the dordogne advertiser - july 2011
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The Advertiser, the Dordogne's English-language monthly newspaperTRANSCRIPT
AdvertiserThe
DORDOGNE FREEGRATUIT
July 2011 - Issue 29
www.dordogneadvertiser.com
Plans revealed fordrive-in supermall
Days out on a BUDGET
DROUGHT
GOLF
OPINION
FREE TIME
PLANS for a huge supermarket develop-ment on the outskirts of Périgueux havebeen revealed - to the surprise of town cen-tre shopkeepers who say they have not beeninformed by the town council.
Councillors have approved the building ofa Leclerc Drive, shops, offices, warehousesand petrol station on the site of the formerdisco Privilège at the junction of routed’Angoulême and the voie des Stades.
Plans for the huge 16,500m2 developmentcan now be consulted at Périgueux townhall and, if noopposition islodged, buildingwork will start inSeptember. Somedemolition workmay possiblybegin before.
Despite the appli-cation being passedby the town councilin November 2010,and the submissionof plans at thebeginning of June,many town centres h o p k e e p e r sexpressed surpriseabout the develop-ment when con-
tacted by The Advertiser. “I’ve read aboutthis project in the local papers but nothingdirectly from the town hall,” said one. “Wehaven’t been given details by the council.
“I don’t understand the logic of havinganother centre like that when we alreadyhave Marsac and Boulazac,” another added.
Périgueux Town Council has refused tocomment on the projects, which are backedby the local chamber of commerce andindustry. The Advertiser contacted 10 coun-cillors for comment but none returned ourcalls. Architects Pierre Vigier, of Périgueux,have created the plans for the site, which
have been lodged byFabrice Faure, thedirector of the Leclercstores at La Feuilleraieand Clos-Chassaing.
Leclerc Drive allowscustomers to shoponline and pick uptheir orders from thesupermarket. Theplans also include a148-space car park.
What do you thinkof this development?Is this one too manysupermarkets or agood addition? [email protected]
But Périgueux centre shop owners say theyhave not been informed about huge project
– Page 5
How areyou hit bythe cuts?
– Page 4
Tips forbeginners
For or againstnew McDrive?
– Page 11
– Page 6
KneadingapprovalDordogne’s prize-winning baker p 24
TGV Tours-Bordeaux approvedFINAL approval has been given forEurope’s largest rail project, which willcut train times between Paris andBordeaux to just over two hours.
The LGV Atlantique (ligne à grandevitesse) will extend the high-speed linefrom Paris that currently stops at Tours allthe way to Bordeaux, via Angoulême, at acost of nearly �8 billion. By 2017, thedeadline for completion, TGVs will take30 minutes to run between Bordeaux and
Angoulême. Construction will begin inearly 2012 on 15 different sections of the302km track. The project has been underdiscussion for ten years and involves 117communes and six departments. It willneed 400 bridges and tunnels and isEurope’s biggest rail project. The work willbe carried out by the Réseau Ferré deFrance (RFF) and Vinci who have signeddeals for both the construction of the lineand a 50-year maintenance contract.
By KIRSTEN STROUD
The Leclerc supermarket
will be built on theroute d’Angoulême
Photo: Arnaud Loth, Sud Ouest
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The Advertiser is published by English Language Media Sarl38 rue Grimaldi, 98000, Monaco
Editor:Sarah Smith
Journalists:Angela GiuffridaKirsten Stroud
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Contact Us
HOSPITALS AND CLINICSPérigueux Hospital: 05 53 45 25 25Emergency 24h / 24: 05 53 45 26 38Polyclinique Francheville: 05 53 02 11 11Emergency 24h / 24: 05 53 02 12 20
Useful ContactsEMERGENCIESSamu: 15Sapeurs/Pompiers: 18Police-gendarmerie: 17All services, from mobiles 112
RESIDENTS should takeaction to help the local swallowpopulation, which has droppedto a quarter of its 2006 level,according to an ornithologist.
Claude Soubiran says thedeclining number of barnswallows in the departmentwill have a great affect on peo-ple’s lives. “Their song is part ofthe atmosphere on a summer’sday. Imagine if they were notthere, it would be silent andsinister,” he said.
Mr Soubiran has been moni-toring the barn swallow popu-lation. Five years ago he count-ed 200 couples under the pontde Vicq at Le Buisson but todaythe count only reaches about50. Reasons for the decreasingpopulation, a national trend,include; barns being turnedinto housing, use of metalbeams instead of wooden onesin renovations, nests beingdestroyed and the use of insec-ticides which leaves less foodfor the birds.
People can encourage swal-lows to nest on their propertiesby leaving barn windows openor making small openings forthem under the eaves.
“Swallows like to nest innooks and crannies usually inout buildings,” he said. “Ifdroppings are a concern foryou, put a plastic sheet belowthe nests to catch them."
Protests continue as shalegas ban remains unclear
Drivers warned over parking scamMOTORISTS should beware of scammers stag-ing accidents in car parks to get people to handover money towards false insurance claims, policehave warned.
The scam, seen at least three times in Bordeaux,is a way of eliciting cash out of people, particular-ly the elderly and vulnerable. Foreign driverscould also be vulnerable. As the driver leaves thecar park, another car hits their wing-mirror. Withan air of distress, the scammer accuses the victim
of not paying attention. After making them feelguilty, the scammer then pretends to call aninsurer to arrange a favourable deal to cover thecost of the damage, usually between �150 and�200. Victims of the scam have gone to the near-est cash point to draw out money to avoid trouble.
“People must pay attention and refuse the‘friendly’ arrangement or make a note of the carnumber plate and report the incident to thepolice," said a police officer.
Barn swallowcount drops75% since ‘06
PROTEST groups held a joint demonstrationon June 18 outside the sous-prefecture in Sarlatin the hope of persuading the government toabandon plans to exploit shale gas reserves inthe Dordogne and the Lot.
As The Advertiser went to press,MPs were still examining a ban onshale gas hydraulic fracturing. Aclause banning the technique,except on grounds of “scientificexperiment”, has been revisitedseveral times during the examina-tion of the bill, which was original-ly touted as a complete ban.
A committee of MPs and sena-tors has agreed that a separategroup will examine the definitionof “experimental” - a term deemedtoo general for a new type ofdrilling technology.
Hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking,involves blasting a high-pressure mixture ofsand, water and chemicals into undergroundcracks, formed by setting off shockwaves, toextract shale gas.
Campaigners believe the technique poses athreat to the water table, and to the local area,due to the quantities of materials that will needto be transported in and out.
MP for the Sarlat area GerminalPeiro is against shale gas frackingand said: “I have spoken severaltimes at the Assemblée Nationaleabout this subject. I will defend themotion to reject these projects andfully support the actions of thegroup, comité de vigilance dePérigord, who organised theprotest.”
Nick Grealy, who runs the web-site www.shalegasinfo.eu, believesthat people’s fears about exploitingthis resource are unfounded andshale gas should seriously be con-
sidered as an alternative future energy resource. “The European narrative on shale, similar to
North America’s, has been based on unscientif-ic and out of context calls to emotion, not sci-ence,” he said. The French Assembly and Senateare due to review the law again on June 30.
Sarlat MP GerminalPeiro supports theshale gas protesters
2 News The Advertiser, Dordogne July 2011www.dordogneadvertiser.com
BRIGITTE Bardot and French actorAlain Delon are among the celebri-ties who have signed up to the causeof Zouzou — a fox cub who facesbeing taken from the family whorescued him and put down.
Zouzou was found on April 2010curled up by the body of his motherat a roadside in Gardonne. The fam-ily who took him home and caredfor him now face a fine of up to �15,000 and one yearin prison for breaking the law regarding wild animals.
The hearing takes place on July 5 in Bergerac.Zouzou could be destroyed if authorities decide it is
too late to return him to the wild or a specialised cen-tre de sauvegarde.
“People are coming from far away - from Paris andNice for the hearing," said Ana-Paule Rodrigues.
Ms Rodrigues, her partner Didier Delanes and theirtwo children were unable to produce a certificat de
capacité, compulsory in France for anyone who wish-es to keep a wild animal, during a visit by authorities.
“Brigitte Bardot wanted to offer support on behalf ofher foundation and personal support herself.
“She could not understand how we could be treatedthis way for having saved an animal when there aremany more cases of bad treatment,” she added.
The family say the préfecture are refusing to givethem the papers needed to apply for the certificat decapacité. They maintain that they would prefer to
apply for the certificate rather thanattend court on July 5.
“Zouzou has a health passport,has had his vaccinations and is dueto be sterilised at the end of themonth,” said Ms Rodrigues.
They have been inundated withcalls from supporters and theFacebook page Aidez-nous àsauver Zouzou (Help us saveZouzou) has over 1,400 members.
“Since the start we’ve receivedaround 4,000 telephone calls andthe petition now has 22,000 signa-tures,” said Ms Rodrigues. Aprotest is planned outside the
courtroom and Ms Rodrigues has written to PresidentSarkozy for support.
Director of the Association for Wild Animals(ASPAS in French) Madline Reynaud said the law wasclear and that keeping a wild animal at home is illegal.
“Everyday people call us saying that they havepicked up a hedgehog, a squirrel or a fox cub and wewarn them that they are not allowed to keep it andthat if they do, the animal will be destroyed and theycould face problems with the law,” she said.
News 3The Advertiser, Dordogne July 2011 www.dordogneadvertiser.com
Building rulesguide publishedfor home-ownersA GUIDE for home-ownerswishing to build or renovateproperties has been pub-lished for 14 communes inthe heart of the Dordogne.
The booklet gives compre-hensive advice on architec-tural requirements, the needto blend in with the land-scape and the administrativesteps necessary to gainapproval for building proj-ects. It is available in any ofthe mairies involved oronline and aims to help thehome-owner to define aproject, set out what con-straints might be encoun-tered relative to locationand define the administra-tive requirements that mustbe followed. For a list ofcommunes involved anddistribution details seewww.tinyurl.com/dordogne planning
A DORDOGNE grandmother is thoughtto have become the oldest person inFrance to do a skydive — after beingbought a jump as a 75th birthday present.
The 3,500-metre jump is the kind of giftmost people would shy away from, or atleast wonder if its bearer actually lovedthem, but not Marcelle Rabassa, who livesin Domme.
“My family knew it was something I’vealways wanted to do, for the experienceand the emotions you feel,” she told TheAdvertiser.
“My husband was very happy to let medo it - although I don’t think he’d be ableto do it himself!"
The jump was done with the assistanceof Patrick Bourgeois, who set up skydivingcentre at Sarlat-Domme last year and whohimself has racked up 10,000 jumps since
1987. After a short flight, Mrs Rabassa dida free-fall for the first 1,500 metres beforeMr Bourgeois opened up the parachute
Was she nervous going up? “I was justexcited,” the retired medical secretary said.“It was a wonderful experience, the condi-tions were perfect.”
Mrs Rabassa is already contemplatinganother jump and thinks she might try adifferent location in Corrèze.
The oldest person in the world to per-form a tandem parachute jump is EstridGeertsen, according to the Guinness Bookof Records. At the age of 100, she made thejump from an altitude of 4,000 metresover Roskilde, Denmark. In 1992, HerbTanner, a 92-year-old American with arti-ficial knees, made it into the record booksafter becoming the oldest person to jumpfrom a plane alone.
Dordogne gran takesup skydiving - aged 75
Bardot joins rescue fox protest
Ana-Paule Rodriguesand Didier Delanes faceprison for adopting thefox cub Zouzou
Law on wild animalscould mean death forfox cub and prison forfamily who rescued him
Marcelle Rabassatakes her birthdayplunge with skydive instructor Patrick Bourgeois
Photo: Chute Libre Dordogne
Looking to buy a
house?See page 23 for a wide
range of properties
Photo: © M
axPPP
A RADIO station campaign is helpingfarmers find fallow land around thedepartment, so animals whose feedsupply has been reduced by drought,can graze.
France Bleu Périgord has been askingpeople in the department with at leastone acre of fallow or grassland to offer itto local farmers for grazing.
The radio station says that over thefirst two week’s of Opération france bleupérigord solidarité sécheresse, severalhundred tonnes of food has been madeavailable for farm animals.
Although recent rainfall has restoredsome greenery and river levels in thedepartment, it came too late for hayharvests destined to feed livestock.Some farmers are worried they will beunable to feed their animals.
In June the Dordogne prefecturerelaxed some rules on irrigation, butsaid the situation remained critical.
The rainfall has done little to increaseunderground reservoirs, which aredepleted across the country. Thedrought is one of the worst since 1976,a record year for lack of rainfall,according to a researcher for the l'insti-tut national de recherche agronomique.
Exact water restrictions for the publicvary from week to week and depend onthe local authority. To find out currentrestrictions in your area, contact yourmairie.
Locals help drought-hit farmers
PRECISE water restrictions only real-ly apply to people who take it fromrivers, streams or ground-water, foruses like irrigation of farms.
For members of the public, prefectsmay ask that people avoid water usefor non-essential tasks, like filling aswimming pool, watering the lawn orvegetable garden, washing the car orcleaning a pavement or facade.
The seriousness of shortages in agiven department is stated by acolour-coded alert level shown on the
maps the ministry produces atwww.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/Point-situation-secheresse.html
The codes are:�Grey: no measures in place, butthere are plans for them if required� Light orange (level one): limitedmeasures. Applicable on no more thanone day a week (or restricting use ofirrigation by no more than 15%)� Orange (level two): strong meas-ures: limitations applicable on 1-4
days a week.� Red (level three): very strong. Atleast five days a week, possibly includ-ing a complete ban on irrigation.
The Préfecture for the Dordognehas set up a special section on itswebsite dedicated to the drought.
Visit www.tinyurl.com/dordognedrought to see the latestmaps on the areas of concern.
Each week the prefect reviews thedrought measures and updates mapsand restrictions.
Trial date set forgolf murder case THE first stage in the trial ofNeil Ludlam, accused of themurder of Peter Fuller, willtake place at the start of thismonth. Prosecutors will applyto commence court proceed-ings. British businessmanPeter Fuller was found dead athis home in Plaisance nearIssigeac in June 2009. He hadjust built an 18-hole golfcourse in the Dordogne.Ludlam was Mr Fuller’semployee.
New prefect forDordogneA NEW prefect has beenappointed to the Dordogne.Jacques Billant, the currentprefect of Ariège, will succeedBéatrice Abollivier, who hasbeen appointed prefect of theCharente-Maritime.
Electronic parkingfine launchedPARKING fines will now beissued electronically by thePolice National in theDordogne. Instead of a ticketon the windscreen, fines willbe logged at a national centreand posted to your home.
As feed supplies dwindle, Dordogne farmers are asking local people to make fallow land available for grazing
Pledges of grazing landhelp farmers feed animals as drought hitsfeed supplies
Phot
o: J
ean
Mic
hel M
azet
/M
axPP
P
4 News The Advertiser, Dordogne July 2011www.dordogneadvertiser.com
Photo: Prefecture Ariège
MANY OF US will find ourselves withless to spend this summer.Janice Moody offers ideas for low-cost(and some completely free) ways ofenjoying the Dordogne in the comingmonths that will leave you with thespare cash to do a few of the moreexpensive activities on your wish list.
Walking: Less spending power oftenmeans going back to basics, so why notfocus on enjoying the natural beauty ofthe Dordogne countryside?
With approximately 4,000 km ofdesignated and signposted footpaths forshort walks and 780 km for long hikes,the Dordogne is the perfect place to getback to nature and it is completely free!Maps are available from tourist offices.Les Sentiers du Périgord will show youthe paths in your local area, or you couldtry the Dordogne Périgord CarteTouristique, which features a hike calledHydraulic industrial landmarks along theIsle and Auvézère valleys.
Cycling: This is another great way toexperience the beauty of the region,along its 1,000km of bike trails. If youneed to hire a bike, you will findmountain bike centres in most largertowns. Some even deliver to you.
� Les voies vertes are flat, smooth pathsideal for walking, running, roller-skating,cycling and wheelchairs. There are threein the département: Trélissac-Périgueux-Marsac (16 km), Sarlat-Cazoulès (24 km)and Saint Pardoux-Thiviers (17 km) andall are completely free to use.
Canoeing: There are 637km of water-ways in the Dordogne and canoeing ispopular. It costs money, but you can nor-mally take as long as you want, even allday, which makes it good value. One ofmy favourite routes is from Groléjac toVitrac on the river Dordogne, where youcanoe right underneath Château deMontfort and there is a beach opposite.Leaflets at your local tourist office listcanoe hire companies. You might need tobook in July and August.
For more information on walking, biking
and canoeing, plus other back-to-natureactivities such as horse-riding, seewww.randonnee-dordogne.com
Swimming: There are numerous lakes(plans d’eau) in the region that charge asmall entrance fee and offer a sandybeach. Three of the better-known onesare the Grand Etang de la Jemaye(Ribérac), Base de Loisirs de Rouffiac(Lanouaille) and the Plan d'eau de Saint-Estèphe, (Nontron).
For a completely free swim, take a dipin the clear waters of the Dordogne’srivers, but beware, there are dangerousspots. Ask at your local tourist office tomake sure you are bathing safely.
Sightseeing and places to visit: If youprefer places to visit where there is noentrance fee, the Dordogne boasts 10 outof France's 155 “prettiest villages”: Saint-Amand-de-Coly, Beynac-et-Cazenac,Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère, Belvès, Domme, La Roque-Gageac, Limeuil, Monpazier and Saint-Jean-de-Côle. Although there is nocharge for walking round these villages,there may be entrance fees to certainattractions at some of them, for example,the castle at Castelnaud. See www.les-plus-beaux-villages-de-france.org
In the Bergerac region there are 12,500hectares of vineyards and at many ofthem you are welcome to drop in for freetasting. La Route des Vins, from theMaison des Vins or the tourist office inBergerac, is your best guide. Seewww.route-des-vins-de-bergerac.com
The Dordogne is also foie gras country
and a visit to a local duck or goose farmcan help get a sense of the real Périgord.There are free tastings or a shop if youcan stretch your budget. Maps are avail-able at tourist offices.See www.foiegras-perigord.com
Festivals and celebrations: Some festi-vals offer free entertainment, such as theNontron knife festival (August 6-7) orthe medieval festival that spans the Droptvalley, south of the river Dordogne, fromJuly 31 to August 21, where you canenjoy jousting displays, medieval games,and more. If you do want to invest alittle of your pocket money, the medievalbanquets are well worth it. See www.non-tron.fr and www.medieval.dropt.org
Useful tips: Churches and art exhibitionsacross the region are free to visit, as aresome museums, such as the Maison desVins in Bergerac
Keep an eye out for special offers. Irecently came across a coupon on thepaper sleeve that my baguette came infrom the local boulangerie offering meone free ticket at a certain fun park onceI had already bought a ticket. There wasalso an offer of a free drink for one ticketpurchased at another park.
WITH the summer season now underway, you might want to equip yourselfwith a Réductions en Périgord discountcard. The brainchild of Adrien Thomas, a22-year-old sports science graduate fromSarlat, the card offers discounts of 10-15%on services and activities.
Mr Thomas has so far partnered with 75tourist and service providers, includingrestaurants, sports venues, activity centres,
local goods providers, castles and opengardens. See www.reductions-en-perigord.com to buy a card.
The Unlimited card, valid for seven days,costs �12 and the VSD (vendredi-samedi-dimanche), valid Friday to Sunday, is �8.You can pay online or by cheque, with thecard expected to be delivered to you with-in three days. So far, businesses that havesigned up include Labyrinthe de l’Ermite
in Domme, Le Conquil Parc auxDinosaures,near Montignac, ParcJoséphine Baker at Castelnaud and Golf dela Forge, Siorac. There are also discountson bike hire, bowling and spas
The scheme has the backing of touristoffices in Daglan, Beynac and La Roque-Gageac , while Mr Thomas is awaitingconfirmation from those in Montignac,Les Eyzies and Le Bugue.
Dordogne on a shoestring
New scheme to save cash on leisure
For more informationon what’s happening thissummer and places tovisit for all budgets, seeour very own DordogneWhat's On Guide at www.whatson-dordogne.com
News 5The Advertiser, Dordogne July 2011 www.dordogneadvertiser.com
6 News The Advertiser, Dordogne July 2011www.dordogneadvertiser.com
McDonald’splan splitstownsfolkA MCDONALD’S restaurant with a drive-through is being considered for the shoppingmall project in Périgueux town centre. In theland of foie gras and truffles, how welcomeare fast food restaurants? We asked residentsfor their opinions.
“I really don't care, but why are they trying towake up this sleepy town? Let it rest in peace.There are already 30,000 McDos all over theworld — that’s enough isn't it?”
Jean-François Dupon, retired
“This kind of establishment does nothing tohelp children discover food — and look at theresults in the USA! Cola plus McDo equalssugar and fat. We are lucky enough to live in aregion where we can eat healthy products fromeither our gardens or local producers. Forthose that like the idea of another McDo, theyshould read Toxin, by Robin Cook. After read-ing that, if you still want to eat in McDo thenyou haven’t understood anything.”
Jean-Marc Douat, 64, retired
“The new commercial centre could be a goodmotor for all the shops here that have beenovershadowed by the two big industrial estatesoutside the town. It will also bring a bit of lifeback here and make the town centre bigger. Tobe honest, whether it be McDo, KFC or anyother I can’t see a problem, why not?"
Nicolas Royer, 23, technician
“There are alreadytwo, in Marsac andTrélissac, and I thinkthat is enough. But if aMcDo does open inthe centre of town itwill have a lot of cus-tomers, especiallystudents who don’twant to eat in theschool canteen!"
Joséphine Florez, 21, student
“There are already enough snack food placesof various sorts. Périgueux is depopulating,and those who do live here have means andambitions that rise above American fast food.”
Carole Duverneuille, 38, secretary
“I’m for it! It will be a lot better for students.”Julie Huguenin, 16, student
“I can’t believe they’d even be considering this.The centre of town should have fewer cars init, not more, and a drive-through would bringin far too many vehicles. I can imagine that therestaurants and cafés around it wouldn't be toohappy either.”
Odile Jamme, civil servant
Will Périgueux be luckyfor candidate Hollande?FORMER Socialist leader François Hollande,who aims to be the party’s candidate in the2012 presidential election, received a warmwelcome on a visit to Périgueux —and said hebelieved the town would bring him luck.
After visiting local businesses, he addressed aparty public meeting at the Filature hall thatattracted an audience of 2,000, including mostof the Socialist Party MPs and mayors of thedépartement.
Mr Hollande presented himself as a man ofthe people, declaring that he would be an“exceptional president — an exceptionallynormal president”.
His slogan is Proximité, Clarté et Volonté —proximity, clarity and determination. He wassuitably forthright when he spoke ofhelping young people get a good start in lifethrough education and employment, of review-ing nuclear power in France and of bringingback “the French revolutionary dream of astrong and dynamic republic that respects lib-erty, fraternity and equality”.
Local Socialist Party member MartineLechelle, who lives in Chantérac, told TheAdvertiser:"I think he makes people feel more involved intheir country.”
Invited to follow Mr Hollande during hisvisit, she said: “He's very approachable anddown to earth. I felt very at ease with him andnot at all intimidated He has a good sense ofhumour and he even asked me to tutoie him(talk to him in the tu person not vous). It feltvery strange to do, but he insisted. “He seemsto have the nation’s interest at heart, not hisown personal agenda, and he makes every per-son feel important, whatever walk of life theycome from or whatever job they do. I saw thiswhen he visited a factory. He took the time tospeak to the workers and seemed genuinelyinterested in what they had to say.”
Such enthusiasm was echoed at the Filaturehall, where the audience rose to their feetstamping, clapping and chanting when MrHollande made his way to the stage. Hereceived a similar standing ovation at the endof his speech. Whether this support will spreadwidely enough to get him through the firstelectoral rounds to become the Socialist candi-date for the presidency remains to be seen, butMr Hollande, who is MP for Tulle in Corrèze,sees his rousing reception in Périgueux as agood omen.
The last time he visited, it was to supportMichel Moyrand in his campaign to becomethe town’s mayor, and he hopes the success ofthe Socialists in that election will be reflectedin his own presidential run.
By KIRSTEN STROUD “I will be an exceptional president — an exceptionally normal presidentFrançois Hollande
Annual pantsparade givestown the slipLOOKS of surprise, confusion andamusement could be seen onbystanders’ faces as the annual Fêtedu Slip, the Pants Party, paradedthrough the streets of Périgueux onJune 20. For the past five years theFéderation Périgourdine de MobileClubbing, organises the event tocelebrate the humble pair of pants.This year they met as usual at theold band stand, Allée Tourny andthen paraded through the streets ofPérigueux, chanting and singingthe praises of pants while con-demning the wearing of boxershorts and g-strings.
Phot
os: K
irste
n St
roud
THIS month, while the grapes are ripening inthe summer sun, it’s time for locals and visitors to celebrate Bergerac wines, with anon-stop programme of events including twowine festivals, jazz and wine tasting evenings,plus guided tours of local vineyards
L’Assiette de Cyrano, Bergerac old townJuly 13 and 14 (all day)Devoted to locally-produced food and wine,this event draws in thousands of people everyyear who come to enjoy good-quality and cre-ative food prepared by several local restaurantsat a special price of �8.50 maximum. You’llfind stands scattered across the old town (Placede la Myrpe, place Cayla and Quai Salvette)with sitting and standing room for eating andwine-tasting. There is also live music and fire-works at midnight to celebrate Bastille Day.
Sigoulès wine festivalJuly 23 and 24 (all day)Situated just south of Bergerac, the small townof Sigoulès hosts one of the region’s favouritewine events, bringing the town alive with livemusic, shows, al fresco dining and lots of winetasting. More than 30 winemakers will be offer-ing free wine tasting and a friendly chat. Thereis also a market selling locally-produced foodsand crafts. The town has also laid on streetentertainment, concerts and shows. During thefair the best local winemaker of the year will berecompensed with a prestigious trophy.
Les Mercredis du Jazz, Maison des Vins,BergeracWednesdays July 6, 13, 20, 27, starts around 21.00If you like jazz, then make your way to themagnificent Cloître des Récollets (cloisters) atthe Maison des Vins on July 6 for the first of aseries of free open-air concerts over the sum-mer months given by jazz and blues bands,accompanied by wine tasting.
Les Mercredis Gourmets - apéritifs andmusic in the old town, BergeracWednesdays July 20, 27 at 18.00The covered market in the centre of Bergerac isthe venue on July 20 and 27 (with furtherevents in August) to enjoy mixing with localsand tourists over a glass of Bergerac wine,accompanied by some light music. You canpick up a ticket for a free glass of wine fromparticipating shops in the centre of town thatare identified by a poster advertising the event.
Open air concert by local choir In CantoVeritas, Maison des Vins, BergeracFridays July 22, 29 from 18.30 - 20.00 On July 29 this is followed by another concert“Ecouter pour l'instant" at 20.30.
La Maison des Vins and wine tastingDuring the months of July and August theMaison des Vins in the old part of Bergeractown is open seven days a week. Introductorywine tasting sessions will run Monday toFriday from 16.00-17.30. The sessions are inEnglish on Tuesdays and Thursdays andFrench on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays,although this programme is flexible. The ses-sions costs �5 each. There will also be a differ-
ent wine grower present every day of the weekin the wine shop, presenting samples of theirwines. Even if wine tasting is not for you, thebuilding itself makes it worth a visit. The 17thcentury building’s monastic architecture, withsuperb vaulted room, houses a wine exhibitionthat extends into the beautiful cloisters. Call 0553 63 57 55
La Route des VinsDuring the summer months many local vineyards offer guided tours with wine tasting. This month those taking part are as follows:
Château de Tiregand at CreysseFriday July 1, then Monday to Friday from July4 to 29.Guided one-hour tours for �3 at 10.30 and14.30 (the second is English only).Call 05 53 23 21 08. Website in English.
Château Haut Garrigue at SaussignacSaturdays July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 and Thursdays 7,14, 21, 28.Take part in a free discovery walk through thevineyards, from 17.00-19.00 in English. Call 05 53 22 72 71.
Château Masburel at FougueyrollesSaturdays July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30Walks though the vineyards at 14.30 and 16.30.They last one hour, cost �2, (including asnack) and can be done in English. Call 05 5324 77 73. The vineyard will also be hosting amedieval Fête de la St. Jacques from 17.00-23.30 on July 23. Concerts, an exhibition of oldinstruments and a meal take place onSaturdays on July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 at 20.00 �12adult, �6 children. Reservations required.
Domaine de l'Ancienne CureMondays July 4, 11, 18, 25A free walk, in English, around an organicvineyard. 10.00-11.30. Call 05 53 58 27 90.
Domaine de Siorac at St. Aubin de CadelechTuesdays July 5, 7, 12, 19, 21, 26, 28Guided visits from 10.00 to midday. Costs �2 and entitles you to a 5% discount atthe vineyard’s wine shop. French only. Call 05 53 74 52 90.
Château la Renaudie in the PécharmantregionJuly 6, 13, 20, 27A free, one-hour walk through the vineyard at10.30. (In English). Call 05 53 27 05 75.
Château LadesvignesThursdays July 7, 14, 21, 28All day wine and cheese tasting. No one speaksEnglish but the chateau says they can get by.Call 05 53 58 30 67.
Domaine de CoutancieThursdays July 7, 14, 21, 28Wine tasting with fruit from 17.00-18.00, cost�3. On July 14 the vineyard lays on a tradi-tional Bastille day brunch with bbq and winetasting for �23. Starts at midday. You need toreserve. English spoken. Call 05 53 57 52 26.
The La Route des Vins map shows where thesevineyards are situated and is available at theMaison des Vins or the tourist office in Bergerac.
For a full program of events go to the followingwebsite www.route-des-vins-de-bergerac.com(English version available - click on the flag)
Destination VignoblesThis is a network of vineyards, restaurants,producers of local foods, hotels and touristsites that welcome tourists and ensure a certain
level of quality. You can find maps andaddresses of top destinations in pdf format (inFrench) at the bottom of this website. www.destination-vignobles-bergerac.fr Other useful websites: www.vins-bergerac.frwww.bergerac.frwww.bergerac-tourisme.com
Wine 7The Advertiser, Dordogne July 2011 www.dordogneadvertiser.com
Maison des Vins de Bergerac 1 rue des Récollets
24100 Bergerac
Tel 05 53 63 57 55 � www.vins-bergerac.fr
Visit the Maison des Vins
and local vineyards
News from the Dordogne’s wine regionBERGERAC
PECHARMANTMONBAZILLAC SAUSSIGNACMONTRAVEL
ROSETTE
Wine and music hit the right note
IN the words of Victor Delpierre him-self, this is "a simple and fun” cocktail.The ginger beer makes a peppery notethat balances the sweetness of sweet,
white, Côtes de Bergerac. Avoid usingsweet ginger ale. The mellow Côtes de
Bergerac is a wine with a full-bodied tasteand aromas of freshness and spontaneity to
enjoy in its youth (use a recent vintage). Youcan enjoy it in a tall glass filled with ice, in a‘rosé wine in Saint Tropez’ style.
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The Assiette de Cyrano mixes music, wine and food in Bergerac old town on July 13-14
The Bergerac Wine Pool - beachcocktail
In a large, round glass filled with ice, add 12clof sweet, white, Côtes de Bergerac wine.
Add a thin slice of ginger, the peel of acucumber, three raspberries, a strawberry cutinto quarters and half a slice of orange.
Top up with 4cl of ginger beer
The Bergerac Wine Pool by Victor Delpierre
THIS summer why not trysomething different with thiscocktail created by VictorDelpierre, head bartenderand manager of restaurantsat the luxury Edouard 7hotel in Paris.
8 What’s On The Advertiser, Dordogne July 2011www.dordogneadvertiser.com
notice boardJuly 22 - Torch lit canoe ride down the Isle river, leavefrom Saint-Léon-sur-l'Isle arrive Neuvic-sur-l'Isle, meet21.00 at the canoe base. For 8 years old and over,reservations only.Call 06 30 80 95 19
July 30 - Nuit des Bandas,the whole of Saint-Astiercomes alive with bandasbrass bands that play variousstyles of music such as corridos, boleros, rancherasall traditional to the SouthWest of France, Saint-Astier Call 05 53 54 13 85
MUSIC
MUSICJuly 31 - Dordogne-Périgueux Children'sChoir, St Astier - Concertwith music from around theworld given by theDordogne-PérigueuxChildren’s Choir.Performance of King Arthurby Henry Purcell with anorchestra and theAmsterdam Baroque Choir.Salle de la Fabrique, StAstier.Call 05 53 45 60 50
MUSIC
July 22-24 - Water show Le souffle dela Dordogne - A theatrical sound andlight show on the water retelling the history of the Dordogne river and itsimportance for the Gabariers residents.22.00, Mauzac port,Mauzac-et-Grand-CastangCall 05 53 22 54 76 or 06 08 68 29 95
SHOWS
Périgord Blanc
July 2 - Festival des Ploucs
This year's festival will take place on July 2 in Razac de Saussignac.The festivities will begin at 18.00 with Mister Notone a show for children. It will be followed by Kadjoo a folk singer and guitar duo, Nando Circus, a regional music band, acharismatic singer and guitar player playing a mix of Swing Jazz, Rhythm'n'Blues andRock'n'Roll, an electro-rock group and finishes in the small hours of the morning withMeltin' Kolcha, who will end the festival with a mixture of ska, metal, reggae and punkmusic.With dancing and food and drink a plenty and an entrance price of just �5 foradults and free for children, there is no excuse not to go along and enjoy therelaxed atmosphere and music of the different artists and performers.
For more information visit www.ploucs.com
From July 7 - TuesdaysNocturnal guided walk lit by beacons with medieval entertainment, 21.30. Meet TouristOffice, Beaumont-du-Périgord.�3Adult, free for under eight years,�1.50 candle.Call 05 53 22 39 12
Périgord Pourpre
Saint-Léon-sur-l'IsleOUT AND ABOUT
Saint Astier
Saint Astier
Eymet
MUSICBeaumont-du-Périgord
Mauzac Port
MUSICRazac de Saussignac
Photo:© Dordogne Périgueux Children's Choir
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July 16 - August 14 - L'Eté Musicalen Bergerac This summer music festival features aneclectic programme of events held inthe castles, abbeys and bastides of thePérigord.Call 05 53 57 03 11
Bergerac MUSIC
A number of fundraising eventsare being held by the AssociationSaint Hippolyte Aquitaine(ASHA), the charity for abusedand neglected horses, thismonth.The first on the list is Evening
under the Stars on July 1, a bar-becue and evening of entertain-ment taking place at Le Moulinde la Ville in Beaumont duPérigord. The event starts at6.30pm, with food served at 8pm.You need to bring your own cut-lery, plates, tables and chairs.Tickets cost �18. Numbers arerestricted to 60, so call Kathy on05 53 36 37 70 to book or [email protected] why not try your hand at ten-
nis, billiards or boules as part ofa tournament being held atParranquet campsite? Takingplace on July 17, the tournamentis open to adults (entry cost �5)and children aged 5 to 14 years(entry cost �2.50). The tourna-ment begins at 10am. Call Joanon 05 53 36 68 27 for details oremail [email protected] will be also be taking astand selling merchandise,books, bric a brac, etc., atParranquet Vide Grenier on July17. If you are able to assist on theday, please contact Carol Snookon 05 53 41 40 80, email [email protected], or Joan on05 53 36 68 27, email [email protected].
Three events tofund horse care
Photo:© AfroLatines
July 7 - 9 - Les Afrolatines -EymetMusic, dance, workshops andmarkets all based around thetheme of Afro-latin culture. Learn how to dancethe salsa or rumba then useyour new skills to dancealong to the musicoffered or simply enjoythe happy atmosphere.Call 05 53 23 74 95
Exhibition celebrates works of sculptorAN exhibition of the work of thelate sculptor Edmund Ashby isbeing held at the cultural centre inRibérac from July 8 as part of atribute organised by the localcouncillor René Corsino. Mr Ashby, left, who was born in
Chicago, lived in Champagne etFontaine for 20 years until he diedat the end of March. He was 55.Mr Ashby was known in the com-
munity as much for his height andhumour as for his offbeat monu-ments, which included a concretelion sprayed fluorescent pink. Mr Corsino recalled Mr Ashby's
"artistic talent, conviviality,humour and joy of living in thisregion," at his funeral service inApril. The exhibition runs untilAugust 27.
What’s On 9The Advertiser, Dordogne July 2011 www.dordogneadvertiser.com
If you would like to do something a little bit more special
why not take a trip out in a hot air balloon? Fly over the
beautiful valleys, hills and rivers and see the castles from
an incredible vantage point. Obviously these kind of trips
don't come cheap but they really are breathtaking.
There are two main places that offer balloon trips in the
region:
Périgord Dordogne Mongolfières, Le Garrit, 24220, Saint
Cyprien and Le Bourg, 24220, Beynac.�190 per person or
�180 each for 2 people. Breakfast or apéritif included
with morning and evening flights.
Call 05 53 29 20 56 or 06 83 26 47 66,
Montgolfière du Périgord, Clos Saint Donat, 24250
La Roque-Gageac Call 05 53 28 18 58,
July All Month - Rock climbing at thefoot of a castle, different difficulties tosuit the beginner through to the experienced climber, ExcideuilCall 05 53 52 29 79
FAMILY
July 12 - Gourmet outing, meet with traditional bakers who will show how an oldbread oven is built and how to make bread.Reservation obligatory, Saint-Pierre-de-FrugieCall 06 89 33 06 40
MUSIC
July 27 - Sur les traces de la truffe duPérigord Noir - A walk that takes you on atruffle trail, 7km interspersed with history,anecdotes and stories, visit to a truffle farm
and Périgordin aperitif.�2.50 for adults,�1for child 6-12 years. Leave 9.00 meet at Masdel Sartre, NadaillacCall 05 53 28 81 93
CULTUREGourmet Outing
July 17-20 - Irish music festival with traditional instruments, folk bands and dancing.Tocane-Saint-Aprewww.rencontresmusicalesirlandaisesdetocane.fr
OUT AND ABOUT
OUTANDABOUT
Périgord Vert
Gold panning experiences:Every Thursday in the Loue river,Excideuil, by reservation.�18 adult,family price �15, unaccompanied childunder 12 �20. 14.00 - 17.30Call 05 53 52 29 79 Most days on reservation in theriver Isle, Jumilhac-le-Grand.Call 05 53 52 55 43
FAMILYJuly 7, 11, 21, 25 & 30 - Introduction to canoeingand kayak, for children 8 years old and above, mustbe able to swim, Base de loisirs de Rouffiac,AngoisseCall 05 53 52 68 79
July 23 & 24 - Scarecrow Festival - Since 1999 Meyrals has held a scarecrowcompetition as part of it's village fête which now draws people from all over theregion.This year is no exception and once again the scarecrows are proudly put intoplace in a designated field so that visitors can admire them not just at the festival butuntil the end of summer.The competition for best scarecrow isn't just for the locals, everyone can enter eitheras individuals, associations, children or tourists, as there are several categories andprizes.www.epoufest.com
FAMILY
July 15 - Weaving workshop and demonstrations for all ages,Tissanderie AncienHospice, Hautefort. Free participation.Call 05 53 52 55 02
CULTURE
White picnic, go along with friends and family to thethemed picnic at the Jardins du Manoir d'Eyrignac,dress in white.Take your own food. 18.00-nightfall.�12adult, free to child under six, family ticket �21.Call 05 53 28 81 93
Périgord Noir
These pages show events across the four ‘colour’regions of the Dordogne. If you are a visitor to the
area please use the map above to help you identify the location of events
Tocane-Saint-Apre
Excideuil
Saint-Pierre-de-Frugie
Angoisse
OUTANDABOUT
Jumilhacle-Grand
Hautefort
Meyrals
Eyrignac
FAMILY
Nadaillac
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A collection of restaurants in the Dordogne
Advertising Feature
To advertise your restaurant with us call 0800 91 77 56
10 Food The Advertiser, Dordogne July 2011www.dordogneadvertiser.com
THE CAUSE of organic, healthy, locallysourced food is being promoted by a websitecreated by a couple in the Dordogne.
Vincent and Cécile Datin, from Varennesnear Lalinde, came up with idea after thebirth of their two daughters when they decid-ed to try to eat more organic foods butrealised the information they wanted washard to find.
Launched just over over two years ago, thesite now has several thousand visitors amonth and official bodies such asBioAquitaine and AgrobioPérigord arecontributing to the contents.
The latest addition is a directory of organic
producers in the Dordogne — but althoughthe Datins have done a great deal of researchinto organic farming in France and its envi-ronmental benefits,their horizons arefar from local. Theyare interested by dif-ferences in attitudestowards organicfarming betweenother countries andtheir own.
Mr Datin said: “The British aredefinitely more environmentally aware thanthe French. I also think the term organic
food gets across the message much betterthan the French term bio. Several English sci-entists have done remarkable research into
the links betweenfood and illnesses."
The appeal oforganic food hasbeen limited by itsreputation for beingmore expensive thanconventionallygrown produce,
something the Datins believe must change.“Organic food should be accessible to
everyone, but at the same time the producers
mustn’t lose money,” said Mr Datin. “Thereal problem is big supermarkets importinggoods from abroad. Not only is this an envi-ronmental problem, but it's also detrimentalto local farmers, who end up not being ableto sell their produce. The alternative is to getrid of the middle man and to buy directlyfrom the producer.”
The Dordogne is leading the way in thedevelopment of organic produce in France.The number of farmers who have adoptedthe practice make it the leading départementfor conversions to organic farming.
The Datins’ online organic guide, which isin French, is at www.biodordogne.fr
Dordogne champions organic food“I think the English termorganic food gets the messageacross much better thanthe French term bio”
Golf 11The Advertiser, Dordogne July 2011 www.dordogneadvertiser.com
GOLF is a great game, oftenrewarding, sometimes frus-trating and always addictive. Ifplaying golf has never crossedyour mind before, you mightbe surprised at what you aremissing, especially in France.
Forget about people withposh accents, loads of money and stiff upperlips. You’ll find golf in France is different.
For a start, there is so much more space.There are more than 500 golf courses in Franceand new ones are being developed all the time,so you never feel that pressure to hurry, andthere is no ducking golf balls “unintentionally”sent your way by an impatient foursome tryingto get past. You will find French courses are
usually immaculately kept because, by UKstandards, they are so underplayed.
French golf is also much more laid back, withmany clubs having no particular dress code,although there may be the odd furrowed browif you turn up in jeans and a “Less War, MoreBingo” tee shirt. There is very little of the “Tiesmust be worn in the clubhouse” kind of rulesso prevalent in the UK, and there is often freeaccess to all the club’s facilities, with the barsand restaurants often open to the public.
This being France, the après-golf is also wellabove par. British golfers arrive in their drovesfor the generous hospitality at the in-houserestaurant and the chance to tickle their tastebuds with the haute cuisine and locally sourcedwines. It is these delights, combined with the
beautiful countryside, the culture and historyof the place, that make France so popular withBritish golfers.
The UK magazine Golf World publishes itsTop 100 Golf Courses in Continental Europeevery two years. Its latest listings show Francewith 18 courses, more than any other country,including Portugal and Spain who regularlybattle it out for the title of Europe’s most popu-lar golfing destination for the British.
Les Bordes, in the Loire Valley, was voted theNo.1 course in Europe.
For the past 14 years Jonathan Lloyd ofNormandy Golf (www.normandygolf.com) hasbeen organising golf days and holiday packagesfor individuals, families and corporate events.He arranges golf days on courses as far apart as
Dieppe and Rouen in Normandy and Biarritzin the south-west.
“Golf in France is certainly on the up,” hesays. “The courses are fantastic, the welcome isalways friendly and then, of course, there’s theglorious food and wine. What more could youpossibly want?”
Whether you are male or female, nine or 90,there is no barrier to playing golf in France,with clubs actively encouraging all levelsfrom beginners and children to moreexperienced players.
Courses are open all year round, althoughin the winter months they can occasionallybecome water-logged, and snow on some
Swing into summer
The Ryder Cup will beplayed in France for thefirst time in 2018 at theGolf National course inGuyancourt, Yvelines.That leaves seven yearsto hone your skills onFrance’s golf courses.Mick Austin reports
continued on page 12
Photo : Cary Westfall
Photo: Sculpies - Fotolia.com
12 Golf
mountain courses means thatgolfers will have to give wayto skiers.
If the invigorating fresh airand spectacular scenery is nothealthy enough for you, many
courses are part of magnificent venues withspas, swimming pools, tennis courts and thelike. Companies and resorts are falling overthemselves to offer you golf packages thatinclude wine-tasting and gourmet dining,beauty treatments, yoga and sightseeing trips.These packages can start from as little as �150.
Many golf courses are in countryside youmight not otherwise be able to see, where theflora and fauna is so amazing you expect DavidAttenborough or Chris Packham to appearround the next corner.
Playing the game can be as easy as turning upon the day and paying a green fee, although itis advisable to call ahead to book a tee time.Many clubs operate a “pay and play” policythat allows non-members to pay a green feeand play nine or 18 holes, or you may be ableto play all day if you have the stamina.
You can also play many courses without ahandicap certificate. Green fees are usuallyconsiderably less than in the UK. They varyfrom club to club and region to region, butexpect to pay �30-�60 on average. Weekendsare usually reserved for members andcompetitions, so stick to a weekday.
There are also “golf passes” availablethroughout France where you can sampleseveral courses in a region at reduced rates.Formore information. Try www.golfy.fr orhttp://uk.franceguide.com/ what-to-do/golf-in-france .
Joining a club can be quite straightforward.For clubs with vacancies for new members,joining may be as simple as paying a subscrip-tion. However, the more prestigious clubs,especially those around Paris, might have awaiting list or require new members to beintroduced by a member. Your daily green feewill include any insurance required, but it isonly when you join a club that you pay an
annual subscription and you usually have toundergo a medical examination.
Most clubs have shops where you can buyballs and hire clubs for as little as �15 perround. You can also hire a trolley or an electricbuggy for the day, which can be a real boon onhilly courses.
For the absolute beginner, it is best not to tryto play a course straight away. You will sloweveryone else down and get so frustrated at notbeing able to hit the ball more than a few feetthat you will wish you had stayed in bed. EvenTiger Woods had tuition before he turned upon the first tee!
A big mistake many beginners make issplashing out on an expensive set of clubs to
impress on the course. It might be better tospeak to the resident professional at your localclub for advice. Most clubs have pros (or theycan point you in the right direction) and he orshe will suggest clubs to suit your size, strengthetc. You may then pick up a set of clubs from acar boot sale for next to nothing, but they willbe a waste of money if you are a slip of a girland they were designed for a male bodybuilder.
The price of a lesson varies. It can be about�20 for half an hour on your own, but it isoften cheaper in a group. The professional willexplain the basics of the game (in French or
English at some clubs), including how to holdthe club and how to “address” the ball; how youshould line yourself up to make the best con-tact. You will learn the difference between theclubs: a driver or a “long iron” for distance anda low trajectory, or a “short iron” to get the ballhigher into the air but not as far.
Most courses will have a practice ground ordriving range where you can buy a bucket ofballs and hone your skills. It is also a handyway to loosen up before you start playing.Some clubs also have a small pitch ‘n’ putt course, where you can practice the more subtle
Golf in France isnot just abouthitting the ball
HOW YOU CAN LEARN TO PLAY GOLF — see page 14
from page 11
Festivals � Exhibitions ��Open Days ��Days Out ��Local Tips ��Unseen Dordogne
DORDOGNEYou can order the What’s On guide at www.connexionfrance.com or call (free from France) 0800 91 77 56
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Golf 13www.dordogneadvertiser.com
shots that will be needed the closer you get tothe green.
Then it is time to hit the golf course for realand this is when you find out just what every-one has been raving about. You will have gooddays and bad – and there may be more baddays at the start. You will stand there having hitfour balls, one after the other, into a lake on theedge of the green. You will spend hours hunt-ing for balls you have hooked or sliced intoundergrowth. You will be spitting sand out ofyour mouth after six attempts at getting yourball out of a bunker. You will wonder why youbothered to take up the game. Then all of a
sudden you will hit a screaming drive downthe middle of the fairway for a pitch and a puttfor a birdie three. You will hit a fabulous fouriron over the lake and on to the green and theball will end up six feet from the hole. You willsink the putt and imagine that was the shotthat gave Europe victory over the USA in theRyder Cup, especially now the 2018 showdownwill be at Le Golf National near Paris.
You will take in the majestic splendour ofyour surroundings, thinking life just doesn’t getmuch better. This is when you know there ismore to golf in France than chasing little whiteballs round the countryside.
AQUITAINE is blessed with beautiful courses. At the foot of the Pyrenees liesPau Golf Club (www.paugolfclub.com), which was built in 1856 and is theoldest golf club in continental Europe. Then there is the Château des VigiersGolf and Country Club (www.vigiers.com) at Monestier in the Dordognewhich has its own 17-hectare vineyard. Or the Golf du Lolivarie(www.lolivariegolfclub.com), which nestles in the heart of Perigord noir, offers
lessons in French or English with professional golfer Nicolas Piquot. The 18th-century Châteaules Merles (www.lesmerles.com), on the edge of the beautiful Liorac forest in the heart of theBergerac vineyards, has a nine-hole course to suit all levels of experience. The Golf d’Essendiérasin Saint-.Médard-d'Excideuil (www.essendieras.nl/en/essendieras).also offers horse-riding, if thegolf is not strenuous enough.
Above: Golf de Lolivarie at Siorac-en-Perigord, near Sarlat Left: The Château des Vigiers at Monestier, east of Bordeaux offers a magnificent hotel and glorious golf.
GREAT GOLF COURSES IN AQUITAINE
Golf innumbers6th
the ranking of golf among the mostpopular sports in France, after football, tennis, horse-rising, rugbyand judo
150the number of golf courses in Francein 1980
678the number of golf courses, publicand private, there are in Francetoday
407,000the number of golf club members in2010
45%increase in the number of golf membership subscriptions between1997 and 2007
1,200total number of firms involved in the golf industry, 605 of which arecompanies that operate golf courses
13,500the number of people employed bythe golf sector
rdogne July 2011
14 Golf The Advertiser, Dordogne July 2011www.dordogneadvertiser.com
If you are keen to find outwhether golf is the game for youbut are daunted by the thoughtof turning up unannounced atyour local course, there areother options.
THE FRENCH golf federation(Féderation Française de Golf,www.ffgolf.org) does its bit toencourage new golfers with its Tousau Golf initiative, which runs for aweek each year around Easter.
More than 350 participating clubsacross the country open their doorsto give free instruction to peoplewho have never played the gamebefore. Now in its 11th year, thescheme welcomes beginners for afun event offering an initial intro-duction to the sport.
These events are open to everyonefrom the age of seven and provide anideal opportunity for the wholefamily to discover the joys of golf.Lessons last for about an hour andall golf clubs and balls are free.
If you know of a club taking part inthe scheme (there are usually adver-tising posters throughout France inthe weeks leading up to the event),then just call and book a time. Orvisit www.ffgolf.org and follow thelinks to the Tous au Golf page, wherethere is a list of participating clubs.
Another way is by playing swingolf: that is not a misprint but a funway for family and friends to try aform of golf whose popularity isgrowing rapidly in France.
It is played with a single three-headed club and a ball slightly biggerand softer than the ones used in“normal” golf, so it flies more slowly,thus reducing the risk of injury. Theclub head twists round so you canhave a driver, a more lofted clubfacefor approach shots to the green, anda putter.
Swin golf is played exactly as youwould expect, but the differences inthe club mean more experiencedgolfers do not end up with too muchof an advantage.
The game is typically played over18 holes, usually shorter in lengththan on a “normal” course. You canrent the club for around �8 and it isusually �1 for the ball, which you getto keep.
Your local tourist informationoffice will have details of any clubs inyour area.
Other useful websites:www.golfeurope.com— to find hun-dreds of courses throughout France.
www.golfinfrance.com — for coursedescriptions, golf pass informationand package deals.The glory of golf: “You will take in the splendour of your surroundings, thinking life doesn’t get much better.”
How you canlearn to play
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in
Business 15The Advertiser, Dordogne July 2011 www.dordogneadvertiser.com
ALEXANDRA THEVENEThas more than 20 years of international business experience, four of whichwere dedicated to setting up and developing the Franco-BritishChamber of Commerce & Industry in theDordogne, from 2005 to 2009
FINANCESponsored by
Bergerac Dordogne PérigordAirport - the �1.7bn Baby
I work for a UK tour operator but spend three quarters ofmy time working in and around the Dordogne. My familyhome is in Bergerac where I live with my husband andchildren. My firm, which does not have a French sub-sidiary, is looking into paying my French social contribu-tions. Is this possible and if it is, will I be significantlyworse off as the contributions are much higher thanNational Insurance? I also understand that the French taxthreshold is higher, could you explain the best course ofaction?YOU are clearly fiscally resident of France and a majority ofyour activity is in France. Your employer is probably lookinginto paying French social charges because they are obligedto do so, thus you have little choice in this if you wish to liveand work in France.
This is simple enough to do; your employer does not needa French subsidiary, as it is perfectly possible to do businessin France using the UK company structure. Your employersmerely have to obtain a 'Registre du Commerce et desSociétés' (RCS number), obtained from the 'greffe du tribu-nal de commerce' (see www.greffes.com orwww.infogreffe.fr) and via the CFE (centre de formalités desenterprises - www.cfenet.cci.fr). You may wish to engage theservice of a fiscal lawyer to deal with the formalities. Youremployers can then set you up on a French contract.
There is no doubt that the costs for your employer willincrease, compared to the UK. Whether this will affect yourpay, you can only find out by discussing with your employer.You can also expect an increase in social costs, which worksout roughly 25% of your income.
There are arguably greater benefits in being in the Frenchsystem, such as a better healthcare system and improvedpensions, so one way to view it is that you pay more, but youget more, since there is no avoiding these costs withoutmaking some major changes to your current setup. However,this is not the end of the story.
On the plus side the tax situation should offer you a savingthat will serve to offset the increased costs for you, especiallysince you have children living at home, which appears to beyour current situation. This is because of the 'quotient famil-ial', or parts system, as well as the now comparatively gener-ous French tax thresholds.
To put it as simply as possible, the household is dividedinto parts, so a married couple without children would betwo parts a married couple with two dependent childrenwould be three parts and with three children would be fourparts (you get a whole part for the third child).
If you imagine a single person in earning �100,000, theywould be high rate tax payers. However with two parts itwould essentially be deemed as though two people earned�50,000, or with four parts �25,000. This is an oversimplifi-cation, but it illustrates the point well and shows you whythe big saving compared to the UK. Clearly each person hasa level of income that they can earn before paying any taxand then going through the lower tax thresholds, whilstnever reaching the high. This means that �100,000 ofhousehold income, with a significant number of parts, couldpotentially be taxed only at the low rate.
Depending on your income, how it is split and how manychildren you have, it is quite possible that you will be signifi-cantly better off in the French system than in the UK sys-tem, despite the rise in social costs.
[email protected] - +33 (0)6 70 11 58 88 www.thelinkservices.fr
THE Observatoire de l'ImpactEconomique des Flux de l'Aéroport deBergerac was established in 2003 by theDordogne's Economic Chamber, set up bythree Dordogne consular Chambers(Commerce and Industry, Trade andCrafts and Agriculture), to analyse theimpact of the Bergerac Dordogne Périgordairport on the local economy.Eight years on, the Observatoire
unveiled fascinating statistics summaris-ing the last eight years of the British,Belgian and Dutch presence in theDordogne, with regular flights to thethree countries now being available fromthe Bergerac airport. Over the past eight years, 7,520 British,
Belgian and Dutch passengers were inter-viewed for the purpose of the study toprovide details of their spending habits,length of stay, living arrangements, etc.Numerous local businesses and profes-sionals were also interviewed and provid-ed essential data illustrating the impacton the local economy. "A staggering 1,9m passengers flew
through the Bergerac Airport between2003 and 2010, an average of over 85 percent being British," said Chantal Caro,head of the Observatoire at the ChambreEconomique. "The economic impact hasbeen an estimated �1,7bn, which meansthat each passenger has contributed anaverage of �870 to the local economy." Sixty-five per cent of Dordogne Estate
Agencies and 67 per cent of the ones inNorth Lot et Garonne have been set upsince 2002, with 97 per cent of them hav-ing a British customer base. Between2004 to 2006, 41 per cent of these agen-cies generated at least 50 per cent of theirannual turnover through British clients,whereas 80 per cent of them saw theirturnover from British clients halved orworse in 2009. Between 15 and 20 per cent of passen-
gers are permanent residents - living herefor six months of the year or more - andover 80 per cent of these are British.However, both the credit crunch and the
sharp drop in value of the pound haveresulted in a 22 per cent decrease in theiraverage monthly budget. For passengerson a short stay, the average daily budget,apart from the cost of flights, hasdropped an average 25 per cent from �85to �64.
Of those who stay all year round, manycontinue to work: there are around 800British-owned businesses in theDordogne, registered at the Chamber ofTrade and Crafts and/or the Chamber ofCommerce and Industry, and theChamber of Agriculture, to which mustbe added all freelance workers and auto-entrepreneurs.
One in five passengers now has a sec-ond home here, and as a direct result ofthis, a further one in two passengers staywith either family or friends when visit-ing the area. While 40 per cent of passen-gers stayed in hotels, campsites, rentedaccommodation and B&Bs in 2003,under a third of them chose to do so in2010.
Another interesting trend is where peo-ple go and stay once they have landed inBergerac: in 2003, 75 per cent of passen-gers stayed in the Dordogne and about 10per cent went to the Gironde. In 2010,about 60 per cent of passengers stayed inthe Dordogne while 16 per cent went tothe Lot, 15 per cent to the Lot et Garonneand a mere five per cent to the Gironde.
The crucial impact of the foreign pres-ence has now been vastly documentedand Flybe and Transavia have recentlyexpressed their desire to open yet moreroutes to and from Bergerac which willno doubt contribute further to our localeconomy.
The results of the 2003-2010 study alsoshows an overall �539m investment inlocal properties, and a further �41m paidin taxes (taxe foncière, taxe d'habitation,taxe de séjour, taxe professionnelle andContribution Economique Territoriale).With that in mind, I cannot help butwonder about the impact of the recentlysuggested tax on second homes on adepartment like the Dordogne and thepotential uproar it would undoubtedly begreeted with.
The direct implication of theObservatoire's data is also the need forboth communities to work hand-in-handand benefit from each other as marketpotential, but also in terms of skills andknow-how. Many shops now offerEnglish labels as well as French on theirproducts, restaurants translate theirmenus, train staff are able to greet andwelcome foreign customers, professionalsbrush up on their language and negotia-tion skills, while websites and communi-cation tools can also benefit from beingprofessionally translated to appeal to awider range of customers, all of whichlocal companies like The Link can pro-vide essential services, support and guid-ance with.
For more detailed information aboutthe Observatoire and the data it provides,you can download their latest brochurefrom the following websites:www.bergerac.aeroport.frwww.dordogne.cci.frwww.dordogne.chambagri.frwww.artisanat24.comFor specific queries or comments aboutthe Observatoire and its work, pleasecontact Chantal Caro on 05 53 35 87 29or send her an email:[email protected]
Sixty-five per cent ofDordogne Estate Agenciesand 67 per cent of the onesin North Lot et Garonnehave been set up since 2002,with 97 per cent of themhaving a British customer base
If UK firm employsme in France will Iend up worse off?
“
Photo: © gum
bao - Fotolia.com
16 Directory The Advertiser, Dordogne July 2011www.dordogneadvertiser.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
ArchitectRenovation - new construction.
Projects, all phases of construction.Sarl d'Architecture
David Besse Architecte dplgGrange Neuve 24140 Saint Martin des Combes.
05 53 82 44 75 - 06 17 51 26 [email protected]
PARKES et DUCELIER
ArchitectesUK and French Registered
ArchitectsDossiers for Permis de
ConstruireInterior and
Landscape designOrdre des Architectes No. 1867
Tel: 05 53 09 33 45E: [email protected]: www.parkes-ducellier.com
Depts: 16,19,24,33,87 Siret: 488 165 564 00011
HOUSE PLANSPlans drawn & submittedfor as little as �1,500 HT
Visit:www.houseplansinfrance.com
Tel: 05 55 85 25 63Email:[email protected]
Landscape ArchitectFREE CONSULTATION
Site analysis, schematic designs,construction plans, cost estimates
construction observation, Contact Michael Stanton
Tel : 05 53 54 63 65www.landplan.fr - E-mail: [email protected]
Animal CareHouse Sitting Yours/mine
First Aid 4Animals Cert, Referencesestablished Animal Charities
Tel: 06 43 28 32 [email protected]
Siret ; u47011658505
The Cats InnLuxury Cattery - Cales near Lalinde - Very
Spacious - Lots of Love and Attention
Tel: Paula 05 53 24 14 42www.thecatsinncattery.com
[email protected] No.520 980 269 00010
La Creme de la CremeSmall, Caring, purposebuilt DOG FREE cattery
near Nontron.Tel: 05 53 56 05 17
email: [email protected]
siret 51963554400017
GOLDENWAYINTERNATIONAL PETS
World Wide Pet Transporter /
RelocatorMinistry approved
No. 61195004 – 61195001Offices CDG Airport Paris
Offices and Kennels NormandyTel: 01 48 62 87 25 CDG ParisTel: 02 33 38 41 32 Normandy
www.goldenwaypets.comSiret: 397549551
ANIMAL COURIERSExperienced couriers specialisingin pet travel between France / UK /
Spain or within France. Pet passport advice.
Tel: 0044 (0) 1483200123Email: [email protected]
Web: www.animalcouriers.com
THE DORDOGNE CATTERY
PENSION POUR CHATS NEARSARLAT, OPEN-AIR, INSULATED
AND HEATEDCONTACT ANNA MASLEN
05 53 31 95 88 / 06 86 94 85 [email protected]
www.dordognecattery.fr
WAGS AND WHISKERS
British owned boarding kennels and cattery35 years experience
Tel: 05.65 [email protected]
SIRET: 500607858
CLOS FLEURILuxury Cattery
Between Bergerac and BordeauxIndividual Love Care and Attention Given
Tel: 05 53 24 16 [email protected]
www.closfleurionline.comSiret: 524 348 596 00015
Chenil Les Mille Calins
English Run5 Star accommodation
for Dogs/CatsComprising of underfloor
heated kennels Qualified staff
Top Quality food and exerciseOnly 45 minutes south of Caen
Convenient Ferry AccessSAFETY COMFORT AND CARE FOR
YOUR PET, PEACE OF MIND FOR YOUwww.goldenwaypets.comTelephone 02 33 37 49 19Emergency 02 33 38 41 32
Fax 02 33 38 44 16
Advertise here ALL YEAR fromjust �165HT Call free on 0800 91 77 56 or email [email protected]
� By advertising in ourdirectory you get the chanceto run advertorials(the news stories you see onthese pages.) 1/3 page, maximum 500words plus photo, �200HT
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words plus photo, �400HT
� We will keep you up todate with features andspecial events in your area ofFrance in all our publica-tions that could help toboost your business.
� Your ad included in ouronline directory for FREE.
� Want to advertise in ournational paper TheConnexion or sister paper inNormandy? Get 50% offyour second directory advert
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DORDOGNE DIRECTORY
Directory 17The Advertiser, Dordogne July 2011 www.dordogneadvertiser.com
For all your electrical requirementscontact
AK Electrical30 years experience/Fully insured
[email protected] 06 32 31 61 85
siret: 494 064 322 00014
Kennedy Electricite ServicesInstallation, rewires and repairs.
18 years experience.Fully insured. No job too small.
Contact Justin or Melissa Kennedy.Tel: 05 55 56 37 36
Email: [email protected] 87/24 Siret 503 417 04000014
Brian Macey - Electricianmaintenance, breakdowns, renovations,
rewires, new build, interior & exterior30 years experience
Tel: 05 55 97 18 10Email: [email protected]: 517 566 196 00013 Regions Covered: 19,24,87
ALL ELECTRICAL/PLUMBING WORK
Underfloor Heating/ AerothermiePremiere service guaranteed
St Yrieux / Brive / Perigueux / SarlatTel: 06 37 09 55 13
Website: http://eurolec24.com/Email: [email protected]
Siret: 489 542 589 00010
LE FRANCAISCHEZ VOUS
Tailor made tuition in French at yourhome or Castel-Merle, 24290 Sergeac.
Amanda and Emilie MillinshipTel: 05 53 50 04 68
www.lefrancaischezvous.comDordogne
CERTIFIEDTRANSLATIONSAll legal transla-tions by French-English speaking sworn translator
Property-legal-birth cert.,driving licences
Administrative helpExpat assistanceValid everywhere
with 25 years of experienceRegions : All FRANCEKaren RENEL-KINGTel: 06 18 03 18 38
Email: [email protected]:
www.certifiedfrenchtranslation.comFast and affordable
Siret: 38058374000028
La Petite Maison des Langues
38, rue Jean Jaurès, 24800 THIVIERSTel: 05 53 52 49 91
E: [email protected]: www.lapetitemaisondeslangues.comLearn French and feel at home again !
Small groups, 1to1, weekly orintensive courses and translations
French WithoutTears
Your Own PersonalLanguage Course.
Tuition with Accomodationwww.cours-a-cucugnan.com
Tel: 06 78 15 19 29Siret: 521701474
alan keenan
tilingall wall & floor tiling, pool surrounds, terraces,
concrete & sand / cement work, plasterboardingTel: 06 19 50 34 28 or 05 53 23 24 54
Email: [email protected] Covered: 24,47 Siret: 47794615600015
MGF CounsellingServices
English Speaking Counselor. M. Glenys Forrester
(B.Sc.psych.) (M.Sc. psych.)
Offering individual /couples counselling.
(Depression, Stress, illness,bereavement etc).
Tel: 05 53 50 07 28Mob: 06 47 17 60 78
Email: [email protected]: www.mgfcounselling.com
Regions Covered: All - Siret: 520 314 824
WEBSITESBoost your business with anaffordable, high-performance
website that you can edit yourselfwww.rob-tomlinson.com
Tel: 05 62 67 39 [email protected]
Regions: All France Siret: 419 490 297 00027
Penny Graphicswebsites from
75�including design, hosting and
domain name
pennygraphics.net02 33 90 92 15
PC-TECHNICASolutions to all your computing needs...
PC Support/Sales & Website Design
Tel: 05 53 59 48 54 Email: [email protected]
www.pc-technica.fr
Voilà!Web Solutions
Exclusive multilingual websites competitively
priced. PersonalisedFacebook, Twitter and
blogs part of a completeservice to make your
business highly visible onthe Internet.
www.voilawebsolutions.comTel: Harvey 05 53 81 03 78
CARPENTRY - BBUILDING - RRENOVATION
Excideuil - Hautefort - TerrassonRob Hayward
Tel: 05 53 51 90 80 Mob: 06 70 89 72 [email protected]
Siret: 45340867600022
JUST PLASTERINGCeilings, walls, floors
Time served tradesman24, 33, 47, other regions possibleContact Mike Tel: 05 53 58 17 19
Mob: 06 67 03 30 48Email: [email protected]
Siret no: 42424381400011
SMALL BUILDING WORKS Repointing, Plasterboarding, windows,
doors installed.Translations, planning permissions.
Tel: 05 53 56 36 89 Email: [email protected] www.dordognedave.webs.com
Regions Covered 24,16,87 - Siret: 51913926500010
GENERAL BUILDERChris Danaher
20 Years ExperienceFREE ESTIMATES
Tel: 05 53 05 80 17 Mobile: 06 71 40 35 [email protected] Siret:51064303400018
BergeracRenovation & Building
From groundwork, fosseseptiques, masonary,interiors, to rooves.
Free estimates & adviceTel: 05 53 81 60 73
3D CONSTRUCTIONFamily run building company with
over 30 yrs experience
All construction worksundertaken large orsmall incl. masonry,
carpentry and roofingBased nr. Sarlat
Free estimates - References availableTel: 06 31 21 32 04
Email: [email protected]: 505 346 676 00016
CDRCONSTRUCTION
DESIGNRENOVATION
ECO Timber Framed HousesRenovation a Specialty
Low Energy ConsumerEQUALS Income Tax Rebates
JULIAN WILKESTel: 05 53 53 96 97
Mobile: 06 72 16 46 26Email:[email protected]
www.construction-design-renovation-24.com
Siret: 403926702
Team of English artisansfor all your renovation needs
in the Perigord NoirEmail: [email protected]
Telephone: Simon - 06 37 21 24 02Glen - 06 71 85 43 24
Siret: 5045 8000 2000 13 - 5206 6045 7000 18
BOIS D'ARBRECONSTRUCTION
______________
Specialists in Traditional Oak frames & Timber houses
______________
* Timber Frame homes - from supply of structural frames,through to turn-key homes
* Extensions, Gazebos, Dormawindows, sun terraces, Garages,
* Specialised in waterproofingtimber roofs, green roofs and
terraces.______________
Tel: 06-72-01-11-06info@boisdarbreconstruction.comwww.boisdarbreconstruction.com
SIRET: 4899 5394 30011
BÂTI-TOP SARL
CONSTRUCTION & RENOVATIONMEDIUM/LARGE PROJECTS
UNDERTAKEN10 YEAR INSURED GUARANTEE
www.bati-top.com05 53 73 02 88 - Siret: 9868562700016
C&C CONSTRUCTION SARLQualified Builder
15 Years Experience10 Years Insurance Guarantee
All Building/Groundworks undertakenTel: 05 53 62 13 38 / 06 63 84 79 99Email: [email protected]
www.cc-construction.fr
RON HARRISONGeneral Builder
City & Guilds qualified, 35yrs experience, reliable, ALL WORK GUARANTEED
Tel: 05 53 80 42 91 Mob: +44 759 286 5010
Email: [email protected] radius Mussidan(24) Siret: 51352715000017
ABPRenovation & Construction
Swimming pools and buildingsAll trades including new timber frame buildings
Tel/Fax: 05 53 56 68 87Email: [email protected]
Website: abpiscines.netSiret: 387 471 394 000 24
Paul GentFully Qualified & Insured Builder
including:• Renovation • Masonry
• Plastering • Plus Hard LandscapingTel: 05 53 29 08 86 Mob: 07 60 52 43 40
email: [email protected] radius Sarlat ( 24 ) Siret : 513 209 189
PLASTERING POINTINGRENDERING &
GENERAL BUILDING“Quality & Reliability” 35 Years Experience
Tel : 05 57 47 48 19Email : [email protected]
Areas 24,33 Other areas Considered. Based St Foy La GrandeSiret: 482 710 175
ACCOMMODATION ManagementServices is run by Adrian and NicolaHazell, who moved to south-westFrance, near Duras, in 2005.
Having sold their three successfulcompanies in the UK - a propertymanagement business, a contractcleaning firm and an industrialwater-fed pole window cleaningcompany - they renovated their ownproperty and then startedAccommodation Management
Services. Every member of theirteam is fully trained and qualifiedwith COSHH and PROCHEMcleaning techniques and the compa-ny is able to support property own-ers in the north of Lot-et-Garonne,the Dordogne and Gironde.
“We can supply and liaise withapproved tradesmen as well as pre-pare homes for clients or their pay-ing guests, so their holiday can startthe moment they arrive,” said Nicola,who says they work personally at theproperty with their staff. “We canalso provide a full closure at the endof the letting season and weeklysecurity checks, to ensure a client'shouse is safe and secure and thatbuildings and contents insurancepolicies retain validity.”
With a combined total of over 40years in the property management
industry, the company is well-placedto provide a diverse range of servicesthat offer peace of mind to clients,whether they rent out their proper-ties or not. Services include: proper-ty management, change over, gar-dening, pool maintenance, meet andgreet, key holding and securitychecks. “We do not charge an annualmanagement or key holding fee, or awinter retainer,” added Nicola.
Two areas often requiring the mostupkeep are the swimming pool andgarden. “For many people a swim-ming pool is the priority, so it isessential that it remains clean and fitfor use,” said Adrian.
“Our maintenance contract makessure that the pool is being cleanedand chemically balanced on a regularbasis - and with the high tempera-tures of the summer it is essential
that pool levels are maintained to aidthe continued functionality of thepool.” This service must be carriedout at least once a week and thecompany can also open a pool at thestart of the season and winterise it atthe end.
As the garden is essential to creat-ing a good impression, the company
recommends a regular maintenanceservice to keep on top of all aspectsof the garden. “Whether it is treefelling or simple grass cutting that isrequired, our professional equipmentcan cope with it all,” said Adrian.
www.accmsonline.com05 53 79 35 64
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Problem-free propertiesAny level of property ownership can often be stressful, whether it is organisingtradesmen to carry out work or renting your house to people you do not know.Accommodation Management Services can take all the hassle and worry out ofabsentee ownership and will look after your investment as if it were their own
It is important to keep gardens and swimming pools well maintained,especially if you rent your property out during the summer season
“We do not charge anannual management or key holding fee, or a monthly retainer
Phot
o: ©
Alc
elVi
sion
- Fo
tolia
.com
18 Directory The Advertiser, Dordogne July 2011www.dordogneadvertiser.com
'Massages and well being at Castelnaud la Chapelle'
With
Sophie NALIN, massage practitioner- Relaxing massage with organic oils
- Wave and vibration massage techniques- Energising massage- Shiatsu Amma Assis
Tel: 06 79 67 38 06
Discover all 7 Golf Courses
Reduced faresbetween 20 - 30%
Golf Pass DordogneAvailable on line
www.golf-dordogne-perigord.com
G. W.Makeovers & Design
English Kitchens/ Bathrooms/appli-ances direct from UK manufacturersFull range of French kitchens sup-plied Free design/planning service
Installations/Makeovers/Installations Only/Tiling
Granite and Stoneworksurfaces available
Areas: 24 33 47Call 05 53 58 09 32 or
06 58 92 09 97siret: 510 011 554 00019
One stop for all your renovation works. Specialistsin kitchens and bathrooms.
Free devis/quotes.Contact details.
Phone: 06 12 36 33 18 / 06 85 16 35 69e-mail: [email protected]
Siret: 50281715800012 / 51110545400017
LIMEUILCHURCH
(at Limeuil Haut)ANGLICAN SERVICES
EVERY SUNDAY10.30 AM
Everyone is warmly welcomedTEL: 05 53 31 18 04
www.churchinaquitaine.org
Café ChurchBergerac
An English speaking approachto contemporary Christianity
NEW FOR 2011
SUMMER CHURCHJune 26 & every Sunday in July & August
Sponsored by and held at L'EgliseEvangelique Libre de Bergerac, 5 Rue Durou
For more details contact Reverend Derek & Pam Cook
[email protected] 01.53.57.83.30
www.christiansindordogne.com
MOLE CATCHERNO MOLE - NO FEE!
Call johnthemoleman
tel 05 53 22 07 32 mob 06 06 40 92 97e-mail [email protected]
siret 51249460000012
Prêt à Plonger Piscine installation, repairs &
maintenance. Bespoke pools, noproject too big or small.
Complete package includinggroundwork, terracing/decking
and pool security.
Simon & Julia Holt0619 071121 or 0553 620152
Siret: 49397835700017
IN DEEPPISCINES
Maintenance, leak detection, servicing, repairs
tel: 05 53 22 79 18 / 06 84 68 84 92email: [email protected]
regions: 47, 32, 82, 24, 33 - siret: 504576802100020
TIP TOPGarden &
Property ServicesGarden Maintenance
Hedge Trimming - TreesCutting - Strimming
General Property MaintenanceProperty checks/Keyholding
Photo updatesContact Barry OnTel: 05 53 29 03 52
Mobile: 06 24 07 31 14E: [email protected] 24 - Radius 50 kms Sarlat
Siret: 49372365400015
PISCINE AMBIANCEMore than 20 years
as regional leader in reinforcedconcrete pools.
Thanks to exclusive technologyand no outsourcing, 98% of ourclients readily recommend us!
With PISCINE AMBIANCEinvest in happiness!
PISCINE AMBIANCE - ZAC du Mazaud19100 BRIVE - + 33 (0)5 55 18 98 18
24 SERVICESComplete Home and Garden Maintenance
Bourdeilles 24310Tel: 06 02 34 85 38
www.24services.frSiret: 52841725600013
pools-piscines.comSwimming pool construction and repairs
Natural pools - Replacement liners standardand liner 'armé' 150/100
NW Dordogne/South Charentetel 06 89 46 15 08 / 09 77 90 94 51
www.pools-piscines.comsiret 322 963 190 000 36
Roots & ShootsProfessional tree surgeryCall Mark for a free quote
05 53 75 05 48 - 06 89 79 05 [email protected].
www.roots-shoots.frSiret number 452-803-539-00017
BOUCHERIEA LA FERME
Traditional English family butchers andfarmers in France.
British style Beef,bacon, Sausages,
gammons pork & lambBespoke insulated packaging used for
delivery throughout France.Raymond&Sophie Hicks
www.boucheriealaferme.comTel: 05 55 97 95 66
Mob: 06 45 51 34 58Siret: 509 528 014 00012
FRENCHINSURANCE - IN ENGLISH
For people who live in/ own property in
FranceStraight-forward, honest advice onthe best house, car, life & health
insurance policies for youOver 15 years experience inFrench insurance markets
English, Dutch & German spoken.Philippe Schreinemachers
www.insurance.frTel: 33 00 05 62 29 20 00Email: [email protected]
RCS Auch B479 400 657 - Regions: All France
AXA INSURANCE
J. LECLUZEST HILAIRE DU HARCOUET - 50600
HOME - CAR - HEALTHWe insure UK registered cars
ENGLISH SPOKEN(call Angeline) - 02 33 49 12 34
EXECO PARTNERSCertified Accountants (FR)
Serving English Clients in France
Accounting, Payroll, Business Setup and
registration, Individual& Business Taxation
and more...Please feel welcome to contact:
Mr Pierre CHERON(Expert-Comptable)
on Tél: 05.53.54.48.91Email: [email protected]
www.execopartners.eu
AGENCE CLASSICFRENCH HOMESExclusively Prestige Property
�750,000 plus.Knight Frank Representative
For Dordogne, N Lot-et-Garonneand E Gironde
Floor Plans, Virtual Tours,Elevated Photography as standard
Contact Michelle or Anick05 53 23 32 13
www.classic-french-homes.comSiret: 491 449 328 00021
HOUSES ONINTERNET
Do you want to sell yourhouse quickly?
Our fee is only 2.5%Find out how on:
WWW.HOUSESONINTERNET.COM
Tel: 05 55 65 12 19
THE Dordogne receives the largestnumber of visitors in France and iswell-loved for its breathtakingscenery, rich history and sumptuouscuisine, but a new developmentcould mean it becomes renowned forits golf too.
Since the end of 2010 the depart-mental tourist board has been meet-ing with seven of its key golf clubs todevise a way for people to discoverthe region through golf.
The Dordogne is home to severalwell-established golf courses in dif-ferent parts of the region - includinga 27-hole course, three 18-holecourses and three 9-hole courses -and now they have joined forces tocreate the Golf Pass Dordogne.
The pass allows access to each ofthe courses at reduced rates and par-ticipating clubs are:� Golf des Vigiers, 05 53 61 50 33� Golf de la Marterie, 05 53 05 61 00
� Golf de Lolivarie, 05 53 30 22 69� Golf de Périgueux, 05 53 53 02 35� Golf des Merles, 05 53 63 13 42� Golf d’Essendiéras, 05 53 55 34 34� Golf de la Forge, 05 53 31 99 76.
Pass holders pay the normal ratefor the first tee-off and furthercourses after this are reduced from20% to 30%. The pass is valid fortwo months and a maximum of tworounds can be played at any samecourse.
“There are about three milliontourists each year to the region, twomillion of those travel to thePérigord Noir, and we hope the golfpass will incite visitors and residentsto explore further afield and visitareas that they might not have done
otherwise,” said Jean-Fred Droin,president of the Dordogne touristboard.
“They will be able to take in thescenery while enjoying a game ofgolf and then go on to explore thesurrounding towns, villages and tastethe local produce.”
If you would like more informationon the location of each golf course,the official website provides a map
demonstrating where each course isbased and also links to each individ-ual club website.
Once you decide to take part,receiving your golf pass is simple. Allyou need to do is register online,download the pass and print it out -for more details follow the linkbelow to the official website.
www.golf-dordogne-perigord.com
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Golf pass promises a hole lotof fun for golf enthusiastsA new golf pass - giving golfers access to many well-established Dordogne-based golfclubs at reduced prices of between 20% and 30% - means that playing golf andexploring the beautiful Dordogne has never been easier
The Golf Pass Dordogne offers golfers reduced rates across sevenDordogne-based golf clubs to encourage exploration of the region
“We hope the golf pass reductions of between 20% and30% will encourage people to visit areas they mightnot have done otherwise
Directory 19The Advertiser, Dordogne July 2011 www.dordogneadvertiser.com
SELF STORAGEDOVER
Convenient Flexible Consolidation PointWorking with the Movers Tel: +44(0) 1304 822844
All France
George White European TransportSpecial rates to S/W France
13.6m/45ft trailer - Full/Part loadsRemovals/materials/vehiclesOwner driver. RHA memberTel: +44 (0)7768 867 360Fax: +44 (0)1773 570 090
Fr Mobile: +33 (0)6 23 03 85 59www.georgewhiteeuropean.co.uk
MOVE IN EUROPEThe removal company even the furniture recommendsUK - Europe - Europe - UKwww.moveineurope.com
[email protected]: +44 121 3503111
Home Tel: 05 53 93 75 52
REFLEX MOODYS LTDSALISBURY
REMOVALSUK - FRANCE - UK
• Weekly Service • Full & Part Loads• Container Storage
• BAR Members• On-line Quotation
• Internet Shopping Deliveries00 44 1722 414350
[email protected] Regn No: UK 5186435TVA / VAT No: UK 864 7217 04
REMOVALS& STORAGEMurray HarperEuropean transport
& storageENGLAND, FRANCE, SPAIN
Scheduled collection anddelivery service guaranteed
Established 30 yearsin the industry
www.murrayharper.comTel: (0034) 952 793 422 or
(0034) 952 807 [email protected]
Accommodation ManagementServices
Services Include:
• Complete property management
• Change overs
• Professional laundry services
• Gardening/Pool Services
• Keyholding
• Security checks
www.accmonline.comTel: +33 (0)553793564
EcoPowerThe World's
Leading SolarSystems
Tel: 05 53 62 31 35
www.ecopower.eu.com
MAKE YOUR OWNELECTRICTY & SELL IT,
USE ITBE SELF-SUFFICIENT/INDEPENDENT
YOUR POWERSOLAR-WIND-HYBRID [email protected]
SECURITYSYSTEMS
Alarm calls up to 4 numbers ifactivated.
NO ANNUAL CONTRACTSOR MONTHLY PAYMENTS.
Wireless or wired.Cameras with 24/7 recording +
Internet access. Security lighting.Tel: 06 27 76 95 91
E: [email protected]: www.aquitainealarmes.com
Regions Covered: 24, 33, 17, 16SIRET 50793843900019
LOCKES GROUNDWORKS& LANDSCAPING
Digger / driver hire Fosse septiquesExcavations, Building, Renovations
Driveways, Fencing, Decking, Pergolas Tel: 05 53 79 77 61 or 06 42 86 85 31
Email: [email protected]: www.lockes47.com
DIGITALINSTALLATIONSWe do not only sell & install
We also repair digiboxesNOW!! All freesat systems available
WITHOUT CARD For more information call00 33 (0)5 45 98 25 37
FINNINGER & HELBACH GmbhLe Petit Fouine, 16210 Curac
Tel/Fax: 00 33 (0)5 45 98 25 37email: [email protected]
www.digitalsatellitefrance.comSiret: 400 415 246 00026
PEST CONTROLDOMESTIC,COMMERCIAL
& RURALDept 19 & adjoining
Robin Loten0555 736918/[email protected]
Siret: 523 767 705 00016
General BuildingRoofing, loft and barn conversion andproperty renovations. Depts 24, 19, 87
Full team of skilled registered [email protected]
www.hautefortrenovation.comTel/fax: 05 53 50 12 39Mobile: 06 84 53 08 39
Balcony & Stair Railings
Window & Door Grills.
Manufacture/Repair/Installation.williamsonsteel.com
[email protected] 53 90 20 17
Mini digger hire from100 Euros per day HT
Hammer, auger, dumper,roller etc available
Sarlat, Gourdon and Souillac areas
SARL MaximaTel April on 0613232249
or 0553312115see rates at
www.maximalocation.comSiret no. 498 524 032 00022
BEAMRENOVATIONS
The viablealternative tosandblastingor stripping.
Email:[email protected]
SURFACESPolished Concrete Floors, Walls, Worktops
Sinks & Furniture
STONE & TILERestoration, Colouring, Sealing.
Web: www.surfaces24.comEmail: [email protected]
Tel: 06 82 38 21 12 Siret 51500573400014
SAND AND BLASTSandblasting service for Wood,Metal and Stone. Floor sanding
service / hire available. Tel: 05 55 78 43 71 /
06 67 81 63 46www.sandandblast.com
Areas: 87, 16, 24 Siret: 488 522 921 00029
Experienced and registeredCeramic floor and wall tiler
For a professional Service / QuotationContact 2447 CarrelageTel: 05 53 57 12 19
Email: [email protected] 24/47 and surroundingSIRET: 4844699200014
Masters EnergySolutions
The One Stop Shop forall your energy needs
www.masters-energies.comTel:05 55 78 66 35
Siret 451 371 579
Phil B EntrepriseAll Building Works Undertaken
Inc Electrical, Plumbing and HeatingBased 47, 24
Email: [email protected]: 05 53 84 36 81
Mobile: 06 72 02 88 29
www.swansolar.euSupply & Installation of :
• Solar domestic hot water systems • Solar swimming pool systems
• Wood boiler stoves • Plumbing services Tel : 05 53 63 43 87 / 06 06 41 08 85
Email : [email protected] depts covered Siret 50406233200011
PROPERTY ODD JOBS
Painting + Decorator, General PropertyMaintenance, 25 years experience,
Registered Artisan Tel: 05 53 23 77 05 (Rob)
Regions: Dept 24 - Siret: 501 098 883 00017
E B CreationsMetalwork
All interior and exterior ironwork.Dept 47,33,24 covered.
www.ebcreations.net.Tel: 05 53 83 68 15
email: [email protected] No. 452 215 403 00018
Plastering Servicesover 20 years experience in france
we undertakePlastering - Partitioning - Plasterboarding
COMPETITIVE PRICESTel: 05 53 56 27 58
Mobile: 06 02 26 17 75Siret: 381 076 967
BOUCARA CHAUFFAGEPLOMBERIE
PLUMBING - HEATING - BATH-ROOMS - GEOTHERMIE AND
ALTERNTIVE - ENERGY INSTALLA-TIONS - GAS INSTALLATIONS
QUALIFIED ARTISAN - QUALIGAZREGISTERED - FRENCH REGIS-
TERED BUSINESS12 MONTH WARRANTY
ON ALL WORK FULLY INSUREDDEPT 24, 33 AND 47
Contact. Morris WhiteheadTel. 05 53 58 38 62
Email: [email protected] No. 480 789 197 00013
PLUMBING & HEATINGINSTALLATIONS
SERVICING & REPAIRSRENOVATIONS, AIR-CONDITIONING SOLAR
SYSTEMS - TOTALGAZ APPROVED INSTALLERContact: Wayne MerryMob: 06 85 58 64 65Tel: 05 53 64 34 05
Email:[email protected]
Tél: 05 53 90 46 34Siret: 4119 419 830
Plumbing, Central & Underfloor HeatingBathrooms, Solar systems,
Woodburners.GAS QUALIFIED INSTALLERS.
HEATHROW LEFT HANDDRIVE CENTRE LTD
Rear Of 55 Cowley Road,Uxbridge UB8 2AE
Tel: +44 (0)208 8487407Tel: +44 (0)1895 81 23 23
Mobile: +44 (0)7811 784766We Specialise in buying
and selling Left HandDrive quality vehicles.
We have a variety of cars mostly onFrench/Spanish and English registrations.
We have over 11 years of professional experiencein the motor trade.
Web: Heathrowlhdcentre.comE: [email protected]
LANDROVER*MG*ROVER*JAGUAR*
AUSTIN-MORRIS PARTSELECTRONIC DIAGNOSTICS &
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0545622720
LOCATED in medieval village ofCastelnaud, massage practitionerSophie Nalin has created a relaxingenvironment on the premises of thecharming B&B and restaurant LesMachicoulis. From Polynesia to Balivia Japan and Korea, a whole rangeof different massage techniques areoffered to help people take charge oftheir health, optimise well-being andrediscover inner happiness.
“My priority is to offer massagesthat are adapted to the needs of eachperson,” said Sophie.
“The massage given will be differ-ent depending on whether the per-son has a need to relax their mind orthey have muscle tension in specificlocations. For example, I would pro-pose the Hawaiian massage or shiat-su-amma to a person suffering frompains in the neck and trapezium
muscles and the onavi massage topeople who need to empty theirminds.”Depending on the individual,
Sophie can mix the characteristics ofseveral types to create a personalisedmassage that meets the specificneeds of the client.
Sophie believes that the mind andbody are linked and that touch is avital necessity for people’s well-being, the latter being the reason
that she entered this profession.“To focus on oneself even for aninstant, to be able to completely dis-connect from the world around,should be an essential part of ourpersonal routines and should begiven the same importance as eatingand sleeping well,” said Sophie.
There are four main types of mas-sage offered and Sophie is currentlyrunning a special 50% off introduc-tory offer, so an hour’s massage is�25 rather than �50.
The Hawaiian massage, or lomilomi, is based on Polynesian princi-ples of health and happiness. “Itoffers great relaxation and the releaseof mental, muscle and nervous ten-sion,” said Sophie. The Balinese mas-sage is influenced by Chinese tradi-tional medicine and it re-energiseswhile also detoxing and helping to
lessen water retention.The onavi massage is a vibratory
massage. “It is done without oilsand while people are fully clothed -it is very suitable for people understress who are unable to relax,” saidSophie. She also offers the shiat-suamma, which is based on the prin-ciples of traditional Japanese acu-pressure medicine. Sophie added: “Itgives a deep state of relaxation andinner well-being after only a fewminutes - it is remarkably effective.”
If you are interested in a series of
massages, a subscription card isavailable where you can purchasethree massages for �100 instead of�150. Sessions are by appointmentat Les Machicoulis, Castelnaud LaChapelle, www.lesmachicoulis.com,but home visits are also a possibility.
“I look forward to meeting peopleand helping them take advantage ofthe benefits of a relaxing massage,”said Sophie.
Sophie Nalin06 79 67 38 06
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Getting the massageMassages can release physical and psychological stress, strengthen the immune systemand result in a feeling of total well-being. Now a range of massages, influenced by techniques practised all around the world, are offered by Sophie Nalin in the Périgord Noir
Massage practitioner Sophie Nalin is offering a special introductorydiscount of 50% off massages
“The ability to completelydisconnect from the worldaround should be given the same importance aseating and sleeping well
20 Directory The Advertiser, Dordogne July 2011www.dordogneadvertiser.com
You can place a Directory listing or classified advert via our website
www.connexionfrance.comSimply click on ADVERTISE WITH US and follow the instructions.
Directories start from �165HT and classifieds are �1per wordOr Call 0800 91 77 56 from UK 0844 256 9881 (4p/min) or email [email protected]
Alcoholics AnonymousPérigueux. Ewen: 05 53 05 76 [email protected] www.aafrancesud-ouest.com
Anglican Church of AquitaineServices: Bertric Burée, Chancelade, Limeuil Haut, Ste Nathalène andSorges, also in 47, 33. Chaplain Revd Dr Paul Vrolijk 05 53 23 40 [email protected]
Association Culturelle Franco-Anglaise AquitaineFrom French lessons to bridge, plus monthly social get-togethers.www.acfaa.com
Association Culturelle Internationale du PérigordACIP aims to promote integration.Lycette Schouten Hoogendyk: 05 53 29 27 96 [email protected]
Association Française des SolosMonthly meetings after divorce, bereavement or separation. Social eventsfor members.Corinne: 05 53 22 68 52 (evenings) or Claire: 05 53 08 55 13 (evenings)[email protected]
Bergerac Photo ClubMeets Wed at 20.30, Maison des Associations, Place Jules Ferry,Bergerac. [email protected]
Bibliothèque Anglaise MeyralsEnglish books and DVDs. Mon 14.00 to 16.00 and Wed 10.00 to noon in24220 Meyrals.Em Boiling: 05 53 30 30 [email protected]
Cancer Support France Dordogne Est/LotMargaret York: 05 65 22 96 37 or 06 35 90 03 41 (24 hrs)[email protected] Support France Ribérac (Charente South and Dordogne West)Valerie Wareham: 06 43 67 86 11 [email protected]
Chabrelle Computer ClubCharlie Nott: La Roche Chabrelle24320 St Just 05 53 90 50 39
Centre de Golf BergeracoisPhilippa Thornton: 05 53 58 87 [email protected]
Dordogne Clubs and Associations
A&S Self Storage would like to helpease your way across the water. Thecompany offers short- and long-term quality storage to provide a‘staging post' during the sometimesstressful buying and selling process.
George and Diana Pelly foundedthe company more than 17 yearsago, basing their service on theprinciples of customer care andvalue. With a military background,they had experienced the highs andlows of international house movesand brought empathetic knowledgeto their business.
Increasingly, they have found theirstorage facilities in Dover are ideallysited to help people relocatebetween England and the Continent- in either direction. They have builtup a number of links with removalfirms who will transport the contents of large houses down to
single items.“Often, goods can be carried as a
'return load', thus saving on thecost,” said George.
When planning the 'house movecampaign', consideration of the fol-lowing may be helpful:� Prior to marketing of the
property, it is often a good idea tode-clutter and spring clean;� During the viewing stage,
valuable items can be stored;� French notaires and British
lawyers operate to different rules,which can create delays, causing an unexpected requirement forinstant storage;� The ideal new home may not be
immediately available - storage cangive breathing time and space; � The new home may require
some decoration or refurbishment;� All storage is in secure, self-
contained private rooms to whichonly the customers hold the key.
As well as those on the move, bothFrench and British small businessesstore goods with A&S Self Storagetaking advantage of easy access tothe port of Dover and fast roadlinks to the M25.
There is also 24/7 access availableto help customers needing to movegoods outside office hours.
Visitors are very welcome duringthe long opening hours - so that individual requirements can be discussed face to face - and thestaff are always pleased to meet newand existing clients.
More information detailing thecompany’s storage facilities andservice can be found on the website.
www.doverstorage.co.uk+44 1304 822844
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Relocation! Relocation! Relocation!Are you moving between England and France?A&S Self Storage can help the process, reducingthe pressure and your costs
Storage is in secure, self-containedprivate rooms
“Often, goods can be carried as a ‘return load’, thus saving on the cost
George Pelly runs Dover-basedA&S Self Storage
Passengersvisit to staywith familyTHE results of a seven-yearstudy by the EconomicChamber of Commerce inthe Dordogne into passengertrends at Bergerac Airporthave been published.
Almost 8,000 passengerswere questioned about theirreasons for coming to thearea, where they stayed andwhat they did. The surveyfound that the majority ofpeople are here on holidayand are increasingly stayingwith friends or family, to thedetriment of gîtes, B&Bs,hotels and campsites. Thiswas prompted by the boomin second-home ownershipbetween 2002 and 2007.
As a result of this develop-ment and the ongoing reces-sion, visitors are spendingquite a bit less during theirholiday, although this islargely compensated by a sig-nificant increase in theamount of taxes paid by resi-dents, second-home ownersand visitors. These samehome-owners admitted thatthe existence of the airportand the routes providedgreatly influenced theirchoice in settlement area.
April was a record monthfor passenger figures (+48per cent from 2010) since theairport opened in 2002 and ifthis trend continues through-out 2011, the airport will beable to confirm its place asthe main economic generatorin the region. The full sum-mary of the report can befound on the Chamber ofCommerce’s website.
POLE EMPLOI JOBSCAR SALES PERSON, Boulazac, Job offer no:871076L, Permanent contract. Must have atleast 4 years experience in sales of luxuryitems in this case luxury cars. Must have yourown car. Fixed salary plus commission andbonuses. 35H week. Send your CV and moti-vation letter including job offer number to:[email protected] TEACHER, Périgueux, Job offer no:903295L, Permanent contract. 50 hour con-tract of 2hour lessons twice a week. One toone teaching for person with elementary levelEnglish wishing to work on everyday lan-guage.Must have 1 - 3 years experience.Salary 16 to 17 Euros per hourWAITER/WAITRESS, Sainte-FFoy-dde-BBelves,Job offer no: 571236V, 2 month contract.Waiting in and setting up dining room and at
the bar. Experience preferred of at least twoyears. Minimum wage, 35H week
BACCHUSIMMOBILIER
recruitsFrance-based estate agency seeks repre-
sentatives for ALL regions of France. Carte Blanche Agent
Commercial Immobilier and generous(up to 70%) commission rates offered.
Contact Ivan Tredinnick.Tel: 00 33 (0)5 45 82 42 93Fax: 00 33 (0)5 45 36 27 95E: [email protected]: www.bacchus-french-property.com
Siret: 48034462100010
Directory 21www.dordogneadvertiser.comThe Advertiser, Dordogne July 2011
Make cash from your unwanted items. Classified adverts are FREE for private sales ofitems under �250. Place your advert via our website www.dordogneadvertiser.comCLASSIFIEDS
Caves & CastlesGuided Tours
with professional archaeologist Steve Burman
Lascaux II, Font de Gaume & more!www.cavesandcastles.com
[email protected]: 05 53 50 31 21 - 06 76 46 67 38
KANGAROO KARDSLeaps Ahead!
High QualityGreeting Cards300+ Designs
FREE DELIVERYin Europe
*Award Winning Website**Pay Securely Online**Outstanding Service*
*Money Back Guarantee**Many Exclusive Designs*
kangarookards.co.uk
OAKWOOD FLOORINGWide boards
Large stocks availablePrime & Character grades
Oiled & waxed finishesSpecial offersfrom 12 � / m²
www.oakwood-import.fremail: [email protected]
tel: 06 80 33 93 57siret 49426348
PAINT - BRAND NAMETop Quality Uk Emulsion White &
Magnolia 10LTS - Unbeatable PriceLocal Drop Off Points - Dept 24
Ring or Email for Further Details &Prices - Tel: 09 62 21 46 27/
06 78 17 47 53Email:[email protected]
U.K. WOODBURNERSAARROWYEOMANSTOVAX
VILLAGERFrance Agent - P.E.P Leisure Ltd
UK 08717174097FR 0553732521
www.pepleisure.comemail: [email protected]
Regions All France
Furniturefor France
A wide range of quality indoor furniture and sofas
supplied and delivered directto your French property saving
you time and money.New showroom
"Meubles New Ideas"near Brive(19) now open.
For full colour brochureplease e-mail
[email protected] or call 0033 (0) 6 46 49 73 45 or
0033 (0) 5 55 25 02 68www.furnitureforfrance.co.uk
WOODBURNERS.FRTraditional cast iron
multifuel and woodburningstoves. Option for fireback boilers on most
models. Delivered to yourdoor or installed. Also coal
now available.Contact us for renewableenergy air source pumps
to replace your gas oroil fired systems.See our website on
www.woodburners.frTel/fax or Email05 53 84 36 81
Mob 06 72 02 88 [email protected]
Siret no 45204687300017
FRENCH-MODE LtdClassic furniture
made in Italy by Retigritti- Anti-rust treated steel
outdoor Tables and Chairs- Natural quarry cut marble tables
with black cast iron legs, the typicalFrench Bistro and Cafe table.
Brian + Cheri Hewitt Lalinde Affaires
1 Rue Des Martyrs, Lalinde 24150Telephone: 05 53 57 54 06
Brian Mobile: 06 82 09 24 24Cheri Mobile: 06 48 42 04 93
www.french-mode.netemail: [email protected]
Loca PlastowTrading Since 2005
Tool & Plant HireFrom Diggers, Dumpers Rollers
To Small DIY ProjectsFloor Sanders - Rotavators
Scaffolding towers - Mixers
Tel: 05 53 83 40 67Email: [email protected]
D933 Between Eymet & MiramontSiret 483 433 264
DESIGNERDÉCOR
direct to the Dordogne- curtains, fabric, soft
furnishings, wallpaper- made to measure- delivered direct- top UK brands- competitive pricing- friendly, expert advice
www.fabricgallery.co.uk+44-1904-481101
www.magasinanglais.comBritish food, cards, baby products,
sweets at FANTASTIC PRICES;order online - FREE local delivery!
tel. number 06 45 36 64 90
SIMPLY BRITISHINDEPENDENT BRITISH GROCERS
Large range of food includingfresh/frozen. Plus books, greetings cards and gifts
Tel: 05 61 64 98 89Email: [email protected]
Web: simplybritish.frREGION: Shop 09, mail order throughout France
MOVINGTO OR FROM
FRANCE?Weekly services to
& from FranceFull or part loads, 4wks free storage,
25 Yearsexperience
Contact:Anglo French RemovalsTel: +44 (0) 1622 690 653
Email: [email protected]
Screen one1. Go onto the Pôle Emploi
website www.pole-emploi.fr2. On the home page the screen
is divided into red on the left for job seekers and green on the right for employers.
3. On the red section for job seekers click on the line "
Recherche4. Click Offres d'Emplois (Looking
for Job Offers) as shown by the green arrow above.
Screen two5. Click on Recherche
Avancée for advanced search following the green arrow.
Screen three6. Scroll down to the
heading Formation et langues, qualifications and languages and select anglaisas a search criterea to find jobs which require English
Adverts placed here appear in print in the Dordogne Advertiser and on our website
Adverts are FREE for any private individualwanting to sell an item under �250
www.dordogneadvertiser.com
To advertise in our Directory section call 0800 91 77 56 (free from French landline)
Prices start at �165HT for a year’s advertising in print and online
QUESTION : How do I find a job locally which needs an English-speaker?
French cover letterLAST month we looked at how to setout a French CV and what toinclude. This month we take a lookat cover and motivation letters.
PresentationIn France always put your details in
the top left hand corner and detailsof the company in the top right handcorner. Try to find out who toaddress the letter to for exampleMonsieur le Directeur.
Below the company's address to theright put the place you are writingthe letter from and the date, exam-ple: Paris, le 2 juillet 2011.
If replying to a job offer include thereference number under the date tothe left with the prefix Ref or Objet.
If you know you are writing to aman or woman open with CherMonsieur or Chère Madame, if youdon't know then put Madame,Monsieur
ContentLike in any other country this letter
needs to grab the attention of theemployer without being long wind-
ed, keep to the point and make whatyou are saying is clear. Show interestin the company, give good examplesof any relevant experience you havehad.
If you are sending in a cold-call let-ter - candidature spontanée, startagain by talking about the companyto show that you have done yourresearch and that you know aboutwhat business it is involved in.Follow this by a paragraph aboutyourself, why you're writing to them,the position you're looking for, yourqualities and experiences and whatyou can bring to the company. Thefinal paragraph should point outhow you are suited to the companyand it to you and offer to meet todiscuss further.
EndingIt is very important to end your let-
ter with the appropriate sentence orformule de politesse, there are sever-al different types which differdepending on who you are address-ing the letter to. The standard one touse is : Veuillez agréer [ ______ ],
l'expression de mes salutations dis-tinguées.
Where we have put the squarebrackets insert Madame if writing toa woman, Monsieur if writing to aman or Madame, Monsieur if you donot know who you are writing to.
Most good bilingual and Frenchbig dictionaries such as Le Robertand Collins carry models of varioustypes of letters and are well worthinvesting in.
Phot
o: ©
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22 Property The Advertiser, Dordogne July 2011
D I Y t i p sSponsored by
CC Auchan, 24650 Chancelade 05 53 02 29 20
www.leroymerlin-perigueux.frOuvert du Lundi au Samedi de 9H à 20H
DIY �Construction �
Decorating � Gardening
Making money fromyour property assets From renting out a room for the night to turning your home into a holiday let, there aremany ways to make money from your property, says Angela Giuffrida
A TREND that has emergedfrom the financial crisis is aburgeoning rental sector, withpeople making money onassets that are used only partof the time.
Whether you live in Francepermanently, have a secondhome, or even a spare roomor sofa-bed, letting yourproperty when it is not beingused could be a potentialmoney-spinner.
A number of websites havesprung up in recent yearswhich cater to people who arelooking for a room for thenight but who cannot - or donot wish to - pay hotel rates.One example isCrashpadder.com, which wasset up in the UK in 2009 andnow has rooms advertised inFrance from just �15 a night.
The so-called “couch-surf-ing” has also become a hipway for travellers to experi-ence the local culture withoutpaying over the odds. Couch-surfing.org has a list of 86,824hosts in France who rent outbeds for the night.
Both of those options areuseful for home owners whohave room to spare but do notwant long-term tenants.Tenant profiles on the web-sites give the landlords theopporunity to judge for them-
selves whom they wish toaccommodate.
Another option is taking ina long-term tenant. This hasthe added benefit that anyrental income is free fromFrench income tax, social
charges and business rates.However, there are rules
that need to be followed whenrenting out a spare room overthe long-term. One is that theroom must be furnished andbe the main home of the ten-ant. It must also be in themain home of the landlord.The tax exemption is alsosubject to the rent being “rea-sonable”, i.e. no higher thanthe maximum figure set eachyear. For example, the maxi-mum rent for a room outsideParis is �124 per m2, so ayear’s rental income for a30m2 room would be �3,720.
Another way to make use ofan empty home is to rent itout to holidaymakers.
Holiday lets are referred toas location de vacances, loca-tion saisonnière (seasonal let)or a meublé de tourisme (fur-nished tourist let). This isseparate from Gîtes andchambres d'hôtes.
A small house let as a loca-tion saisonnière might fetcharound �1,000 a week(depending on the location).
The amount you chargedepends on size, location andamenities. When settingprices, you can deal directlywith guests or use an agent.
Having your property classi-fied as a meublé de tourisme(official furnished tourist let)is a convenient way to makesure you follow rules correctlyas well as a cost-effective wayto find guests. If you make arequest for a listing to yourmairie or local tourist office,they will take you through thenecessary steps.
Checklist Let your local mairie know
you are doing a holiday let.Check with your home insurer that you are covered for other people occupying
your home. Decide on your rent per
day, how much advance pay-ment you want and how
much the deposit will be. Draft a contract — this could
be in English if you plan tomarket yourself exclusively toBritons; include a descriptionof the premises and an inven-tory of furniture and other
equipment. Advertise for guests. Make an initial contact
with the guest by phone. Exchange contracts by
post or email and take anadvance payment to secure
the letting period. Meet the guest and hand over
the key; take the remainingpayment; show them over theproperty. You and the guestshould both sign an inventoryof the furnishings. After thestay, check the premises andinventory; give back thedeposit if all is in order, oth-erwise agree a deduction forany damage.
Declare the income in yournext income tax return.
Even a sofa-bed can bring you extra income
Photo: © crashpadder.com
WHETHER used for a well-deserved rest while outgardening, or as a place to relax with a cup of tea and abook, garden benches are a much appreciated addition toany garden. There are many ready-made, elegant andbeautiful benches in the shops but they can be pricey sowhy not add a personal touch to your garden and makeyour own unique piece? Here are our ideas.Wine barrel bench
Old wine barrels are easy to get hold of and are not onlygood for turning into flower planters but can also make alovely countryside bench. Cut large barrels in half or keepsmall ones whole, place on top of a strong plank of woodwhich is then screwed to the barrels. If you want a largebench, place another barrel in the middle for support. Treatthe barrels and wood to prevent rot and water damage. Flower or herb bench
Take two large, sturdy ceramic flowerpots that are tallenough to make bench legs; wide-lipped and glazed onesare better as plain terracotta pots crack easily. For the seat,make a wooden frame with inner slats for strength andscrew to the frame slats of wood. Measure the inside diam-eter of the flower pots on a piece of cardboard and cut outa circle that is 4cm less in diameter than the measurementof the pot. Put the pots under the seat in the position youwould like them to be, place the cardboard template overeach pot on the seat and trace its outline on to the wood.Remove the seating and cut out the circles marked, thensand and treat the wood. Replace the seat over the pots,then fill pots with soil and plants, making a stunning andaromatic seating area.
Another way to make this kind of bench is to buy twosquare wooden planters and a wide, sturdy wooden shelf:fit the shelf to the sides of the planters using wooden shelfsupports and secure with screws. Stone bench
If you live near a quarry and fancy having a go at somesimple masonry, it is often possible to collect, for free, off-cuts of stone — but check beforehand to make sure youtake the stone from the right pile. Look for a couple oflarge pieces that can make the legs or base, as well as a flatpiece big enough to lay across the top for the seat. You willneed to enlist the help of friends or family to transport it,though, and make sure you get the position right beforeinstalling it as stone is difficult to shift alone once put intoplace.Log bench
If you are lucky enough to have some woodland, or youknow of somebody who does, create a rustic bench bycutting a log in half to make the legs, place on top of eitheran old wooden board, a flat piece of stone or anything youcan recuperate that makes a strong seat.Brick bench
When building a patio, raised flower or vegetable bed,why not edge them with a brick wall that is deep enough tobe used as seating as well. Not only is this practical but itcan add extra interest to the garden if they are made intodifferent shapes, such as curves, circles and squares.
Save money with your own creative flair
Photo:© m
aong - Flickr.com
Build your owngarden bench
Property 23The Advertiser, Dordogne July 2011
Buying or selling a property in or around Dordogne? We can help.
Our website www.connexionfrance.com carries detailsof more than 14,000 homes for sale across France.
We also feature properties for sale in this dedicated sec-tion of The Advertiser every month. Use the code under
each property tofind out more onthe website.
For sellers, the adverts are also displayed across a rangeof popular English-speaking websites which ensures theyare seen by thousands of potential buyers EVERY day.
Prices start at �119TTC for a year’s online advertising. Online advertisers can also place adverts in The
Advertiser for an extra �60TTC for one month, �150TTC forthree and �275TTC for six.
Contact us on 0800 91 77 56 (freephone in France) oremail [email protected]
More details on all these properties - and how to contact the sellerdirectly - can be found in the property for sale section of
www.connexionfrance.com Simply enter the code under each home to find out more
Houses for sale in and around Dordogne
PROPERTIES AROUND FRANCE
PROPERTIES IN DORDOGNE
The adverts above cost from just �179TTC for a whole year of web advertising and one edition of advertising in The Advertiser. 10,000 copies of The Advertiser are distributed at key points across department 24 including Bergerac
and Brive-Vallée de la Dordogne airports. Let our distribution get you a sale.Contact our sales team on 0800 91 77 56 (freephone in France) or email [email protected]
REF: NOUZET6210
�66,000
ENERGY RATING = Not given
NouzetThis property offers livingroom/kitchen(13m2) with aninglenook fireplace, diningroom(12m2), bedroom(21m2),cellar, shower room, toilet.
REF: FP-P831AC
�162,000
ENERGY RATING = Not given
St-Paul-la-RocheCharming property with garden.Private courtyard, house with 4 main rooms, small barn, wellcovered terrace and fenced garden area.
REF: IFPC20115
�205,000
ENERGY RATING = D
Saint-AulayeFarmhouse currently offers anincredibly sociable open-planspace for cooking, dining andliving. Beautiful wood burneroffers unrivalled cosiness andcomfort in winter.
REF: IFPC13229
�420,000
ENERGY RATING = Not given
Saint-AstierThis is a unique opportunity tobuy a very large, 6 bedroomedrestored 400 year old perigordinefarmhouse,with extensivegrounds,in an enviable hilltoplocation with stunning views.
New Consumption and Emission Chart- e.g. Energy rating C & F refers to C for Consumption and F for Emissions
REF: FPBH2196M
�212,000
ENERGY RATING = Not given
MonpazierThe property comprises: Livingroom with fireplace, fittedkitchen utility room, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, stonebarn, swimming pool 10m x 5mand terrace.
REF: IFPC18756
�115,000 Pontivy, MorbihanThis property would make anideal holiday home, first home orretirement property. It is available fully furnished, ready tomove in to and it is not overlooked.
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: 4832748
�150,000St-Bon-Tarentaise, SavoieCharming apartment with kitchenopen to large living room withfireplace and balcony, a bathroom, an alcove with 2 bunk beds, bedroom with balcony, bathroom.
ENERGY RATING = Not given
Guingamp, Côtes-d'ArmorThis nice house is set in 0.74 acresof superb woodland. There is afitted kitchen, a living room, 4 bedrooms, a bathroom and toilets. Includes an electrical heating system.REF: 36966
�180,200
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: JM2222
�300,000Bouglon, Lot-et-GaronneA lovely detached house in excellent condition offers,entrance, spacious lounge,equipped kitchen, double livingroom with fireplace, 2 bedrooms,bathroom and toilets.
ENERGY RATING = D
Uzès, GardStill 3 beautiful residences for salein a small project with 7 large,light homes. The houses are situated guaranteeing each othersprivacy. Each house has its owngarden.REF: IFPC15425
�375,000
ENERGY RATING = Not given
EleixStone and tiled property 100m2,built in 1800. The roof has beenreplaced and the property isstructurally in excellent condition. No water and electricity but close to the house.REF: ELEIX1517
�35,000
ENERGY RATING = Not given
REF: IFPC20934
�120,000Hérault, Languedoc-RoussillonThis home has two bedrooms anda toilet both upstairs and downstairs. It is sold fully furnished and equipped includingheaters, washer, fridge and freezer.It can accomodate six.
ENERGY RATING = Not given
Sponsored by
GardeningFacts
JARDILAND ROUTE D'AGEN BERGERACOPEN 7am-7pm05.53.63.54.70
BECAUSE of the unusually dry spring, with some parts ofFrance receiving less than half of the normally expectedrain, gardeners need to be proactive about water conserva-tion. France experienced the driest start to the year since1975, so gardens are already parched. However, much canbe done without resorting to the hosepipe. Mulching helpsto retain moisture in the soil and digging in compost willmake your soil more moisture-retentive. If you must waterwith a hose, do it in the early morning for maximumbenefit. Install a trigger nozzle on your hose and waterdeeply every few days instead of lightly every day: thisencourages the roots of plants to grow deeper and allowsthem to obtain more moisture from the soil. Break downthe single watering into several short sessions separated byseveral minutes, to enable the water to permeate the soilmore deeply.
The flower gardenTulip bulbs can be lifted now, as their foliage fades. Dry
them in an airy, shaded place and store for replanting inOctober/November. Autumn flowering crocus andcyclamen should be planted now. Dead-head annuals andborder plants to encourage fresh buds. Watch out forfungal problems, particularly on roses; they can beprevented by applying a systemic fungicide, or mix yourown organic substitute with one gallon of water, one table-spoon of baking soda and two and a half tablespoons ofvegetable oil.
Vegetable/fruit gardenLift early varieties of potatoes as needed or when top
growth begins to yellow. Rake out the empty potato plotand sow with a quick maturing crop such as early carrots(Nantes) or cabbage (Harbinger). Garlic and shallots can belifted as soon as their tops turn yellow: choose a warmsunny day and dry them outside before storing in a coolshed. Plant out seedlings of sprouting broccoli, Savoycabbages and cauliflowers for spring harvesting. Water out-door cucumbers, marrows and courgettes copiously duringdry spells. Summer pruning of apples and pears can begintowards the end of the month to admit more air and lightto the ripening fruit, but remember to leave shoots of themain stem and leading branches untouched.
HedgesTrim lonicera, privet hedges and cut back flowering
hedges such as buddleia and ceanothus as soon as theirflowers have faded. beech, box and cypress can be clippednow — after a rainy spell if possible!
LawnsCheck at your local mairie for water restrictions. In dry
weather, cut less closely and vary the direction.
Don’t water in one go — short sessions are better
Photo: © H
ervé Rouveure_Fotolia
Be defensivein a drought
REF: IFPC21026
�149,000PluviersLocated in Pluviers, Dordogne,this 3-bedroom property, built in2009 offers a large landsize(6000m2), and a beautiful 1100m2
pond.
ENERGY RATING = D and A
Bussière BadilFamily home comprising 3 hous-es set within 3+ acres of parklandwithin a small village offeringmany amenities and close topopular towns and lakes.
REF: IFPC21043
�385,000
ENERGY RATING = Not given
24 Profile The Advertiser, Dordogne July 2011www.dordogneadvertiser.com
Stick-up: getting ahead with the bread
LAURENT RENCY is a man with apassion. There is nothing thatpleases him more than being arm-deep in dough, kneading the mixturethat he will form into the baguettesthat have been judged the best in theDordogne.
The prize for the best baguette isone of the most sought-afteraccolades in the baking world,awarded each year during thenationwide Fête du Pain.
These are no ordinary baguettes,though. They must be baguettes detradition, which means that by lawthey must be mixed, leavened,kneaded and baked at theboulangerie. They must not containadditives, they must contain onlywheat flour, water, salt and yeast andthey must never have been frozen.
Mr Rency, who is a well-knowncharacter in Antonne, Périgueux, isnaturally tight-lipped about thesecret of his award-winning bread.It is simply a question of “a lot ofhard work and keeping a close eyeon the baking process,” he toldThe Advertiser.
The Fête du Pain judges keep aclose eye, too. For Mr Rency, as for
all the boulangers taking part, it isnot just a matter of presenting theirpièces de résistance on the day ofjudgement, but of surviving a year ofscrutiny of their artisanship.
After that process, a shortlist of
about 20 contenders is drawn up forthe final stage of the competition.
“I was delighted to win, but it wasdown to the hard work of all of theteam,” said Mr Rency. He is particu-larly pleased by the part played in
the victory by his 19-year-oldapprentice Florian Evrard. “He is asdeeply committed to making goodbread as I am myself,” Mr Rencysays proudly.
In his seven years as an artisan
boulanger he has been runner-upfour times in the Fête du Pain andhas won the competition oncebefore, in 2009. This year, Mr Rencybeat off stiff competition fromCédric Rivière, of Condat, andPatrick Durand, from Périgueux.
La Fête du Pain began in 1996under the initiative of Jean-PierreRaffarin, who at the time was theminister for small and medium-sizedenterprises, commerce and craft. Itcelebrates 150 years of the baguettein the form in which we know itnow, originally regulated by theEmperor Napoleon III in 1856. Thenit was decreed that the the iconicbread stick should measure between50 and 70 centimetres and weighbetween 240 and 300 grams.
To be judged a master of that hon-ourable tradition is quite something,but, of course, Mr Rency is not just atalented baker but also a business-man, and he knows that his successat the Fête du Pain makes a differ-ence to trade at the boulangerie.
“People in the community are veryproud to have a winning baker, so itdoes help with attracting customers,”he says.
The people of the Dordogne knowgood baking when they see and tasteit, because the area is something of acentre of excellence. Top internation-al chef Alain Ducasse has the breadfor his Michelin-starred restaurantsmade in the Dordogne — and Marks& Spencer’s “traditional English”scones are produced here, too. MrRency is among the elite.
Prize-winning bakerLaurent Rency, fromAntonne, features firstin a new Advertiserseries focusing on local personalities
Baked to perfection: Laurent Rency with his apprentice Florian, wife Katy and his champion baguettes
Phot
o: A
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d Lo
th, S
ud O
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