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Meet the chef who wowed Mitterrand

TOURISM leaders in the Dordogne are learning to adapt to holidaymakers’ changing habits and are doing more to appeal to non-English speak-ing visitors including the Germans and Italians, after results showed the industry experienced a difficult summer.

A strong performance in August – when campsites, chambres d’hôtes, hotels and gîtes were full – was not enough to make up for the season as a whole, and tourists to the area are staying for shorter periods and spending less.

The Dordogne’s director of tourism, Christophe Gravier, said the effects of the eco-nomic crisis were in evidence: “The high sea-son used to last from July 15 to August 15, but it seems to be getting shorter, spanning the very end of July up to mid-August.

“We notice that people go away more often – but for much shorter periods – say just a day or two. We also see a change in visitors from

abroad – fewer British, Dutch and Spanish – and more Germans, Swiss, Italians, Belgians and Americans.

“We did see a rise in gîte rentals, but we think that is because they were booked in advance.”

The Aquitaine tourist board surveyed 1,093 professionals and found that 57% were satisfied with the period from mid-July to the end of August, even though there were fewer visitors than in 2011 – but it was noted that both French and foreign visitors spent a lot less money.

In the Dordogne, professionals said that 78% of the French and 66% of foreigners were spending less than last year.

pUBlIShERS OF 95c ISSUE 44 octobEr 2012 News and What’s On information for the Dordogne and surrounding area

by JANE HANKS

3:HIKPLF=VUU^Z]:?a@k@e@e@k;M 05151 - 44 - F: 0,95 E

Turn to page 3

Elysée adventure becomes top film P24

Tough time for tourism prompts changes

A STUDy is being carried out to determine how many catfish there are in the river Dordogne – and to see how much damage they might be causing.

The species was introduced at the end of the 1980s by fishermen who love the chal-lenge of capturing the mon-ster fish which can grow to more than 2m long and weigh between 40 and 50kg.

The catfish (silures) have adapted well to the Dordogne – their numbers and weight are growing.

But this could be to the det-riment of the other fish that they feed on – particularly the endangered migratory species such as salmon and the shad.

Olivier Guerri, from Epidor, the public body which looks after the river and which is organising the study, said: “The primary threat to the migratory fish are the dams downstream near Bergerac and we are working with EDF to modernise and increase the number of fish lifts to allow them to move up river.

“But it is also important to find out what effect the cat-fish, a relatively new addition to our waters is having on our native fish population.”

Turn to page 2

New study into giantcatfishmenace

FREE sports day for over-55s P5

2 News Dordogne Advertiser October 2012

Help save our sanglierA FAMILY near Belvès who are looking after a wild boar in their garden have launched a campaign to keep the animal, after a court ordered that it must be given to a zoo or put down.

More than 250 people have helped by signing a petition – but Véronique and Philippe Layec expect their case will end up in a criminal court.

The couple found the baby sanglier last December in a pitiful state after it had been bitten by hunting dogs. They took it in to their home at Monplaisant and nursed it back to health and by May it was well.

They put the wild boar they have named Flora into a kennel and enclosure in the garden. As Ms Layec has a diploma in agriculture they decided to follow the correct procedures to enable them to adopt Flora and they were granted a pro-visional right to keep the animal.

They were very surprised to receive a summons to court in Sarlat – where Mr Layec, who has no relevant qualifications, was questioned rather than his wife – and was fined e150 for keeping a wild animal and asked to put Flora in a zoo.

However, Flora is not a pure wild boar, as she is crossed with a domestic pig and her feet are white, so no zoo was interest-ed in looking after her. The alternative is to have her put down.

Ms Layec said: “That is out of the ques-tion for us. We have tried to do everything properly and still we are put into this position.

“We have grown to care for Flora – and my seven-year-old daughter Morgane is now terrified that someone will come and take her away.’’

“We have refused to comply with the court order – and so we now expect to find ourselves in a criminal court. But we will fight this decision and have already set up a petition which has been signed by well over 250 people.”

The case follows a fight by another woman in the Dordogne who was finally allowed to keep her wild boar, Mimine, at her home at Veyrines-de-Vergt, after a

long battle in the courts.There is also the ongoing case of a fam-

ily from Gardonne who are trying to keep their fox, Zouzou. They are in court in Bordeaux for an appeal hearing on October 2.

It is illegal to look after a wild animal in your home – unless you have the author-ity to do so – which at present is difficult to obtain.

Véronique Layec and daughter Morgane are worried about losing Flora the wild boar

Dordogne Clubs and Associations

EMERGENCY NUMBERS18: Emergencies: Calls the fire brigade (Sapeurs Pompiers), but they deal with medical emergencies and are usually the first port of call in rural areas. 112: Emergency calls from your mobile: Be ready with your name and where you are calling from and do not hang up until told to do so. 17: Police (gendarmes) 119: Child abuse. 1616: Sea and lake rescue. 01 40 05 48 48: Anti-poison centre (Paris) 08 10 33 30 + your department number (eg 24 for the Dordogne): Gas & electrici-ty emergencies

UTILITIESFRANCE TELECOM Website in English: www.francetelecom.comTo report a fault online: www.1013.fr (click on the UK flag). English-speaking help-line: 09 69 36 39 00 (from France); + 33 1 55 78 60 56 (outside France). ORANGE: English-speaking helpline: 09 69 36 39 00. SFR: 1023 (+ 33 6 10 00 10 23 from outside France) FREE: 1044 BOUyGUES: 1034 EDF: 24 hour breakdown line: 08 10 33 30 87; Helpline in English: 05 62 16 49 08; From outside France: + 33 5 62 16 49 08; Email: simpleenergywithedf@edf.frGOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONSCAISSE D’ALLOCATIONS FAMILIALES - CAF: 50 Rue Claude Bernard, 24011 PERIGUEUX CEDEX; Tel: 08 10 25 24 10. L’ASSURANCE MALADIE (AMELI, for-merly known as CPAM – the health ser-vice): www.ameli.fr, Tel: 36 46 (Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm) English spoken. URSSAF: English-language site:www.anglais.urssaf.fr, Périgueux, 50 rue Claude-Bernard, 24022 Périgueux Cedex; Tel: 05 53 45 69 00. PREFECTURE: Services de l’Etat-préfecture, Cité administrative 24024 PERIGUEUX CEDEX Tel: 05 53 02 24 24; Email:prefecture@dordogne.gouv.fr

OTHER HELP IN ENGLISHCOUNSELLING IN FRANCE: for a quali-fied therapist near you or counselling over the telephone; www.counsellinginfrance.com SOS HELP: similar to the Samaritans, listeners who

are professionally trained; Tel 01 46 21 46 46; www.soshelpline.org. NO PANIC FRANCE: for help with anxiety disorders; Tel: 02 51 28 80 25;www.nopanic.org.ukALCOHOLICS ANONyMOUS: www.aafrancesud-ouest.com or call Ewen on 05 53 05 76 62 or Christine on 05 45 98 11 05. CANCER SUPPORT FRANCE: for advice and someone to talk to: www.cancersupportfrance.info, National Office email: cancersupportfrance@orange.fr, Tel: 05 45 89 30 05. CSF DORDOGNE EST/LOT: Margaret york: 05 65 22 96 37 or 06 35 90 03 41 (24 hrs); csfdoedognelot@yahoo.com CSF RIBERAC (CHARENTE SOUTH AND DORDOGNE WEST): Teresa Rekowska: 06 43 67 86 11; Email: csfriberac@gmail.com SOLDIERS, SAILORS, AIRMEN AND FAMILIES ASSOCIATION FORCES (SSAFA): In France: 05 53 01 64 54; Email: france@ssafa.org.uk. AVF: help with integration into French life; www.avf.asso.frASSOCIATION FRANçAISE DES SOLOS: Monthly meetings after divorce, bereavement or separation. Social events for members. Corinne: 05 53 22 68 52 (evenings); or Claire: 05 53 08 55 13 (evenings); Email: afs.bergerac@orange.fr; www.asso-des-solos.frBRITISH CONSULATEAddress: 353 Boulevard du President Wilson 33073, Bordeaux Cedex; Tel + 33 5 57 22 21 10; www.ukinfrance.fco.gov.uk/enENGLISH-LANGUAGE RADIORadio Liberté 91.6 Mhz, based in Riberac, Dordogne, broadcasts an English-language radio show with news in English from Monday to Friday at 12:15 and at 19:30. It also airs a live English program every Friday from 12:30 to 14:30. Online streaming available. OTHER INFOyELLOW PAGES: www.pagesjaunes.frSPEAKING CLOCK: 3699. WEATHER: 08 92 68 02 + dept. number. LAST INCOMING CALL ON yOUR PHONE: 3131, then ‘5’ if you wish to connect.

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Food and Pets 15Directory 16-19Home and Garden 20-21Property and Finance 22-23

CONTACT us

Contents

With a story, email: dordogne@connexionfrance.com (please include a daytime contact number)With a subscription or advert query call: From France: 0800 91 77 56 (freephone) From UK: 0844 256 9881 (4p per minute) or by email: sales@connexionfrance.comThe Advertiser is published by: English Language Media Sarl, Le Vedra, 38 rue Grimaldi, 98000 Monaco.Directrice de la publication: Sarah Smith.

Printed at Nice-Matin: 214 Route de Grenoble, 06290 Nice Cedex 3. Environmental policyThe Advertiser is printed on recycled newspaper, using a printing company which adheres to stringent regulations to reduce pollution.Mensuel Depôt légal – a parution ISSN: 2226-9525 CPPAP: 0413 I 91324 Encart abonnement sur une diffusion partielle.

Read the Advertiser online at www.dordogneadvertiser.com

Anglican Church of Aquitaine Services: Bertric Burée, Chancelade, Limeuil Haut, Ste Nathalène and Sorges, also in 47, 33. Chaplain Revd Dr Paul Vrolijk 05 53 23 40 73 aquitainechaplain@gmail.com

Association Culturelle Franco-Anglaise Aquitaine From French lessons to bridge, plus monthly social get-togethers. - www.acfaa.com

Association Culturelle Internationale du Périgord ACIP aims to promote integration. Lycette Schouten Hoogendyk: 05 53 29 27 96 louisa.schoutenhoogendyk@orange.fr www.acip24.com

Bergerac Photo Club Meets Wed at 20.30, Maison des Associations, Place Jules Ferry, Bergerac. photoclub-bergerac@orange.fr www.photoclub-bergerac.com

Bibliothèque Anglaise Meyrals English books and DVDs. Mon 14.00 to 16.00 and Wed 10.00 to noon in 24220 Meyrals. Em Boiling: 05 53 30 30 23 bibliotheque.anglaise@gmail.com

Chabrelle Computer Club Charlie Nott: La Roche Chabrelle 24320 St Just Tel: 05 53 90 50 39

Centre de Golf Bergeracois Philippa Thornton: 05 53 58 87 18 centredegolfbergeracois@orange.fr

Golf Public de Périgueux 05 53 53 02 35 golfpgx@wanadoo.fr www.golfdeperigueux.com

The Interesting Gardening Club Jane Evans: 05 53 91 34 96 carolawt@aol.com www.theinterestinggardeningclub.org

From page 1Mr Guerri added: “We have called in local professional and amateur fishermen to help us by marking and measuring every catfish they catch before letting it back into the water.

“They also try to find out what they have eaten – which they can do by actually put-ting their hands into the fish’s stomach. So far we have marked 200 of the species – and only two have been caught twice, which indicates that there are a lot of them around. Next year we will put small transmitters on some of them so we can get even more information.”

They have found examples along the length of the river – but are particularly interested in the areas near to the dams.

Mr Guerri said: “We have caught catfish on video foot-age lying in wait at the top of the fish lift for an easy meal.

“When they are seen they are immediately trapped and thrown downriver – but it needs a constant presence to monitor them.

“We hope that this study will show us a little more about their habits.

“We will never be able to rid the river of their presence – I honestly think it would be easier to get rid of one of the dams – but in understanding them better maybe we can reduce any negative impact they may have on the river’s ecosystem.”

Researchers to place transmitters on giant fish

www.dordogneadvertiser.com

A DORDOGNE fruit and veg grower is confident that he is in with a good chance of once again winning the heavi-est pumpkin prize at a France-wide com-petition this month.

Fabrice Boudyo, from Carsac-de-Gurson near Villefranche de Lonchat, is entering this 643kg specimen, which has already beaten the record set by himself in 2007 at 553kg. The competition at the annual Fête de la Citrouille takes place at La Mothe Achard in the Vendée on October 7.

Last year Mr Boudyo – an irrepressible enthusiast for growing “the biggest” – won the prize for the longest squash at 2.95m and the year before that he produced the heaviest tomato in Europe – at 2.3kg.

He started in 2002: “I am passionate about growing big veg. It is just so incredi-ble to watch them grow. You can actually see them expanding and they grow at an amazing speed. This year I took daily measurements and for one week the pumpkin put on 23kg a day. I find that completely fascinating – it’s magical.”

But it needs more than the flick of a magic wand to get it to that size: “I start preparing the land in the autumn and

put a great deal of organic matter into the ground. I use seeds which produce a giant variety and I planted them on April 4. I have been looking after my pumpkin every day. I only use organic fertilisers. I find liquid nettle (purin d’ortie) very effective.

“This year my pumpkins were in an agricultural plastic tunnel and thank goodness as the vegetables grown out-side have not been very successful. Surprisingly they don’t need a massive amount of water – I use a drip method which runs at night so no water is lost in evaporation.

“It’s been a difficult year – very warm in March, cold in April, not much sun in July, a very hot August. My competitors say things haven’t gone well for them – so I’m hoping that I have produced a winner.”

He added: “In days gone by farmers grew huge pumpkins deliberately to feed them to their pigs. This variety was for animal rather than human consumption. So I don’t think I’ll eat it – instead I hope to exhibit mine in a number of autumn fairs, as long as it doesn’t start to rot first.”

Dordogne Advertiser October 2012 News 3

UK doctors are welcome to help ease shortagesDoctors and other medical professionals from the UK would be more than welcome to come and set up in the Dordogne, says the organisation battling to fill empty health centres.

At present there is less than one GP per 1,000 inhabitants and the department has just 386 in 2012, down from 425 in 2008.

Doctors’ average age is 54 and if they all retire at 65, the Dordogne will have lost more than a quarter of its GPs by 2015 and 54% by 2021. the areas most affected are the Périgord Vert and Bergerac.

there is also a shortage of dentists, physiotherapists, ophthalmologists and other specialists, with about 40% less per number of inhabitants than in the rest of France.

the cPAM (Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie) has brought in a number of measures to help and project leader Nelly Dausse says doctors who come to work will be well looked after.

she said: “As well as providing the doctor with back-up we will make sure the rest of his or her family are welcomed as well. For example, we will put a husband or wife in contact with the right people so that they can find work too. Local mayors will assist in finding them somewhere to live.

“If someone comes from abroad – and we have romanian, Bulgar-ian, Greek and spanish staff now, we will help with French lessons.

“If anyone wants to come from Britain we would be absolutely de lighted; especially with the links that the Dordogne has with the UK.”

there are also financial incen-tives. A new doctor setting up in private practice in an area short of medical staff can expect to receive start-up aid of e5,000 – with a bonus of 10% of their earnings – up to e20,000 – at the end of the first year.

this is halved if the doctor joins

one of the new fully equipped health centres being developed.

Ms Dausse said: “these centres are a very important development because they mean the GP won’t feel isolated – something which puts people off from coming here. Eight centres have been built recently with nine more planned.”

the cPAM has created a site at www.soignerenperigord.fr and visited Bordeaux university to show the department’s advantag-es. Ms Dausse said: “We made lots of useful contacts – and were surprised to be on national tV and radio – but at least people got to know that there are plenty of jobs here.”

Terrasson gets church revamp

sAINt-sour church in terrasson has reopened after a restoration programme last-ing six years and costing about e2million. the church, which overlooks the town, is a rare example of the gothic style in a department where the roman style is more common. Nearly all parts of the building benefited from work by artisans specialising in ancient techniques.

Photo: Père Igor/Wikim

edia

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Fabrice all pumped up for giant pumpkin prize

Retirement chalets aim for family feelA ProjEct to provide new-style housing for the elderly is being looked at with interest by several communes in the Dordogne.

châlet résidences already has plan-ning permission in four areas and hopes to begin building in Brantôme this autumn. other communes are looking at the plans.

the idea is to provide six chalets on each site with a guardian family in each and room for six to 12 residents. Its aim is to be less institutional than a classic retirement home and it also hopes to attract British clients by hav-

ing some bilingual staff. Project manager sylvie Martinez

said: “When my father could no longer live on his own I found it very difficult to find suitable care for him.

“the best solution was in a famille d’acceuil structure where an elderly person is looked after in a family home – but it is hard to find places.

“so in his memory I wanted to find a way of giving people a more digni-fied solution and allowing them to live with other people in small struc-tures – and with a family so that there are different generations in the

living area. Each will also have an organic garden which the residents can help with.”

so far trélissac, champagnac, condat and Brantôme have already given consent to a chalet project.

Brantôme deputy mayor claude Martinot said: “We welcome this. It falls within our aims of keeping peo-ple in a home environment for as long as possible rather than putting them into an institution. If they were able to provide for British residents as well it would be perfect.”

Each resident would rent their

room. someone would be on call 24//7 and the centre would work with the mairie who would provide the midday meal as in the classic public retirement homes.

Ms Martinez said it would be acces-sible for people with modest incomes.

she added: “We would be working with the state so that there could be help for an individual to stay in our chalets, just as in the famille d’accueil structures.

“It is a new way of caring for our aging population and we are looking forward to putting it into practice.”

Germany is top priority for Sarlat From page 1Alain Lebon, the president of an association of 200 chambres d’hôtes in the Périgord Noir, said: “We were full in August but that didn’t make up for a very poor season the rest of the time. All my members complain it is becoming more and more difficult as people stay just one night which makes a lot more work for us, changing sheets and working out bookings. Members report overall they are down between 8% and 20% this year.”

campsites said that after the bad weather in May, june and the first half of july things picked up. Gé Kusters, head of the sDHPA (Syndicat Dép­artemental de l’Hôtellerie de Plein­air) said: “In high sea-son we saw the same amount of campers as last year so it made up for a poor start.”

one of the most visited areas – the Périgord Noir with sarlat, Beynac, roque Gageac and castelnaud – reported doing very well.

sarlat tourist office director Bouahlem rekkas said: “tourism remains healthy. there was a bad beginning to the season with bad weather and the presidential elections, but August was excellent – maybe not as good as 2011 which was exceptional – but on a parallel with 2010 and 2009 which were very good.

“We have new accommoda-tion at sarlat with room for 600 more tourists and there was no problem filling them. We are perhaps fortunate that our kind of tourism attracts a clientele which has main-tained a certain income level.

“We are particularly working to attract the German market as we see more of them in sarlat – and we have devel-oped a website in German.”

Fabrice Boudyo hopes to win with this 643kg pumpkin

Nelly Dausse will welcome UK doctors

www.dordogneadvertiser.com

4 News Dordogne Advertiser October 2012

A SpOt Of HiStOry

If you go into Sarlat via the hill road bordering Vézac and the neighbouring commune of Vitrac, you pass a spot called Peyrelevade (meaning “raised stone”), where you will see what is unmistakably a prehistoric dolmen.

The presence of this megalith (as old as the Egyptian pyramids) has resuscitated some ancient superstitions, because the locals know it as La Pierre du Diable (The Devil’s Stone) believing firmly that it was used as an altar for human sacrifices. Just visible on the flat stone is what appears to be the shape of a hand. As recently as the 19th century, according to one historian, this convinced the villagers that “the Dark Angel imprinted his five fingers here before the flood.”

Evidently, alas, it was not magic enough for them to know that the dolmen con-firmed the heights of Vézac to have been inhabited some 4,000 years ago by people who were already sufficiently advanced to attach ceremony to the burial of their dead.

Still older is the Grotte du Roc, at a site called La Croze. Listed over nearly 130m in this corridor-like cavity are numerous

signs, sometimes in slight bas-relief, coloured “pointings” and, above all, the outline of two hands ringed in red or black. They have been dated at between 30,000 and 20,000 BC. As a precaution, the public is not allowed access to the site.

If you are up to it physically, however, you could get some slight consolation by clambering to a fault halfway up the Malartrie cliffs, where shards have been discovered that have been dated to the late Bronze Age (from 1200 to 800 BC). Experts are still arguing as to whether this narrow perch was a lookout post or a burial chamber.

from a bilingual guide to Vézac, pub-lished by the périgord

Heritage association. Others in the series include guides

to La roque-Gageac, Beynac and Carsac-Aillac. Copies of the Vézac booklet (5) can

be obtained from: Mairie, Le Bourg, 24220 Vézac.

Stone as old as the pyramids

Bas-relief and outline of hand, of unknown significance

Phot

o: F

lore

nt B

rous

se

Photo: Andrea Polato

Did you know?

THE DoRDoGNE is a department which is especially rich in bats, with 24 of the 34 species present in france living here – the most common being the horseshoe and pipistrelle bats.

The 10,000 or so underground caves, cavities and quarries make ideal living quarters for them. Nevertheless, they are an endangered species, protected by law and their numbers are dimin-ishing, even in the Dordogne. There are fewer insects – which make up their diet – fewer hedgerows, renova-tion of old buildings, use of pesticides in the fields and the Conservatoire d’Espaces Naturels (CEN) has found whole colonies destroyed in the department by pure acts of vandalism.

Research is being carried out to pro-tect them and to promote this often misunderstood and sometimes feared flying mammal.

Nolwen Quèro, who works for the CEN in the Aquitaine has been studying them for the past ten years. She says: “This summer my colleague and I car-ried out an extensive study around Domme where there are several colo-nies. We even put posters in shops ask-ing people to contact us if they had them in their home. We need to monitor the bat population to see exactly how it is faring. Its existence is very important to the balance of our ecosystem.”

She says bats have a bad reputation that she wants to change: “People say

that they will fly into your hair and get tangled up – that they are like vampires and frightening – but really they are completely harmless and inoffensive. I find them fascinating because they are so different from other animals. They have a very particular life-cycle and only have one baby a year – which makes their population fragile. They are a great help to us because they eat insects – they love mosquitoes.”

Bats are very vulnerable in the sum-mer when they are reproducing and in the winter when they hibernate. Disturbing them could kill them. An SOS Chauve-Souris service has been set up so that people can ring to find out what they can do if they find bats in their house. This could be particularly useful if you want to renovate a barn or building which hosts a colony.

Ms Quèro adds: “We can give advice about how to move bats – though it is very difficult to do so. It is often bet-ter to work in the winter when many of these creatures move from build-ings into caves for hibernation.”

The group is visiting schools, holding “bat evenings” and working with the departmental council, for example, to make sure they are consulted before doing work on bridges. In 2013 it is hoped there will be a regional plan to put more money into preservation.

n SOS Chauve-Souris: 05 53 81 39 57

Bats: vulnerable and often misunderstood

pipistrelle (above) and horseshoe (below) are most common bat types

Photo: Nolw

en Quèro

DORDOGNE writer, broad-caster and journalist Michael Jacobson, who wrote the A Spot of History column for The Dordogne Advertiser, has died at the age of 89.

He was a very well-known figure in La Roque Gageac where he moved when he retired in 1990. Mr Jacobson said his time in France was the happiest of his life and he continued writing, working on a series of bilingual guides produced by the Périgord Heritage Association.

The latest was published shortly after his death and is an accessible read about La Boétie, the great writer and philosopher from Sarlat.

Romain Bondonneau, who wrote the French part of the guides, said: “He was loved and appreciated by everyone. He was very intelligent and very kind.”

Mr Jacobson had worked as a journalist all his life, starting as a runner for court reporters in London at the age of 16.

He went on to work for the BBC World Service, worked as

the Paris correspondent for the Continental Daily Mail and was foreign editor for The Sunday Citizen. He leaves a daughter, granddaughter and many friends.

Mr Jacobson’s latest guide, La Boétie et Sarlat, is available in the series Les Petits Guides Périgord Patrimoines.

Michael Jacobson: ‘He was intelligent and very kind’

tributes topopular localhistory writer

Photo: Jeffdelonge/WIkim

edia

www.dordogneadvertiser.com

A sports day for the over-55s is to be held this month and expects to attract people from all over the department.

It has become an annual event which last year attracted 2,200 senior citizens. the whole day is free, includ-ing activities, health tests, a midday organic meal and a bus service from all corners of the Dordogne. the event takes place at trélissac, near périgueux, and is organised and fund-ed by the departmental council.

the aim is to introduce people to the range of sports on offer to them in the local area, from rowing and archery to golf.

Council president Bernard Cazeau said there was a strong motivation to encourage sport among the older members of the community: “In the Dordogne, 34% of the population is over 55 and we know that sport allows people to live better and keep fit.

“At retirement a new life begins and sport can become a part of that. It is also a way of meeting new people and fighting the loneliness that affects many older people.”

More than 40 activities are on offer

including yoga, climbing, tennis, nor-dic walking, gymnastics, dance, swim-ming and even scuba diving. All are activities which can be taken up on an ongoing basis afterwards.

Linda Lewis, France’s national coach for the International Nordic Walking Federation, said she was thrilled when 200 people signed up for her sport at last year’s event.

“It really is a great day out, when people can try loads of activities,” she said. “Nordic walking is particularly popular with the over-50s and has lots of benefits for that age group. It can be geared to different fitness levels and anyone can have a go at this year’s sports day.”

there are also health workshops ranging from memory tests, blood pressure and lung capacity checks to nutritional advice and first aid tips. the day starts at 10.00 and there are pick-up points for special buses in 37 towns to get people there on time.

It is essential to reserve a place which can be done by filling in a bro-chure to be found in sports associa-tions, ringing the departmental coun-cil on 05 53 45 40 20 or visiting the website: http://sports.cg24.fr

Dordogne Advertiser October 2012 News 5

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Free sports day aims to keep seniors activeby JANE HANKS

Last year’s event attracted 2,200 senior citizens, taking part in 40 sports

Relief at OKfor hospital recovery planstHErE is relief at sarlat Hospital after a new plan to balance its books was accepted by the regional health authori-ty. A first plan drawn up to claw back the e1.8m deficit had been thrown out and there were fears that if the second one was rejected the hospital would be put under a tempo-rary administration order. the loss is due to a drop in the number of patients. the hospi-tal had hoped to have until 2016 to put its house in order but has now introduced new measures with a 2013 deadline. Director Christophe Marilesse said he believed it could be done without job losses.

Périgueux bids for revamp cashtHE mayor of périgueux, Michel Moyrand, is lobbying government health officials to put up the e70m needed to finance the second part of the hospital’s restoration pro-gramme. the first phase cost e100m and led to the creation of new wards and other ser-vices. It is hoped that money will be released to replace the 1950s unit which houses 240 beds with a new building. Mr Moyrand said he was reasona-bly optimistic for a positive response – but was not expecting a reply until 2013.

New lycée for Bergerac pupilsA NEW e40m professional lycée is planned for Bergerac. It will have room for 360 pupils and will train them for jobs in agricultural machin-ery maintenance, electronics and the boiler-making indus-try. It will be an “energy-posi-tive” school which means that it will be designed to produce more energy than it con-sumes. Work is due to start next April and it should be open in september 2014.

Teachers’ strike hits the rentréetHE new school term began with a teacher strike in Bergerac. staff at Eugène-Le-roy collège were protesting at the decision to cut a class in troisième – the final year of collège. teachers said it meant that they would have 30 pupils per class which they claim is too many. they had the sup-port of many of the parents. the education authorities say they are doing the best they can with available resources.

Youth studyin PérigueuxpérIguEux has launched a study into the activities and habits of young people in the town so it can adapt its services accordingly. the study covers issues such as employment, training and career prospects. Fifteen to 29-year-olds repre-sent a quarter of the popula-tion and the town will present the results in December together with its plans.

A NEW concept in gaming has been developed by a com-pany based in périgueux which aims to reinvent classic group boardgames for the tab-let computer age.

the idea is a large touch-screen table for up to eight players which could rival the classic table football-type entertainment in restaurants, airport waiting areas and other public places.

Dreamtronics chief executive patrick Louvel said the compa-ny was the first to sell this type of game: “We have spent the last two years developing this idea which involves allowing a number of people to use a touchscreen at the same time.

“our games are aimed at six to 12-year-olds and provide a different, electronic way of playing board games. It is like a giant ipad.

“More than one person can already play games together on a Wii – but the experience here is different because they are gathered together round a table and don’t have separate consoles. It’s a modern way of playing classic games.”

the company has 10 employees and research and development is carried out at offices in Angoulême, while production and communica-tions is based in périgueux.

A table costs around e8,000 which Mr Louvel said was not expensive for such a unit. there are 10 to 15 games on one table.

He says that museums have also shown interest in the potential of these giant touch-sensitive tables, which could provide multimedia information for several visi-tors at the same time.

Périgueux company takes boardgamesonto touchscreens

The giant touchscreens can be used by up to eight people

Photo: Dream

tronics

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6 National News Dordogne Advertiser October 2012

Citizens would get EU right to votecitizens in every eU state would have equal rights to vote in the country in which they choose to settle – and equal responsibilities to pay tax there under a plan by a leading French economist to “put in place a real status of european citizenship”.

Jacques Attali, who chairs an independent think-tank set up by the sarkozy government to look at French growth and reform, has also called for a single eU-wide passport.

He said it would give the holder access to all the rights of a national in their member state, including voting in pres-idential and parliamentary elections, provided they lived there for more than 10 years.

Same-sex weddings law ‘by early 2013’A neW law to be tabled this month will give homosexual couples the right to get mar-ried and to adopt. it could become law early in 2013.

Justice Minister christiane taubira, the justice minister,

was fulfilling a campaign promise by President Hollande and said: “We are well aware of the philosophi-cal and anthropological dimensions around marriage but we feel that they should not break the rule of equality.”

the law would extend the rights of marriage, kinship and parentage to same-sex couples and open up adoption either individually or as a

couple. However, they will not have the right to artificial fer-tility treatment (PMA) and the government has main-tained the ban on surrogacy.

Austerity drive linked to job creation planA tWin attack of an austerity budget and action to create jobs is President Hollande’s aim for the next two years. He

told tF1 that his government was in “battle mode” to get France back on track with his main targets being the nation-al debt and joblessness.

it means a tough time ahead as the “recovery agenda” would see e30 billion of taxes and spending cuts.

the debt would be reduced through a e10bn cut in public spending next year with every ministry apart from educa-

tion, security and justice being hit; e10bn from “large companies” through increased taxes and social charges, and e10bn from the ordinary tax-payer - and “especially better off households”.

Jobs would be created with a state-subsidised “generation contract” to get companies to hire young workers and the employment of 60,000 more staff in schools.

Oldest nuclear plant to be closed downPResiDent Hollande has said France’s oldest nuclear power plant, at Fessenheim in Alsace, will close in 2016.

He told a Paris environmen-tal conference he wanted to reduce the country’s depend-ency on nuclear power and said he wanted it cut from the present 75% to 25% by 2025.

this means a major increase in renewable energy supply and he said appeals for new wind and solar projects would be launched later this year.

He has also rejected seven bids to drill exploration wells for shale gas, citing communi-ty fears on water pollution.

More on these articles - and hundreds more - can be found at www.connexionfrance.comJust place a keyword search and click! UPDATED DAILY

Arnault foundation could save 37% taxFRencH tycoon Bernard Arnault, the head of the LVMH luxury goods group, has set up a Belgian founda-tion which could help his children pay minimal inher-itance tax after he dies.

Arnault, France’s richest man with a e32billion for-tune, recently announced he had applied for Belgian nationality and the Protect-invest foundation could let him pass on billions of inher-itance with no or little tax. His heirs could pay 3% instead of 40% in France.

New Lascaux caves facsimile is dropped BUDGet cuts could halt e50million plans for a giant facsimile of the Lascaux caves in the Dordogne.

culture Minister Aurélie Filippetti said the Lascaux 4 plan near Montignac was not a priority. it was hit along with unbudgeted cul-tural projects from the pre-vious government – total-ling almost a billion euros.

Bernard cazeau, leader of Dordogne conseil général, said the plan was a Unesco-backed bid to stop damage to the 17,000-year-old paint-ings - and would go ahead.Bulls and horses depicted in the Lascaux paintings

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Dordogne Advertiser October 2012 News 7

Photos show how Sarlat led the way in town restoration

This year sees the 50th anni-versary of a law which trans-formed sarlat from a crum-bling, decrepit example of urban decay to the restored, historic town centre which attracts thousands of tourists.

To celebrate the anniversary, an exhibition of photos of old sarlat and the restoration is at La Maison de La Boétie from October 2 to November 9.

sarlat inspired the 1962 Loi Malraux and it changed the future of the town. Without it, the ancient buildings may have crumbled away – or, as was the fashion then, demol-ished to make way for new, modern structures – and today’s beautiful centre could have disappeared.

André Malraux was Culture Minister at the time and said the law had two aims: “to con-serve our architectural herit-age and improve living and working conditions ”.

in the post-war period many towns in France were in a bad way as the country struggled to recover and sarlat was no exception. The ancient build-

ings were falling into disrepair and living conditions were poor. hardly any had bath-rooms or toilets and many were without running water.

The heavy stone lauze-tiled roofs were damaged and extremely dangerous and many windows had been blocked up for tax purposes.

There was a large population – around 1,300, nearly twice as many as today – but the buildings were suffering from neglect. New attitudes on the

quality of living conditions meant people wanted light and air and open public spac-es rather than the dark and damp confined spaces of the ancient medieval city centres.

The fashion was to destroy and rebuild – not to restore.

The Loi Malraux went against this but even before it, people had begun to realise sarlat held great architectural riches and some were already classed historic monuments before the second World War.

in the first half of the 20th century, film makers had already recognised its excep-tional beauty. The first film was made in sarlat in 1928: Le Capitaine Fracasse by Alberto Cavalcandi, followed by four others in the 1940s.

At the same time, a group of literary men began to be interested in the town’s herit-age. They managed to get funds to begin restoration.

in all, 42 buildings were list-ed and the state helped pay to restore public buildings such as the cathedral and sainte-Mairie church.

One member of the heritage group, henry de ségogne, worked for the government in Paris and had a holiday home here - it is thought he influ-enced Mal raux to create the law – and perhaps even wrote it. The sarlat building were the inspiration behind regulations that would change many

of France’s historic city centres.it was not just the façades

that were to be upgraded – but also the streets themselves and the buildings’ interiors.

standards used here were those applied to new council houses – hLMs – which meant each household was to have a bathroom, electricity, heating and running water.

A third of the cost of the restoration was paid by the state and owners could get a low-cost loan at 5% over 20 to 30 years for the rest. Work in sarlat began in 1964 – at around the same time as the law was also applied to Lyon, Avignon, Troyes and Le Marais in Paris.

however not everyone was happy. Many of those living in the centre of sarlat were elderly and their families had lived there for generations.

They had to move out dur-ing the works and not all of them returned – not adjusting to the change even though rentals were kept at the coun-cil housing rates of the time.

in a TV documentary, one elderly resident was asked whether she would be happy to have a bathroom at last: “Ah, we don’t need a bath-room. We’re too old. We won’t know how to use it. We don’t understand what it is.”

Another man, whose father and grandfather had lived there before him, was not at

all pleased he had to move out during the works: “i want to stay in my home”, he said.

some people complained they were not kept informed – and there was confusion about what would happen to their homes – but the works were obligatory and if you lived in an area designated as a secteur sauvegardé, you were required as an owner to restore your building. Not everyone could afford it and some had to leave.

it was an enormous upheav-al with works all over the town as buildings were restored and streets repaved after lighting was put in.

But in the first 5 to 6 years, 40 buildings had been restored – and the works continued into the early 1970s.

social and economic life was boosted with the creation of new lodgings, shops and pub-lic spaces and tourism rapidly increased as word spread about sarlat’s attractiveness.n The exhibition Les 50 Ans

de la Loi Malraux is at La Maison de La Boétie and is

open Monday to Friday 10.00-12.00 and 14.00-17.00.

by JANE HANKS

P16 - 19

Directory Pages

Find registered tradespeople quickly and easily

Photo: Mairie de Sarlat

The Maison Bizac after

restoration under the Loi Malraux

Photo: Max Sarradet/Collection M

usée du Sarlat

Hunters’ bullet smashes girl’sroom windowA FAMiLy in Chalagnac near Vergt were shocked when a hunter’s bullet smashed the window of their six-year-old daughter’s bedroom. The girl had just left her room.

her mother said she was ter-rified and fed up with the hunters and no longer allowed her daughter to play in the garden on hunting days for fear of a stray bullet.

Police are carrying out inves-tigations together with the National hunting Office.

The local hunting federation said such incidents were rare and that strict guidelines were in place for keeping away from residential areas.

Bergerac gets tough on litterBergerAC mairie is taking a tough line against vandals and those who mess up the town.

it says trees were destroyed in Pombonne park and that rubbish was being left in areas all over the town and called on residents to act responsibly for the collective good.

The mairie said each act of vandalism cost money as sev-eral town services had to be called in to clear up the mess.

A series of images on its website illustrate the problem, calling on residents to “respect the town”.

Shop worker is Miss PérigordThe new Miss Périgord 2012 has been chosen at a competi-tion held at saint-Cyprien. she is 22-year-old Marion Limouzy from Bergerac, where she works in a fashion shop. she will compete for the title of Miss Aquitaine on October 13.

City air quality remains stableAir quality at Bergerac is good 80% of the time according to the results of a study carried out by Airaq, the authorised body that monitors air in Aquitaine.

The study found that air qual-ity had not changed since the last study in 2004.

Place du Marché aux Oies and, below, the

Place de la Liberté

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Photo: Guy Rivière/Collection M

usée du Sarlat

8 What’s On Dordogne Advertiser October 2012www.dordogneadvertiser.com

October

OUT AND ABOUTSarlat

NeuvicPérigord Blanc

October 7 Journée des Plantes – The vast botanical park in the grounds of the Château de Neuvic will welcome an estimated1,400 gardening fans for this year's Journée des Plantes. It is an ideal opportunity to meet the region’s nursery gardeners as

well as eco-home craftspeople who can help point you in the right direction for any projects you might be planning.A wide variety of impressive plants – everything from lavender to bamboo – will be on display and there is also an onsite

bookshop with a broad range of gardening and landscaping guides. Entry 4.50, FREE for under-16s.Open 9.30-18.00. Call 05 53 80 86 60 or visit

www.chateau-parc-neuvic.com/plantes.html

FAMILYVillefranche-du-Périgord

October 20-21 Fête de la Châtaigne et du Cèpe – Atwo-day celebration of local mushrooms andchestnuts, with tastings and demonstrations, anexhibition, a market, a giant cèpe omelette andvarious competitions, including the prettiestmushroom and a chestnut-spitting contest. Specialthemed menus will be offered in restaurants in theevening, accompanied by traditional folk music. Sundaymorning includes a mass and a procession in costumeby the local brotherhood (confrérie).tourisme.perigord-fr.com

OUTDOORS

Photo: Gilbert B

ochenek/Wikim

edia

Périgord NoirOctober 3 Sarlat tour – Discover themedieval town of Sarlat with a guidedtour in English.Whether you are justvisiting or live in the area, this one-hour walking tour through the streetswill open your eyes to the town’s richhistory and heritage. Meet at 11.00 atthe tourist office. FREE.To register, call 05 53 31 45 45.

What’s On 9Dordogne Advertiser October 2012 www.dordogneadvertiser.com

Don’tmiss anedition.Subscribe to

theDordogne

Advertiser.

Only 10 ayear to aFrench

address. See page 20

Monday:Les Eyzies, Ste Alvère,Tocane StApre, BeynacTuesday:Beaumont, Bergerac, Brantôme,Cénac et St Julien, Lanouaille, LeBugue, Lisle, Mareuil-sur-Belle,Ribérac,Thiviers,Trémolat,Gourdon, Neuvic, Salignac-Eyvigues,ThenonWednesday:Bergerac, Cadouin, Hautefort,Jumilhac le Grand, la TourBlanche, Montignac, MontponMénestérol, Piégut Pluviers,Sarlat, Siorac en Périgord,Carlux, Périgueux, Razac, SteNathaleneThursday:Domme, Excideuil, La Coquille,Lalinde, Monpazier, St Astier, StJulien de Lampon, St Pardoux laRivière,Terrasson, Eymet,MeyralsFriday:Bergerac, Brantôme, Le Buisson,Le Lardin, Ribérac, Sarlat, Cubjac,La Roque Gageac, Sigoules,Souillac,Vergt Saturday:Beaumont, Belvès, Bergerac, LeBugue, Lalinde, Lanouaille,Montignac, Montpon Ménestérol,Nontron, Saint Aulaye, Sarlat,Thiviers,Villefranche du Périgord,Agonac, Gourdon, La RocheChalais, Mussidan, Neuvic,Périgueux, RazacSunday:Angoisse, Bergerac, Calviac,

Couze-St-Front, Issigeac, Jumilhacle Grand, Limeuil, Pontours,Pressignac-Vicq, St CyprienSt Front de Pardoux, St Geniès,St Leon sur Vezère, St Pardoux laRivière, Sarlat, Sorges, Carsac,Daglan, Marquay, Rouffignac

October 1 – HautefortOctober 3 – BergeracOctober 6 – Abjat-sur-Bandiat,St-Barthélemy-de-Bellegarde, St-Pierre-d'Eyraud,VaraignesOctober 7 – Bergerac,Brantôme, Champcevinel, Couze-et-St-Front, Marsac sur L'Isle,

Nontron, Périgueux, Razac-sur-l'Isle, St-Astier, St-Avit-Sénieur,St-Barthélemy-de-Bellegarde, St-Léon-sur-l'Isle, St-Méard-de-Dronne, St-Pierre-d'Eyraud,Sarlat-la-Canéda,VerteillacOctober 14 – Chalagnac,Lembras, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil, Monpazier, Montpon-Ménestérol, St Jean d'Ataux, St-Astier, St-Mayme-de-Pereyol, St-Méard-de-DronneOctober 20 – MarsalèsOctober 21 – Hautefort, St-Méard-de-Dronne, Sarlat-la-CanédaOctober 28 – St-Front-de-Pradoux, St-Méard-de-Dronne,Sarlat-la-Canéda

Market days

Brocantes

October 7 Fête du Cèpe et du Veau – Saint-Saud-Lacoussière, in the heart of the Périgord-Limousin natural park, is another Dordogne village that takes its mushrooms seriously,

combining its festival with a celebration of another local favourite: veal.There will be a cèpesmarket, folk singing and dancing and a big midday meal under a marquee. No need to book.

To find out more, call 05 53 56 97 42.

FOODSaint-Saud-Lacoussière

October 13-14 Festival de la Récup – Whether it is a fish made out of old scraps ofmaterial or a steel scarecrow, locals in Bourdeilles take part in a massive clearout of

unwanted items, trading with neighbours, selling or donating to good causes.The two-dayevent sees the main vide-grenier on Sunday, including shows and performances to give the

boot sale more of a party atmosphere. It is preceded on Saturday night by a FREE concertto reward residents for their hard work. Call 05 53 03 73 04.

BourdeillesOUTDOORS

Périgord Vert

October 6 Occitania, mon amour – An evening of traditional Occitan music, with a concertand ball from 21.00 at the Espace Socio-Culturel in La Force.Accordions, sax, clarinet and

double-bass will all be out in force.Tickets from 10. Call 05 53 61 55 46.www.pays-de-bergerac.com

Périgord Pourpre

IssigeacFOOD

Photo: Kim

on Berlin/Flickr.com

October 21 Foire aux Potirons – With Halloween fast approaching,Issigeac holds its annual pumpkin festival, with growers showcasing a

wide range of their own produce in all shapes and sizes.A competition will award prizes to the best specimens. It all takes

place on the Place du Château. Call 05 53 58 79 62.

La Force MUSIC

10 What’s On Dordogne Advertiser October 2012www.dordogneadvertiser.com

SOLIDARITÉ Ribéracoise was formedsix years ago to help people in financialdifficulties. At present the group assists106 families and says that more andmore are seeking help. They work withthe social services and the mairie(pictured above) to decide who needstheir aid. The association also givesgrants to three lycée students a year,enables children to have a day’s outingin the summer, helps a charity inSenegal and gives out food donated tothem by the local Leclerc supermarket.

Solidarité Ribéracoise has a charityshop where they welcome furniture andother household objects which they sellon – and of course you can buy thereyourself. They have two big sales everyyear. The association is run entirely byvolunteers and if you would like to jointhem you can go along to theirpremises in the Rue de la République orring them on 05 53 91 45 56.

They are open on Mondays andWednesdays 14.00-16.30 and on Fridaymornings 9.00-11.30.

noticeboard

GGeettGGeettIInnvvoollvveedd!!IInnvvoollvveedd!!

Photo: Père Igor/Wikim

edia

The group offers circus skills training all year

Circus skills training forseven to 16-year-olds

A helping hand in Ribérac

Promote your club or community event - email news@connexionfrance.com

THE Generating Company isan English circus groupwhich puts on showsthroughout the world – butits headquarters are here inthe Dordogne, at Alles-sur-Dordogne near Le Buisson.The group is holding acourse in circus skills forseven to 16-year-olds onWednesdays throughout theyear. In addition there will bean autumn camp for 12 to16-year-olds from November5-9. It is an opportunity tolearn with the professionalsin their purpose-built circustraining room. For furtherdetails, call 05 53 24 04 85 orfind out more on theGenerating Company site:generatingcompany.co.uk

What’s On 11Dordogne Advertiser October 2012 www.dordogneadvertiser.com

What’s On in the capital

October 6-7 – The Prix del’Arc de Triomphe is France’smost prestigious flat race andattracts the elite of horseracing. It is one of 13 racestaking place over a weekend atthe Hippodrome de Longchampin the Bois de Boulogne duringthe first week in October. Morethan 50,000 spectators areexpected and the event iswatched by millions on TVworldwide.The Arc deTriomphe record was brokenlast year by Danedream, whofinished the race in two minutes24 seconds. Doors open at11.00 on both days. Entry is 4on Saturday,8 on Sunday.Under-18s go free, as dowomen wearing beautiful hats.Call 01 44 30 75 00 or visit prixarcdetriomphe.com

CocoaChanel

October 10-14 – Celebrate the makingof this year’s vintage with much fanfare at

Paris’s only vineyard, on the north-facing hill at Montmartre,which takes on a village feel for this five-day festival.The Fête desVendanges includes tastings, regional produce for sale, a colourfulparade, concerts and fireworks on October 13.www.fetedesvendangesdemontmartre.com

FESTIVAL

Culture festivalushers in theautumn months

50,000 expected at France’s ‘Grand National’

Until Christmas – For thelast 40 years, the Paris Festivalde l’Automne has ushered inthe post-summer season hereby highlighting some of thebest works in contemporaryvisual art, music, cinema,theatre and other creativeforms.Venues across Parishost the season-long eventwhich includes everythingfrom opera and film to dance.It is the largest festival of itskind in the world.festival-automne.com

October 6 – First launchedin 2002, Paris Nuit Blanche(sleepless night) is a night ofnon-stop art and culture inwhich hundreds of the city’sgalleries, museums, city halls,and even swimming poolsopen their doors all night tovisitors.Light installations, edgy

performances, concerts andexhibitions are planned allover the capital and everyevent is free. Some townhalls offer a free continentalbreakfast to those who stayup until dawn.

The banks of the Seine willbe a focal point this year,with a special cultural pathrunning from the Radio

France building in the westto Ivry in the east.Anothertheme this year is the sky –with 15 buildings in the citycentre opening up their roofterraces for sightseers,including the 24th floor ofthe Tour Zamansky at Jussieu(5th arrondissement, pictured).See the full programme atnuitblanche.paris.fr

Harvest time at city vineyard

October 18-22 –This month is a

great time for art and designlovers, with three major fairsover the same weekend. FIACshowcases work from 165international galleries andover 2,500 artists in theimpressive Grand Palais from18-21 (www.fiac.com). Justover the road will be Art &Design Elysées from 18-22(www.artelysees.fr), whilethe Cité de la Mode et duDesign near the Gared’Austerlitz has the Chic ArtFair (www.chic-today.com)from 19-22 displaying the bestin fashion and design.

Design fair from 50s to nowOctober 4-7 – Les Puces du Design seesspecialists in fashion and furniture from the

1950s onwards present and sell their wares to the public on thisspecial fair held in Bercy Village. See www.pucesdudesign.com

Until October 14 – Le Mondial del’Automobile is a trade show showcasting

cutting-edge vehicle design from all over the world, at ParisExpo, Porte de Versailles. www.mondialautomobile.com

October 20 – The celebrated former guitaristfrom Guns ‘n’ Roses, Slash, plays a solo concert

at the Zénith, Parc de la Villette as part of his world tour.Tickets start at 42.

EXHIBITION

ART

October 24-December 31– Exactly 55 years since it firstopened on Broadway to ravereviews, the classic musicalWest Side Story, is beingperformed in English (withFrench subtitles) in a two-month run at the ThéâtreMusical de Paris in Châtelet.Performances are nightly at20.00 and tickets range from24 to 133 from all theusual outlets.

THEATRE

Photo: phalenebdlv/FlickrPhoto: Pierre Lannes/Flickr

Skyscrapersand Seineon sleeplessnight out

Photo: Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe

October 31-Nov 4 –With the nights drawingin and Christmas almost

around the corner, the Salon du Chocolatis a highlight in the capital’s autumnevents schedule, bringing together morethan 100 chocolatiers, cocoa growers andthousands of consumers at Viparis, Portede Versailles.The show celebrates all thatis unique about chocolate and, as well asdemonstrations from world-famous chefsand tastings there is dance, songs anddemonstrations of rituals and traditionsfrom cocoa-producing countries. In total,more than 40 live demonstrations andtastings will be presented.There is also achocolate bookshop and conferences (inFrench) on chocolate’s history andinnovations, plus the unique chocolatedresses fashion show every day at 17.00,where some of the finest designers andmost talented chocolatiers work together.Open daily 10.00-19.00. Day passes are13. www.salon-du-chocolat.com

FOOD OUTDOORS

Photo: Ministère de l’Enseignem

ent Supérieur

Photos: Julien Millet

Cutting-edge cars on show

DESIGN

Rock legend Slash plays ParisMUSIC

Three art fairs, one weekend

FESTIVAL

West SideStory inEnglish

12 Practical Dordogne Advertiswww.dordogneadvertiser.com

FORMALITIES in the first few daysafter someone dies include the mak-ing out of a death certificate and adeclaration at the mairie.

Note that if you are an employeeyou have the right to time off due tothe death of a close relative. You alsohave the right to take a break fromwork to be with a close relative whois terminally ill, called a congé desolidarité familial, during whichyour contract is suspended and youcan claim a daily benefit to partiallycompensate loss of earnings.

PaperworkThe first thing required is for a doc-

tor to make out a certificat médicalconstatant le décès (also known asthe certificat de décès) to legally statethe person has died.

If the death took place at home, itis the doctor called to the housewho will sign it. In a hospital, clinicor retirement home a staff doctorwill sign it.

Violent deaths, including road acci-dents, must be notified to the policeor gendarmerie, who will supply acertificate. In the case of a violentdeath the body may be transferred toan institut medico-légal, a specialtype of mortuary, where the bodywill be kept in a refrigerated facility,

where an autopsy may be carriedout, it will then be transferred to achambre funéraire or mortuaire onjudicial permission.

Apart from the basic proof ofdeath, this certificat médical will alsocontain extra information that isimportant in the following circum-stances: admission to a chambrefunéraire (private or municipal mor-tuary), transport of the body beforethe coffin is sealed, transport abroadafter sealing, embalming and crema-tion. In such cases, the certificateneeds to show that there are nomedical/legal matters of concern,that the person did not suffer from alist of contagious illnesses and (ifthey are to be cremated) they didnot have a pacemaker.

The mairie will give you a docu-ment called the acte de décès – askfor about a dozen. It is this acte dedécès, rather than the medical deathcertificate, that you will need to usefor most subsequent formalities.

Most mairies allow for internetdeclarations at http://vosdroits.service-public.fr/R1406.xhtml

The mairie will provide a permisd’inhumer (burial permit). The bur-ial may not take place until 24 hoursafter the death and no later than sixdays (not including Sundays andbank holidays).

In the case of a violent death ajudge must give permission for therelease of a permis d’inhumer after areport by a pathologist and police.

Authorisation to take the body outof the commune where the coffinwas sealed must be obtained fromthe mairie.

Funeral planningThe death of someone close isalways a traumatic experience andfurther emotional distress can becaused when the death occurs in acountry where you are not familiarwith both the language and localprocedures and administrations.

Where possible it is advisable toask for the help of a native speaker –ideally someone who will remaincalm and level-headed to avoid fur-ther distress. Take time to choosethe right funeral director’s firm.

The placing in the coffin (mise encercueil) usually happens at theplace where the person died.Wherever a death takes place, noone can impose removal of the bodyto the deceased’s home or to a cham-bre funéraire without permission

from the family. The only exceptionis where the director of a homeattests in writing he was unable tocontact family members in 10 hoursafter the death. In such a case he canarrange a transfer, at the establish-ment’s cost. A body can stay in aprivate home or retirement homefor up to six days.

Unless the deceased made specificprovisions, you need to organise thefuneral – choose the funeral direc-tor’s (pompes funèbres) which willarrange the obsèques – convoy, plac-ing in the coffin, transport of thebody etc. A list of firms can befound at the mairie. It is recom-mended to ask for a devis (estimate)explaining what services are coveredand the costs, before signing a con-tract. Since January 2011 firms arerequired to use a set format for theestimate (un devis type).

Since January 1998, funeral direc-tors’ firms accredited by a préfecturemay be selected anywhere in France. A list of certified funeral directors isavailable from town halls, mortuar-ies, crematoria and cemeteries.

However, beware of guidebooksfound in some mairies, as arrange-ments may exist between town hallsand certain funeral directors.

Before making arrangements witha particular funeral director, it isbest to call several (if they will notanswer questions on the phone,drop them). Matters you may wantto check on include:

Avoid any furtherdistress: knowwhat to do inevent of a deathLosing a loved-one is not something we want to think about – but when it happens, it is important to act quickly and practically andunderstand the formalities to minimise stress at this difficult time.Here we give a step-by-step guide to the main considerations in the

days and weeks that follow a death in France A burial can range from 2130 to 7620, according to mutuelle Mutac, whi

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kr“It is best to call severalfuneral firms. If theywill not answer questions on thephone, drop that firm

Photo: Subbotina Anna - Fotolia.com

Practical 13www.dordogneadvertiser.comser October 2012

Prices for either:– an equipped oak coffin (cercueil en

chêne equipé) for burial in a cemetery(equipped means with inner lining,handles, plaque, screws etc.), or

– a coffin equipped for cremation (cer-cueil équipé destiné à la crémation), or

– an equipped and zinc coated coffin(cercueil zingué et équipé), for ship-ment abroad.

The cost of a hearse (corbillard) andpallbearers, as well as the number ofpallbearers (porteurs). Transport or repatriation costs ifappropriate.

After you have made a request to afuneral director you should receive adetailed estimate (devis), free and withno obligation. Do not accept a simpleverbal response, a draft or an approxi-mate price scribbled on a business card.

By law as of 2011 it should include thefollowing:

Preparation and organisation of thefuneral Transport of the body before placing

in the coffin, to return it to the person’shome, to a chambre funéraire etc. The coffin and accessories Placing in the coffin and sealing it Transport of the body after sealing tothe cemetery or crematorium etc. The funeral The burial or cremation

Request an explanation of each costitem: Sometimes an identical service orproduct may be added more than once.All terms, especially if they use vagueexpressions, should be explained.

Numerous terms may describe aprocess of preservation using formalde-hyde – conservation, thanatopraxie, soinssomatiques, présentation, art réstauratif,formolisation or IFT.

Other methods of preservation includedry ice (glace carbonique) or a refrigerat-ed bed (which may be used in retirementhomes) or in a refrigerated facility in amortuary. Preservation with formalde-hyde is not obligatory (except for repa-triation to certain countries, includingthe UK).

Ask for a written description of the cof-fin (type of wood, thickness, colour, fin-ish) and accessories.

If you accept the conditions of the esti-mate given to you, a purchase order (bonde commande) is then drafted. You arecontracting that funeral director and arecontractually liable to pay the bill.

Any change afterwards on the purchaseorder must be added to the estimate inyour possession or a new estimate mustbe made stipulating each and every serv-ice and material.

If the funeral is to be paid for out ofthe deceased’s estate – where the funeraldirector can seek payment directly fromthe bank, up to 3,049 – get the estimatebefore suggesting this method, as somefirms may bill suspiciously close to thislimit in such a case.

Note that you may incur other expenses: publication in the press, death announcement cards, flowerarrangements, monument (if not includedin the funeral director’s bill),religious service.

Organ donationsIn France it is assumed you want todonate your organs after you die.

When a person dies, medical authori-ties can use their organs for transplantsunless the deceased made his or her wishnot to donate known, by registering onthe Registre des Refus or by telling theirclose family, who will be consulted ifsomeone is not on the register.

The register is managed by the Agencede la Biomédecine (who can be found atwww.agence-biomedecine.fr).

In fact however, organs are only takenfollowing about 1% of deaths in hospital,as the person needs to have died in alimited range of circumstances for theirorgans to be useable.

If you are in favour of organ donation,you should tell your close family so theycan relay your wishes. In the absence ofinscription on the refusal register theywill be consulted and their decision willbe respected. They can also pass on yourwishes if you did not want certain organsto be used.

You should also carry an organ dona-tion card (carte de donneur d’organes): thishas no legal force but helps clarify yourwishes. There is no age restriction to askfor a donor card, but in the event ofsomeone dying under the age of 18, organremoval can only take place uponparental authorisation. To apply for a freedonor card visit www.france-adot.org/demande-carte-donneur.php

When someone dies and has not optedout of the organ donation process, themedical teams will aim to make suretheir organs are maintained in workingorder. Once the organs are removed careis taken to maintaining the appearance ofthe body before returning it to the familywho will proceed with the burial/crema-tion process (with the associated costs).The medical costs involved, along withpotential transportation between hospi-tals depending on the availability of therelevant medical team, are covered by thedeceased’s social security.

Note also that there is a significant dif-ference between donating organs and

donating one’s body to sci-ence. Léguer son corps à lascience means donating one’sentire body for use by amedical school. The bodywill not be returned to thefamily. The deceased willhave to make financial provi-sions for their body to betransported to the nearest medical school upontheir death.

“Where possible it is advisable to ask for the help of anative speaker – ideally someone who will remaincalm and level-headed to avoid further distress

Key vocabulary

The Connexion newspaper has published a 2012 revised helpguideDeath in France, from which the information above is extracted. Itexplains what to do when someone dies, the formalities, financing afuneral, organ donation, choosing a funeral director and much more.

Death in France helpguide – updated

Download a copy for 5 at www.connexionfrance.com or call 0800 91 77 56 for a printed version to be sent to you

ile cremation ranges from 1920 to 4290

Le certificat de décès =death certificate Le bureau d’état-civil =register office Le/la défunt/e = deceasedperson Une autopsie = autopsy Le médecin légiste =pathologist Une enquête = inquest Le/la dirigeant/e de pom-pes-funèbres = undertaker/ funeral director La chambre mortuaire =mortuary in a hospital, hos-pice or clinic where people’sbodies are preserved inrefrigerated cases Le reposoir = Room in aretirement home where aperson’s body may be kept,before or after being placedin the coffin. Not refrigerat-ed, therefore some preser-vation technique may beapplied. La chambre funéraire =private or municipal mortu-ary where body may bekept before burial or crema-tion, often run by funeraldirectors. Le cercueil = coffin Le corbillard = hearse Le porteur = pallbearer La thanatopraxie =embalming Le rapatriement = repa-triation (Entreprise de) pompesfunèbres = funeral directors (company) Le maître de cérémonie/ordonnateur or monteur deconvoi = all indicate a per-son from the funeral direc-tor’s firm who looks afterthe family during the funer-al (may be one of the por-teurs). Une inhumation = burial– en pleine terre = in theground– en caveau = vault Une concession funéraire= cemetery plot– concession de famille =family only– concession collective =family and others– concession individuelle =one person only– temporaire = temporary– trentenaire = 30 years– cinquantenaire = 50 years– perpétuelle = in perpetuity Le caveau = vault La tombe = grave La mise en bière/mettre

en bière = placing in thecoffin La veillée mortuaire =wake Les cendres = ashes Une urnefunéraire/cinéraire = funeralurn Un columbarium - facilityfor storing cinerary urns(columbarium) Obsèques = the funeral(the term les funerailles alsoexists but is less used andimplies a grand ceremony)– civiles = civil– religieuses = religious Le deuil/ être en deuil =bereavement / to bebereaved or in mourning Un enterrement/aller àl'enterrement de… = bur-ial/going to someone’s bur-ial/funeral Les condoléances/présen-ter/offrir/faire ses con-doléances = to offer some-body one’s sympathy Une lettre de condoléances= letter of sympathy.Example: Monsieur etMadame X vous prient derecevoir leurs très sincèrescondoléances et l'expressionde leur profonde sympathie. La marbrerie funéraire =monumental masonry– en marbre = made ofmarble– en granit = granite- en pièrre = made of stone La stèle = headstone La plaque = plaque Gravé(e) = engraved

Photo: mayanais/Flickr

14 Mind Matters Dordogne Advertiser October 2012www.dordogneadvertiser.com

Sponsored by

Easy Intermediate Difficult

The France quiz

French-themed crossword by John Foley

by Paul Masters

AS the concert ends, the performersacknowledge the applause, but theaudience is still so moved, andthe performers still sofuelled by the emotion ofthe performance thatthey coincide in callingfor, and granting abonus item.

This is, of course,the encore. Yet theaudience may not becrying out “encore”,but using the shorterbut sibilant alternative“bis, bis”.

In the street outside, youmay notice the word again,written above door ways andentrances. The building may havebeen number 12, but it has been divided into12A and 12B, as we would say in English, orDouze and Douze bis.

The ancient word bis has this meaning ofagain, or for a second time, and these areprobably the only two surviving uses of a lit-tle word with its best days long ago.

So, where’s the linkbetween the musicalencore or the streetnumbering and thewheaten biscuit? Inthe meaning, quitesimply, where bis

denotes “for a secondtime”.Biscuits were originally

placed in the oven twice:once before the bread was

cooked, and once again after-wards, as the oven cooled down.

The second time was intended to dry themthoroughly rather than to cook them anymore: for dried biscuits kept much longer,and were a staple part of the diet on long seavoyages, for instance, in centuries past.

And so biscuit, in fact, simply means“cooked twice”.

Across2. Stew of haricot beans and pork or other meat,famously made in Castelnaudary (9)8. Toponymous jeans cloth, serge __ _____ (2,5)9. Actress Sophia _____, who became a Frenchcitizen in 1966 because of legal and tax problemsin her native land (5)10. Tart filled in England with a sweet or savourymixture, in France with custard (4)11. Fields in Greek myth which gave their nameto Paris thoroughfare (7)13. Fruits of evergreen oleaceous trees (6)15. Basic unit of electric current named afterFrench physicist and mathematician (6)18. Highly-prized delicacy sought by a pig or dog(7)20. Fabric for which Chantilly was once famous(4)23. French and German “yes” provide equipmentfor contact with the other side (5)24. Scholar and theologian remembered chieflyfor his love for Héloïse (7)25. Dish once served at dinners between maincourse and dessert (9)

Down1. Nobel prize-winning Parisian author ofL’Immoraliste and La Symphonie Pastorale (4)2. Waterway such as that built by Pierre-PaulRiquet (5)3 and 12. Normandy-born English soldier andscourge of the Cathars (5,2,8)4. Edible bivalve mollusc farmed in the Étang deThau (6)5. Composer at Louis XIV’s court who also wrotefor plays by 16 down (5)6. Bread and butter, _______ de beurre (7)7. Classified ads – petites ________ (8)12. See 314. Useless in French and rarely, too, in English(7)16. Pseudonym of dramatist Jean-BaptistePoquelin (7)17. French Parliament chamber at theLuxembourg Palace (6)19. Sumptuous meal or a religious celebration (5)21. Due to their behaviour some of these crus-taceans are known in France as dormeurs (5)22. Four-letter acronymn for broadband (4)

1 WHICH sports personality turnedmusician has been named the mostpopular person in France for the ninth yearrunning?

2 WHICH French actor was thrown off aDublin flight last year for urinating in hisseat, and now stands accused of punchinga driver in a road rage incident in Paris?

3 HOW many medals did France win inthis summer’s Olympic Games? And inwhat position did the country end up inthe medals table?

4 WHICH hotel in the French capital isbeing stripped of its famous namebecause of declining standards?

5 WHEN is France’s next public holiday?

6 WHO is the captain of the Frenchnational football team?

7 ROCKY is a power-crazed leader in anew French novel that is causing a stir. Onwhich politician is it based?

Sudoku

What’s in a word?

biscuit

Photo: carine06

/FlickrCROSSWORDANSWERS.Across 2 cassoulet; 8 de Nîmes; 9 Loren; 10 flan; 11 Elysian; 13 olives; 15 ampere; 18 truffle; 20 lace; 23 ouija; 24 Abélard; 25 entremetsDown 1 Gide; 2 canal; 3 Simon de Montfort; 4 oyster; 5 Lully; 6 tartine; 7 annonces; 12 See 3; 14 inutile; 16 Molière; 17 Senate; 19 feast; 21 crabs; 22 ADSLFRANCEQUIZANSWERS: 1. Yannick Noah; 2. Gérard Depardieu; 3. 34, seventh place; 4. Paris Hilton; 5. November 1 (Toussaint); 6. Didier Deschamps; 7. Nicolas Sarkozy

Jo-WilfriedTsonga

representingFrance at the

Olympics

Food and Pets 15Dordogne Advertiser October 2012 www.dordogneadvertiser.com

HOUSE training takes time andpatience but done the right way, firstresults appear fast. The first princi-ple is that accidents are the owner’sfault, not the dog’s: the ownershould have taken the dog out sothat she did not need to go indoors.So never punish your dog for pud-dles in the house – just clean up anyaccidents without fuss.

The next principle is to prevent thedog peeing inside the house. Do thisby watching her like a hawk. At thefirst sign of wanting a pee (wander-ing around sniffing things), take herout. Also take her out first thing inthe morning, after meals and lastthing at night. Puppies should betaken out every two hours; they can-not hold on for longer.

If you cannot watch your dog, shuther into an outdoors run (weatherpermitting) or a small easy-to-cleanspace such as a utility room orkitchen. That way at least accidentswill be easy to clean. Only a proper-ly house-trained dog should begiven the run of the house.

At night, shut your dog into a pur-pose built dog crate (available on theinternet) filled with comfy bedding,toys and a treat. The crate should bebig enough for the dog to stand up,stretch, turn round and lie down in

but no bigger. Given that you havewalked your dog last thing beforebed, she should easily be able to staydry until the morning. If your dogdoes not like the crate to begin with,use more treats to change her mind.Kindness and persistence are key.Do not use the crate other than atnight.

While you are doing all that, youmust also reward your dog massive-ly for doing the right thing. The

minute she pees outdoors, pat her,praise her and give her a bit of dogsausage or other titbit. Every singletime the dog pees, even if it is 20times in one walk, you shouldpraise, caress and give treats. It willnot take your dog long to figure outthat urinating indoors leads to noth-ing but doing it outdoors leads to adog treat.

While you are doing this you can ifyou like, simultaneously teach a ver-

bal command. As your dog pees,you repeat the command (I use “goquickly”) over and over. When shefinishes, you give the praise andtreat. Eventually, when you say “Goquickly” your dog will start sniffingat likely tree trunks.

Within a day or two, your dog willbe clean in the house. But in orderto make this permanent, you have tocontinue with all elements of thetraining routine for at least sixmonths. Any backsliding and youhave to start the routine again.

If a properly house-trained dogsuddenly starts wetting the house,the cause could be either emotionalor physical. Has someone movedout? Has another pet passed on? Ifthere is no obvious emotional cause,it could be physical. Uncastratedmale dogs commonly suffer fromprostrate problems and femalesfrom urinary infections such as cys-titis, which can cause them to makeunaccustomed puddles.

If you do not have time to train adog following the above method, thesad truth is that you probably do nothave time to keep a dog at all.

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Pet Care

With encouragement andtreats, your dog will soonlearn the rules aboutgoing to the toilet – butyou must keep up theroutine, advisesSAMANTHA DAVID

Tender andjuicy lambis a FrenchspecialityLambs grazing on the salt marshes of theSomme and the Mont-Saint-Michel producemeat that is incredibly succulent and has anexceptional taste – and now is a great timeof year for buying lamb with the best flavour

Preheat the oven to 190°C(170°C fan) or gas mark 5. Combine all the ingredi-ents for the stuffing in afood processor and pulseuntil it comes together. Transfer to amixing bowl and set to one side. Place the lamb breasts on a chop-ping board and create pockets in themusing a sharp knife. Fill with the lamb mince stuffingand rub their outsides with olive oil. Season the outsides generously and

tie with kitchen string to secure. Heat a large ovenproof frying panover a moderate heat until hot. Seal the stuffed lamb breasts inbatches until golden brown in colourall over. Once all the lamb breasts are sealed,cover with the cherry tomatoes and

thyme stalks. Transfer to the oven to finish cook-ing for 12-15 minutes until the filling iscooked. Remove from the oven and let thelamb rest for 5 minutes covered looselywith aluminium foil. Remove the string before serving.

Thick round fillet of lambstuffed à la provençale INGREDIENTS

Serves: 4Preparation: 10 minutesCooking: 25-30 minutes

For the lamb fillet 55ml olive oil 4x225g lamb breasts,trimmed salt and pepper

For the stuffing 300g lamb mince 125g sun-dried tomatoes,chopped 55g fresh breadcrumbs 55g black olives, pitted 4 cloves garlic, minced 2 small onions, finelychopped salt and pepper

For the garnish small handful of vinecherry tomatoes small bunch of thymesprigs

AUTUMN is an ideal time ofyear for lamb - it is generallyavailable in France until theend of October and tends tobe much more flavourfulthan spring lamb because ofthe maturity of the meat. Itmakes the perfect partner forautumnal produce from thegarden - sweet or savoury -whether orchard fruit or rootvegetables.

For an extra-special melt-in-the-mouth experience, trysalt-marsh lamb (agneau pré-salé), which is highly prizedfor being succulently tenderand has an incredible flavourbecause of the unique waythe animals are raised.

Commonly mistranslatedby English-speakers as “readysalted”, these lambs havegrazed on the estuary saltmarshes of the Somme andthe Mont-Saint-Michel bay

for centuries. They feed on arich variety of plants that areflooded by the huge bay tides,and the high salt levels andiodine-rich content makestheir muscles more moist andthe meat darker and juicier.Contrary to popular belief,the meat itself does not tasteof salt.

Agneau pré-salé has beenawarded an Appelationd’Origine Controlée label.Similar to French cheeses andchampagne, this means thatonly lambs that graze on cer-tain salt marsh areas can besold under this name.

A leg of salt marsh lamb isdelicious roasted – it requiresjust a seasoning of salt andpepper to bring out itsunique flavour – but in thisrecipe we are taking a differ-ent approach, on a provençaltheme.

METHOD Photo: Bilic/Photocuisine

CUT OUT & KEEP!

You can normally train a dog to stay clean indoors within a few days

Photo: C. E. Price/Public Dom

ain Images

Treats are key when house training dogs

16 Directory Dordogne Advertiser October 2012www.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

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HOW TO BOOK AN ADVERTChoose the size of your advert from theexamples on the left. You can have a blackand white advert; or you can choose a colourfrom the list below. Finally, you can choose tohave rounded corners to the box to helpmake your advert stand out (See right). Then,when you have made your choice, call 0800 91 77 56

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Directory adverts are available in 3 sizesand in colour or black and white.

(1-15 words)

B&W 75HT

Colour 114HT

}(31-45 words)

B&W 225HT

Colour 339HT

(16-30 words)

B&W 150HT

Colour 225HTDouble

47mm x 50mm

Treble47mm x 75mm }

}Single47mm x25mm

DORDOGNE DIRECTORY

REGISTRATIONTHE DORDOGNE ADVERTISER checks that all French busi-nesses advertising on these pages are registered with the Frenchauthorities.

While not all firms choose to display their siret number intheir advert, they have all been verified. Advertisers withoutsirets are not allowed, those who use siret en cours (who are inthe process of registering their business) will be removed if anumber is not given within one month. UK businesses arechecked at Companies House - and UK sole traders must have aUK billing address.

WHAT IS A SIRET?THE siret is a 14-digit number identifying a business, issuedby the national statistics body Insee. It proves a business hasbeen registered with the French authorities.

You can check it on www.infogreffe.fr (This site checks the

siren - the first 10 digits or the siret). However, while www.infogreffe.fr will list the occupation of

a firm, this can sometimes undersell a business, which may beable to carry out a range of tasks not mentioned on the site.You can also ask to see a copy of the business’ insurance cer-tificate and the card issued by the chambres de métiers whichwill list the competences of a firm. Being registered does not,of course, guarantee workmanship but it is an important stepin selecting tradespeople.

PAYMENTUNDECLARED work is illegal in France. If you are asked forcash, this should ring alarms bells. There are tax breaks asso-ciated with many forms of construction and other areas likehome tuition, so it is beneficial to get receipts.

For some of these benefits the company chosen must beaccredited. Any work costing more than 150 must have a

receipt. For some services you could pay using Cesu (Chequeemploi service universel). This is an official government-spon-sored way of employing people, that also allows tax breaks.(Connexion has a helpguide on employing people in yourhome. Seewww.connexionfrance.com)

CATEGORIESTHE directory is split into thedifferent types of businessescovering the Dordogne area.

To locate a company, simplyfind the type of business youneed which are indicated withan illustrative symbol and thetitle underneath (see right forexamples).

Advertise here AALLLL YYEEAARR from just 7755HHTT

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

ADVERTISING FEATURE

HOUSES on Internet, the successful, fastgrowing internet marketing company thathelps people sell their French propertywithout the use of an estate agent, has notbeen affected by the on-going euro crisis.

“The key to our success is withoutdoubt our extensive global network whichenables us to reach prospective buyerswherever they are,” said Richard Kroon,company founder and director.

“This does not mean that we are notsurprised ourselves about the high num-ber of property sales that we realised inthese insecure times.”

To date, 2011 was the company’s bestyear ever, with a turnover increase ofapproximately 25% compared to the previous year.

“I never expected we could top thosenumbers so soon, but the reality is that2012 shows an increase in sales of about30% compared to 2011,” said Richard.

With buyers from Australia, Russia,USA and Canada, as well as fromEuropean countries including Switzerland,Germany and Finland, Richard explainsthat the best way to reach people remains

the same - clever internet marketing and a top Google ranking.

“The advantage of the euro crisis is, ofcourse, that this currency is now relativelycheap for countries outside the euro-zone,which makes buying French property aninteresting investment.”

Richard has also noted an increase inanother group of perhaps unexpectedbuyers this year - Belgians. In particularthose living in the northern part ofBelgium, where Dutch is the primary language.

“It seems that a lot of these people donot speak English or French and thereforecannot be reached by national or interna-tional websites that just try to sell housesin these languages,” said Richard.

“For these people it is a huge advantagethat we present every property in threelanguages, including Dutch. And theymust be telling each other that Houses onInternet is the place to be, because thenumber of sales to people from northern

Belgium has increased over 400%.”Feedback has shown that people not

only appreciate the fact that they can fullyunderstand the adverts, but also that theyget replies in their own language and ifrequired, a continued translation serviceuntil a sale is made.

Richard works on the principle ‘thinkglobal, act local’: “It is extremely impor-tant to have a well-functioning global network in order to reach as many peopleas possible.

“But when you actually talk to aprospective buyer, that personal touch,flexibility and multi-lingual service is whatmakes the difference.”

To sign up to sell a property throughHouses on Internet, visit their website andfill out the form on the page 'Selling aProperty.' Call backs will be made thesame day.

05 55 65 12 19www.housesoninternet.comCompany founder Richard Kroon

Property business booming despite euro crisisHouses on Internet can help home owners sell theirFrench property without the use of an estate agent

“The reality is that 2012 showsan increase in sales of about30% compared to 2011

Directory 17Dordogne Advertiser October 2012 www.dordogneadvertiser.com

HOUSES ONINTERNET

Sell your property to aworldwide audience using

our global network.Our fees are the lowest in

France, our results are the best.

WWW.HOUSESONINTERNET.COMTel: 05 55 65 12 19

Brian Macey - Electricianmaintenance, breakdowns, renovations,

rewires, new build, interior & exterior30 years experience

Tel: 05 55 97 18 10Email: brimacelectrical@supanet.comSiret: 517 566 196 00013 Regions Covered: 19,24,87

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Siret: 489 542 589 00010

For all your electrical requirementscontact

AK Electrical30 years experience/Fully insured

ak-electrical@hotmail.co.ukTel 06 32 31 61 85

siret: 494 064 322 00014

CERTIFIED TRANSLATIONSAll legal transla-tions by French-English speaking sworn translator

Property-legal-birth cert.,driving licences,

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with 25 years of experienceRegions : All FRANCEKaren RENEL-KINGTel: 06 18 03 18 38

Email: karen.king@wanadoo.frWeb:

www.certifiedfrenchtranslation.comFast and affordable

Siret: 38058374000028

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

Painter and DecoratorInterior and Exterior

Cherrypicker assisted for speedyand cost saving service

Tel: 05 53 62 81 40Email: craig.harriss@orange.fr

Web: www.lasimpode.com/cherrypickerSiret 520 298 217 00016

Vezere CounsellingHelp with Stress - Anxiety - Depression - Life Changes

Experienced Mental Health WorkerGill Clunes Ross - Dip social work. RGNTel: 05 53 51 63 69 or 09 51 80 97 38

Email: gillcr@ymail.comwww.vezerecounselling.com

Siret: 53445895500018

Internet by satellite, Streamedand satellite TV on computer,

Networking and network streaming, Cloud computing.

Mob: +33 (0) 6 44 01 70 63

Tel: +33 (0) 5 53 51 87 53 / +33 (0) 9 70 40 82 31

E-mail: John@JohnAin.org

OAKWOOD FLOORINGWide boards

Large stocks availablePrime & Character grades

Oiled & waxed finishesContact us for special offers

www.oakwood-import.fremail: franceoak@gmail.com

tel: 06 80 33 93 57Siret 409 972 056

WEBSITESBoost your business with anaffordable, high-performance

website that you can edit yourselfwww.rob-tomlinson.com

Tel: 05 62 67 39 98rt@rob-tomlinson.com

Regions: All France Siret: 419 490 297 00027

SMALL BUILDING WORKS Repointing, Plasterboarding, windows,

doors installed.Translations, planning permissions.

Tel: 06 43 25 85 68 Email: dordognedave62@orange.fr

www.dordognedave.webs.com Regions Covered 24,16,87 - Siret: 51913926500010

BÂTI-TOP SARL

CONSTRUCTION & RENOVATIONMEDIUM/LARGE PROJECTS

UNDERTAKEN10 YEAR INSURED GUARANTEE

www.bati-top.com05 53 73 02 88 - Siret: 9868562700016

BergeracRenovation & Building

From groundwork, fosseseptiques, masonary,interiors, to rooves.

Free estimates & adviceTel: 05 53 81 60 73

christopher.jarrett@wanadoo.fr

CT HEWITTGENERAL BUILDER

Renovation - NewBuild - Plastering

Fosse septic -Roofing - Guttering

Maintenance & Repairs

All aspects of building work carried out.Established in the UK for over 20 years.

Tel: 06 79 05 98 85 /05 53 58 92 13

Email: Hewitt.chris@wanadoo.frWeb: www.hewittbuilders.com

Depts: 24, 46 & 47Siret: 49899034000016

BOIS D'ARBRE CONSTRUCTIONSpecialists in Oak frames, Timber houses

and carpentryTel: 06 72 01 11 06

web: www.boisdarbreconstruction.comemail: info@boisdarbreconstruction.com

Siret 4899 5394 30011

To advertise here callfreephone in

France 0800 91 77 56 / fromUK 0844 256 9881 (4p/min)

Hopkins RenovationsGeneral building work. 20 years building

experience in France. Based in Castelnaudde Gratecambe 47.

05 53 36 34 59/ 06 08 71 53 49jameshopkins@orange.fr

www.hopkinsrenovations.comSiret number: 417 916 574 00011

HautefortRenovationProfessional Building &

Renovation ServicesNE24 & bordering 87,19 & 46

Charles Fleming0553501239 or 0684530839hautefortrenovation.com

ABP SASURenovation and construction of buildings and

swimming pools. New timber framed constructions. Negotiation of diverse products

Tel Alan Fisk: 05 53 56 68 87Email: abp.sasu@orange.fr

PARKES et DUCELIERArchitectes

UK and French RegisteredArchitects

Dossiers for Permis deConstruireInterior and

Landscape designOrdre des Architectes No. 1867

Tel: 05 53 09 33 45E: mail@parkes-ducellier.comW: www.parkes-ducellier.com

Depts: 16,19,24,33,87 Siret: 488 165 564 00011

De Ryck ElisabethInterior ArchitectRenovation or New Construction

* Private Homes * Shops * Offices *

20 years experience

Tel: 06 30 63 20 40

deryck.interiors@gmail.comDepts 19,24,46,47,82

Languages spoken: English, French, Dutch

Le Colombié, 46600 Montvalent

ARCHITECTURAL SERVICESSmall or large projects.

Applications for building permits.Friendly,professional service.Tel: 05 45 78 36 63

mcdonaldritchie@hotmail.comSiret: 48157998500021

Justine JosephRenovation Architect

06 79 92 95 8833580 Monségur - 24590 Salignac-Eyvigues

www.justinejoseph.com

LAND SURVEYORGEOMETRE TOPOGRAPHIE

Planning Permissions - Setting Out -Measured Building Surveys - Topographical

Surveys (all sizes)Mob: 06 33 94 84 53 - Tel: 05 65 31 98 11

barry@bgsurveyor.comwww.bgsurveyor.com

Siret 51786170400016

Ad No. 10862

THE DORDOGNE CATTERY

PENSION POUR CHATS NEARSARLAT, OPEN-AIR, INSULATED

AND HEATEDCONTACT ANNA MASLEN

05 53 31 95 88 / 06 86 94 85 78p.maslen@wanadoo.fr

www.dordognecattery.com

The Cats InnLuxury Cattery - Cales near Lalinde - Very

Spacious - Lots of Love and Attention

Tel: Paula 05 53 24 14 42www.thecatsinncattery.com

paulaL24150@aol.comSiret No.520 980 269 00010

WAGS AND WHISKERS

British owned boarding kennelsand cattery 35 years experience

Tel: 05 65 35 46 51www.wagsandwhiskerskennels.co.uk

Dept 46, near Cazals SIRET: 500607858

Chenil Les Mille CalinsEnglish Run

5 Star accommodation for Dogs/Cats

Underfloor heated kennels Qualified staffTop Quality food and exerciseOnly 45 minutes south of CaenConvenient Ferry Access

www.goldenwaypets.comTelephone 02 33 37 49 19Emergency 02 33 38 41 32

Fax 02 33 38 44 16

WWee llooookk aafftteerr yyoouurr ddoogg iinnoouurr oowwnn hhoommee..

LLoovvee,, FFoooodd aanndd PPlleennttyy ooffEExxeerrcciissee,, nneeaarr MMoonnttiiggnnaacc..TTeell EEmmmmaa:: 0066 4488 0022 4411 5577

ADVERTISING FEATURE

EVER since professional tree surgeonMichael Dempsey moved to France sixyears ago from the UK, he has beeninundated with requests to remove largeand dangerous trees in and around theAngoulême area.

Whether it is to create more light in agarden or to remove the shade andleaves that hinder the summer enjoy-ment of an outdoor swimming pool,dealing with difficult trees is whatMichael does best.

“I often help people who have recentlybought a property and have problemtrees around their house,” said Michael.“Customers install pools and find thatthe filters are constantly clogged and thepool is in shade, so I often remove treesfor this reason.”

Michael also finds that once clientsrealise that his company, Dempsey TreeSurgery Contractors, owns a stumpgrinder that they also request stumpremoval. “Stump grinding is not a com-mon thing in France,” said Michael.“People tend to tolerate stumps in thegarden without realising there is amachine that can take them out.”

A wood chipping machine and minidigger are also owned and used regularlyby Michael and his team. Wood from thetrees can be chipped on site and themulch produced can bring great benefits

to the client’s garden.“We’ve got two trucks that tip, as well

as a four-wheel drive and an ordinarytransit, so when we take a tree down we can chip all the branches into thetruck and tip the chip somewhere people can easily access in their garden,”said Michael.

“As it is very hot here during the sum-mer the mulching of gardens will keepthe moisture in, which is better for theplants in this climate, and also preventweeds from growing.”

If customers prefer not to chip theirtree remains then the vans can takewood off site if necessary.

When pricing a job, if the distanceinvolved is too great to justify an on-siteconsultation then a devis can be puttogether as a result of emailed photosshowing power lines and hazards.

“I do difficult jobs that the ordinarygardener with a chainsaw would notdream of taking on - we need to takecertain criteria into consideration beforeactually starting work on a tree,” saidMichael.

“It doesn’t work to turn up to a jobfinding that there is a power linethrough the tree, so we need to knowproximity to roads, buildings and thatkind of thing. This method also makesthe job as cost-effective as possible forthe client.”

For more information or to discussparticular tree work, contact Michael byemail or telephone.

05 45 65 96 8606 61 90 04 92enquiries@dempseytreesurgery.comwww.dempseytreesurgery.com

Large and dangerous trees tackled by tree surgeonIf your garden contains treework that is too extreme forthe ordinary gardener,Michael Dempsey istrained and ready for action

Large tree removal is all in a day’s workfor Michael Dempsey and his team

18 Directory Dordogne Advertiser October 2012www.dordogneadvertiser.com

ADVERTISING FEATURE

STAR SATELLITEBritish TV in France

BskyB Qualified - For All Your Satellite NeedsTel: 05 53 80 63 93

Email: contact @starsatellite.frWeb: www.starsatellite.fr

Regions: Dordogne and surrounding DepartmentsSiret: 50196266600019

Air Conditioning,RefrigerationEU Accredited.

* Maintenance * Servicing * Installation * Recharging All types of systems.

CCoonnttaacctt PPhhiilliipp BBrroowwnn 0055 5533 8833 4477 5511..MMoobb.. 0066 4488 5544 1199 7700..

EEmmaaiill.. ssaauuddiipphhiill22000011@@yyaahhoooo..ccoommSiret. 75 041196 900017 Depts. 47, 24, 33.

www.realheating.cominfo@realheating.com

Tél: 05 53 90 46 34Siret: 4119 419 830

Plumbing, Central & Underfloor HeatingBathrooms, Solar systems,

Woodburners.GAS QUALIFIED INSTALLERS.

LANDROVER*MG*ROVER*JAGUAR*

AUSTIN-MORRIS PARTSELECTRONIC DIAGNOSTICS &

GEARBOX REPAIRSWWW.LANDYPOINT.NET

05 45 62 27 20

''MMaassssaaggeess aanndd wweellll bbeeiinngg aatt CCaasstteellnnaauudd llaa CChhaappeellllee''

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

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

EExxcclluussiivveeHHeeaalltthhccaarreeYour Helping Hand to the

French Health System

+33 (0) 4 94 40 31 45www.exclusivehealthcare.com

Café ChurchBergerac

An English speaking approachto contemporary Christianity

EVERY FOURTHSUNDAY OF THE MONTH

Tea and Cake from 5pmCafe Church from 5.30pm - 6.45pm

Sponsored by and held at L'EgliseEvangelique Libre de Bergerac, 5 Rue Durou

For details of other meetingsbrian@lincolns.me.uk

or Peter Shire05 53 22 74 08

www.christiansindordogne.comAd No. 2467

To advertise here callfreephone in

France 0800 91 77 56 / fromUK 0844 256 9881 (4p/min)

Prêt à Plonger Piscine installation, repairs &

maintenance. Bespoke pools, noproject too big or small.

Complete package includinggroundwork, terracing/decking and

pool security.Simon & Julia Holt

0619 071121 or 0553 620152or Julia: 06 32 10 39 92

simon.holt@wanadoo.frwww.pretaplongerpools.com

Siret: 49397835700017

TIP TOPGarden &

Property ServicesGarden Maintenance

Hedge Trimming - StrimmingGroundworks / Diggerworks

General Property MaintenanceProperty checks/Keyholding

Photo updatesContact Barry OnTel: 05 53 29 03 52

Mobile: 06 24 07 31 14E: paula.grainger@wanadoo.frDept 24 - Radius 50 kms Sarlat

Siret: 49372365400015

24 SERVICESProperty Maintenance - Pools & Gardens

Changeovers - KeyholdingN. Dordogne

Tel: + 33 (0)5 24 17 60 29contact@24services.fr

Siret: 52841725600013

Jardins du Périgord- Design - Creation

- Garden management

High quality work by qualified gardeners

www.jardinsduperigord.com

St Pool PiscinesConcrete pools, reinforced liners.

No expensive over design,expertly constructed

www.aquapierre.comstpoolsfrance@gmail.com

05 53 91 45 18

GARDEN SERVICESCreation of Garden Maintenance & Tree surgery

High quality in respect with naturePhilippe Brulé -30 years experience

Tel. 05 65 34 09 91Working dept: south 19, 46

Email: brule.philippe0346@orange.fr

Garden Design Service by professionalLandscape Architect/Garden Designerfrom conception to supervision of installation

Virginia Fletcher BA, Dip (Hons) LA, MLA

Tel: 05 53 62 51 94Mob: 06 24 92 82 57

E-mail: virginia.fletcher@aliceadsl.frSiret: 44943716900013 - Ad No. 17855

IN DEEPPISCINES

Maintenance, leak detection, servicing, repairs

Tel: 05 53 22 79 18 / 06 84 68 84 92Web: www.indeeppiscines.comEmail: sean@indeeppiscines.com

Regions: 24, 33, 46, 47, 82 - Siret: 504 576 802 00038

l‘Ecrin de VerdureA Garden Design and

Build Company“Full service” from sketch schemesto finished garden with integratedsystems (lighting/watering/mowing)

24 Sarlat - 33 Monségur - 47 Duras

UK 06 79 92 95 88FR 06 42 85 53 60

www.lecrindeverdure.com

Roots & ShootsProfessional tree surgeryCall Mark for a free quote

05 53 75 05 48 - 06 89 79 05 02rootsandshoots.fr@gmail.com.

www.roots-shoots.frSiret number 452-803-539-00017

Plant Nursery le Lac des JoncsUnusual hardy perennials, ornamental

grasses, hemerocallisIvy, hosta, succulents

TTeell:: 0055 5533 4466 7788 1188 - 0066 8844 8833 7700 33882244558800 RRoouuffffiiggnnaacc - SStt CCeerrnniinn

Email: contact@pepilacdesjoncs.com

DEMPSEY TREE SURGERYCONTRACTORS

British trained & qualified tree surgeonAll tree work undertaken.

Tel: 05 45 65 96 86 Mob: 06 61 90 04 92enquiries@dempseytreesurgery.com

www.dempseytreesurgery.comWorking in dept: 16, 17, 24, 87

Siret: 48930027700014

SAPEG expertiseet conseil

Registered Chartered Accountants

- Business set up and registration - Business accountancy

- Income tax,Wealth tax- Payroll and legal services

Contact Alain: 05 53 92 50 00Email: a.clisson@sapeg.experts-

comptables.frwww.sapeg.experts-comptables.fr

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: contact@execopartners.com

www.execopartners.eu

AXA INSURANCE

J. LECLUZEST HILAIRE DU HARCOUET - 50600

HOME - CAR - HEALTHWe insure UK registered cars

ENGLISH SPOKEN(call Angeline) - 02 33 49 12 34

englishspokenlecluze.e-monsite.com

FRENCH INSURANCE - 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: 05 62 29 20 00

Email: cover@insurance.frRCS Auch B479 400 657 - Regions: All France

CURRENCY TRANSFERS

VOTED #1RATES + CLIENT SERVICE

Pioneer FranceTel: 05 53 07 06 27

info@pioneerfrance.com

The world leader in foreign exchange

AFTER a severe winter, electric, plumb-ing and heating company Eurolec wascalled out to more than 20 properties, allof which had suffered damage fromfrozen pipes.

Many of these were holiday homes andrental properties, where owners hadbelieved that simply turning off the waterand opening the taps would be sufficientto prevent any damage.

“I was still receiving calls in June torepair faults that were caused in Feburaryfrom the cold weather,” said James Gunn,

director of Eurolec. “Obviously peopleonly found the problems when they visit-ed their property for the first time afterthe cold spell.

“The damage varied from burst pipesand taps, broken radiators and damagedheating systems, to more extreme caseswhere under-floor heating systems hadbeen destroyed.”

To prevent homes suffering similardamage this winter, Eurolec are offering aspecial winter season service, where ahouse visit will be performed to asses thespecefic needs of the customer.

And right now, James is offering a 15%reduction in price for this service, whichwill be discounted from the overall contract price.

“I have dealt with a number of insur-ance claims and have acted on behalf ofmy customers, dealing direct with the

insurance experts and investigators,” saidJames. “I would like to help people avoidthe cost and disturbance associated withwater damage and insurance claims.”

James also advises people to read thesmall print of any insurance documentscarefully, using a translation service wherenecessary.

“There are distinct clauses associatedwithin the contract, referring to mainte-nance procedures and in most cases cus-tomers have to prove that these wereadhered to.”

In addition to the property mainte-nance service, Eurolec also completeshigh-quality bathroom installations.

Converting awkward spaces into mod-ern bathrooms, Eurolec installs bespokeshower doors and screens designed to fitinto the tightest of spaces.

“Our system works really well,” saidJames. “We use a local supplier to cut theglass, the shower is then completed withminimalistic fixings and the finished bath-room looks fantastic.”

Eurolec covers the areas surroundingSarlat, Brive, Périgueux and St-Yrieix-la-Perche, and has a skilled team of trades-men that provide all the services neededfor any renovation project.

All electrical work, heating systems,plumbing, decoration, tiling, plasteringand gardening services are offered.

06 37 09 55 13 / 05 53 51 53 71james.gunn@club-internet.frwww.eurolec24.com

Eurolec can install bathrooms in awkward spaces, including roomswith an apex roof

Beat the cold this winterFrom property maintenanceto bathroom installations,Eurolec can fulfil any electrical, plumbing or heating requirements

“I would like to help peopleavoid the cost and disturbanceassociated with water damageand insurance claims

Directory 19Dordogne Advertiser October 2012 www.dordogneadvertiser.com

CLASSIFIEDS

BACCHUS IMMOBILIER

recruitsFrance based estate agency seeksrepresentatives for ALL regions of

France. Carte Blanche Agent Commercial Immobilier and

generous commission rates offered.Contact Ivan Tredinnick.

Tel: 00 33 (0)5 45 82 42 93Fax: 00 33 (0)5 45 36 27 95

E: property@bacchus-french-property.comW: www.bacchus-french-property.com

Siret: 48034462100010

U.K. WOODBURNERSAARROWYEOMAN STOVAX

VILLAGERFrance Agent - P.E.P Leisure Ltd

UK 08717174097FR 0553732521

www.pepleisure.comemail: fires@pepleisure.com

Regions All France

Anglo FoodsAgreed distributor of Iceland

Frozen food17270 Montguyon

Tel: 05 46 48 32 44

SIMPLY BRITISHINDEPENDENT BRITISH GROCERS

Large range of food - fresh and frozen,books, greetings cards and gifts

Tel: 05 61 64 98 89Email: simplybritfoix@aol.com

Web: simplybritish.frREGION: Shop 09, mail order throughout France

WOODBURNERSAsh Grove Stoves

Supplier ofHunter - Villager

- Clean Burn - Fire Visible - Boiler versions available- Deliveries all over France- Prices on our website

Lowest Prices Guaranteed

Tel: 00 44 (0) 1392 861579www.ashgrovestoves.com

sales@ashgrovestoves.com

Spex4less.ComHigh Quality Prescription

Glasses OnlineSave Money On All Your

Prescription Eyewearwww.spex4less.com

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

info@furnitureforfrance.co.uk or call 0033 (0) 6 46 49 73 45 or

0033 (0) 5 55 25 02 68www.furnitureforfrance.co.uk

BOUCHERIEA LA FERME

English butchers and farmers in France.Beef, Lamb, PorkPasties, steak pies,pork pies. Bacon,

gammon, sausages.Bespoke 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

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

REFLEX MOODYS LTDSALISBURY

REMOVALSUK - FRANCE - UK

• Weekly Service • Full & Part Loads• Container Storage

• BAR Members• On-line Quotation

• Internet Shopping Deliveries00 44 1722 414350

info@reflexmoodys.comwww.reflexmoodys.comCompany Regn No: UK 5186435TVA / VAT No: UK 864 7217 04

MOVINGTO OR FROM

FRANCE?Weekly services to &

from FranceFull or part loads, 4wks free storage,

30 Yearsexperience

Bar & Guild MemberContact:

Anglo French RemovalsTel: +44 (0) 1622 690 653

Email: info@anglofrench.co.ukwww.anglofrench.co.uk

REDCLIFFE are a reliableBristol based Remover and Storerwith weekly trips to the Dordogne

Credit crunch specials

Contact Andrew +44 (0) 7976 702 241andrew@redclifferemovals.co.uk

www.redclifferemovals.co.uk

EEccooPPoowweerrThe World's

Leading SolarSystems

Tel: 05 53 62 31 35

www.ecopower.eu.com

To advertise here callfreephone in

France 0800 91 77 56 / fromUK 0844 256 9881 (4p/min)

SECURITY SYSTEMS

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: contact@aquitainealarmes.comW: www.aquitainealarmes.com

Regions Covered: 24, 33, 17, 16SIRET 50793843900019

DIGITAL INSTALLATIONSWe 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: FinnHans@aol.com

www.digitalsatellitefrance.comSiret: 400 415 246 00026

Mini digger hire from100 Euros per day HT

Hammer, auger, dumper,roller etc available

Sarlat, Gourdon and Souillac areas

SARL MaximaTel April on 0631110202

or 0553312115see rates at

www.maximalocation.comSiret no. 498 524 032 00022

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: 48852292100037

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 : maswan@live.co.ukAll depts covered Siret 50406233200011

Signs, vehicle lettering etc.Free advice and quotes, based in the

Dordogne, covering all of France.Tel: 05 53 52 45 82 or 06 32 83 35 97

Email: mark@signsetc.frWeb: www.signsetc.fr

Siret: 491205035 00026 - Ad No. 17751

Everything DordogneSeeking Holiday Rentals for

Australian TravellersWorking in conjunction with

Seek Travel AustraliaWe advertise in MajorAustralian Newspapers

Property Owners Advertise withus for FREE

info@everythingdordogne.netwww.everythingdordogne.net

Dordogne-Correze-PropertiesProperty Finder Service helping the buyer

find their dream home.

Telephone: 06 45 10 21 54 john@dordogne-correze-properties.comwww.dordogne-correze-properties.com

Siret 508 891 983 00019

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: lockes@orange.frWebsite: www.lockes47.com

KITCHENS &BATHROOMS

IN FRANCEFor the best deals on your

kitchens and bathroomsCall us on 05 53 09 41 88

for a FREE home visit.

We offer a full planning and designservice...all under one roof!

Visit our showroom in Perigueux.

Covering Depts 24,16,17,33,47,46,19 & 87

www.bathroomsinfrance.comEmail: info@salon2bains.fr

Tel: 05 53 09 41 88Fax: 05 53 09 21 04

<< L'ATELIER >>Carpentry - Roofing - Insulation - Wood

frames and houses - Decks - Porches - FloorsFree Estimates - Depts: Dordogne - Gironde

Web: latelierdecharpente.frMob: 06 02 50 11 56

Email: latelier.construction@gmail.comEnglish spoken

Advertise your business from just 75HT

Get even more impact by adding an Advertorial from 200HT. This popular advertising option allows you the space to

explain what your business offers using a combination of words and photos.

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

Royal British Legion seekspoppy helpTHE Royal British Legion branch for the south-west of France is looking for volunteer poppysellers for next month.

Anyone interested should contact GordonMerrett on gordon.merrett @wanadoo.fr or 0553 83 82 35. Other branches can be foundat: www.rblfrance.org

‘Scratch’ Messiah in the DordognePERIGUEUX’S third Scratch Messiah will takeplace on Sunday October 28 at 17.00 in theAbbey of Chancelade, off the western exit ofPerigueux, between D939 and D6089.

The performance, organised by the AnglicanChaplaincy of Aquitaine, will include anorchestra of 20 professionals, four profession-al soloists and a “scratch” (rehearsed on theday) choir of 100.

It will be 15, children under 12 free andproceeds will go to charity. Ticket reservationscan be made on 05 53 90 62 03.Somesingers, especially tenors, are still required.

CHARITY

Phœnix AssociationPhœnix Adoption

Stunning kittens:Stella is 1 of 3 stunning silver and grey tab-bies, born in July 2012, and waiting inPhoenix foster care for her loving foreverhome. Microchipped, vaccinated, wormedand de-flead, they are all 'rescues' and ifyou would like to adopt one, please contactPhoenix Foster Carer, Sharon Lee Chappellon Tel: 05 53 60 73 11Email: sharonleechappell@hotmail.co.uk

For other Phoenix animals availablefor adoption check out our ADOPTIONPAGE at www.phoenixasso.com orFacebook at www.facebook.com/PhoenixAssociationFrance

Phœnix AssociationPhœnix Adoption

Tilly: 8-year-old Teckel (daschund) cross,but do not let her age fool you! Great withdogs, cats and people - plenty of energy,affection and character and cute as a but-ton.Please help her find a home. Contact Caroline on 05 55 14 12 43 oremail micrograph@hotmail.co.uk

For other Phoenix animals awaitingadoption, check out our ADOPTIONPAGE at www.phoenixasso.com or onFacebook at www.facebook.com/PhoenixAssociationFrance

COMMUNITY NEWS AND EVENTS

20 DIY Dordogne Advertiser October 2012www.dordogneadvertiser.com

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We would like to send you a weekly email with news and practical information about life in France. You can unsubscribe at any time. We will never pass your details on to a third party. If you do NOT want this please tick here NO THANKS!

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Payment must be by euro cheque (from a French bank) or sterling cheque (from a UK bank). Cheques should be made payable to English Language Media

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INFORMATION YOU CAN TRUST ON LIFE IN FRANCE

2012 Helpguide toLocal Taxes

The 2012 helpguide is now on sale for 5 for a downloadable or printed version (printed version does not include p&p)

Whether you own or rent a main home or holidayhome in France, you will be subject to French localtaxes - and this is the time of year when bills arearriving. The Connexion has published a revisedhelpguide to help you understand what these taxesare, who must pay them, what makes you eligiblefor reductions or exemptions and the deadlines andmeans of payment. It includes two pages of readerQuestions and Answers Especially written for Britons living in FrancePublished September 1, 2012

You can order at the helpguide section of www.connexionfrance.com or call (free from France) 0800 91 77 56

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AT HALF-term this month why not get the childreninvolved in building a tree house? Obviously younger oneswill not be able to help much with the initial construction,but they could be detailed to make a simple ladder, or tieknots in a thick rope or even make a tin can phone (twoempty food tins connected by a length of string).

It is possible to construct a tree house even if you do nothave a likely tree in your garden by supporting the struc-ture on stilts. It is however fun to have at least some tallvegetation surrounding the tree house. There are lots ofdesigns available, but the simplest remains a few planksnailed to the branches and a rope ladder for access. This isreally only suitable for older children however.

To find ready-made railings and all sorts of other inspir-ing used building materials at good prices, find your near-est Emmaüs in the Pages Jaunes (pagesjaunes.fr) as theyoffer absolutely everything for sale. Alternatively, searchthe same site for Matériaux de recuperation or ask aroundlocally to track down a dealer in la recupe in your area.These are people who collect building materials from dem-olition sites and sell them on, and are great places for hunt-ing out old staircases, fantastic wrought iron balcony rail-ings and antique doors.

If you do have a suitable tree, such as a plane tree with awide, sturdy trunk, then you can start by constructing aboxy framework around the tree comprising four legs andthe base of a platform. If you bury the supporting postsinto wet concrete you will need less cross bracing but if youuse an above-ground foundation (ie: a footer) then theposts will last longer.

Once you have got some planks down on the platform tomake a solid floor, add some railings and attach the ladder.You can also transfer some of the weight from the platformto the base of the tree trunk by using diagonal braces fromthe outside edges of the platform.

The tree house’s future inhabitants might not do a greatjob of applying wood preservative, but the task will keepthem occupied for hours. The important thing is not build-ing the perfect tree house but introducing children to thefun and satisfaction of working with their hands. Source anorganic or child-safe product at the DIY store.

Good features for children to help with are suspending atyre from a nearby branch, and putting holes in the cornersof an old tin tray so it can be attached to a rope and used tohaul feasts up into the tree house. More features, likeextended decking, a rope ladder, a roof, a fixed staircase,and a firepole would be great projects for a later date – say,spring half term.

Tree house is anadventure for all

Building a tree house is a project for the whole family

Photo: Jonathan Billinger a/G

eograph.org.uk

Home and Garden 21Dordogne Advertiser October 2012 www.dordogneadvertiser.com

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Keep the lawn raked free of leaves over the autumn

OCTOBER is the month to start battening down theautumn hatches, although it is worthwhile keeping an eyeon next spring as you do it. Plant bulbs if you have notalready done so, including tulips, either in the ground or inpots. If you want a natural-looking drift of colour, throwthe bulbs up in the air and plant them where they fall.

Bring pot plants inside to avoid any early frosts, acclima-tising them slowly if possible. Check over any pots whichare staying outside – any cracked ones will break at thefirst frost. To prevent rot, remove saucers and stand potson bricks for the winter. Pick any pumpkins or gourds andput them somewhere cool to start drying out.

Give the lawn a last feed with a slow-acting fertiliser toencourage root growth. Lay new turf if necessary. Keep thelawn raked free of leaves, to prevent rot, but let them lie onherbaceous beds and borders. Build a leaf mould heap byknocking four posts into the ground and stapling chickenwire around the outside. Pile all the leaves in, toppingthem up from time to time as the pile mulches down.

Clear away the last of the summer toys, barbecues, ham-mocks, hosepipes, swings and the like. Put them away cleanand repaired if you want a trouble-free start to next sum-mer. Clear out and disinfect the greenhouse if you haveone, and do not forget to clean the glass before movingplants in for the winter. Check the heater, if you have one.

Cabbage can be picked and stored in a frost-free shed, ascan the last of the root veg except parsnips. Pick the last ofthe green tomatoes and take them in for ripening on awindowsill, or make green tomato chutney with them.(They are good cut into thick slices and fried with baconand eggs, too.)

As the vegetable plot clears, dig it over roughly leavingany large clumps, and spread manure. The combinedaction of worms and weather will break the clumps downover the winter. Then spread manure. Dig over herbaceousbeds and borders.

Prune currant bushes now, and replant where needed.Also give large rose bushes a light pruning, and make surethey are tied up securely enough to withstand autumnwinds. If you have any delicate plants, now is a good timeto wrap them in sacking to protect them from the frost.Mulch heavily around the base.

If you are looking for a fun garden project, make a birdfeeder. There are various designs ranging from the mostcomplex ornithological mansions to a simple bird table inthe middle of the lawn. A rewarding bird treat can bemade by filling a coconut shell (thread a string through itbefore you start) with a mix of melted animal fats, seedsand nuts. Once it is set, hang upside down well out of thereach of any neighbourhood felines.

Photo: Dan4

th Nicholas/Flickr

Getting readyfor the winter

THE spookiest month of theyear has come round – it istime to get the house readyfor Halloween.

Although it is not as big tra-dition in France as it is in theUS or the UK, Halloween hasgained in popularity over thelast few years. The most cele-brating goes on in Limoges –there is an annual parade onOctober 31 where peopledress up and carry candlelitpumpkins. The annual WitchFestival in Chalindrey fallsjust before Halloween, andToussaint, All Saints’ Day, isthe day after.

Across the country there arecelebrations at cafes, bars andhomes. There is even growingdemand for pumpkinstowards the end of Octoberand some grocery shops andsupermarkets have pumpkincarving displays in prepara-tion for the 31st. Patisseries,chocolate shops and bakeriesoften decorate their shop win-dows with orange and blackdisplays. However, if you arelooking to buy decorations,apart from fancy-dress shops,you are best off buying

online. French sites netboot-ic.com, ledeguisement.comand fetes-par-fetes.com have aselection of scary decorations.For more choice, check outUK sites which deliver.

You do not have to be acrafts expert to create yourown decorations – and all thefamily can get involved. Itgoes without saying that the

Jack-o-lantern is the most tra-ditional Halloween decora-tion, and lots of fun to carve.For other decorations to makewith the kids, you may need:different coloured paints,coloured pipe cleaners andmarker pens. You should beable to get these from localarts and crafts shops.

To make spiders, you willneed an egg carton, eight pipecleaners and some black paint.Cut out each egg cup andpaint it black. For the eyes,either use white paint to createlittle dots or glue on wiggleeyes. For the legs, make foursmall holes on two sides of thecup and insert a black orcoloured pipe cleaner in eachhole and stick them to the cup.You then just need somethread to hang the spider.

You could also create awhole host of spooky silhou-

ettes of ghosts, cats and bats. Ifyou or your children are host-ing a Halloween party, makesure to dim the lights and havea CD of creepy noises such asdoors banging or ghoulishsounds on in the background.You could even replace lightswith black light bulbs, stick upfigures that glow in the darkand have orange and whitestreamers hanging from theceiling and across windowsand doorways.

To make your home into adeserted haunted house, youcould cover furniture withwhite sheets, and opt forblack decorations and table-ware. For your front garden,you could cordon off an areawith yellow tape like thatwhich is used at crime scenes.

As for trick-or-treating, it isnot a French tradition andyou could get mixed reactions.In some areas, it is becomingthe norm, but if you are notsure, it is probably best to goround to friends’ houses ortalk to your neighbours inadvance about it, to see if theywould agree. And stock up onsweets, just in case.

“You do not haveto be a craftsexpert to createyour owndecorations – and all the familycan get involved

Halloween his not as widely celebrated inFrance as the UK or US, but if you want toarrange a special day for the children,REBECCA LAWN has some tips on preparingthe house and where to find materials

There is growing demand for traditional Halloween pumpkins in grocery shops and supermarkets in France this month

Photo: Public Dom

ain Images

Photo: Public Dom

ain Images

Staging aspooky party

Photo: Grégoire Lannoy on Flickr

22 Property Dordogne Advertiser October 2012www.dordogneadvertiser.com

ProPerties in DorDoGne

Buying or selling a property? We can help. Our website www.connexionfrance.com carries details of more than 14,000 homes for sale across France. We also feature properties for sale in this dedicated section of the paper each month. To find out more about any particular property, go to www.connexionfrance.com and enter the ref: code shown under the property. For sellers, the adverts are also displayed across a range of popular English-speaking websites and are seen by

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Ref: 700720

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La CoquilleThree bedroomed house comprises lounge, dining room, kitchen, breakfast room, bathroom, workshop and attached garage.

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near Villefranche-du-PérigordThree bedroom stone-built cottage fully restored consists of living room/dining room, kitch-en, shower room/WC, garden shed/utility room, swimming pool and garden.

Ref: BVI0007407

170,000

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near Beaumont-du-PérigordOne bedroom stone house set on 5 acres of land consists of living room, kitchen and bathroom.

Ref: 700879

149,800

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ribéracTwo bedroom stone house includes two stone barns and a small fenced garden.

Ref: AQU-693

245,000

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near Villefranche-de-LonchatThree bedroom bungalow comprises open plan living room/kitchen, bathroom, utility room, garage, garden and swimming pool.

Ref: AQU-496

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eymetThis three bedroom detached bungalow comprises living/ dining room, kitchen, bathroom, utility room, garage, garden and luxurious swimming pool.

Ref: BVI0005183

286,200

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near Le FleixThree bedroom house consists of storage barn, workshop, garden and swimming pool.

Ref: BVI0007127

318,000

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near trémolatThree bedroom renovated house and three houses to be renovated set on 9 acres of land.

Ref: fPBC3260C

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near BeynacFour bedroom house set on 7 hectares of land consists of lounge/dining room, kitchen, shower room, separate WC, terrace, conservatory and outbuilding.

Ref: 3150

350,000

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Le Buisson-de-CadouinSix bedroom house set on 5,413m2 of land comprises living room, kitchen and five bathrooms.

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374,000

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BelvèsFour bedroom house set on 1 hectare of land comprises of lounge/dining-room, fitted kitch-en, bathroom, shower room, study and swimming pool.

Ref: 3214

129,600

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near Le Buisson-de-CadouinFour bedroom house consists of courtyard, garage and outbuildings.

Ref: 700549

94,600

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saint-saud-LacoussiereThree bedroom house consists of lounge/dining, fitted kitchen, shower room, separate toilet, private courtyard, terrace, garden and barn.

Ref: 300531

449,000

ENErgy ratiNg = Not given

BeynacPerigordian-style three bedroom house set on 1,842 m2 of land. Includes lounge/dining-room, kitchen, bathroom, en suite, shower room, terrace, summer kitchen and double-garage.

Ref: 700465

265,000

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VerteillacFour bedroom house set on 1.3 hectares of land consists of large lounge, kitchen, dining room, large bathroom, garage, garden and swimming pool.

Ref: BVI0006878

212,000

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near Massugas, GirondeThree bedroom house comprises entrance-reception room, kitch-en/dining room, WC, utility room and wooden barn to renovate.

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154,000

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saint-Priest-les-FougèresOne bedroom house completely restored consists of living room, kitchen, two shower rooms and garden.

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near LalindeA restored three bedroom stone Manoir and four bedroom guest house set on 1 hectare of land with barn, garage, swimming pool and pool house.

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near BergeracFour bedroom detached house includes living room, dining room, kitchen, study, bathroom, shower room, integral garage, and swimming pool.

Ref: 700560

108,900

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saint-Martin-de-ribéracOne bedroom house consists of large living room with corner kitchen, shower room and fenced garden of 3,500m2.

Ref: 100373

424,000

ENErgy ratiNg = Not given

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Dordogne Advertiser October 2012 www.dordogneadvertiser.com Property / Money 23

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LegalNotes

If you ever had to try and describe the extent to which English law differs from any other continental legal system, you might come across William Blackstone’s ‘Commentaries on the Laws of England 1765’ which says that the Common Law system is a singular creation made out of the “The Common sense of the community, crystal-lised and formulated by our forefathers”. you would not be entirely wrong in thinking that Blackstone’s English forefa-thers’ habit was to consider the bare facts as they appear and not as they should be.

Nevertheless, English law is neither “common” to the whole kingdom nor an Anglo-Saxon heritage and the reason is due to another set of historical causes rather than any “sense of the community”.

It is useful to understand the reasons for its unique crea-tion, as well as the reasons for its unchallenged success overseas because looking at the french origins of English Law amounts to an overview of centuries of “common” cul-ture, from the Norman conquest in 1066 onwards.

After the conquest, the new Norman rulers – who had ruled the Duchy of Normandy since 911 – solidified their political power in England by sharing land between their barons according to the property and inheritance rules in force in Normandy.

The main element of this is the single principle of effective power and possession of any asset purported to be held by its owner in legal terms.

As a result, no land can be held by its recipient without due service as a counterpart (latin: foedum; legal English: ‘fee’), implying that no woman with male siblings could hold land (latin: tenere ; legal English: ‘tenement’ or ‘free-hold’) as her brother is better to fight for it instead of her.

Moreover, a landlord should always be able to bequeath property according to his will, with a view to maintaining the best value: which is why the youngest children could be stopped from receiving any benefit over the land.

It is worth noting also that the Norman people, the rude ‘North Men’ settled on the North Western french coast during the Capetian times, produced only a few legal rules of their own. Instead they adopted most of the Capetian laws and logically came to consider that every man, noble or not, had to abide by a unique law made for all, hence leaving room enough for the later concept of ‘free man’ as described in the Magna Carta (1215).

Those principles formed the basis of both early English law after 1066 and the Norman customary law later called in france Très Ancien Coutumier (1200-1245), thus the Summa de legibus Normanniae in curia laïcali (1235-1245) as well as the rulings from the Norman exchequer (then Royal Court of Justice). This local custom lasted until the french Revolution and the Code Napoléon was enforced in 1804.

Norman invasion laid basis for English law

Photo: © D

iego Barbieri - Fotolia.com

Answered by CABINET D’AVOCATSE. ARAGUASFrench Avocat

www.thefrenchlawyer.com

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History of English law harks back to France

We have just bought a holiday home near Deauville and have been thinking about renting it out – but now we are not sure because the tax that we pay as non residents will eat significantly into any money we make. We are basic rate tax payers in the UK, and spend about eight weeks in France each year, but mostly out of season. If we pay CSG on our income, are we then entitled to French healthcover?

You must work out how the finances weigh up

If you decide to rent out your property then you will need to make an annual declaration to the french authorities, and pay tax in france. The current flat rate for non residents is 20%.

It is true that france have now confirmed that they will be adding social charges to the tax liability that non-french residents pay on their rental income and capital gains tax on sale. until now, this has been restricted to french resi-dents, as the “social charge” (not to be confused with social security for healthcare and retirement). The social charges are however covered by the double tax treaty, and are there-fore considered to be a tax available for credit against your uK self assessment return.

The difficulty is that, in effect, your final tax bill will be the higher of the two – so even if you pay 20% in the uK – the french tax charge will be higher – currently CSG is 15.5%, but it will be going up under ongoing budget pro-posals, which is added to the 20% as a non resident.

you can however chose which business regime to declare your income in france, which could keep the tax bill down – if you chose “real” accounting, then costs can be deduct-ed against your rental income, including mortgage interest (but with an add back for personal use), advertising, changeover costs and taxe foncière. The other option is the micro which currently gives a 50% flat rate deduction for rental expenses.

That said, if the property is not let, or if you make a loss then no french income tax will apply.

The CSG (social charge) that you pay is only a “tax” and does not attract healthcare or other social security rights. And far from being a temporary levy, President Hollande has plans to combine income tax and CSG into one rate, which will be deducted at source.

If you plan to rent out our advice is to do your sums first to see if it is worthwhile, it might well be – even if only to cover some of your fixed costs and to keep the property aired for when you want to enjoy it yourself!

Photo: © JPC-PROD

- Fotolia.com

What effect will rent charges have?

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THE continuing weakness of the euro against the pound has apparently not deterred people in the Eurozone from buying British property. our latest data survey found that despite the decline of the euro in 2010 nearly half of all our transactions involving clients moving euros into GBP were property related.

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The unpredictability of the currency markets has seen an increasing number of people turning to foreign exchange specialists for advice on how they can protect any potential investments from currency fluctuations exposure. However, anyone looking to move large amounts of money overseas needs to make sure that they have the right kind of advice in place to avoid any potential disappointment when it comes to moving day.

By using a foreign exchange broker you can set a rate for a transaction happening up to three years ahead – so there are no nasty surprises on the day that you buy your home abroad. A select few companies are also now in a position to be able to offer “currency options” (formerly the pre-serve of big businesses) to the general market.

This means you can set an exchange rate in advance of your property purchase date, but you also guarantee that you will also see any financial benefit if the market subse-quently moves in your favour.

Whether you are a uK resident looking to buy a property abroad, or if you are a non-uK resident looking to buy a property in Britain, a currency company will ensure the currency exchange happens in the most efficient way possi-ble. They can transfer your money from your domestic bank account into your overseas account, and can convert from and to virtually any currency. If you are selling, they can bring your money home quickly and safely – using their own overseas accounts if appropriate.

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Currency NotesJeremy Cook, chief economist at foreign exchange company, World First, talks about the Euro and other currencies.

24 The Back Page Dordogne Advertiser October 2012

All the president’s meals

A 70 yeAr-old woman from the dordogne has become the heroine of a full-length feature film in cinemas across France this autumn. Les Saveurs du Palais tells the story of how danièle Mazet-delpeuch became President Mitterrand’s per-sonal cook and charts her time at the elysée Palace and the way she dealt with the jealous all-male team of chefs from the central kitchens and her success in pleasing the president with her authentic cooking.

It is the tale of a woman from the country who is suddenly catapulted into the world of power and politics in Paris. But working for the president tells only part of the story of her life – which she has dedicated to transmit-ting the pleasures of Périgordian cooking all over the world.

It is hard to believe this modest and charming woman who still lives in her typical Périgord farmhouse has led such a glamorous life – tak-ing her cooking skills all over the world to the US, Japan, China, New Zealand and elsewhere in europe – cooked for the president and is now star of a major film.

Her home and her roots rest firmly in the paternal farmhouse which has been in her family for generations.

“When I am here I am on my land. I know every aspect of this place – I know when and who planted the trees – for example the lime tree was plant-ed for my grandfather’s wedding in

1897. When I go away on my travels it is comforting to know that my home is always there for me.”

Mrs Mazet-delpeuch was born in Paris but her parents returned to the family home when she was 12. She married and had four children and then tried to find a way to earn a living.

“I had a baccalauréat but no profes-sional qualifications. However I real-ised that I did have a great treasure, the foie gras we produced on the farm – and my cooking. And so in the 1970s I started running the very first foie gras weekends. At that time there were no chambre d’hôtes and no tourism of this kind.

“It was a success almost immedi-ately, first with the French and then with foreign visitors. I had a great deal of press coverage in France – and in 1979 the New York Times came to visit and the resulting article brought in visitors from abroad.”

It meant that she developed con-tacts in the US and some years later she crossed the Atlantic and began to introduce the Americans to her form of French country cooking. It was at a time when the first foie gras pro-ducers were setting up in the US, and here was a woman who knew exactly what to do with the new, exotic product. She visited cooking schools and restaurant chefs to show them the riches of foie gras.

She then received a call to go to Paris where she learnt that President

Mitterrand was looking for a country cook and wished to employ her as his personal chef.

At first she was not sure she could do it – but it was an opportunity and a challenge that was only likely to come once, so she said yes.

She feels that the film is an accu-rate representation of the two years she spent at the elysée. The main

character, played by Catherine Frot takes on another name, Hortense laborie and it is a fiction based on fact rather than a documentary – but Mrs Mazet-delpeuch is very happy with it: “It is an incredibly honest film. My eldest son has seen it and said it was remarkable how the char-acter took the essence of my person-ality and how it really portrayed things as they were.”

In the film, the president comes into her kitchen and they share a glass of red wine and foie gras. She says that did happen. François Mitterrand was a great lover of food

and they did have discussions about cooking – after one occasion she recounts that she was questioned about the subject of her long inter-view with the President, with some-one saying: “Madame, 50 minutes with you, when some heads of state are only given 10 minutes.”

After working with the president, danièle Mazet-delpeuch continued to travel and to receive visitors at her home in order to pass on her knowl-edge of local cooking.

“For me, the most important thing is to make something extraordinary with the ingredients you have to hand. And here, in the Périgord, we are lucky to have everything that you might need. It’s not just about foie gras and truffles. Here you can find a great range of meats and vegetables.

“I really think that the market at Brive-la-Gaillarde is the best in France. The ingredients are of the utmost importance.

“When I run a cooking course I take my students to the market and they choose what they find attractive and good – and then we find ways of turning it into something simple but refined. I receive a great many for-eigners and I try and teach them about the different products we have on offer here. I want to demystify the process of cooking. recipes are not important – ingredients and what you do with them are.”

When she reached the age of 59 she

showed once again what a remarkable woman she is as she recognised the first signs of ageing when she began to have aches and pains in her joints.

Instead of resigning herself to grow-ing old she decided to hit it head on – by signing up for a year’s work cook-ing for a group of men posted in one of the harshest environments and in one of the furthest away places she could hope to find herself – a French part of the Antarctic.

She said: “I was very proud to get the job – the advertisement was look-ing for a 30-year-old man – and here I was an almost 60-year-old woman. It was tough, physically and psycho-logically, but when I came back I felt fantastically fit and healthy.”

Now she continues to travel and to pass on her ideas about cookery. She has also been very involved in the making of Les Saveurs du Palais and, at 70, she is far from ready to retire.

“I am very happy with the film, I was very happy at the elysée working for the president, I was very happy work-ing in the Antarctic – I learn new things every day, meet new people and I am very happy with my life.”

If you are interested in going on one of danièle Mazet-delpeuch’s cookery courses you can send an email to truffemoka@orange.fr – she speaks english. A book she has writ-ten about her experiences is to be translated into english and the film is also currently being translated.

Photo: Georges Biard/W

ikimedia

Danièle Mazet-Delpeuch has been very involved in

the making of Les Saveurs du Palais, in which she is

played by actress Catherine Frot (pictured right)

Photo: Jane Hanks

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A new film out now in French cinemas tells the story of Danièle Mazet-Delpeuch, the Dordogne woman who worked as President Mitterrand’s personal chef in the Elysée Palace in the 1980s.

JANE HANKS met her at her farmhouse in Chavagnac to find out more about an extraordinary career – and whether she is pleased with the way her tale has been interpreted on-screen

I learn new things every day, meet new people and I am very happy with my life Danièle Mazet-Delpeuch

‘‘

www.dordogneadvertiser.com