languedoc pages - november 2011
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Languedoc Pages, Languedoc's English-language monthly newspaperTRANSCRIPT
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LANGUEDOCPAGESNovember 2011 - Issue 4
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Sun, sea and a relaxedway of life: places suchas Saint-Cyprien inRoussillon are a magnetfor people who dream ofa fresh start
Photo: © jeanphilippe delisle - Fotolia.com
“We wanted to get out of the city to raise ourfamily and we planned to set up a holidayvenue, offering yoga and self-developmentactivities in an unspoilt environment.”
Alex had just completed his studies andSharon was working as a freelance journalist.They rented a house near Nîmes for sixmonths until they found the perfect ruralhideaway, up a mountain in the Cévennes.
“We lived in a tiny hamlet,” Sharon recalled.“The nearest town was an hour away. Afterfour years we moved a couple of valleys southto a larger venue called Gardoussel, where wenow offer yoga courses, meditation retreats,Ayurvedic training and creative writing work-shops.
The Cévennes valleys have a wild beauty,says Sharon, who finds the quality of life andthe lifestyle in the area relaxed: “To integrate, Ijoined the local choir, yoga classes, and taughtEnglish to schoolkids.”
Having young childrenmakes it easier, she believes:“You get chatting at the schoolgates, and the people arefriendly, once you get to knowthem. Our girls are happy inschool and are getting a solideducation.”
When it comes to work,Sharon and Alex are busy withtheir classes at Gardoussel andthey let gîtes in summer.Winter is for maintenance,repairs and their own creativeprojects.
It has not all been been plainsailing: “After the initial honey-moon period wore off, the lan-guage barrier got me down,even though I spoke fluentFrench,” says Sharon. “Wemissed friends and family in
Scotland, and elements of British culture —theatre, music concerts, and comedy. AndFrench bureaucracy is hell.
“But I like to think that having made itthrough, somehow we have at least provedourselves to ourselves.”
Emma and Chris Kershaw came fromLondon to live in Languedoc in September2008. “We both knew the region well and itticked all the boxes – sea and mountains, ruraland rustic,” says Emma. “I had worked in Parisin the early 90s, so I was not ignorant of theFrench system.”
Even so, striking out alone was difficult forEmma: “Things have changeda lot and I was employedrather than self-employedwhen I lived in Paris, whichmakes a big difference.”
Emma is a wine lecturer andher initial plan was to start afood and wine school. Shespent the first 18 monthsworking in a wine school butill-health meant she had tostep down at the end of 2010.
“This was also when webought our first French prop-erty, so now we’re renovating itand I can finally make mydream of a food and wineschool come true.”
Emma feels that one of thebiggest issues they have facedwhen it comes to work isunderstanding how to registerthemselves: “When we first set
LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON remains themost popular destination in France for newresidents, according to figures released thisautumn by INSEE, the National Institute ofStatistics and Economic Studies.
This sunny, southern corner pulls in anaverage of 47,000 new arrivals each year bothfrom other parts of France and overseas.With about 30,000 people leaving the regioneach year, this leaves an annual total of17,000 new settlers.
The number of arrivals in the regionexceeds the number leaving at almost all ages.Most settlers are couples and the region’spopulation has been growing steadily, by
more than 50% over the period 1968-2008.France has an ageing population and INSEEpredicts that this rate of growth may tail offin the future. However, the trend is that thelargest group of incomers to move to theregion is for work reasons while the numbersof retired people are declining sharply.
In the five-year period 2002-2007, almost20,000 foreigners made Languedoc-Roussillon their home, attracted by the sun-shine and the lure of the Mediterranean wayof life.
There were 11,350 anglophones – British,Irish, Americans, Canadians and Australians– living in Languedoc-Roussillon in 2007, theyear of the last census, according to aspokesman for INSEE, Jean-François Gamba.This figure represents 0.7% of the total popu-lation of the region and 12.5% of its foreignresidents.
Making the move can be challenging andnot without setbacks and problems, so howdo people who have done it reflect on creat-ing their new lives?
Sharon and Alex Duncan left grey Glasgowin 2001 to move to Languedoc with theirdaughter Skye, aged one. “We came for thechallenge and for the climate,” says Sharon.
2 News Languedoc Pages November 2011
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Thousandscan’t resistthe lure ofLanguedocThis sunnysoutherncorner is atop regionfor reloca-tion, butmoving herecan be challenging,reports LOUISEHURREN
Enjoying just one of the attractive features
Sharon and Alex Duncan
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News 3Languedoc Pages November 2011
SUN and sea may be amongthe attractions bringing newblood to the area but someparts of Languedoc-Roussillonare notorious for less positivereasons. The Hérault andPyrénées-Orientales havenotably high divorce rates,according to the NationalInstitute for DemographicStudies (INED).
Against a national average of12.4 divorces per 1,000 mar-ried couples, Hérault has a rateof 15.8 while in the Pyrénées-Orientales it is 15.7, among thehighest in the country.
The reasons for this havebeen researched by familytherapist Wayne Bodkin, whois based in Montpellier.
“Depression and dependencyare also extremely high in theregion,” he says. In his experi-ence, some people, distractedby the many practical consid-erations of moving, burytheir anxieties and worriesfor months or even years.
“Underlying factors mayresurface later as the personis confronted by external cir-cumstances that re-awakenthose things hidden in thesub-conscious.”
We are all familiar with thekinds of remarks Mr Bodkinoften hears in his office:“They say: ‘We moved to thesouth of France for the quali-ty of life, for the sea and sun-shine, the food and wine. Or,‘We thought it would be likebeing on holiday all the time.’”
Mr Bodkin says there aremany reasons why people’sdreams turn to nightmares.“Perhaps they never reallyasked themselves why theywere making the move in thefirst place. Was it a dream, anescape? Rarely do peoplethink through what such amove entails. Maybe you’ve
retired and you fancied a bitof the good life. Perhaps youcame to France believing itwould give the kids a betterenvironment. Or was it afresh start, a new challenge?
“We may come from variedbackgrounds with differentvalues and attitudes, but thereare fundamental questions weall have to face when we takethe plunge, leaving our oldlives behind to move toFrance. The reality of relocat-ing to France can be very
stressful for couples and forentire families, who may havebeen blinded by visions of the‘good life’. Be realistic andpractical, and look beyondyour problems to solutions.We all have surprisingresources within ourselves.”
If pressures mount and youfeel your dream is crumbling,you should take action beforethings run out of control.
Talk about it: Express yourfears and concerns. Just put-ting them into words will
prevent them bubbling awayinside, like a pressure cookerwaiting to explode.
Pros and cons: If you’rereally stuck, it may help totake a piece of paper andwrite two columns: “For” and“Against”, then write what youfeel in each. Put the list awayand come back to it two dayslater. Weigh it up, make anychanges you want – it mayhelp you see where you wantto go.
Professional help: If thingsget really bad, the interven-tion of a professional thirdperson can help enormously.If you had a serious physicalpain, you would go and see adoctor, so if you feel underreal stress, it makes sense tosee someone who can helpyou. People often expressthemselves more clearly to aprofessional.
There is one bright spot inthe region’s divorce picture:Lozère, the only land-lockeddepartment in Languedoc-Roussillon, has a rate of just7.4 per 1,000 couples.
Contact Wayne Bodkin on06 43 43 47 72 or email [email protected]
Divorce: a risk of tryingto live the dream?
of the relaxed Mediterranean way of life in Montpellier
Therapist WayneBodkin: “Thereality of movingto France can bevery stressful.”
up, the auto-entrepreneur system was justbeing launched,” she says. “Nobody was able togive sound advice.” At the time, being auto-entrepreneurs seemed the easiest option asthey had no way of predicting what their earn-ings would be. Chris has since changed hisstatus because they have found it is not a sys-tem that works if you have any overheads. “Itis punitive,” explains Emma, “because you paytax on your purchases.”
Emma and Chris are aware of the downsideof working for themselves: “We are both usedto having unpaid holiday and unpaid sickleave, but I do like the flexibility of being self-employed.” They are working on their lan-guage skills: “Although I speak French, I amfar from perfect.
It was daunting to be responsible for all thepaperwork.”
There may be difficulties, but Emma andChris find Languedoc has a slower pace of lifeand is less stressful. “The lifestyle is healthier,too. Eating quality produce is easy and I enjoytrying to grow my own.”
Life in France, however, is more expensivethan they expected: “I lived in France beforethe introduction of the euro, and prices havegone up. We have had to adapt accordingly.”
“But nothing compares with being hereamong the vines and the people who make thewines. I could have gone to any other wineregion in the world, but Languedoc-Roussillonhas always appealed for its diversity, its qualityand its people – they’re great.”
Striking out as auto-preneurs was not easy for Emma and Chris Kershaw
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4 News Languedoc Pages November 2011
Top of thetax leagueRESIDENTS of Nîmes andMontpellier pay more taxed’habitation (residence tax)than their Parisian counter-parts, according to a surveypublished by Les Echos maga-zine. Looking at France’s 41largest towns and cities, thesurvey found that on average,a Nîmes household is chargedthree times as much taxed’habitation as an equivalenthousehold in the capital.
Beach barshope to stayopen longerTHE exceptionally sunnyweather of this year’s rentréeperiod has raised hopesamong the owners of privatebeach bar-restaurants, orpaillottes, in Languedoc-Roussillon that they might atlast be permitted to extendtheir season.
As the law stands, paillottesalong the region’s 140-oddmiles of coastline are obligedto close on October 1.However, owners and man-agers have been campaigningfor the right to open for morethan six months every yearand the late warm spell hasadded impetus to theirdemand. It is predicted thatby the end of 2011, a ministe-rial decree will allow the
longed-for extension to sea-sonal opening.
Back in 2007, the then pres-idential candidate NicolasSarkozy promised beachrestaurants all-year openingand it is understood that theministers of tourism andecology are now workingtowards a proposal that willbe submitted to the primeminister via the National Seaand Coastline Commission.
The current legislationdates from 2006 and, apartfrom limiting the seasondecrees that towns wishing toopen beach bar-restaurantsmust meet certain criteria.Ironically, these rule out cer-tain candidates, includingSaint-Tropez.
Montpellier’s new town hallTHIS month will see the inauguration of anew town hall in Montpellier. The huge, darkblue, cube-shaped building is situated on thecity's south-eastern edge, in the Port Mariannequarter, overlooking the Bassin Jacques-Coeurand the site of Montpellier's future port.
The €130 million hôtel de ville was designedby world-famous French architects JeanNouvel and Languedoc-born François Fontès.
Rising 12 storeys, the impressive buildingwill be surrounded by four hectares of publicgardens and walkways. It contains 27,000square metres of office space, and will beoccupied by some 900 public servants frommid-November onwards.
A free, three-day programme of public per-formance art is planned to mark the inaugura-tion of the town hall, November 11-13.
New recordfor airportTHE airport at Béziers Capd’Agde has recorded its fourthconsecutive year of stronggrowth. Between January 1and August 31 this year, theairport handled 134,639 pas-sengers, already more thanthe total number who passedthrough in 2010.
Ryanair and Flybe offerflights out of Béziers toLondon-Luton, Bristol, Paris-Beauvais, Düsseldorf,Stockholm, Oslo andSouthampton, andManchester flights are due tostart in March 2012.
Old streetto reopenAFTER 359 years, the tinyside-street of Ruelle desCarmes in Carcassonne is setto reopen. The street inBastide Saint-Louis wasblocked off in 1652.
One end of the street is tobecome accessible againthanks to the demolition of ashop and the renovation oftwo houses to create fourapartments.
The reopening is good newsfor the neighbouring Eglisedes Carmes, whose medievalstained glass window willfinally be revealed to passers-by after three centuries.
Bumper yearfor wineWINE production inLanguedoc-Roussillon isforecast to rise 21% this year.The world’s largest singlewine-producing region isexpected to make 14.5 mil-lion hectolitres, according tothe Ministry of Agriculture.
The increase is double thethe figure for the French wineindustry as a whole. Thenational yield is estimated torise 11% to 50.2 million hec-tolitres. The ministry saysproduction levels will reach afive-year high after this year’sspring drought was followedby rainy weather in manyregions in July and August,increasing grape yields.
The beach at Carnon: willwe soon be able to enjoyits bars later in the year?
€55m forairportTHE modernisation ofCarcassonne’s Salvaza airportshould be completed by 2017,following an agreementamong regional, departmen-tal and municipal authoritiesto jointly invest €55 millionin the project.
Fittingly, one of the architects of the impressive hôtel de ville was born in Languedoc
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News 5Languedoc Pages November 2011
Sarkozy rules out‘fracking’ for gasPRESIDENT Nicolas Sarkozy has confirmedthe announcement made by Minister forEcology Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet revokingpermits for shale gas exploration in the southof France, including a zone covering 4,327square kilometres along the Rhône runningfrom Montélimar to Montpellier.
When he stopped in Alès (Gard) during avisit to Languedoc-Roussillon Mr Sarkozy saidthere would not be any extraction of shale gas(gaz de schiste) by hydraulic fracturing inFrance, and that only conventional methods ofenergy extraction would be permitted.
Ecological concerns were more importantthan profit from the exploitation of hydrocar-bons, he added.
The President’s statement follows on from
the passing of the “Jacob” law on July 13,which outlawed the controversial technique ofhydraulic fracturing to extract shale gas.“Fracking”, as it is called, is said to have thepotential to pollute ground water and pressureto ban it has come not only from local MPsbut also in the form of angry public demon-strations, such as the one in Montpellier lastMay.
Two of the revoked permits were held by theAmerican company Schuepbach, which hadspecifically indicated that it would be usinghydraulic fracturing. The permit held by theFrench company Total was revoked because itsplans were considered to be ambiguous.
As well as pollution, it is thought that thefracking process can cause earth tremors.
THE bus company Eurolineshas been granted a licence bythe Ministry of Transport tooperate 230 national busroutes serving 70 destinationsin France.
This is the first time a pri-vate bus company has beengiven the right to operatenationally in France, thoughMinister of Transport ThierryMariani stresses the newservice is “complementary” tothe SNCF rail service.
A ticket to ride fromPerpignan to Toulouse costs€15, while Carcassonne toRennes is €42 (both faresmore than 50% less thantrain prices). The fare from
Montpellier to Lyon has beenannounced as €19, thoughwhen the service will starthas not yet been confirmed.
The national destinationsare served by using stops onexisting international routes,with 30% of seating reservedfor domestic passengers.
It remains to be seen ifEurolines will grow into theFrench equivalent ofGreyhound or NationalExpress, but the companyforecasts annual passengernumbers of 50,000, and itmay well be that this low-costtransport alternative will bevery popular in these times ofeconomic uncertainty.
First national busservice to begin
A9 to beimprovedTRANSPORT MINISTERThierry Mariani hasannounced his approval ofplans to build a 12-lane sec-tion of the A9 motorway nearMontpellier, to create a ring-road round the city andimprove safety along thisaccident-ridden stretch of themotorway.
The project will involve thecreation of a tollbooth atBaillargues and the destruc-tion of the existing booth atGallargues. Motorists willhave the choice of either tak-ing the Montpellier ring-roador continuing along theautoroute.
The work is scheduled to becompleted by 2017.
Does denim reallycome from Nîmes?THE origin of the ever-popular, ultra-comfort-able and long-lastingfabric known as denim ishotly debated, but it iswidely believed that itsbirthplace is inLanguedoc-Roussillon.Indeed, many referencebooks say that denim isan English corruption ofthe French name sergede Nîmes, referring to afabric produced in thetown. Scholars, however,have begun to questionthis.
Some research on theissue has been carriedout by Pascale Gorguet-Ballesteros, of the Muséede la Mode et duCostume in Paris. Shediscovered that a fabriccalled serge de Nîmes wasknown in France before the17th century, but at thesame time there was also afabric known in France asnim. Both fabrics were com-posed partly of wool.
However, a fabric calledserge de Nîmes was alsoknown in England beforethe end of the 17th century.
The question that arises iswhether this fabric wasimported from France orwhether it was an Englishfabric bearing the samename.
According to Ms Gorguet-Ballesteros, fabrics whichwere named for a certaingeographic location wereoften also made elsewhere,the name being used to lend
a certain cachet to thefabric when it wasoffered for sale.Therefore a serge deNîmes purchased inEngland was very likelyto have been made inEngland, and not actual-ly in Nîmes.
Now, however, a newtwist has emerged in thestory of denim. Somerecently unearthed 17th-century Italian paintingsare lending evidence tothe claim that denim wasan Italian creation of cot-ton fustian from theItalian town of Genoa,known as “Gênes” inFrench, which eventuallytranslated into theEnglish word “jeans”.
The pictures, by an anony-mous painter dubbed the“Master of Denim” showscenes of the peasant class ofnorthern Italy, with all butone of the figures featuringan indigo blue fabric thread-ed with white.
Denim is a ubiquitous fab-ric, but the question ofwhere it came from will bedebated for some time yet.
Did you know?
A protester in Montpellier expresses public opposition to hydraulic fracturing for gas
Photo © G
uillaumeB
onnefont/IP3
www.home-hunts.comTel: +33 (0)970 44 66 43
HOMEHUNTS specialise in finding propertiesthroughout Southern France. We are looking forConsultants to join our team in Languedoc Roussillon.This is a commission only role which requires Flexibility.We offer excellent on target earnings and full support.
Responsibilities:· Guide clients to help them to find their dream home· Develop and maintain relationships with estateagents within your area
· You will be responsible for your own portfolio ofclients and it is your job to assist them at every step
We require:· A self motivated team player with an upbeat attitude· Well presented with good communication skills· Min 3 years sales experience (not necessarilyproperty)
· Good English and French (verbal & written)· Excellent knowledge of your local area is essential
Next Steps:If you feel you could be suitable for this position, pleasesend a copy of your CV with covering letter toTim Swannie at [email protected].
Property Consultants
Looking to buy a
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6 What’s On Languedoc Pages November 2011
notice board
LA LECHE League has been active inthe Montpellier area for the last 15years, offering breastfeeding andmothering support to women. Thelocal English-speaking representativeis Juanita Jauer-Steichen.
“New mothers often feel isolated,”says Juanita. “We bring them togetherso they have a network.”
The group’s premise is that mothersneed strong support to make breast-feeding work. “It involves more thanputting the baby on to the breast,"Juanita explains. “It’s about learninghow to cope with life changes andmeeting the needs of the baby in oursociety, which is not child-oriented.”
Breastfeeding is our biologicalnorm, she believes, and every mothershould have the information sheneeds to make a choice about how shefeeds her baby.
Meetings are usually held once a
month, but telephone support is givento those who cannot attend.
Juanita has found that members areenthusiastic about going to La Lechemeetings because of the help and sup-port they get.
“Often we get mothers coming to uswho are upset and overwhelmed bymotherhood,” she says. “When theybreastfeed, we find that all too oftenany problem they experience isblamed on breastfeeding.”
The group is also happy to help amother who wants to wean her babyin a way that minimises trauma bothfor the baby and for the mother,whether the baby has been breastfedfor two months or two years.Contact Juanita Jauer-Steichen bytelephone 04 66 73 79 01 or by [email protected] details are on the website atwww.llli.org/southfrance.html.
New mothers need astrong support network
Learning how to breastfeed can be overwhelming, but help is at hand
Promote your community event, send details to [email protected]
Photo: © Monkey Business - Fotolia.com
Hérault Montpellier NATURE
Until November 5 Guided tour –Take advantage of a visit to Montpellier Zoo after it isclosed and everything is quiet. Come and learn about the Amazonian house with a two-and-a-half hour visit to introduce you to the 61 different species, from ant eaters toBrazilian tanagers. Price: €10. Booking required.Call 04 99 61 45 43 or visit www.zoo.montpellier.fr
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Hérault Montpellier
First Friday of the month until January 28, 2012Rando Roller in Montpellier – Place du Nombre d'Or(near Antigone tram stop). Join other skatersat 20.30 for a two-hour ride. Open to anyonewho can skate, beginners to experienced,but you must be able to move along, turnand brake properly on the flat for this15-20 km ride.http://tiptop.montpellier.fr
SPORT
Photo: © MP2 - Fotolia.com
HéraultNovember 19-20 Salon l'Epicuvin – If you have apassion for good food and fine wines, you willhave a great time here.There will be 50 wineproducers exhibiting high-quality products whichyou can taste and buy on the spot.You can alsoenjoy a cooking masterclass (register on arrival)and there are many other workshops for anadditional charge. Open from 10.00 to 21.00 onSaturday and from 10.00 to 18.00 on Sunday.Prices: €8/€5 for students, FREE for members.Call 04 67 64 50 [email protected]
FOODFabrègues
Photo: © Epicuvin/Y.Collier
Gard Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer FAMILYNovember 10-11 Festival d’Abrivado – Each year more than 200 cowboys and 1,000 horsesfrom all over Provence gather on the beaches of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and herd bulls6km to the arenas.The challenge these riders face is to prevent the bulls from escaping whiledriving them at a gentle trot. Each day starts in Rousty with breakfast on the beach at 09.30,before the abrivado begins. Spectators can watch this mad race from a safe distance.
Contact [email protected]
Photo: © J and G Vlassis
UzèsNovember 5-13 – Original creations made by artisansfrom all over France will be on show in this unspoiltmedieval town.The exhibitors have been selected fortheir original talent in designing fashion, accessories,bags, jewellery and items for the home.There will alsobe toys and children’s clothes to keep the whole familyhappy. Prices: €6.50 for adults, €4.50 for 10-25 year-olds,FREE for children under 10. Open 10.00-19.00 onNovember 11 and at weekends, and from 12.00-19.00during the week.Call 04 66 84 93 39
MARKETGard
Photos: © M
. Cochet
Bungee Jump with the DevilCéret, Pont du Diable, November 20Jump 50m over the Tech river from thisfamous medieval bridge. www.luz-aventure.com
Celtic LegendsBéziers (Zinga Zanga), November 10An all new high-energy show of tradi-tional Irish music and dance comes toBéziers. Tickets from €32.www.fnactickets.com
Tuscany WeekMende, November 14-19The Mende-Volterra Association bringsall things Tuscan to the Lozère.www.mende.fr
Wagner’s Ring CycleThéâtre de Nîmes, November 4-6 A touring adaptation of Wagner’s epic
opera comes to the Gard for threenights. Tickets available for individualnights. www.theatredenimes.com
Winemaking courseQuarante, Château Les Carrasses,November 25-27. Covering the ageingand blending of wine. Course price: €490.www.lescarrasses.com
BeadforLifeMontferrier-sur-Lez, Espace Cultureldu Dévézou, November 11-13 Jennifer Rowell-Gastard of BeadforLifeEurope will talk about this charity incollaboration with Artisans du Monde.
Marché de Noël équitable et solidaireClermont l’Hérault, Espace desPénitents, November 18-20A fund-raising Christmas market, withthe Trajectoires Equitables association.
Community events this month
What’s On 7Languedoc Pages November 2011
November
Lagrasse
November 11-13 Banquet de Lagrasse, Lagrasse Abbey –Brush up your intellect at this literature and philosophy festivalin the abbey of a charming Corbières village. Held over threeafternoons, there will be lectures, reading workshops, a bookshop, films and concerts.This event will be about three poetsfrom the South: Joë Bousquet, René Nelli and Pierre Reverdy.Call 04 68 32 63 [email protected]
Aude CULTURE
November 26 Foire au gras will be held in Limoux from08.00 to 17.00. Local products, such as poultry, meat andfoie gras made from traditional recipes, will be on sale ingood time for Christmas.There will also be music andother activities throughout the day.Call 04 68 31 11 [email protected]
FOODAude LimouxPhoto: © Office de Tourisme de Limoux
November 30 Soy de Cuba is a cocktail ofsensuality, an intoxicating mix
of rum and salsa.This great troupeshare with us the joy and
pain of Cuban people pastand present in anexhilarating show.
The island’s history isdepicted in song anddance from Havana,Santiago and Santa
Clara. Starts at 20.29at the Palais des Congrès.
Prices: €39/€33.
Call 04 68 34 07 4848reservation
@boitaclous.com
Pyrénées-Orientales
Photo: © Andy-pix - Fotolia.com
Perpignan CULTURE
November 19 L’association DANS’SONS is pleasedto present the sublime oriental dancer Kaouther. Onher first visit to Perpignan, she will introduce you toEgyptian dance in five hours of training: basic stepsfrom 14.15-16.15 and from 16.45-19.45 you willlearn classic choreography. Prices: €60 for bothsessions, or €33 for the first, €45 for the second.Call Geraldine 06 99 31 67 05 or see her blog:http://jadegeraldine.over-blog.comEmail [email protected] to register
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Perpignan
November 26-27 Le Grand C –This circus is just the show for
families who will love theacrobatics, dancing, music and the
human pyramids.The techniques areimaginative, daring and poetic.
Prices €15-€21See www.theatredelarchipel.org
for more information,call 04 68 66 33 54, or email
Photo: © Galina Barskaya - Fotolia.com
Pyrénées-OrientalesFAMILY
LozèresMende MARKET
November 2 La Foire de Toussaint – All SaintsDay Fair has been held in Mende since 1240,
when the town’s famous textiles were carriedover mountainous terrain on mules, along
with local produce, such as cereals andchestnuts. Open all day. Call 04 66 94 00 23
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Gard Aigues Mortes
November 11-13 The 15th Ecran Libre –This film festival gives young film-makers thechance to show their work in the bestpossible conditions.The audience willchose the winner, with competitionsbeing held on the Saturday and theprize-giving on the Sunday.FREE entrance for all films.See the programme onwww.cinema-aigues-mortes.frCall 04 66 53 74 99
FILM
Photo: © ©
COCO
ART - Fotolia.com
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8 Healthcare Healthcare 9Languedoc Pages November 2011
Where to findmutuelle adviceLANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON has a number ofEnglish-speaking insurance brokers who are used toadvising expats on complementary healthcare policies.Some are listed here as well as English-speakingcompanies that serve the whole of France.
Exclusive Healthcare - 04 94 40 31 45
Philippe Schreinemachers - 05 62 29 20 00
Axa Agent – Agence William Stoker, Nîmes,tel 04 66 29 63 52
AXA Agence Laplanche, Pézenas, tel 04 67 09 42 42
Cabinet Richard Bayle, Pech-Luna, tel 04 68 60 19 22
Cabinet Selles et Allard, Perpignan, tel 04 68 35 31 31
Emmanuel Blanc – Axa, Céret, tel 04 68 87 00 89A use-ful local resource for Languedoc-Roussillonresidents with mutuelle-related questions is La MutualitéFrançaise Languedoc-Roussillon (the regional branch ofthe Fédération Nationale de la Mutualité Française).This organisation represents 285 insurers and hasrepresentatives in each of the region’s departments whocan help you find a mutuelle that is both tailored to yourneeds and located within your area. www.languedocroussillon.mutualite.fr/
THE vast majority of people in France haveprivate health insurance policies, or mutuelles,to cover them for the proportion of medicalbills not reimbursed by the state. But the levelsof reimbursement have been falling as the gov-ernment tries to cut public expenditure andthis has led to steeply rising fees for top-uppolicies.
Those charges are expected to rise even morenext year as taxes are increased for mutuelleproviders, so if you have a policy, now is thetime to check that it covers everything youneed and offers value for money. If you are notconvinced, shop around for a better deal.
The consumer group UFC Que Choisir saysthat state reimbursement of healthcare costslast year reached its lowest level since 1973and has attacked what it calls the government’s“abandonment of solidarity”. At the same time,the group points out that Prime MinisterFrançois Fillon’s announcement that the taxrate on health insurance companies is likely toreach 7% before 2012 will mean that providerswill have to increase client contributions.
UFC Que Choisir health affairs expertMathieu Escot says: “There are a number offactors affecting the rising cost of insurance.We saw in 2010 and 2011 that these increaseshit hardest those people aged 60 and over,with their monthly payments rising by 11.8%.
We do not yet know the percentage increasefor next year, but it will be at least this. Franceis different from other countries in that youdon’t have to pay higher contributions if youhave health problems. But the older you are,the more you spend because you tend to needto see specialists more often and so youare charged more by your insurance.”
There is no obligation to have top-up insur-ance, but 94% of French people have a policy.“It is highly recommended that you take outadditional health cover,” says Mr Escot. “If youdon’t, you risk having very high bills each timeyou seek medical assistance. People who don’ttake out top-up health cover are usually thepeople who could not afford to pay medicalbills.”
Most mutuelles have an annual renewal dateand can be cancelled at the end of the year,in line with the notice period set by the com-pany. Even where the policy is taken outmid-year, the renewal date is often subse-quently fixed at the beginning of January.However, a handful of contracts startedmid-year 2011 may not be terminated untilthe same time next year, so it is worthchecking on your renewal notice.
When you receive your renewal letter,which will inform you of any rise, you areable, should you wish, to cancel andchange to a different policy or firm. Thismust be done by recorded delivery letter,within 20 days of the postmark of therenewal letter.
It is important to make sure that yourtop-up covers the elements of health-care you are most likely to need, andat suitable percentages. Ask Frenchfriends, or your pharmacist or doctor,
if they can recommend a mutuelle that mightsuit your requirements and ask firms to giveyou a quote (devis) showing the breakdown ofwhat they can offer, at what cost. These arebased on the set state tariff for a given proce-dure. For example, a GP visit costs €23, ofwhich the state reimburses 70% (€15.10). A
100% mutuelle will reimburse you up to100% of the set tariff.
However, many doctors work in what isknown as “Sector 2” of the health system,
which means they can charge feesmuch higher that the set tariff, but thedifference is not covered by statereimbursements, so you could be
faced with a hefty bill.It is possible to take out a 150%
or 200% mutuelle, which will top-up as much as twice the so-calledtarif conventionnel. Such policies
may be for you if you often visitspecialists, many of whom chargehigh fees, or live in Paris or thePACA region, where the majority ofdoctors and specialists fall into
“Sector 2”. Be aware, though, thatthe set tariff is so low for somethings – eye care and spectacles,for example – that even such anenhanced policy would not resultin your getting all your moneyback. And you never receive backmore than you have paid.The choice of mutuelle providers
ranges from the larger insurancecompanies such as AXA, Allianzand Swiss Life, to non-profit organ-
isations that include HarmonyMutuelle, Mutuelle Généraleand Malakoff Médéric. There isno real price difference between
the two, but the non-profitgroups tend to favour the alloca-tion of funds to support people infinancial and social difficulty. Seealso below on these pages andour directory pages for dedicatedEnglish-speaking companies.
If you are on a low income(2011 figures are €7,611 for asingle person and €11,417 for acouple, for all income), thestate can also provide a top-upcover and this is known as theCMU Complémentaire. Youshould note that if you haveno rent or mortgage to pay,this will be taken intoaccount when assessing yourincome against the ceiling.
Those with incomes nomore than 26% higher thanthe ceiling for the CMUCmay be eligible for a benefitthat helps towards payingfor a private mutuelle, theAide ComplémentaireSanté.
The amount variesaccording to your age
(mutuelles cost morethe older you are): upto €100 a year for peo-ple under16 and up to
Government austerity measures mean thatthe price of top-up health insurance islikely to rise even further in 2012 and thiscould be especially hard on older people.Most health contracts expire at the endof the year, so now is the time to considerswitching policies for the best and mostcost-effective cover. ESTELLE PHILLIPS explains
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€500 for the over-60s. Youonly need to make one appli-cation per household.
When choosing a mutuelle,look carefully at what is onoffer for dental and eye carecosts because these are poorlyreimbursed by the state.
Cheaper mutuelles may focusmainly on hospital stays. Youcan take them out, for exam-ple, with dedicated health
insurance firms, some cateringespecially for expats, or high-street insurance companies. Ifyou are married or have chil-dren, check whether depen-dants (personnes à charge) canbe included in the policy.
Companies offer cards to behanded to the doctor or phar-macist along with the state’scarte vitale, to organise theirpart of the payment.
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wwwwww..ppllaattiinneess..ssaannttee..ggoouuvv..ffrr ((IInn FFrreenncchh;; hhaass hhoossppiittaall ddeettaaiillss aalllloowwiinngg yyoouu ttoo ffiinndd ssppeecciiaalliissttss))
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Useful WebsitesThe Connexion newspaper has a 20-pagehelpguide which explains a range ofFrench healthcare issues, including top-upinsurance, obtaining a carte vitale, howreimbursements work, hospital stays,pharmacies, dentists, eye and ear care,mental health and cancer care.
Healthcare helpguide
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SWITCH: Consider changing your mutuelle toavoid rising top-up healthcare costs in 2012
Download a copy for €7.50 at www.connexionfrance.com or call 0800 91 77 56 for a printed version to be sent to you
Is your healthcover right?
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10 Food Languedoc Pages November 2011
A collection of restaurants in Languedoc
To advertise your restaurant with us call0800 91 77 56
NOVEMBER is here already and it’s time forChristmas food preparations, starting withmincemeat. I find Christmas without mincepies unthinkable.
All my French friends like them, but they areastonished when I tell them that this tradition-al British delicacy has a French connection:the original recipe came from a small cornerof France.
The ingredients for Christmas pies, as mincepies were called, can be traced back to the13th century when Crusaders returned homewith recipes containing meat, fruits and spices.Served at Christmas, the pies became associat-ed with Catholicism and during the EnglishCivil War they were banned by the Puritans.Nevertheless, the tradition of eating mincepies in December continued, although theirshape altered from rectangular to round andthe meat content gradually disappeared, leav-ing only the suet as the recipe became sweeter.
Over the years, the original mince pie recipe
largely vanished in France, but thanks to anEnglish lord, Robert Clive, a French version ofit is still flourishing in the small town ofPézenas in Languedoc.
Clive, later known as Clive of India, arrivedin the town with his wife in 1768 to convalescefollowing his avenging of the Black Hole ofCalcutta. Rich with loot from India, the Clivesrented a château in a sea of vines, and joined acolony of ailing, wealthy nobility drawn to thearea by the climate. These incomers had toprovide their own entertainment — and food.
The Clives hated what they described as the“nasty garlicky” French food, so they startedThe Picnic Club, to which members wouldcontribute their favourite dishes. The Cliveshad an English cook who commissioned piesfrom a local baker. This man was astuteenough to realise that the exoticism of thepies, shaped like cotton reels and filled withminced mutton, sugar, dried fruit and spices,would be a winner – and 243 years on theystill are. Traditionally served all year as anaperitif with Picpoul de Pinet, the local drywhite wine, petites pâtés de Pézenas are indeeda blast from the British past.
Home-made mincemeat is easy to make,even in France, and once you have done it youwill never buy ready-made again. Shreddedsuet is available in larger supermarkets with a“British” section. If you don’t have one nearby,order graisse de rognon from your butcher,freeze it, then flour and grate it.
I have discovered that the best soft brownsugar is to be found in the Fair Trade (com-merce équitable) section.
Mince pies – a French connectionAfter she was chosen asthe first BBC Masterchefin 1990 JOAN BUNTINGwas soon writing a foodcolumn and doing BBClocal radio. Now the former advisory teacherhas retired and movedpermanently to her homein France, but she is stillkeen to tell readers aboutgood food.
Caline Montfort, of Julien de Savignac wine merchants (www.julien-de-savignac.com), says:Pacherenc cuvée Vendémiaire 2006 from the prestigious producer Alain Brumont.Retail price at Julien de Savignac, 50cl bottle, €10.80. This lovely late harvested sweetwine from the south-west by Madiran is made from 100% old vines of Petit Mansengwhite grapes. Harvested by hand, grapes are selected carefully and softly pressed. Withits extremely concentrated flavours of raisins, orange peel, ginger, but still with a won-derful and refreshing acidity, this wine will marry beautifully with these delicacies.
Which wine should I drink with this?
Mix together all the ingredients, stirthoroughly. Cover and leave in a cool place for at least 24 hours. Stir again and bottle into clean jars.
Seal and store in a cool dry place forat least three weeks before using.
INGREDIENTS
350g currants – raisins de corinthe 250g sultanas – raisins golden 350g seedless raisins – raisins secs 100g chopped candied peel – écorce de
citron et orange 350g tart apple, peeled and chopped 100g almonds, peeled and shredded 450g dark soft brown sugar 450g shredded suet Half a nutmeg, finely grated – muscade Half a teaspoon ground cinnamon –
canelle Grated rind and juice of a lemon and
an orange 250ml rum or brandy
METHOD
A Languedoc Pages team member has put this recipeto the test to pass on some handy hints for yourrecipe trial at home.“This recipe was more tasty than I expected. The
orange and lemon peel, nutmeg and cinnamon, com-bined with the sweet raisins, created a nice contrast of
sugar and spice. I couldn’t find suet in my supermarketso I recommend heading straight to your local butcher.
Don’t forget to make the mincemeat at least three weeksbefore you want to serve it in homemade pastry pies, so there istime for the flavours to infuse before Christmas.”
Tried and tested by us
Granny’s Mincemeat
Making your own mincemeat is easierthan you think, so start preparations nowon these little pies that mean Christmas Photo: © Joan Bunting
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AS our photograph, left, shows the French equivalent of mince pies,les Pâtés de Pézenas, are shaped like a large cotton reel and similar insize. These little pastry pies are golden brown in colour, with a moist,sweet filling, and can be enjoyed as an hors d'oeuvre, with a side salador as part of a tasty dessert. You find them in patisseries all over thetown of Pézenas but the recipe, as explained above, is thought to haveoriginally come from India. They are easy to transport and conserveand will keep for 15 days when refrigerated. Their quality is moni-tored by the 'Very Noble and Very Gourmet Brotherhood of the PetitPâté de Pézanas,' an organisation which meets every year onAscension Thursday at the Vulliod Saint-Germain museum in thetown and owns the copyright of the recipe.
What does the Frenchversion look like?Ph
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Business 11Languedoc Pages November 2011
“Cool Design - Cool Prices”
GRAPHIC DESIGN, typesetting, advertising,brochures, logos, books, magazines
WEBSITES, solutions for all budgets
FINANCE
ISAs are taxable
INCOME and gains from ISAs, PEPs and TESSAs are tax-able if you are resident in France, as are proceeds fromendowment policies, UK single premium assurance bondsand even Premium Bond prizes. Investments such as sharesand gilts are fully taxable in France, and dividends andinterest suffer income tax and capital gains tax. The rate oftax payable will depend upon other income and capitalgains, and the number of “parts” in your family.Income Tax rates for 2011 are as follows: Up to €5,963 0% €5,964 to €11,896 5.5% €11,897 to €26,420 14% €26,421 to €70,830 30% Above €70,830 41%Social charges of 13.5% will also be payable on interest
and dividends. Capital gains tax is 19%, plus social chargesof 13.5%, with no annual exemption.
Investment markets are low now so you may find gainsare smaller and hence your tax bills lower. Disposal of UKtax-free investments before you are resident in Francewould avoid exposure to French tax. However, take carenot to overlook possible UK CGT and other implicationsof disposal while you are still a UK resident.
France has tax-free and tax-efficient investments whichare taxed favourably, such as the Livret A, a tax-free bankdeposit, and the Assurance Vie, a single premium life policysimilar to the UK single premium assurance bond. No taxapplies if profits and income are left inside, apart fromFonds en Euros which suffer social charges even if leftuntouched. Withdrawals enjoy much reduced rates of tax.
There are two ways of paying tax on withdrawals, but eachapplies only to the portion of the withdrawal that is the gainor profit and the capital portion is exempt. You can eitheradd the gain portion to your other income for the year andpay at your marginal rate or, if your other income is size-able, it can be better to opt for prélèvement (tax at source),which is calculated on the gain as follows: Withdrawals made in the first four years — 35% Withdrawals made between years four and eight — 15% Withdrawals made after eight years — 7.5%After eight years the first €4,600 of gains are exempt but
13.5% social charges are charged on the gain if withdrawn.France has other tax-efficient investment vehicles which
might be suitable for you, but you should seek advice froman appropriate expert.
I am thinking of moving to France from the UK and Ihave various UK tax-ffree investments, such as ISAs.Do these work in France? If not, what should I do?
Answered by
Don’t assume UK tax-free investments apply in France
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THE RANGE of online marketing toolsand trends is changing at such animpressive rate that many businessowners can feel left behind as they try tokeep on top of their day-to-day activities.Training and development frequently fallto the bottom of the list of things to do.
For any fledgling enterprise in a newlocation, it can be easy to underestimatelocal competition or misjudge themarketing and advertising required.
Helping handsGetting outside assistance can signifi-cantly help expat entrepreneurs to gain abetter perspective on their activities. Itwill also give them practical help in run-ning their businesses and finding thetime to make those longer-termimprovements.
Business consultants can offer youprofessional advice, but how can youseek valuable hands-on help withoutincreasing your own costs?
Internship programmes can be tremen-dously helpful to small businesses. Theremay be some legal hazards, so alwaysseek advice from the universities,colleges and schools within your owndepartment. These establishments willhave a section nominated to managework placements for students. Ask forthe Direction de l’Orientation des Stageset de l’Insertion Professionnelle (DOSIP).Applications can be made by telephoneor email by simply stating your offer ofwork so that a suitable match can thenbe found.
Adding valueChuck Fowler runs The English CornerShop in Montpellier and he has worked
frequently with local students and jobseekers wishing to improve their English.Chuck speaks enthusiastically about allthe stagiaires he has worked with. Hefound the students’ desire to learn madethe exchanges very positive experiences.
“The bottom line is that their involve-ment really added value to our business,”he says. “Working with interns who werestudying sales and marketing gave us anew perspective on our customer-base,and our front-of-house presentation.
Havinghands-onhelp frompeople in theLanguedocregion itselfalso broughtus a wholenew level oflocal businessawareness.”
If you feelthat yourextra staffrequirement
may be for a longer period of time, youmight like to contact your local PôleEmploi office.
They will help you to find suitablecandidates who may work for a free trialperiod, but that is only on the basis of alonger term job-offer. If you would like
more information, email [email protected].
If you want to employ someone part-time, you could also use TESE, the enter-prise service employment voucherscheme. This helps with formalities andallows you to pay an employee with veryirregular hours. URSSAF will issue thepayslip and take the charges from yourbank account.
Many expat business owners work longhours and still find themselves playingcatch-up. If you can make use of aninternship opportunity there is anotheradvantage: by giving experience to yourinterns, you are helping the next genera-tion to learn and giving something backto the community. There hardly seems tobe a downside to the system, even if ittakes a day or two of phoning around toget in touch with the right person.
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. Earlier this yearshe started Languedoc Jelly, designed to promote the co-workingconcept to expats and English-speakers in France. In this regularcolumn she shares her tips for the business community and wouldwelcome readers’ questions and feedback.
To contact Annette Morris, call 07 86 14 16 39 or email [email protected]
Not enough hours in the day
Internships can help your business while you give them hands-on experience
A significant challenge for anybusiness owner is managingchange and the pace at whicha new business can grow. Manysmall business owners and“solopreneurs” have a wish-listof things they would like to door know more about
Please be aware that information givenby private website users should beverified by experts to make sure itapplies to your individual situation.
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www.iut-languedoc-roussillon.fr www.pourseformer.fr www.univ-perp.fr www.univ-montp2.fr www.pole-emploi.fr www.letese.urssaf.fr
Useful Websites
“The bottom lineis that their involvementreally addedvalue to ourbusiness
12 Directory Languedoc Pages November 2011
ANIMALS
ACCOUNTING
ARCHITECTS
BUILDERS & RENOVATION
BUSINESS & WEBSITES
EDUCATION & LANGUAGES
ESTATE AGENTS
ELECTRICIANS
GENERAL
PROPERTY SERVICES
RETAIL
ALPACA WOOLand KNITWEAR
Knitting Yarns, Accessories,Fleeces For Spinning
www.polfagesalpacas.comemail: [email protected]
Siret 529 235 053
KeysittingProperty Services
We look after your home in your absenceProviding an extensive range of services
for your complete peace of mind
Project Managementof any works, repairs, renovations,
extensions
00 33 (0) 6 78 47 37 58
EExxcclluussiivveeHHeeaalltthhccaarreeYour Helping Hand to the
French Health System
+33 (0) 4 94 40 31 45www.exclusivehealthcare.com
LANGUEDOCELECTRICIANGraham Fox – Fully Qualified
25+ Years ExperienceFriendly, Informative ReliableHigh Professional Standard
E-mail: [email protected]/Fax: 04 68 45 46 28
Depts: 11, 34 - Siret: 49443828600010
HOUSES ONINTERNET
Do you want to sell yourhouse quickly?
Our fee is only 2.5%Find out how on:
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Tel: 05 55 65 12 19
LEARN FRENCHNear Carcassonne
South of France
A friendly andprofessionally run school
Dynamic and varied courses invery small groups throughout the
year whatever your ageand French level
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Comprehensive building, planning & design services.Languedoc Roussillion
Tel: 04 67 25 29 38 Mob: 06 73 17 02 73
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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: [email protected]
Siret: 50400085200013
ARCHITECTUK Architect, Design, Dossiers for Planning
Applications and Project Management.Based in the Aude and Herault.
Tel 04 67 89 57 [email protected]
ARCHITECTE SUDBi-lingual architect SW France:
feasibility studies, ecological design,renovation, planning, project management.
Tel: 05 63 56 39 11 Email: [email protected]: 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: [email protected] 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: [email protected]: lepalaisdeschats.com
Find registered tradespeople quickly and easily
English-speaking firms near you
LANGUEDOCPAGES
For your security, we check that the French businesses in this section are officially registered with the authorities
LANGUEDOC DIRECTORY
Advertise here ALL YEAR from just €€165HT
Call free on 0800 91 77 56
or email:[email protected]
DB LB LG DP LP R ODG Y
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ose
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Directory adverts are available in 3 sizesand in colour or black and white.
(1-15 words)
B&W €€165HT
Colour €€231HT
}(31-45 words)
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(16-30 words)
B&W €€285HT
Colour €€399HTDouble
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Book now for the December issue - copy deadline 5th November - call freephone in France 0800 91 77 56 / from UK 0844 256 9881 (4p/min)
Directory 13Languedoc Pages November 2011
ADVERTISING FEATURES
EXCLUSIVE Healthcare is con-cerned exclusively with healthinsurance, which may extend todependency. It is geared exclusivelytowards advising the English speak-ing population in France.
The key personnel in Saint-Raphaël, who pick up the telephoneto customers’ calls, are Pam, Pollyand Johanna. These three ladieshave now several years of experi-ence and should be able to solvemost of the problems that expatri-ates find themselves confrontedwith.
The company can also lean onRon Wright, formerly a senior civilservant for the Department of
Health, who monitors the constantlyevolving insurance legislation, par-ticularly in relation to UK-Frenchagreements.
The chairman, Charles Wilson, isa Scottish chartered accountant,who has spent many years in theFrench insurance industry.
The electronic claims service (tierspayant), has been subcontracted to aFrench firm, Ascore, but should aproblem arise then the Saint-Raphaël team will step in to putthings right. Johanna is the expertin this field.
For those who want a local service,the company has an agency net-work. The principal agencies are on
the Riviera (Bagnols-en-Forêt andMarseille), in the Languedoc(Narbonne) and in the Dordogne(Villeréal).
“One of France’s many advantagesis the availability of first class medi-cine,” said Charles. “Our aim is toensure customers can find an appro-priate insurance policy that willfinance their access to this service -and the proof is in the pudding, asthe saying goes.”
If you are finding health insurancecomplex or would like to seewhether your current conditions arefair, then call Exclusive Healthcare.For more information, go to thewebsite, which shows prices clearly
and carries a large amount of gener-al information.
Charles added: “At Christmas timewe receive a number of cards fromour clients.
We believe this is rare in our line
of business and perhaps a sign thatthe helping hand is working?”
04 94 40 31 45www.exclusivehealthcare.com
Exclusive Heathcare is devoted to helping expatriates access quality healthcare inFrance at an affordable price. With a team of experienced advisers on hand, thecompany can help you to pick the right policy for you and your family
A helping hand to gettingthe right healthcare policy
The Exclusive Healthcare team on a recent trip to England
JUST over a year ago Carol andStuart Metcalfe converted a buildingin the bottom of their garden into asuperb luxury cattery, designing itspecifically for a cat’s needs awayfrom home. As a breeder of pedi-gree cats in England, Carol has years
of experience looking after cats andhas a French Certificate of Capacityto look after animals.
Carol wanted a cattery where herclients would feel safe and secureand have plenty of shelving to jumpup and down on, a choice of areasto sleep, places to hide and play, andthe stimulation of lots of personalattention. Her husband, Stuart, wasgiven the task of creating thatdream. The light and airy buildingwas thoroughly insulated, floorstiled, easy to clean melamine sheetswere used on the walls and shelvesand each pen separated by perspexsneeze barriers.
Heated beds and radiators for thewinter were installed along withventilators for the summer and aradio for ambiance, truly making alittle palace for cats.
“We are delighted to report that
our exclusive cattery in the Conflentis going from strength to strength.Over the past year we have lookedafter over 60 cats (French, Britishand other nationalities) and nowhave many repeat bookings,” saidCarol.
“Because we are small our clientsreceive individual attention to suittheir needs and we have great suc-cess with nervous and indoor housecats that have never been in a cat-tery before. They enjoy large airypens with plenty of places to sleepor hide away, privacy curtains forthose who are particularly timid andtheir usual diet - plus treats andcuddles of course. In no time at allthe cats feel at home in this tranquilsetting watching the bird life.”
Located just outside Prades, twominutes from the N116 and only 35minutes from Perpignan, the cattery
has clients from all over thePyrénées-Orientales.
In addition, Carol and Stuart areonly too happy to collect and deliv-er. “This is ideal for people who areon their way to Spain for holidaysand want to drop their cat off inPerpignan for example,” said Carol.
For further information and todiscuss your cat’s requirementsplease contact Carol and Stuart whowill be delighted to talk to you andvery pleased to show you their facil-ities.
Carol added: “Obviously we are
usually fully bookedfor peakperiods, so pleasecontact us as earlyas possible for a chatif you are thinking of making a reserva-tion.”
Prices are: €10 percat per night includ-
ing food (a wide range availablefrom Hill’s Science Diet, Iams,Purina One and so on, as well asFelix, Whiskas, Friskies andGourmet Gold pouches); €16 fortwo cats sharing; and €20 for threecats sharing. Only cats from thesame household may share a pen.Current vaccination certificates arerequired and discounts are availablefor long term stays.
04 68 96 40 [email protected]
If you are going away on holiday and need a cattery for your feline friend, Caroland Stuart Metcalfe offer quality accommodation for cats at competitive prices
A palace fit for a...cat
Cats have many areas to sit,play, hide and sleep at thePalais des Chats cattery
Carol used to breedpedigree cats andhas a FrenchCertificate ofCapacity to lookafter animals
BUILDER and carpenter MartinWest moved from the UK to theAude with his wife Beverley andtheir three children in 2002 - in factthis January will be the family’stenth anniversary in France.
During that time he has built up aproperty development and mainte-nance business, Martin WestConstruction, which covers almostevery aspect of building work andupkeep. “I do a whole spectrum of
work. Projects, past and present,include barn conversions, exten-sions, loft conversions and generalrefurbishment of houses,” saidMartin.
“There is also a demand for roofterrace conversions for people whodon’t have any outside space.Smaller works include kitchen andbathroom makeovers, roofing andlandscaping. The carpentry side ofthe business can help with problemsconcerning doors, windows andstairs, and so on. I also offer ahandyman and call out service forthose little problems that arise.”
Due to the thirty years’ experienceMartin has in property renovation -he did the same line of work in theUK before making the move toFrance - he is also experienced withplumbing and electrical work. Thismeans that even if clients have asmall problem, such as a leak or a
washing machine that needsinstalling, Martin can help.
Having been a village councillorsince 2008, Martin is very well inte-grated into his local community. “InNébias, where we live, people tendto come to me if they have a prob-lem, including Monsieur le Maire,and particularly the non-residentcommunity who need someone tokeep an eye on their property whilethey are away,” said Martin.
When it comes to swimming poolconstruction, Martin can be
involved in theprocess from thestart. He can adviseon the various typesof pools that aresuitable, taking intoconsideration theclient’s budget andgeographical loca-tion. He can alsoclose down pools forthe winter seasonand reopen themready for use in the spring.
Clients tend to takeadvantage of thewinter months tocarry out projectssuch as refitting kitchens and bath-rooms and general repairs to thehouse. Landscaping and terracingare also popular. In the spring theexterior usually takes precedence.
“Last winter I converted a twostorey garage extension into a sunroom and extra bedroom for a clientthat was ready when they returnedin spring,” he said.
“The year before, I built a thirdstorey roof terrace for a client andalso redesigned the two bathrooms
while they were in Australia for thewinter.”
In terms of how farMartin can travel forbuilding work, he cancover all of the Aude,most of the Pyrénées-Orientales and thelower half of theHérault. Havinganother base atLeucate, betweenNarbonne andPerpignan, enableshim to extend thearea in which he can work.
Martin is more thanhappy to sit down with prospectiveclients at the planning stage to give input and offer the benefit of his experi-ence. He can also provide referencesfrom satisfied clients. For moreinformation contact Martin directly.
04 68 20 29 91 09 75 83 10 45 06 07 27 37 56 [email protected]
Go west for property help
Martin designs, builds and maintains pools for clients
This roof terrace wasbuilt by Martin duringthe winter months
If you have a building project in mind, take advantage of Martin West’s services thatrange from design, construction and development to general maintenance
14 Property Languedoc Pages November 2011
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With shabbychic interiorsand timelesspieces, givinga French feelto your homecan be aneffortless wayof addingsome style
and matching the originalfeatures of the house.REBECCA LAWN reports.
INTERIOR designer PaulaMitchell, who runsDesignWorks France in theGironde, believes that onceyou’ve sorted out the struc-ture of your French house –exposed the best features andopened up rooms – you canstart to play.
“The basic houses are beau-tiful, with their stones andbeams, and lend themselvesto very sympathetic interi-ors,” she says. “Most peoplewant a look that’s soft, gentle,elegant, comfortable, andpretty. The aspirationalFrench country home has arustic charm, faded shabbylook, embroidered old linens,simple checks and white-washed walls.”
Each room in your homecan be given an authenticFrench touch. If all-out tradi-tional is what you’re after,
think toile patterns and calicofabrics. Don’t be afraid to mixand match patterns.
In kitchens, it isn’t unusual,though not to everyone’staste, to see motifs of farmscenes. Hanging copper potsand pans can also make for anice feature, and look out forwrought iron pieces such asend tables, stools and candleholders at home centres or
brocantes. As for the din-ing room, give it a Frenchtwist, with distressed furni-ture. A rustic solid table withhigh-backed chairs workswell and decorative chande-liers on high ceilings canmake a big impact.
For the master bedroom, amodern style with a few olderpieces, such as an armoire orhand-carved mirror, can cre-
ate a relaxing and romanticatmosphere, while in thebathroom, a free-standingbath and bare, stained boardswork well.
As well as patterns, Frenchcountry homes also work wellwith colour, especially richwarm tones. A stucco finishis good for walls – use plaster
That touch of FranceColours, fabrics, furniture,wall finishes – even anultra-modern touch – giveyour house the look it needs
to create the look or try fauxwall treatments bought fromcraft stores. Exposed stonewalls are also popular.
If you’d rather try a differ-ent look but choosing atheme or style is proving dif-ficult, find inspiration infavourite places and be bold:you could even try a differentone for each room.
What about a Venetian-inspired dining room or abedroom that reminds you ofyour travels? “It’s somethingthat’s great fun to do if you’reinterested in it,” says PaulaMitchell.
However, she points outthat you must take account ofthe style of the house and theoverall impression you create.
“You have to be consistentin the treatment of the build-ing. One way to do this isthrough flooring. You couldhave the same tiling through-out, something neutral thatwill blend, and then withinthe rooms you can play withcolours, textures and light tocreate different moods.”
Also, keep in mind that notall houses suit all styles. “Afarmhouse with big beams isnot going to lend itself well toa chic Art Deco look,” Paulasays. However, if some stylesdon’t fit, you can still changethe feel or character of aroom through clever use ofcolours and fabrics.
Phot
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It takes time and effort, but the results are worth it
Photo:© Spreader - Fotolia.com
THE AUTUMN is a great time for restoring wrought-ironand metal garden furniture. It might take you time and alittle elbow grease, but the results will give your furniture anew lease of life for the summers to come. The techniquesused can also be applied to any indoor metal furniture andobjects you might have.
The most important and tedious step is to get rid of allexisting finish and rust on wrought iron. Start by scrubbingoff as much rust as possible with a wire brush. If there is alot of finish or the rust is quite deep, continue with a coarsesandpaper then finish off with a medium grain sandpaper.If you have a large piece of furniture to restore, it might beworth investing in some chemical remover, available fromDIY stores (look for décapant fer.)
Once rust and old finish have been removed, brush awayall existing dust, rinse the furniture and dry it thoroughly.The next step is to apply a rust resistant primer, antirouillepour fer. When you are sure you have covered the wholepiece of furniture with the primer, and it has had time todry, then paint it with paint specifically for iron, peinturefer. It is important to use the correct paint as not only willit last longer once on but it also contains chemicals thatwill help preserve the iron against the elements. To assure agreater protection it is advisable to apply two layers ofacrylic water-based top coat.
When it comes to other metal furniture, use a wire brushto remove loose paint and rust then scrub the metal with anon abrasive scouring pad that has been dipped inkerosene. Once all metal has been treated like this rinsewith warm water and dry.
To repaint, lightly sand down so that the paint can adhereto the metal. Apply a primer, sous couche, and then finishwith an adapted metal paint, peinture pour métaux. Applyas many coats as you need to obtain a uniform colour,especially if using bright colours.
For both wrought iron and metal furniture, either aerosolor normal paint can be used.
To maintain the furniture once you have restored it, fol-low these simple steps:
Don’t leave the furniture outside over winter. Try to keep it as dry as possible, so don’t place
it near a swimming pool or a sprinkler system. It’s better to place the furniture on a stone patio or
decking rather than on grass. If you’re expecting a lot of rain, cover the furniture. In autumn, make sure you don’t allow wet leaves to
accumulate on furniture.
Restoring wrought-ironand metal furniture
Property 15Languedoc Pages November 2011
PROPERTIES AROUND FRANCE
PROPERTIES IN LANGUEDOC
REF: 1077
€€150,000
ENERGY RATING = C & A
Carcassonne, AudeBeautifully presented 3 bedroomapartment is situated in arestored Batisse. Spacious livingarea with 100m² living space. 2bathrooms. Private parking. Useof shared swimming pool.
REF: 110151633
€€178,000
ENERGY RATING = Not given
Capendu, AudeLarge master house partly reno-vated with closed garden and aterrace of 60m². 10 rooms, 2bathrooms and a shower room. 2kitchens, 2 living rooms, one ofwhich is 30m² .
REF: IFPC21192
€€212,000
ENERGY RATING = Not given
Alès, GardHouse to complete with fantasticview on the Castle and vineyards, 135m² living spacevilla equiped with roller blinds,2 terraces, and a garage on1000m² plot of land.
REF: SV11
€€255,000
ENERGY RATING = Not given
Cerbère, Pyrénées-OrientalesApartment with a panoramicview onto the sea and the mountains. A total of 16 apartments with either 2 or 3bedrooms, all with large terracesdirectly overlooking the sea.
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.
REF: 40056
€€200,000
ENERGY RATING = Not given
St Paul de Fenouillet,Pyrénées-OrientalesHouse with fitted kitchen, livingroom with wood burning stoveand pretty stairs, 3 bedrooms(possibility for a 4th bedroom),a bathroom and toilets.
LegalNotesAnswered by
UNDER French law a swimming pool is considered as an ouvrage (construction) and the builder is held by specificguarantees towards his clients.
If your pool starts leaking, these guarantees will applywithout it being necessary for you to prove that the builderis at fault.
There are three main guarantees but the most importantone is the ten-year general building guarantee. This is com-pulsory under French law and it is a criminal offence for abuilder to work without being covered by an insurancecompany for this guarantee. The advantage for the clients isthat even if the pool company were to go bankrupt the insur-ance company is obliged to pay to remedy any defects relat-ed to the pool structure and ensuring that it can be used forthe purpose for which it was built, i.e. for swimming in.
However it is very important that an official signing off ofthe works is carried out, this is called the réception. It is onlyfrom this point that the ten-year guarantee takes over.
If you are reading this article and thinking, "I do not seemto remember signing any official document", this is not theend of the world as the signing off can be considered as pre-sumed if you have just started to use the pool and defectshave appeared.
The first step is to write to the builder and the insurancecompany indicating the situation and requesting that theysend an expert to visit the pool. If you read a previous arti-cle in these pages, you will have requested the insurancedetails before the builder started the work, if not you willhave to request this information now.
If the insurer’s expert considers that the defects are notcovered by the insurance policy, or if the compensation theyare offering is too low, then the only solution will be to takecourt action and request the appointment of an independentcourt expert. Unfortunately these procedures can take quitesome time and this often discourages individuals from chas-ing up on rather minor defaults. Of course if the swimmingpool cannot actually be used or has become dangerous thenyou will have no choice but to take court action if an out ofcourt settlement is unsatisfactory.
There is no water tight (please excuse the pun) advice onhow to avoid these problems when having a pool built but ageneral rule is to only work with long established recom-mended companies and if at all possible try and be presenton site for at least some of the building process.
Above all it is essential to report any defects immediatelyon noticing them and do not try and fix them yourself or letanother builder work on them until the expert has been toinspect the pool.
The advice in this column is based on current legislation whichis subject to change. It is not intended as a substitute for individual professional advice.
POOL DEFECTS: You must report these immediately
Photo: © corinne Bomont - Fotolia.com
Buying or selling a property in oraround Languedoc? We can help.
Our website www.connexionfrance.comcarries details of more than 14,000homes for sale across France.
We also feature properties for sale in thisdedicated section of the paper eachmonth. To find out more about any particular property, go to www.connexionfrance.com and enterthe ref: code shown under the property.
For sellers, the adverts are also displayedacross a range of popular English-language websites and are seen by thousands of potential buyers EVERYday. Our 3+3 package costs just€200TTC and gives you three months
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More details on all these properties - and how to contact the seller directly - can be found in the property for sale section of
www.connexionfrance.comSimply enter the code under each home to find out more
New Consumption and Emission Chart- e.g. Energy rating C & F refers to C for Consumption and F for Emissions
Houses for sale in and around Languedoc
The adverts above cost from just €179TTC for a whole year of web advertisingand one edition of advertising in the Languedoc Pages.
Let our distribution get you a sale.Contact our sales team on 0800 91 77 56 (freephone in France) or email [email protected]
Castelnau-d'Auzan, GersGascon village house, built in1800, extended in the 50’s and60’s, built over 2 floors offering200m² of accommodation, set on500m² of grounds, with viewsover the village and the lake.1h30 from Toulouse.REF: MA116
€€200,000
ENERGY RATING = Not given REF: 29598
€€280,000
ENERGY RATING = Not given
Agay, VarEach apartment is equippedwith an air heating and coolingsystem, bathroom towel heaters,PVC double glazed windows,electric PVC roller shutters, avideophone, a digital lock and a5 point entrance door.
During the summer we employed a builder to con-struct a swimming pool in our garden in Béziers. Theswimming pool is now full and we have noticed leaks.Can we ask him to make the repairs free of charge?
Make cash from your unwanted items. Classified adverts are FREEfor private sales of items under €250.
Place your advert via our website www.connexionfrance.comCLASSIFIEDS
Lauzerte, Tarn-et-GaronneThis property is situated near thebeautiful town of Lauzerte.Sitting room/dining room withwood burning stove, kitchen, 3bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, balconywith nice views, electric heating,a well and 1500m2 views.REF: 2540
€€150,000
ENERGY RATING = Not given REF: 2038552
€€180,000
ENERGY RATING = Not given
Juillé, CharentePretty stone house with fittedkitchen, lounge and 3 bedrooms;adjoining annexe/gite with 1bedroom, kitchen, lounge. Largestone barn, courtyard and smallgarden with above ground pool.Roof is in good condition.
Saint-Nicolas-de-la-Grave,Tarn-et-GaronneThere are 3 bedrooms, one isensuite with shower, lavabo andtoilets, also a separate bathroomwith bath, shower, lavabo and wc.Separate toilets utility room andgarage (40m²).REF: 2530
€€350,000
ENERGY RATING = Not given REF: IFPC20866
€€400,000
ENERGY RATING = Not given
Fontenay-le-Comte,VendéeIt has a fully equipped Americanstyle kitchen/dining with woodburning stove, ideal for entertaining. 5 bedrooms and 3bathrooms. The swimming pooland terrace are perfect for thoselong summer days.
16 Profile Languedoc Pages November 2011
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: [email protected]
www.siddalls.frFrench finance in plain EnglishSiddalls France SASU, Parc Innolin, 3 Rue du Golf, 33700 Mérignac - RCS BX 498 800 465. C.I.F. No E001669 auprès de ANACOFI-CIF association agréée par l’Autorité des Marchés Financiers et Courtier d’Assurances, Catégorie B - ORIAS 07 027 475. Garantie Financière et Assurance de Responsabilité Civile Professionnelle conformes aux articles L 541-3 du Code Monétaire et Financier et L 512-6 et 512-7 du Code des Assurances.
AN ENERGETIC American in hermid-30s, Jennifer Rowell-Gastardlives in Junas with her French hus-band, whom she met at the Feria deNîmes. At the time she was workingas international co-ordinator for ahead-hunting firm in Paris, but in2006 she decided to turn her atten-tion to a worthier cause: relievingextreme poverty in Africa.
BeadforLife is an internationalnon-profit organisation that worksto enable Ugandan women to sellthe beads and jewellery they makefrom colourful recycled paper.People who would like to supportBeadforLife host bead parties intheir homes or offices, selling beadsto raise money. Any profits are thenreinvested in Africa. Jennifer was soimpressed by their work that shebrought the programme to Europe.
“My mother hosted a BeadPartyand sent me a long, red paper beadnecklace,” Jennifer explains.
“She told me I would fall in lovewith the beads and their story andshe was right. I was pregnant withmy eldest child when I signed up todo my first BeadParty – the first to
be held in France. I prepared therecipes that they send in the starterpack and we invited our friends andneighbours to an African dinnerparty.”
Jennifer also displayed the beadsto her guests, and she was delightedto find the BeadforLife story res-onated with everyone. She then
wanted to show the jewellery to awider audience. “I took the beads tosell in the cafeteria at my husband’scompany just before Christmas, andagain they were a hit,” she says.
This early success inspired Jenniferto do more, and so she contactedBeadforLife’s founders in America,telling them about her desire to get
involved. In April 2009 she openedthe first BeadforLife Europe office inMontpellier and now her days arespent looking for opportunities topromote the movement.
Jennifer deals with people whowant to buy beads on the website,organise a BeadParty, or volunteerin the Montpellier office. She also
works with businesses, local govern-ment and any organisation thatwants to support BeadforLife byselling the products or organisingevents in their communities. Aweek-long exhibition is planned inMontpellier from November 12-20to mark the Semaine de la Solidarité.Thanks to Jennifer, BeadforLife canbe found throughout Europe atethical and organic trade shows,markets and conferences and thereare also partnerships with almost 30fair-trade stores.
“Europeans are quite consciousshoppers and they like purchasingour eco-friendly jewellery,” saysJennifer. “I spend a lot of my timemaintaining these relationships andmaking sure that all our partnershave up-to-date information.
“The focus of BeadforLife is oncreating opportunities for poorUgandan women to create sustain-able, long-term economic securityfor themselves.”
Readers who would like to supportBeadforLife should look out forforthcoming events: in Montferriersur Lez, November 11-13; inClermont l'Hérault at the Marché deNoël, November18-20, and at theChristmas Cracker Fair in Roujan,December 3-4.
For general information, visitwww.beadforlife.org, or you cancontact Jennifer by email [email protected] or bytelephone on 04 67 65 01 31.
Beads to make life better
Ugandan women turn colourful recycled paper into beautiful beads which Jennifer Rowell-Gastard sells
BeadforLife works to createbridges between impoverishedAfricans and those who wanthelp. LOUISE HURREN talks toJennifer Rowell-Gastard, whobrought the programme toMontpellier in 2009