orsecondary recovery methodsinvolving extraction throughwells – using methods relyingon natural pressure, waterpressure or gas pressure).

She said their exploratorywork in the south of Francewas aimed to find oil, notshale gas, but added: “If wefind shale gas, we will dealwith it.”

Ms Hamilton added that nowork is scheduled to takeplace in Languedoc in 2012.

However, Lodève protestgroup leader Vincent Espagnesaid there was a significantrisk posed to the environ-ment by the work that isenvisaged, if it involveshydraulic fracturing.

He said that the underlyinggeology was not well-knownand it was difficult to see howit was able to say what itwould find once drillingstarted.

However, based on infor-mation from geologistsopposed to the project and anexamination of the Lundinfile he said: “We can suppose

No works planned for

MP’s frackingcall restartsshale gas fightAn MP from President Sarkozy’s UMP party has calledfor the government to overturn the law banning oilcompanies from using hydraulic fracturing to extractpossible massive gas reserves under the south ofFrance. LOUISE HURREN looks at why environmentalprotesters are worried about the plan

Vincent Espagne

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WHILE much of the protestabout shale gas drilling planshas been on the controversialhydraulic fracturing proce-dure, activists also fear thepossible impact of giant newindustrial sites spreadingacross the Languedoc land-scape.

One anti-shale gas activist,who asked not to be identi-fied, said: “Our economic andsocial fabric is tightly linkedto wine production, eco-tourism and Languedoc'sexceptional landscape andarchitecture.

“We simply cannot allowdrilling platforms and indus-trial equipment to take overour countryside, nor trucks

to use a roadway system thatwas not built to take this kindof traffic.”

The damage to the surfaceof the region even in the pur-suit of conventional resources

would be a visible scar in oneof the country’s major wine-producing areas with “nod-ding donkey” wells andaccess roads.

The activisit added: “ThePlaines du Languedoc projectposes a great threat, particu-larly to the undergroundaquifers. The water table inour region is highly complex;water can be present at manylevels, and the layers are con-nected to each other.

“This means using drillingor fracturing fluid can causeirreversible damage to thewater supply, particularly aswe know that it is impossibleto guarantee that any drillingremains 100% watertight.”

Plaines du Languedocthat the company would beinvestigating the deeper levelsof highly compact, ancientrock, for which the onlymethod of extracting hydro-carbons is fracturing.

“The head of Lundin Francehas confirmed that his com-pany’s aim is to find ‘conven-tional’ reserves, but given that what is contained withinthis area is currentlyunknown, it would seemto be impossible tosearch for a spe-cific objective.”

If when Lundindoes start itsexploratory wells itcomes across resourcesof shale gas the onlyknown way of extractingthe gas is by using now-banned hydraulic fracturing.This poses an environmentalrisk.

At a presentation in

Montpellier in December2011, hydrogeologist SéverinPistre of the University ofMontpellier explained to anaudience of residents that notonly does the procedure usehuge amounts of water, butcontamination(fromtoxic

frack-ing chemi-

cals, naturallyoccuring radioac-

tive materials and heavymetals, and new toxicscaused by interaction ofthese) is a possibility.

In addition there is the pos-sibility of accidents, spills,

leaks and earthquakes, andpotential damage to surfacewater and undergroundaquifers. Heavy transportwould be needed to bring inthe quantities of materials

needed for a shale gasproject and the cam-paigners pointed toair pollution problems

and soil contaminationwith heavy consequences for

the biodiversity of the area.For its part, Lundin has a

statement on corporateresponsibility on its websitewhich reads as follows:“Corporate Responsibilitymeans having in place theright policies, systems andprocedures to ensure thatactivities result in a positivesocio-economic impact andrespect for the environment.”

It did not reply to a queryon whether its Languedocplans were in line with this.

Wine industryand eco-tourismcould be affected

A NUMBER of anti gaz de schiste groupshave been formed in the Languedoc region,many of whom have website pages and/orFacebook pages.

A public information meeting about shalegas in the Plaines du Languedoc area is

planned to take place in Capestang thismonth (date not confirmed at time of goingto press).

For more information, contactlodevois@gdsnon.org or visithttp://www.pasdegazdeschistes.rd-h.fr

Protest meeting planned at Capestang

Conventional oil wellswould see “donkeys”across the landscape

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One protestertakes a high stand

against gaz deschiste during thedemonstration in

Place de laComedie in

Montpellier lastsummer

REGIONAL spending is to rise by 3.5% in what presidentChristian Bourquin described as an “anti-crise” budget whichwill total €505 million.

Containing measures to keep construction on track and alsocontinue investment in education, it will see the building ofMontpellier’s future Lycée Hôtelier Georges Frêche (for studentsentering the tourism, catering and hospitality industries) and astudy to investigate a possible new lycée in Argelès.

Investment in the ports of Sète and Port la Nouvelle will con-tinue, as will a project for the expansion of Carcassonne airportand the Aqua Domita project (which will bring water from theRhône into the region). A new initiative is also being launchedto expand wine tourism within the region.

4 News Languedoc Pages February 2012

Nîmes and Narbonne getRoman history museums

3.5% rise in budget is agreed

INTERNATIONAL architectsare vying to design a flagshipRoman museum for Nîmesand the winning designshould be known in April.

The new museum, to becalled the Musée de laRomanité, will be sited nearthe Arena and the competi-tion is between RudyRicciotti (Bandol), RichardMeier (New-York) andElisabeth and Christian dePortzamparc (Paris).

A new conference centreand concert hall will be builtbehind the new museum.

Plans are also taking shapefor a Roman museum inNarbonne, situated on theCanal de la Robine oppositethe Parc des Sports, andscheduled to open in 2012.

EXPANSION continues atBéziers-Cap d’Agde Airportwith the news that Ryanairhas confirmed a new routeto Manchester.

The two flights a weekservice starts on March 26.It is in addition to existingflights from Béziers toBristol, London-Luton,Paris, Düsseldorf, Oslo andStockholm. Flybe’s flights toSouthampton start May 25

New flightsfor Béziers

WORK on the 150 kilometre high speed(TGV) train link between the Languedoc citiesof Montpellier and Perpignan has taken a sig-nificant step forward with the governmentdeclaring its approved route for the line.

Trains should be able to reach 350kph on thenew route and the decision marks the end ofthe first of three stages, before a definitivedecision is reached in 2015, prior to workstarting in 2016 (completion is set for 2020).

The location of stations to be built in Béziersand Narbonne has still to be decided, as are

the ratio of freight and high speed passengerservices.

Currently, the largest obstacle to be over-come is the geographical challenge posed bythe Corbières mountains and some Unescoand Natura 2000 protected zones, particularlyin the Aude.

Meanwhile, work on the €2 billion TGV linkbetween Nîmes and Montpellier is due to startthis year. The contract was won by Bouyguesand includes the building of two new stations,Nîmes-Manduel and Montpellier-Odysseum.

Perpignan TGV route set

Local train service is extended

Testing starts for new trams in MontpellierSTYLISH new gold tramshave been circulating inthe streets of Montpellierduring final testing forthe city’s new Line 3 andLine 4.

Designer ChristianLacroix is responsiblefor the look of the latestadditions to theLanguedoc capital’s public transport systemand has gone for two dis-tinct images.

Line 3, which crossesthe city from west tosouth, features a seaside-inspired motifwhile Line 4 – links theother three lines andcircles the town’s his-toric centre – is deco-rated with goldenLouis XIV-related pat-terns.

The new trams aredue to enter servicethis April, makingMontpellier's tramwaysystem one of thelongest in France.

THE €1 Perpignan toVillefranche-de-Conflentlocal train service is beingextended with new lines inAude, between Carcassonneand Quillan, in Lozère (onthe La Bastide/Mende/ Mar-

vejols line) and Hérault, link-ing Béziers and Bédarieux.

The line, which was reno-vated in 2008, serves 10 sta-tions along the Têt valley(Perpignan, Le Soler, Saint-Féliu d’Avall, Millas, Ille-sur-

Têt, Vinça, Marquixanes,Prades/Molitig-les-Bains, Riaand Villefranche/Vernet-lesBains and links the coast tothe Pyrénées. It also connectsto the famous “Petit TrainJaune” at Villefranche.

Béziers-Cap d’Agde Airport is expanding services in 2012

The Roman Arena in Nîmes will be joined by a museum

Christian Bourquin

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News 5Languedoc Pages February 2012

Inheritance SolutionsFrench inheritance rules may mean that your worldwide estate will not be distributed according to your wishes.

Look after those that matter.Marjorie Mansfield, Regional ManagerTel French Head Office: 05 56 34 75 51Email: bordeaux.office@siddalls.net

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THE story of Carcassonne isthe tale of two cities, as it iseffectively divided: on aplateau on the right bank ofthe river Aude sits the fairy-tale castle of La Cité, whilethe left bank is occupied bythe Bastide Saint-Louis orlower town.

Theories on howCarcassonne got its nameabound, but arguably themost popular is the story ofDame Carcas, which datesto a siege of the city in theearly Middle Ages.

According to legend,around the eighth centurythe Frankish king tried tostarve Carcassonne’s Saracenpopulation into submission.

After a long siege foodstocks were severely deplen-ished and defeat was loom-ing – but the ruler’s wifeCarcas had a bright idea: shegave orders for a pig to beforce-fed with the very lastsacks of grain, and thentossed over the city walls.

When the pig fell and splitopen, revealing the contentsof its stomach, the watching

troops were fooled intobelieving the inhabitantsstill had plenty of supplies.

As they retreated indespair, the jubilant towns-folk cried for church bells tobe rung in triumph: “Carcas,sonne!” (“Ring, Carcas!”).

Today, visitors to La Citécan admire a head-and-torso statue of a plump,smiling woman, represent-ing the town’s namesake,mounted on a column

near the Porte Narbonnaise.A more likely theory, how-

ever, is that the name comesfrom the Celtic Carsac, orthe Roman Carcaso orCarcasum, (an importantRoman trading post on thesite some 2,000 years ago).

Others say it derives fromOccitan, from the wordscarac (meaning rock, afterthe spur on which it sits),and sonne (meaning wood,for the surrounding forest).

STUDIES are underway to find out why twiceas many dead dolphins as usual were foundwashed up on the coasts last year.

Around 100 were found along the Medi-terranean coasts, including about 25 in theLanguedoc-Roussillon, said Laurent Dupontof the Office National de la Chasse et de laFaune Sauvage.

The Aude and Pyrénées-Orientales wereespecially concerned.

Mr Dupont said: “It is suspected it is due tothe morbili virus - it comes back every four orfive years. Tests so far have not come backpositive, so we have not been able to prove it,but it may be the dolphins had been dead fortoo long. We are taking new samples now.”

Did you know?

Carcassonne is a unique type of double fortification

Carcassonne and atale of two cities

Funky trams are a feature in Montpellier

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INTERNATIONAL music starsElton John, Radiohead, Björkand David Guetta are alreadyconfirmed to play the Roman

arena of Nîmes this summer,while 2012 will also seethe opening of the city'sbrand new, 650-seat con-cert venue, known as theSMAC (La Scène deMusiques Actuelles). From May 23-28, the

60th edition of the city'sannual summer Feria de

Pentecôte will be marked byextra-special celebrations,attracting an estimated millionvisitors over a week who willcome to watch the bull fighting, street theatre anddance performances, proces-sions and fireworks, and enjoythe party atmosphere of thebodegas bars.

Elton John,Radioheadand Bjorkfor Nîmes

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Dozens of dead dolphins washed up

6 What’s On Languedoc Pages February 2012

noticeboard

LODÈVE English LibraryAssociation celebrated its 10thanniversary in 2011 and is the groupbehind a lending library of Englishlanguage books and films.

The primary aim is to maintain acollection of materials and makethem accessible to members. Stock isorganised and issued to borrowersjust as in any small public lendinglibrary, with association membersable to borrow books, videos andDVDs.

A file of practical information(such as official administration, use-ful websites, local artisans) is main-tained, and the library acts as a con-tact point for new arrivals to thearea, as well as a meeting place.

Membership is open to all, andcurrently stands at about 70: theassociation includes French, Dutch,German and Scandinavians, as wellas native English speakers.

The association was founded in2001 by a dozen English andAmerican residents, three of whomwere professional librarians, afterlocal woman Lesley Crick had theidea of creating an English book-swapping resource.

Lesley said: “When the libraryopened it was just a small collection

of a few hundred donated books,housed on donated shelves, in prem-ises made available free of charge.Since then, our collection has grown:we now have some 5,000 books,ranging from general non-fiction tothe most recent fiction titles, plus alarge selection of films and TVseries.

“It is possibly the largest collectionof English language books in theLanguedoc, outside Montpellier.

“We still receive donations at a rateof about 1,000 items per year, whichallows us to improve not only therange of titles, but also the physicalcondition of the stock on theshelves.”

She adds: “A Kindle is no substitutefor a real book.”

Housed at 8 Grand’Rue, in Lodève,the library is open three times aweek (Tuesday 10-12; Thursday 3-5;Saturday 10-12:30) and the joiningfee is €5, with an annual library sub-scription of €35 for a full calendaryear (this is pro rata at the time ofjoining).

To become a member, contactLesley Crick on 04 67 44 21 67 orTrish Enston 04 67 96 24 12, or emaillodeveenglishlibrary@hotmail.com

Hérault Béziers

February 2 Isabelle Boulay, Zinga Zanga,20.30 – Come and discover the Quebecsinger who has won awards in Europe andCanada. She will be singing music from hernew album Les Grands Espaces, revealingher country-folk influences. Prices: €43-€45. Call 04 67 36 44 46 or book withwww.francebillet.com or www.ticketnet.fr or www.fnac.com

CONCERT

Clermont-l’HéraultHérault FAMILY

February 2 Le 6ème Jour (the 6th day),Theatre de Clermont, 20.30 – Adapted from the bookof Genesis, this is a show for all family members from the age of 11.Arletti the clown tries to

show how man’s adventure started on the sixth day after the Creation.Prices: adults €12, €8 for under 26s and FREE for under 12s.

Call 04 67 96 31 63 or email reserv.theatredeclermont@wanadoo.fr

GardNîmes OPERA

February 25 Ernani, Nîmes Forum Kinepolis, 19.00– The opera will be broadcast live from the NewYork Metropolitan Opera House. Ernani is ararely-performed opera in four acts, adaptedfrom Victor Hugo’s Hernani, with music byGiuseppe Verdi. Prices: €25 for adults and €17for under 26s.Call 08 92 68 86 30 or book on fnac.com

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Promote your community event, send details to: languedoc@connexionfrance.com

GGeettGGeettIInnvvoollvveedd!!IInnvvoollvveedd!!

Share your love of a good read

Librarians Lesley Crick and Trish Enston look after the collection

La Festo de Poutoun - Fête desamoureuxRoquemaure (30), February 11 - 12.

THIS historical reconstruction week-end celebrates the arrival in the villageof the remains of Saint Valentine him-self in 1868.

Expect music, street decorations, pro-cessions and lots of kissing as floats,horse riders and more than 800 peoplein 19th-century costume take part in ajoyous celebration of the patron saintof love. A traditional market includingancient trades, a music stand and

wooden-horse merry-go-rounds is setup, and the streets of Roquemaure arerenamed, inspired by romantic legendsfrom French literature.

The sounds of oboe, pipes, tam-bourines and the galoubet (a three-holepipe and tambour) float through the airas folk music groups enchantobservers, along with street entertain-ers, jugglers and acrobats.

Full details of festivities taking placethroughout the weekend are availablefrom the Office de Tourisme (tel: 04 6630 21 01).

Get in the mood for love

February 3-5 Le Salon du Chocolat,Parc des Expos – Chocolate in all itsdelicious forms, from patisseries and

biscuits to wine and honey, is available at this fair. Discover manyregional products and learn moreabout the history of chocolate, as

well as the latest trends in chocolate-making.There will be manyactivities and free workshops, whereyou can learn to make delights suchas macaroons, cupcakes and more.

Prices: €6 adults and €3 under-12s.Call 04 66 36 22 36 or

www.battants.com

Gard NîmesFOOD

CarcassonneFebruary 23 Portraits avec mandoline, Auditorium, 20.30This classical concert highlights the mandolin, an instrument used by Vivaldi, Mozart,Beethoven and many more.This is an evening of discovery with Viennese quartets for mandolins and string trio.From 20.30. Prices: €16 for adults and €8 for children.Call 04 68 25 33 13to book or email reservation@mairie-carcassonne.fr

Aude MUSIC

What’s On 7Languedoc Pages February 2012

February

Aude

OPERA

Pyrénées-OrientalesFebruary 26 La Garoutade – This ATB long-distance course is for keen mountain bikers,and takes place on 70km of paths and forest tracks. It is FREE to take part but you do

need to register at www.biking66.com. Call 04 68 29 07 59or email office@ille-sur-tet.com

Ille-sur-tet SPORT

Photo: © Yann Kerveno

Pyrénées-Orientales Prats-de-Mollo-la-Preste FAMILY

February 11 Verde Oliva, Pré de la Foire19.30 – The flamenco group Forasteroskeep the Andalucian tradition alive in thispassionate show. Forasteros are a guitarist,a singer and two dancers who express thestrength, depth and refinement of thisdemanding art. Prices: €5-10.Call 04 66 46 17 35or email langogneenfete@gmail.com

LozèreLangogne DANCE

February 25 La Veuve Joyeuse (TheMerry Widow),Théâtre Municipal 15.00 –This operetta in three acts is full of misunderstandings and love affairs. Italso features the French cancan.Prices: €15/€32/ €38.Call 04 68 25 33 13reservation@mairie-carcassonne.fr

February 8 Marcello Marcello, L’espace des Anges, 18.30This tiny paper puppet was created by Mathilde Aguirre

and Les Petites Choses to create an amusing showfor all the family. It reveals the achievements

of the Olympic team through Marcello– and Rita the team

cleaner. Price: €5.Call 04 66 94 00 23

Lozère Mende FAMILY

February 11-15 La fête de l’Ours (Festa de l'Ós, Bear Festival) – This traditionalcelebration combines games, street theatre, rituals, carnival, dances, balls andfood.The festival was inspired by the story of a shepherdess, who wasattacked by the devil, disguised as a bear. She prayed to the Notre Dame duCoral and was rescued by woodcutters. Nowadays, locals dress as bears withsoot and oil on their faces and try to get everyone dirty! FREE. Call 04 68 39 70 83or email info@pratsdemollolapreste.com

Carcassonne

8 Valentine’s Day

WHAT could be more romantic than gettingmarried in a medieval hilltop village, by theMediterranean or in an ancient château? Thereis no shortage of beautiful wedding venues inFrance and you will find bilingual weddingplanners on hand to help English-speakingcouples find everything they need.

The legal ceremony is conducted by themayor at the mairie closest to where either the

bride or groomwill reside for atleast 40 consecu-tive days beforethe main event.This shouldallow time formarriage bannsto be publishedand put on dis-play for 10 days.

Residents willneed to provideproof ofdomicile alongwith their birthcertificates andpassports andvarious other

documents, such as a Certificate of Celibacy,or Certificat de célibat, and a Certificate ofLaw, or Certificat de coutume.

Official translations of all documents mustalso be certified.

The British Embassy website is a good placeto start for general information on the formal-

ities required but a British person wishing tomarry under French law must seek advicefrom the mairie where the marriage is to takeplace.

Beth Stretton, a wedding planner who worksin the Dordogne area, said that by law inFrance you have to marry in the mairie andyou can then go on to have a religious bless-ing, often on an entirely different day.

In spite of the paperwork involved, residentshave every reason to say “I do” in France. MrsStretton believes good food and wine play a

part in the decision for many, while others cite“more chance of sun and something morerelaxed and less formulaic” as having helpedthem decide to marry abroad.

But beware. “Being married under Frenchlaw is not advisable if you do not live here full

time,” says Mrs Stretton. A better idea may beto hold the legal ceremony at home and thentravel to France for a religious or humanistblessing. “Options vary depending on theregion,” she says.

Mrs Stretton sees an increasing number ofpeople who wish to renew their vows. Thesecouples tend to opt for simpler ceremonies:“The older we get the more we forget aboutthe smaller details. A focus on the key thingsin life is most important when planning a cele-bratory event.”

Thalia and Jason Douglin traded Coventryfor Languedoc when they married in summer2011. “I always wanted to get married abroad,”says Mrs Douglin, who had firstconsidered the Caribbean but thought familymembers would find the long journeya struggle for financial or medical reasons.

“My husband has an aunt who lives inFrance and he used to vacation there when hewas younger,” she says.

“After looking into France as a destination, Ifell in love with the beautiful scenery and itseemed the weather was likely to be good,” sheexplains. “Another big advantage was that wegot four days to spend with everyone.”

Mrs Douglin found her venue, the Châteaudu Puits es Pratx in Ginestas, Languedoc, on

France has a reputation for romance, sowhere better to tie the knot, renew your vowsor just celebrate Valentine’s Day?ELEANOR FULLALOVE looks at what is involved

Lo e andmarriagein France

“I fell in lovewith the beautifulscenery and the weather was likely to be goodThalia Douglin

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The legal marriage ceremony is carried out

in the mairie

Languedoc Pages

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Valentine’s Day 9

If you want a hand organising the Big Day, there are anumber of wedding planners offering their services inLanguedoc-Roussillon:

www.jet-setup.com (Pyrénées-Orientales) www.ange-de-noce.com (Hérault and Gard) www.histoiredange.fr (across the region, but special

ising in Hérault) www.sublimsevents.com (Hérault, Aude and

Pyrénées-Orientales) www.mieletcoton.com (Aude/Narbonne)

Useful Websites

Tying the knot in LanguedocLANGUEDOC has an abundance of charming spots andromantic hideaways that are ideal for memorable weddingcelebrations. From stately homes to charming châteaux, styl-ish wine domaines to smaller, scenic retreats, there is some-thing to suit all tastes and budgets. Here are just three suggestions:

This impressive wine domaine is built around a wonderfulchâteau that has been the home of the de Colbert familysince 1696. Situated on the outskirts of the city, Flaugerguesis only three kilometres from Montpellier’s airport, train sta-tion and city centre, yet it is surrounded by vines and itsmagnificent gardens provide the perfect setting for weddingphotos. The renovated winery buildings are now home to arestaurant and three reception rooms, while the picturesquecourtyard and terrace in front of the family home can be setup for a celebratory dinner for up to 800 people.Tel. 04 99 52 66 48www.flaugergues.com

This small, romantic château near Languedoc’s landmarkPont du Gard can be rented out in its entirety for weddingsand special occasions. The well-appointed bedrooms of thispretty-as-a-picture property can sleep up to 65 guests. Avariety of different-sized salons and reception rooms, attrac-tive landscaped gardens, a swimming pool and private carpark complete the package, which comes with a price tag of€7,500 for its exclusive use. The on-site restaurant canaccommodate 120 guests in two dining rooms.Tel. 04 66 22 14 48www.leshotelsparticuliers.com

This stunning, contemporary-style winery and restaurantwas built in 2004 by a visionary team inspired by the impres-sive wine tourism facilities of South Africa. Located in themiddle of the countryside, surrounded by vines and rollinggreen hills, Domaine Gayda is the perfect place to celebrateyour nuptials in an intimate, stylish setting. There is accom-modation within the grounds for up to 23 guests; it includesfour luxury cottages, a large, separate kitchen, games room,tennis court and private swimming pool. Gayda’s on-siterestaurant serves modern French fare, complemented by thedomaine’s own wines; the dining room boasts views on tothe Pyrenees from its vast terrace, which can accommodateup to 250 people. For a fun, informal experience, gourmetbarbecues can be organised in the grounds, where guests areseated and served in exotic, straw-covered dining paillottes.Tel. 04 68 20 65 87www.domainegayda.com

Château de Flaugergues (Montpellier, Hérault)

Château d'Arpaillargues (Arpaillargues, Gard)

Domaine Gayda (Brugairolles, Aude)

“The French prefera croquemboucheor pièce montée toa three-tier cake

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decorated with ribbons and driven throughthe streets honking their horns.

Because of the costs involved, some guestsmay be asked to join the newlyweds fordessert rather than attend the full celebration.

The French prefer a croquembouche (alsoknown as a pièce montée) instead of a three-tier wedding cake. Profiteroles are piled highand held in place by spun sugar.

At the reception it is usual for games to beplayed. Jeu de la jarretière sees the bride’sgarter auctioned off to guests who bid to helpthe newlyweds cover the cost of their wedding.

Once in their bedroom, husband and wifemay be interrupted by friends wielding achamber-pot filled with a suggestive “energydrink” containing chocolate, champagne andwhole bananas. Known as la rôtie, it is a tradition that is being revived.

Before the happy couple set off on honeymoon, friends will decorate their carand prepare a panier des mariés — a basket ofsilly presents, such as a gnome for the garden,to equip them for married life.

the internet. She did point out one drawbackto this, however: “The flowers, decorationsand food were arranged by the venue and I didnot get to see them before the wedding day.”

As non-residents, the couple were not able tohave a legal ceremony in France but MrsDouglin was determined to celebrate theirwedding across the Channel: “We loved theidea of a French wedding so much that wewent to the register office the day before weleft and made it official.”

If you would like to celebrate your nuptials àla française, here are some of the traditionsobserved across the country to give someinspiration:

In France it is not only usual for the brideto be walked down the aisle by her father butthe groom may also be accompanied by hismother, or the couple can make their entrancetogether with any children they may have.

After the ceremony is over and before thewedding reception, guests will be invited toraise a toast to the happy couple in a ritualknown as the vin d’honneur, where a regionalaperitif or Champagne may be served.

Cars driving to the reception venue are

s February 2012

What is the cheapest property youhave on your books right now ?I have a small stone barn for just€13,000 that has the potential to be ren-ovated to create a three-storey home.Situated in a lively village, it is only 15minutes from Béziers and 25 minutesfrom the coast.

What’s the most unusual propertyyou have for sale?A 16th century church built on a Gallo-Roman site complete with vaults, origi-

nal features and a tower for sale at€215,000. It is in grounds of 250m2 andneeds complete renovation.

What’s the most unusual requestyou’ve had from a client? I once had a client who asked me to findthem a treehouse.

How much would you expect to payfor a detached property with land ingood condition?It depends on the size of the house andthe plot, but prices would generally startfrom €200,000

A three bedroom town house?Again it depends on size but you wouldexpect to pay upwards of €100,000.

A renovation opportunity?

Buyers can expect to pay anything from€50,000 which of course varies depend-ing on the level of renovation workrequired.

Is there a typical architecture orstyle in the Hérault?Former wine grower’s houses are typicalof the area. They benefit from a largeroom on the ground floor, which wouldhave been the garage for storing toolsand two further floors with terraces.

Spacious and sunny villas with largeFrench windows opening on to a gardenwith a large swimming pool are alsocharacteristic of the department.

Why do British people buy houses inyour area?Béziers is very popular as it is the sunni-est region of France which obviouslymakes quite a change from the Britishweather. We don’t have the terrible windsthat you would find in Nîmes, Uzès orNarbonne.

Is the Hérault easy to reach?The area is close to many airports serv-iced by the budget airlines includingBéziers, Montpellier and Carcassonnewhich is in the neighbouring departmentof the Aude.

Freddy Rueda04 67 36 34 28www.realestatelanguedoc.com/uk.shtml

I’ve had clients ask me to find them a treehouseADVERTISING FEATURE

Estate agent Freddy Ruedagives a rundown of the challenges of property hunting in the Hérault

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Béziers is the sunniest area of France,but lacks the winds of the Bouches-du-Rhône says Freddy Rueda

10 Food Languedoc Pages February 2012

Ask around to find best vet for your pet

HOW do you find a vet?Most people turn to thephone book – or more likelythe internet – but if you arenew to your area, you shouldask around.

Who are neighbours,friends and work colleaguesregistered with and why? Donot be afraid to ask questionsabout why they recommend(or don’t) their vet. Also askwhom to avoid!

Remember when your pet isill the availability, proximityand the aptitude of the vetyou are registered with canmake all the difference whendealing with a life-threaten-ing situation. Indeed, manyexisting pet owners will travelto a nearby department for apreferred vet.

Once you have some rec-ommendations of vets whosee the species of animalsthat you have, the next step isto call or stop by at their sur-gery – which will have a bluecross on display outside.

The following are somepoints to think about: are thereception staff friendly,

helpful, and knowledgeable? If your ability to communi-

cate in French is limited, dothey speak English?

Will their appointmenthours work with yourtimetable and life? What isthe after-hours, holiday andemergency coverage?

Are the veterinary staff

(doctors, technicians, assis-tants) professional andknowledgeable?

Do they have a good “bed-side manner” when relatingto you and your pet?

Are they a healthy blend ofold-fashioned country vetand hi-tech modern vet?

If your pet has “special

needs” do they seem confi-dent to be able to deal withon-going ailments? Don’t beafraid to ask if they have anyother pets registered with thesame condition.

Finally, take a look at theirtariffs. Prices can vary fromvet to vet as there is no setscale of charges that theymust adhere to; but theymust display fees for consul-tations and the routine vac-cines they normally give.

These tariffs are usually ondisplay in the reception orwaiting area.

You can ask for a devis fortreatment or a surgical proce-dure and should, for example,confirm that this includes thecost of ongoing pain reliefand other medication such asantibiotics.

If none of the veterinarypractices you have visitedmeet these criteria, you may want to keep lookinguntil you can be assured yourpet is receiving the best pos-sible care.

Be honest; explain to theveterinary staff you aresearching for a vet, andspecifically what you arelooking for. Never be afraidto ask questions.

Work with your veterinari-an; ask about routine careand about diseases or issuesthat you need to be aware ofin France.

Different practices spe-cialise in different animals so,for example, if you own a dogand live in the countryside itis worth finding out who thelocal hunt uses when dogs areinjured.

Similarly, if you have cats orhorses ask cat breeders orfriends with horses foradvice.

Finally your local SPA(Société Protectrice desAnimaux) can recommend avet if you genuinely do notknow whom to approach.

For information in your area also try: www.veterinaire.fr

and www.spa.asso.fr

TTeell.. 0066 5588 0011 8822 7766WWeebb.. wwwwww..sseeuulleemmeennttnnaattuurreell..eeuuEEmmaaiill.. mmaarrcc..ssoommsseenn@@cchhaarrddeeyyrree..ccoomm

This column is sponsored by

Pet Care

When you arrive in France with your family – plus four-legged friends – you should registerwith a médecin traitant for your family’shealthcare, but you also need to register petswith a vétérinaire, says SAMANTHA BRICK

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You can ask the vet for a devis for typical treatments

To advertise your restaurantwith us call

0800 91 77 56

A collection of restaurants in Languedoc

ANYONE living in or visiting southern Francewill quickly become aware of the Italian influ-ence on the regional cuisine. The most obvi-ous being such things as the ubiquitous pizzaand pesto, that appear in Provence as theonion pissaladière and (minus pine nuts andcheese) pistou respectively.

However, these are dishes which have nowspread throughout the world. If you were tosuggest to a French gourmet that much ofwhat they would consider to be French hautecuisine originated in Italy, you would be con-sidered stupid.

If such people knew about history as well asfood they would know that in the 16th centuryCatherine de' Médici arrived in France to bemarried to the boy who was to become HenryII. The 14-year-old was accompanied on thejourney from Florence by cooks, trained in theelegance of Renaissance cooking.

It was a far cry from the heavy, almost peas-ant, food enjoyed by the men of the French

court with ladies only being invited to theroyal table on special occasions.

Two centuries earlier, in Avignon, there hadbeen a lesser Italian influence when PopeClement V took up residence.

Lesser because, in fact, he and his successorsfor the next 67 years were French. However,many of their retinue including the cookscame from Rome and were said not to appre-ciate much of the local cuisine.

This month's recipe for Papeton is but oneexample of how they adapted and refined theproduce they found.

The undoubted influence of Catherine'scooks may have been predated by an even ear-lier Italian connection. French king CharlesVIII had, a century before, brought Italian gar-deners to recreate in the Loire Valley the gar-dens he had admired in their native land.They introduced peas, cauliflowers, spinachand perhaps even artichokes.

On the other hand, Catherine's cooksbrought rather more sophistication in theform of things like aspics, truffles, ice creamand macaroons.

In 1652, during the reign of Henry IV andhis Italian wife (Marie de' Medici, Catherine'scousin), a very important cookery bookappeared. Le Cuisinier François was written byLa Varenne, the famous chef who had learnthis craft in Marie de’ Médici's kitchens.

From this began what we now know asFrench gastronomy: that the ingredients beallowed to speak for themselves, and season-ing and flavouring should enhance rather thandisguise the taste.

Italy is the basis forFrench gastronomy

After winning the firstBBC MasterChef in 1990JOAN BUNTING was soonwriting a food column anddoing local radio for theBBC. Now the formerteacher has retired andmoved permanently toher home in France butshe is still keen to tellreaders about good food

Preheat the oven to 180C.Heat the oil in a pan and add the

aubergines, shallots, garlic, thyme, bay leaf,and salt and pepper. Cover and simmeruntil the aubergines are very soft.

Push the mixture through a sieve using awooden spoon, or for speed, though slightlyless smooth, whizz in a blender.

Butter a terrine or rectangular tin.Stir the eggs and cream into the mixture

and pour into the terrine. Put the terrine in a roasting tin and pour

in enough boiling water to come ¼ of theway up. Bake in the pre-heated oven

Serve hot or cold with a fresh tomatosauce.

INGREDIENTS6 large aubergines – peeled and sliced 6 tbsp olive oil 3 shallots – chopped 2 cloves garlic – crushed

Sprig thyme 1 bay leaf 1 tbsp crème fraîche 3 eggs – beaten

METHOD

Delicious hot or cold,the Papeton is anaubergine mousse CUT OUT

& KEEP!

Caline Montfort, of Julien de Savignac wine merchants (www.julien-de-savignac.com), says: Cotes du Rhône red from the highly reputed property Chateau Mont 2010. €7.80. This wine is a blend of 80% Grenache and 20%Syrah. The Mediterranean flavours of red fruits, spices and herbs will enhance the delicate flavours of the papeton and bring you a summer and southern atmosphere!

Which wine should I drink with this?

Papeton

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Business 11Languedoc Pages February 2012

“Cool Design - Cool Prices”

GRAPHIC DESIGN, typesetting, advertising,brochures, logos, books, magazines

WEBSITES, solutions for all budgets

FINANCEAnswered by

THERE are many free andlow-cost tools readily avail-able for businesses to buildand establish a website pres-ence, from simple one-pagedesigns to sites for onlineshopping and e-commerce.

What’s in a name?Deciding a website name is akey step towards a successfulinternet identity so selectsomething that clearlyreflects your product or yourbrand. Less is generally more;avoid lengthy names thatcould be

misspelled or difficult toprint on business cards.Check out the names yourcompetitors are using, andavoid anything that might betoo similar.

Visit a website such aswww.godaddy.com to check ifthe name is available.

You can purchase and regis-ter your own name at verylow cost. Hundreds of web-sites offer a domain registra-tion service where you canbuy popular extensions suchas .com, .fr, .co.uk, .net, .bizand .eu.

Consider your target mar-ket and the nature of yourbusiness – for the vast major-ity of businesses, “.com” is themost appropriate and recog-nised globally. A note of caution; if you use a thirdparty to register a websitename of your behalf, ensurethat the details given for the

registrant are your own andnot the other party. Unlessotherwise agreed you mayhave difficulty in reclaimingthe site name at a later date.

Once purchased, make surethe name is “locked” (ie;unavailable for transfer) –you then own the .com namefor one year. Once you havecontrol of your website DNS(Domain Name Server) youcan direct your name to thehost location of your choice.

Should I go free?Free websites can be createdon a number of platformsincluding Google, Vistaprint,Wix, Weebly, Blogger, Orangeand Wordpress.com. Many ofthese require little or nodesign experience and pro-vide a choice of ready-madetemplates. Some platformsalso include the option tohost your website at no costand even use your owndomain name. Using a freehost can be good for gettingstarted but does have a num-

ber of limitations for busi-ness. If you want more versa-tility, look for professionalhosting and choose an estab-lished company that offerspersonal customer service.

To Flash or not to Flash?Images can make a websitevisually stunning, but “Flash”websites can be unsuitable forcommercial enterprise if notfully optimised. Use Flashwith caution, Google’s search“spiders” – which hunt outinformation across the web –do not see what you see. Thepages of some very slicklooking (and possibly quiteexpensive) websites can turnout to be all but invisible tosearch engines.

What about Wordpress?Wordpress.com is used forblogging, but Wordpress.orgoffers free and open-sourcesoftware to build and designa website that you can man-age entirely on your own.There are hundreds of tem-plates and add-ons availablethat can convert a simpleWordpress blog into a power-ful professional website,online portfolio or shoppingcart. For more advancedusers, Drupal and Joomla! arealso very powerful DIY website platforms, but maytake a bit more knowledgeand time to master.

ANNETTE MORRIS has lived in Languedoc for almost four years.She works as a freelance internet marketing consultant andwebsite developer, helping businesses optimise their onlinepresence. Annette co-runs www.LaFranglaise.com and theLanguedoc group of the Survive France network. Last year shestarted Languedoc Jelly, designed to promote the co-workingconcept to expats and English-speakers in France. In this regular column she shares her tips for the business

community and would welcome readers’ questions and feedback.

To contact Annette Morris, call 07 86 14 16 39 or email Solutions@LaFranglaise.com

Having a great lookingwebsite is considered anessential element of any business, but for somesmall business owners,creating an online“shopfront” can be adaunting prospect.

Do keep the home page clean and clear Don’t upload photo files larger than 500Kb Do include your professional contact details and yourSIRET/company registration number Don’t forget to register your website with Google Do check you have a back-up, just in case!

5 tips for a DIY website

“Consider yourtarget market andthe nature of your business

Fear over wealth tax

We would like to spend more time in France andbecome French residents. However we are concernedabout wealth tax. We have read that changes areplanned for 2012 relating to this. Could you pleaseoutline in general terms how this may affect us? T.T.

FRANCE is the only EU country to levy a wealth tax, apartfrom Spain which has brought one in temporarily to help itin the economic crisis. France’s is called the impôt de soli-darité sur la fortune (ISF).

New arrivals have a five-year grace period during whichonly assets held in France are assessed for the ISF. Thismeans the value of a UK home or any investments in theUK or offshore will not be counted during this period.After you have been resident for five years, all of yourworldwide assets will be included in the calculation.

There are indeed widespread changes for 2012. These willreduce the number of people affected and also lower totaltax raised. In fact, the changes were instigated in 2011,which has been a transitional year. 2012 will be the first fullyear of a new structure, which will be simpler than before.Here is how it is worked out:

Total assessable wealth of €1.3-€3 million = 0.25%Total assessable wealth of more than €3 million = 0.50%

Note that tax is payable from the first euro. So, for exam-ple, if you are worth €1,299,999 you will pay no ISF but ifyou are worth €1,300,000 you will pay €3,250.

“Assessable wealth” gives you the clue that not all of yourassets count towards this tax. You can, for example, reducethe value of your principal residence by 30%. Antiques andworks of art are exempt. There are also allowances forinvesting in small European companies.

From 2012 onwards you only need to file a wealth taxreturn if your assets exceed €3 million. If your net assess-able wealth is less than this, you will make the declarationon your annual income tax return. You undertake the valu-ations yourself (though you may wish to seek professionalones for any bricks and mortar property). Do not overesti-mate, and remember it is the value as of January 1 thatcounts. For the very rich, there are also ways of spreadingyour wealth out among your family but specialist advice isrequired to avoid the pitfall of gift tax in this process.

To end on a note of caution, you must take the initiativeto declare and pay wealth tax, so do not be tempted toignore it. The French taxman is patient and he gets to seedetails of all kinds of financial details and transactions. Ifhe becomes interested in you and finds that you have beenavoiding ISF, he can investigate you for the previous sixyears and apply hefty fines in the process.

The advice in this column is based on current legislation,which is subject to change. It is not intended as a substitutefor individual professional advice.

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Don’t be put off by web

12 Directory Languedoc Pages February 2012

ANIMALS

ACCOUNTING

ARCHITECTS

BUILDERS & RENOVATION BUSINESS & WEBSITES

EDUCATION & LANGUAGES

ESTATE AGENTS

ELECTRICIANS

FINANCE & INSURANCE

GARDENS & POOLS

GENERAL

PROPERTY SERVICES

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interiors66po@aol.comSiret: 494 683 931 00021

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EE mmaaiill:: mmaarrttiinnwweesstt@@oorraannggee..ffrrSiret no : 44383409800016

Ward BuildingServices

Renovation to DecorationExtensions, Kitchens,

Bathrooms, tiling, stonework,Patios, terraces. Free estimates

Tel: Mike 04 68 24 45 05 / 06 33 28 48 72Email: frbuilder@yahoo.com

Siret: 50400085200013

AArrttiissaann DDeevveellooppmmeennttssFully project managed property renovations.

Comprehensive building, planning & design services.Languedoc Roussillion

Tel: 04 67 25 29 38 - Mob: 06 73 17 02 73Email: boltholefrance@mail.com or jules@artisanfr.com

Web: www.artisanfr.com or www.boltholefrance.com

Qualified Plumber In HeraultAll general renovation and building maintenance

Walling,gardening and garden works

(John) Tel: 09 73 86 28 52Mobile: 07 50 60 23 41

Email: john.walton@dartybox.comSiret: 538 231 556 - Ad No. 18352

ARCHITECTUK Architect, Design, Dossiers for Planning

Applications and Project Management.Based in the Aude and Herault.

Tel 04 67 89 57 64gregoryjacquie@googlemail.com

ARCHITECTE SUDBi-lingual architect SW France:

feasibility studies, ecological design,renovation, planning, project management.

Tel: 05 63 56 39 11 Email: info@architectesud.frWeb: www.architectesud.fr

SIRET N°: 41976643100011

PETER JOHNSON SARLBusiness & Financial Services

French taxation specialists (25 years experience)

Mobile: 06 21 04 89 37Office: 04 93 29 34 32

Email: peterjohnson@wanadoo.frSiret n° 479 554 784 RCS Grasse

Le Palais des ChatsExclusive hotel for cats

35 minutes from PerpignanCollection/delivery available

Carol and Stuart Metcalfe04 68 96 40 80

Email: stuinfrance@aol.comWebsite: lepalaisdeschats.com

Find registered tradespeople quickly and easily

English-speaking firms near youFor your security, we check that the French businesses in this section are officially registered with the authorities

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Directory 13Languedoc Pages February 2012

ADVERTISING FEATURES

IT IS currently not unusual for the priceof a pair of bog standard varifocal glassesto top the €500 mark and with the costof living increasing daily that figure isnot likely to decrease in the near future.

Fortunately high quality spectacles canbe purchased online, and one UK firm,Spex4Less, has developed a way of pro-viding a quality optical service to expatsin France.

Slightly different to many online retail-ers of cheap glasses, Spex4less offers thebest of both worlds, with glasses from

just £19.95 and high quality designerbrands, such as Gucci, Dior and Prada.In addition to this, all of the company’svarifocal lenses are manufactured withinthe UK by Hoya and most of the design-er frames are handmade in Italy.

Spex4Less not only supplies prescrip-tion glasses worldwide, but also offers awide range of sunglasses, prescriptionsunglasses, prescription sportswear andoptical accessories, from prescription skigoggles down to prescription divingmasks, as well as a service for utilising

old frames.All of the company’s optical staff are

highly qualified and can assist you withany query, whether by telephone, emailor an online chat session. It is comfort-ing to know that the team has over onehundred years of combined optical expe-rience in total.

Managing Director John Styles hasspoken about the cost of glasses abroadand feels Spex4Less can help provide agood balance of price and quality whileensuring customers still receive the verybest solution for their visual needs.

“We have striven to achieve a balancebetween the expensive high street chainprices and the bargain basement pricesfound all over the internet,” said John.“Our ethos is such that we treat all ourcustomers with respect and communi-cate with them on a personal basis. Ourexperience is that customers are sick ofbeing on an anonymous conveyor beltwhen buying on the internet. We stick tothe old-fashioned values of great cus-tomer service and empathy with our customers’ needs.

“We’re always contactable and you canspeak to a familiar voice on the end ofthe phone. We serve thousands of Britishexpats worldwide and many live inFrance where I have personally seen theexorbitant cost of eyewear throughoutthe country.

“Spex4less helps out many of our expatcustomers by providing a timely, friendlyand cost-effective way of buying reason-ably-priced eyewear direct from the UK.In fact, it has proven so popular thatword has got around and native Frenchspeakers are now buying directly from us- I think that speaks volumes.”

A simple look at testimonials left onreview sites and forums highlights thelevel of service that every customerreceives - and it is something that hasnot gone unnoticed. A recent customer,Mr J Lakin from Minzac, France, said:

“Spex4Less has provided a fantasticservice. We live in France and whileeveryday living and understanding theFrench language is no problem, forexpats the technical ‘stuff ’ is oftenbeyond us - and buying glasses is noexception. Because of this it is easy to goto the opticians and spend a fortune.

“Online glasses retailers are starting toappear, but to the uninitiated they can behard work and full of potential hazards.Although they can be offset againstCPAM and assurances, the amounts aresmall.

“Our entire customer journey, from theinitial phone call down to receiving sixpairs of glasses that are of the highestquality, makes the service and pricing atSpex4Less impossible to beat.”

It is quite clear to see that the companyhas all bases covered, and that the teamhas invested a lot of time into ensuringthat international service levels are thesame as are currently provided in theUnited Kingdom.

Spex4Less has ensured that it is fullycapable of translating and interpretingany foreign prescription and Europeanpostage is priced at a sensible £7.95.

With the price of eyewear in Franceconstantly rocketing, it makes perfectsense to give Spex4Less a try.

+44 (0) 151 632 6611info@spex4less.co.ukwww.spex4less.comOnline, UK-based Spex4Less aims to provide a high standard of customer service as well as affordable, quality eyewear

Good value glasses provided by online retailerAs the cost of living continues to rise, affordingbasic essentials is moreexpensive than ever before.But when it comes to sourcing high quality, sensibly-priced eyewear, UKonline company Spex4Lesshas glasses for all budgets

“We have striven toachieve a balancebetween the expensivehigh street chain pricesand the bargain basement prices foundall over the internet.

RICHARD Kroon, founder and directorof Houses on Internet, an internet-mar-keting company that helps private own-ers of French properties to sell withoutusing an agent, is obviously very pleased with this ongoing success of his company.

Based in the Creuse, Limousin, Houseson Internet covers all of France with afull-time staff of four and 69 local free-lancers throughout the country. Theynow have properties for sale in 19 of the22 regions.

The difference in sales between theregions are huge though, Richard says.In 2011 the Limousin was the best per-

forming region, followed by Normandyand then Languedoc-Roussillon.

Traditional buyers of French propertyhave always been French, British, Dutchand Belgian, but the number of national-ities is rapidly increasing. The key is howto reach those people and for Houses onInternet the answer is simple: continuousglobal advertising.

“An excellent Google ranking is crucialand so we keep optimising our websiteand advertise all over the internet, liter-ally worldwide,” said Richard.

Over the past six months more than110,000 people each month, on average,have visited the company’s website from

26 different countries. Last year over 1.2million people visited the site.

Richard added: “That is where it starts:first you advertise and then you keepadvertising until traffic to the websiteincreases. As a result sales also increase,even in a shrinking market, as most ofthese visitors are potential buyers ofFrench property.”

In 2011, all of this resulted in sales topeople from countries like Finland,Sweden, Russia, United Arab Emirates,South Africa, Canada, USA, Australiaand New Zealand.

“This is why we have managed to keepgrowing,” said Richard. “The ‘traditional’buyers are more careful now and inmany cases have to sell their own housefirst to be able to buy another. So wehave to look for ‘new’ buyers a little bit further away. That is why global

advertising, something we did from theday we started, is crucial.”

05 55 65 12 19www.housesoninternet.com

New sales record for Houses on Internet in 2011Despite the struggling economy, Houses on Internet managed to increase the number of sold properties by 25%in the past year - and the company’s turnover rose by 27%

Richard Kroon is the founder and director of Houses on Internet

IN NOVEMBER 2011 Jane Potts hostedan open day at Polfages Alpacas in theLanguedoc, which meant people couldcome and see her alpacas and the prod-ucts she has on sale. She currently has 16alpacas and a growing business sellingitems made from their luxurious fibre.

“It was a very successful day with a lotof visitors buying a range of socks,scarves, hats, gloves and knitting wool,

either for themselves or for Christmaspresents,” said Jane, adding that actuallyseeing the alpacas was a unique experi-ence for most people.

While all the products in her range areselling well it is the walking socks thatare proving to be the most popular.

“A lot of people have commented onhow wonderful they are and that they are very warm and comfortable,”she said.

“They keep your feet dry and requireinfrequent washing as the wool repelsodour - and they are ideal for skiing aswell as walking.”

Jane is planning another open day for

Saturday 11 February where she will beholding a winter sale. “On some itemsthere will be 20% off,” said Jane. She willalso have new stock in, including colour-ful scarves, hats, gloves - plain and stripy- and some unique silver alpaca earrings.

“We’re looking forward to welcomingpeople here, introducing them to theanimals and encouraging them to makethe most of the sale, particularly thosewho want some extra comfy walking orskiing socks that keep your feet reallywarm and dry,” said Jane.

Visitors are welcome any time outsideof the open day, but need to ring oremail in advance. For more informationcontact Jane directly.

04 68 60 48 90jane@polfagesalpacas.comwww.polfagesalpacas.com

“Wonderful” alpaca wool socks fly off shelvesAlpaca fibre is on a par with cashmere in terms of qualityand is hypoallergenic, soft and warm - but you can see foryourself at the forthcoming open day from Polfages Alpacas

The alpaca’s fibre makes warm and comforable non-prickly socks that do notretain water and remain thermal even when wet“The socks keep your feet dry

and the wool repels odour

Advertise your business from just €165HT

Get even more impact by adding a one off Advertorial from €250HT. This popular advertising optionallows you the space to explain what your business offers using a combination of words and photos.

Call Clare on 0800 91 77 56 or email directory@connexionfrance.com

14 Property Languedoc Pages February 2012

DIY tips

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SPONSOR & ADVERTISEYOUR BUSINESS HEREFOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL0800 91 77 56 (FREE FROM FRANCE)

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Keep gutters clear of the leaves that cause leaks

Photo:© rekem

p – Fotolia.com

LEAKING gutters may seem harmless but if left they canbe the cause of damp inside your house which can result insevere damage such as rot in timbers. Checking them regularly and making repairs if necessary should be anessential part of your house upkeep.Metal guttersThese are difficult to take apart due to corrosion of thejoint bolts, so it is best to try to seal leaks with a sealant. Itis important to clean the section first by scraping it andthen drying it. Next inject the sealant using an applicatorgun. Leave to harden then test that it is watertight by pour-ing water into the gutter. If this has not worked then thesection will need to be dismantled.

To do this: using a hack saw, cut through the bolt so thatit is flush with the bottom of the gutter. Next gently tap thejoint with a hammer to separate the sections. Be careful notto damage anything. Clean the inside of the joint using awire brush to take off rust and a flat-headed screwdriver ifneed be to gently chisel away any old sealant. Apply a layerof metal primer to the cleaned parts; once this is dry applya thick layer of gutter sealant on both the joint piece andthe gutter section, fit them together and bolt firmly togeth-er with a new bolt.Plastic guttersLeaks in plastic gutters are usually due to a fault with therubber gasket that the section sits on in the union pieceand then forms the seal. Either dirt has accumulated and isforcing the seal open or the gasket is worn. In many casesleaks can be fixed by simply cleaning out the guttering. Ifthe gasket is worn then it obviously needs to be replaced.

To check what the problem is squeeze the sides of thegutter section to release it from the union piece. If there isdirt simply clean it out and replace the section. If the gas-ket is damaged then peel it off and fit a new one. If youcannot find a new gasket to fit then another solution is tofill the space left by the old gasket with gutter or siliconesealant. To put back into place squeeze the section of gut-tering and gently slide back into the union piece.

If sealant has been used instead of a new gasket then it isadvisable to apply a layer of sealant on the outside of theguttering as well just under where the union piece and gut-ter section meet.Gutter maintenanceYou should check your guttering annually and have a goodclean out of any leaves and natural debris. A good tip is tocover the opening of the down pipe before clearing any-thing so that nothing dislodges and gets washed down thepipe potentially causing a blockage.

Fix leaky guttersto protect homes

Herbs areoften used toadd piquancyto Frenchfood, andgrowing aherb garden inyour kitchenmeans that

you can have a sprig ofthyme or leaf of basil atyour fingertips and bringsome herbal fragranceindoors. Rebecca Lawnshows you the basics.

WHEN choosing whichherbs to plant, go for themost versatile ones and thosethat are easiest to look after.First, check that the plantsare healthy to avoid bringingunwanted pests into thehouse.

“Most people prefer to growculinary herbs indoors foruse throughout the wintermonths and in general, theseherbs are small and ideal forindoor containers,” says JayneWatkins, of Penstemon andHerb nursery in Indre (www.penstemonsandherbs.com).

Common indoor herbsinclude oregano, thyme,parsley, mint, chives, bay androsemary. Basil is a favouritefor use in cooking but is noteasy to grow.

“If you’ve got an establishedplant, then it will do OK on awindowsill, but you do needthe right conditions and itmight not be sunny enoughin winter,” said Jayne.

Light is the most importantfactor when it comes togrowing herbs indoors. Someherbs in particular aresun–worshippers, especiallythyme, sage, rosemary and

oregano. “Optimum conditions

needed for herbs to groware a sunny windowsill,providing at least five hours aday of sunlight, good humidi-ty and room temperature.The plants can be placed out-side to grab a bit of sun whenpossible throughout the win-ter if the light is a problem.”

If there is not enough sun-

light in the final wintermonths, you could also useclamp–on reflector lightswhich have compact fluores-cent bulbs. Rotating yourplants every week will stopthem leaning to one side, andbe sure to leave windows

Grow a herb gardenA sunny spot near to akitchen window can makean ideal spot for growingherbs

open slightly for an hour orso each day as the herbs willneed fresh air.

As for where to plant them,there are many options, fromhanging baskets, to windowboxes, wooden containersand clay pots.

Most herbs will grow wellin containers and indoors,but the size of the plant needsto be considered. “The herbswill get trimmed for use inthe kitchen so pruning is notreally a problem.”

Herbs with a tendency tospread, such as oregano andmint, can be grown in con-tainers and need their ownpots. These should rest insaucers and have drainageholes.

“Humidity is important, soput containers on a tray withgravel or small stones that iskept damp to allow water toevaporate and humidify theplants above.

“It is essential to havefree–draining potting medi-um – a good compost or amix of compost and soil.”

To keep the plants healthy,Jayne says to pick a fertiliserthat has a low level of phos-phorous, as you are growingherbs for their leaves, notflowers.

“We use organic plant feedmade from nettles or com-frey, but a liquid feed orlong–lasting pellets will do.They should be fed whenpotted up and then everycouple of months, as thecompost loses its nutrients.

“Most herbs don’t like to beoverwatered, which is shownby yellowing leaves, but theydon’t like being dried out,either

“If the grower has houseplants, they can generallytreat herbs in much the sameway. In general, annual herbstaste best before they flower.”

Phot

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Over-watering turns leavesyellow

Photo: © evangelo6

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Property 15Languedoc Pages February 2012

Buying or selling a property in or aroundLanguedoc? We can help.Our website www.connexionfrance.com car-

ries details of more than 14,000 homes for saleacross France. We also feature properties for sale in this dedi-

cated section of the paper each month. To findout more about any particular property, go to www.connexionfrance.com and enter the ref:code shown under the property.For sellers, the adverts are also displayed

across a range of popular English-languagewebsites and are seen by thousands of poten-tial buyers EVERY day. Our 3+3 package costsjust €200TTC and gives you three monthsonline advertising as well as a print advert inthree editions of The Languedoc Pages. Our6+6 package is best value at €330TTC andprovides the same, but for six months via each channel.

Contact us on 0800 91 77 56 (freephone inFrance) or email sales@connexionfrance.com

REF: 110153659

€€163,000

ENERGY RATING = Not given

Trèbes, AudeBeautiful 4 bedroom houseattached to the neighbour’sgarage, an entrance hall, anopened kitchen on the living /dining room, a separate toilet, abathroom and workshop.

REF: 342431358

€€174,900

ENERGY RATING = Not given

Autignac, HéraultThis lovely village house is set in70m2 of garden. There is an openplan kitchen, a large living roomwith beamed ceiling, a hall withnice floor, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and toilets.

REF: PR102

€€308,214

ENERGY RATING = Not given

Perpignan, Pyrénées-OrientalesBeautiful stone arches directlyopen onto a charming patio,fireplace, kitchen, a very largemaster bedroom with a privatedressing room, bathroom, and 3other good size bedrooms.

New Consumption and Emission Chart- e.g. Energy rating C & F refers to C for Consumption and F for Emissions

LegalNotesAnswered by

BECAUSE the UK is part of the European Economic Area(EEA), your English driving licence is valid in France (andin any of the other member countries.) If you infringe thelaw and are not a French resident - as is your case - theFrench authorities cannot oblige you to change your drivinglicence to a French one.

In fact you cannot change to a French licence if you are nota resident of France. For information, your main country ofresidence is usually taken as being the one where you spendmore than 185 days a year (ie. more than half of the calendaryear) although there are exceptions. You should, however,pay the fine if one is issued to you. If a serious offence iscommitted, the authorities have the power to stop you frommoving freely with your vehicle on French territory.

If you do become French resident, then changing yourlicence is either an option - if you do not commit anyoffences - or required, if you commit an offence whichwould usually incur a loss of points. French licences comewith points (up to 12 depending on your driving record andlength of time driving) and have points taken off for offencesas opposed to the British system where points are added.

In the latter case, your licence is not invalidated if you donot make a swap but you may incur a category four fine(€135 if paid in the normal period, €345 if you take morethan 45 days to pay, rising to a maximum €740 that can beapplied by a court). One advantage of changing to a Frenchlicence is that it is valid for life whereas British ones must berenewed at age 70 - which cannot be done if you live inFrance because the DVLA will not issue a British licencewith a French address.

To make a swap you need to take your driving documents,proof of identity and address, evidence of six months ormore residence and two passport photos to the prefecture. Amoderate fee is charged.

EU licences can be used throughout the union

I have a second home in Montpellier where I live forfive months a year. My main home is in the UK. I have acar that I brought over from the UK and which is nowregistered in France. Do I need to change my licence toa French one if I am flashed for speeding? T.B.

The adverts above cost from just €200TTC for threemonths of web advertising and three months of

print advertising in the Languedoc Pages. Let our distribution get you a sale.

Contact our sales team on 0800 91 77 56 (freephonein France) or email sales@connexionfrance.com

More details on all these properties - andhow to contact the seller directly - can befound in the property for sale section of

www.connexionfrance.comSimply enter the code under each home to

find out more

REF: IFPC21537

€€445,000

ENERGY RATING = D & B

Bédarieux, HéraultRestored 5 bedroom farmhousewith heated pool in spectacularsetting with stream and mountain views. Ground floor:large open-plan space diningroom with French door.

Houses for sale in and around Languedoc

PROPERTIES IN LANGUEDOC

Do I need toswap my licence?

Photo:© Thierry H

oarau - Fotolia.com

16 People Languedoc Pages February 2012

Making slow progressWHEN Joël Bernard retired from a career insales four years ago, the word “slow” was cer-tainly on his mind... but only in terms of theSlow Food movement, of which he has beenan active member since 2003.

While some pensioners might spend theirgolden years taking things easy, Joël decided touse his time promoting the global, grassrootsorganisation that works to foster a commit-ment to good food, the community and theenvironment.

Today, he is president of the Montpellier-Hérault-Gard Slow Food

convivium (one of morethan 1,300 local chap-ters workingautonomously todefend their culi-nary culture and to

support a more sus-tainable food future),heading up a group

with some 110members.

Brittany-born Joël said: “I moved toLanguedoc 19 years ago because of my job,andI joined the Slow Food movement here nineyears ago, when it was in its early days inFrance.

“The very first convivia to be set up in thiscountry were in Languedoc-Roussillon, inPerpignan and Montpellier, around the year2000. I started out as a group member, thenbecame a member of the board, and thentreasurer; I’ve been president of my conviviumfor two years now.

“My role consists of liaising with local andregional government and recruiting newmembers: it’s all about forming relationships,through the various Slow Food events andactivities that we organise.”

Worldwide, Slow Food is a network of100,000 members in 153 countries, across fivecontinents. Each local “convivium” group(there are 40 in France) develops projects thataim to promote the Slow Food philosophy.

Its goals are defending food biodiversity,developing networks (eg bringing togethersmall-scale farmers and food producers withchefs, academics and young people), promot-ing food and taste education (via projects withschools, hospitals, canteens and other commu-nity institutions), and connecting producersand consumers through food events both largeand small (Tours’ Eurogusto fair and Turin’sSalone del Gusto are examples of the former).

Joël is enthusiastic about his group’s projectsfor 2012 and their plans to promoteLanguedoc’s sentinelles: these are local food

prod-ucts atrisk of extinc-tion that will hope-fully be rediscovered and returned to themarket. They are listed in Slow Food’s Ark ofTaste catalogue, and include the navet noir dePardailhan (black turnips grown on thePardailhan plateau, in the Hérault department)and the pélardon affiné (aged goats cheese).

This year promises to be busy for Joël: hisgroup will be working with, amongst others,the Hérault Chambre d’Agriculture,Montpellier’s Sup’Agro (agricultural college)and Lycée Hôtelier, and organising a Marchéde la Terre in September, showcasingLanguedoc’s small-scale food farmers andtheir produce.

When Isuggest that

his retirement occu-pation sounds more

like a full-time job, Joël smiles: “In theory, itshould occupy three-quarters of my time, butthen I find myself getting drawn in deeper...and I’m quite happy about that.”Readers wanting details of the Languedoc-based Slow Food events planned for 2012should contact Joël (email slowfood.langue-doc@orange.fr) or the Narbonne or HautLanguedoc convivia coordinators (find theircontact details athttp://www.slowfood.fr/conviviums_slow-foodfrance). For background on the SlowFood movement worldwide, visitwww.slowfood.com

LOUISE HURREN meets retired salesman Joël Bernard, a man on amission to showcase Languedoc’s agricultural heritage.