THE Brittany section of France’s longest cycleroute has been officially launched – and Bretontourist chiefs are keen to attract more cyclistsfrom the UK with an extensioninto Devon and Cornwall.

The Vélodyssée follows easyroutes that are designed toattract families with plenty ofsigns to make it easier to follow.It holds the French nationalAccueil Vélo quality label whichguarantees that the needs ofcyclists are met along the route,including accommodation, bikehire and repair services.

Running from Roscoff down the Atlanticcoast to the Spanish border, there is also anextension into Normandy and a ferry link join-ing up with more cycle paths in south-westEngland. The UK route runs from Plymouth to

Ilfracombe on the North Devon coast with adetour along the Camel estuary in Cornwall.

The Brittany section is 500km long and 80% ofthe route is along smaller country roads withoutheavy traffic. Maria Vadillo, president of the

Brittany Tourist Board, said: “Itis not just a cycle route, it is acomplete package holiday onwheels.

“The route has been selectedwith versatility and user-friendliness in mind. It allowspeople to discover parts of ourextraordinary countryside onthe coast and inland that theymay not have seen before.”

Turn to page 3

Send international moneytransfers the easy way.

Don’t let the banks cash in. www.hifx.co.uk

Bank beating exchange rates online or over the phone Track payments 24 hours a day Transfer from as little as £50 VeriSign security used by 97 of the World’s top 100 banks

Your high street bank offers foreign exchange as part of its service. At HiFX, foreign exchange is our business.

¸ ¸ ¸¸

3:HIKPMC=[UU^ZX:?k@k@b@d@a;M 05226 - 13 - F: 0,95 E

ONE of the strangest wineauctions in the world hastaken place on the quaysidein Saint-Quay-Portrieux(Côtes d’Armor) – 100 bottlesof red wine which had allspent a year in the sea.

The bottles of Fitou andCorbières were stored at thebottom of the bay at SaintBrieuc and were put up forsale with a reserve price of€10, raising cash for charity.

The scheme was the brain-child of leading chefs,Mathieu Aumont from theAux Pesked restaurant at StBrieuc and Christophe Le Furfrom the AubergeGrand’Maison restaurant inMur-de-Bretagne.

They had heard that winewhich has been found on theseafloor or rescued from asunken ship had, in manycases, aged very well and theywanted to experiment withthe idea.

They also wanted to help alocal charity which is doingwork with autistic children inthe Brittany region.

Turn to page 2

Winestoredat seasold forcharity

PUBLISHERS OF95c | ISSUE 13 | AUGUST 2012

New cycleroute linksUK, Brittanyand Spainby RAY CLANCY

HE PROMISED TOCOME IF PRESIDENT- AND HE DID! PAGE 24

News and What’s On for Côtes d’Armor, Finistère, Ille-et-Vilaine and Morbihan

2 News Brittany Pages August 2012

From page 1The two chefs buried thewine at sea last year (beingcareful to ensure that it wentdown into the water lyingdown) and retrieved it intime for the auction this year.

The money raised from theauction will help the work of alocal charity, Autisme EspoirVers l'Ecole, which works with200 autistic children, teachingthem to communicate using aseries of games.

Charity representative Ericde Labarthe said: “I tasted thewine myself both before andafter it was submerged and it’strue that the wine which had

spent a year under water hadprogressed very well indeed.”

He said the autism charitywas “tailored to each individ-ual child and aims to teachthem to interpret the worldin such a way that they canunderstand the world aroundthem, wherever they are onthe autistic spectrum”.

Although the reasons arenot understood, numbers ofchildren with autism areincreasing all across theworld. Mr de Labarthe added:“Never has our work been sovital, so we’re very gratefulfor the money raised throughthis wine auction.”

‘The wine has agedvery well in the sea’

Brittany Clubs and Associations

EMERGENCY NUMBERS18: Emergencies: Calls the fire brigade(Sapeurs Pompiers), but they deal withmedical emergencies and are usually thefirst port of call in rural areas. 112:Emergency calls from your mobile: Beready with your name and where you arecalling from and do not hang up until toldto do so. 17: Police (gendarmes). 119:Child abuse. 1616: Sea and lake rescue.01 40 05 48 48: Anti-poison centre (Paris)08 10 33 30 + your department number(eg 76 for Seine-Maritime): Gas & electrici-ty emergenciesUTILITIES FRANCE TELECOM Websitein English: www.francetelecom.comTo report a fault online: www.1013.fr (clickon the UK flag). English-speaking helpline:09 69 36 39 00 (from France); + 33 1 55 78 60 56 (outside France).ORANGE: English-speaking helpline: 09 69 36 39 00. SFR: 1023(+ 33 6 10 00 10 23 from outside France).FREE: 1044. BOUYGUES: 1034. EDF: 24hour breakdown line: 08 10 33 30 87;Helpline in English: 05 62 16 49 08; Fromoutside France: + 33 5 62 16 49 08;Email: simpleenergywithedf@edf.frGOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONSCAISSE D’ALLOCATIONS FAMILIALES -CAF: www.caf.fr; Tel: 08 10 25 14 10.L’ASSURANCE MALADIE (AMELI, for-merly known as CPAM – the healthservice): www.ameli.fr; Tel: 36 46 (Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm) English spoken.URSSAF: English-language website:www.anglais.urssaf.fr - Finistère - 29455Brest Cedex, Tel: 02 98 76 42 42 | Côtesd’Armor - Saint-Brieuc, 53, boulevardClémenceau, 22093 Saint-Brieuc Cedex 9,Tel: 02 96 77 47 01 | Morbihan - Vannes,Zone d’activité de Laroiseau, 2 rue AnitaConti B.P.10323, 56018 Vannes Cedex,Tel: 02 56 56 25 25 | Ille et Vilaine -Rennes, 6, rue d’Arbrissel, QuartierBeauregard, 35052 Rennes Cedex 9, Tel:02 23 46 82 00PREFECTURE: Finistère - 42 boulevardDupleix, 29320 QUIMPER CEDEX, Tel:

02 98 76 29 29 | Côtes d’Armor - 1 placedu Général de Gaulle, BP 2370, 22023 STBRIEUC CEDEX 1, Tel: 02 96 62 44 22 |Morbihan - 24 place de la République,56019 VANNES CEDEX, Tel: 02 97 54 84 00 | Ille et Vilaine - 3 avenuede la Préfecture 35026 RENNES CEDEX9 Tel: 02 99 02 10 35OTHER HELP IN ENGLISHCOUNSELLING IN FRANCE: for a quali-fied therapist near you or counselling overthe telephone; www.counsellinginfrance.com SOSHELP: similar to the Samaritans, listenerswho are professionally trained, Tel 01 46 21 46 46; www.soshelpline.orgNO PANIC FRANCE: for help with anxietydisorders; Tel: 02 51 28 80 25,www.nopanic.org.uk ALCOHOLICSANONYMOUS: An English-speakingAlcoholics Anonymous group meet at theMairie at Paule, 10 Km from Carhaix inFinisterre (29). The open meetings areweekly on Tuesdays at 14:00; there iswheelchair access. CANCER SUPPORTFRANCE: for advice and someone to talkto: www.cancersupportfrance.infoNational Office Email: cancersupportfrance@orange.fr, Tel: 05 45 89 30 05 SOLDIERS,SAILORS, AIRMEN AND FAMILIESASSOCIATION FORCES (SSAFA): InFrance: 05 53 01 64 54, Email:france@ssafa.org.uk AVF: help with inte-gration into French life; www.avf.asso.frOTHER INFOYELLOW PAGES: www.pagesjaunes.frSPEAKING CLOCK: 3699. WEATHER:08 92 68 02 + dept. number. LASTINCOMING CALL ON YOUR PHONE:3131, then ‘5’ if you wish to connect. BRITISH CONSULATEBritish Consular Services, Paris: Postaladdress: British Embassy, BP111-08,75363 Paris Cedex 08. Tel: 01 44 51 3100 Tel (after hours Emergency Serviceonly): 01 44 51 31 00PUBLIC HOLIDAYS THIS MONTHAugust 15 - Assumption Day

Useful Numbers

News 1-5What’s On 6-11Feature 12-13, 24Leisure Time 14

Food and Pets 15Directory 16-17Home and Garden 18-19Property and Finance 20-23

CONTACT US

Contents

With a story, email: brittany@connexionfrance.com (please include a daytime contact number)

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

Brittany Pages is published by: English Language Media Sarl, Le Vedra, 38 rue Grimaldi, 98000 Monaco.

Directrice de la publication: Sarah Smith. Printed at Nice-MMatin:

214 Route de Grenoble, 06290 Nice Cedex 3. EEnnvviirroonnmmeennttaall ppoolliiccyyBrittany Pages is printed on recycled newspaper, using a printingcompany which adheres to stringent regulations to reduce pollution.Mensuel Depôt légal – a parutionISSN: 2224-9788 - CPPAP: 1013 I 91047Encart abonnement sur une diffusion partielle.

Association Dis-Want Scrignac Meeting Monday evenings during schoolterm times at Scrignac school, a mixedFrench and English discussion group.Informal atmosphere and special eventsincluding excursions. Pauline Bruce: 02 98 78 20 02.www.diswantscrignac.blogspot.com

Association Giroulis: Jeu de PeindrePlay of Painting: A different approach topainting (using the Arno Stern method),open to all giving the opportunity to paintas freely as possible, for oneself with nat-ural colours. Maryse Prat: 02 98 93 90 60 www.giroulisatelierpeinturebretagne.over-blog.com

Cine ClubPart of the Franco-American Institute inRennes: free and open to members of theinstitute. English language films once amonth on a Thursday (details are on thewebsite, which is always kept up to date).At 7, Quai Chateaubriand, Rennes (35).Marie de la Villebrunes: 02 99 79 89 23

www.ifa-rennes.org

Club Cricket de l’OustCricket Club based in Serent (56).Friendly games of cricket throughout thesummer against other teams based innorth-west France and also against UKtouring teams.Jon Ward: 02 97 70 61 38www.brittanycricket.combrittanycricket@wanadoo.fr

Compagnie Legitime FolieDrama club for all ages. Situated at135bis boulevard Jacques Cartier,Rennes (35).Blandine Jet: 02 99 51 99 29www.legitime-folie.frlegitime-folie@wanadoo.fr

Kora CantasThe adults’ choir at the Carhaix MusicSchool. All welcome, whatever your experience, but basses are urgentlyneeded! Practices on Monday eveningsfrom 19:30 - 21:30.Elizabeth Conan: 02 98 93 08 20

PAGESBRITTANY

Lorient zoohas new starattraction

SCIENTISTS have begun aproject off the coast of Brestlistening to dolphins andother creatures living on thesea floor to monitor theiractivity and presence in thesea as well as compiling dataabout underwater sound pol-lution from fishing boats.

The project, called MeDON(Marine e-Data ObservatoryNetwork) uses the mostadvanced technology to powera “complete sub-marineobservatory” on the seabed.

MeDON was set up byPlymouth Marine Laboratoryin partnership with Frenchscientists from sea researchbody Ifremer and Ensta (ÉcoleNationale Supérieure deTechniques Avancées).

The underwater lab is situ-ated in the Iroise NaturalMarine Park – an environ-ment which will challenge thetechnology to the limits withstrong currents and waveaction. Part of the research isin fact to see how the tech-nology performs in suchwaters.

The lab is connected to theland via a 2.5km long cable,linking the high definitioncameras, acoustic arrays andinstrument nodes to theFrench mainland where sci-entists can monitor the datain real time.

Researchers aim to identifycreatures such as clams onthe seabed or whales passingabove them, by the soundsthey make. This will helpdecision-makers making leg-islation about acceptablenoise levels in coastal watersto comply with EU directiveson protecting the marineenvironment.

Researchers are also collect-ing data on temperature,salinity, fluorescence, turbidi-ty and oxygen levels in thesea. This is partly in order tounderstand local conditions,but also to see how these fac-tors might be affected by cli-mate change and humanactivities.

The MeDON project is dueto run for between three andfour years.

Mathieu Aumont and Christophe Le Fur retrieve their wine

Underwaterlab capturessea sounds

Photo: Zoo Pont-Scorff

A BABY elephant, the first tobe born in Brittany, is set tobe the star attraction at Pont-Scorff Zoo near Lorient thissummer.

The Asian baby elephant,which weighed 70kg whenborn at the end of May, isnow on view to the public atthe zoo alongside its motherHomaline and is putting on1kg a day.

Zoo chief VéroniqueThomas said: “She is the firstfemale elephant to be born inEurope this year. We havereceived messages fromaround the continent. It is arare and precious event for azoo. The last elephant to beborn in France was four yearsago.”

The zoo’s elephant breedingprogramme is part of aEurope-wide conservationproject to help save endan-gered species. It is quite hardto breed elephants in captivi-ty as the gestation is a long641 days. The zoo added thatit is pleased the birth went sowell and hopes Homaline andher male companion Ant BwéLay will have more babies inthe future.

News 3Brittany Pages August 2012

THE inauguration of the new tramwayin Brest was welcomed by hugecrowds over three days of celebrations.

It was estimated that around 200,000passengers took their first ride on thenew trains over the first two daysalone, which included street theatreand musical performances to cele-brate the inauguration.

An accurate headcount was impossi-ble because the tram was free for thefirst three days but the tramway hasbeen constructed for an estimated50,000 passengers to use per day.

A tram spokesman said: “From atechnical point of view the whole con-struction process was a huge successand it was 100% finished by the open-ing. There were no little bits to finishoff or clear up. It was all completelyfinished. Quite a rare feat, with thissort of project.”

Boat and car horns and the bells atall 30 of the city’s churches soundedin unison as the first tram set off. Theproject has taken five years to planand build, and the public were con-

sulted on many elements, includingthe names of the stops and even thecolour of the trams.

July was a bumper month for the citywhich hosted the tall ships festival LesTonnerres de Brest which attracted amillion visitors and tested the tramwayto its limits.

Alongside the new tram service is anew network of cycle paths in the city,but not everyone is celebrating. ClaireJusseau from the Association Brest àPied et à Vélo, which was involved inthe consultation process of buildingthe tramway, has certain reservations.

She said: “It’s not really coherent. It’slike they built the cycle paths, just sothey could say they’ve done it. Theyhaven’t really studied what is needed.”

Signposts have been put up right inthe middle of the new cycle paths andanyone using the them is constantlyforced to cross the road, or cross thetram tracks to get to the next section.

The association is already havingtalks with the council on ways toimprove the situation.

Ille-et-Vilaineburglaries upPOLICE are urging home-owners to be extra vigilantafter a 25% rise in burglariesin the Ille-et-Vilaine. Some1,500 break-ins have beenreported since January. If youare leaving your home emptythis summer, ask your localpolice to check on it.

More teachersfor the rentréeAN extra 65 teaching jobs arebeing created in Brittany pri-mary schools for thisSeptember, part of PresidentHollande’s pledge to reinstate1,000 posts around France.

Reminder overlifejacket useCOASTGUARDS havelaunched a campaign toremind Brittany boat ownersof the need to carry a life-jacket. The SNSM wants towarn professionals and pleas-ure boat owners heading outto sea over the peak summerperiod. Some 80 people die atsea in France each year.

Figaro dropsteacher law suitLE Figaro has dropped plansto take legal action against aCôtes-d’Armor schoolteachercalled Mme Figaro. Thewoman kept a blog in hername, which contained teach-ing material and videos. Thenewspaper, which publishes asupplement under the samename, threatened taking her tocourt for using their brandname, prompting a wide-spread public campaign.

Wettest townin all of FranceBREST was officially thewettest town in France lastyear, with 1,006mm and 160days of rainfall, according tonew data from Météo France.

Seaweed claimis thrown outA HORSERIDER whose ani-mal died on the beach atSaint-Michel-en-Grève in2009 from breathing seaweedfumes has lost a legal bid for€31,600 compensation fromthe State.

From page 1 Examples include a three-day itinerary in thePays du Léon which has some of the prettiestvillages in the region with bed and breakfast ina two star hotel, bikes provided and use of thethalassothérapie spa at Roscoff.

From Roscoff, the heart of what is known asthe Pink Granite Coast, with its cobbled streetsand 16th century belfry of Notre-Dame deKroaz-Baz, the trail goes east, on to Morlaixwhich is known for its granite viaduct, unspoiltmedieval streets and half-timbered houses, andthe Phare de L’Île Vierge lighthouse.

It then passes through the Armoriqueregional nature park, which stretches from theAtlantic ocean to hilly inland countryside withviews of the Monts d’Arrée before meanderingto Carhaix and the Nantes canal with its pic-turesque locks and barges and the pretty towns

of Pontivy with its 15th century moated castleand Josselin whose renowned castle gardenhas 40 varieties of roses.

Along the way is Lake Guerlédan, Brittany’slargest lake with water sports and woodlandtrails. The Brittany section finishes at Nantes,home to the Jules Verne Museum and theChâteau des Ducs de Bretagne.

During the summer months there are a num-ber of special events along the route includinga theatrical trail at Redon on Tuesday eveningsand sporting, food and art activities. Thosewishing to take part are advised to check withlocal tourist boards for details.

After Brittany, the route carries on along theAtlantic coast to La Rochelle, Royan, Biarritz,Bayonne and ends in Hendaye before crossingthe border into Spain.

www.lavelodyssee.coThe Vélodysée route takes in some stunning Breton views, including medieval Josselin

Cycle path is full of sights

Brest stages big partyto welcome new tram

Brest put on a three-day festival of street parties and artistic events for the inauguration of its new tram network, which was free to use over the weekend

Construction: Planning started in2007 (consultations, routeplanning, financing, design) andconstruction started in 2009.

Route: The single 14.3kmeast/west line has 27 stations alongthe way, approximately 500mapart. It runs from Porte dePlouzané in the west and splits toserve two terminus stations in theeast; Porte de Gouesnou and Portede Guipavas.

Cost: €383m

Capacity: There are 20 trains onthe tramway. Each train can carrythe same number of passengers asfour buses (about 200 people),replacing on average 177 cars.

Timetable: The tram operatesfrom 5.00 to 1.00

Park and ride locations:Kergaradec, Place de Strasbourg,Technopôle and Froutven.

Tickets: Single tickets cost €1.35and are valid on all buses andtrams for 1 hour 15 minutes. Anadult monthly season ticket givingunlimited travel on all buses andtrams is €35.10.

First accident: On June 9, as thetram was being tested with no pas-sengers on board, it was in colli-sion with a 21-year-old man on ascooter who had neither seen norheard the tram coming. The inci-dent happened at around 16.00 inRue Saint-Exupéry, near theRecouvrance area. The man’s legwas trapped underneath the tramand he was cut free by the emer-gency services, but it appears thathis injuries were minor.

Brest tram facts and figures

Photo: Dom

inique Le Roux. Inset: CO

HEN

Simon

4 National News Brittany Pages August 2012

More on these articles - andhundreds more - can be found at

www.connexionfrance.comJust place a keyword in search and click!

UPDATED DAILY

Peugeot Citroënto cut 8,000 jobs

FRANCE’S No1 car-maker, PeugeotCitroën wants to cut 8,000 jobsacross the company and close itsfactory at Aulnay-sous-Bois in 2014.

More than 3,000 jobs will go atAulnay, 1,400 from its factory atRennes in Brittany and another3,600 – including 1,400 fromresearch and development of newmodels – from various administra-tive, research and sales functions.

Social Affairs Minister MarisolTouraine said she could “not acceptsomething like this” and added thatthe firm had received €4billion instate aid in the past few years.

Union leader Bernard Thibault ofthe CGT said the union would takeaction, as the real impact in terms ofjobs in the rest of the country could“triple or quadruple” the job losses.

Peugeot Citroën said sales had fall-en 15% across Europe in the firstthree months of the year meaningoperational losses of €700million.

Bac exam results are down – and upOVERALL results in this year’sBaccalauréat are down – due entire-ly to a large drop in the pass rate forthe vocational Bac Professionnel.

However, despite this, pass rateswere up in most other exam types,with a 90.8% pass in the scientificstrand and 89.1% for the economicand social sector.

The overall rate fell from 85.6% to84.5% but the rate for the generalBac was up 1.4% to 89.6% and thetechnological Bac was up 1%.

However, the professional Bac fell5.6% to hit 78.2%.

‘Stop and question’police rules to stayPLANS to reform the way policestop and question people in thestreet are to be dropped. It had beenplanned for police to give receipts tothe people they stop as a way ofavoiding abuses where people arestopped and possibly searchedbecause of their race.

However, police unions were saidto be “strongly opposed” to themove and the data watchdog Cnilwas worried about potential datacollection if police kept a record ofwho had been given receipts.Interior Minister Manuel Valls does

not favour the change, according toRTL radio station.

Other proposals are still beinglooked at as the plan was an electionpromise by President FrançoisHollande. These could include areturn to police having numbers onuniforms or having cameras fittedon uniforms or on a neckband.

Legal bid to restrictLivret A accountsPEOPLE will be stopped from open-ing more than one Livret A savingsaccounts under a decree proposedby the Conseil d’Etat.

The practice of having more thanone of the non-tax-paying accountsis already illegal, but is widespreaddue to weak penalties.

Now the Conseil d’Etat wants to

oblige banks to consult tax authori-ties before allowing someone toopen an account, which has a sav-ings ceiling of €15,300 and current-ly an interest rate of 2.25%.

Retrospective priceincrease for millionsLAST year’s gas price freeze by theFillon government has been ruled asunlawful – and millions using gasface a retrospective price increasefor fuel they have already paid for.

France’s top administrative body,the Conseil d’Etat, annulled thefreeze, which lasted from October tothe start of January, which meansthe average household will have topay an extra €40 for last year’s gas.

The ruling, after a plea by gas sup-plier GDF, has now cast doubt over

the new Ayrault government’s plansfor gas prices to be limited to therate of inflation – or 2% – asopposed to the 4.1% which GDF hassaid that it needs.

France borrows at anegative interest rateFOR the first time ever France hasbeen able to borrow at a negativerate – that is, it will pay back lessthan it borrows – and joins a selectgroup of countries, includingGermany, Denmark and theNetherlands, which have been ableto do so this year.

The feat comes as investors seeksafe places for their money, worriedabout instability in southern Europe.

France had only intended to bor-row €7.7billion but was offerednearly three times as much andAgence France Trésor was able tonegotiate the lower rate. Three-month bonds are at -0.005% andsix-month ones at -0.006%.

California banssale of foie grasPRODUCTION and sale of foie graswas banned in California on July 1but it has not affected French-basedsuppliers too much as they alreadyfind it hard to sell in the US due totough import rules.

Restaurants risk fines of $1,000 aday if they serve the delicacy, asCalifornia’s politicians say the force-feeding with grain – gavage –required is cruel.

Paris police revealVel d’Hiv shame

PARIS police has opened its archiveson one of the darkest periods of itshistory – the “Vel d’Hiv Roundup”in July 1942, when the Vichy regimemobilised police and gendarmerie toround up Jews on behalf of the Nazioccupiers.

In all, 13,152 men, women andchildren were picked up and held inthe Vélodrome d’Hiver cycling sta-dium before being shipped toGerman camps, from where, itthought, fewer than 100 returned.

The exhibition – The Vel d’HivRoundup: the police archives – runsuntil September 15 in the mairie ofthe 3rd arrondissement and includeslists of arrested Jews, accounts ofgoods seized, intelligence servicenotes on their state of mind etc.

New laws and rates come into forceNEW decrees came into force lastmonth that see, amongst otherthings, the minimum wage rise 2%,social charges on dividends andinterest rise from 13.5% to 15.5%and a ban on outdoor advertisingsigns to be lit at night.

Speeding car drivers will also nowface a fine if flashed in Belgium aftera reciprocal agreement on cross-border offences – and must nowcarry a breathalyser kit in the car.

It is also now cheaper to make orreceive mobile phone calls in otherEU countries, with a new limit of 29centimes a minute for making calls(down from 35) and 8 centimes forreceiving them (as opposed to 11).

Police told to stopusing Tu and ToiINTERIOR Minister Manuel Vallshas told senior police to call a haltto the use of “tu” and “toi” whenofficers address people, even thosewho are insulting or abusing them.

Using tu/toi (called tutoiement)can be seen as a way of speakingdown to people and he told the newpromotion of commissaires at theEcole Nationale Supérieure de laPolice near Lyon: “I ask that policeretain a certain professional distancein keeping a cool head in every cir-cumstance and avoiding the use oftu/toi.”

Métro and RER willget internet accessSOME smartphone users will beable to access the internet in theParis Métro after a deal betweentransport authority RATP andphone operator SFR.

RATP is looking to install newtechnology to make the internetaccessible throughout the networkby the end of 2015, including theRER A and B local train network.

From October SFR users will beable to connect in the areas aroundtwo key stations in central Paris –Châtelet and the Gare de Lyon.

RATP hopes that it can come toagreements with the other majormobile operators and last month itinstalled free wi-fi in 48 stations.

QUADRUPLE amputee Philippe Croizon has swumacross the Strait of Gibraltar, the third stage of hisbid to swim between the five continents.

He and his able-bodied swimming partner ArnaudChassery took five hours and 20 minutes to swimthe 16km between Europe and Africa, swimmingfrom Tarifa on the southern tip of Spain to Ciress onthe Moroccan coast near Tangier. Philippe, using

prosthetic limbs with flippers attached, and Arnaudhave already swum from Australasia to Asia (cross-ing from Papua New Guinea to Indonesia) and fromAfrica to Asia (from Taba in Egypt across the RedSea to Aqaba in Jordan). Next month they plan tocomplete the project by swimming across the BeringStrait from a Russian island to a US island in Alaskaand may meet President Obama.

Three down, one to go for quadruple amputee swimmer

Phot

o: ©

PHO

TOPQ

R/S

UD

OU

EST

/ XA

VIER

LEO

TY

Unesco hails theDordogne heritageUNESCO has named the Dordogneriver basin a biosphere reserve andadded it to the list of natural her-itage sites in France.

There are 10 other labelled sites inFrance and the 24,000 km2 basinjoins Mont Ventoux in theVaucluse, the Cévennes and theCamargue. Unesco recognised theriver, which rises at Puy de Sancyand crosses six departments, asbeing remarkable for its well-pre-served natural setting and theexceptional cultural heritage andart de vivre linked to it.

News 5Brittany Pages August 2012

Worried about the Euro debt crisis?

Talk to Siddalls about how to structure your fi nances in these diffi cult times

Jennie Poate, Regional ManagerFrench Head Office: 05 56 34 75 51Email: northwest.office@siddalls.net

www.siddalls.frFrench fi nance in plain EnglishSiddalls France SASU, Parc Innolin, 3 Rue du Golf, 33700 Mérignac - RCS BX 498 800 465. C.I.F. No E001669 auprès de ANACOFI-CIF association agréée par l’Autorité des Marchés Financiers et Courtier d’Assurances, Catégorie B - ORIAS 07 027 475. Garantie Financière et Assurance de Responsabilité Civile Professionnelle conformes aux articles L 541-3 du Code Monétaire et Financier et L 512-6 et 512-7 du Code des Assurances.

RENNES is to get a brand newrailway station for 2020 as part ofa bigger plan to slash the journeytime to Paris from 2 hours 14minutes to just 1 hour 27 min-utes, the SNCF has announced.

The budget for the EuroRennesproject is €107million and thestation is designed to be inter-modal, providing infrastructurefor underground trains and localtrains as well as a new TGV serv-ice to Paris. Some 20 million trav-ellers a year are expected to usethe new station.

SNCF spokeswoman IsabelCamillerapp said: “It’s going to bea very exciting development, notjust for the SNCF but for Rennesand the whole of Brittany.

“Rennes is something of a gate-way to the region, so this develop-ment will also benefit other townslike Brest, Lorient and Saint-Malo.”

With travel time to Paris cut,day-trips between the two citieswill obviously become easier andtherefore more frequent.However, Ms Camillerapp added:“We’re already looking at ways ofpreventing Rennes turning into adormitory town. We want toensure that Rennes maintains itsown life, its own culture.”

The new station will be a wholenew start for the centre of Rennes,as the plans include three tower

blocks providing accommodationand office space: “It’s going tochange that part of the city com-pletely. There is an exhibition inthe old station showing all theplans, and there’s a model of thenew station too, so everyone cansee what it will look like.”

The finance is in place and thecontracts signed: “Obviously aproject on this scale will taketime. Especially as we need to doit without disrupting the trains.

They have to stay running thewhole time, and that’s quite anart. In fact we have a specialistfirm advising us on this.”

The SNCF is also looking atother issues raised by the newdevelopment. Security is one pos-sible issue. Brittany currentlyenjoys very low crime levels,which cannot be said for all partsof Paris and the SNCF wants toensure that transport crime doesnot rise as a result of the faster

links with the capital.The rail operator is also keen to

avoid the phenomenon of whatare called “turbo-profs” – teachers“who just zoom into a city, teachand leave rather than being avail-able to help students on a morefull-time basis”. Ms Camillerappsaid: “We want to avoid the newtransport links having these sortsof undesirable effects."

To find out more, seewww.eurorennes.fr

New TGV service for Renneswill revolutionise the region

A bakery in Laillé (Ille etVilaine) has won this year’sgold medal for the region’sbest gâteau breton.

Winner Laurence Guilleminsaid: “It’s very exciting,because it’s not easy to makea really good gâteau breton.The secret is to make it twoor three days in advance. Youshouldn’t eat it the same dayit’s baked.”

The competition was organ-ised by the Fédération desPâtissiers de Bretagne and 43pastry chefs entered. Herrecipe is naturally top secret,but her top tip for success iskneading: “It’s very importantto get this right. Not too little,not too much.”

She also says it is importantnot to add the ingredients toofast, and to leave plenty oftime between each addition:“It takes patience to make agood gâteau breton.”

The history of the GâteauBreton is unknown althoughit appears to date from thesecond half of the 19th centu-ry. Its particularity is that it ismade with salted rather thanfresh butter.

Patience pays off forgâteau breton winner

Larence Guillemin and husband Loïc with the winning cake

The new station in Rennes will be a gateway to the rest of the region and offer fast links to the capital

MUSICIANS from Brittany have broken therecord for the world’s biggest rock band – pre-viously held by a group from Aix-en-Provence. Musiques d’Aujourd'hui Pays deLorient Association (MAPL) assembled 413performers for the record attempt, beating theprevious record of 227.

MAPL spokesman Thierry Houal said: “Itwas great. Loads of people turned up, includ-ing 35 drummers and 100 guitarists.”

He said sorting out the sound systems sothat the audience could hear everyone proper-ly and so that the musicians could all heareach other was tricky.

Mr Houal added: “I rang the organiser[ofthe previous record] and he took it in a verygood spirit. He congratulated us and said he’dbe looking to break the record again inAvignon next summer. So there’ll be a bit of acompetition going and I think Rennes is goingto have a go, too.”

He was particularly pleased because theevent involved a huge range of people from athree-year old playing a tambourine to a 75-year-old singer: “So many people told me thatthey hadn’t played for 15-20 years. I love theidea that we got them all back into playingmusic. You’re never too old for rock and roll.”

A rock record

Photo: AREP/FG

P

Gâteau BretonFor 8 servings:8 egg yolks (and one for brushing over top)450g of plain flour280g sugarQuarter of a teaspoon of baking powder(levure chimique)320g of salted butter

Pre-heat the oven to 220ºC. Beat the eggyolks and the sugar together and beat until

completely smooth. Add the flour and thebaking powder and incorporate.

Butter and flour a cake tin (preferablywith a removable base, otherwise line the tinwith greaseproof paper), and then pour thecake mixture into the tin.

Brush the top with egg yolk and makedecorative patterns with a fork.

Bake at 220°C for 20 minutes, then turnthe oven down to 180°C for a further 35minutes. Turn the cake out while hot andleave to cool on a rack.

6 What’s On Brittany Pages August 2012

70 ways to make the most

August LISTINGS

Discover hidden Brest Finistère, BrestThis guided visit will take you to the secret quarters ofRecouvrance, the area that tourists do not always discover.Ask the Tourist Office for details, meet at 15.00 Tour Tanguy.€5 adults 02.98.44.24.96 www.brest-metropole-tourisme.fr

Seaweed discovery day Côtes d’Armor, PlouhaOne for the whole family: discover how seaweed used toprovide an income for locals, how it is used for beautyproducts and even cookery.The outing includes an outdoor exploration for 90 minutesthen 2½ hours for a cookery workshop. Bring your boots.Book online or at the tourist office.Entry from €8 For details call 02.96.20.24.73 or www.algues-armorique.com

August 3-5

Festival du Bout du Monde Finistère, CrozonOn the very edge of the world, the Crozon Peninsula has anaturally-formed venue that creates a fabulous festivalatmosphere over three stages. Always popular and always live-ly, this year’s event welcomes Zebda, Salvatore Adamo andThe Waterboys.1-day pass €30, 2-day pass €50, 3-day pass €64www.festivalduboutdumonde.com

Fête des Vieux Gréements Côtes d’Armor, PaimpolThis festival of traditional tall ships includes sea shanties, con-certs and family activities, and this year's event is also joinedby the festival of the local Paimpol bean so the usual 35,000visitors will have plenty to do. Best of all, the whole event iscompletely FREE.www.cotesdarmor.com

August 3-9

Festival l’Opéra de Poche Morbihan, CarnacA great way to dip into operatic favourites and discover newdelights, from the comic opera of Bizet to Haydn’s DesertedIsle, featuring the Comic Opera of Peking.€10 (single show) to €110 (six shows) for adultswww.operadepoche.fr 09.60.06.79.55

August 3-12

Festival Interceltique Morbihan, LorientOne of Brittany's biggest musical events this summer, withmore than 800,000 visitors over the 10 days.The event has anecological approach and a global reputation, attracting some ofthe biggest acts in Europe. See Page 10.From €6.50 (one event) to €48 (Forfait Découverte)www.festival-interceltique.com

August 4

Repas du Soldat Finistère, Camaret-sur-MerThe historic and picturesque setting of Camaret Port, at theTour Vauban is the place to be this evening. At 17.30 there’s atheatre group in period costume giving a special family show,followed by a meal around the tower. Bring your camera andyour appetite.Modest price for meal www.finisterebrittany.com

August 1-4

Jazz à Vannes Morbihan, VannesAn internationally-renowned jazz festival at various sitesthroughout the city offering all types of jazz from Dixieland tomodern. €150 full festival pass, some events FREEwww.jazzavannes.fr

August 2

Cathedral concert Côtes d’Armor, Dol-de-BretagneCome along to enjoy a concert in the wonderful and restfulsetting of the Cathédrale Saint Samson, starting 20.00. Noentry fee, only a voluntary donation.FREE www.pays-de-dol.com 02.99.48.15.37

Boat Trip to Île de Bréhat Côtes d’Armor, BinicEnjoy a return day trip to discover this beautiful floral island,leaving at 8.00 and returning at 19.00, with a day to explore.Tickets must be booked in advance (deadline 16.00 the daybefore).Crossings: €28 adults, €20.50 children 4-11 years,€5 infants 0-3 yearsFor details call 02.96.73.60.12 or see www.ville-binic.fr

August 3

Festival of lanterns Ille-et-Vilaine, CombourgOpen to everyone, this event includes a lantern-lit procession,live music, aperitifs, craft market and a grand Fest Noz foreveryone to round off the night dancing and singing. Great fun.FREE 02.99.73.13.93 www.bretagne35.com

Night market and Fest Noz Morbihan, PluvignerThe evening kicks off at 19.30 with oysters and seafood, con-tinues with the market at 20.00 and a Fest Noz with livemusic, dancing and refreshments.Pay for food 02.97.24.79.18 www.auray-tourisme.com

Grandes Régates de Port Navalo Morbihan, Port Navalo

August 5 Come with your camera,you’ll love these traditional boatsgathered in the bay, near the beach andon the wide blue horizon.

FREE www.ycca.net

August 5 The main hall of the beautiful Château deKergroadez is the venue for this unique concert at20.30, performed by the winner of the ConcoursChopin.€15 or €10 adults, FREE for 0-14 years06.59.26.51.67 www.kergroadez.fr

Chopin concertFinistère, Brélès

What’s On 7Brittany Pages August 2012

of summer time in BrittanyFête de la mer Finistère, LandunvezA sea festival with a difference, as it includes a rather unusualcompetition: spitting the winkles. If you want to witness thatcuriosity, be sure to arrive before 17.00.There’s also plenty offood, drink, music and fun, including a full-on bal populaire from19.00.Modest price for meals www.finisterebrittany.com

August 4-5

Festival des 4 Clochers Finistère, Confort-MeilarsFor two days, the normally sleepy town of Confort springsinto life, animated with the sound of bell-ringers, live bands,convivial meals and spontaneous dancing.€12 or €10 adults 02.98.74.5276

August 5

Rural horse racing Morbihan, QuestembertOne of the loveliest settings of its kind, this Course Hippiquestarts off at 14.00 so you could take advantage of thepanoramic restaurant. Great afternoon out for the family.€6 adults including a programme,FREE for under 16 years02.97.26.56.00 http://rochefortenterre-tourisme.com

August 7

Twilight walk Finistère, Pointe St MathieuThe edges of the world – this coastal point is stunning, breath-taking and other-worldly, so it’s a perfect place for a twilightwalk, especially with a guide. Meet at the car park at 21.00, infront of the lighthouse, and enjoy a pleasant couple of hoursplus a snack to keep you going.€8 adults, €5 children FREE 0-5 years.02.98.48.30.18 www.finisterebrittany.com

August 8

Sacred music Ille-et-Vilaine, Saint-MaloMembers of the International Bach Ensemble are the topsingers from the Vocal Academy in Paris and their weekly con-certs in Paris give them an incredible repertoire fromGregorian chants to the 20th century.Tickets from the cathe-dral or online.€26 reserved seats, €21 non-reserved €10 for under 18 years.www.festivaldemusiquesacree-stmalo.com

Brocante and antiques Finistère, LocronanA suitably historic setting for an antiques fair, Locronan wel-comes 60 or more professional stall-holders so you can besure of a good day's perusing.Modest entry fee www.locronan-tourisme.com 02.98.91.70.14

Concert on the water Finistère, Camaret-sur-MerA lovely setting, a concert with the Symphonie de Breizh, anight market plus fireworks once the skies are dark. Soundslike a great night out.FREE www.camaretsurmer-tourisme.fr

August 8-15

Festival de Danse Plinn Côtes d’Armor, Bourbriac Starting with Breton song in the chapel on Wednesdaythrough to a huge community feast and party on the last night,this festival has a Fest Noz every night, groups and singers,dancers, French bowls and every type of traditional Bretonevent.Some events FREE 02.96.43.46.03

August 9

Cathedral Concert Côtes d’Armor, Dol-de-BretagneCome along to enjoy a concert in the wonderful and restfulsetting of the Cathédrale Saint Samson, starting 20.00. Noentry fee, only a voluntary donation.FREE www.pays-de-dol.com 02.99.48.15.37

Mozart Concert Finistère, DouarnenezThe Magic Flute comes to Finistère, to the Chapelle St Jean,thanks to the Heidelberg Chamber Orchestra.This version, forflutes and strings, will be magical in the chapel setting.www.douarnenez-tourisme.com

August 10

Nuit des Etoiles Morbihan, BangorOn the offshore haven of Belle Île, the stars should besparkling.The Astronomy association has organised a collec-tion of 10 telescopes and plenty of knowledgeable people tohelp people of all ages discover and enjoy the night sky. From21.00 until 3.00 near the village of Herlin.FREE www.tourismebretagne.com

Nuit des Etoiles Côtes d’Armor, Pleumeur-BodouThe astronomy club has gathered telescopes and astronomersat the Planétarium de Bretagne to help people of all agesenjoy the night sky. From 22.30.€3.50 per person www.tourismebretagne.com

August 10-12

Route du Rock Ille-et-Vilaine, Saint MaloRenowned saxophonist Colin Stetson, psychedelic soulmasters Spiritualized and The XX are already confirmed;more acts to follow at this famous music festival basedin two venues.€79 for 3-day pass, €35 1 day at Fort St-Père,€17 1 day at Grand Large.www.laroutedurock.com

August 11

Fête de la Langoustine Finistère, Plobannalec-LesconilHere at the harbour, the fun begins at 8.00, there will be paint-ing competitions, live music, free activities all day plus fire-works and – most importantly – plenty of fresh langoustines,which we call Dublin Bay Prawns or giant scampi. One of theworld’s best flavours.FREE to attend02.98.87.86.99 www.plobannalec-Lesconil.com

Musiciennes à OuessantFinistère, Île OuessantAugust 5-9 Chamber music event onthe beautiful Ouessant island, with specialattention to female composers andperformers. Ouessant was nicknamedîle aux femmes, probably because the menoften went on long fishing trips, leavingthe island to the women, so it is a fittingcelebration.

Around €€18 per concert or €€80 5-concert pass Reduced prices for younger audiences, FREE for 0-11 yearswww.musiciennesaouessant.com02.98.48.85.83

Phot

o: M

.stu

dio

- Fot

olia

.com

All about oystersMorbihan, Plouharnel

August 8, 15, 22, 29 Come and learnhow oysters are raised here, with a shortfilm, a visit and a tasting session of 6 oys-ters with a glass of white wine. Pleasebook in advance – it’s likely to bepopular.

€€7.50 adults FREE for under 12swww.plouharnel.fr 02.97.52.32.93

Phot

o: A

ndre

y K

isel

ev -

Foto

lia.c

om

August 6 Anywhere you see 'Place aux Mômes' youknow it’ll be fun for the family, and free.This event atPenestin is at 17.00 in the Complexe Polyvalent everyMonday and is perfect for children aged 4+ years as it isstreet theatre, mime and spectacle so no need to under-

stand French to enjoy it.FREE 02.98.69.62.18

Place aux Mômes: for children Morbihan,

Penestin

8 What’s On Brittany Pages August 2012

August 11

Brocante Morbihan, La Trinité sur MerProfessional stalls are setting up to tempt you into takinghome a precious antique or an old item that might be sal-vaged. Come and treasure-hunt.FREE www.ot-trinite-sur-mer.fr 02.97.55.72.21

Welcome all Côtes d'ArmorThis summer aperitif,Apéro d'été is open to everyone, espe-cially newcomers to the area and holidaymakers. Come to theEsplanade du Casino and you will find local businesses andproducers have set out aperitifs and local goodies to get youin the holiday mood – all for free.FREE www.tourismebretagne.com 06.70.21.60.28

August 12

Fête des Moules Ille-et-Vilaine, Vivier-sur-MerBetween Cancale and the Mont-Saint-Michel, this coastal spotis a perfect place to celebrate the start of the mussel season –and today, over four tonnes of mussels will be enjoyed by thevisitors.The day’s celebrations are completed by dancing,music, kids' activities and a firework display.FREE www.bretagne35.com

Lifeboats and more Finistère, Camaret-sur-MerTo raise funds for the local SNSM lifeboat crews, this eventincludes demonstrations of rescues at sea, sea shanty con-certs, lunches and dinners plus helicopter rescue. Familyentertainment.FREE www.camaretsurmer-tourisme.fr

Fête de la Mer Côtes d’Armor, Pléneuf-Val-AndréAt the Port de Dahoët, this all-day event includes all mannerof nautical fun, refreshments and family entertainment, con-cluding with a Fest Noz in the evening. Open to everyone, andtotally free.FREE www.val-andre.org

Painting in colours Côtes d’Armor, BinicThe Couleurs de Bretagne is coming to Binic today.Amateurpainters of all styles try to capture local scenes on canvas –have a go yourself (all welcome aged 2+) or admire everyoneelse’s art.FREE 02.96.73.60.12

Foire aux Puces Finistère, Carhaix-PlouguerA large annual event with over 150 stalls, refreshments andentertainment – mostly for you to come and rummage forhidden gems but you might end up staying all day. 9.00-19.00.FREE 02.96.43.39.57

Agricultural machinery festival Côtes d’Armor, Plénée-JugonThis Fête de la Mécanisation Agricole will be adored by trac-tor fans of all ages; it includes a process of over 150 tractorsad old machines, family entertainment, live music and a hogroast, plus an evening meal of mussels and chips.FREE entry 06.64.61.92.88

August 13

Place aux Mômes Morbihan, PenestinAnywhere you see ‘Place aux Mômes’ you know it will be funfor the family, and free.This event at Penestin is at 17.00 in theComplexe Polyvalent every Monday and is perfect for childrenaged 4+ years as it is street theatre, mime and spectacle so noneed to understand French to enjoy it.FREE 02.98.69.62.18

Place aux Mômes Finistère, PlouescatThese events are always fun for the family, and completelyfree. Head to the Place des Halles for 18.00 where the wholefamily can enjoy the show – it is a visual theatre act, so thereis no need to understand French to enjoy it.FREE 02.98.69.62.18

August 14

Grand Fest Noz Côtes d’Armor, Carnoët At the Ferme du Cosquer, this large Fest Noz is one toremember: live bands, informal dancing and a convivialatmosphere.Minimal entry fee 02.96.21.57.42

August 15

Fête du Pain Morbihan, PluherinA day-long event for the whole family starting at 10.30.Watchthe wheat being cut and threshed, see how traditional toolswere used, how bread is made (and cider) and, if you choose,enjoy a harvest lunch and stay for the free music and dancingat night.Entry €3, FREE under 12 years Lunch €12 adults €8 childrenwww.rochefortenterre-tourisme.com 02.97.26.56.00

Reposoirs processions Ille-et-Vilaine, CancaleIn memory of those who have perished at sea, this eveningprocession from the church to the Port de la Houle stopsregularly for songs and prayer. Begins at 20.00 at theEglise Saint Méen.FREE www.bretagne35.com

Vide Grenier de l’été Morbihan, St Gildas de RhuysAlways pleasant to spend a day browsing the stalls to see ifyou can find hidden gems, especially as the setting is coastaland picturesque.FREE to attendwww.tourismebretagne.com

August 16

Fête des Mouettes Finistère, DouarnenezRunning since 1908 this is a traditional event that includesplenty of local costume, Breton music, a parade with horse-drawn carriages and live music from Breton bands, and dancingon the harbours.FREE to participatewww.douarnenez-tourisme.com 02.98.92.13.35

Boat trip to Île de Bréhat Côtes d'Armor, BinicEnjoy a return day-trip to discover this beautiful floral island,leaving at 8.00 and returning at 19.00, with a day to explore.Tickets must be booked in advance (deadline 16.00 the daybefore).Crossings: €28 adults €20.50 children 4-11 years €5infants 0-3 yearsFor details call 02.96.73.60.12 or see www.ville-binic.fr

Sacred music Ille-et-Vilaine, Saint-MaloThe choir and orchestra from the ducal Chapel of Düsseldorfare performing Puccini's Messa di Gloria and Schumann'sRhine Symphony.Tickets from the cathedral or online.€26 reserved seats, €21 non-reserved €10 for under18 yearswww.festivaldemusiquesacree-stmalo.com

Sea shanty evening Côtes d’Armor, PlérinHead to the Café Les Mouettes on the harbour where, from20.00, you can sit and enjoy traditional Breton Sea Shantiesplayed by local enthusiasts.For details call 06.78.20.68.76

Festival des Filets BleusFinistère, ConcarneauAugust 15-19 One of Brittany’s mosticonic festivals, this celebrates the bluenetting used by fishermen at sea. Overthe last century it has become a celebra-tion of Breton culture and attracts thou-sands of visitors, not least because nearlyall its events are free of charge. Dance,costume, music and more.Most events FREEwww.festivaldesfiletsbleus.fr02.98.97.09.09

Puces de Mer Finistère, KerlouanAugust 15 Not only a chance tobrowse and buy anything to do with mar-itime and nautical hobbies, this is also achance to see fish being smoked, breadbaked in wood ovens, and watch tradi-tional seaweed-burning ceremony.Fireworks at night fall.FREE entry 02.98.25.78.75

Mondial FolkFinistère, Plozévet

August 16-21 A famous folk festivalthat has been running for decades,now attracting nearly 1,000 artistsfrom across 10 nations. Music, danceand entertainment from start to finish.

www.mondialfolk.org

What’s On 9Brittany Pages August 2012

August 17-25

Festival du Cinéma Finistère, DouarnenezAn event popular with film fans and serious film critics alike,the Douarnenez Film Festival always puts an accent on worksthat are lesser-known by the wide public, and on world cine-ma: this year, Spain is the focus. Over 80 films will be screened,including short films and documentaries, there are debates,conferences, celebrities and a grand Fest Noz and concert.A meeting of minds.FREE to participate 02.98.92.13.35www.douarnenez-tourisme.com

Discover hidden Brest Finistère, BrestThis guided visit will take you to the secret quarters ofRecouvrance, the area that tourists do not always discover.Ask the Tourist Office for details, meet at 15.00 Tour Tanguy.€5 adults 02.98.44.24.96 www.brest-metropole-tourisme.fr

August 18

Painting in colours Ille-et-Vilaine, CombourgThe Couleurs de Bretagne is a regional event, coming toCombourg today.Amateur painters of all styles try to capturelocal scenes on canvasFREE 02.99.73.13.93 www.combourg.org

Fest Noz de la Saint-Loup Côtes d’Armor, GuingampHead for the Place du Vally for live music, barbecue, crêpes,hot dogs and cider as well as Breton dancing for all ages andabilities. Starts at 10.00.FREE entry 02.96.43.73.89

Camaret en Scène Finistère, Camaret-sur-MerAn evening of live music with bars, snacks and meals, stalls tobrowse and children's activities including a bouncy castle.Starts at 19.00, likely to continue until 2.00.€12 on the night, €10 in advancewww.camaretsurmer-tourisme.fr

August 19

Craft market Morbihan, AurayIn an idyllic harbour setting, come and browse the stalls: sculp-ture, ceramics, textiles and jewellery, leather goods, hand-madeitems and finely crafted pieces to adorn your home.FREE 02.97.24.09.75 www.auray-tourisme.com

Vide Grenier Morbihan, BadenHead for the Stade de Toulbroche for a happy couple of hoursbrowsing the stalls to see what people are clearing out.FREE entry

August 20

Place aux Mômes Morbihan, PenestinAnywhere you see ‘Place aux Mômes’ you know it will be funfor the family, and free.This event at Penestin is at 17.00 in theComplexe Polyvalent every Monday and is perfect for childrenaged 4+ years as it is street theatre, mime and spectacle so noneed to understand French to enjoy it.FREE 02.98.69.62.18

Sacred music Ille-et-Vilaine, Saint-MaloIt is the turn of Cambridge University and the choir of King’sCollege to bring their world-renowned talents to the sacredmusic festival.Tickets from the cathedral or online.€26 reserved seats, €21 non-reserved,€10 for under 18 yearswww.festivaldemusiquesacree-stmalo.com

August 22

Place aux Mômes Morbihan, ArzonAnywhere you see ‘Place aux Mômes’ it means fun for thefamily, and free.This event at Arzon is an impressive audiovisual show including pop and rock from the 1960s to 1970sso it entertains older audiences as well.All welcome, andthere is no need to understand French to enjoy it.FREE 02.97.53.69.69 www.crouesty.fr

August 23

Sailing excursion Côtes d’Armor, LézardrieuxThis unique excursion on a traditional sailing ship departsfrom Lézardrieux, on one of three beautiful vessels.Take apacked lunch with you and follow in the footsteps of HenriRivière, local painter inspired by these seascapes.€45 for adults, €40 children under 1402.96.22.16.45 or www.paimpol-goelo.com

Cathedral concert Côtes d'Armor, Dol-de-BretagneCome along to enjoy a concert in the wonderful and restfulsetting of the Cathédrale Saint Samson, starting 8pm. No entryfee, only a voluntary donation.FREE www.pays-de-dol.com 02.99.48.15.37

August 25

Brocante Morbihan, La Trinité sur MerProfessional stalls are setting up to tempt you into takinghome a precious antique or an old item that might be sal-vaged. Come and treasure-hunt.FREE 02.97.55.72.21 www.ot-trinite-sur-mer.fr

August 25-26

Parachute Competition Morbihan, QuibéronOn the main beach you’ll get a great view of this incredibleevent: the Coupe de Parachutisme.The competitors have toleave a plane at 1000m altitude and guide themselves to landon a 35cm mat on the beach. Over 200 parachutists will com-pete and there are plenty of activities – bring your camera.FREE entry http://breizhpara-sky.com

August 26

Fête de l’Andouille Morbihan, Guéméné-sur-ScorffHere is part of French cuisine that has not been embraced bymany other nationalities: Andouille for us is chitterlings, whichthis event celebrates in all its glory.Try some, you might beconverted.FREE entry02.97.39.33.47www.tourismepaysroimorvan.com

August 30

Boat trip to Île de Bréhat Côtes d'Armor, BinicEnjoy a return day-trip to discover this beautiful floral island,leaving at 8.00 and returning at 19.00, with a day to explore.Tickets must be booked in advance (deadline 16.00 the daybefore).Crossings: €28 adults €20.50 children 4-11 years €5infants 0-3 yearsFor details call 02.96.73.60.12 or see www.ville-binic.fr

August 31

Coupe Florio Classic cars Côtes d’Armor, Saint-BrieucThis event, which continues all weekend, begins with theparade on August 31, so be sure to come along with yourcamera.FREE accesswww.lacoupeflorio.fr

Festival des GalettesMorbihan, Ste Anne d’AurayAugust 25-26 Come with an appetiteand a camera: this festival celebrates theBreton galette alongside equivalent spe-cialities from several countries aroundthe world including Mali, Madagascar,Peru and Haïti. Plenty of visitors innational costume, music, dancing and upto 8,000 visitors.

FREE entry http://galettesdumonde.free.fr02.97.57.75.82

August 18-19 You might not haverealised but Roscoff is one of thefew areas in Europe where thePink Onion can flourish – and it isthe source of our French-manstereotype of a man with inionsaround his neck.This fête cele-brates the harvest, the produceand the flavour of this fabulousproduce, including old farmmachinery, cider-making andbread-making as well asdemonstrations of how toplait onions.FREE entry02.98.61.12.13www.roscoff-tourisme.com

Fête de l’Oignon de RoscoffFinistère, Roscoff

MORE than 800,000 visitors willflock to Lorient in the Morbihan forthis year’s Festival Interceltique –one of Brittany’s biggest events and acelebration of global Celtic heritage.

As well as local Breton acts, theevent, from August 3-12, opens upto performers and visitors fromWales, Ireland, Scotland, Cornwall,the Isle of Man and more. Thisyear’s theme is Acadia, the formerFrench colony on the east Canadiancoastline, and performers from thearea will travel to Brittany to take astarring role in many of the events.

Some 4,500 artists from all cornersof the world are expected for 10 daysand 10 nights of concerts andparades, including a guest appear-ance from the Buena Vista SocialClub orchestra and a lively night ofmusic on August 10 with Scotland’sTreacherous Orchestra and Irish trioMichael McGoldrick, JohnMcCusker and John Doyle.

The two biggest events are the NuitInterceltique, a large night-time con-cert on August 4 featuring more than500 artists, and the big street paradeon August 5 with pipe bands anddancers. Both events are broadcaston France 3 if you cannot attend.

Ticket prices vary, but a €48 “dis-covery pass” is available, givingaccess to three concerts of yourchoice. There will also be plenty offree events around the town, includ-ing art, sport and exhibitions ofCeltic costumes. See the programmeat www.festival-interceltique.com

10 What’s On Brittany Pages August 2012

Vast celebration of Celtic culture

Lorient’s streets and performance venues come to life in August with 10 days and 10 nights of music, dance and art entirely on a Celtic theme

Photo: Jack Fossard

Photo: Jack FossardPhoto: M

ichel Renac

Photo: JackFossard

What’s On 11Brittany Pages August 2012

What’s On in the capital

Until August 5 – Curatedby the Museum of ModernArt in New York, this wide-ranging exhibition is morethan just a chance toremember some of TimBurton’s best-loved films –from Charlie and the ChocolateFactory and Alice inWonderland to Sleepy Hollowand Sweeney Todd.It is also an opportunity to

discover Burton’s talents asa painter, photographer andinventor of colourful, amazingsculptures.

La Cinémathèque Française,51 rue de Bercy (12e). M°Bercy. Open daily (exceptTuesday) 10.00-20.00, latenight Thursday until 22.00.Entry €11, under-18s €5.50.www.cinematheque.fr

CINEMA

Making waves

Until September 2 –From historic wartimebroadcasts and the pirate erato today’s broad spectrum ofstyles and tastes, radio in allits forms and the Frenchpublic’s long-lasting attach-ment to the medium is thefocus of this exhibition.The show includes plenty ofarchive audio, guided visitseach day at 15.30 and a dis-covery trail for children.

Musée des Arts et Métiers,60 rue Réaumur (3e). M° Artset Métiers. Entry €5.50.www.arts-et-metiers.net

EXHIBITION

In the mind of Tim Burton

Until September 2 – Tocelebrate the 80th anniver-

sary of the popular Frenchcartoon elephant, created by

Jean de Brunhoff, the Musée desDécoratifs has an exhibition of100 original sketches and a rangeof Babar-themed toys from the1930s to today. Musée des ArtsDécoratifs, 107 rue de Rivoli(1er). M° Palais Royal-Musée duLouvre or Pyramides. OpenTuesday-Sunday 11.00-18.00 (lateopening until 21.00 on Thursdays).Entry €9.50, under-18s go free.www.lesartsdecoratifs.fr

FAMILYGarden gigsall over city

All summer – Thebandstands in Paris’s parksand gardens host more than200 free open-air concertsthis month and next.

Performers range from localconservatoire music students tothe official Paris metro staffchoir, and a number of UKschools and youth bands whohave been invited over to per-form to a Parisian audience.The full programme is onlineat tinyurl.com/ParisBandstands

MUSIC

Photo: Rom

ain DU

BO

IS/Wikim

edia

Admire palace’sdancing fountains

Photo: Mat’s Eye/Flickr

Until August 19 – Visitorsto Paris in the first half ofthe month can still catch thecity’s urban beach, back forits 11th year on the right

bank of the Seine, from PontNeuf to the Pont de Sully,with sunloungers, ice-cream,restaurants, children’s activityareas and much more. Entryis free, open 8.00 to 0.00.

www.paris.fr/parisplages

OUTDOORSStill time to enjoy Paris beach

See Richter through the years

August 1-12 – The Cinéma auClair de Lune festival bringsFrench and foreign films (in ver-sion originale) to screens iniconic locations includingMontmartre and the Place desVosges. Entry is free – just turnup with a blanket, chair and apicnic.This year’s selection ofnine films includes BlakeEdwards’ 1958 romantic come-dy The Perfect Furlough, based inParis, and the 1967 musicalclassic Les Demoiselles deRochefort. Films start at 21.30.www.forumdesimages.fr

Meanwhile, the Parc de laVillette has an open-air cinemafestival of its own until August26. Screenings include Good Bye,Lenin, Virgin Suicides, Supermanand Hair – and they are all free,but if you want to hire a chairit costs €7 for the evening.

See the full programme onlineat www.villette.com

Bring a picnic to the cinema

Until September 1 – Thegardens at Versailles are the

setting for another season ofsound, light and water shows

in August. Watch thefountains dance as night falls,

accompanied by music andlasers.The show ends with a

firework display.Every Saturday, 21.00-23.20.

€23, under-18s €19.www.chateauversailles

-spectacles.fr

Babar celebrates his 80th

Phot

o: N

atha

lie P

rebe

nde

OUTDOORS

Photo: Gerhard R

ichter

UntilSeptember24 – The

work of leading German artistGerhard Richter, whose cre-ations last year achieved higherprices than those of any otherliving artist, is celebrated with aretrospective exhibition at thePompidou Centre to coincidewith his 80th birthday.Richter’s work was first exhib-

ited at the centre in 1977when the museum opened.The exhibition is arrangedchronologically, from his early1960s photography to theabstract digital works of today,made using computer soft-ware.Tickets giving full accessto the Pompidou Centre andall its exhibitions cost €13.Open daily except Tuesday,

11.00-21.00, late on Thursdaysuntil 23.00. Pompidou Centrem° Hôtel de Ville orRambuteau.www.centrepompidou.fr

ART

August 24-26– Rock en

Seine is one of Paris’s biggestlive music events and, despitethe name, it covers a broadrange of contemporaryFrench and international

music genres, over three daysat the Domaine de Saint-Cloud, west of the city. Morethan 50 acts will play, includ-ing the Waterboys, Sigur Rosand Noel Gallagher.

www.rockenseine.com

MUSICWeekend of live music

12 Education Brittany Pages

FRANCE has a sophisticated education systemthat has often been admired by its neighboursand is internationally recognised as being of ahigh standard.

Nonetheless, in recent years, it has faced dif-ficulties in maintaining these standards. Aselsewhere there are problems of funding and,in certain areas, of discipline and violence inschools.

As a generalisation, teachers and pupils havetended to become more militant and lessmotivated, though of course this is not univer-sally true. In these respects France is no differ-ent from Britain.

There are both private and state schools andit is usual to put your child into the free statesystem unless there is a particular reason notto do so, such as when the child has specialneeds or the parents are absent and a boardingschool is necessary (though boarding is alsoavailable at some state schools). Religion isanother factor, with most private schools beingCatholic-run, whereas state ones have asecular ethos.

University education is heavily subsidisedand available to those living in the university’scatchment area and who have the necessaryentry qualifications (baccalauréat). This hastended to cause overcrowding.

Above the universities in status and reputa-tion are the grandes écoles. These are outsidethe main university system and entry is bycompetition, which is fierce. These producemost of France’s leaders, especially militaryand political.

Bear in mind that the environment and edu-cation within the French system are usuallyentirely in French. Children of primary schoolage usually adapt well and become bilingual.Older ones may find it more difficult if theyare not already competent in French.

Certain French schools have “internationalsections” where part of the teaching is inEnglish (see later).

Alternatively, a crash course in French beforeyour move should help. You might also look atongoing extra sessions with a home tutor(which attract an income tax credit if done byan accredited firm).

If your finances stretch to it, a UK boarding

school or an international school in France areamong other alternatives.

State educationState education is under the control of theMinistre de l’Education (presently VincentPeillon) and is open to everybody.

It is a highly centralised system under which,at least in theory, every pupil at a state schoolshould be following the same curriculum fromthe same textbooks and be at the same place inthe curriculum as those at the same level inevery other school in France on a given day.

The reality, however, may differ from thisaim (not least, due to individualteachers’ whims).

French schools generally placeless emphasis on extra-curricularactivities than British ones do,and these are often done outsideof school.

Physical education is nonethe-less part of the curriculum (atboth primary and secondary levels)and bodies called associationssportives scolaires may work inpartnership with schools tointroduce children to certainsports and organise local,regional and national sportingcompetitions.

France being a secularstate, there is no religiouseducation in stateschools. It is actuallyillegal for pupils toexhibit any reli-gious symbol(such as a cruci-fix) or to wearanything that

has a religious significance (for example, aheadscarf).

The baccalauréatEducation leads to a nationally organisedexam at the end of the school career, the bac-calauréat. This is essential in moving on tohigher education or to many careers.

It can be a major hurdle. The pass rate varies,but there is always a percentage of those whofail and have to redoubler (repeat the last year’sclasses.) Redoublement can happen at any stageof a child’s school career and its usefulness isthe subject of much debate

School holidaysThe academic year starts in September andcontinues until after the summer exams,which finish around mid-June. Apart frompublic holidays, there are breaks of a few daysaround All Saints Day (Toussaint) and overChristmas and New Year, with a mid-termbreak in February, the peak time for wintersports, and two weeks around Easter.

Until a few years ago all schoolstook their holidays simultane-

ously, causing traffic jams andcrowded ski and beach

resorts. The country is nowdivided into three

regions for the winter and spring holidays, thedates being staggered between the regions.

Many schools offer breaks at state or depart-mentally run hostels (colonies de vacances) inholiday areas.

A child progresses through three obligatorystages: école maternelle and école élémentaire,which make up French primary school (l’écoleprimaire) and then collège. Where l’école isreferred to, this often means primary school.

The three-year “sixth form” equivalent iscalled lycée.

Boarding schoolsBoarding schools (internats) exist at all levelsin both public and private sectors and a direc-tory can be found online atwww.tinyurl.com/Find-A-Boarding-School It can be a practical choice where, for example,parents are often absent.

Private schoolsThere are some 9,000 private schools, the largemajority of which are Catholic. More than twomillion children attend these, or 17% of thetotal in schooling. Listings can be found at:www.enseignement-prive.fr

They fall into several categories:

Those operated under a “contract of associ-ation” with the state are by far the most

numerous. They arestaffed by the state, fol-

low the state systemand receive a local

authority runningcosts contribu-tion – from themairie for pri-mary school,department for

collège andregion for

lycée. Par-

Find your way through theFrench education systemFrench schooling is often of good quality but thesystem is different in almost every respect to whatexpats may have been used to in countries like theUK. Here we look at some of the key elements parents and young people should be familiar with.

Photo: PICTUR

E-FACTOR

Y - FOTO

LIACOM

Expat children of primary school age usually adapt well and quickly become bilingual, but teenagers might find it harder to adjust

INTERNATIONAL housing and schooling fees can however beexpensive, so ensure that your money goes further for yourchild's education with the help of a foreign exchange (FX)provider. The benefits of choosing an FX provider over yourbank to make your international transfers include a person-alised and secure money-saving service and access to a team onthe ground which is available to answer your questions.

Currencies Direct is a preferred FX provider in France, andoffers a wide range of services including both spot (on

demand) and regular transfer plans to accommodate overseaspayments and transfers for your children's international educa-tion. Currencies Direct has been meeting client requirementsin the UK and France for the past 16 years, consistently achiev-ing an average 3% better rate than any bank for internationalbank to bank transfers. Operating on 5 continents, CurrenciesDirect makes an average of 220,000 transactions per year for itsextensive clientele base of over 200,000 registered clients and3,000 partners worldwide. As a fully FSA registered organisa-

tion and with an averagegrowth of 20% peryear since its cre-ation, the creditagency D&B hasgiven CurrenciesDirect a #1 ratingfor its reliabilityand security.

Ask your son ordaughter to starthoning their researchskills and investigatehow much your familywill save by using Currencies Directover the bank!

To ask for a no obligation comparative rateand learn more about our money-saving services please email france@currenciesdirect.com

International education is an increasingly popular way to giveyour child the opportunity to learn, grow and experience a foreigncountry during their education. Whether attending an overseaslycée, private school, summer program or university, a growingnumber of children of all ages are becoming a part of the globaleducation institution.

Do you have a child who is, or will be, studying abroad?ADVERTISIN

Education 13August 2012

ents contribute between €400 and €750 per child peryear, included in which is payment for such elementsnot included in the national curriculum, such as reli-gious instruction.

Those operating under a “simple contract”. A similararrangement to the above, this concerns fewer schoolsand only applies in the primary sector.

In some respects it is less bound to the state system(teachers are paid as private workers as opposed to statecivil servants) but they are nevertheless supervised andinspected and follow the state curriculum.

Non-contracted schools. These have much morefreedom and their fees are paid by parents in full. Thereare fewer of them and they include the private interna-tional schools (see below).

Outside the national education system there are anumber of private international schools, often workingtowards the International Baccalaureate (IB).

An international school in Paris, for example, haspupils of 50 nationalities (the majority being British)and prepares pupils for GCSEs. English-languageschools can be found at www.france.english-schools.org

Note that some schools in the French system have aninternational “section”, leading to the taking of theinternational option of the baccalauréat (OIB), a Frenchbilingual and bi-cultural examination which should notbe confused with the IB.

There is also a “European school” in Strasbourg,which is a French state school and allows pupils whosemother tongue is English to study mainly in that lan-guage and to take a “European” baccalauréat version,alongside pupils whose main language is German orFrench.

The International baccalauréateThis is an exam run by the International Baccalaureateorganisation, based in Geneva, founded in 1948. The IBdiploma is not offered by French state schools.

Strong commitment is required to take and succeed inthe full course and it is possible to take just certainparts of it, although pupils who do so do not receive thefull diploma. The full course involves taking six sub-jects, one from each of five subject groups and onefrom group six or from a permitted substitute fromanother group.The IB is accepted for entry into univer-sities in most countries. The papers may be taken in avariety (or a mixture) of languages. It covers a widespectrum, which has led to criticism in the UK that it istoo broad and insufficiently specialised as an introduc-tion to further studies.

“It is a highly centralised systemunder which, in theory, every pupil at every state schoolshould be following the samecurriculum and be at the samelevel as every school in France on a given day. The reality maydiffer from this aim

NATALIE Strange moved toFrance from East Sussex in 2005with her husband Mike andthree boys Sebastian (now 15),Toby (13) and Rufus (eight), set-tling near Limoux in the Aude.

Rufus settled into school theeasiest, starting at the verybeginning of the cycle. MsStrange says: “I’ve had to helphim the least with the home-work. He seems to grasp thingsquickly.” But Sebastian and Tobyfound it much more difficult atfirst, and homework timeinvolved re-teaching what hadbeen covered in class. “I used todread weekends,” she says. “Ispent hours and hours goingover it with them. They’re at col-lège now and I’ve let go.”

Toby is dyslexic and the familyinvested in home tuition, whichattracts a 50% income tax credit,which has paid off: “It was reallyhelpful and it gave him a confi-dence boost. Having two lan-guages is a mountain for adyslexic person.” They also tookhim to see a speech therapist,and this was fully reimbursed bysocial security.

Toby has not had to repeat ayear, which Ms Strange believeswould have been detrimental tohim. However, she feels she hadto do a lot of work herself to gethelp for Toby, which she thinkswould have been better handledby school staff in the UK.

When Sebastian, the eldest,started school he was placed oneyear lower than the rest of hisage to compensate for the lan-guage problems (he was born inNovember and the school admis-sions year runs from January to

December). “I sometimes regretthat,” says Ms Strange. “I shouldhave pushed. I think for himsocially it feels difficult.”

However, he sat his brevet lastmonth and is looking forward tolycée in September. He is becom-ing bilingual and bicultural, sur-passing his mother’s level ofFrench.

“Sebastian is very conscious ofme speaking English to him in ashop, about being more Frenchwhen we are out in the open,” shesays. “He corrects me on myFrench. I just don’t think heshould be embarrassed about it.French kids are intrigued aboutEngland and the English.”

On a general note, she says: “Ifeel that French teaching isn’t ascreative as English, even in sec-ondary school.” There are fewerexperiments in science and cre-ative areas, such as art, are under-explored, prompting Sebastian topursue his photography hobbyelsewhere.

Contact with other parents islimited – there is less of a cultureof chattering at the school gate:“That’s something I felt wasquite sad. There was a strongcommunity with the parents andhere I feel it’s very much just col-lect the kids and go.”

However, there are regularparent-teacher evenings everyterm and she says parents arestrongly encouraged to have arole in their children’s educationand check they are not slipping.She is also impressed with thenumber of tests pupils are given– one or two every week – andthe ability to check the marksonline.

The Connexion newspaper publishes a helpguide to education in France, coveringthe whole system from maternelle to university and the grandes écoles plus continuing education for adults. School meals and transport and assurance scolaire (school insurance) are among other topics discussed.

Education in France helpguide – new this year

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

Lycée studies are towards the baccalauréat, necessary for university entry and many careersPhoto: lightpoet - Fotolia.com

Lessons learnt from havingthree boys in French school

Natalie and Mike Strange with sons Sebastian, Toby and Rufus

“We live in the UK and my daughter decided shewanted to go on a University exchange in France

for a special program. A friend ofmine suggested I try an FXcompany to pay her tuition andsend her money and I was pleasantly surprised when I did. Iusually use my bank because I thought it

was easier but this way I can transfermoney into my daughter's account equally

quickly and save money in the process.M. Barnes

NG FEATURE

14 Leisure Time Brittany Pages August 2012

Easy Intermediate Difficult

The France quiz

French-themed crossword by John Foley

by Paul Masters

IF YOU go into a boulangerie and ask for abaguette, you would know exactly what toexpect – one of those wonderful long, Frenchloaves that are known the world over.

But less than a couple of hundred yearsago, when Napoleon’s armies were rampag-ing through Europe, from Spain to Egyptand northwards to Russia, a baguette meantsomething quite different. It was the ramrodused to pack the charge into a musket, readyfor firing in battle. It also doubled as a canefor whipping unfortunate soldiers, who werepunished by running the gauntlet betweentwo lines of infantry-men. Recalcitrant sol-diers carried the scars of such beatings untiltheir dying day.

So when did the military ramrod changeinto a harmless and delicious loaf of bread?It must have had something to do withadvances in military technology, whichmade the muzzle-loaded musket redundantin the face of the carbine, the rifle and the

machine-gun.However it had more to do with a change

in the law. In October 1920 the French gov-ernment passed a law which prevented bak-ers from starting work before 4.00, no longerleaving them enough time to prepare thestandard round loaf, called a boule, in timefor breakfast. The slender baguette solvedthe problem because it could be preparedand baked much more rapidly.

Nor is the baguette even a French inven-tion, unfortunately. Like so much else in thebaker’s window, from the croissant to thepain au chocolat, the baguette first made itsappearance in Austria, which is why so manysuch delicacies are still referred to asviennoiseries.

At least the baker’s shop itself still retainsthe original French name of boulangerie,even if it does now produce far more thanjust the traditional round loaf, or boule,which gave it its name.

Across

2. In French as in English, sport for two teams ofseven swimmers (5-4)8. Franc portion (7)9. Organ of the body, le siège des émotions etsentiments (5)10. Wise shrub whose aromatic leaves are usedfor seasoning (4)11. Prospero’s daughter in Shakespeare’s TheTempest (7)13. Spa city in North Rhine-Westphalia other-wise known as Aix-la-Chapelle (6)15. Octogenarian Vichy France chief of state (6)18. Useful outil for stargazing in France (7)20. Long dress for formal occasions (4)23. A legal right (5)24. Monmartre-born artist Maurice _______,who specialised in cityscapes (7)25. Gas providing a very hot flame discovered byEdmund Davy, then rediscovered and named byFrench chemist Marcellin Berthelot (9)

Most answers are in French, with theexceptions of Across: 11 and 20and Down: 2, 4, 6, 17 and 5/21.

Answers can be found at the bottom of page

Down

1. French Mediterranean city named after theGreek goddess of victory (4)2. Eponymous fish in 1988 film starring JohnCleese and Kevin Kline (5)3 and 22. Fabric with a repeated pattern, often ofa pastoral scene (5,2,4)4. City in Champagne-Ardennes region whichwas the traditional scene of the coronation of thekings of France (English spelling, with an H) (6)5 and 21. Irish playwright and poet buried in theCimetière du Père-Lachaise in Paris (5,5)6. Geographical area encompassing islands andseas in the Pacific (7)7. “Of all the crosses I have to bear,” saidChurchill of his relationship with de Gaulle, “theheaviest is the Cross of ________” (8)12. Singer Johnny who co-starred with JeanRochefort in L'homme du train (8)14. Marseilles-born former Manchester Unitedstar Eric _______ (7)16. Fencing term adopted from French (2,5)17. “In all labour there is profit: but the talk of thelips tendeth only to ______”, Proverbs 14:23 (6)19. Qualification honorifique given to a person (5)21. See 522. See 3

1 WHICH celebritycouple, who had a homein Plan-de-la-Tour (Var)have split up after 14years together?

2 WHO said theywould “roll out the redcarpet” to wealthyFrench people and busi-nesses put off by hightax rates in France?

3 WHICH town in theCorrèze is putting ontours allowing visitors to"follow in the footsteps of François

Hollande"?

4 THE WORLDof French sportpaid tribute toThierry Rolandrecently, whodied at the age of76. For what jobwas he famous?

5 LONDON is hosting thissummer’s Olympics. Whichcity came second in thebidding process?

6 FRANCE’S youngestMP, aged 22, belongs towhich famous family ofpoliticians?

7 WHICH travel operatorhas bought ferries from col-lapsed firm SeaFrance andis returning them to regularservice on the Channel?

CROSSWORDANSWERS.Across: 2 water-polo; 8 centime; 9 coeur; 10 sage; 11 Miranda; 13 Aachen; 15 Pétain; 18 lunette; 20 gown; 23 droit; 24 Utrillo; 25 acétylèneDown: 1 Nice; 2 Wanda; 3&22 toile de Jouy; 4 Rheims; 5&21 Oscar Wilde; 6 Oceania; 7 Lorraine; 12 Hallyday; 14 Cantona; 16 en garde; 17 penury; 19 titre (or title)FRANCEQUIZANSWERS: 1 Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis; 2 David Cameron; 3 Tulle; 4 TV football commentator; 5 Paris; 6 Le Pen; 7 Eurotunnel

Sudoku

What’s in a word?

baguette

Photo: Dave H

amster/Flickr

Phot

o: J

essi

ca G

enet

el/W

ikim

edia

Photo: lubashi - Fotolia.com

BRITTANY FOR EVERYONEPROMOTING BRITTANY - www.brittanyforeveryone.com

Food and Pets 15Brittany Pages August 2012

Time to ramp up the flea prevention

SCRATCHING is generally the firstsign that your pet is infested withfleas. Use Betadine to clean anysmall bites, cuts or sore patches onyour pet’s skin. Bites on humanstend to come in little rows of threesmall, flat, incredibly itchy red spots.

Check for fleas around the eyesand ears of your pet and underneaththe tail. If your pet has dark fur, usea flea comb to search for what lookslike fine black grit but which is infact, flea droppings.

If your pet is clear, then your pre-vention plan is working and shouldbe continued. If not, you need toramp up the action. The best knownand most effective treatment on themarket is probably Frontline, a smalltube of liquid which you buy from

the pharmacy and apply to the napeof your pet’s neck.

If it does not seem to be working,try applying half to the nape of theneck and half between the shoulderblades, and increase frequency totwo rather than three weeks. If yourpet is allergic to Frontline, tryStronghold which is more expensivebut better tolerated by animals withsensitive skins.

These treatments take two to threedays to work and in the meantime,flea powder can be a useful instanttreatment, but wear an overall and

apply it outside well away from thehouse, or the fleas will simply jumpoff your pet on to the sofa and livethere until they can move backhome at a later date.

Insecticide shampoos are instantlyeffective on dogs but only last untilthe dog meets a new flea. Collars arevital and effective against the sand

flies which carry leichmaniose butalone will not protect against fleas.

If despite all this, your pets stillhave fleas and humans in the house-hold are also being bitten, it is possi-ble that your furnishings and car-pets are harbouring a reservoir ofthem which is constantly re-infest-ing your pets. Remove loose covers

from sofas and armchairs and checkthe seams for flea eggs. They willlook like fluff but be harder to pullaway from the stitching.

If you are not sure, get all loosecovers, cushion covers and othersoft furnishings dry cleaned or putthem through the washing machineat 60°C. Then sprinkle specialisedinsecticide powder (from the petsection of DIY shops) over your car-pets and furniture, paying attentionto the sides of the arms and the divi-sions between the backs and basesof sofas where fleas could hide.

Leave the powder for a day andthen go to war with your vacuum.You will need a flattened furnitureattachment to get into all recesses.Vacuum all curtains, carpets (onboth sides) and furniture (insideand out, underneath and round theback) and when you have finished,take the vacuum outside and changethe bag immediately. Throw itstraight into the dustbin.

Chickens are commonly infestedwith fleas, so try to keep cats anddogs away from chicken runs and ifyou or your children handle chick-ens, wash your hands afterwards.

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

This column is sponsored by

August is prime time forfleas, so treatment andprevention shouldcontinue at full strengthuntil at least the endof November, saysSAMANTHA DAVID

Fresh tunafor a lightsummer’slunchtimeFreshly caught from the Mediterranean andAtlantic coasts, tuna is in plentiful supply at markets – and there is much more to it than justan ingredient in a traditional salade niçoiseFORGET the tins from theSeychelles available all yearround – this time of year isideal for buying freshlycaught tuna steaks in France.

Market traders sell tunafrom the Gulf of Gascony orthe Mediterranean from Juneuntil November and mostcommonly thon blanc, withits light pink flesh

Other varieties exist, mostnotably thon rouge or bluefintuna which is very popularfor sushi and has been thesubject of much controversy.

Bluefin tuna is an endan-gered species and has beenover-fished in recent years –prompting protests fromGreenpeace including a 2006blockade of Marseille port.France banned bluefin tunafishing very early this seasonwhen quotas were reached.

There is also tuna albacore,which has a yellowy appear-

ance and is fished all yearround in tropical waters,mainly for canned products.

Like salmon, tuna is rich inomega 3 (which is good forthe cardio-vascular system)and contains vitamin B3,which helps the nervoussystem.

Serving possibilities areendless: whether grilled orpan-fried with vegetables,baked in a gratin or lasagnewith some spinach and ricot-ta, shaped into balls withpasta and a tomato sauce, orof course the traditionalsalade niçoise and the sand-wich equivalent, pain bagnat,with olive oil, olives, eggs andanchovies.

Alternatively, pick up somebrightly coloured peppersfrom your garden or the mar-ket, and a chilled white or roséwine, and try this recipe for alight al-fresco lunch or dinner.

Insecticide shampoos are instantly effective, but not long-lasting

Photo: TheSupe87 - Fotolia.com

Pet Care

Prepare the balsamiccaramel by combining thebalsamic vinegar and castersugar together in a saucepan.

Bring to a simmer over amoderate heat. Continue to simmeruntil it has reduced by half and thick-ened.

Pre-heat the oven to 200°C (gasmark 6).

Arrange the peppers and springonions in a roasting tray.

Season and drizzle over half of theextra-virgin olive oil.

Roast for 10-15 minutes until soft.

Remove from the oven and pourover the rest of the olive oil.

Cover and leave to cool to roomtemperature.

Rub the tuna steaks with the ground-nut oil and season with salt and pepper.

Heat a cast iron frying pan over ahigh heat until hot.

Sear the tuna steaks for 1-2 minuteson all sides, then transfer to the oven to

finish cooking for 4-6 minutes.Transfer the peppers and spring

onion to the oven at the same time asthe tuna steaks go in to reheat.

Reheat the balsamic caramel at thesame time over a low heat.

Spoon the peppers and spring onionson to serving plates.

Top with the tuna steaks and spoonthe balsamic caramel on top.

Medium-cooked tuna, peppersconfit and balsamic caramelINGREDIENTS

Serves: 4Preparation: 20 minutesCooking: 25-30 minutes

50ml groundnut oil(huile d’arachide)4 fresh tuna steaks

For the peppers confit:80ml extra-virgin olive oil2 yellow peppers,de-seeded and chopped2 red peppers, de-seededand choppeda few spring onionssalt and pepper

For the balsamic caramel:200ml balsamic vinegar30g caster sugar

METHOD

CUT OUT & KEEP!

16 Directory Brittany Pages August 2012

ANIMALS

ARCHITECTS

BUILDERS & RENOVATION

BUSINESS & WEBSITES

COMPUTERS, TV, PHONE,

EDUCATION / LANGUAGE

ESTATE AGENTS

GARDENS & POOLS

GENERAL

HEALTH & BEAUTY

INSURANCE & FINANCE

MOTORING

AXA INSURANCEGuillaume POISSANT

EEXXPPEERRTT IINNSSUURRAANNCCEE && FFIINNAANNCCIIAALL AADDVVIICCEE IINN EENNGGLLIISSHH

02 97 60 08 23HHoommee CCaarr HHeeaalltthh BBuussiinneessss BBaannkkiinngg

Locminé, Morbihan 56500agence.poissant@axa.fr

www.axapoissantinsurance.com

bml angloagence.comEnglish registered cars

House insurance - Health cover1700 British clients trust us

02 96 87 21 21contact@angloagence.com

Dinan, Brittany

LianaMobile HairdresserHuelgoat and its surrounding areas

Discounts available for group bookings02 98 99 90 51 - 06 66 38 31 11Email: l.wheaton@laposte.net

Anna PathfinderYour life coach in Brittany

www.annapathfinder.comTel. 02 99 44 38 09

EExxcclluussiivveeHHeeaalltthhccaarreeYour Helping Hand to the

French Health System

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

JARDINERIE HOLLANDAISEGarden Centre and Garden Maintenance

Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday or on 'RDV'Le Garly 56480 Ste. Brigitte

Tel/Fax: 02 97 27 62 19 - Mobile : 06 75 39 25 79Email: contact@jardinerie-hollandaise.com

Web: www.jardinerie-hollandaise.comSiret: 40029026800020

Highest Quality Handmade ShedsOutbuildings, Animal Houses,

All Garden FurnitureMade to your specifications

www.shedsfrance.comshedsfrance@yahoo.co.uk

02 97 70 68 8306 04 16 58 05

Tree SurgeonStuart Lee

Qualified, Insured, EquippedStump grinder and Woodchipper

02 99 68 43 46www.lejardinieranglais.com

HOUSES ONINTERNET

Sell your property to aworldwide audience using

our global network.Our fees are the lowest in

France, our results are the best.

WWW.HOUSESONINTERNET.COMTel: 05 55 65 12 19

English and Fluent French speakingagent, always needing more houses

for sale, 8 years experienceinfo@normandyandbrittanyhousesforsale.com

TEL FR: +33 (0) 6 19 17 34 61TEL UK: +44 (0) 7880 501 116

www.NormandyandBrittanyhousesforsale.comSiret: 519 751 465

Property for sale in BrittanyBuying / Selling property in MorbihanTranslation - Negotiation - Advertising

Currency ExchangeTel: 02 97 67 17 93

Mob: 06 27 14 51 14info@propertyforsaleinbrittany.co.uk www.propertyforsaleinbrittany.co.uk

PENELOPE GRAHAM-HELWIGTRADUCTRICE ASSERMENTÉE

SWORN TRANSLATORLegal - Property - Birth Certificates - Driving Licenses

Tel: 02 99 20 26 86Mobile: 06 89 89 75 81

Email: pennyhelwig@hotmail.com

IInnffoorrtteecchhPC & Mac Computer Engineer

From teething troubles to total traumaWe Can Help!

Tel: 02 98 71 14 91 / 06 32 30 70 54Email: dale@infortechfrance.com

www.infortechfrance.comSiret: 489 684 696 00011

ComputerHelp & RepairLinux • MS • OsXTel: 09 66 40 09 87sostoolbox.com

A BUSINESS TO PROMOTE

A PROPERTY TO SELL

ADVERTISE FOR FREEwww.brittanyforeveryone.com

www.PCBREAKDOWNSOS.comMobile PC repairs

Mobile: 06 28 11 31 60Evening: 02 96 13 14 48

Contact Paul - Operating Dept22Radius 30km Corlay

C L CBuilding & Property Maintenance

Renovations, Repairs, Conversions, ExtensionsTel: 06 59 71 50 29 or 02 98 86 95 37

Troleron 29530 Plonevez du FaouStonework Block work Plastering Plasterboarding Roofing

Email: clc-chrislynn@hotmail.comAd No. 17612

Jon OramPlastering Rendering Pointing Limework Tiling Decorating Renovation Restoration

All Aspects of Work Undertaken

Tel: 02 98 99 77 46Mobile: 06 25 78 93 63

E-mail: Jonandorice@wanadoo.fr

BRETON BUILDCarpenter, roofer and general builder

specialising in the renovation of traditional Breton Properties.

info@bretonbuild.com02 97 38 57 61

www.bretonbuild.comRegions 29/56/35/22

Siret: 489 314 278 00032

St Malo, Dinard, Dinan

SARL BCBPStonework, RenovationGroundwork, Gardening

Full and Part Renovations & Conversions

Connection to MainDrain and Septic Tank

From Mini-Diggersto 20t Diggers

Paving & DeckingPerfect English Spoken

Bruno BonnierTel: 06 71 05 60 82

www.bcbp.fr Email: bonnier.cleran@orange.fr

Siret : 47942748600010

SARL Steve & WendyFoster Renovations

Electrical - Plumbing - TilingDoors & Windows - Stud-walls

Insulationwww.renov8it4u.com

Tel: 02 98 26 43 95 Mobile: 06 68 25 46 54Email: steve.wendy.foster@orange.fr

Thistle Renovations LtdTimber Treatment, Preventative &Remedial Woodworm & Dry Rot,

Plastering, Pointing02 96 29 59 41

Thistle22@orange.frSiret 503 281 438

LA CASSIEREInstaller of all types of sewerage

systems, agent for BIOROCK.All groundworks undertaken.

Tel: 02 96 26 22 56Mobile: 06 11 18 22 19

Email: lacassieretp@free.fr

56 MORBIHAN 56All types of work, Exterior-Interior,

New - Renovation-Repair.Entreprise Bown Robert

Tel/Fax: 02 97 51 10 11 - Mob: 06 38 34 20 78Email: robert.bown@orange.fr

Siret: 424 531 069 00013

Stuart Barker Plastering35 years experience:

Boarding Insulation Floors TilingPainting Block Laying Digger Works

Tel: +33 (0) 2 98 93 87 43Mobile: +33 (0) 6 23 67 84 17

Email: platrier.homeservice@hotmail.comSiret No.: 511 627 341 00015

CHARLES HAIGH CONSTRUCTIONRenovations - ExtensionsAlterations - Dry Lining

Excavations - Fosse SeptiquesCovering Depts 22 & 29

Tel: 02 96 44 26 20Email: charleshaigh@orange.fr

Siret: 453 231 920 00019

Stairs2measure.comMade to measure wooden staircases

Tel: 02 56 33 50 11 Mob: 06 04 17 26 65

Email: quote@stairs2measure.com

Web: www.stairs2measure.com

Building Renovation& Property Maintenance

Covering all of BrittanyShaun Lake

Tel: 06 31 26 16 21 / 02 97 43 57 81Web: www.artisanmultiservice.com

Email: shaunlake@hotmail.comSiret no: 500405089

Getting it right first timeDanish workmanship built to lastNewbuilds - Extentions - Repairs - Carpentry - Roofing

www.artisancarpenter.comemail : info@peterjensen.fr

Tel : 02 96 29 51 66Mob: 06 30 24 55 29

Siret : 489651976

J. S. H. Easy Access specialist inRamps, Handrails, Door Frames,

Non-Slip Surfaces, Wet roomsFree Quotes, Dep 22/29

Tel: 02 96 23 97 58 - Mob: 06 26 53 91 03 Email: spencer91122@hotmail.co.uk

Siret : 519 571 392

Fabrick 22Solving all yourBuilding Needs

Office in Dinan Centre

www.fabrick22.cominfo@fabrick22.comTel: 02 96 39 27 67

Siret: 519 572 135 00019

Ed Chalkley: Maitre ArtisanComplete Interior Renovation

with all trades undertaken.Registered Carpenter.

View work at edwardchalkley@blogspot.comTel: 02.96.82.72.91(evenings)Portable: 06.70.54.13.76

Siret number: 513 187 153 00012

Wellesley House SurveyingRegistered and Based in Brittany

Property SurveysBrittany/Normandy/Loire - English Style

Contact: Nick WarnerTel: (France) +33 (0)296 31 83 30

Email: info@french-property-survey.comWeb page: www.french-property-survey.com

SIRET No. 452 539 273 00014

Plans Planning Permisions

Mike Welby 0296875737 www.welby.fr

JEREMY SMITHFRENCH REGISTERED ARCHITECT

Design - Planning permissionsProject management - All building

types and sizesTel: 02 96 21 23 67 Mob: 06 43 79 37 54Email: mail@jeremysmitharchitects.com

www.jeremysmitharchitects.comSiret: 512004024300014

If your job is worth doingIt's worth doing well

ANDREW ALLEN - ARCHITECTwwwwww..aarrcchhiitteeccttbbrriittttaannyy..ccoomm

0022 9966 8833 4477 2255

CHARITY FIELDSBreeder of Dutch Sheep,

Ouissant sheep and KuneKune Pigs

Call Carole on 02 97 34 70 44carole.williams@orange.fr

Canine BehaviouristSolving your dog and puppy problems

using calm, assertive and positive reinforcement methods

Tel: 02 96 36 65 61Mob: 06 45 79 01 67

Email: locarn1@yahoo.co.ukSiret. 481 238 483 00012

IN THE DOG HOUSESmall established family run KENNELS & CATTERY - COLLOREC

Quality care for your pet02 98 73 91 10 - 06 33 44 71 17

collorec@me.comSiret: 492 349 931 00013

Find registered tradespeople quickly and easily

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

BRITTANY DIRECTORY

Advertise here AALLLL YYEEAARR from just €€7755HHTT

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

Directory 17Brittany Pages August 2012

PLUMBERS

PROPERTY SERVICES

REMOVALS

RETAIL

TOURISM

Guided walks in EnglishDiscover the Monts d'Arrée in all

their beauty!kelly@walkandtalk.frwww.walkandtalk.fr

02 98 81 12 41

WOODBURNERSAsh Grove Stoves

Supplier ofHunter - Villager

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

Lowest Prices Guaranteed

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

sales@ashgrovestoves.com

Spex4less.ComHigh Quality Prescription

Glasses OnlineSave Money On All Your

Prescription Eyewearwww.spex4less.com

To advertise here callfreephone in

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

Villager, Hunter, Aarrow& Stratford Stoves

Esse Cooking RangesQuality Stoves Delivered throughout Francewww.woodburningstovesandcookers.com

Tel: 02 97 74 73 48Based in Josselin 56

Kitchens &Furniture

www.rustique-revival.comSiret: 497 736 272

Ad No. 18809

REDCLIFFE are a reliableBristol based Remover and Storer

with weekly trips to BrittanyCredit crunch specials

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

www.redclifferemovals.co.uk

FIVE STARREMOVALSLight Removals to and from Northern

France. Best prices, best service.T: + 44 (0) 079705 30723

E: classicalternatives@msn.com Ad No. 18589

eco-nett Home ServicesOVEN DEEP CLEAN SPECIALISTPAINTING, DECORATING, TILING,

LAMBRISCENTRAL BRITTANY AREA (22)

Tel: 06 04 49 83 70email: eco-nett@hotmail.com

website: www.eco-nett.webs.comSIRET 528 090 152 00018

The Holiday ExchangeHome Exchange without the need to find a direct

exchange partner.

Email: info@theholidayexchange.comTel: 02 97 93 91 56

Web: www.theholidayexchange.comSiret: 53015743700019

To advertise here callfreephone in

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

BRETON COUNTRYCOTTAGES

Property Management andHoliday Letting ServicesWe will take care of your

second home or holiday propertyleaving you free to enjoy it.

Tel: 0297398742www.bretoncountrycottages.comwilkinson.bcc@wanadoo.fr

Prestige Painting&

Decorating ServicesEvery aspect of Decorating, Interior &

Exterior, Wall Papering, Tiling, SealantsWork, Power Washing, Wood Treatments

Contact Adrian or Lena Baker

Tel: 02 96 83 97 49Mob: 06 58 04 51 46adrian.Lenabaker@hotmail.fr

Siret 51442634500013

VALOMETPlumbing Heating & Sanitary -

Renewable Energy - Electricity SecurityChecks - Rewiring - Quotes in English

Tel: 02 97 23 42 15 or English: 06 71 78 71 74Email: societevalomet@orange.fr

Siret: 417535572

Fabrick DinanSeptic Tank Installations

Including Pre-installation

Surveys

Based Dinan Centre

02 96 27 16 53fabrickdinan@gmail.com

Ian TorodeServicing / repairs for most makes of

vehicle / garden machinery.Car Help - Advice - Parts.

Web: www.mowermaninbrittany.nete-mail: admin@partsbroker.net

Tel: 02 56 22 90 12

ADVERTISING FEATURES

AFTER a career spent in the electrics andcomputing industry, Bruno Bonnier hasbeen running his own building companysince 2003.

Since his first English client came tohim five years ago he has steadily built upa regular clientele mainly hailing fromJersey, Guernsey, Scotland, Ireland andWales.

“My English was quite rusty then, but Ihave improved a lot and really enjoymeeting people from other cultures andhelping them achieve what they want; act-ing as their interpreter if you like.”

He works in the Côtes-d’Armor coveringthe area between Dinan, Dinard and

Saint-Malo and offers a turnkey service sothere is no need for the client to make allthe contacts.

“They don’t have to worry aboutorganising all the different people andmaterials needed for a project, that isdone by me. They just discuss what workthey want completing and I can advisethem,” said Bruno.

“What I love doing is renovation: I don’tstart anything new, I prefer to work toimprove and build on what is therealready.”

Among the many types of jobs he offersis kitchen and bathroom renovation, gar-den landscaping – he has several diggers

to tackle the big jobs – stonework, pavingand decking.

He fully exploits his knowledge of localtraders and artisans to pick the appropri-ate people to finish the job to a high stan-dard – all fully insured.

His company Sarl BCBP is based atPlouër-sur-Rance and he offers free estimations for jobs.

Other projects he carries out includerepairing, installing and connecting septictanks, and connecting houses up to themain sewage network, where possible.

Bruno Bonnier06 71 05 60 82bonnier.cleran@orange.fr

Turnkey renovation solutions at your fingertipsRenovator and landscaper Bruno Bonnier has come a longway with his English customers since they first startedseeking his advice five years ago

Builder Bruno Bonnier runs Sarl BCBP and is based in Plouër-sur-Rance

AS A TIME served heating engineer whohas lived in France for five years, VinceBoon of VB Plombier has a lot of know-ledge and experience in oil fuelled boilers. He always chooses to install boilers manufactured by Mistral, as time andtime again they have proved to be themost dependable.

“I have installed these boilers for manyyears and they have always been 100%reliable and efficient,” said Vince. “Theseboilers run whisper quiet and can be fittedinto any situation - whether it’s a kitchen,utility room, basement or garage. Theycome with either a discreet balanced flue

or a conventional chimney flue liner.”VB Plombier is the only agent in

Brittany that offers the supply and fullinstallation of these boilers, and they arecompetitively priced compared to theFrench models.

“I can provide two boiler options: standard efficiency - our lowest pricedchoice - which returns an efficiency of 93%, or our condensing model which provides an efficiency of 97%,”said Vince.

Given the increasing price of oil,everyone needs to economise to maketheir fuel go further. Existing boilers can

prove to be grossly inefficient, sendingwasted heat into the atmosphere. TheMistral boilers extract the maximum,giving lower heating bills.

VB Plombier now has a large clientbase in Brittany and covers an extensivearea as word of mouth has continued to spread about its efficient and reliable service.

As a fully qualified plumber Vince isable to offer a variety of different servic-

es, including bathroom installations, newor replacement radiators, complete central heating installations and systemfault findings, newly laid water mains,home renovations, and chimney andflues sweeping.

VB Plombier also installs solar panels,and can offer competitive rates on any ofthe work they complete.

“If you require any further knowledgeon these boilers, please feel free to take alook at Mistral’s website or contact usdirectly. We will be happy to answer any questions,” added Vince.

For a no obligation quote, more infor-mation on boiler installation or details ofany other service that VB Plombier canprovide, contact the company via telephone or email.

02 96 24 78 11vince@vbplombier.frwww.vbplombier.frMistral boilers are very reliable

Economise on the use of oil with a Mistral boilerVB Plombier is the only agent in Brittany able to supply andfully install Mistral boilers which are the most reliable andefficient on the market, says Vince Boon

“These boilers run whisperquiet and can be fitted intoany situation - whether it’s akitchen or basement

DELAMARCHE Immobilier, an estateagency situated in the Gavray, has buckedthe recent trend of poor property sales byrecording excellent results across the mar-ket. Based in lower Normandy, but with aterritory that covers much of Brittany, thecompany has been innovative in the way itoperates, working in partnership withvendors and making many preparationsvia email.

“The recent investment in new internet-based software has enabled us to workfrom anywhere,” said Philippa. “Fromboth a marketing and sales point of viewthe software is in no way geographicallylimiting, meaning that we can supply an

equally good service in Brittany as inNormandy.”

With four English- and French-speakingnegotiators within the company, an excel-lent service is provided across all areas. InBrittany, a specialist agent is based in theBay of Le Mont St Michel, covering a ter-ritory that stretches from Saint Malo toAvranches and southwards.

“The other great news is that we havecombined forces informally with two highperforming Brittany agencies to create aninformal North Brittany network,” saidPhilippa. “So if we do not have the righthouse for a client, we immediately passthem on - a win-win for everyone.”

Delamarche Immobilier has partneragencies in France, Jersey, the UK andHolland, all of whom have given very positive feedback about the new softwareand the quality of information provided to customers.

With three websites in total, the mainone - delamarcheimmobilier.com - is onlyin French but features all of the properties.The other two English and French siteshave the majority of houses on them andare in both languages.

“When it comes to property sales, it isusually the price that dictates how manyonline hits a house gets, so we do encour-age vendors to think very seriously about their sale price from the outset,”said Philippa.

Delamarche Immobilier would like tohear from anyone who has a house forsale in Normandy or Brittany.

“We take on houses from Dieppe toRoscoff, so please do think of approachingus to market and sell your property,”added Philippa.

+33 (0)2 33 61 40 40 +33 (0)6 19 17 34 61 +44 (0)7880 501116

Property sales are up thanks to the webForming partnerships and implementing new marketingstrategies have proved to be the keys to success duringthese difficult times, says Philippa Weitz

“The recent investment innew internet-based softwarehas enabled us to work from anywhere

delamarche@normandylife.comwww.delamarcheimmobilier.comwww.normandypropertyforsale.comwww.normandyandbrittanylife.comwww.normandyandbrittanyhousesforsale.com

Philippa provides an excellent serviceacross both Normandy and Brittany

Brittany Pages August 201218 DIY

DIY tips

Sponsored by

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

INFORMATION YOU CAN TRUST ON LIFE IN FRANCE

2012 Helpguide toHealthcare in France

The 2012 helpguide is now on sale for €7.50 for a downloadable or printed version (printed version does not include p&p)

Explains how France’s healthcare systemworks and gives a breakdown of the reim-bursement system covering doctors, dentists,opticians and mental health specialists.

Explains how to register with a GP and otherpractical information including pregnancy,cancer screening, disabilities and pharmacies.Especially written for Britons living in France.Published July 2, 2012

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

or 0844 256 9881 from UK (4p/min) to pay by credit card

€7.50ONLY

Excluding P&P

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

Please note: Subscriptions must reach us by the 16th of the month to ensure delivery of the next issue.

Brittany Pages ONE YEAR (12 EDITIONS)

To a French address: €10 (£9)

To a UK or other EU address: €18 (16)

The Connexion ONE YEAR (12 EDITIONS)To a French address: €33 (£30 by UK cheque)To a UK or other EU address: €44 (£40) Other addresses: €70 (£64)

BRITTANYPAGES

Packed with localnews, features

& events

The Connexion

France, in EnglishNews, interviews,practical info &

more

SUBSCRIBE

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

Online www.brittanypages.comwww.connexionfrance.com

Call FREE from France 0800 91 77 56Or for just 4p/min from the UK 0844 256 9881

Lines are open between 9am - 1pm

Post this coupon to Subscription Services, BP 61096, 06002 Nice Cedex 1

3 W

AYS

TO

SU

BS

CR

IBE

Live in Brittany? Subscribe to The Connexion andreceive Brittany Pages for FREE

Fill in your details (in capitals please):Name: ________________________________________________________________________________________________Address: ______________________________________________________________________________________________Town: __________________________________________Postcode: ____________________________________________Country : ______________________________________Telephone: ____________________________________________Email: ________________________________________________________________________________________________

The Connexion and receive Brittany Pages for FREE ONE YEAR (12 EDITIONS)To a Brittany address (22, 29, 35, and 56 departments only): €33 (£30 by UK cheque)

MAKING an outdoor kitchen can be fairly straightforward.First, decide where to locate it. Choose a flat space, not toofar from the water supply with no branches which couldoverhang a barbecue. An area of hard standing or concreteis useful but not essential. It simply depends on whetherstyle-wise you are aiming for Robinson Crusoe orSaint-Tropez.

Installing a kitchen sink is easy, especially if you alreadyhave a water supply or, at least, a rainwater butt in yourgarden. Cheap, second-hand stainless-steel sink tops areeasy to find at places like Emmaüs (find a local one onlineat pagesjaunes.fr) and very often come with the taps stillattached.

Once you have got one, you need to build a support for it;out of bricks and mortar if you want it to last but there isno reason why it should not sit on two dry stone end wallsor even two trestles if it is only designed to be there for thesummer and you do not mind it being a bit rickety. Staketrestles for extra stability using washing line and tent pegs.Otherwise cut a hole in an old table and sit your sink topinto that.

You will then need to cap off the hot water supply and riga hosepipe to supply the cold tap. For the outflow, thinkabout your garden and either run the used water into anirrigation system or a water butt for later use. Supply a sinkplug to prevent water being wasted and tie it to the tap so itdoes not get lost.

If hot water seems like a must, investigate the systemssold in camping shops. They are inexpensive and essential-ly consist of a plastic bag of water which you hang up inthe sun each morning so that it is hot by the end of the day.

Once you get this far, it is not complicated to add a worksurface and if you want to keep it clean, tiles might be agood idea but make sure they are safe to be frozen; normaldecorating tiles for indoor use will crack at the first frost. Avery slight slope forwards will help prevent puddles ofrainwater forming and make your tiles last longer.

Installing a barbecue can also be as complex or simple asyou chose. At its most basic, it could be a hollow in theground surrounded by large stones, but of course the mostfun project is to build the base from bricks and mortar,topping it off with a fireproof slab and adding a work topto one side.

When installing firebricks, remember to use fireproofcement as well. You can also buy fireproof sealing mastic.The barbecues you buy from DIY stores including a chim-ney may need planning permission and even if they do not,in the interest of world peace it may be a good idea to con-sult your neighbours before building one right beside aboundary fence.

Outdoor kitchens:more than a BBQ

Sinks and work surfaces can be easily set up outside

Photo: Tomm

aso Lizzul - Fotolia.com

Home and Garden 19Brittany Pages August 2012

Sponsored by les bocages

DAVE ROBINS - ARBORISTTrees inspected, crown-lifted, reduced or felled Hedges trimmed, renovated and pruned Forestry management plans prepared

Free consultations and quotes Copious amounts of advice given

Tel. 00 33 (0) 2 97 39 99 82 david.robins@wanadoo.frwww.lesbocages.com

GardeningFacts

IN THE midst of the hottestsummer month, thoughtsturn to staying cool andcomfortable.

Traditional systems such asceiling fans can be bought atlarge homeware stores such asLeroy Merlin, Mr Bricolageand Castorama. Prices canvary widely, but tend to bebetween €50 and €150,depending on size.

Although less popular inFrance than in the US, youcan choose to install air con-ditioning (climatisation).There is a wide range of unitsto choose from, and those fit-ted with a heat pump can alsohelp with heating in winter.

You can choose between aclimatiseur monobloc which ishung on a wall or window, ora “split” one which is move-able. The attached units aremore expensive but are gener-ally more powerful. However,they should only be used inrooms or studios smaller than30m2. For the “split” option,one of the units is placed out-side on a wall or patio, andthe other unit is inside.

Air conditioning costsbetween €300 and €5,000depending on the number ofunits you have and how pow-erful they are. When buying anew air conditioner, be sureto check it for size and noise.

If you have an old centralair conditioner, you mightwant to look at replacing theoutdoor compressor with ahigh-efficiency unit. Once inplace, maintain your air con-ditioner so that it works aswell as it can – this includescleaning the filter everymonth it is in use, as dust canreduce air flow.

Ducted air is anothermethod of air conditioning,although it can be moreexpensive. It consists of a sin-gle compressor and evapora-

tor which then circulate fil-tered air.

As for keeping cool outside,parasols and awnings can cre-ate much-needed shade. Sailshades from Australia are alsobecoming more popular inFrance.

Supplier Colin Lawrence,from Shade Sails France says:“Of the European countriesthat we supply, France is

probably the fastest growing.“We attribute this to the

need for shade – French peo-ple like to live outdoors in thesummer and the sun is veryhot – and also the French eyefor style.”

The shades are made of sailcloth, and come in triangularor square designs. MrLawrence adds: “The materialis permeable and allows hot

air to escape from under thefabric, unlike traditionalshade materials constructedfrom canvas, which tend totrap the heat.”

The shades provide UV pro-tection of over 92%: “They canbe used to provide a tempo-rary solution and just put upwhen the sun shines – simplyby tying the corners to a build-ing or tree. However, mostinstallations are semi-perma-nent – the sail only beingtaken down in the winter.”

When not in use, the sailscan be folded and dry stored.Prices range from €120 for a3.6m triangle to €255 for a5m square, and they come ingrey, sand and porcelain.

Meanwhile, if you want toextend the summer for as longas possible, outdoor heatingcan help you to make the mostof your garden, and there is achoice of patio heaters such asparasol, hanging and gazeboheaters, and free-standingelectric heaters. They range inprice from €119 to €459, andcan be bought from largehomeware stores.

Tips to beat the heat

“French people like to live outdoors inthe summer and the sun is very hot.The French also have an eye for style[when choosing a shade for the patio]Colin LawrenceShade Sails France (www.shadesailsfrance.com)

Whether you are indoors or outside, thereare many options available to you to helpcool down in the height of summer.REBECCA LAWN explains more

Shade sails are an increasingly popular option and are great at letting heat escape and keeping the sun’s rays out

Photo: Eric Marquez/Flickr

Air conditioning units attached to a wall or window are suitable for rooms under 30m2

Photo: Cyril Comtat - Fotolia.com

Photo: © Elenathew

ise - Fotolia.com

Berries and currants need regular care and attention

THIS MONTH we will be looking at soft fruit, the harvest-ing of which which is typically an end of summer activity.

Strawberries: Strawberries range from tiny woodlandAlpine plants that can be left to run along the edges ofwalls and gravel paths to the larger cultivars that cropfrom strawberry pots or on straw mounds in the potager.

They like sunny positions and are broken into Junefruiters and long-term fruiters, depending on how longthey produce fruit. To get a good crop you need to plantrunners a year in advance and replace the runners everythree years. This ideally results in a three-year cycle ofyoung plants, fruiters and pensioners. While they are fruit-ing, they have a high need for water to stop the fruit beingsmall and woody. Straw mats under the plants preventsmould developing and keeps slugs at bay.

Runners are selected by looking for healthy leaves thathave sprung on a stem from the main plant in early sum-mer. Select four from each mother plant. Where the leafnode touches the ground, pin this down to the soil using astone or a split stick. By late July/August you will be able tosever the stem and have a newly rooted baby plant to startfor next year.

Raspberries: Raspberries also come in two sorts – shorthigh-yielding summer fruiters and long term autumnfruiters that will produce until the first frosts. Raspberrycanes need a sheltered spot and a lot of well-rotted manureand compost to perform well. Putting up a light wire trellisalongside the plants is a good idea as they will grow into thisand be supported. In winter, dormant plants should beplanted and cut back to 10cm high. This ensures that theplant first puts energy into the root system. The first yearthey should be let to develop just leaves and roots and fruitshould be removed before it ripens.

For long fruiters, they need the top third taken out dur-ing their second winter. From then on they will fruit fromthe newly developed stems each year. Fruited stems need tobe cut back to keep the plants healthy after each season.Mulch well with manure and compost each autumn andwinter. For short summer fruiters, cut back to ground levelin winter and in spring, select the strongest six or sevenshoots to fruit and cut the rest. Repeat each winter.

Currants: Black, red or white, these are great to growat the back of a border. All will fruit in mid-summer andwill crop heavily even in shade. Their one requirement isplenty of mulch and compost in spring to keep them going.

Plant new bushes in mid-winter when dormant and cutback to the lowest bud. This will encourage vigorousgrowth. They crop from mid-summer through to lateautumn and should be cut back by two thirds each year tokeep them healthy. Currants are one of the longest livedfruiters and can stay fruiting for many years.

Caring for softsummer fruits

20 Property Brittany Pages August 2012

Buying or selling a property? We can help.

Our website www.connexionfrance.com carries details ofmore than 14,000 homes for sale across France.

We also feature properties for sale in this dedicated sectionof the paper each month. To find out more about any particular property, go to www.connexionfrance.com andenter the ref: code shown under the property.

For sellers, the adverts are also displayed across a range ofpopular English- speaking websites and are seen by thousands of potential buyers EVERY day. Our 3+3 pack-

age costs just €200TTC and gives you three months onlineadvertising as well as a print advert in three editions of theBrittany Pages. Our 6+6 package is best value at €330TTCand provides the same, but for six months via each channel.

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

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

PROPERTIES IN BRITTANY

The adverts above cost from just €200TTC for three months of web advertising and three months of print advertising. Let our distribution get you a sale. Contact our sales team on 0800 91 77 56 (freephone in France) or email sales@connexionfrance.com

More details on all these properties - and how to contact the seller directly - can be found in the property for sale section of

www.connexionfrance.comSimply enter the code under each home to find out more

Houses for sale across FranceSponsored by

www.fabrick22.com

Building your dreams...Bespoke Building Solutions

Specialist in Period and CharacterRenovations

Pre-purchase Property Assessment

Septic Tank Installations

In house Architectural Service

REF: FP-26820JC29

€€288,900

ENERGY RATING = Not given

FinistèreFive bedroom renovated housemakes a great family or holidayhome.

REF: FP-26406DH22

€€99,000

ENERGY RATING = Not given

PlouguenastThis pretty two bedroomdetached country home offersthe chance to have a fantasticholiday home.

REF: KERGLOFFB02EEJU

€€81,000

ENERGY RATING = Not given

FinistèreTwo bedroom detached stonehouse with garden. In need ofmodernisation.

REF: 10327

€€324,850

ENERGY RATING = Not given

DinanFour bedroom partly renovatedhouse with enclosed garden andseparate garage.

REF: KPS 1835

€€347,750

ENERGY RATING = D

GouarecFabulous complex of three 16thcentury properties (gîtes) whichhave been sympatheticallyrestored. Comprises buildingused as a play area, large groundsand swimming pool.

REF: 2864

€€371,000

ENERGY RATING = Not given

Côtes-d'ArmorThree bedroom Water Mill set on6.8 hectares of land.

REF: 700586

€€399,000

ENERGY RATING = D

Côtes-d'ArmorThis impressive four bedroomcountry house with exposedbeams, two granite fireplacesand terracotta flooring this is ahouse full of charm and origi-nality.

REF: 3262

€€122,700

ENERGY RATING = E & F

Côtes-d'ArmorThis two bedroom house hasapproximately two acres of land

REF: 278

€€171,720

ENERGY RATING = Not given

SeglienFour bedroom charming stonehouse has been renovated on 3levels. Includes lounge/livingroom, kitchen, laundry room,shower room, garage and gar-den.

REF: L10077

€€130,995

ENERGY RATING = E

Côtes-d'ArmorTwo bedroom house well main-tained of about 820 sqm of land.Comprises dining area, livingroom, bathroom, garage andlaundry room, workshop

REF: 700269

€€200,000

ENERGY RATING = C

Les ForgesThis three bedroom countryhouse has been totally renovatedto a very high standard. Consistsof two large reception rooms,kitchen, garden, pond andswimming pool.

REF: FP-25745DH22

€€162,000

ENERGY RATING = Not given

Côtes-d'ArmorThis stunning five bedroomdetached property arrange overthree floors.

REF: FP-25655JCF22

€€235,400

ENERGY RATING = Not given

BotlezanBeautifully restored three bed-room farmhouse is set ingrounds of around 4000m2.

REF: 11274

€€259,650

ENERGY RATING = Not given

DinanFour bedroom beautiful 17thcentury stone house with lots ofcharacter consists of large livingroom, kitchen, one bathroom,one en-suite shower room, ter-race, garden and large hangar.

REF: 2883

€€96,500

ENERGY RATING = Not given

Côtes-d'ArmorTwo bedroom house with greatpotential, garden, garage andoutbuilding.

Business and Legal 21Brittany Pages August 2012

RISING fuel and commodityprices, unstable exchangerates, regulation and bureau-cracy are just a few of theissues constantly in play whenyou are running a business.Add to this list the negativeside of globalisation whichhas produced huge corpora-tions, usually with the overalleffect of reducing the numberof people employed – unem-ployed people create littleconsumer demand.

Unfortunately the growth ofglobalisation has created, orcoincided with, developmentof a greed-based society inmany quarters. Nowhere isthis more evident than inbanking, a sector that used tobe regarded as the pillar ofsociety.

The opposite end of societysees mass unemploymentamong young people acrossEurope, this time incorporat-ing a very large number ofgraduates – one must hopethis does not lead to wide-spread civil unrest.

The issue of education in

the economic discussionneeds to be addressed: whilethe number of graduates hasincreased many employerscomplain they cannot recruitthe staff of the calibre andqualifications they require intheir businesses.

One might compare theeducation in France and theUnited Kingdom. France hasan emphasis on core subjectswhich generally leads to uni-versity or trade qualification.The British system has hadmore variety but seems tohave been more geared to aca-demic results to satisfy leaguetables than employmentneeds; while there has been alarge increase in graduatesthere is a dearth of qualifiedtechnical and trades people.

There is a strong argumentthat economic growth willonly come from small tomedium-sized businesses andentrepreneurs. Globalisationand education both have animpact if this is to happen inthe medium to long term.

There is a need for more

local businesses serving andcreating jobs in their commu-nity, not more large businessacquisitions. Education simi-larly needs to adjust, Francesupplies the artisans it needsbut could benefit from anapproach that encouragesentrepreneurs. British educa-tion needs to create a posi-tion where practical andtechnical qualifications are ashighly regarded as a universi-ty degree.

Once the shift in education-al outlook has been madethere has to be long-termplanning and support, finan-cial and otherwise, to growthe relevant business sectors -for example manufacturing inBritain and small businessesin France.

The big barrier to all thesethings happening is therequirement to generate cul-tural change and make bigdecisions for the long term.The lack of decisive action in

the eurozone for so long doesnot bode well.

Small businesses are held upas the solution to growth butcannot be expected to do italone, governments muststart looking beyond the nextelection manifesto; they havebeen elected to represent thepeople, not to look after theirown careers.

The electorate also needs toengage in the process anddemand the cultural changethat will eliminate or reducegreed and malpractice inlarge businesses, they mustalso hold their government toaccount for an education sys-tem that leads to employmentand creates an environmentthat allows businesses to startup and grow locally.

One can only hope we canimprove the business andeveryday society by makingthe cultural shift from shortterm avarice to long termsustainability.

Photo: © m

ichaeljung - Fotolia.com

Small businesses could be the solutionto restarting economic growth, but theyare swimming against the tide whenthey have to battle against a raft ofproblems just to stay afloat. JIM ADCOCKlooks at the issues

JIM ADCOCK moved to France in 2007 after many years’ experience in corporateand small businesses, including practical freelance support. He runs Stairs2measure.com, providing made-to-measure wooden staircases, and is a foundermember of The Brittany Business Network. He writes regularly for the Brittany Pageson local business issues and welcomes your feedback, comments and input.

The Brittany Business Network: www.synergienet.com

Business information: www.apce.com

Auto-entrepreneur regime:www.lautoentrepreneur.fr

To find SIREN numbers: www.infogreffe.fr

Useful business websites

To contact Jim Adcock directly,email brittany@outsourced-org.com

Small businesses needthe freedom to succeed

Answered by

IN FRANCE, when the property is purchased in jointnames, without any specific indication in the deed of sale, itis presumed that the property is held on an equal basis.This reflects the reality in most cases but not always.

Also the civil code provides that if a joint owner wants toleave the joint ownership, he or she is free to do so and canindeed insist on a forced sale of the property if no agree-ment is reached on the value of his or her share.

Ideally to avoid any future difficulties, the notaire shouldhave asked you to confirm the origins of the funds and youshould have explained who was financing what and inwhich proportion.

However your situation is not as desperate as you may fear.The courts have allowed the presumption of equal ownershipto be challenged. They have accepted the claim that oneparty contributed more than the other and so on terminationof the joint ownership, the price owed to the outgoing ownermay not necessarily be half of the value of the property.

How can this be achieved? Both parties will have to bring evidence to justify their con-tribution. For instance you will have to prove: That the purchase monies came from your own

resources, for example, a family inheritance, sale of a prop-erty in your sole name etc… How much you contributed to the costs of improving

the property and the maintenance charges. Your partnerwill have to do the same. If the property was purchased with a loan, you can also

show that the loan was serviced in unequal proportion byproving how the mortgage repayments were financed.

The differences in the financing of the purchase and lateron in the maintenance of the property will hopefully beagreed and thus a fair settlement reached. If this cannot beachieved, you could instruct a professional (such as anotaire) who will be able to act as the intermediary and alsoassist you and your partner in the calculation of yourrespective shares.

My partner and I bought a property in France, in jointnames, although I contributed to the purchase pricefrom my own resources and paid for most of theimprovements and the maintenance bills. We have splitup and she now claims that she is entitled to half of thevalue of the property. I made her an offer of 20% of thevalue, which she refused, and is instead threatening toforce the sale of the house. Is there a way that this canbe sorted out? G.M.

We’ve separated:who owns what?

Photo: © kotomiti - Fotolia.com

With twenty years of experience in theAnglo-French legal systems,

Agnès Crompton-Roberts, Avocatare the choice legal representatives

SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDE ADVICE ON:LITIGATION DEBT RECOVERY PROBLEMS WITHFRENCH FIRMS PROPERTY DISPUTES BUSINESSSET-UP PROBATE FRENCH INHERITANCE LAW

CONVEYANCING ACCIDENTS AND PERSONAL INJURY

Agnès Crompton-Roberts Avocatwww.abcfrenchlaw.com

Tel: +33 (0) 962 33 5884 Mob: +33 (0)6 16 38 94 15

LegalNotes

THE authoritative guide tobuying a home in FranceWritten by the Notaires de France and published by Conseils des Notaires. Available in English from The Connexion, priced €7.50 or £7 (plus postage and packaging)

See our website www.connexionfrance.com

Education policy needs reformingif we are to find tomorrow’sskilled business leaders

22 Property Brittany Pages August 2012

PROPERTIES AROUND FRANCE

REF: 42067

€€80,250

ENERGY RATING = Not given

Orne, NormandyThis two bedroom stone houseis set on 625m2 of garden.

REF: MANTILLY128ONP

€€96,300

ENERGY RATING = Not given

Mantilly, NormandyThree bedroom detached stonehouse set of 1.72 acres lands

REF: FP-26630KR61

€€61,000

ENERGY RATING = Not given

Orne, NormandyLots of potential for this onebedroom stone cottage with pri-vate gardens and two storey barnattached.

REF: 45039

€€75,446

ENERGY RATING = Not given

Manche, NormandyThis charming two bedroomstone house is set in 0.22 acresof land with outbuildings and aspacious garden.

REF: BVI0004873

€€95,000

ENERGY RATING = F

Ribérac, DordogneFour bedroom Maison de Maitrecomprises two reception rooms,adjoining barn and garden ontwo levels. In need of renova-tion.

REF: 10765-TNTLA87000E

€€87,000

ENERGY RATING = Not given

Hérault, LanguedocIn a hamlet at 5 minutes fromLamalou les Bains, nice buildingplot, gently sloping, of 1450 m2

with dominating position andviews.

REF: 700032

€€72,050

ENERGY RATING = Not given

Near Espéraza, LanguedocThese two adjoined village hous-es are located in the centre ofChalabre. In need of renovationoffer the opportunity to createtwo holiday homes or a familyhome with rental house attached.

REF: 47001

€€160,000

ENERGY RATING = Not given

Corgnac-sur-l'Isle, DordogneThis three bedroom in goodcondition set on 1400m2 of landconsist of bathroom, lounge withfireplace, fitted kitchen andgarage.

REF: 100561

€€112,000

ENERGY RATING = Not given

Near Saint-Cyprien, DordogneThis one bedroom house com-prises kitchen, living room,bathroom, large attic, cellar(36m2), courtyard and large gar-den.

REF: 300172

€€141,000

ENERGY RATING = Not given

Cenac et St Julien, DordogneThree bedroom charmingmedieval village has been taste-fully restored. Includes large liv-ing area with open kitchen, din-ing room, lounge with fireplace,shower room and attic.

REF: 200242

€€135,000

ENERGY RATING = Not given

Monpazier, DordogneWooden two bedroom housecomprises living room withopen plan kitchen, bathroom,WC, back kitchen, storeroom,garage and workshop on a plotof 2532m2.

REF: 10947-38441066

€€180,000

ENERGY RATING = Not given

Beaumont-du-Périgord,DordogneThis renovated two bedroomPerigordian stone house has aheated swimming pool and isjust 25 mins from Bergerac air-port.

REF: 200533

€€190,000

ENERGY RATING = Not given

Belvès, DordogneOld Perigourdine rural housecomprises three bedroom, , liv-ing room/dining room withopen plan kitchen and old chim-ney 42m2, terrace, large cellarand old bread furnace.

REF: 13568s

€€107,257

ENERGY RATING = Not given

Manche, NormandyTwo pretty little two bedroomhouses with charming gardens,wood store and workshop. Agreat opportunity to buy apeaceful holiday home hide-away!!

REF: 13817s

€€164,300

ENERGY RATING = E & C

Manche, NormandyBeautifully presented house seton an acre of land compriseskitchen/breakfast room, diningroom, lounge, and utility room.

REF: 10947-33846931

€€159,000

ENERGY RATING = Not given

Sommery, NormandyThis lovingly renovated threebedroom detached house andonly a 45 minute drive to theferry port at Dieppe.

REF: IFPC21441

€€150,000

ENERGY RATING = G & D

Eure, NormandyThis beautiful traditionalNormandy house is situated onthe edge of Brionne which hasexcellent facilities for both shop-ping and leisure

REF: BOUREY5120

€€185,500

ENERGY RATING = Not given

Bourey, NormandyThree bedroom detached stoneproperty set on 1.13 acres ofland. In need renovation.

REF: 700054

€€174,400

ENERGY RATING = E

Hambye, NormandyThree bedroom renovated beau-tiful property has a feature gran-ite fireplace which is offset bythe traditional Normandy open-beamed ceiling.

REF: 10947-38411933

€€190,800

ENERGY RATING = Not given

Heberville, NormandyThis attractive three bedroomNormandy-style house has alarge garden, two outbuildingsand is just a 45-minute drivefrom the ferry port at Dieppe.

REF: 110154035

€€178,000

ENERGY RATING = D & B

Secteur Marseillette,LanguedocCharming and renovated threebedroom village house includes aliving room, fitted kitchen, show-er room, summer kitchen, veran-da, terrace and garage.

REF: FP-25574LHS11

€€136,000

ENERGY RATING = Not given

Ginestas, LanguedocA pretty two bedroom house sit-uated in a very quiet location.

REF: LAR-691

€€120,000

ENERGY RATING = D & C

Couiza, Aude, LanguedocThis beautifully four bedroomrestored, south facing, townhouse over 4 floors consist ofnew kitchen, new bathroom, asummer kitchen, a dining room,terrace and courtyard.

REF: 2193

€€142,000

ENERGY RATING = D & E

Quillan, LanguedocThree bedroom house detachedhouse in good order withmature garden 760m2. Includessitting room, dining room, fittedkitchen, large bathroom, terraceand separate garage.

REF: 110153659

€€163,000

ENERGY RATING = E & E

Secteur Marseillette,LanguedocBeautiful four bedroom houseincludes opened kitchen on theliving / dining room, two bath-rooms, separate toilet, garden ,garage and workshop.

REF: 39568

€€220,000

ENERGY RATING = D

Hautefort, DordogneThis two bedroom beautiful stoneperigourdinde with character isset in 690m2 of land. Comprises aliving room with fitted andequipped corner kitchen, showerroom and large basement.

REF: BNO-643

€€200,000

ENERGY RATING = Not given

Near Caumont-l’Éventé,NormandyThis spacious, detached countryhouse (barn conversion)includes outbuildings, garageand large garden.

REF: IFPC20915

€€237,500

ENERGY RATING = Not given

Seine-Maritime, NormandyFormer Monastery set in 12acres in a secluded valley, thissix bedroom Farmhouseincludes outbuildings.

REF: JPB810

€€220,000

ENERGY RATING = Not given

Bize Minervois area,LanguedocSingle storey, four bedroomedhouse comprises living room,kitchen area, sitting room, bath-room, dressing room and showerroom and garden.

REF: 200428

€€200,000

ENERGY RATING = Not given

Monpazier, DordogneThis beautiful four bedroomhouse includes hall, living/diningroom with chimney, kitchen,bathroom, two separate WC,garage, WC, utility room, kitchenand garden of 3100m2.

Property and Finance 23Brittany Pages August 2012

PROPERTIES AROUND FRANCE

FINANCESponsored by

REF: 300428

€€264,000

ENERGY RATING = Not given

Gourdon, DordogneFour bedroom bungalow with1970 m2 of land comprise fittedkitchen, lounge/dining-room,bathroom, en suite, utility room,terrace, garden, outbuilding andswimming-pool.

REF: 700058

€€245,000

ENERGY RATING = D

St Paul Lizonne, DordogneFour bedroom modern houseincludes two kitchens, showerroom, en suite, balcony, office,large garden, three vine coveredterraces, integral garage, work-shop and swimming pool.

REF: IFPC21434

€€240,000

ENERGY RATING = Not given

Eure, NormandyThree bedrooms house withoriginal features includes ter-race, double garage, outbuildingsand garden.

REF: IFPC1623

€€298,000

ENERGY RATING = D & E

Le Bec Hellouin, NormandyThis four bedroom house is afully restored set 4000m2 of landin a popular holiday area.

REF: IFPC22011

€€275,000

ENERGY RATING = Not given

Hérault, LanguedocLa Farigoulette is a three bed-roomed, south facing stonehouse consists of living, diningarea, bathroom, shower room,separate WC, two terraces andswimming pool.

REF: 10765-CA341000E

€€286,000

ENERGY RATING = C

Hérault, LanguedocStone wine barn converted to avery charming spacious fourbedroom home with 700 m2 ofvery easy maintenance landlargely stone paved.

REF: 8351

€€329,000

ENERGY RATING = Not given

Ribérac, DordogneFour bedroom consist two fittedkitchens, dining room, lounge,summer room, veranda, poolroom, terrace, swimming pool,double garage, 2 acres of gardenand 1/2 acre of wooden land.

REF: 3357

€€389,500

ENERGY RATING = Not given

Belvès, DordogneTwo bedroom house set on 6hectares of land.

REF: BELLEME

€€352,000

ENERGY RATING = Not given

Les Sablons, NormandyLast four building plots close tothe fairway, all perfectly locatedin the new village of Haut Val.

REF: 300531

€€449,000

ENERGY RATING = Not given

Beynac, DordognePerigordian style three bedroomhouse set on 1842 m2 of land.Includes lounge/dining-room,kitchen, bathroom, en suite,shower room, terrace, summerkitchen and double-garage.

Sponsored by

The on-going instability in global markets has causedexchange rates to fluctuate dramatically, which presents real problems for anyone who is moving money overseas, says Jeremy Cook of World First.

IT SEEMS strange to think that the debt crisis in Europehas only been going on for just over two years. For those ofus in the markets it feels like it has been dragging on a lotlonger. What started in Greece then leaked into Portugal,jumped to Ireland and then back to the Mediterranean tohit Italy and Spain.

Throughout the crisis it has been obvious to those of uson the outside that the Eurozone was never truly sustain-able without the political and fiscal union that comesalongside monetary policy unification. A scenario whichhas come a few steps closer to becoming a reality followingthe recent agreement on bank recapitalisation which washeralded as a 'breakthrough moment' at the end of June.

The on-going crisis has led to legitimate speculationabout countries leaving the Eurozone and even provokedconjecture that there will be a complete dissolution of thesingle currency - although there only a few who believethat this will be allowed to happen. Unsurprisingly, this hascaused a weakening of the euro, which has reached nearfour-year lows against the pound in the last few weeks.

If we look at the figures there is obviously an issue whichneeds to be taken seriously: On June 29, 2011 - £200,000would buy you €223,287. By June 29, 2012 - that same£200,000 would buy you €249,598.

Before this recent euro devaluation, UK bank accountholders moving money to Europe have been one of themost frustrated parties throughout the financial crisis as,despite the fears over the Eurozone, the euro has remainedrelatively overvalued versus the pound.

A recent poll of banks and brokers has expectations ofwhere GBP/EUR will be trading in 6 months' time from aslow as 1.11 to as high as 1.39. The truth is that nobodyreally has any idea what will happen. While there is theopportunity for a decent round of upside there is also thepossibility that these recent gains into the 1.20s may vanishbefore our eyes.

Either way, volatility in the currency markets is likely toremain a challenge for those managing overseas funds forthe foreseeable future. There is a significant amount of risksurrounding the Eurozone at the moment and trying topredict upcoming moves is becoming increasingly difficult.Some careful forward planning is certainly a wise movewhen it comes to managing your international payments.

No-one can reallypredict euro rates

Currency NotesJeremy Cook, chief economist at foreignexchange company, World First, talksabout the Euro and other currencies.

www.worldfirst.com+44 20 7801 1050

For more informationabout making international money transfers with World Firstvisit the website www.worldfirst.com or call +44 20 7801 1050

Photo: © spaceport9

- Fotolia.com

Exchange ratechanges pose aproblem

Can you please explain how bank overdrafts operate inFrance and some of the differences with UK banks? F.A.

Your bank manager can vary overdraft interest rates

ONE OF the differences you may find in France is theimportance of a good relationship with the bank manager.Branches can often set interest rates or waive penalties as agoodwill gesture and can deal with overdrafts on a case-by-case basis. In the UK things may be less flexible.

Even if you have no organised overdraft facility, yourbank may tolerate the occasional one-off dip into the red(but it is not obliged to).

There are also agreed arrangements for going into over-draft, called either a facilité de caisse or a découvert autorisé,and an overdraft facility is standard in many accounts. Thebasic amounts offered, however, are not as in UK banks.

One difference between the two types is that a facilité decaisse is specifically intended for very short-term cash-flowdifficulties –and generally specifies that your account willbe in the black a given number of days a month (often 15),which is not the case with a découvert autorisé.

Overdraft arrangements should be detailed in the conven-tion de compte you signed on opening the account and youwill find details in the tariffs documents banks send outannually. Bank statements also carry such information.

Interest rates are variable and are indexed against a basicrate for the bank, increased by a certain margin. Bankingrules currently set a maximum of 19.15% per year (thoughauthorised overdrafts are generally well below this). This isapplied daily to the actual amount overdrawn and the fees(often called agios) are debited each month or quarter.

An unauthorised overdraft is when you exceed agreedlimits, but the bank honours the payments anyway. TheFrench Banking Federation says banks may tolerate this fora brief period, charging a fee for each transaction, called acommission d'intervention, as well as agios that are usuallyat a higher rate than those with an authorised overdraft.

However transactions above a certain size or that pushyour balance below a certain level (see your account termsand conditions) will automatically be refused – and refusalsalso attract fees. In such a case you must contact your bankquickly, as there is a risk of being banned from usingcheques, especially if there are several rejections or moneyis not deposited as soon as possible.

Bank manager canhelp on overdrafts

WHEN François Hollande and hispartner Valérie Trierweiler visitedBrest last month, he was keeping apromise he made at the maritimefestival Les Tonnerres de Brest backin 2008. “He promised to come backif he was elected president in 2012and he did,” says festival spokes-woman Chantal Guillerm.

A crowd of about 100,000 peopleturned out to greet the presidentialparty on the dockside. Unphased,the new president wandered casuallythrough the crowd, shaking hands,kissing children, and chatting topeople. “It was his idea. He wantedto make the visit very informal, verydown-to-earth,” says Ms Guillerm.“He wanted to meet people and bepart of the crowd.”

After meeting the crowds, the pres-ident went to Océanopolis, Brest’shuge museum of oceanography, andsaw the new “abyss box” which is apressurised tank housing deep-seashellfish. “I’m very happy to be backin Brittany, a young and dynamicregion,” he said. He then visited thenaval base. It was his second trip tothe area in the space of a few weeks;he visited the ballistic missile sub-marine earlier in the month.

The Tonnerres de Brest takes placeevery four years, and is one of thelargest gatherings of tall ships – notto mention one of the largest parties– in the world. This year the festival,which ran from July 13 to 19,involved around 2,000 traditionaltall ships, 15,000 sailors, 130,000embarkations, 5,000 volunteers,2,000 musicians and attracted a mil-lion visitors.

France, says Ms Guillerm, is a sea-going nation with a long maritimehistory and the Tonnerres de Brestcelebrates that. She sees it as almostlike a maritime history lesson forpeople, about how people exploredand discovered the world. Navigationand discovery were the motors fordevelopment in Europe, she says.Sailors have always journeyed far andwide, and their technical knowledgehas always been shared.

“Maritime history is a world story,a story of exploration, discovery andresearch and the festival reflects thattoo because it is truly international.People and vessels come from allover the world.”

This year the guests of honourwere Indonesia, Mexico, Morocco,Norway and Russia. Each countryset up its own “village” to displaytheir maritime culture, and eachoffered activities and displays. “It’simpossible to say which was thebusiest or most popular,” says anoth-er festival spokeswoman, GeraldineBonneau. “But I particularly enjoyedthe Russian village. They broughttwo of the largest sailing ships in theworld with them, and an ice-breakerwhich was incredibly popular.”

Fishing boats, religious cere-monies, pleasure craft, militaryflotillas, rowing boats, woodenboats, huge ceremonial gilded craft– it was all there, along with musi-cians, dancers and storytellers tobring the tall tales to life.

“The Tonnerres fills the city withsailors from all corners of the globeso it’s also about conviviality andfriendliness. But it’s also an exhibi-tion of the region,” says MsGuillerm. “It highlights the best ofBrittany and shows off maritimeFrance to the whole world.”

There was even a section devoted tomaritime culture from the Arctic.People could learn how to build a tra-ditional kayak, experience life in atraditional Inuit yurt, find out allabout polar bears, watch films about

the flora and fauna of the region andtry paddling a sea-going kayak.

In the agriculture and fishing vil-lage, farmers and fishing crewsshowed off their produce and theirknowhow. It was a chance to tasteand buy local delicacies and for chil-dren to see farm animals. Cookingdemonstrations, a photographyexhibition, and numerous fun andeducational activities for childrenkept the crowds coming. There werealso multiple chance to sample thelocal cider.

A smaller exhibition was equallyfascinating: notebooks filled withsketches, descriptions and diarynotes belonging to travellers, sailorsand explorers. The art and writinginspired by the sea and by ocean-travel in general is of course amongliterary favourites the world over.

If the tall ships are the big attrac-tion for many people, the sciencevillage was also very popular. Thesea is hugely important to the world

economically, culturally and envi-ronmentally, and around 70% of theworld’s population live within 50miles of a coastline. The science vil-lage reminded people that the sea’secosystems can be fragile and thatthe seas need protecting as aresource. It also exhibited the city’stradition of maritime teaching,training, scientific development andresearch. “It’s a matter of explaininghow the seas work, how they can bedestroyed and showing people whatall the institutions actually do inBrest,” says Ms Guillerm.

There were other land-based activ-ities including concerts, talks, streetentertainers and dancing. Piratesroamed the city, in some cases arm-in-arm with Vikings, and there wasno shortage of merry musicians tojoin in the fun.

“We’ve had lots of good reactions,the Saturday crowd broke allrecords, everyone has been veryenthusiastic,” says Ms Bonneau. “I’d

say it was a superb edition of LesTonnerres.” It was difficult to decidewhat was the star draw, she says.“Obviously the arrival of the presi-dent drew huge crowds, but theKrys New York to Brest Ocean Racearrived in Brest during the festivaland that was thrilling. The twoevents happening at the same timewas definitely a highlight.”

The other very popular attractionwas the Terre et Mer village, whichfeatured a long list of media person-alities and celebrities. The festivalended with the traditional seaparade to Douarmenez. “It all wentvery well. We were particularlylucky with the weather,” says MsGuillerm. “It stayed mostly dry andsunny for the whole week which wasgreat, especially as the forecast was-n't optimistic.”

The next Tonnerres de Brest willbe in 2016 and the organisers arealready discussing themes and mak-ing plans.

24 The Back Page Brittany Pages August 2012

Sea festival welcomes the world

Tel: +33 (0)1 57 32 42 31 Email: recruitment@vacationrentalsarl.frCarte Professionelle No 11042 - Garantie Financiere EUR 7,000,000 Lloyds (RCS VRS Cannes No B445 210 537)

Vacation Rental Sarl in partnership with...

Win more bookings more easily, for reliable

income

Market-leading websites and unrivalled

marketing

Personal support from a locally based Regional

Manager

The UK’s top letting agency, fully licensed and

bonded to operate in France

Open your door to eight million paying guests...Choose us to let your holiday property and you can reach more than eight million potential customers. Right now, there’s huge demand for cottages, gites, houses and villas perfect for a family holiday.

by SAMANTHA DAVID

“It highlights the best of Brittany and showsoff maritime France to the whole worldFestival spokeswoman

François Hollande was among the million-plus visitors to the tall ships festival, Les Tonnerres

Photo: Dam

ien Meyer

Photo: Dom

inique Le Roux

Photo: Marcel M

ochet