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AdvertiserThe

DORDOGNE FREEGRATUIT

January 2011 - Issue 23

www.dordogneadvertiser.com

THE Dordogne, and Périgueux in par-ticular, could be become a rat-run forheavy lorries with the opening of thenew A65 motorway between Pau andLangon.

Local associations fear that haulierstrying to avoid traffic jams roundBordeaux will use the A65 as a majoraccess to the South-West parallel tothe A63 Bayonne-Bordeaux motorway.

With no link north of Langon, theprefecture of the Dordogne admitted:“The A65 opening could mean signifi-cant consequences, with collateraleffects on the Dordogne and the westof the Lot-et-Garonne.”

The association Devlop’SO, whichlooks at south-west transport projects,said lorry drivers would probably takeone of two routes between Langon andLimoges.

At Langon, the lightest lorries (under18 tons) would head for Mussidan andthe A89 to Limoges, via departmentalroads through Sauveterre-de-Guyenneand Sainte-Foy-la-Grande.

Heavier vehicles would turn right onthe A62 at Langon, exit at Samazanand reach Bergerac via the D933through Marmande. Then they woulddrive through Périgueux and Thiviersvia the RN21.

Georges Barberolle, of environmen-tal group Protection et Avenir duPatrimoine et de l’Environnement enDordogne, has alerted mayors oftowns on the D933.

“In Bergerac, we are lucky enough tohave a ring road, even though we hadto wait 30 years for it. But we fear thatlorries will cut straight through somevillages to go north. Eymet,Miremont-de-Guyenne andRouffignac de Sigoulès will be hit.”

He said lorry drivers would look for

the fastest routes and avoid the congested outskirts of Bordeaux, evenif it meant going through villages toosmall to accommodate them.

They would even risk the finesimposed for going through town centres: “Certain companies even givemoney to their drivers with which topay the €22 fine,” he said.

Mr Barberolle says the way to avoidPérigueux would be to take the A89 toBrive and the A20 to Limoges. Puttingin ring roads round affected villageswould be the fastest and cheapest solu-tion, he said.

Despite the safety risks and irritationfor residents, mayors are none the lessconsidering the economical benefitsthat more traffic could bring.Miramont mayor Alain Jordana andMarmande mayor Gérard Gouzesbelieve the D933 should be upgradedto carry extra traffic, to prevent theirpart of Aquitaine from being isolated.

The 150km A65 cuts 50 minutes offthe drive between Pau and Bordeaux.

Lorry drivers could turnDordogne into a rat-run

Ballot bidto giveforeignersthe vote

Truffles nothitting heightsTHE TRUFFLE season hasstarted and the sales are at fullpace, although prices have notbeen flying high. The average€230/kg on Sarlat’s first dayreflected reduced quality.

Périgueux could be badly hit aslorries rumble through historic city

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by ALICE CANNETRESIDENTS in Boulazac areto be balloted over a bid togive non-EU citizens the rightto vote in local elections.

Since the 1992 MaastrichtTreaty, citizens of theEuropean Union can vote andstand for local – municipales –and European elections,although mayors or deputiesmust have French nationality.

Now the Human RightsLeague has asked councilsacross the country to call avotation citoyenne, a publicvote, on a matter of nationalinterest, for an extension ofthe law before 2012.

It said in its plea that reject-ing “this democratic obliga-tion forms a denial of rightsto non-EU foreign residentswho nonetheless take part ineconomic, social, cultural andassociative life and so con-tribute to citizen life”.

More than 100 cities andtowns have backed plans tovote, including Grenoble,Toulouse, Marseille, Caen,Lyon and Paris.

Mrs Fanny Castaignède, ofBoulazac mayor JacquesAuzou’s office, said: “This is anational movement joined bymany political organisations,unions and human rights torestore equality.

“The mayor has Italian ori-gins, so it is also in keepingwith his principles and hisorigins, too.”

Boulazac will hold its voteon April 30, although thelocation has not yet beenfixed as it is a Sunday. Black diamond – Page 8

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Contact Us

HOSPITALS AND CLINICSPérigueux Hospital: 05 53 45 25 25Emergency 24h / 24: 05 53 45 26 38Polyclinique Francheville: 05 53 02 11 11Emergency 24h / 24: 05 53 02 12 20

Useful ContactsEMERGENCIESSamu: 15Sapeurs/Pompiers: 18Police-gendarmerie: 17All services, from mobiles 112

2 News The Advertiser, Dordogne January 2011www.dordogneadvertiser.com

Nice and Corsicaon the horizon

Shops bidaims tokeep life inBergerac

SUMMER flights to Nice andAjaccio are set to take offfrom Brive Airport after a linkwas agreed with LimogesAirport to build new routes.

The move cements Brive’sposition as a growing hub onthe edge of the Dordogne,where it already has a hugelysuccessful service linking toLondon City Airport withCityJet and a Paris servicewith Airlinair, which is due torun the new summer routes.

Airport boss Jean-LouisNesti, the president of thesyndicat mixte de gestion management group, says that,with the addition of flights toManchester, Egypt andTunisia this year, they were“on target” with their plans.

Contracts have still to besigned, but it is intended that,from May, Airlinair will startflights to Nice from Brive,hop to Limoges and then onto the Côte d’Azur. TheCorsica flights departs fromLimoges, picks up at Briveand then continues to Ajaccio.

Mr Nesti said Airlinair, aregional subsidiary of AirFrance, had seen a 30 per centrise in passengers on the Paris

route, with 24,000 as against18,000 in 2009. The airlinehad also opened furtherEuropean links, with its newservice to Cologne.

CityJet’s London route hadbeen used by 6,000 passengersand since the new airportopened in June it had made itsmark with local travellers.

Mr Nesti said the Lot hadbeen the main beneficiary ofthe increase in UK visitors;Brive CCI discovered that 38 per cent of tourists werestaying in the department, with21 per cent heading for theDordogne and the same per-centage going to the Corrèze.

Bosses at Bordeaux Airportare also happy, as they reportfigures up 14.6 per cent onlast year, carrying 270,800passengers and making itFrance’s No1 regional airport.

Elsewhere, plans to linkBordeaux and Lyon by TGVare being examined as part ofthe SNIT national transportinfrastructure proposals beingdebated in Parliament.

Proposals for a 700km TGVline are included in projects tostart after 2020 and would cutthe present seven-hour railjourney to 2hr 15min. Theline is estimated to cost up to€6 billion.

Airlinair will link Brive to the Riviera and the Ile de Beauté

PLANS to restrict parts of thecentre of Bergerac for “vital”small shops have been agreedunanimously by the towncouncil in an attempt to keeplife in the town.

The move, aimed to stopshops being taken over byinsurance offices or nationalstores, would mean that everyplanned change of ownershipwould have to be notified tothe mairie, which would havea year to find a new shop totake over the site if it wasthought to be necessary.

Assistant mayor Fabien Ruetsaid they had no intention ofending up with a clutch ofshops on their hands; thetown just wanted to have a sayin the mix of business in theold town area, and not have towatch as vital businesses suchas bakers and butchers disap-peared or were bought overfor a non-essential use.

Backed by the opposition onthe council, he said that theyalso wanted to counter theexpansion of commercialzones on the outskirts of thetown by focusing develop-ment in the town and bring-ing life back to the centre.

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News 3The Advertiser, Dordogne January 2011 www.dordogneadvertiser.com

Screen classicsfor film festival

YOUNG winemaker Fabien Castaing hasdumped barrels as he bids to create his ownstyle of aromatic dry white wine and hasstarted to use a concrete egg for the fermen-tation as he says it avoids woody flavours.

The fifth generation of a family of wine-makers, Mr Castaing’s Moulin-Pouzy vine-yard in Cunèges produces five AOC wines –Bergerac rouge, rosé and sec, Côtes deBergerac blanc moëlleux and Monbazillac.

Although he is still using barrels for hisother wines, he explained why he chose the1.5-ton egg-shaped vat: “Originally, we want-ed to have three new vintages for 2010, par-ticularly a dry white one.

“I wanted it to be luxury and different inso-far as top-end dry whites these days are gen-erally based on wooden notes, since they aremade in oak barrels.

“I told my oenologist I wanted a very aro-matic dry white wine, full of flavour butwithout a wooden taste.

“Three years ago, we selected a grape vari-ety and a terroir, we planted in high densityand drove the vineyard to quite advanced

maturity for this type of Sauvignon Blanc. “We harvested only at maturity when the

grapes were golden, and already at this grapejuice state, we had exotic notes of lychee andpapaya.”

He added: “The vat shape is interestingbecause a vortex is created inside; there is acontinuous movement in the wine. This alsomeans the dregs, which are naturally sedi-mented in the vat are always in suspension.

“We wanted to put out a wine which is notcommonly made and to bring the consumer anew product.”

The €3,200 clay-concrete egg is porous,which allows for the micro-oxygenation ofthe wine, and is three times the size of a nor-mal barrel, containing about 670 litres.

Mr Castaing is the only Dordogne producerusing such a vat, which was inspired byRoman dolium earthenware jars, but they arealready in use in Bourgogne.

First tastings will be during Open Doorsday in May at Domaine de Moulin-Pouzy, LaFont du Roc, Cunèges. Tel: 05 53 58 41 20.

www.moulin-pouzy.com

Forget barrels: Fabienuses an egg for wine

Fabien Castaing says his concrete egg will give a new white wine with no wood flavour

FILM fans are in for a treat tostart the year as the organisersof My Beautiful Festival kickoff the new season of monthlyprogrammes with Only GoodChildren, the debut feature byAlicia Duffy.

The film was part of thedirectors’ fortnight at theCannes film festival last yearand opens the new series ofMy Beautiful Séances inBergerac, which highlight thebest of both English andFrench film.

Only Good Children, whichfollows the lives of two Irishchildren who go to live inFrance with an aunt aftertheir mother’s suicide, will beon at Cinéma Grand EcranCyrano on Tuesday January 4.

It is followed on February 1by Les Nuits de Sister Welsh.Director Jean Claude Janerwill be present for the screen-ing and will speak on how itcame to life.

Helen Mirren andChristopher Plummer makethe March 1 séance worth-while as they take the leads inMichael Hoffman’s The Last

Station, on the life of LeoTolstoy. Both leading starswere nominated for Oscars.Co-star is James McEvoy ofThe Last King of Scotland,who plays Tolstoy’s secretary.

The MBS organisers are alsopreparing for the 2011 editionof My Beautiful Festival,which will run from July 20 to 23. The programme for thefestival, which has TheConnexion and DordogneAdvertiser as English-language media sponsors, is

still being finalised.Last year’s programme was

led by French directorBertrand Tavernier; the Baftaand Cannes award-winnershowed his latest film, LaPrincesse de Montpensier.

This month also sees a weekof British film at the Périgueux multiplex from the14th, which includes a MikeLeigh double of Nowhere Boyand Another Year; BugsyMalone, Four Lions and TheKing’s Speech.

Tolstoy’s life with Christopher Plummer and Helen Mirren

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4 People The Advertiser, Dordogne January 2011www.dordogneadvertiser.com

YOU MAY have met airportresearcher Cathy if you are afrequent visitor to BergeracAirport but not realised thather questions on your journeyhelp to improve the service.

Cathy, whose job it is to ask amultitude of questions con-cerning origin, frequency,budget, place of stay, profes-sion, gives vital answers on thetypical passenger and helpsdefine the airport’s catchmentarea and estimate its economicinfluence.

In the whole of 2002, 61,000passengers used the airportbut last year that had soared tomore than 50,000 passengersin the month of August alone.

This astounding increase intraffic has led to a 60 per centincrease in staff numbers,retraining in order to complywith the additional safety andregulation demands, an expan-sion of the airport infrastruc-ture and the provision of morecomfortable facilities.

Now, as the airport looksagain to improve its customerservice, facilities and ambi-ence, it is asking passengers toprovide constructive advice.

It has set up a suggestionbox, along with questionnairesand pens, which will be at thedisposal of passengers in thecheck-in zone at the airport.

Bergerac Airport DordognePérigord awaits your answersand comments.

Passengershold key tothe futureof BergeracAirport

DESPITE growing controversy overforce-feeding of geese and ducks, foiegras is still a much cherished luxuryin France, even although its produc-tion is banned in some Europeancountries.

EU regulations stipulate that foiegras cannot be labelled organic, butthat rule is being challenged by agroup of four farmers in theDordogne.

They say they farm organically andfeed their livestock organic grain, butstill cannot get the AB (agriculturebiologique) sticker to put on theirfoie gras. They can it put it on theirpork pâté, but not on their force-fedduck or geese products.

One of the four farmers is LaurentGrégoire, from La Ferme du GrosChêne at St-Antoine-d’Auberoche.

He says their approach is vital forthe future: “It is important to protectthe planet. It’s too late for my genera-tion, but we must leave a betterworld for our children.

“All over the Dordogne, maize isgrown in the same fields year afteryear. No soil can cope with that andso the only solution has been to useartificial fertilisers.

“If it was worthwhile for the foiegras farmers in the department toturn organic, it would be economi-cally viable to grow maize organical-ly and that would make a huge dif-ference to the health of our land.”

At present you have to be verycommitted to go bio, as the costs areenormous: Mr Grégoire said a ton oforganic maize costs €350, against€90 for conventional grain.

“You have to be barjot – crazy – todo it, but it has been worth it, eventhough the first six years were veryhard. We turned bio in 2004, after 25 years of conventional farming anddecided not to pass on the increasedcosts to our long list of faithful customers, but to absorb them our-selves.”

They could not even take advan-tage of government incentives toturn organic as the rules say 40 percent of the sales at La Ferme du GrosChêne must be bio; and with its pro-duction of foie gras it cannot achievethe required level.

Foie gras is too much Christmas was a busytime for Dordogne foie gras producers,but one group of farmers is focusingfirmly on obtaining theorganic AB label, inthe face of a Brusselsban on the gavage. JANE HANKS reports

Laurent Grégoire and partner Anne Caillault hope to win organic fight

People 5The Advertiser, Dordogne January 2011 www.dordogneadvertiser.com

The European regulations areclear: Annexe 1 of Article 4.1, Ruleno. 1804/1999 July 19 sets the quali-fying conditions for organic farmingand says, “Le gavage est interdit”.Force-feeding is forbidden.

They say an animal can be fattened aslong as the process is reversible –and, although Mr Grégoire says thisis debatable, it is largely acceptedthat the goose will not recover fromhaving its liver swollen by the effectsof eating large quantities of grain.

France produces 75 per cent of theworld’s foie gras, but force feeding is

explicitly forbidden in manyEuropean countries and implicitlybanned in others, including the UK.

Famous names have supported theanti-lobby, including former Bondactor Roger Moore, who has writtento every MP in the Commons askingthem to stop sales in Britain.

He actively supports Peta – Peoplefor the Ethical Treatment of Animals– which says the process is cruelbecause “workers force pipes downthe throats of ducks and geese topump four pounds of grain into theirstomachs two or three times a day inorder to cause their livers to become

engorged. This overfeeding is excru-ciatingly painful and often causes theanimal’s organs to rupture.”

Mr Grégoire said: “Industrial force-feeding, where the bird is treatedbadly and then put into individualcages to be force-fed, is appallingand must be stopped.

“But it needn’t cause suffering to agoose or duck. Our geese and ducksare healthy. We bring them herewhen they are one day old. They arekept inside in the warmth on haywith plenty to eat until they growtheir feathers and then they live out-side on meadowland until they are

20 weeks old. Geese are then force-fed for a period of three weeks andducks for two weeks.

“They are kept inside in pens containing about nine birds eachbecause they are gregarious creaturesand don’t like to be alone.

“Their well-being depends on foodand a feeling of security. They don’tlike sudden movements or noise.During the day we even play themclassical music to keep them serene.

“The geese are force-fed twice inthe morning and twice in theevening. We treat them gently andthey don’t object to the food and

putting a pipe in their beaks doesn’tdistress them; they don’t have thesame physiology as humans and itdoesn’t make them gag.

“Geese and ducks overeat them-selves at this time of year to preparefor migration and that was discov-ered by the Egyptians, who foundthat the meat and the liver fromthese birds was exceptionally good.”

Many will always be convinced thatthe gavage is cruel, but Mr Grégoireand his associates have been accept-ed into the organic community inthe Dordogne – sharing market stallsand gaining the backing of AgroBio,the association supporting organicfarmers.

They also won €2,000 prize moneyin a competition to find the farmcontributing most to sustainabledevelopment in the region.

They gave this to AgriBio, whichwill use it to begin the administrativeprocess necessary to attempt tochange the regulations controllingthe gavage.

President Gérard Joulain said: “Itwon’t be easy, but we will help asmuch as we can. We would far rathersee foie gras producers using organicgrain; the worst scenario for uswould be to see them using geneti-cally modified maize. It will be verydifficult to change these regulationsbut we are prepared to have a go.”

Mr Grégoire has no illusions: “If ithappens, it won’t be for 10 or 15years, but meanwhile we will keep onfarming in a way we feel is muchsaner for the land and the animals.”

for organic authorities to swallowLaurentGrégoireaims to havecontentedgeese andducks, andsays there isnothing cruelabout theirfarm, whichis 100 percent organic,but he still cannot usethe AB organic labelon his gooseproducts ashe can on hispork pâté

6 What’s On The Advertiser, Dordogne January 2011www.dordogneadvertiser.com

Community notice board

ENGLISH-speaking trades,businesses and customers willbe out in force when AngelTraders take their Living inFrance made easyExpo to Charenteon January 22.

The venue for thehugely popularbusiness fair is theEtang Vallier Resort atBrossac, near Chalais 16480.

It is a chance to meet tradesand services in your area andbe sure there will no language

barrier once you decide tostart work.

Stands already bookedinclude solar system and

renewable energyspecialists, web andprint media, satel-lite TV and foreigncurrency expertsplus trades, includ-

ing electricians.Doors are open between

10.00 and 16.00 and entranceis free. Get further details onwww.angeltraders.net

INHERITANCE will be thebuzz word as North EasternDordogne Women’sAssociation gets someinformation in a talk byCharles Gillooley onJanuary 10.

However, the venue willbe as much of a talkingpoint, as Nedwa is return-ing to the Ecole Hôtelièredu Périgord at Boulazacafter the astounding serviceon previous visits.

The event starts at 18.00and booking is vital; emailnedwa24@gmail.com

Mr Gillooley, president ofthe Fnaim estate agents inthe Dordogne, has extensiveknowledge of inheritanceissues.

This month’s Nedwa lunchwill be held at noon on the25th at Restaurant Franca,Cherveix Cubas.

PROFESSIONAL singer Vicky O’Neillhas joined with the BilingualEducational Exchange to offer an exciting new choir for youngsters look-ing to improve their singing techniqueand musical skills.

The new chamber youth choir will beopen to singers between the ages ofeight and 16 who sing to a good stan-dard. Rehearsals start this month, andwill be held on Tuesdays from 17.30-18-30 in Miramont-de-Guyenne.

Its aims are to perform in concertswith other musicians and to allow theyoungsters to develop as singers. Vickywill be coaching on technique, harmonysinging and sight-reading.

The repertoire will be varied, with amixture of classical, show songs, jazz

and pop; anyone who wants to take partshould reserve a place at an audition bycalling Vicky on 06 79 40 20 89.

The auditions can be arranged eitherat the BEE premises in Roumagne or inSoumensac, and Ms O’Neill says theywill be friendly and relaxed. Lastingonly 15 minutes, they will have a simplevoice test. There will be no accompanist,but youngsters can bring along theirown backing music on a CD or MP3player if they want to sing a short song.

BEE, which runs English literacy class-es for youngsters aged four to 16, alsoruns a bilingual junior choir whichmeets from noon until 12.45 everyWednesday in term time. It is for six- to11-year-olds and costs €2.50 a session.

Performance is a main aim and theyoungsters are still recovering from theirChristmas carol concert last month.

In addition, BEE has music tuitionincluding clarinet, saxophone, recorder,flute, violin and handbells.

THE TWO cricket clubs inthe Dordogne, Eymet and StAulaye, both had successfulseasons, with Mike Gear andMartin Smith of Eymet win-ning Siddalls awards for bestbatting and bowling.

Oliver Mawdsley of StAulaye was voted best youngplayer and Alizée Bodet (alsoSt Aulaye) the best/mostimproved French player.

Results at Eymet seemed totail off as the season pro-gressed, but hard-foughtleague games (with notablevictories against Bordeauxand Angoulême) brought asecond place only to lose inthe play-offs against eventualsouth-west champions Noé-Gascogne.

One highlight of St Aulaye’sseason was the 21stDordogne Junior CricketWeek, held at the club’sground near Chenaud.

About 20 juniors took partand the coaches included twoex-juniors, David Bordes(now a national Frenchcoach) and Conan Hicks.

The French U-17 team were

welcomed to Eymet, resplen-dent in their national teamstrip, as they prepared for theEuropean Championships.

In the two derby matches,Eymet beat St Aulaye by 23 runs at St Aulaye but lostthe return by 58 runs.

St Aulaye skipper AdrianRaynor scored 108 not out inthat match; other century-makers in 2010 were SimonPalmer (122) and Nigel Jones(111), both of Eymet.

Eymet welcomed more than60 guests to their home gameagainst Bordeaux and, like StAulaye, are on the look-outfor new members.

Both clubs have been successful in attracting teams from the UK to playfriendlies and make use ofthe facilities on offer.

Budding cricketers shouldcontact Eymet’s Tim Smithon 0553 24 15 22 and StAulaye secretary WynfordHicks on 05 53 91 32 57 formore information or checkout the clubs’ websites atwww.eymetcricket.com andwww.st-aulaye-cricket.org

Ecumenical service planned

Traders head for Charente

Exhibition looksat Spanish legacyYoungsters

get a choirof their own

Cricketers share thespoils at the wicket

Inheritanceto the forefor Nedwa

Haggis on themenu at AECLHAGGIS, a piper and lotsof music and dancing arepromised for the AECLEnglish French Assoc-iation’s Scottish Eveningon January 21.

President Paula Parkersaid the Burns Supper-style event in the Sallesdes Fetes in Bonnes isopen to non-members.

Running since 2000,AECL has a membershipof more than 200, with amix of 50/50 French andinternational. Moreinformation on joining athttp://aeclfrance.org

Music schooltakes a breakAFTER a full programmeof events, the Ecole deMusique en PérigordPourpre is taking a break in January andFebruary. The firstplanned evening of 2011is on March 16.

Held in Le Bugue atPorte de la Vézère, it willbe a recital by the piano,drum and guitar classes.

Details from ClareMonceret, 05 88 61 43 30

The Connexion has puttogether a helpguide onFrench inheritance lawswhich is available for download, priced €7.50 at www.connexionfrance.com

AN exhibition on the Spanishrepublican soldiers whofought in the Dordogne dur-ing the Second World Warwas opened by MP GerminalPeiro, mayor of Castelnaud-la-Chapelle.

The exhibition holds specialappeal for Mr Piera, as hisfather, Fernand, was one ofthe Spanish anarchists andrepublicans who fought theNazis in France.

Titled “La Retirada” (TheRetreat), the exhibition in thedepartmental archives inPérigueux includes photos,films, wartime documentsand a conference.

Hundreds of thousands ofSpaniards arrived as refugeesafter the Civil War and wereinterned. Once France hadfallen, many were incorporat-

ed into labour battalionsknown as Compagnies de travailleurs étrangers and wereintended to be used as slavelabour in Germany.

However thousands fledafter they were allowed toleave the internment camps inthe Dordogne to go toGermany. They fled into thecountryside and joined theResistance and, later, the FreeFrench.

Spanish historian EvelynMesquida will also lead a conference on her 2008 bookon La Nueve, the Spanish bat-talion in General Leclerc’sFree French 2nd ArmouredDivision, who were the firstliberating troops into Paris onAugust 24, 1944.

The exhibition is open untilJanuary 29.

AN ecumenical celebration sees the archdeacon of France, theVenerable Kenneth Letts, of the Anglican Church of Nice, lead aservice at the Temple Réformé in Rue Antoine Gadaud, Périgueux,at 18.30 on January 20. Later that evening he will speak at a confer-ence at the same venue at 20.00. Call 06 07 04 07 77

Spanish republicans in cramped conditions while interned

Youngsters from the BEE Junior Choir enjoy performing for live audiences

What’s On 7The Advertiser, Dordogne January 2011 www.dordogneadvertiser.com

Every Wednesday – LesMercredis du Musée, children’sworkshops and the chance todiscover heritage and arts atMusée d’Art et d’Archéologie,Rue Tourny, Périgueux. Cost:€20-€40 per year

Call 05 53 06 40 70

Every Wednesday –Ceramic classes for ages 6-13,10.00-12.00, Pôle Expéri-mental Métiers d'Art, Nontron

Call 05 53 60 74 17

January 20 – Botanical walkto look at how to recognisetrees by their bark and girth oftheir branches, leave 14.00,Trémolat railway station

Call 05 53 23 36 59

January 29 – 12km walkaround the Forêt de Loirac,leave 9.00, Parking de Causenear the cemetery, Liorac-sur-Louyre

Call 05 53 24 92 57

January 16 – Session takingyou around the Rouffignacarea, meet Place de La Mairie,Rouffignac-Saint-Cernin

Call 05 53 07 20 48

January 2 – Last day for theSalons Hivernales in Sarlat;sculptors, photographers,engravers open themselves upto the public. Ancien Evêché,Rue Tourny, Sarlat

Call 05 53 31 53 31

Until January 8 – Exhibitionof sketches by Johan Bernard,Espace Culturel, Montpon-Ménestérol

Call 05 53 82 30 54

January 11-February 12 –Painting exhibition of worksby André Bonnamy, EspaceCulturel, Montpon-Ménestérol

Call 05 53 82 30 54

January 18 – Exhibition ofpaintings by Mika, CentreCulturel, Sarlat

Call 06 84 56 98 51

January 26 – Conference onPop Art, 20.30, auditorium,

BergeracCall 05 53 74 66 66

Until January 28 –Exhibition of posters from theSpanish civil war, ArchivesDépartementales, 9 Rue Littré,Périgueux

Call 05 53 03 33 33

All month – Glass blowingexhibition Bleu de Rouen,Musée d’art et d’archéologie,Périgueux

Call 05 53 06 40 70

January 7 – LaurentMignard, Duke Orchestraplaying works of DukeEllington; Esplanade RobertBadinter, Odyssée Theatre,Périgueux

Call 05 53 53 18 71

January 8 and 9 – New Yearconcert, 20.45, CentreCulturel, Bergerac

Call 05 53 57 71 51

January 8 – Live HD trans-mission of MetropolitanOpera La Fanciulla delWest/The Bride of the West byPuccini: Limeuil, Sarlat,Périgueux, Brive.

www.cielecran.fr

January 9 – String quartetconcert, Salle de Cinéma,Villefrance-du-Périgord

Call 05 53 29 98 37

January 15 – CélineBonacina Trio, Jazz, Salle desFêtes, Eymet

Call 05 53 22 45 10

Concert dedicated to thesongs of old favourite CharlesAznavour, given by AquitaineChoirs, 20.45, Centre CulturelBergerac

Call 05 53 57 71 51

January 18 – Jazz concertwith Ibrahim Maalouf, 20.45,Centre Culturel, Bergerac

Call 05 53 57 71 51

World music – Bresil, 20.30,Auditorium Francis Poulenc,Brive

Call 05 55 87 40 04

January 22 – Classical musicconcert given by QuatuorZaïde, 20.45, Centre CulturelBergerac

Call 06 62 68 87 90

January 29 – Concert withthe Melody Players, 19.30,Salle de Fêtes, Eymet

Call 05 53 22 45 10

January 28-30 – VirusVocal, choir festival that bringstogether at least 16 choirs andmore than 350 choristers fromall over Aquitaine and the PaysBasque, Salle des Fêtes, Sainte-Foy-la-Grande

Call 05 53 46 32 24

January 20 – CompanyMuguel Angel Berna fromSpain. Flamenco dancing andshow, Odyssée theatre,Périgueux

Call 05 53 53 18 71

January 12 – Gourmetworkshop, share recipes in thisFranco-British group, FoyerMunicipal de Montignac,Montpon-Ménestérol

Call 05 53 80 30 21

January 15 – Afternoon oftea, quizzes, games. Franco-British group 15.00, Salle duSt. Eloi, Montpon-Ménestérol

Call 05 53 80 30 21

January 30 – Truffle festival,Campagnac-les-Quercy

Collectors meeting, stamps,cards, money, champagne cap-sules, military badges andmany other types of collec-tions, Salle Polyvalente, EymetCall 05 53 23 85 40 (evenings)

Other

DanceMusic

Art

Nordic walking

Out and about

Family

Event listings are free in The Advertiser. Send details toevents24@connexionfrance.com Check out what events

are happening every day at twitter.com/whatsondordogne

TWO of the region’s most important festivalsare scheduled for this month: the truffle festi-val in Sarlat on January 15-16 and AngoulêmeComic Strip festival from January 27 to 30.

The truffle festival is the largest of severalsimilar events in Périgord Noir and bringstogether cooking, tasting and competitions.

One of the stars at the Festival Internationalde la Bande Dessinée is Snoopy: Charles M.Schulz’s character marks his 60th birthday thisyear. The festival is paying tribute with a spe-cial exhibition for him and his Peanut friends.

There will be 36 panels telling the story ofSnoopy and Charlie Brown.

MARKET and brocantedates this month:Brocantes2 – Verteillac; Brive Place

Thiers; 9 – Saint-Astier; Marmande16 – Angoulême23 – Saint-Vincent-de-

Connezac30 – SarlatMarkets15 – Marché au gras,

Périgueux20 – Marché au gras and

truffles, Terrasson-Lavilledieu

All month –Thursday mornings –

Marché au gras,Terrasson-Lavilledieu

Saturday mornings –Marché au gras and truffes, Thiviers; Trufflemarket, Saint-Geniès

Snoopy marks his 60th year

Faniculla Voigt in live operaat New York Metropolitan

ROBOTS and actors take over when theSans Objet mime show and mechanicalballet takes to the stage. Using a four-metre-high industrial robot, the two actorsexplain man's reliance on machines, their

domination of our lives, our fascinationwith them but also the feelings of

hatred brought on by our relianceon them. Robotic and human

acrobatics combine in a per-formance full of tension –

and also laughter – with nospeech to get in the way.

The confrontation between man and machine is both surpris-

ing and impressive, and themechanical ballet makes for a show

that is suitable for both French- andEnglish-speakers; and for all ages.

Directed by Compagnie 111 co-founderAurélien Boru, the show will be on stagefor two nights of performances at theCentre Culturel Agora, in Boulazac onJanuary 5-6, before heading for theInternational Mime Festival in London.

Call 05 53 35 59 65

Mime is thewinner in manversus robot

Brocantes

8 Food The Advertiser, Dordogne January 2011www.dordogneadvertiser.com

A collection of restaurants in the Dordogne

New Advertising Feature

Eating truffles

Truffles go well with potato

TRUFFLES should be eatenwith minimal cooking. A simple way is to finely choptruffle and mix it with slicesof softened butter to make apaste, place in a sealed container in the fridge for 24-448 hours, then spread onwholemeal bread with a fewgrains of fine fleur de selsalt.

Another popular option isscrambled eggs with gratedtruffle, which should be madeby cooking very gently.Truffles can also be mixedwith butter and added tomashed potato, or used instuffings placed insidemeats, poultry or fish.However, in this case themeat should be cooked on alow temperature. As a ruletruffle should not be cookedat above 80C.

NOW is the season to sample blackwinter truffles fresh from the market,or by mail-order from producers inits growing areas.

Out of the various varieties foundin France, tuber melanosporum, the“Perigord” truffle, is the most prized. However while it has a traditional link to the Dordogne (ie.the old province of Perigord), which is still one of the best placesto buy it fresh, no appellation con-trôlée limits the name to ones grownin the area.

Patrick Rejou, who represents theprofession in the department said:“The reason for the name is that, overthe centuries, our truffles have beenknown for their flavour and we have along tradition of savoir-faire in cook-ing with them, such as teaming themwith foie gras.”

The Perigord truffle is also grown inother parts of the south-west andsouth-east, notably the Vaucluse.However it can also be mail-orderedfresh throughout France (details fromthe Aquitaine truffle growers’ federa-tion on tel: 05 53 35 88 72 ortruffe@dordogne.chambagri.fr) orbought preserved in jars.

The other truffle found in France atthis time of year is the tuber brumale.“It is of slightly lesser quality,” said Mr Rejou. “It sometimes has intensearomas, but lacks finesse and com-plexity.”

Other truffle types include the whitesummer truffle (between May andAugust) and around November theBurgundy truffle, both grown suc-

cessfully in northern France, includ-ing Normandy.

The imported “Chinese truffle”,tuber indicum, is considered to be of

inferior taste to native kinds. Un-fortunately some dealers try to passthem off as Perigord ones, which theyresemble in colour. Mr Rejou said:

“However, they have almost noflavour at all, and, when it has any, itis generally not a pleasant one.”

The best way to avoid being fooled,he said, is to buy from a highly regu-lated market, or, if buying preservedones, from a supplier who guaran-tees their provenance. “In theDordogne, our markets are checkedby inspectors, the truffles are sold byvariety and you know the producer’sname.”

Markets in the area include ones inSarlat, Bergerac and Périgueux.

Fresh truffles keep 10-15 days, butthey can be frozen, individually insealed plastic bags, for up to a year.Mr Rejou said: “If you want to eattop-quality truffles throughout theyear, get them posted, fresh, andfreeze them, by weight, for example,20g or 30g ones, and then thaw outjust the amount you need when youwant to cook. That retains most oftheir qualities.”

When you order, you can specifywhat size of truffle you want per bag(they range from around 5g to 100g),so you can freeze them immediatelyand thaw out just the quantity youneed for cooking with.

Prices reach their maximum atChristmas, dropping this month,before rising again towards the endof February as the season draws to aclose and the production declines.Last year, they were around€600/kilo in January; however,about 10g per person is enoughwhen cooking.

Sarlat has a Saturday truffle market and a festival on January 15-16

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Savouring France’s ‘black diamond’

To advertise your restaurant with us call 0800 91 77 56

Wine 9The Advertiser, Dordogne January 2011 www.dordogneadvertiser.com

Maison des Vins de Bergerac 1 rue des Récollets

24100 Bergerac

Tel 05 53 63 57 55 www.vins-bergerac.fr

Visit the Maison des Vins

and local vineyards

News from the Dordogne’s wine regionBERGERAC

PECHARMANTMONBAZILLAC SAUSSIGNACMONTRAVEL

ROSETTE

GETTING rid of red wine stainsand hangovers are two of thepriorities for many people withthe spate of end-of-year parties.

Wine glasses can get knockedover in the excitement and onetoo many can lead to a hangover.Here Bergerac’s winemakersoffer advice.

They say if red wine is spilledyou should not let the stain dry.

Soak with water or acid liquid,such as white wine or lemonjuice, then leave it to dry. Wash.

Alternatively, sprinkle fine saltover the stain immediately andrub gently. Leave for 30 min-utes, then rinse.

If the stain is on a carpet, dothe same and work the salt intothe rug, then vacuum up thesalt after 30 minutes. Use dampsponge to ease rest of the wineou. Rinse carefully several timesuntil stain has disappeared.(Taken from CIVRB website).

The best way to cure a hang-

over is to drink non-fermentedgrape juice the next day.

Délice Pourpré is made 100%from the Merlot 2010 grapejuice. Drink some and you’llthink you are having a glass ofwine and feel much better.

Clos des Terrasses in Sigoulèsmake their own.

A MODEST vineyard in theBergerac region has snatched theglittering first prize in a competi-tion to find the best Monbazillacwine of 2009.

The Concours des Crus deMonbazillac, normally won bythe better-known vineyards, isone of the most prestigious forlocal winemakers.

Daniel Duperret’s win puts hisDomaine de Combet firmly onthe map for sourcing the golden-coloured Rolls-Royce of Bergeracwines, after he took the vote fromthe gathered names of the winetrade.

What does winning this prize mean to you?It’s great. It puts me up there withthe big “stars” of Monbazillac.But it’s funny winning.

I feel like a bit of a celebrity atthe moment; everyone wants to

talk to you. We are a modestvineyard, not easily accessiblebecause we aren’t on a main road,and this shows that there is lifeand good wine being madebehind Château Monbazillac.

How would you describe the winning wine?

The judges of the competitiondescribed my wine as having afreshness about it and I’d agreewith that.

Monbazillac is a great wine to serve at Christmas: what’syour advice on how to drinkthe winning wine?

As an aperitif, with small piecesof toast topped with foie gras.

Or with prunes wrapped inbacon or even small melon balls.

But my favourite is at the end ofa meal with Roquefort cheese. Itreally is the best.

Can you use the same wine for an aperitif and a cheese course? Absolutely. But it’s important toput it back in the fridge to keepcool. Because the wine is protect-ed by the sugar level, it can stayin the fridge for a month withoutany problems.

How should one drink a Monbazillac wine?You should keep it in the fridgeat around 7C and drink it atbetween 10 and 11C.

When you serve it, you shouldfill the glass to just over halfway,otherwise you look like you are acheapskate!

OWN THE WINNER

NIBBLES Sweet-sized teasers ofPérigord foie gras and apple

FOR THE party season, the ConseilInterprofessionnel des Vins de laRégion de Bergerac (CIVRB) teamedwith local food producers to create a

website of ideas and recipes bringing Bergeracwines and locally produced food together.

The site www.recettesdefete.fr is live untilFebruary 20 and contains some fantastic recipesto use for aperitifs, plus loads more for starters,main courses and desserts.

All the ideas come from Marie Rougier of theLa Tour des Vents restaurant at Monbazillac.

Simple or complex they are all delicious.Take Marie’s idea of sweet-sized teasers of

Périgord foie gras and apple, above; nothingcould be simpler, just cubes of apple and foiegras.

Preparation takes just a few minutes for a cock-tail aperitif that goes well with some Saussignac.

Make cubes of foie gras about 2cm and add saltand pepper to taste.

Take strips of filo pastry and wrap round foiegras, first in one direction, then the other. Cookin hot oil under golden. Pat dry on kitchen paper.

Arrange with cubes of apple and smears of bal-samic vinegar for a little relish... Delicious.

BERGERAC’S wine industry websitehas been relaunched after a faceliftthat has made it bigger, brighter andwith much more information.

Packed with information on the local wineindustry, it features advice on how to choose,keep and serve different wines. There are alsoideas for what wine to serve with what food, plusa recipe slot, an A-Z of wine terminology, usefulbits of information and a downloadable a map ofthe Route des Vins. Once downloaded, there aretips on how to smooth your way and transportyour precious purchase.

Muriel Alcétégaray, spokesperson for theCIVRB, said the new website was part of effortsto provide quality information and news on thelocal wine industry direct to the consumer.

The sections on news, what’s on, recipes andfeatured vineyards will be regularly updated.

The CIVRB is also planning an English version, which is due out early in 2011. A blog isalso planned.

Check it out at: www.vins-bergerac.fr

LES VINS de Bergerac are onFacebook and you can find newsfrom the world of Bergerac wines atwww.facebook.com and then by

linking to the Vins de Bergerac page and shop.

Minnow beats Monbazillac maestros

Vintners tips to ease the stain and pain

New look for theindustry website

Wine gets Facebook page

THE Concours des Crus deMonbazillac saw 39 wines enteredthis year and they were blind-tastedby 40 professional wine-tasters,who included wine negotiators andbuyers, wine waiters, wine expertsand food journalists.

Daniel Duperret’s winning winecan be bought at the vineyard:

Domaine du Combet, 24240Monbazillac. €13 a bottle. Englishspoken. Tel: 05 53 58 33 47 or 06 85 33 50 57

by JANICE MOODY

Daniel Duperret proves that there is good wine being made behind Château Monbazillac as he takes the prestigious Concours

10 Feature The Advertiser, Dordogne January 2011www.dordogneadvertiser.com

HERE IS the full list of distribution points for yourDordogne Advertiser. The full list is always availablefor chekcing on our website atwww.dordogneadvertiser.comA Taste of Britain, EymetBanque PopulaireBergerac AirportBricomarché, Chalais, Pardoux,

Bergerac, Le Bugue, MonpontMenesterol, Nontron,Périgueux, Ribérac, Sarlat,Terrasson

Briconautes, SouillacBricorama, Port Ste FoyCafé de Paris, EymetCasino, Sarlat, SouillacChambre de Commerce,

PérigueuxChaplaincy of AquitaineEntente Cordiale Bar,

Abjat sur Bandiat The Fiddler’s Rest, ChaleixIntermarché, Bergerac,

Castillon, Chalais, Chancelade,Glandon, Montignac,Mussidan, Nontron, Ribérac,Vergt,

Irish Corner, PérigueuxJardiland, BergeracLerclerc, Port Ste Foy, Leroy Merlin, PérigueuxMonoprix, PérigueuxMonsieur Bricolage, Bergerac,

St YrieuxMonsieur FritesShopi, Brantôme, Cenac, La

Coquille, Rouffignac, Sigoules,Thénon

Spar, MareuilSterling Mail OrderThe Dordogne ChippyWeldom, Castillon La Bataille,

St Cyprien

Where tofind theAdvertiser

Dental appointments could mean delays and travel

PATIENTS looking for dentalcare in rural Dordogne couldbe facing long journeys andeven longer waits in the com-ing decades as the number ofdentists tumbles.

The National Order ofDentists (ONCD) says thepresent 41,000 dentists inFrance will fall to 27,000 in2030, thanks to “baby boom”retirements and the lack ofstudents to replace them.

There is one dentist for2,000 people in the Dordogne(the national average is oneper 1,700), but half of the 211 dentists are over 50. By2020, a third will have retired,of whom only 40 per cent ofthem will be replaced.

Dr Roger Picard, Dordognepresident of the ConfédérationNationale des SyndicatsDentaires, said: “The situationis going to be dramatic, notonly in Dordogne, but in thewhole of France.

“In swaths of countryside,there will be no more doctors

and no more dentists. Eitherpeople will receive poorerquality care or they will haveto travel. It will come down toa question of money.”

He said the 35-hour weekalso led to a “change in men-tality” so people did not wantto work the “50 hours a weekas I did when I started”.

Roland Dumonteil, theONCD Dordogne president,said the problem was exacer-bated by a shortage of placesat dental schools and he hit atthe use of “imported foreignhealth practitioners ratherthan training our own”.

One initiative has seen thesetting up of rural health centres (Maisons de SantéRurales) in Verteillac andVillamblard to bring differenthealth professionals togetherto save patients travelling andcut staffing costs.

Seven others are expected ina move backed by MutualitéSociale Agricole, France’s sec-ond biggest social care group.

Dental problems aheadfor Dordogne patients

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Lascaux cavepaintings safeas fungus isdisappearing WORK to halt the fungi that havebeen attacking the cave paintings atLascaux has succeeded in stabilisingthe condition of the cave and theblack marks have started to disap-pear, says Professor Yves Coppens,the leader of the scientific team.

Speaking after a special meeting ofthe team in Paris, Prof Coppens said:“The Grotte de Lascaux is holding itsown and no intervention is needed atthe moment.

“The black marks are going awayand we are happy, but still vigilant anda little disturbed that they are disap-pearing without us knowing why.”

Prof Coppens said not a squarecentimetre of the paintings had beendamaged or lost to the fungalattacks.

In September, he visited the cavesnear Montignac with PresidentSarkozy and a large party, including

Mrs Sarkozy, as part of a celebrationof the 70 years since the discovery ofthe cave and the paintings.

He said that Lascaux curatorMuriel Mauriac had reported thenthe cave “was doing well” after anear-disastrous series of attemptshad been made to beat the fungalattacks using fungicide, quicklimeand a new ventilation system.

The new scientific committee wasset up last February after Unescosaid that the caves could be in dan-ger of permanent damage and fearsof embarrassment for the govern-ment if it had been put on the UNbody’s list of endangered world her-itage sites.

Prof Coppens said there had beennatural suspicion over the state of thecave since it was closed in 1963 andespecially after the reports of damage.

He felt it would be good to haveregular visits by interested groups,including journalists, to verify that

the Cro-Magnon cave art was still ingood condition and facing no furtherdamage.

The paintings date from 17,000 yearsago and the site was closed after beingopen to visitors for four decades afterit was found that the moisture from

the breath of thousands of visitors wasencouraging the growth of microbialcommunities. Plans are being made atthe moment to put facsimiles of theLascaux paintings on display in atouring world exhibition.

Elsewhere, new researchers are

looking at the Grotte du Sorcier atSaint-Cirq in an attempt to get a bet-ter date for the artworks there, whichare thought to be up to 19,000 yearsold. They are also hoping that newpairs of eyes will, perhaps, lead tofurther discoveries at the site.

Prof Yves Coppens says fungus is vanishing, although the scientists are worried as they do not know why

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by KEN SEATON

Property 11The Advertiser, Dordogne January 2011 www.dordogneadvertiser.com

“THE DORDOGNE generally didnot see any rise in property prices in2010, but it did not experience a falleither.

“All we can say for 2010 is that itwas a better year than 2009. In termsof the volume of transactions, theyhave slightly increased in 2010 compared with the previous year. Wenoticed a rise in transactions ofabout 10 to 15 per cent on average.

“This, however, is not representa-tive of the big picture of the marketin Dordogne. These sales have beenessentially made in Périgueux andBergerac.

“As far as the British are concerned,there were more buyers in 2010 thanin 2009, but this is due to the general

economic situation in the UK muchmore than what is happening in

France at the moment. It is too earlyto say when prices will increase, butthe level of activity has risen, and ifthis is continued in 2011, then pricesare bound to increase, because onedoes not go without the other.

“But, as of today, there is no reasonto think prices should go up over thenext year in the Dordogne, exceptperhaps at the luxury end of themarket.

“Someone looking for a wellrestored château might pay a littlemore because it is very rare, butsomeone looking for a two-bedroomhouse in a suburb of Périgueux will not see any increase in price,because there are so many of thoseon sale.”

‘No reason tothink priceswill go up’

DORDOGNE PROPERTY 2011Trends / Predictions / Tips / Changes coming in this year

Charles Gillooley: sales are upMarket overview: Charles Gillooley, headof estate agents’ body Fnaim in theDordogne, shares his predictions for 2011

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SUBSCRIBE NOWand have The Advertiser

delivered directly to your door for the next 12 months

Call us FREE from France 0800 91 77 56or from UK 0844 256 9881(4p/min)

Subscribe to The Advertiser for just €€12*a year* French addresses only. Rate is for Connexion subscribers, non Connexion subscriber rate is €15

12 Property The Advertiser, Dordogne January 2011www.dordogneadvertiser.com

IN FRANCE, a standard homeinsurance policy will cover basicrisks such as damage caused bywater, fire, faulty electrical appli-ances, storms, exceptional climateevents and natural disasters and willalso protect you against damage dur-ing attacks and thefts.

Options can be added to offermore personalised protection thatsuits your daily life and the type ofbelongings you own. For instance,your belongings can be protectedinside your home and when youtravel, and your car can be protectedwhen it is parked at home. Leisureequipment such as musical instru-ments or a swimming pool can beinsured against accidents.

Generally, home insurance can bedivided into three types: basic cover,extended cover and multi-risk cover(also called tous risques)

Multi-risk home insurance willinclude a private protection calledresponsabilité civile, which covers youin case of damage to third parties, forexample, if a tree or fence falls anddamages a neighbour’s property.

The responsabilité civile coverincludes damage caused by negli-gence or carelessness from theinsured, their children, staff, pets,objects or property. This is oftenlimited to the home context anddoes not cover you during profes-sional salaried work or in a rolewithin public or union functions.

Often, multi-risk home insurancepolicies will offer personal legal pro-

tection, including lawyer fees. This iscalled protection juridique. It isdesigned for someone wanting toclaim compensation for the losscaused by accidents covered underthe home insurance policy.

The services offered with legal protection include an informationhelpline where lawyers can provideadvice to customers and explain howto reach an amicable resolution to anissue. The insurance also covers thefees of experts and bailiffs, as well aslawyers’ intervention in a court caseand all procedural fees. The customer is always free to choose thelawyer they use.

Some companies offer students, ten-ants or landlords who rent their prop-erties special insurance packages tomatch their needs. If you own a housebut it is often unoccupied, specialpackages are also available.

Another option on home insurance,typically called a mobility package,protects your personal belongingssuch as mobile phones or MP3 play-ers while you are outside home.

Bikes can sometimes be included inyour home insurance, but protectionoften only applies to thefts and dam-age that occur inside your home andnot in the shared parts of your build-ing (corridors, hallways, cellars and

so on, if you are in a copropriété).Your leisure equipment can be pro-

tected by a special assurance loisirs,which will cover musical instru-ments, art and sports equipment.

Insurance offers can be comparedonline through specialist websitessuch as Assurland and you can ask tohave a personalised devis (quote)drawn up by several insurers to seethe difference in prices.

Home insurance prices will varyaccording to the options you takeout and the risks to which yourgoods and property are exposed.

Different insurers will pay out todifferent levels. The cheapest pack-ages may reimburse you a very lowpercentage, while ones that are moreexpensive may offer 100 per cent.

Certain insurers will compensateaccording to the age of the goods(valeur d’usage) that have been dam-aged or stolen, but others will reim-burse you the value of the goodspurchased new (valeur à neuf). Theywill have to be replaced within sixmonths of the accident.

To find the best price, draw up alist of the valuable objects andbelongings in your home room byroom. You should have an estimateof their prices – keep all the receiptsin a safe place, and have a copy of

Make a new year resolution to bEnsure you’re insured: Take preventativesteps now to check your home insurancepolicy covers everything you need

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Property 13The Advertiser, Dordogne January 2011 www.dordogneadvertiser.com

WHETHER it is your main or sec-ond home, there is no half-measurewhen it comes down to home securi-ty. The French interior ministry hassome basic advice on how to keepburglars away from your home.

One of the things you should thinkof when buying a new house or flatis to remember always to change allthe locks and equip your front doorwith a reliable lock and a peephole.

Your house should also have shut-ters where possible, preferably metal-lic, and a fence around the garden.

If your house is isolated or in thecountryside, the chances of burglaryare higher and more precautionsshould be taken to ensure yourhouse cannot be broken into.

Installing security double-glazing, amotion-sensor burglar alarm andoutside lighting is a good way tokeep your home safe.

Do not write down your name andaddress on your keys in case you losethem and always leave a spare copywith someone you trust, instead ofunder the doormat or flower pot.

You should make sure no tools areleft outside such as ladders or scaffolds. They should always bekept out of sight. Valuable belong-ings or safes should be moved awayfrom windows.

For high-value objects and belong-ings, write down their serial number,keep their receipts and take photo-graphs of them so they can be foundmore easily if stolen.

If you are away from home for along period of time, you shouldinform your neighbours and findsomeone to pick up your mail orhave it diverted to another address to

avoid any obvious sign of absence.You should also create the illusion of

the presence of someone in the housethrough a timer on lights, the televi-sion or radio, which should switch onand off at certain times of the day.

Other steps you can take to makethe place look occupied is to haveneighbours go round the house, parkand move the car around the gardenor courtyard, keep the garden tidyand the grass cut, and have a friendchange the position of the curtainsor leave toys out.

Transferring your calls from yourlandline to your mobile phone orsecond phone line is a good idea andnever leave any indication of theduration of your absence on theanswerphone message which could

reassure a potential burglar. Duringlong absences, you can ask the localpolice or gendarmerie to check onyour house during their dailypatrols.

Other measures to prevent intrusion include planting thornybushes under windows to preventaccess and having a metal gate andfencing around your garden securingthe perimeter.

You should always check on yourinsurance policy the conditionsunder which your house and belong-ings are covered. For instance, locksmay need to be approved by yourinsurer. Shutters, if you have any,should be closed when you are notthere, or insurance claims might berejected.

better protect your French home

them outside your home. You canalso try to make sure that your houseis well equipped against theft or fireby installing an alarm or a fire detec-tion system. This will often win dis-counts when you sign up for homeinsurance.

Another option for bringing downpremiums is to raise the franchise(the excess) you are happy to pay inthe case of an accident, bearing inmind this should be a realistic sumthat you can afford to pay.

Some insurers also offer betterdeals if you combine several con-tracts with them, such as car andhome insurance, which can help yousave significantly.

Home insurance is automaticallyrenewed after a certain period oftime if neither the insurer nor theinsured decides to terminate it. Thisprocess is called tacite reconduction.

Generally, the rule for terminatinga contract is to send a registered let-ter (lettre recommandée) at least twomonths before the end of the con-

tract and this period should be clear-ly stated in the contract.

French law on rolling contracts waschanged by the Loi Châtel in 2008,which looked at consumer rights andset up an obligation for the insurerto inform customers of the deadlineto terminate the contract by post.

According to the law, the durationof a contract cannot exceed one yearand therefore, a contract can berenewed only up to one year.

The insurer has to give enoughnotice of renewal and a letter shouldbe sent out between one and threemonths before the end of the contract.

If the insurer does not send a noticein due time, the consumer will have20 extra days to make a decisionregarding the renewal of the contract.

Failure to respect these require-ments will result in a consumer beingallowed to terminate their contractwithout a fee by sending a letterrecommandée with an acknowledg-ment of receipt (accusé de réception)after the supposed date of renewal.

In many areas, local police and gendarmes patrol empty homes

Stay secure: Make arrangements to protect your home whileyou are away and discourage burglars, especially in rural areas

A good multi-risk insurance policyand some basic steps to secure

your property should providepeace of mind

“Ask a neighbour to goround the house,park and move thecar around thegarden or courtyard,keep the garden tidyand the grass cut,change the positionof the curtains orleave toys out

Photo: Frédéric Prochasson - Fotolia.com

Find a stockist near you at www.findthepressinfrance.com

Essential news, property, family, travel and practical information to help you understand and integrate in France

www.connexionfrance.com

14 Property The Advertiser, Dordogne January 2011www.dordogneadvertiser.com

What changes are in store for this year?Every property advert now has to include details of the building’s energy efficiency rating, on a scale of A to G, where A is the most efficient and G is énergivore (energy hungry)

THE FIRST day of the year bringswith it a number of changes affectingproperty owners and, more general-ly, anyone living in France.

From January 1, when advertising aflat or house for let or sale, estateagents will be legally obliged toinclude the property’s energy effi-ciency in the shape of an energylabels with a letter and colour.

The same day, the green bonus on energy efficient cars, which cantake up to €5,000 off the originalselling price, will be reduced. Therequirements to benefit from thebonus are being made stricter,which in theory means fewer vehi-cles will benefit.

January 1 is the start of the newincome tax year in France. Moneyearned in 2011 will be declared inApril or May 2012.

Your home situation on January 1will decide the amount you will pay

in taxe d’habitation (residential tax)and taxe foncière (property tax).

The taxe foncière is calculatedagainst the rentable value of theproperty, and is used to provide yourlocal services. It is paid by whoeverowns the building on January 1, evenif you later sell the property andmove out. Bills

typically go out around Septemberand the deadline for payment is generally in October.

The taxe d’habitation also goestowards the various services thatlocal bodies provide to residents.You are liable if, on January 1, youlive in accommodation either as an

owner, tenant

or free – again, even if you move outlater in the year.

From this month, owners of homeswith a septic tank must supplypotential buyers with a certificateshowing they conform to high standards. A diagnostic assainisse-ment (waste water system check) isadded to the list of property checks

owners have to have done.

Lifts in apartment blocks shouldhave been brought up to new stan-dards by January 1. At the end ofSeptember, the French lift federationsaid 80 per cent had been done.

January 1 is the day that the newmonthly income threshold for people allowed to live in social hous-ing estates (HLM) will be applied.The rate of the RSA unemploymentbenefit will also be adjusted.

Away from property, on January 1,three main changes to the Code de laRoute will be implemented. These willallow cyclists to turn right at a redlight in certain cases. It will reinforcethe protection of pedestrians throughthe obligation for drivers to stop notonly if someone is already at a cross-ing, but if their speed or body lan-guage indicates they are about to doso. A seven-hour course will becomemandatory for people who wish todrive a scooter from 50cc to 150cc.

Photo: John Lee - Fotolia.com. B

elow: L B

EAWO

LF - Fotolia

THE authoritative guide to buying a home in France

Available in English from The Connexion, priced €7.50 or £7 ((pplluuss ppoossttaaggee aanndd ppaacckkaaggiinngg))

Written by the Notaires de France and published by Conseils des Notaires.

See our website www.connexionfrance.com

News 15The Advertiser, Dordogne January 2011 www.dordogneadvertiser.com

Personal trainers inlucky break for gym

Bypass bridgeopens up twosides of riverTRANSPORT links in thesouth of the department areset to take a step forward withthe completion of the thirdphase of the new €8 millionbridge across the Dordogneand the Bergerac by-pass.

When completed in 2012,the bridge downstream ofBergerac will be a major boostfor business as it connectsPrigonrieux and Saint-Laurent-des-Vignes via a two-way road and a greenway forhikers or cyclists.

The final span was “docked”after three days of painstakingwork that Dordogne conseilgénéral hailed as a huge tech-nical achievement.

At a speed of 10m an hour,the crew from bridge-buildersMatière extended the 1,100-

tonne, 206m metal span, withits roadway made of rein-forced concrete, towards thefar bank. The span had a special 42m “beak” fitted toallow it to dock with the 11mhigh pier on the far side of theriver.

Matière hit a record itselfwith the new span as the mastheight of 5m – the roomavailable for boats to passunderneath – is their highestachievement yet.

The river at this point isclassified as a Natura 2000nature protection zone, as it isthe breeding ground for several species of fish, includ-ing the shad or river herring.

Nature-lovers will be able toaccess a panoramic viewpointfrom the greenway on the leftbank to admire the fauna andflora of the Dordogne valley.

by ALICE CANNET

WHEN the mayor of Ribéracwas looking for a way to turnthe old changing rooms at thelocal swimming pool into agym, he met personal trainersSian and Richard Baker, whowere working on plans toopen a gym.

They had been looking tostart a sports-related businessafter moving from the UKand, as the mayor had had little success in getting hisown project off the ground,he agreed to back Sian andRichard with their plans.

Now the duo’s En Formegym is set to open in thetown on January 5.

It will boast the same high-tech equipment as found inmodern-style gyms such asthe David Lloyd chain in theUK. Such gyms are not wide-spread in France and bothSian and Richard will be onhand to help people andguide them towards the bestall-round fitness regime tosuit their individual needs.

www.enforme-riberac.frCall 06 47 89 31 67

The 206m spanacross theDordogne weighs 1,110 tonnes

Richardand SianBaker werein the rightplace atthe righttime

Better bus service for PérigordTHREE of the busiest busroutes on the TransPérigordnetwork have been opened upto disabled travellers in recentreforms agreed by the conseilgénéral.

Services to Angoulême, Ribé-rac and Bergerac from Péri-gueux will use an elevatingplatform to ease access, butdisabled travellers must bookwith the bus company 48hours in advance of travellingto get the help of an assistant.

Bus timetables have alsobeen changed for better per-formance, with the Périgueuxand Angoulème link being

adjusted to ease TGV connec-tions to Paris.

An extra bus between Eymet,Issigeac and Bergerac will leaveat 7.00 on Saturdays andreturn from Bergerac at 12.10.

Périgueux to Sarlat gets twoextra buses: one leavesPérigueux on Mondays at 7.45,the other is from Sarlat at15.30 on Fridays.

A new service from Nontronto Périgueux has also been putin place during the school year– outside weekends and holi-days – and it will leave at 6.15and return from Périgueux at18.05. The service timings

change on Wednesdays, witha 13.05 return.

Sarlat and Souillac have lostthe Monday morning 7.50service from Sarlat due to alack of passengers.

The conseil général has keptfares across the TransPérigordnetwork at €2 and the net-work’s Coup d’Pouce cheaptravel card will continue tooffer tickets at €1.

You can get more details onthe offers and services on theDordogne council website atwww.cg24.fr. To book a trip asa disabled traveller, call theCFTA on 05 53 08 43 13.

CLASSIFIEDSDo you have a car or unwanted item tosell? Would you like to rent out a property- or meet new friends? Reach people local to you for FREE withThe Dordogne Advertiser IF you have an item to sell or give away, if you are looking to buy or sell a home or acar or are offering accommodation, we can help. The Advertiser, the English-lan-guage community newspaper for the Dordogne, offers great visibility with our smalladverts appearing in print and also online at our websitewww.dordogneadvertiser.com All readers offering items of a value of under €250 on a non-commercial basis canplace an advert of up to 150 characters COMPLETELY FREE. Personal adverts, com-munity items, job adverts and items involving animals and pets are also FREE for 150characters. Adverts can be placed online at www.dordogneadvertiser.com and shouldappear on the site within one working day and in the next edition of the DordogneAdvertiser (the deadline is the fifth of the month for the next month’s print edition). If you are selling an item whose value is over €250 or are placing a commercial classified, you have three options for paid advertising.

1: Lineage. Up to 150 characters = €25 TTC. Up to 300 characters = €50 2: Bold lineage. Up to 150 characters in bold = €30 TTC. Up to 300 characters = €60 3: A special feature box: this is an ideal way to sell a property or a car. This comprises up to 150 (or 300) characters in a box with a colour photograph =€50TTC (or €75TTC for 300 characters).* See examples on this page.

Rates are for one print edition and 45 days online. To place a paid-for advert of morethan 150 characters please email the text to smallads@dordogneadvertiser.com and call us to make payment.*Item is not boxed but runs with a photograph on our website

YOUR ADVERT AS IT APPEARS IN PRINT

YOUR ADVERT AS IT APPEARS ON THE WEB

To place a classified advert go to ourwebsite www.dordogneadvertiser.com

or email the text tosmallads@dordogneadvertiser.com

and call us to make payment.

Make cash from your unwanted items. Classified adverts are FREE for private sales of items under €€250. Place your advert via our website www.dordogneadvertiser.comCLASSIFIEDS

Adverts placed online appearwithin one working day, andif placed before the 10th ofthe month will appear in thefollowing month’s paper.

Ads are FREE for any privateindividual wanting to sell anitem under €250.

For details see below.

16 Classifieds The Advertiser, Dordogne January 2011www.dordogneadvertiser.com

PETS/ANIMALSETOILE, FOUND WANDERING thestreets is the most gorgeous, affec-tionate 1 year old female cat withBengal colouring. She would love aforever home before Christmas. Etoileis neutered, vaccinated andmicrochipped (250 269 801 636 115)and can be found at Chats du Quercywith other cats and kittens. Contact Lynn on 05 63 94 73 97GOOD HOMES WANTED for 3 lovelyhomeless black kittens, very tame andlovable, 1 male 2 females, ready to gonow. Tel .0553 629764 e-mail ter-ryscates@sfr.fr

PROPERTY TO RENTTO RENT: T2 Beautiful Rural Views.Balcony, gardens 600€ TTC. Internet,Sky, bills inc. Permanent let. T1 450€ttc creative environment, organic grow-ing, tranquil. 05.53.90.58.20 emailsarahorton@hotmail.com

Advertise your property here

from as little as €50TTC

FOR SALE

BACCHUS IMMOBILIER

recruitsFrance based estate

agency seeks representativesfor ALL regions of France.

Carte Blanche Agent Commercial Immobilier and

generous (up to 70%) commission rates offered.Contact Ivan Tredinnick.

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

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

Siret: 48034462100010

REF VBD05: Charming house inhamlet, 100m², living room withkitchen corner and chimney 35m²,storeroom 5m² - 2 shower rooms,office 7m² - toilet - dressing room, 2bedrooms, 10m² & 41m², roof ter-race, courtyard. Price 81 100€Tel: 05 53 03 76 05 agence.perigord.immobilier@orange.fr

REF AVI25: Beautiful detachedcharacter house of 150m² with fit-ted kitchen - Large living room withchimney - bathroom - 3 bedrooms,toilet - shower room - storeroom -cellar - covered terrace - large inter-nal courtyard - outhouses - garden800m². Price 195 000€Tel: 05 53 03 76 05 agence.perigord.immobilier@orange.fr

REF BBL02: Superb traditionalPerigordine house of 243m², beau-tifully restored with open plan, fittedkitchen - living room 40m² - lounge55m² - shower room - bedroom 150m² with chimney - bedroom 245m² with wardrobes, bedroom 345m² with wardrobes and en-suitebathroom - traditional terracottatiles in living rooms, wooden floorsin the bedrooms - apparent beamsthroughout - terrace - outbuildings -garage - established garden1560m². Price 340 800€Tel: 05 53 03 76 05 agence.perigord.immobilier@orange.fr

€ 280 900 REF. 105A beautiful stone built house in asmall hamlet, a short drive fromboth Monpazier and Villereal.i n f o @ l a p o r t e p r o p e r t y . c o m 56 bis rue St Jacques Monpazier0553 61 80 33

€ 339 200 REF. 110A traditional 18th centuryPerigordiene farmhouse and barnat the edge of a pretty hamlet.i n f o @ l a p o r t e p r o p e r t y . c o m 56 bis rue St Jacques Monpazier0553 61 80 33

€ 656 250 REF.068Equestrian property in 9 hectareswith substantial family accommo-dation and outbuildings.i n f o @ l a p o r t e p r o p e r t y . c o m 56 bis rue St Jacques Monpazier0553 61 80 33

-35% on made to measure sliding doors-20% on all LeroyMerlin modular storagesystems English spokenLeroy Merlin Centre CommercialAuchan, ChanceladeCall 05 53 02 29 20www.leroymerlin.fr

Screen one1. Go onto the Pôle Emploiwebsite www.pole-emploi.fr2. On the home page thescreen is divided into red onthe left for job seekers andgreen on the right for employ-ers.3. On the red section for jobseekers click on the lineRecherchez des Offres d'Emplois(Looking for Job Offers) as perthe green arrow above left.Screen two5. Click on RechercheAvancée tabScreen three6. Scroll down to the headingFormation et langues (qualifi-cations and languages) andselect anglais, to find jobswhich require English thenyour commune or theDordogne department underLieu de travai

Getting your UK qualifications recognised in FranceClassifieds 17The Advertiser, Dordogne January 2011 www.dordogneadvertiser.com

IT IS well known that in France a lotof importance is given to qualifica-tions, in fact it is the first thing thatan employer will look at whenrecruiting. This month we look athow to get qualifications gained inthe UK recognised in France.

Due to the difference in education-al programs, time spent studying andso on, there is no legal principle ofequivalence for qualifications inFrance, which means you will not beable to get a like for like certificate. Itis also worth noting that they con-sider the names of qualifications tobe untranslatable meaning that thenames of qualifications gained out-side of France cannot be translatedinto French.

What you can obtain however is a

certificate of equivalence, this willgive an evaluation of how your qual-ification compares to the French sys-tem for an employer to assesswhether you are suitable or not.

The official body that deals withthis is ENIC-NARIC France. Thecost of the certificate is €70 and toobtain it you need to provide the fol-lowing documents:

1) Photocopy of an official identitydocument (passport)2) An application form giving yourpersonal details, a summary of youreducation and qualifications gained,which qualification your are wantingthe certificate for and your reasonfor applying for the certificate. This can be downloaded herehttp://tinyurl.com/enic-naric3) Photocopy of the original certificate4) Photocopy of the translation ofthe qualification certificate whichmust be done by a sworn translator(traducteur assermenté). A list ofsworn translators should be availableat larger town halls, the prefectureand tribunal d'instance.5) Photocopy of a document that

shows proof of the official length ofstudies. This can be in the form ofan information document about thediploma, certificates of attendancemark sheets etc.)6) Photocopy of the translation ofthe above documents again done bya sworn translator

There is no standard like for likeaccreditation and each applicationsubmitted is studied and researchedon an individual basis using ananalysis grid plus which involvesvarious different components andoften followed by a quality assurancecontrol by an independent externalevaluation.

It might seem like a lot of troubleto go to but it's worth it. To find outmore visit http://www.ciep.fr

How do I find a jobnear where I live inthe Dordogne whichneeds an Englishspeaker?

POLE-EMPLOI JOBSTRILINGUAL SECRETARY, Jumilhac-le-Grand. 3 month contract, mustspeak French, English and MandarinJob offer n° 817560DHIGHER EDUCATION Englishteacher, Périgueux. 6 month con-tract, must speak French.Job offern° 938200VWAITER/WAITRESS, Saint-Avit-de-Vialard. 2 month contract, experi-ence preferred. Jon offer n°937995VESTATE AGENCY SALES person,Périgueux. Commission based work,beginner accepted. Job offer n°538268VENGLISH TEACHER, Le-Pizou. 7month contract, lessons for childrenin their homes. Job offer n°871750NBUSINESS ENGLISH TEACHER foradults, Correze. Short term contract,1 - 2 years experience preferred.Joboffer n° 926112RCOOK/CHEF, Chalus (87). 3 monthcontract, 1-2 years experience pre-ferred in Chinese cooking. Job offerN° 293059DRECEPTIONIST, Glandon (87).Permenant contract, beginneraccepted. Job offer n° 293140DCOOK, Bergerac. Permenant con-tract, 1-2 years experience required.

Job offer n° 938631VWAITER/WAITRESS, Champcevinel.3 month contract, must speakFrench. Job offer n° 540077VHOUSE KEEPING SERVICES, CubjacPermanent contract, cleaning andironing services. Job off n°936272W

OTHER JOB OFFERSChef de Partie , Château des Vigiers.Permanent contract, must be experi-enced. Call 05 53 61 50 38EXPERIENCED ART TUTOR wantedto teach painting and drawing at ourrelaxed friendly painting courses inthe Dordogne region of SW France.Email: enquiries@learntopaintin-france.com - Tel: 0033 (0)553302405 . See http://www.learn-topaintinfrance.com/art-tutor-want-ed.html for more info.CURRENCIES DIRECT. We are cur-rently seeking new RegionalCoordinators in the Poitou-Charentes. We are offering you: *Opportunity to work with a leadingcompany in Foreign Exchange. *Proven sales tools and working prac-tices. * Experience to help you buildyour own business. * Investment inyour own PR/Marketing initiatives. *Continuous training and develop-ment. * Remuneration based onsales commission on closed sales

contracts. The ideal candidate willhave good communication and pres-entation skills in both English andFrench. They must be motivated towork as a sales person alone as wellas being a true team player amongstother regional Coordinators aroundFrance and the Head Office inLondon. Must hold a full drivinglicense. We know exactly what to doto earn you money in this business. Itis a great opportunity for someonelooking to expand their portfolio oreager to work within this highly suc-cessful and extremely rewarding mar-ket. If you are interested; pleasesend your CV to: Currencies DirectF r a n c eEmail: pippa.m@currenciesdirect.comTel: 0033 (0) 672 096 495www.currenciesdirect.comMARKETING MANAGER. SouillacGolf and Country Club, holiday resort& golfing centre in the DordogneValley, is seeking to recruit aMarketing Manager to drive its rentaland golfing business. Applicantsshould be fluent in French andEnglish with some experience in mar-keting, preferably in the travel andleisure industry. Salary and termsnegotiable based on experience andqualifications. Full CV , in both Frenchand English to admin is t ra t ion@sou i l laccoun -tryclub.com

The official body which deals with the recognition of professional qualifications abroad is Enic-Naric - www.enic-naric.net

There is no automaticrecognition of UK qualifications but thereare methods to show employers your skills

Deadlinefor clas-sifiedadvertsis the10th ofthemonth

Got a query about life in France?Information you can trust on life in France

Fill in your details (in capitals please):Name: ________________________________________________________________________Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Postcode: ______________________________________ Town: ________________________Telephone: ______________________________________ Email: ______________________

We would like to send you a weekly email with news and practical information about life in France. If you do NOT wishto receive this, please tick here. You can unsubscribe at any time. We will never pass your details on to a third party.

The Connexion can print out and post copies of thehelpguides to you. The cost for this is:

- for a French address = €2 - for an EU address = €3 - for a non EU address = €5

This is in addition to the €5 (or €7.50) cost of eachguide. You pay this postage charge only once regardlessof the number of helpguides on the same order.

Please tick the boxes of the helpguides you require andindicate the total including postage as the bottom.

Payment must be by euro cheque (from a French bank).Cheques should be made payable to The Connexion andsent to:

The Connexion, 38 rue Grimaldi, Monaco, 98000

You can also order buy calling (free from France) 0800 91 77 56 or from UK 0844 256 9881 (4p/min)

The Connexion, France’s English-language newspaper has produced a series of helpguides on practical topics.

The guides address questions about everyday life in France that Connexion office fre-quently receives. These include how to fill out a French income tax form, residentialtaxes, residential care homes in France, employing help at home such as a gardener

and letting out your French home. The helpguides, priced €5 and €7.50, are produced independently

by Connexion journalists or in association with Conseils des Notaires (the official publishing arm of the notaires).

French inheritance law NEW! €€7.50

Local Taxes 2010NEW! €€5

Currency exchange €€5

Auto-entrepreneur €€5

CESU - employing people at your home €€5

Death in France €€5

Buying property in France - the SCI option, produced inexclusive association with theConseils des Notaires de France€€7.50

Role of a Notaire and their fees, produced in exclusive association with the Conseils desNotaires de France €€7.50

Buying or selling a home, produced in exclusive associationwith the Conseils des Notaires deFrance €€7.50

Tax rebates for environmentally-friendly products €€5

Letting out your French home to tourists (Excluding Paris) €€5

Retirement Homes €€5

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Total _____ Total _____Postage (see above) ___________ Total number of helpguides _____________

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Download the helpguides atwww.connexionfrance.com

18 Directory The Advertiser, Dordogne January 2011www.dordogneadvertiser.com

Advertise here AALLLL YYEEAARR fromjust €116655HHTT Call free on 0800 91 77 56 or email directory@connexionfrance.com

Animal CareHouse Sitting Yours/mine

First Aid 4Animals CertReferences established

Animal CharitiesAnimalcare1@hotmail.fr

Siret ; u47011658505

The Cats InnLuxury Cattery - Cales near

Lalinde - Very SpaciousLots of Love and Attention

Tel: Paula 05 53 24 14 42paulaL24150@aol.com

Siret No.520 980 269 00010

DOG FOODPremium Quality

Complete Dog FoodCosts less than top brandequivalents - No Beef Bio

Diet - Full range of productsfrom puppy to senior, sensi-

tive & overweightDelivered to your door

Lot-et-Garonne & SouthernDordogne

TEL: 05 53 36 78 23carina.penny@orange.fr

SIRET: 503056061 00016

A sponsor of the charityASHA for horses in need

www.ashafrance.org

POORPAWSDOG RESCUE

Many rescue dogsseeking happy homes, from

puppies to adultsCall Sue on 0565245303

www.poorpaws.com

For aWELL-CARED

and HAPPY dogLE POUGET

High Quality KennelAirport Bergerac 35 km

Beaumont du Périgord 6 kmContact us or visit

our Web-siteTel: 06 30 58 41 79

05 53 58 20 12info@lepouget-dordogne.frwww.lepouget-dordogne.frRegions Covered: Dordogne/Lot et

Garonne/Lot - Siret 494 122 468 00023

La Creme de la CremeSmall, Caring, purpose

built DOG FREE catterynear Nontron.

Tel: 05 53 56 05 17email: colfi.day@gmail.com

www.la-creme-de-la-creme.comsiret 51963554400017

WAGS AND WHISKERS

British owned boarding kennels and cattery35 years experience

Tel: 05.65 35.46.51tina.wagsandwhiskers@googlemail.com

SIRET: 500607858

GOLDENWAYINTERNATIONAL PETS

World Wide Pet Transporter /

RelocatorMinistry approved

No. 61195004 – 61195001Offices CDG Airport Paris

Offices and Kennels NormandyTel: 01 48 62 87 25 CDG ParisTel: 02 33 38 41 32 Normandy

www.goldenwaypets.comSiret: 397549551

ANIMAL COURIERSExperienced couriers specialisingin pet travel between France / UK /

Spain or within France. Pet passport advice.

Tel: 0044 (0) 1483200123Email: animals@animalcouriers.com

Web: www.animalcouriers.com

THE DORDOGNE CATTERY

PENSION POUR CHATS NEARSARLAT, OPEN-AIR, INSULATED

AND HEATEDCONTACT ANNA MASLEN

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

www.dordognecattery.fr

Chenil Les Mille Calins

English Run5 Star accommodation

for Dogs/CatsComprising of underfloor

heated kennels Qualified staff

Top Quality food and exerciseOnly 45 minutes south of Caen

Convenient Ferry AccessSAFETY COMFORT AND CARE FOR

YOUR PET, PEACE OF MIND FOR YOUwww.goldenwaypets.comTelephone 02 33 37 49 19Emergency 02 33 38 41 32

Fax 02 33 38 44 16

By advertising in ourdirectory you get the chanceto run advertorials(the news stories you see onthese pages.) 1/3 page, maximum 500words plus photo, €200HT

2/3 page, maximum 1,000

words plus photo, €400HT

We will keep you up todate with features andspecial events in your area ofFrance in all our publica-tions that could help toboost your business.

Your ad included in ouronline directory for FREE.

Want to advertise in ournational paper TheConnexion or sister paper inNormandy? Get 50% offyour second directory advert

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HOW TO BOOK AN ADVERTChoose the size of your advert from theexamples on the left. You can have ablack and white advert; or you canchoose a colour from the list below.Finally, you can now chose to haverounded corners to the box to help makeyou advert stand out (See right). Then,when you have made your choice, call 0800 91 77 56

Standard

Rounded

Dar

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t B

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Dar

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

Find registered tradespeople quickly and easily

English-speaking firms nneeaarr yyoouuDORDOGNE DIRECTORY

(1-15 words)

B&W €€165HT

Colour €€231HT}(31-45 words)

B&W €€396HT

Colour €€555HT

(16-30 words)

B&W €€285HT

Colour €€399HTDouble

47mm x 50mm

Treble47mm x 75mm }

}Single

47mm x 25mm

For your security, we check that the French businesses in this section are officially registered with the authorities

Directory 19The Advertiser, Dordogne January 2011 www.dordogneadvertiser.com

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

alan keenan

ti lingall wall & floor tiling, pool surrounds, terraces,

concrete & sand / cement work, plasterboardingTel: 06 19 50 34 28

Email: alankeenano@gmail.comRegions Covered: 24,47 Siret: 47794615600015

AMC DECORATORSInterior and exterior painting, Carpentry, Tiling, Partitioning, Dry lining, Wood restoration

28 years experienceTel/Fax: 05 49 67 85 93 Mobile: 06 70 01 47 69

Email: sallyclark2009@yahoo.frDepts 16, 17, 24, 31, 33, 37, 49, 79, 85, 86 - SIRET 48049335200029

STAR DÉCORExperienced painter &

decorator uses Dulux paint tintedto any colour in the Dulux range.

Call Sara & Terry05 53 80 63 93 / 06 84 09 54 80

www.stardecor.frsiret : 51126834400013

MGFCounselling

ServicesEnglish Speaking Counselor.

M. Glenys Forrester(B.Sc.psych.) (M.Sc. psych.)

Offering individual /couples counselling.

(Depression, Stress, illness,bereavement etc).

FREE 1/2 hour consultation-In Office or by Telephone without

further obligation.

Tel: 05 53 50 07 28Mob: 06 47 17 60 78

Email: mglenys.forrester@gmail.comWeb: www.mgfcounselling.com

Regions Covered: All - Siret: 520 314 824

WEBSITESBoost your business with anaffordable, high-performance

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

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

Regions: All France Siret: 419 490 297 00027

GitecompareFor Accommodation

and TouristBusinesses Including

Holiday Auctionswww.gitecompare.com

france 4 savvy people

Penny Graphicswebsites from

75€including design, hosting and

domain name

pennygraphics.net02 33 90 92 15

SMALL BUILDING WORKS Repointing, Plasterboarding, windows,

doors installed.Translations, planning permissions.

Tel: 05 53 56 36 89 Email: daveindordogne@sfr.fr www.dordognedave.webs.com

Regions Covered 24,16,87 - Siret: 51913926500010

GENERAL BUILDERChris Danaher

20 Years ExperienceFREE ESTIMATES

Tel : 05 53 05 80 17 - Mobile : 06 71 40 35 39Email : danaherone@aol.com

Siret: 51064303400018

PLASTERINGEnglish and French Decorating, Pointing and

Rendering.GENERAL BUILDING

“Quality & Reliability” 35 Years ExperienceTel : 05 57 47 48 19

Email : pessacweb@yahoo.co.ukSiret 48271017500019

PC-TECHNICASolutions to all your computing needs...

PC Support/Sales & Website Design

Tel: 05 53 59 48 54 Email: contact@pc-technica.fr

www.pc-technica.fr

JUST PLASTERINGCeilings, walls, floors

Time served tradesman24, 33, 47, other regions possibleContact Mike Tel: 05 53 58 17 19

Mob: 06 67 03 30 48Email: thewebbsonweb@free.fr

Siret no: 42424381400011

CDRCONSTRUCTION

DESIGNRENOVATION

ECO Timber Framed HousesRenovation a Specialty

Low Energy ConsumerEQUALS Income Tax Rebates

JULIAN WILKESTel: 05 53 53 96 97

Mobile: 06 72 16 46 26Email:cdrwilkes@neuf.fr

www.construction-design-renovation-24.com

Siret: 403926702

J-C-T Buildingand RenovationNo job to small Free Estimate

James Taylor 0673303753n°siret: 51381108300015

BergeracRenovation & Building

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

Free estimates & adviceTel: 05 53 81 60 73

christopher.jarrett@wanadoo.fr

3D CONSTRUCTIONFamily run building company with

over 30 yrs experience

All construction worksundertaken large orsmall incl. masonry,

carpentry and roofingBased nr. Sarlat

Free estimates - References availableTel: 06 31 21 32 04

Email: simon.dobson@neuf.frsiret: 505 346 676 00016

RON HARRISONGeneral Builder

City & Guilds qualified, 35yrs experience, reliable, ALL WORK GUARANTEED

Tel: 05 53 80 42 91 Mob: +44 759 286 5010

Email: angelaharrisson@orange.fr25km radius Mussidan(24) Siret: 51352715000017

C&C CONSTRUCTION SARLQualified Builder

15 Years Experience10 Years Insurance Guarantee

All Building/Groundworks undertakenTel: 05 53 62 13 38 / 06 63 84 79 99

Email: cc-construction@itcsd.demon.co.ukwww.cc-construction.fr

BOIS D'ARBRECONSTRUCTION

______________

Specialists in Traditional Oak frames & Timber houses

______________

* Timber Frame homes - from supplyof structural frames, through to turn-

key homes

* Extensions, Gazebos, Dorma win-dows, sun terraces, Garages,

* Specialised in waterproofing timberroofs, green roofs and

terraces.

* SIP constructions______________

Tel: 06-72-01-11-06info@boisdarbreconstruction.comwww.boisdarbreconstruction.com

SIRET: 4899 5394 30011

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

RICHARD STIRRUPARCHITECTE DPLG

Design, Planning Applications,Full Service, Project Management,Property Surveys, Expert Advice

Tel: 05 65 21 11 45 / 06 85 53 02 32Email: richard.stirrup@btinternet.com

ArchitectRenovation - new construction.

Projects, all phases of construction.Sarl d'Architecture

David Besse Architecte dplgGrange Neuve 24140 Saint Martin des Combes.

05 53 82 44 75 - 06 17 51 26 00besse_archi@yahoo.fr

GermanArchitect

Speaks good Englishand French, with new ideas

concerning all your com-prehensive renovations.

Simply call: 05 53 56 52 27Email: info.archides@gmx.net

Siret: 508 895 372 Regions: Aquitaine

PARKES et DUCELIER

ArchitectesUK and French Registered

ArchitectsDossiers for Permis de

ConstruireInterior and

Landscape designOrdre des Architectes No. 1867

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

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

ADVERTISING FEATURE

AT THE start of 2010 Glenys Forresterlaunched MGF Counselling Services directedtowards the English speaking populationwho might be encountering some difficultiesin their lives.

What does counselling offer?A counsellor offers you the opportunity toexamine and express your innermost, privatefeelings or fears, often in a way that is rarelypossible with partners, friends or family.

Your counsellor will hear your story in anon-judgmental way, allowing and assistingyou to explore your issues, find answers andsee your options in a new light, then helpyou to initiate some changes.

Why should you try counselling?It is not easy to seek the help of a stranger,even though professional when you feel youshould be able or strong enough to cope withthe difficulties in your life.

However, when people need legal help theyfind a solicitor, when ill, they find a doctorand just as corporations hire consultants,individuals, couples and families sometimesneed professional help in their private lives.

How do I know if counselling can help?You may benefit from a few sessions with acounsellor who will help you to explore yourdifficulties, see your issues from a differentviewpoint and help you find options you maynot have thought of.

What kind of problems can a counsellor help you with?Listed below are some of the more commonproblems encountered by clients seeking help.

Addictions; alcohol, drugs (legal and ille-gal), shopping, sex, pornography.

Anxiety, panic attacks, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder,Bereavement (loss of a loved one, family

member, friend or a beloved pet), Depression, loss of enjoyment in life, loss of

motivation, withdrawal, suicidal thoughts. Eating disorders; anorexia, bulimia etc Illness; difficulties coping with your own or

someone else’s illness.Mid-life crisis; empty nest-syndrome, infi-

delity, lack of intimacy, impotence, age relat-ed illnesses.

Personal relationships; marital difficulties,separation, divorce or relationship rescue.

Phobias; irrational fears which affect the

quality of your life eg. insects, heights etc.Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Face to face counselling or by telephone?I work out of my home in Montignac,Dordogne. With some clients I work face-to-face, however, because of distance, someclients cannot make the trip so we meet bytelephone.

What are the benefits oftelephone counselling?There are no travel costs or travel time andyou can talk to your counsellor from the com-fort of your armchair.

Some clients travel to meet me just once andthen follow up by phone sessions, whereasothers make the journey every three to fourweeks with phone sessions in between.

Using the advantages of technology, we canhold session by skype with video as well.

MGF Counselling ServicesM. Glenys ForresterB.Sc.Psych, M.Sc. Psych05 53 50 07 28glenysforrester@gmail.comwww.mgfcounselling.comConfidentiality is my first priority.

Counselling is only a phone call away

20 Directory The Advertiser, Dordogne January 2011www.dordogneadvertiser.com

SURFACESPolished Concrete Floors, Walls, Worktops

Sinks & Furniture

STONE & TILERestoration, Colouring, Sealing.

Web: www.surfaces24.comEmail: info@surfaces24.com

Tel: 06 82 38 21 12 Siret 51500573400014

SAND AND BLASTSandblasting service for Wood,Metal and Stone. Floor sanding

service / hire available. Tel: 05 55 78 43 71 /

06 67 81 63 46www.sandandblast.com

Areas: 87, 16, 24

Experienced and registeredCeramic floor and wall tiler

For a professional Service / QuotationContact 2447 CarrelageTel: 05 53 57 12 19

Email: occitane6@orange.frRegions 24/47 and surroundingSIRET: 4844699200014

Masters EnergySolutions

The One Stop Shop forall your energy needs

www.masters-energies.comTel:05 55 78 66 35

Siret 451 371 579

Phil B EntrepriseAll Building Works Undertaken

Inc Electrical, Plumbing and HeatingBased 47, 24

Email: enquiries@stoves.frTel: 05 53 84 36 81

Mobile: 06 72 02 88 29

www.swansolar.euSupply & Installation of :

• Solar domestic hot water systems • Solar swimming pool systems

• Wood boiler stoves • Plumbing services Tel : 05 53 63 43 87 / 06 06 41 08 85

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

SAND BLASTINGAll Types of Sand blasting carried out

Timber, Stone & MetalTel: 0553589213 - Mobile: 0679059885

Email: hewitt.Chris@wanadoo.frWeb: www.hewittbuilders.com

Depts: 24, 46 & 47 - Siret: 49899034000016

PROPERTY ODD JOBS

Painting + Decorator, General PropertyMaintenance, 25 years experience,

Registered Artisan Tel: 05 53 23 77 05 (Rob)

Regions: Dept 24 - Siret: 501 098 883 00017

Lot andDordogne FencingFencing, Paving, Patios, Decking,

Garden clearance, Tree Felling,Repointing Stonework.

Tel : 05 65 27 17 60 / 06 14 58 15 86Email: philip.gould@neuf.fr

Siret No 453 419 236 00022

www.realheating.cominfo@realheating.com

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

Plumbing, Central & Underfloor HeatingBathrooms, Solar systems,

Woodburners.GAS QUALIFIED INSTALLERS.

BOUCARA CHAUFFAGEPLOMBERIE

PLUMBING - HEATING - BATH-ROOMS - GEOTHERMIE AND

ALTERNTIVE - ENERGY INSTALLA-TIONS - GAS INSTALLATIONS

QUALIFIED ARTISAN - QUALIGAZREGISTERED - FRENCH REGIS-

TERED BUSINESS12 MONTH WARRANTY

ON ALL WORK FULLY INSUREDDEPT 24, 33 AND 47

Contact. Morris WhiteheadTel. 05 53 58 38 62

Email: morriswhitehead@wanadoo.frSiret No. 480 789 197 00013

PLUMBING & HEATINGINSTALLATIONS

SERVICING & REPAIRSRENOVATIONS, AIR-CONDITIONING SOLAR

SYSTEMS - TOTALGAZ APPROVED INSTALLERContact: Wayne MerryMob: 06 85 58 64 65Tel: 05 53 64 34 05

Email:wayne.merry@sfr.fr

PLUMBER(city & guilds)

35 years experience. Bathrooms,kitchens, central heating. Based St

Foy le Grand. Depts. 24, 33.

Tel: 0553570016 - Mob: 0661531350Email: stephen.howe@wanadoo.fr

Siret:4974 1837 200019

HEATHROW LEFT HANDDRIVE CENTRE LTD

Rear Of 55 Cowley Road,Uxbridge UB8 2AE

Tel: +44 (0)208 8487407Tel: +44 (0)1895 81 23 23

Mobile: +44 (0)7811 784766We Specialise in buying

and selling Left HandDrive quality vehicles.

We have a variety of cars mostly onFrench/Spanish and English registrations.

We have over 11 years of professional experiencein the motor trade.

Web: Heathrowlhdcentre.comE: info@heathrowlhdcentre.com

LAND ROVER &JAGUAR PARTS

ELECTRONIC DIAGNOSTICSGEARBOX REPAIRS

Tel: 05 45 62 27 20www.landypoint.netmailorder welcome

Siret: 477 897 565 000 16

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

PRIVATEHOMECARE

Experienced British Carers. Genuinely caringpeople who provide a better quality of life.

Call Joyce on - 05 53 23 44 38Email - adeleadams@talktalk.net

New Year–New Shape!

LOSE WEIGHT &REGAIN YOURSHAPEOur program includes:

• Personal Weight Loss Coach• Continuing Support• Long Term Coaching• Nutrition Education• Great Key Tips & Advice• Personalised W8Loss Profile

For FREE Sample Pack Text ‘W8L’ and ‘NAME’ to

06 26 54 98 77

Café Churchin Bergerac

An English speaking approachto contemporary Christianity

HAPPY NEW YEARNext events

Sunday January 23rdSunday February 27th

Tea and Cake from 5pmSponsored by and held at L'Eglise

Evangelique Libre de Bergerac, 5 Rue Durou.

For more details contact Rev. Derek & Pam Cook derekcook3@sky.com

05.53.57.83.30www.christiansindordogne.com

S.A.R.L St Pool Piscineset Construction

Concrete Piscines. Cost effectivelyengineered. No expensive over

design, expertly constructed Ordernow for 2011.

stpoolsfrance@gmail.comStuart Roberts B.Sc (c.eng)

Phone: 0553914518 - Siret 503932857

Prêt à Plonger Piscine installation, repairs &

maintenance. Bespoke pools, noproject too big or small.

Complete package includinggroundwork, terracing/decking

and pool security.

Simon & Julia Holt0619 071121 or

0553 620152simon.holt@wanadoo.fr

Siret: 49397835700017

IN DEEPPISCINES

Maintenance, leak detection, servicing, repairs

tel: 05 53 22 79 18 / 06 84 68 84 92email: indeeppiscines@gmail.com

regions: 47, 32, 82, 24, 33 - siret: 504576802100020

TIP TOPGarden &

Property ServicesGarden Maintenance

Hedge Trimming - TreesCutting - Strimming

General Property MaintenanceProperty checks/Keyholding

Photo updatesContact Barry OnTel: 05 53 29 03 52

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

Siret: 49372365400015

BOUCHERIEA LA FERME

Traditional English family butchers andfarmers in France.

British style Beef,bacon, Sausages, gam-

mons pork & lambBespoke insulated packaging used for

delivery throughout France.CHRISTMAS ORDERSRaymond&Sophie Hicks

www.boucheriealaferme.comTel: 05 55 97 95 66

Mob: 06 45 51 34 58Siret: 509 528 014 00012

Ambiance MarqueesFramed Marquees and Accessories,Portable Toilets for hire. Weddings,

Private and Corporate Events.Tel: 09 63 29 02 69 / 05 57 69 63 81

Mob: 06 30 94 78 28Email: cjtapping@gmail.com

www.ambiancemarquees.comDep 33, 24, 47, 16, 17 - Siret: 50997567800012

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

AXA INSURANCE

J. LECLUZEST HILAIRE DU HARCOUET - 50600

HOME - CAR - HEALTHWe insure UK registered cars

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

agence.lecluze@axa.fr

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: 33 00 05 62 29 20 00Email: cover@insurance.fr

RCS Auch B479 400 657 - Regions: All France

FRENCH MORTGAGESERVICES

Rates from 1.9%Professional & Independent

sample, 100k, equity release from 200euros per month*

Tel FR: 05 53 79 43 62 / 06 84 47 62 76UK: 0044 ( 0)1491 571 955

E: martinporter@frenchmortgageservices.co.uk* subject to terms

AGENCE CLASSICFRENCH HOMESExclusively Prestige Property

€750,000 plus.Knight Frank Representative

For Dordogne, N Lot-et-Garonneand E Gironde

Floor Plans, Virtual Tours,Elevated Photography as standard

Contact Michelle or Anick05 53 23 32 13

www.classic-french-homes.comSiret: 491 449 328 00021

DORDOGNEPROPERTY AGENCYwww.dordognepropertyagency.com

The premier British ownedestate agency for buying or

selling a property in theDordogne Périgord region.

30 years combined experienceof French Property

Tel: 0033 (0) 5 53 80 62 62www.dordognepropertyagency.cominfo@dordognepropertyagency.com

HOUSES ONINTERNET

Do you want to sell yourhouse quickly?

Our fee is only 2.5%Find out how on:

WWW.HOUSESONINTERNET.COM

Tel: 05 55 65 12 19

Kennedy Electricite ServicesInstallation, rewires and repairs.

18 years experience.Fully insured. No job too small.

Contact Justin or Melissa Kennedy.Tel: 05 55 56 37 36

Email: justin.kennedy@orange.frRegions 87/24 Siret 503 417 04000014

LLaa PPeettiittee MMaaiissoonn ddeess LLaanngguueess

38, rue Jean Jaurès, 24800 THIVIERSTel: 05 53 52 49 91

E: lapetitemaisondeslangues@orange.frW: www.lapetitemaisondeslangues.comLearn French and feel at home again !

Small groups, 1to1, weekly orintensive courses and translations

Cours àCucugnan

Yes, you canLEARN FRENCH !

At your own speed, in privatelessons with professional

teacher (British). Study-holidaysin stunning scenery: tuition plus

self-catering accommodation. Tel: 06 78 15 19 29

http://www.cours-a-cucugnan.com Email: campbellclaire53@yahoo.fr

Regions Covered: All france Siret: 521701474

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

Property-legal-birth cert.,driving licences

Administrative helpExpat assistanceValid everywhere

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

Email: karen.king@wanadoo.frWeb:

www.certifiedfrenchtranslation.comFast and affordable

Siret: 38058374000028

Directory 21The Advertiser, Dordogne January 2011 www.dordogneadvertiser.com

ChurchServices

inEnglish

seewww.

connexionfrance.com

SIMPLY BRITISHINDEPENDENT BRITISH GROCERS

Large range of food includingfresh/frozen. Plus books, greetings cards and gifts

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

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

Branded makeup andskincare at huge discounts

Secure ordering & fastdelivery. English speaking.

www.discount-cosmetics.netinfo@discount-cosmetics.net

siret 518850649

ONLINE SHOPPING DELIVERYUK stores to your door in France.

Asda, Sainsburys, B&Q, Screwfit, etc.+44(0)7919 288 759

shopping@blt-removals.co.ukwww.shopping.blt-removals.co.uk

Poitou-Charentes, Limousin, Aquitaine

U.K. WOODBURNERSAARROWYEOMAN STOVAX

VILLAGERFrance Agent - P.E.P Leisure Ltd

UK 08717174097FR 0553732521

www.pepleisure.comemail: fires@pepleisure.com

Regions All France

WOODBURNERS.FRTraditional cast iron

multifuel and woodburningstoves. Option for fireback boilers on most

models. Delivered to yourdoor or installed. Also coal

now available.Contact us for renewableenergy air source pumps

to replace your gas oroil fired systems.See our website on

www.woodburners.frTel/fax or Email05 53 84 36 81

Mob 06 72 02 88 29enq@woodburners.fr

Siret no 45204687300017

NO MOREBOTHER

about floating debris inyour pool

PoolGobbler Pro removes all leaves, insects

and fluff, automatically& for just

€129,95. easy to install, easy to order through

www.poolgoods.euor call

05 65 31 96 23 (EN, FR, NL)

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

www.magasinanglais.comBritish food, cards, baby products,

sweets at FANTASTIC PRICES;order online - FREE local delivery!

tel. number 06 45 36 64 90

KANGAROO KARDSHigh Quality

Greetings CardsFREE DELIVERY

*Award Winning Website**Pay Securely Online**Outstanding Service*

*Money Back Guarantee**Many Exclusive Designs*

kangarookards.co.uk

PPAAIINNTT -- BBRRAANNDD NNAAMMEETop Quality Uk Emulsion White &

Magnolia 10LTS - Unbeatable PriceLocal Drop Off Points - Dept 24

Ring or Email for Further Details &Prices - Tel: 09 62 21 46 27/

06 78 17 47 53Email:paint4less@me.com

OAKWOOD FLOORINGWide boards

Large stocks availablePrime & Character grades

Oiled & waxed finishesSpecial offersfrom 12 € / m²

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

tel: 06 80 33 93 57siret 49426348

Regular collection /deliveries from

UK, and S/W France.Removals, on-line shopping, DIY prod-

ucts. Friendly professional service.Tel: 06 04 01 73 59

Email: info@aclighthaulage.com Web: www.aclighthaulage.com

REMOVALS & STORAGEMurray HarperEuropean transport & storage

ENGLAND, FRANCE, SPAINScheduled collection and

delivery service guaranteedEstablished 30 years

in the industrywww.murrayharper.com

Tel: (0034) 952 793 422 or (0034) 952 807 692

info@murrayharper.com

MOVING TO OR FROM FRANCE?

Weekly services to & from France. Full or partloads, 4 wks free storage, 25 Years experience

Contact: Anglo French RemovalsTel: +44 (0)1233 660 963

Email: anglofrench333@aol.comwww.anglofrench.co.uk siret : 48777270900019

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

SELF STORAGEDOVER

Convenient Flexible Consolidation PointWorking with the Movers Tel: +44(0) 1304 822844

doverinfo@aandsselfstorage.co.ukwww.doverstorage.co.uk

All France

George White European TransportSpecial rates to S/W France

13.6m/45ft trailer - Full/Part loadsRemovals/materials/vehiclesOwner driver. RHA memberTel: +44 (0)7768 867 360Fax: +44 (0)1773 570 090

Fr Mobile: +33 (0)6 23 03 85 59www.georgewhiteeuropean.co.uk

MOVE IN EUROPEThe removal company even the furniture recommendsUK - Europe - Europe - UKwww.moveineurope.com

contact@moveineurope.comTel: +44 121 3503111

Home Tel: 05 53 93 75 52

MAKE YOUR OWNELECTRICTY & SELL IT,

USE ITBE SELF-SUFFICIENT/INDEPENDENT

YOUR POWERSOLAR-WIND-HYBRID KITSWWW.everkinetiq.frinfo@everkinetiq.fr

General BuildingRoofing, loft and barn conversion andproperty renovations. Depts 24, 19, 87

Full team of skilled registered tradesmencharles@hautefortrenovation.com

www.hautefortrenovation.comTel/fax: 05 53 50 12 39Mobile: 06 84 53 08 39

EEccooPPoowweerrThe World's

Leading SolarSystems

Tel: 05 53 62 31 35

www.ecopower.eu.com

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

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 34 16 47 09

E: peter@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

NEW UPVC WINDOWS & DOORS FACIAS & SOFFITS

SUPPLIED & FITTEDCALL FOR FREE QUOTE

Depts 24, 46 & 47Tel 05 53 58 92 13 / 06 79 05 98 85

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

Siret 49899034000016

PEST CONTROLDOMESTIC,COMMERCIAL

& RURALDept 19 & adjoining

Robin Loten0555 736918/0615186308lotenrobin@yahoo.fr

Siret: 523 767 705 00016

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

Balcony & Stair Railings

Window & Door Grills.

Manufacture/Repair/Installation.williamsonsteel.com

williamson_steel@yahoo.com05 53 90 20 17

solaire powerrenewable energies

solar systems - wood boilerswww.solaire-power.euinfo@solaire-power.eu

05 53 56 26 36Regions: Aquitaine Siret: FR 64493914576

Mini digger hire from100 euros per day HT

Hammer and accessories available.Sarlat area. SARL Maxima

Tel April on: 06 13 23 22 49Fax: 05 53 29 62 65

sarlmaxima@yahoo.frSiret no. 498 524 032 000 14

I/AMI/AMA Man With a Digger

I/DOI/DO>>>> Terracement Driveways

Foundations etc >>>>||ii/do@hotmail.fr

0555851105/0685520157siret no: 400564266

BEAMRENOVATIONS

The viablealternative tosandblasting or stripping.

Email:renaissance-beams@live.frwww.renaissance-beams.com

I’ve used the Advertiserfrom the outset. Mysmall classified advertisement hasalways generated agood number of genuine enquiries manyof which have led towork, helping to keepmy business busy during these quiettimesCharles FlemingHautfort Renovationwww.hautefortrenovation.com05 53 50 12 39

“

Whatourclientssay

22 Property The Advertiser, Dordogne January 2011www.dordogneadvertiser.com

D I Y

Cheap space andstorage solutions

t i p s

HOWEVER big a house you live in, it is always a good ideato optimise the space available.

In smaller houses, extra rooms can be created by convert-ing the loft space to make an office, bedroom or children’splayroom. With the relatively easy-to-use material availablein DIY stores, larger rooms can be partitioned off to makeroom for en-suite bathrooms or built-in wardrobes.

The space underneath the stairs is often not used to its fulladvantage. Building shelves there with some soft lighting isa great way to show off collections or store books, but, if thespace is big enough, why not build a cosy office area orretreat by simply putting in a built-in storage bench withsoft cushions on top, a perfect place for having a cup of teaand a read?

Shelves in any part of the house can be the answer to manystorage problems. In old houses, there is a lot of lost spacebecause of the high ceilings. Put this to good use by runningshelves around the top of the room and over doors: theseare great spaces for books or ornaments.

The space under the staircase steps themselves is moreoften than not wasted: turn open wooden staircases into atalking-point by putting books under each step, or makedrawers in hollow wooden steps and immediately gain loadsof extra space.

In the living area, storage space can be added by using oldchests as coffee tables. If you can get your hands on a solidold wine or champagne box, simply add a couple of hingesto the lid, four feet, pad and upholster the top, making for aoriginal and useful foot stool.

In the kitchen, suspended pan racks are a great way offreeing up worktops and cupboards; make an effective butcheap one by getting hold of a small old door, cut out themiddle, paint, fit heavy-gauge wire mesh to the middlespace and suspend from the ceiling with metal chains.

Again, recycle wooden wine boxes by lining them withfabric or wallpaper, wax, varnish or paint the outsides, onthe back fit sturdy picture frame hooks and you have cheapbut chic hanging shelves.

If you have not the time or inclination to make thingsyourself, DIY shops stock extensive modular kits for you toorganise different spaces with only minimum knowledgeand tools.

Modular units exist in various shapes and sizes that can bemixed and matched and adapted to any room. Organisecupboard space with the many standalone units that existfor hanging clothes and drawers and finish off with slidingdoors rather than hinged ones so that they can fit in eventhe tightest of corners.

Clever storage can make a small kitchen feel bigger

SIMON Norris and Simon Renfrew arenot newcomers to the Dordogne. Theyhave both lived in the Monpazier areawith their families for several years. Bothhave had to become accustomed to a newculture, language, ways of doing thingsand in Simon Renfrew’s case settling children in as well.

Until 2010, they worked independentlyin the real estate business, Simon Norrisin the Monpazier and Eymet area andSimon Renfrew in the Tarn-et-Garonne,but then they decided to join forces andthat year La Porte Property was formed,as an estate agency with the intention ofoffering a high-quality service to bothFrench and international clients.

Situated in the beautiful bastide town ofMonpazier on the Rue Saint Jacques, theoffices of La Porte Property are modernand light, offering not only a lobby so asto be able to look at the quality propertieson offer come rain or shine, but also asofa area allowing clients to peruse property details at leisure.

As both Simons were already known tolocal people, their new business has beenwelcomed with enthusiasm and given fullsupport.

They both see their new venture as achance to give something back to thecommunity that has been so welcoming,as not only will they be bringing newpeople into the area, but they are alsothere to help other local businesses byintroducing new clients to them.

La Porte Property not only sells houses,but they also prides itself in being able togive its clients a truly all-round service.

Having experienced what it is like tomove from one country to another, they

fully understand how difficult it can beand the problems that can sometimesarise owing to the differences betweencultures or simply the language barrier.

Their experiences make them perfectlyprepared to be able to help their clientsand accompany them every step of theway, from the initial contact to the sign-ing of the sale contract.

Thanks to their knowledge and contacts inthe surrounding area, they are also able torecommend other professionals, such asarchitects, artisans, financial advisers andeven translators should the need arise.

“We aim to make our client’s buying orselling experience as easy and agreeable

as possible,” says Simon Norris. “Not onlydo we offer exceptional properties, butwe also aim to offer exceptional service.We are more than just an estate agency;we listen to our clients and their needs,we do our utmost to find the right prop-erty or buyer for them and we are alwaysat hand should they need our help.

“If we can’t help them, then we will makesure we introduce them to someone whocan. We even have a partner who providesa settling-in service to help with all formsof administration, from registering withthe health services to sorting out utilities.

“We live in a beautiful corner of France;we want to help other people enjoy it, too.”

www.laporteproperty.com

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La Porte Property has extensive knowledge and contacts in the south-west

Help finding your dream home

New home salesbouncing backSALES of new-build houses inFrance have climbed by 11.2per cent in a year. The figuresfrom the housing ministryshow 30,000 new homes weresold in France in the firstthree quarters of 2010.Average prices per squaremetre for new homes is upseven per cent year on year at€3,615. The number of build-ing permits given to new-build projects is also up 10.1per cent over the same period.

Tougher sanctionsfor slum landlordsTHE GOVERNMENT hasgiven its support to a draft lawthat would impose toughersanctions on landlords whorent out dangerous and unhy-gienic properties. The law,drawn up by MP SébastienHuyghe with the support ofhousing minister BenoistApparu, reinforces the meas-ures available to local author-ities to take action againstslumlords (marchands desommeil) who allow people tolive in squalid conditions.

Copropriété feesunder control?THE AVERAGE cost of livingin a shared building has risenslightly after several years ofsignificant fee increases, a newreport has found. Copropriétéfees, which landlords pay as acontribution to the upkeep ofcommunal areas in a building,are up 0.9 per cent year onyear, according to the latestfigures from property man-agement body Unis, averaging€22.30 per square metre peryear. Communal heating bills,however, are up six per cent.

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LanouailleIn the heart of the Green Périgordand in a peaceful hamlet at 4 kmsfrom shops a farmhouse with sev-eral outbuildings to renovate seton 3400m2 of land.

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Saint-AulayeTraditional farmhouse restored toit's former glory with originalbeams and fireplaces. Sits sur-rounded by own land with out-standing views of surroundingcountryside.REF: IFPC20115

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CorrèzeThis pretty little cottage dates16th century and is located in asmall hamlet (4 houses), innorthern Dordogne not far fromthe Corrèze.

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40 mins from Bergerac3 bedroom house uniquely situ-ated in a beautiful hilltop bastidevillage within walking distance ofall facilities, yet with the mostamazing views over open coun-tryside. REF: L3764

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MonpazierRestored stone house of 130 m2 ina quiet situation near the historictown of Monpazier with a goodvariety of shops and restaurants.

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€€145,000SAINT ASTIERLovely house and outbuildings instone. Quiet, close to amenities,not overlooked, next to the riverpark of 1000m to 15,000m bynegotiation, this property is idealfor lovers of the countryside.

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Houses for sale in and around Dordogne

Périgord-Noir4 bedroom village house from1910 needs a tender and lovingcare and has a garden of 1400m2.In the garden there stand fruittrees and a well.

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MonpazierThis restored stone house is in atranquil situation with lovelyviews over the sutrroundingcountryside.

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€€320,000Sarlat-la-CanédaThis house with 6 bedrooms andbathrooms was used for both liv-ing and running a chambres andtable d'hôtes business (officialrecords available).

Belvès3 bedroom house and barns inbeautiful setting. Set in of verywell tended grounds with privateentrance driveway, crushedstone paths and heated swim-ming pool. REF: DOM1147

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€€424,000LalindeThis large 8 bedroom restoredhouse is situated in 4000m2 on theoutskirts of Tremolat on theDordogne river . The garden of4000 m2 has a pool and twochalets.

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€€572,400Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-SireuilThis superb restored 17thC. stonewatermill is set in an isolatedposition in 1.5 hectares (3.7 acres)of land with river and two privatelakes.

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Choose newfruit treesTHE coldest month is often a quiet one in the garden, butthere are plenty of ways to keep busy.

Planting fruit trees can be done (avoiding days whenthere is heavy frost) and you can prune your existingapple and pear trees and others bearing seeded fruit, especially ones trained espalier-style up a flat surface suchas a wall or fence (again, avoiding very frosty days).

This is also a good time to fertilise your trees, withmanure or compost and scatter ash, which gives nutrientsto the roots. Brush trunks with a stiff brush to get rid ofparasites and treat them with paraffin oil. Get rid oflichen, which is often infested with insects.

January is also the ideal time for planting pansies, primulas (garden centres should be well stocked) andhardy perennials.

If choosing a new fruit tree, make sure the variety is wellsuited to your soil and climate. This applies to the root-stock as well as to the actual fruiting species grafted on toit. Make sure you know what size it will end up as andwhether or not it is self-fertilising. Many fruit trees needto receive pollen from a tree of another variety to be fertilised.

Fruit trees come either in containers or with bare roots.Choose scions (a branch grafted on less than a year ago)or ones aged two or three years old (when there should bearound four or five well formed branches).

Choose a sunny, sheltered position and dig the hole twoor three weeks beforehand. It should be as deep as it iswide and a third wider than the roots. Separate the topsoil(which should be put at the bottom of the hole).

Cut the ends off the largest roots and soak the rootsbefore planting with a bought solution called pralin or justwater mixed with mud and compost.

You can train it espalier-style up a south-facing wall.Otherwise, young trees need a support stake, pushed intothe hole before planting. The place where the tree wasgrafted on to the rootstock should be at ground level.

Plant the tree and fill the hole with soil mixed withmanure. Shake the roots as you fill to avoid pockets of air.Attach the tree lightly to its stake and water well .

This is also a good time to clean your gardening tools.Get rid of soil and use a metallic brush to remove rust.Rub them with a damp cloth, then oil with linseed oil orchanged oil from your lawnmower. You should give woodhandles a rub with a fine sandpaper and then treat themwith linseed oil.

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24 News The Advertiser, Dordogne January 2011www.dordogneadvertiser.com

A SHORTAGE of volunteers could putan end to Périgueux’s carnival, whichhas been running since 1983.

Delphine Lelouault, the head of theorganising committee, said the numberof volunteers who joined in to help wasfalling year by year, and now she hadbeen left alone to organise this year’sevent in March.

The annual celebration was attendedby 10,000 people last year, but MrsLelouault said it would not happen thisyear unless a new secretary and treasur-er joined the committee and at least 10volunteers offered their help.

She has now dissolved the organisingcommittee in a bid to force the issueand said: “For this year, we do not haveany volunteers. I am all by myself.

“Everyone is running out of steam;some people have grown older and theyare not keen to help any more.

“We normally have a secretary, a treasurer and a president – three mem-bers minimum – but for professionalreasons, they resigned, too, and cannottake responsibility for the 2011 event.

“Every year, the mairie gives me a subvention and with it, I organise the

carnival. I was always supported bythem, but the problem is the lack of volunteers. This year there has been nointerest whatsoever.

“So do I take a sabbatical year to try torestructure everything and start againnext year, or do I do something differ-ent? I do not know.”

Usually held on the Sunday before orafter Mardi Gras, the Périgueux carnivalis the occasion to elect a Miss andMister and watch the parade as it goesthrough the city. Many street artists andmusicians also turn up to accompanythe fun throughout the day.

However, the carnival goes beyondfun; it was historically a means for thecity to expiate its sins and begin a newera under a good omen.

“Carnival is based around Pétassou, acharacter who was dressed with piecesof cloth from each household of the city.

“During carnival, he would be hangedand burnt with the rags on, so eachhousehold would be free of bad spells,”Mrs Lelouault said.

She added: “It is a shame for the city.We should keep those traditions.”

Unless volunteers and new committeemembers join soon, there will be nocarnival in Périgueux in March.

Prefecture hourshave changedOPENING hours at the prefecture in Périgueux havebeen changed, making for ashorter day, although peoplewill be able to organiseappointments outside thehoraires d’accueil.

The office is open from 8.30until 14.00 [previously 9.00until 15.30], Monday toFriday for cartes grises andpermis de conduire. Thebureau des nationalités isclosed on Wednesdays.

Long-servingmayor diesANDRE DAIX, the formermayor of St-Germain-du-Salembre, has died, aged 80.

The former Marbot Bataboot factory worker was along-standing communist andhad represented the communenear Neuvic for six terms asmayor before giving up in2008.

Pupils win withResistance filmPUPILS from the collègeMichel de Montaigne inPérigueux have won a specialprize in an annual competi-tion to remember the work ofthe Resistance during the war.

The award, from the ConseilSupérieur de l’Audiovisuel,was to mark the high standardof their filmed entries in theaudiovisual section of thecompetition.

Carnival couldbe cancelled ashelpers cry off

Last year’s carnival in Périgueux was enjoyed by 10,000 on the streets

by ALICE CANNET