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AdvertiserThe
NORMANDYPublished by ConnexionThe
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February 2010 - Issue 2
Will the snow be back? PAGE 3
GGrraannvv ii ll lleeCCaarnivrnivaallDon’t come if youonly want to watch!
THE BIGGEST English-lan-guage university in mainlandEurope could be built inNormandy.
The region wants to attractthousands of people from theUK, France and all over theworld to study a broad range ofsubjects at an all-English cam-pus in the centre of Caen.
Councillors will be approach-ing several key British univer-sities in April, includingOxford and Cambridge, to dis-cuss partnerships and anexchange of students and visit-ing lecturers.
A site for the huge campushas already been identified onthe stretch of industrial land in
the Caen basin heading outtowards Ouistreham – whichalready houses a fine-arts andmusic school.
Basse-Normandie regionalvice-president Alain Tourrethas included the proposal in areport on a possible mergerwith Haute-Normandie. Hesays the region is too depend-ent on Paris and should createbetter links with the UK.
“At the moment, a universitylike this does not exist,” he said.“Look around Europe andyou’ll see tuition in Englishwithin bigger universities andspecialist schools, but no biggeneral English campus.”
Continued on page 16
FREE €30 BOTTLE OF BORDEAUX WINEfor every new subscriber when they dine atManoir de la Pommeraie near Vire
Terms and conditions apply see page 6
Link-up with topUK universities
UK: Caen is to approach Cambridge to discuss a link-up
CAEN PLANSALL-ENGLISHUNIVERSITY
Biggest campus oftype on Continent
Thousands to studyrange of courses
PAGE 5
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The Advertiser, Normandy February 20102 News
Printed by Rotimpres, Impressions Rotatives, 17181 Aiguaviva (Girona), Espagne
All copyright is reserved to the publisher. Reproduction in whole or part of anytext without permission is prohibited. The Advertiser cannot accept responsibil-
ity for claims of advertisers or their professionalism.Mensuel Depôt légal – a parution. RCS: 447 471 483 APE: 221C
Environmental policyThe Advertiser isprinted on recyclednewspaper.We use a printing
company which adheres to stringent regulations toreduce pollution.
Editorial: 04 86 68 50 40 Advertising: 04 83 93 60 08Fax: 04 93 08 68 74
Email: [email protected]
Adverts: [email protected]
Write to: The Advertiser, BP 25, 06480 La Colle sur Loup, France
Directrice de la Publication (Managing Editor): Sarah SmithRédactrice-en-Chef (Editor-in-Chief): Sarah Smith
The Advertiser is published by The Connexion GroupRegistered offices: 9 Orchard Gardens, Dawlish EX7 9HE.
12 rue Rossini, 06000 Nice
Editor: Sarah SmithContributors: PatriciaMansfield-Devine, Ray Clancy, MaggieWakefield, SinéadAllart, Sally Ann Voak,Paul McNallyDesign and layout: Wil Pace, Dave Cooper,Gemma Hill
Contact Us
Useful ContactsEMERGENCIESSamu (medical aid): 15Sapeurs-pompiers: 18Police/gendarmerie: 17Duty pharmacy: 3237
More contacts, page 14
HOSPITALSCaen: 02 31 51 51 51Cherbourg: 02 33 20 70 00Avranches: 02 33 89 40 00Flers: 02 33 62 62 00Le Havre: 02 32 73 32 32Rouen: 02 32 88 89 90
NORMANDY residents aremoving out of the big towns fora quieter life in the country-side, new census figures reveal. Avranches, Cherbourg, Saint-
Lô, Argentan, Caen andAlençon all show a populationdecline. More living space,cheaper properties and theavailability of broadband inter-net access have helped con-tribute to strong growth in anumber of the region’s villages.
In the Orne, Mâle andMagny-le-Désert have seentheir populations rise by about15% since 1999. Argentan lost8.7% of its population over thesame period, Flers 6.7% andAlençon 3.2%.
Avranches was the worst hitof the big towns in theManche, with numbers down6.5%. At the same time, sever-al communes on the west coastof the Manche, north of
Granville, reported a popula-tion boost including Pirou,Bréhal, Donville-les-Bains andMontmartin-sur-Mer.
It is a similar story inCalvados, where Caen’s popula-
tion fell 0.7% in a year accord-ing to the 2007 census whichhas just been made public.
City mayor and MP PhilippeDuron said building newhouses was a priority to stemthe decline. There were alsodrops in Falaise and Bayeux.
Censuses in France havebeen done annually since2004. Not everyone is countedat the same time - small com-munes provide comprehensivefigures every five years whiletowns with more than 10,000residents use a sample of 8% ofthe population each year.
The results are eagerly await-ed by local mayors becausethey determine the subsidiesthey receive from the govern-ment. Overall, Normandy’spopulation in 2007 was 3.35million – up 0.3% in a year.
The five faces of Normandy,pages 8-9
ALENCON: 3.2% decline
Residents leaving townfor quieter country life
Events celebrateDeauville’s 150thDEAUVILLE is laying on 365special events to celebrate the150th anniversary year of thechic seaside resort. Frenchdirector Claude Lelouch will befilming on the beach onValentine’s Day (see page 7).
www.deauville-2010.fr
N12 upgrade dueto finish in JuneA project to turn the N12between Alençon andMortagne-au-Perche (Orne)into a dual carriageway looksset to be completed by June.Roadworks began on the 10kmstretch in 2004.
New hospital withA&E in St HilaireSAINT-Hilaire-du-Harcouët(Manche) will get a new hospi-tal by 2012, the HealthMinistry has announced. The€13m facility will be built onthe site of the Logis d’Airon andincludes an A&E department.
Revolt as villagepriest dismissedPARISHIONERS at the villagechurch in Thiberville (Eure)have rebelled against the dis-missal of their local priestafter 20 years. A skirmishbroke out at Sunday mass aschurchgoers booed theBishop of Evreux when hearrived to announce thereplacement. They have askedthe Vatican to intervene.
Norman galette for SarkozyBAKERS in the Seine-Maritimeare celebrating after being pickedto make this year’s galette des roiscake for president NicolasSarkozy. Xavier Coupel, PatriceLarchevêque and DamienPaineau at the Institut Nationalde Boulangerie-Pâtisserie inRouen spent two days preparing
the 30kg, 1.2m-wide cake whichwas shared among Elysée staff.
A different French departmentis chosen each year. The presi-dent’s galette does not comewith a lucky charm – entitlingthe finder to be king for a day –because this is not consideredsuitable for his position.
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TRIO: Finished galette
The Advertiser, Normandy February 2010 News 3
Winter sales off todisappointing startSHOPKEEPERS around theregion have reported a drop incustomers at the Winter salesbecause of the weather. The sol-des are a vital time for retailers– some make a quarter of theiryear’s takings in five weeks.
Mont-Saint-Michelgets 24-hour patrolA PERMANENT fire patrolstation has been opened at theMont-Saint-Michel allowingpompiers to protect the monu-ment 24 hours a day. It will bemanned all year round by atleast two firefighters fromAvranches. Until now, it wouldtake about 20 minutes to reachthe scene if an alarm went off.
GP can now giveyou swine flu jabTHE SWINE flu jab is nowavailable from your GP as wellas at vaccination centres. Not alldoctors are offering it, so youshould check beforehand. Asingle dose costs €6.60, whichis fully reimbursed by the state.
Axed Poole ferry deals another blow to Cherbourg portCHERBOURG has lost its sec-ond year-round passengerferry link to the UK in as manymonths with the news thatBrittany Ferries is axing itsdaily service to Poole inDorset next month.
The operator says the routehas been losing money for thepast six years. The Barfleurvessel, which has provided theservice for the past 17 years,will retire this month and areplacement ship will carry
out the last few sailings beforethe route is axed on March 8.
Brittany Ferries said it wouldcontinue to run a high-speedservice between Cherbourgand Poole between May andSeptember on the Normandie
Vitesse, taking two hours.A spokesman said: “We are
beefing up the number ofdepartures from Poole toCherbourg using the freightships, so it is not the end ofcommercial operation to
Cherbourg.”In December, Celtic Link
Ferries pulled out of its newPortsmouth to Cherbourgservice, just weeks after itlaunched, in a row over UKfreight fees.
NORMANDY experiencedsome of the heaviest snowfallin memory last month – andthe evidence points to moreon the way in February andearly March.
For several weeks, homeswere snowed in, roadsblocked and schools closed asthe region experienced up to40cm of snow. Temperaturesfell to -13°C in the Orne andsome garage and barn roofscollapsed under the snow.
Lorries were banned fromtravelling but a special excep-tion was made for dairytrucks which tried to negoti-ate country lanes to continuecollecting milk from farms.
Local weather enthusiastThierry Cingal, who has keptdetailed temperature andrainfall records for manyyears at Montsecret in theOrne, said Basse-Normandiewas much more likely to getsnow at the start of Marchthan in January or February.
“I watch every forecast onthe television, but in my view
it is impossible to forecastmore than four or five daysahead,” he told The Advertiser.
“These so-called weatherexperts do not know what theyare talking about. We have hadsnow like this in Normandy
before and very cold winters.People have very short memo-ries. Last January was verycold too, but without snow.”
Mr Cingal added: “Weatherfolklore is particularly abun-dant in Normandy. People say
early berries mean a longhard winter. What rubbish.Trees and bushes cannot pre-dict the weather.”
According to Météo France,the worst winter on recordwas in 1985, when Caen regis-
tered a record low of -19.6°Con January 8. The highestJanuary temperature in Basse-Normandie was 17.7°C inAlençon in 2003.
Météo France issues orangeand red alerts when particu-larly bad weather is expectedin an area. Orange means “bevery vigilant” – especiallywhen driving, as road condi-tions are likely to be haz-ardous. The highest level, red,means conditions will beexceptionally dangerous andyou should avoid travelling.
You can get a seven-dayweather forecast for your areaby calling 08 92 68 02 fol-lowed by the two-digit codefor your department (forexample, 50 for the Manche)or see www.meteofrance.com
Up-to-date details of trafficconditions are available fromBison Futé on 0800 100 200or by visiting www.bison-fute.equipement.gouv.fr
Send us your Normandysnow photos to [email protected]
Is worst of the snow still to come?
HOME: 18-month-old Siberian tiger Mangu enjoys the snow at Jurques Zoo in Calvados
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SALES: Until February 9
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FIVE tonnes of confetti are setto fall on the streets ofGranville this month as theManche town celebrates itsfamous annual carnival.
Around 100,000 people areexpected to take part in the136th official carnival whoseorigins date to the 1870swhen sailors of the great deepsea sailing fleets based in theport used to party beforeheading off to the banks ofNewfoundland to fish for cod,an arduous eight-week jour-ney through stormy waters.
The carnival in Granville isthe biggest annual popularfestival in Normandy and oneof the biggest in Europe.
This year the five-day streetparty starts on February 12and will attract visitors fromall over France as well as theChannel Islands and the UK.
However “visitor” is not theright word to use, according tothe new president of theorganising committee, YvanGuiton. “You can’t stand stilland watch,” he says. “Carnivalis not for spectators, it is fortaking part, even if you justwear a mask, It is free and it isnot a show – you don’t pay fora ticket and then stand andwatch. You need to be part ofcarnival.”
Planning
It is his first year in chargeof the carnival and he isenthusiastic and full of praisefor the team of 12 to 15 peo-ple who give up their sparetime to organise the event.
This team has been hard atwork since last September toget this month’s carnivalunderway.
“It is a great honour,” MrGuiton says. “Granville has anexceptionally long tradition ofcarnival and I want to makesure that this continues.
Carnival is not a festival or afete, it is a popular traditionsteeped in the history of ourancestors.”
He says the carnival is foreveryone from children topensioners. There is a particu-lar emphasis on helping chil-dren to take part. Primaryschool pupils take part inprojects to design a poster forthe carnival and collège stu-dents make masks for the con-cours des masques. The teach-ers use it in lessons. “It is real-ly important to get childreninvolved,” Mr Guiton says.
“They are the future andwithout them the carnival hasno future.”
He is also proud of the his-tory of the carnival inGranville. The first recognisedevent was in the early 1870s.Locals talked of between4,000 and 5,000 masked peo-ple taking part in 1873. Thelocal newspaper, LeGranvillais, reported: “Oursailors who are ready to sailtowards the banks will wantto benefit from this newopportunity to have a goodtime. Then they will bravelyface the storms to which theyare exposed because of theirdangerous jobs.”
Now almost 140 years on,2010 is an important year forthe carnival in Granville asthe organising committee isworking with the Ministry ofCulture in Paris towards gain-ing recognition from worldheritage body Unesco as a liv-ing history event.
Highlights
Every year the carnivalincludes participants fromacross Normandy and Paris.They also come from Rennesand Saint Malo in Brittany.This year a marching bandfrom Saint Helier, Jersey, willbe taking part and will havethe honour of playing throughthe streets of the town onSunday morning to wake upthe townspeople who will havebeen partying into the smallhours from the night before.
Other highlights include alocal rock group playing inthe streets on Friday evening.“This is important,” says MrGuiton. “Carnival is aboutencouraging people to takepart, especially young people.”
Some 2,000 children will betaking part in the children’sparade on the Saturday, the
main parade of floats is onSunday and throughout thefestival the streets and restau-rants will be glowing withmusic and song. On theTuesday the judging of thefloats takes place along withla bataille des confettis, whentons of confetti will be throwninto the air.
“I really think it is importantto have fun. And if we can’tset aside a few days to enjoyourselves we would becomevery boring people,” said MrGuiton, who works for thepréfecture in Brittany but livesin Granville. In his “normallife”, as he puts it, he is theadministrateur principal desaffaires maritimes, so has anaffinity with those sailorsfrom 140 years ago who likedto enjoy themselves beforesetting off across the NorthAtlantic.
He also believes Carnival2010 is the perfect time forpeople to put behind the eco-nomic gloom of 2009.“Carnival is about fun. I sayforget about the economy, for-get about swine flu and justenjoy yourself for five days. Iwant people to be happy andhave fun. We need to laugh atourselves much more, weneed to laugh away our wor-ries,” he says.
This year it may also be acase of forgetting the coldwinter weather. With theManche experiencing one ofits worst winters for decades,bad weather could affect thenumber of people able to takepart this year.
But Mr Guiton is confident.“The weather has always beenkind to us. In recent years ithas been cold but we have notseen adverse snow or ice,” hesays. “Even if the snow comesagain it will be business asusual. With snow falling, wemight not need the confetti.”
The Advertiser, Normandy February 2010 News 5
Five days of fun on Granville streetsNeed cheeringup? Granville’sfamous carnivalis back for its136th year andpromises to bebetter thanever. RayClancy talks toorganiser YvanGuiton, whoseteam has beenpreparing sinceSeptember
“Forget about the economy, forget aboutswine flu and just enjoy yourself for fivedays. We need to laugh at ourselves moreYvan Guiton, carnival organiser
Friday 1221.00: Opening night includesa concert at La Maison duCarnaval, Cours JonvilleSaturday 13 14.00: Children’s paradeleaves from Rond-Point duCalvaire16.00: Bal des Enfants at LaMaison du Carnaval.Children free, parents €421.00: Groups of musiciansplay the streets of the townSunday 14 11.00: Aubade Musicale at LaSalle du Heral14.00: Le Grande Cavalcade,with 34 floats, 12 musicalgroups and 1,500 taking partthrough the streetsMonday 1521.00: Bal à papa, reservedfor those taking part in thecarnival.Tuesday 1615.00: Comedy parade, thelast of the festival, and trial ofthe King of the Carnival andhis cremation at the port.
19.00:Confettibattle,CoursJonville.21.00:MysteriousGranville, those taking partwander through the townasking questions and gettingto know people withoutbeing recognised
ParkingOrganisers advise those coming from outside thetown to park up and use thefree transfer buses. OnSunday, parking in the town is not allowed from 10.00.Free buses will leave from the commercial zone off RueVilledieu and drop passengers off at the Rond-Point du Calvaire andthe Rond-Point des Amirauxnext to the port. On Tuesday,parking is forbidden downtown from 15.00
The highlights
PROCESSIONS: The confetti fight takes place on Tuesday
GUITON: First year in charge
FUN: Carnival is not a spectator event – it is all about taking part, the organisers say
CROWD: 100,000 visitors expected from region and beyond
The Advertiser, Normandy February 20106 Food
THERE is an old saying that ifit rains on Candlemas, thecows will produce lots of but-ter this year – and crêpes arealways eaten on the occasion.
Traditionally, a coin washeld in one’s left hand whilecooking the first crêpe, and acrêpière (crêpe pan) in theother. The crêpe was tossed inthe air. The coin was thenrolled in the crêpe which wasthen placed on top of awardrobe in a bedroom untilthe following year. One yearon, what was left of the crêpewas discarded and the coingiven to the first poor personto visit the house. If all of theabove was respected, the fam-ily would enjoy prosperity forthe rest of the year.
Here are some suggestionsfor savoury galettes and sweetcrêpes with a Norman twist.
Galettes (makes about 24)500g buckwheat flour4 dessert spoons plain flour1 egg40cl cold water1 cup of milk2 dessert spoons oilA generous shake of salt2 tablespoons of Calvados
Sieve the flours and the salt
into a large bowl. Then in aseparate bowl or jug, whiskthe egg then gradually whiskthis along with the milk,water and oil into the flourmixture using an electrichand whisk until you have asmooth, lump-free batter. Addthe Calvados and leave it torest for about 24 hours.
Before you make thegalettes, put a large plate in awarm oven or a warming-drawer, or over a saucepan ofboiling water, so that as youmake them they can be keptwarm, covered with some foil.
Melt the butter in the fryingpan, then tip it into a cup. Tomake your first galette, heatthe pan over a medium heatuntil it is really hot and smok-ing, then use one tablespoonof the batter to make each one,cook until it becomes crisp atthe edges and is a lovely gold-en-brown colour underneath.
Use a palette knife or spatula,turn it over and cook the otherside until crisp and golden, ifyou are serving it immediately,
or cook it more lightly shouldyou prefer to finish later withvarious fillings. Remove thegalette to a warm plate. Use awodge of kitchen paper tolubricate the pan again withmelted butter, then repeat.
Prepare a variety of fillings –chopped ham, grated cheese,andouillette, smoked salmon.Place an already preparedgalette (less-cooked side down)on a preheated pan with somemelted butter and garnish withthe chosen filling. Fold, reheatgently and serve immediately.
Flambéed Norman crêpes250g flour3 eggs250ml milk250ml water2 dessert spoons oilPinch of salt 50g melted butterThe filling:40g butter2 apples, chopped40g caster sugar1 dessert spoon crème fraîche6cl Calvados
Sieve the flour and salt into alarge bowl. Then in a separatebowl or jug, whisk the eggthen gradually whisk thisalong with the milk, water andoil into the flour mixture usingan electric hand whisk untilyou have a smooth, lump-freebatter. As this is a lighter mix-ture than the galette one, it isnot necessary to leave it for 24hours – one hour should do.Cook as for galettes.
To make the filling, melt thebutter in a pan. Add theapples and cook over a highheat. Add the sugar and mixuntil dissolved. Add thecrème fraîche. Garnish thecrêpes. Heat the calvados.Pour over the crêpes and lighta match to it.
A little something to drinkCider is the traditionalNormandy accompaniment tothese specialities, traditionallyin cups that were neverwashed. You wll still findthem today (they are calledbolées) in épiceries fines.
Shrove Tuesday comes earlyThe Catholic holiday of Candlemas (La Chandeleur)on February 2 is an opportunity to enjoy lots ofcrêpes. Sinéad Allart shares some Norman recipes
CREPES: Eaten every year to mark the Candlemas festival
Terms and conditions The offer applies only to subscriptions
to a French address. The offer is available only to subscribers aged 18
and over and relates to dinner orSunday lunch. Subscriptions must bereceived by telephone by March 31,
2010, or by post in an envelope post-marked no later than March 31, 2010.
A 12-edition annual subscription to yourFrench home costs €12* (£11.50).
To become a subscriber, complete the formhere and return with a cheque payable toThe Advertiser to:
The Advertiser,
BP 25
06480 La Colle sur Loup.
Payment must be by euro cheque (from aFrench bank) or sterling cheque (from a UKbank). Please note: Subscriptions must reachus by the 16th of the month to ensure delivery of the next issue.
Exceptional WineLocated on the clay soils of Lussac Saint-Emilion, north-east of Libourne,
this wine is aged in oak barrels for 18 months. As a result a discrete roast adds to the freshness and fruitiness (strawberries, raspberries) of the wine. Its supple and silky tanins
allow you to appreciate it in its early age.
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FREE bottle of €€30 Bordeaux when youdine at Manoir de la Pommeraie near Vire
SUBSCRIBE TOThe Advertiser,Normandy– by March 31 and enjoya bottle of Bordeaux
Lussac Saint-Emilion 2006 for FREE when youenjoy dinner for two at the beautiful Manoir dela Pommeraie near Vire. Follow these two simple steps to claim the wine,
which is normally sold at the restaurant for €€30.1: Subscribe to the Advertiser by telephoning 04 86 68 50 40 or with the form below. 2: Make sure you include your email addressand we will email you a token to take to therestaurant and claim the bottle of wine.You can use the token any time during 2010.
(You must include this to get the promotional token)
FEBRUARYEDITION
Top-up health insurance costs rise5% - why you shouldhave insurance andwhat to look out for
Getting back to the UK in an emergency– are you prepared?
Burst pipes:Second-home ownersshould check thesmall print
INTERVIEWS: Sir Roger Moore onBond and filming andlife in France
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The Advertiser, Normandy February 2010 Valentine’s Day 7
1 Punt through water meadows inthe Parc Régional des Marais (50and 14). Boats can be hired for about€8 an hour from the Base de LoisirsLe Fanal in Isigny-sur-Mer.
www.parc-cotentin-bessin.fr
2 Explore the famous cliffs andnatural arch of Etretat (76) onhorseback (€25 for an hour)
www.etretat-equitation.fr
3 Star in a film on Deauville beach(14). Share a kiss with a loved-one atmidday and appear in a new online
video by French director ClaudeLelouch, 44 years after his award-winning Un Homme et Une
Femme was filmed there.www.deauville-2010.fr
4 Get giddy at a liqueur tastingat Palais Bénédictine in Fécamp
(76). Guided visit at 14.45, €20.www.benedictine.fr
5 Stretch arms around the two inter-twined trees in the Fôrét d’Eu (76).The oak and beech trees have grownconjoined for 150 years – a symbol ofthe first Entente Cordiale betweenLouis Philippe and Queen Victoria inthe Chateau d’Eu in 1843.
www.ville-eu.fr
6 Spoil your partner with a lavishgourmet treat at the Château de laChenevière in Port en Bessin (14) orthe nearby Château de Sully.
www.lacheneviere.comwww.chateau-de-sully.com
7 Spend a relaxing night on thepeaceful Ile Tatihou, off the easternManche coast from Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue (50) with its quiet beachesand rich wildlife. Includes a reflexol-ogy session and jazz dinner. €97 perperson including meals and accom-modation.
http://taithou.manche.fr
8 Admire the Mont Saint Michelbay (50) at sunset from the top of theabbey (€8.50, last entrance 17.00)
www.ot-montsaintmichel.com
9 Indulge in a weekend of spa treat-ments and candle-lit dinners at theHôtel des Ormes, overlooking thepicturesque marina in Barneville-
Cateret (50). An all-inclusive week-end for two costs €540.
www.hoteldesormes.com
10 Granville’s La Chocolathèque(50) takes you on a guided tourthrough the history of chocolate andhow it is made – with plenty of tast-ing samples along the way.
www.yverchocolatier.com
11 Embark on a romantic row-boat trip at the Moulin de Connelles(27), a 19th century manor hotel andrestaurant set in three acres of parkland with a private island in theSeine.
www.moulin-de-connelles.fr
12 Enjoy the views of the SuisseNormande from the top of theRoche d’Oëtre (61)
www.www.roche-doetre.fr
13 View the glorious sight of theChâteau Gaillard in Les Andelys(27) and the stunning view of thetwist and turns of the River Seine
www.les-andelys.com
14 Take a break in the cosyManoir de la Rivière, a 16th-centuryfarmhouse tucked away in the wood-ed hills of Villers-Bocage (14).
www.manoirdelariviere.net
Normandywith love
MONT SAINT MICHEL: The abbey is open to visitors until 18.00 every evening, just in time to catch the sun setting over the picturesque bay
LA CHENEVIERE: Gourmet dining
COUPLES in Caen who tie theknot with a pacs (pacte civil de soli-darité) will now be allowed to havea full ceremony in the mairie, muchlike a traditional wedding.
The pacs has existed in France for10 years as an alternative to mar-riage with similar legal rights and isavailable to both heterosexual andsame-sex couples.
However, unlike marriage, pacscontracts are signed at your localcourt (tribunal d’instance) – perhapsnot the most romantic of places.
Now the Mairie de Caen hasjoined Haute-Normandie capitalRouen in allowing pacs to be cele-brated in the salle des mariages inthe presence of an elected official –although you will still need to getthe documents formalised in acourt beforehand.
The decision does not just applyto future pacsed couples – anyonewho has tied the knot in the past 12months can contact the Caenmairie to arrange a ceremony.
For details, call 02 31 30 45 30 oremail [email protected]
‘With this ringI thee pacs’
Forget about Paris – there is no shortage ofromantic spots on your doorstep to spendsome quality time together this Valentine’sDay. The Advertiser picks 14 of the best
TATIHOU ISLAND: Peace and quiet
CHATEAU GAILLARD: Seine views
ETRETAT: Horseriding on the cliffs
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ROCHE D’OETRE: With breath-taking views over the Suisse Normande
The Advertiser, Norm8 Spotlight
THE MANCHE department is namedafter the English Channel (literally, “thesleeve”), which surrounds it on threesides, giving it 350km of coastline. Itspopulation is 513,422 (2007 figures),with a population density of 82 persquare kilometre, and the economy ispredominantly agriculture and tourism.
Hugh and Penny Lewis have lived inthe Manche for seven years and beforethat used their house as a holiday prop-erty for nine years. They run severalgites at www.normandylets.com
“We didn’t really choose Normandy,”says Penny. “We arrived in the Cotentinafter visiting the Lot and realised howeasily we could come over to France forholidays – and perhaps one day live
here permanently.”Penny says that the Manche is rather
like the north of Scotland in feel, buthappily its high level of tourism bringswith it some useful commerce, from thelarge hypermarket at Cherbourg, toexcellent local markets and towns likeGranville for upmarket clothes andaccessories.
The Lewises spend most of their freetime walking and cycling, and makegood use of the coastline with its beau-tiful sand dunes. They also go to thecinema at Cherbourg and Carteret,where they can view both French andversion originale English films. They
speak French, have French and Britishfriends and do not miss British cultureat all.
“There are comparatively few Britswhere we live,” says Penny, “certainlycompared to regions such as theDordogne. They’re mainly retired peo-ple, living in old stone houses.”
The couple are also members of thelocal Association Franco-Britannique.“In the seven years we’ve lived in Francewe have yet to come across any animos-ity,” says Penny. “If you make the effortto speak French, you find a warm wel-come.”
The Lewises have travelled throughoutFrance, including to the south andBrittany, but have no desire to move,and they enjoy the relaxed pace of lifein their department. “There is time forcourtesy and conversation in shops andpost offices,” says Penny. “As this is anagricultural region, the frequency anddiversity of local markets is second tonone. But perhaps one of the most mag-ical revelations is a star-lit sky free fromlight pollution.”
Manche (50) Basse-Normandie
THE ORNE is the southernmostdepartment of Normandy, borderingthe Pays de la Loire. It is also the mostrural, with a population of 302,554 peo-ple (2007 figures) and a populationdensity of only 48 per square kilometre.It is the only department in Normandythat has no seaboard.
Retirees Maureen and Alan Dart havelived in the Orne for eight years “Weenjoy the isolation here,” says Alan.“Life is rural and peaceful.”
The couple formerly lived in Salisburybut were driven out by the proliferationof housing and industrial development,and settled on the Orne rather by acci-dent. “We looked at properties in theAquitaine, and also in the Mayenne andBrittany,” says Alan, “but we werepushed for time as I had to get back towork.” But the moment they saw thehouse, although it was a ruin, it “spoke”to them and they bought it.
The Darts live in a typical Ornaisgranite longère with stone walls andexposed beams. However, at about halfan acre, they have a smaller garden thanmany other local Brits. “We would haveliked more land,” says Alan, “but wehave to settle for a rural view instead.”
The Orne has a reputation for beingquiet, but Maureen says there is plentyto do. “There’s lots going on,” she says.“But you do have to look for it. It does-n’t just drop into your lap.” The Dartswere formerly members of Anglo-French group Euromayenne, forinstance, but allowed their membershipto lapse because they were too busy togo to events.
Maureen is a member of a craftsgroup in the Manche and an Anglo-French gardening club that visits publicand private gardens all over the GrandOuest. She also takes weekly art classes,and in the summer the pair enjoy visit-
ing public gardens and local fetes andscouting the vide-greniers for col-lectibles.
Alan has renovated much of the househimself. He is also a classic car driver,and was formerly a member of a localvintage car club.
When it comes to cultural life, howev-er, Maureen and Alan admit their areais rather too quiet. “We do get touringopera and singers from time to time,and the odd play, but we’re 60-odd kilo-metres from a town or city of any size,”says Alan, “and although there are lotsof museums, the opening hours are verylimited.”
Nevertheless, they are not tempted tomove. “For us, life is perfect here,” saysMaureen. “Sure, the Norman winter canbe miserable, but this place is really likeEngland used to be.”
Orne (61) Basse-Normandie
The five facesof Normandy
Normandy is not one homogenous mass – life inthe five departments can be very different, asPatricia Mansfield-Devine finds out
“There’s time for courtesyand conversation inshops. The local marketsare second to none
LEWISES: Received warm welcome
“For us life is perfect here.This place is really likeEngland used to be
UNSPOILT: Village of Saint-Cénéri
CALVADOS is probably best-known tothe British as the home of the port ofCaen-Ouistreham and the site of theAllied invasions in the Second WorldWar.
The department’s population of689,551 people (2007 figures) works outat 117 people per square kilometre, butmost are clustered around the coast inthe towns of Caen, Deauville,andTrouville, and the inland tourist centressuch as Lisieux and Bayeux. Around20% of properties in Calvados are sec-ond homes.
Neil and Lynn Biddlecombe have livedin Calvados for five years with theirthree children, aged 11, 14 and 17. Theyown a franchise of the Les Bons Voisinsproperty management company andcurrently run a chateau and leisurecomplex. Their own house, a new-build,is in Lison.
“We chose Calvados for the ports andthe ease of travel,” says Lynn. “We couldto and fro and it was handy for com-muting back to the UK. We also didn’twant to be too rural, keep chickens andthat kind of thing. We wanted to besemi-suburban.”
Lynn says the way of life in Lison isquite slow but it is busier betweenBayeux and Caen. There are not manyBritons locally but most are affluentholiday home-owners in their late 40s
or 50s, and out of they know, only six
The French in thquite affluent, ofteBiddlecombes findwelcoming. The coacquaintances “bugood friends are al
Local attractions
LYNN: Commutin
Calvados (14)
“We chose Cthe ports antravel. We awant to be tkeep chickekind of thin
Spotlight 9mandy February 2010
THE EURE is the southern departmentof Haute-Normandie, with its southborder running along the Seine river. Itis more sparsely populated than theSeine-Maritime, with 587,845 inhabi-tants (90 per square kilometre accord-ing to 2007 figures).
Penny Griffin retired with her hus-band to the Eure four years ago, choos-ing the department partly because theyhad friends who lived there. Shedescribes her area, near Freneuse-sur-Risle, as very much a farming commu-nity, “but things are changing and thecities are bustling”.
There are also very few British in thearea, which is just as Penny likes it. “Weknow one couple in the next village,”she says, “and there is another familythere but we haven’t met them. TheEnglish people in the area are quitescattered and there are no concentratedEnglish communities as there are nearerLisieux and Vimoutiers.”
Penny and her husband belong to theAlliance Anglo-Normande but do notattend many functions as they tend totake place an hour or so away from
where they live. Penny spends much ofher time walking, gardening and mak-ing preserves. She is also a crafter.
“Our local community is very active,”she says. “There are randonnées, gymclasses for all ages, repas dansant and soon. We have a large shopping centrewith all the usual shops and a newlyopened Ikea. There are also swimmingpools and gyms in Rouen and the largertowns.” The couple also go to Frenchplays and cinema when time andmoney permit.
Penny describes her French neigh-bours as “wonderful.
You do need to speak French roundhere, though, as there are very fewEnglish or English-speakers.” Andalthough there are good public trans-port links nearby, Penny and her hus-band travel everywhere by car.
“We have the best of both worlds real-ly,” says Penny, “as we are at the end of aquiet lane, but are within walking dis-tance of a village and only 40 minutesfrom Rouen.”
Eure (27) Haute-Normandie
THE SEINE-MARITIME is the mostnortherly of Normandy’s departmentsand houses the major cities of Rouen,Dieppe and Le Havre, as well as othercoastal ports.
It is the most industrialised depart-ment of Normandy, and with a popula-tion of 1,269,843 and a population den-sity of 196 per square kilometre (2007figures), it is also the busiest, especiallyaround the coast.
Linda Hopgood and Alan Griffithshave lived part-time in the Seine-Maritime for nearly three years. “We’dlike to make it permanent,” says Linda,“but with the economic downturn it justisn’t possible at the moment.”
Currently, they go back to the UK towork in winter, and in summer run a
gite and B&B inland from Dieppe, inone of the black and white half-timberedlongères typical of the region. Although,as bikers, they have travelled widely allover France, convenient and cost-effec-tive access to their families and work inKent was a high priority for them whenthey chose to settle in Seine-Maritime.
“We also like the scenery here,” saysLinda. “The Seine-Maritime is like trav-elling over waves of scenic valleys withforests and fields, and dramatic coast-lines whereas the Eure seems to memuch flatter and more farmlike, withlong, straight roads.”
Linda and Alan spend their free timemainly walking, cycling and motorcy-
cling, especially along the coastline, andtake full advantage of the Seine-Maritime’s “traffic-free, pothole-freeroads”.
When it comes to cultural life, though,they find they sometimes hit a languagebarrier. “We have never been to a Frenchplay or to see a French film at the cine-ma,” says Linda, “although I occasionallywatch French TV.”
The couple say they are well-acceptedby the local French and that they invitetheir neighbours over for a big partyevery summer. The British in the regionare mainly retired, though a few runbusinesses, and the only thing Britishthing Linda misses while she is in Franceis a decent pub.
Although life in the department islargely as they expected, Linda says thesummers can be surprisingly hot anddry, while the winters can be intenselycold.
“You can end up travelling a long wayto buy certain things and that can be adrawback,” she says. “With little in theway of public transport, you do absolute-ly need a car.”
Seine-Maritime (76) Haute-Normandie
“Our local community isvery active. You do needto speak French aroundhere, as there are veryfew English-speakers
EVREUX: ‘Bustling’ centre of Eure
ROUEN: Haute-Normandie capital
“The Seine-Maritime islike travelling overwaves of scenic valleyswith forests and fields
the 30 or so Britonsx are retired.
he region are alsoen Parisian, and thed them friendly andouple have Frencht nevertheless ourll British,” says Lynn. include the cinema
in French or English; museums; thelanding beaches; art galleries and plays.There are tourists all year round, butespecially in summer with nationalitiesincluding Belgian, Spanish, Italian andespecially Dutch.
“That said, we don’t go out muchbecause of work,” says Lynn, “and any-way we have a swimming pool and ten-nis on the chateau site. We do go to thecinema and out bowling as it’s only 15minutes to Caen.”
Lynn says that she does not need tospeak French where she lives, butspeaks French at least 30% of the timeat work.
Neither she nor her husband miss theUK. “Maybe we miss Indian restaurantsa bit,” she says, “but we’ve recentlyfound one. Maybe an English beerwould be nice, but we don’t miss theUK lifestyle – we were always terriblyoverworked.”
Lynn has not been to Eure but shedefinitely prefers Calvados to borderlineManche, where the Biddlecombes onceowned a holiday home. “It’s too coun-trified there for us,” she says, “And theOrne is way too countrified.”
When the children are older, theBiddlecombes would like to move southin search of a better climate, perhaps tothe Charente Maritime, where Lynn’smother lives.
ng to the UK is easy
Basse-Normandie
Calvados fornd the ease ofalso didn’ttoo rural,ens and thatng
The Advertiser, Normandy February 201010 What’s On
February 8 – Fécamp on theSeine-Maritime coast marksthe annual fishing festival ofLa Saint Pierre des Marins,with mass at the Eglise SaintEtienne, a fishermen’s proces-sion in memory of dead col-leagues and a blessing of allthe ships in the port. Theevent ends with a ball. Touristoffice: 02 35 28 51 01 orwww.fecamptourisme.com
February 14 – Guided walking tour of the old city ofOcteville (now part ofCherbourg). Meet in front ofthe Eglise Saint Martin at14.30, free. 02 33 78 19 29
February 16, 18, 23, 25, 28 –Guided tours of the cathedral inCoutances, entry €7, conces-sions €4. Call 02 33 19 08 10
February 17 – Guided walking tour of the Réservedes Bohons nature park. Meet outside the mairie inSaint Georges de Bohon at10.00. Free, but reservationsessential on 06 80 13 88 60.
February 28 – Guided visit ofthe rich collection of Dutchpaintings in the MuséeThomas Henry in Cherbourg.Meet outside the museum at14.30, free entry. More info on 02 33 78 19 29
February 6-May 30 –Exhibition of comic stripsuperheros, Scriptoriald’Avranches. Entry €7, senior
citizens €5, other concessions€3. Call 02 33 79 57 00 orwww.scriptorial.fr
Until February 12 – Polishphotographer GregorPodgorski chronicles women’sexperiences recovering frombreast cancer. Galerie de l’Artde l’IFSI, L’Aigle (61), week-days 9.00 to 17.30. Seewww.paysdelaigle.com
Until February 28 – Dieppeseen through the eyes ofRenoir, Boudin, Monet,Pissarro, Braque and Britishpainters who knew and lovedthe town including WalterSickert, Clarkson Stanfield,
Nicholas Horsfield and DavidMorris. Château-Musée deDieppe, entry €3.60. For info,call 02 36 06 61 99, see page 11
February 12-16 – 136th annu-al Granville carnival with pro-cessions, a ball and big confettifight. Ample parking on theoutskirts of the town. See page5 for full details or call thetourist office on 02 33 91 30 03
February 18-28 – The CirqueArlette Gruss comes to theQuai Jean Moulin in Rouen.Mid-afternoon and eveningperformances, tickets €16-32.Call 08 25 82 56 60.
February 20-March 7 –Cabourg’s 350m covered icerink returns to the lawns of
the Hôtel de Ville for the sev-enth year, with a second small-er rink for the children. Bothare open daily from 10.30 to18.30, entry €5 for an hour.Call 02 31 06 20 00.
February 21 – Randonnéewith donkeys in the sand-dunes of Annoville, free. Call 02 33 47 51 80.
February 5-6 – Hundreds ofparticipants compete in theFrench Cup synchronised iceskating championships atRouen’s Olympic rink. CentreSportif Guy Boissière. Tourist office: 02 32 08 32 40
February 14 – AccordionistRémy Ledru provides themusical accompaniment to a
special Valentine’s Day-themed thé dansant. 14.30 to19.00 at the Zénith de Caen,entry €10. Book online atwww.zenith-caen.fr
February 19-20 – Vaudrylandcountry dance festival at thehippodrome in Vire, now inits seventh year. Weekend pass€32, individual day ticketsalso available. 09 64 30 91 18or visit www.kicknclap.com
February 6-7 – Salon du LivreAncien, antique book sale inthe Salle du Sépulcre, Caen.About 1,000 visitors areexpected over two days. Free entry. www.ville-caen.fr
February 7-9 – French bad-minton championships at LeZénith in Caen. Friday €3,Saturday or Sunday €5, three-day pass €8, under-12s free.www.caenbadminton2010.fr
February 10 – Looking for ajob in the media and commu-nications industry after lycée?Meet professionals and furthereducation experts at the sev-enth annual Forum desMétiers de la Communicationat the Zénith, Caen, from
14.00 to 18.00. Entry is €2.See www.zenith-caen.fr
February 21 – Foire aux livres:an old book, record and post-card sale. Salle Polyvalente,Heudebouville (27) from 9.00to 17.00, free. Call 06 07 96 7424 or email [email protected]
February 28 – Rouen welcomes more than 100exhibitors for the PucesMilitaria and Bourse auxArmes, an antique weaponsand military memorabilia fair.It runs alongside the RouenTrading Post, an antiques mar-ket selling historical items from19th century America includ-ing hats, boots, jewelry, art,books and riding gear. Entry €5. Parc des Expositions,9.00 to 17.00 with a countrymusic concert at 14.30.
Other events
Music/dance
Family
Exhibitions
Out and about
What’s On Listings
Event listings are free in The AdvertiserSend details to [email protected]
War and peace as seen by cartoonistsFrom January 29 – Newspapercartoons from around the worldon the theme of war and peace goon display at the Memorial deCaen as part of a new permanentexhibition organised by the foun-dation Dessins pour la paix(Cartooning for Peace) and ledby Le Monde cartoonist JeanPlantu.
The Tâches d’Opinions exhibi-tion includes work from 70 presscartoonists from Russia, China,Israel, Palestine, Algeria, Belgiumand France and seeks to explainhow the story of conflict is toldthrough satire and drawing.
Memorial de Caen, EsplanadeGénéral Eisenhower, entry €10 or€3 if you live in the city
Plantu interview online:www.connexionfrance.com
BrocantesFebruary 6Alençon (61)Halle au Blé9.00 to 17.0006 83 79 88 93
Beuvron-en-Auge (14)Centre du Bourg8.00 to 18.0006 24 39 81 18
February 7La Bouille (76)Quai de Seine02 35 93 89 02
February 14Montivillers (76)Ecole Victor Hugo9.00 to 18.0002 35 30 21 [email protected]
Lisieux (14)Place de la République8.00 to 18.0006 03 06 94 83www.kouny.com
Condé-sur-Vire (50)Salle Condé Espace9.00 to 18.00
02 31 22 94 64retrobjet@wanadoo,frwww.brocollection.fr
Ouistreham (14)La Grange aux Dîmes7.00 to 19.0002 31 77 50 36
February 20Le Havre (76)Place Auguste Perret9.00 to 18.00
Cabourg (14)Marché couvert
8.00 to 18.0006 19 12 66 32
February 21La Ferrière sur Risle (27)Les Halles9.00 to 18.0002 32 30 71 00
February 28Saint-Lô (50)Le Foirail7.00 to 18.0002 31 22 94 [email protected]
SUNDAY: Mézidon-Canon,Cabourg, Trouville-sur-Mer, Caen,Honfleur, Evreux, Cherbourg,Argentan, Rouen
MONDAY: Pont-l’Evêque, Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives, Pont-Audemer,Vimoutiers
TUESDAY: Deauville, Dozulé,Touques, Villers-sur-Mer, Beuzeville,Courseulles-sur-Mer, Evreux,Cherbourg, Saint-Lô, Argentan,Bagnoles-de-l’Orne, L’Aigle, Dieppe,Gournay-en-Bray, Sourdeval, Rouen
WEDNESDAY: Bonnebosq,Honfleur, Cabourg, Orbec, Trouville-sur-Mer, Villers-Bocage, Evreux,Granville, Saint-Hilaire-du-Harcouët,Alençon, Bagnoles-de-l’Orne, Flers,Dieppe, Rouen
THURSDAY: Blangy-le-Château,Touques, Livarot, Argences, Houlgate,Caumont-l’Éventé, Courseulles-sur-Mer, Cherbourg, Dieppe, Rouen
FRIDAY: Cambremer, Cormeilles,Deauville, Domfront, Blonville-sur-Mer, Villers-sur-Mer, Pont-Audemer,Caen, Vire, Evreux, Brecey, Saint-Hilaire-du-Harcouët, Saint-Lô,Argentan, Bagnoles-de-l’Orne, Eu-Vallee-De-La-Bresle, Gournay-en-Bray, Rouen
SATURDAY: Bayeux, Falaise,Deauville, Dives-sur-Mer, Honfleur,Lisieux, Touques, Troarn, Aunay-sur-Odon, Evreux, Cherbourg, Granville,Saint-Lô, Alençon, Bagnoles-de-l’Orne, Flers, Mortagne-au-Perche,Dieppe, Rouen
Weekly markets
Christ Church CoutancesCollège St GermainRue d’Ilkley, CoutancesServices every Sunday, 11.00christchurchcountances.com
Vezins (just outside Saint-Hilaire-du-Harcouët)Communion service in thelocal church on the firstSunday of every month at 17.00.Call 02 33 58 86 76
Caen Anglican ChaplaincyChapelle de la Miséricorde, Rue Elie de BeaumontSundays at 17.30http://tinyurl.com/caenchurch
RouenReformed Church of RouenPlace du Pasteur MartinLuther KingContact: Quentin [email protected] 35 71 08 66
Hautot-Saint-SulpiceAnglican communionReverend Anthony Chadwick02 35 96 30 36 http://tinyurl.com/hautot
To have your service listedhere, email [email protected]
Church servicesin English
19-20: Vire country festival
EXHIBITION: Plantu’s trademark illustration style, and a cartoon on press censorship
Phot
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February 14 – Bring a loved-one to thebeach at Deauville and share aValentine’s Day kiss at 12.00 for yourchance to star in a film by Oscar-win-ning French director Claude Lelouch.The footage from the shoot will be usedin a video that will be distributed onlineas part of a year of special events to cel-ebrates Deauville’s 150th anniversary.
More Valentine’s events, page 6Phot
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The Advertiser, Normandy February 2010 What’s On / Community 11
PANCAKES, tea and friendlyconversation are on the agen-da at the next networkingevent organised by theAmicale CulturelleEuropéenne in the Manche.
The group aims to promotebetter integration betweenEnglish-speakers and theFrench and has been going formore than 10 years.
Today’s membership standsat about 100 people, about 50British, 40 French and theremainder nationals fromother European countries.
The Amicale will be meetingat the La Morinière crêperiein Coutances from 16.00 onFebruary 16 and new mem-bers from the Manche andsurrounding areas are invited.
The group aims to hold onesocial event every month thisyear including walks, concertsand visits – usually incorpo-rating a good meal.
To find out more, seewww.amicale-culturelle.eu orcall 02 33 50 38 16.
Shrove Tuesdaytea and chatter
Writers unitefor mutual helpBEING a writer can be a lone-ly experience at times but agroup on the border of Basse-Normandie and the Pays de laLoire wants to change that.
Mayenne and Orne Writerswas set up three years ago togive people the opportunity toshare support and feedbackwith each other.
“We are a small, very mixedgroup of writers who meet formutual support and to discusswriting,” says organiser KittyStephens. “It can be a veryisolating occupation.”
The group includes about adozen amateurs and profes-sionals of all ages, who meeton the third Tuesday of themonth in Passais laConception, near Domfront.
“We try to circulate a piece ofwork each by email prior to themeeting. This allows moretime for discussion and com-ment,” Kitty adds. The nextmeeting takes place onFebruary 16 from 9.30.
If you are new to writingand need guidance on how tostart out, or you’re a profes-sional who would like to meetothers, call Kitty Stephens on02 33 64 12 20 or [email protected]
PAINTINGS and drawings ofDieppe from acclaimedFrench and British artists havebeen brought together underone roof for the first time in aunique display that closes atthe end of this month.
Les Peintres à Dieppe at theChâteau-Musée de Dieppeincludes more than 100 worksof art from the 18th to the20th century, depicting someof the town’s best-knownlandmarks including its fish-ing port, cliffs and beaches.Nearby Varengeville, Pourvilleand Arques alsofeature.
As well as prestigiousFrench artists such Monet,
Renoir and Boudin, the col-lection includes work from anumber of British artists whovisited Dieppe and wereimpressed by what they saw.They include ClarksonSanfield, Walter Sickert,Nicholas Horsfield and DavidMorris.
The exhibition runs untilFebruary 28, when the workswill be returned to their own-ers including private collec-tions, the Musée d’Orsay,Pompidou Centre and theMusées des Beaux Arts inRouen, Nancy, Lyon andGrenoble.
A special guided tour of theworks (in French) is planned
for the last day, and there area series of photography work-shops planned on February17, 18 and 19 for anyoneinterested in taking their ownpictures of the local area.
Getting there: Dieppe hasrail links to Rouen and Paris
Saint Lazare. By car, takeRN27 in the direction ofPourville, following signs forthe “Panorama du Château-Musée”.
The museum is open everyday except Tuesday from10.00 to 12.00 and from 14.00
to 18.00 (closing an hour ear-lier on Sundays).
Entry is €3.60, concessions€2, under-12s and the unem-ployed get in free. For moreinformation see the website:www.dieppe.fr or telephone02 35 06 61 99.
Community noticeboard
Learn how to taketop family photosTHE 50 Photo Club holds itsnext meeting on Febuary 4 at14.00 in the Laforge pub in LePetit Celland near Brecey inthe Manche. The group willbe discussing how to takegood quality photos of family.To join in, email Jackie Lantat [email protected] orcall 02 33 48 89 64.
Barn turned intorecording studioBUYING a Normandy prop-erty and turning the outbuild-ings into a gite is nothing new– but British expat Jo Blundell
decided to do something a bitdifferent and turned his barninto a fully equipped musicrecording studio.
The facility in Lithaire, nearLa Haye-du-Puits in theManche, has just opened its
doors and has alreadytaken bookings from sever-al local musicians who likethe relaxed rural setting.
“When we started thebuilding work last April itwas just full of hay – whichI suppose accousticallywouldn’t have been too bad,”says Jo.
“There is still a bit of workto do and we haven’t startedmarketing it yet but we hope
it will be completely finishedby March or April time.”
To find out more, call [email protected] call 02 33 47 32 21.
Last chance tosee Dieppe artover centuries
YOUR STORIESPlease send community stories or events for possibleinclusion to [email protected]
PORT: A ferry bound for Newhaven docked in Dieppe, painted by Pierre Hodé in 1933
STYLES: Jacques-Emile Blanche’s impression of the Place du Puits Salé, around 1929, and what are apparently the cliffs of Varengeville, by Monet
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ppe
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connexionfrance.comwww.connexionfrance.com
DEVILLE PROPERTYSERVICESBarn & attic
conversion specialists.
We undertake allaspects of renovation
& improvementprojects.
We legally employEnglish speaking staff& do not sub-contract.
Full 10 year insurancebacked guarantee.
TEL: 02 31 67 76 90www.devilleservices.com
Areas: 14 , 50 , 61 Siret: 45026366000018
GENERAL BUILDERRoofs, Loft conversionsPlumbing & Electrical,
Groundworks.Experienced team forall renovation work.
________________________
TIMBER PRESERVATION Eradication of rot andwoodboring insects20 year certificatedguarantee covering
all France
Tel: Jim +33 ( 0 ) 679274563Email: [email protected]
Siret 488081233
FRENCH INSURANCE - IN ENGLISH
For peoplewho live in / own
property in FranceStraight-forward, honest
advice on the besthouse, car, life & health
insurance policies for youOver 15 years
experience in Frenchinsurance marketsEnglish, Dutch & German spoken.
Philippe Schreinemacherswww.insurance.fr
Tel: 33 00 05 62 29 20 00Email: [email protected] Auch B479 400 657
Regions: All France
Axa INSURANCEEnglish registered cars
House insuranceHealth cover
1700 British clients trust us02 96 87 21 21
[email protected], Brittany
AXA INSURANCE
J. LECLUZEST HILAIRE DU HARCOUET
50600
HOME - CAR - HEALTHWe insure UK registered cars
ENGLISH SPOKEN(call Angeline)
02 33 49 12 [email protected]
AllianZ InsuranceCAR HOME
HEALTHInsurance in
Lower Normandy Christophe Marie, Vire
Tel: 02 31 68 01 96 Email: [email protected]
Siret N° ORIAS 07/022 348
NORMANDYFRENCH TUITIONQualified bilingual teacherSmall groups, 1 to 1, intensive
courses, translation, paperwork
Tél: 02 33 65 39 73www.normandyfrenchtuition.com
Mascha TaniaTranslator-Administrative Help
Lifetime experience of the French system.
Privacy Guaranteed.Tel: 02 31 67 60 55 / 06 79 86 22 69
Siret 451 736 318 00010
Help with theFrench system• Paperwork, Phone calls• Translation, Interpreting
Call Hilary Reynolds00 33 (0) 2 33 59 17 07
www.leapfrogservices.net
SWORN TRANSLATIONS
All legal translationsby French-
English speaking
sworn translator
Property-legal-building
Administrative helpExpat assistance
with 25 years of experience
Regions : All FRANCEKaren RENEL-KINGTel: 06 18 03 18 38
Email: [email protected]: www.certified
frenchtranslation.comFast and cheap
Siret: 38058374000028
SW COMPUTERSPC Repairs, Upgrades
New and SecondHand Sales.
Help with dial up andBroadband Internet
ConnexionsCall out or Bring to Us.Tel: Mark 02 33 90 64 93Mobile: 06 72 66 61 51Email: swcomputers@
wanadoo.frSiret: 483 973 863 000 10
FIRST-RATE WEBSITES
Affordable, standards-compliant websites
designed for the 3 audiences that matter: you, your clients and the
search engines, giving yourbusiness maximum visibility.
www.rob-tomlinson.comTel: 05 62 67 39 98
[email protected] Covered: All France
Siret: 419 490 297 00027
PennyGraphicsAmazing
web sitesFantastic
Priceswww.pennygraphics.net
02 33 90 92 15
GOLDENWAYINTERNATIONAL PETS
World Wide Pet Transporter /
RelocatorMinistry approved
No. 61195004 – 61195001Offices CDG Airport Paris
Offices and Kennels NormandyTel: 01 48 62 87 25 CDG ParisTel: 02 33 38 41 32 Normandy
www.goldenwaypets.comSiret: 397549551
Chenil Les Mille CalinsEnglish Run
5 Star accommodationfor Dogs/Cats
Comprising of underfloor heated kennels Qualified staff
Top Quality food and exercise
Only 45 minutes south of Caen
Convenient Ferry AccessSAFETY COMFORT ANDCARE FOR YOUR PET,
PEACE OF MIND FOR YOUwww.goldenwaypets.comTelephone 02 33 37 49 19Emergency 02 33 38 41 32
Fax 02 33 38 44 16
Acorn Kennels & Cattery
Qualified and professionalcare of your pet while
you are awaywww.AcornKennelsandCattery.com
Tel: 02 33 49 63 22 Siret: 479 825 168 00012
NORMANDY KENNELSSmall, caring and qualified
English run kennelsand cattery
Contact Jon or SueTel 02 31 67 93 48Near Vire Dept 14
Siret 48914001200019
The Advertiser, Normandy February 201012 Directory
HEALTH
CLASSIFIEDS
WOOD STOVE STUDIOWood burning stoves and
Cuisinieres from
Cashin CaminaCleanburn Esse Hunter
Parkray Stovaxon display at our dept 61 showroom
Selkirk chimneyand flexible liner
Full installation service
www.woodstovestudio.com [email protected]
Tel 02 33 12 57 26Siret 498 597 632 00013
Work &Safety WearPlain/Printed, Polos to 7XL,
T's to 3XL, Boots to 13+Much More!
www.veti-travail.eu09 73 00 84 34
THE STOVE SHACK
ESSE - HUNTER - WOODWARMWoodburning Stoves and
Cookers Supplied and InstalledTel 02 33 17 25 21
E-mail [email protected]
La Manche (50) Siret No 510 070 535 00016
FISHFACE REMOVALS UK - FRANCE - UK
Full and part loads You pack, we move, you save!
UK: 0844 2324090 FRANCE: 02 33 04 52 44
Email: [email protected] www.fishfaceremovals.com
REFLEX MOODYS LTDSALISBURY
REMOVALSUK - FRANCE - UK
• Weekly Service to France
• Full & Part Loads• Container Storage
• BAR Members• Instant On-line
QuotationTel: 0044 17224 14350
Email: [email protected]: www.reflexmoodys.com
Company Regn No: UK 5186435TVA / VAT No: UK 864 7217 04
D & KREMOVALS
Removals toand from France.
Best prices, best service.T: + 44 (0) 079705 30723
George White EuropeanTransport
Special rates to S/W France13.6m/45ft trailer - Full/Part loads
Removals/materials/vehiclesOwner driver. RHA memberTel: +44 (0)7768 867 360Fax: +44 (0)1773 570 090
Fr Mobile: +33 (0)6 23 03 85 59www.georgewhiteeuropean.co.uk
Fosse Septic installationsAll Groundworks
Equine ArenasDrives & ditching
Ponds & landscapingAreas 50,14,53,61,35
KG EXCAVATIONS02 33 59 91 73 / 06 50 58 94 49
www.fosseboss.com
Fitzgerald Garden Services
Regular Maintenance to include:
Mowing, Strimming,Hedges and Weeding
We are happy to quote for:
Clearing overgrown plots,Tree Felling, Rotavating
and Lawn creationReferences Available
Tel: 02 33 59 42 46Mobile: 06 78 41 85 78
Email: [email protected]
Siret 48495870700016
THE ADVERTISERDIRECTORY
THIS TREBLECOLOUR
DIRECTORY COSTS
€540HT
for ayear
Call our Sales Teamfor more information
Tel: 04 83 93 60 08
Email: [email protected]
www.connexionfrance.com
PJM LOCATION PLANT HIRE & SALES
Mini diggers and machinery available.For hire and sale.
Tel: +33 (0)2.33.30.89.20Email: [email protected]
Web: www.pjmtoolhire.comRegions Covered: Lower Normandy
Siret: 449247550
ChimneySweep
Wood StoveInstallationProperty
ManagementIain Davison
www.propertycarepeople.comTel: 02 33 14 09 55
Email: [email protected]: 494799968
Reno - Peter CoppenKitchens, bathrooms,
loft conversions,electrical work,
carpentry.Complete renovations,
to minor works.
All work carried out byquality, registered tradesmen.
10 yr decennale insurance.
Tel: 06 32 02 76 33Email: [email protected]
Mark DupeeLANDSCAPEGARDENER
Est 1994
Mowing, Hedge Cutting,Clearance, Maintenance,Fencing, Decking, Patios.
PropertyManagement
Tel: 02 33 90 92 28Mobile: 06 68 74 83 41
Email: [email protected] 49509842800016
Kitchens, Bathrooms& Loft Conversions
Renovations, all aspects of buildingworks, electrical, plumbing.
Tel: 03 22 32 50 02Email: [email protected]
All Northern Regions ConsideredSiret No. 394 360 945 00015
GARDEN MAINTENANCE
Garden ClearanceGrass CuttingHedge Cutting
Strimming and Weed KillingTel: Charlie 02 33 91 78 05
Email: [email protected] Sever Area
Siret 49763502900018
CHIMNEY SWEEPExpert, mess-free service from
a dedicated and professionalEnglish Sweep.
Please contact; Steve Bainton-Smithat Black Cat Services on;
02 33 50 84 91or email; [email protected]
Depts: 50,14,61
Seans Garden ServicesLawns – Hedges – TreesOvergrown plots cleared.
Free quotes for one-off jobs.Call Sean 02 33 57 86 02Email: sean.melanaphy@
wanadoo.frSiret: 50139841600013
THE ADVERTISERDIRECTORY
THIS DOUBLE COLOURDIRECTORY COSTS
€375HT for a yearCall our Sales Teamfor more information
Tel: 04 83 93 60 08
Email: [email protected]
www.connexionfrance.com
WIDE OAKFLOORING
LOW PRICES DIRECTFROM PRODUCER
www.wide-oak-flooring.comPhone Bill 02 31 63 94 36
Siret 83661000014
BENTLEY DESIGNAll restoration &renovation work.Loft conversion specialist
Bespoke staircasesBespoke JoineryCall Ken or NatalieTel: 02 33 66 22 47Siret: 508 702 974 000 17
The Advertiser, Normandy February 2010 Directory 13Advertising feature
TO PLACE ACLASSIFIEDADVERTlog on to www.connexionfrance.com and click on‘classified ads’
LIFE can be hard in a foreigncountry but if you already live inFrance you’ll know things can gomuch more smoothly if you canprovide the right documents forall your administrative purposes.
If you don’t already live inFrance, you will soon find out.
However, it is not always possi-ble to translate such literatureyourself. For example, the impor-tance of the information on abirth certificate may well require asworn translation.
Karen Renel-King is regularlycalled upon to provide exactly thistype of service to English-speak-ing expats all over France.
They have a wide range of differ-ent literature that needs translat-ing for various purposes: possiblydealings with a notaire, the mairieor to get planning permission.
Whether it involves setting up abusiness, property queries orinheritance matters you can beassured Karen has the specialistskills and experience to help byproviding sworn translations of all
the official documents required.The reasons for contacting the
mairie are wide-ranging, coveringeverything from joining the elec-toral roll or getting married, andcan present English speakers withcommunication difficulties.
Becoming resident and register-ing will involve some paperwork,which will mean having to handover the relevant documents inthe official language: French.
Sworn translations by Karenleave no room for error or misun-derstandings. Being able to pro-vide the authorities with officialtranslations will make the processquicker and more efficient.
Planning permission is anotherarea where it is important all regu-lations are upheld to avoid wastingtime and money.
Sometimes there is no substitutefor an official translator. Noteveryone is qualified to provide asworn translation and that iswhere Karen Renel-King steps in.
She established her company in1992 and it is proving a popular
choice for both individuals andcompanies looking for a reliablesource of help in trying to under-stand life in another language.
Karen arrived in France fromAmerica in 1964 and understandsfirst-hand the struggles manyEnglish speakers come up against.
She is bilingual, has a qualifica-tion in translation and interpret-ing from the Sorbonne in Paris,plus experience working as asworn translator since 1985.
No wonder clients feel confidententrusting Karen Renel-King withsome of the most importantaspects of expat life.
It could be translations of impor-tant documents for the embassy,the consulate, préfecture or theMinistry of Foreign Affairs; Karenprovides sworn translations foreverything from birth certificatesto marriage certificates, propertycontracts, driving licences andinsurance papers. From English toFrench and vice-versa.
You don’t need to live nearAmiens, where the company is
based, to benefit from its servicesand Karen says: “Most thingscome in via email but you neverquite know what to expect.”
She is often asked by English-speaking expats to make phonecalls in French on their behalf.Everyday situations can causeproblems such as organising aninternet connection or speakingwith a notaire or someone atsocial security.
Whatever your particular situa-tion seeking help from a companyrun by a bilingual professionalwho lives in France and speaksyour language as their mothertongue is ideal.
Karen has even been called uponto provide interpretation servicesin a court or when the police needto take statements after an acci-dent. It’s serious, but Karen takesgreat pride from the knowledgethat the work she does is helpingto make life easier for others.
For information, contact KarenRenel-King on 06 18 03 18 38 oremail [email protected]
A word to the wise–proper translations are vital
KAREN RENEL-KING: Makes life easier
ADVERTISER DIRECTORYFind services onlineSearch for English-speaking businesses on our website
All the adverts that appear in The Advertiser Directory can also befound in our online directory. Go to www.connexionfrance.com andtype what you are looking for in the search field at the top of the page.
The Advertiser, Normandy February 201014 Local information
Accueil des Villes FrançaisesFor newly arrived Normandy residentshttp://tinyurl.com/avfnorm
AirportsDinard: 08 25 08 35 09Cherbourg: 02 33 88 57 60 Caen: 02 31 71 20 10Le Havre: 02 35 54 65 00Deauville: 02 31 65 65 65
Alcoholics Anonymouswww.aabassenormandie.comBilingual meeting every Friday in theCentre Socio-Culturel Prieuré,Picauville (50)Call Alan on 02 78 08 41 23
Alliance Anglo-NormandeA helping hand to integrate throughFrench lessons, meetings and a socialcalendar, with members of manynationalities. Based between Livarotand Vimoutiers.secretary.normande@orange.frwww.alliance-anglo-normande.info
Amicale Culturelle EuropéenneOffers cultural events and welcomesall nationaltieswww.amicale-culturelle.eu02 33 50 38 16
Anglo-French Club, The PercheEcole de Français Du Perche (61)Regular events including convivial les-sons, monthly events and walksDanielle Houzé or Maureen Phillips: 02 33 25 25 [email protected]
Anglophone Association,CoutancesA social and cultural association forEnglish-speakers of any nationality.Liz Armstrong: 02 33 72 25 [email protected]
Association Française des Soloswww.asso-des-solos.frCaen: 06 08 37 06 11St-Lô: 06.34.47.47.64Cherbourg: 06 45 50 57 69Dieppe: 06 61 16 68 84Rouen: 06 60 18 54 91
Association Franco-Britanniquede Buais (50)French tuition, all levels welcomeJuliet Sharp: 02 33 69 36 [email protected]
Association Franco-Britannique,Barneville Carteret (50)An informal group of French andBritish residents who meet for socialevents on the Cotentin peninsula Claude Bastian: 02 33 93 10 70http://francobrit50.wordpress.com
Assurance MaladieHelp in English: 08 11 36 36 46CPAM Manche: 08 20 904 212
Bocage GardenersFor gardening enthusiasts in the theBocage, offering advice, meetings andoutingsVivienne Baker: 02 33 90 41 45
British consultate in Lille03 20 12 82 72
British embassy in Paris01 44 51 31 00
Calvados Polo ClubPolo matches and events in Lisieuxarea (14). Open to non-members.Mme Garmond: 02 31 31 19 [email protected]
Cancer Support Basse NormandieJenny Luck: 02 33 60 27 [email protected]
Classic Car and Bike Club ofDésertines (53)Meets last Thursday of every month atthe Red Lion Pub, DésertinesAlan Soutter: 02 33 69 55 [email protected]
Club de ConversationAnglais/Français de Gacé (61)Weekly conversation exchangebetween local French and English atthe mairie in GacéPeter Strugnell: 02 14 18 40 [email protected]
EDF (Electricité de France)05 62 16 49 08
Epona TrustCharity helping sick and mistreatedhorses and poniesAnn: 02 33 61 88 41www.eponatrust.org
Ferry operatorsBrittany Ferries: 08 25 828 828 Celtic Link: +44 844 576 8834Condor Ferries: 02 33 88 44 88 Irish Ferries: 02 33 23 44 44LD Lines: 02 35 19 78 77Transmanche: 02 32 14 52 03
Ferry portsCherbourg: 02 33 43 23 87Le Havre: 02 32 74 73 31Dieppe: 08 20 00 35 55Caen-Ouistreham: 02 31 35 63 00
The 50 Photo ClubMeets on the first Thursday of themonth at 14.00. Venue Laforge Pub inLe Petit-Celland (50) Jackie: 02 33 48 89 [email protected]
France Telecom/OrangeEnglish helpline: 09 69 36 39 00
Gay NormandieWebsite with gay and lesbian newswww.gaynormandie.com
Groupe Ornithologique NormandRegular bird-watching outings02 31 43 52 56www.gonm.org
Mayenne and Orne Writers Relaxed, friendly creative writinggroup which meets on third Tuesdayof every month.Kitty Stephens: 02 33 64 12 [email protected]
Météo FranceManche: 08 92 68 02 50Calvados: 08 92 68 02 14Orne: 08 92 68 02 61Eure: 08 92 68 02 27Seine-Maritime: 08 92 68 02 76
Orne LinkAnglo-French network for the Ornehttp://ornelink.orne.frScarlet or Véronique: 02 33 81 62 97
PréfecturesCalvados: 02 31 30 64 00Eure: 02 32 78 27 27Manche: 02 33 06 50 50Orne: 02 33 80 61 61Seine-Maritime: 02 32 76 50 00
Royal British LegionNormandy/Calvados district branchhttp://rblnormandy.wordpress.comGoona Naidu: 02 31 78 36 40Ron Matthews: [email protected]
Royal Naval AssociationFrance Nord branchNigel Fox: [email protected]
Société Protectrice des AnimauxCherbourg: 02 33 20 49 74Cabourg: 02 31 28 09 71Etalondes: 02 35 86 88 51
SOS HelpTrained listeners provide confidential,anonymous counselling service inEnglish to English-speakers living inFrance. 01 46 21 46 46 from 15.00 to 23.00daily. www.soshelpline.org
TrainsSNCF: 3635Eurostar: 08 92 35 35 39
UK passport advice+44 208 082 4729Cost of an international call plus69p/minute on your credit card
“Ville-Beau-Son” ChoirAnglo-French choir based inVillebaudon (50). Welcomes enthusi-astic singers of all abilities. Meetsevery Wednesay at 20.30 at the SalleCulturelle.Sylvia Miles: 02 33 59 21 [email protected]
For our list of hospitals and emergencycontact numbers, see page 2
Useful Normandy contacts
If you would like your club or association listed here,please email: [email protected]
14 – CalvadosAquavire, VireBarclays Bank, CaenBar de la Poste, La GraverieBar Patio, LisieuxLes Bons VoisinsBricomarché, VireCafé at Intermarché, VireCarrefour Market, Honfleur, VillersBocageAu Cochon de Lait, FalaiseLe Comptoir Irlandais, DeauvilleFlying Fish, La Graverie, St ManvieuBocageGedimat, La GraverieIntermarché, Condé sur NoireauLeclerc, VireMarc Trouverie Estate Agents, VireMarché U, BayeuxNormandie Wine Warehouse,OuistrehamLe Patio, LisieuxLe Petit Chambourin, Champ du BoultSteve’s Fish and Chips, Champ du BoultSubway, CaenSuper U, Thury HarcouëtShopi, St Sever, VassyTourist Bar, OrbecTourist board, Ouistreham terminal
27 – EureHippofaim, Cormeilles
35 – Ille-et-VilaineDinard Airport
50 – MancheAssociation Franco-Britannique, BuaisA Propos du Jardin, Ste CécileAuberge du Lac, VezinsAxa Lecluze, St HilaireBellefontaine ParkLes Bons VoisinsBricomarché, Avranches, Carentan,Coutances, Parigny, Saint-Lô, TourlavilleCarrefour Market, Barneville Carteret,Ducey, Haye du Puits, Mortain,PontorsonChâteau de Tallis, St André de BohonCeltic Link, Cherbourg portChez Madeleine, St Maur de BoisChrist Church CoutancesLa Clé des Temps, CoutancesComptoir Irlandais, CherbourgThe Country Kitchen, SourdevalEpicerie BarentonEpi-service, ChaulieuFlying Fish, MoyonLa Forge, Le Petit CellandGimazane Immobilier, Barfleur,Cherbourg, La Haye du Puits, Les Pieux,ValognesGedimat, Gavray, Mortain, Périers,
St Hilaire, St JamesIBS Bréhal, AvranchesIntermarché, AvranchesJug & Jazz, GerLeclerc, St HilaireMajestic Wine, CherbourgMarché U, Gavray, SourdevalNormandie Wine Warehouse,CherbourgOdyssey Cafe, Leclerc, Saint-LôLe Relais de St Jean, St Jean de DayeSteve’s Fish and Chips, Mortain, Le PetitCellandThe Stove Shack, LessaySubway, Cherbourg, Saint-LôSuper U, St Sauveur le Vicomte,Sainte Mère EgliseLe Tie Break, Le LuotMarc Trouverie Estate Agents, Mortain and VilledieuVive La Différence, MontpinchonTerminal Building, Cherbourg port
53 – MayenneLe Bon Choix Dépôt Vente, La BarocheGondinLe Famous Knight Public House,CouptrainGedimat, GorronThe Red Lion, DesertinesSteve’s Fish and Chips, Couesmes-VaucéSuper U, Pré en Pail
61 – OrneAngloFrench Club of the PercheBar au Relais, St FraimbaultBar du Pêcheur, l'Epinay le ComteBricomarché, La Ferté Mace, FlersCarrefour Market, Domfront,TinchebrayCatena, Argentan, VimoutiersClub Anglais/Français de GacéCinema, TinchebrayHairchic, La Ferté MacéLe Coin Secret, La Ferté MacéLeclerc, Argentan, FlersLes Favorites, DomfrontLe Réveillon Jazz Café, near Mortagne au PercheLe Secret Knight Public House,ChampsecretRugby Tavern, TailleboisSteve’s Fish and Chips, TailleboisSuperU, Bagnoles de l'Orne
76 – Seine-MaritimeSubway, Le Havre, RouenLD Lines, Dieppe, Le Havre
Jersey: Maison de la Normandie
Interested in stocking The [email protected]
Our distributors
Did you know?CROSSWORD fans can learnabout the region, brush up theirFrench and get a chance to keeptheir brain cells in action withour Normandy bilingual cross-word. We will provide theanswers for this month’s cross-word in the March issue.
ACROSS1 Fine; beautiful; handsome (fr)
(4)3 Janvier to Décembre; they
make up the calendar (fr) (4)5 Vieillir; une eternité (eng) (3)7 Little paperback book, livre
de... (fr) (5)10 One of the Iles Anglo-
Normandes under British sov-ereignty (8)
11 Haute-Normandie capital (5)12 This tapestry presents a record
of the events of 1066 and theBattle of Hastings (6)
14 State; condition (fr) (4)15 Guy de ..., famous writer who
wrote about the Franco-Prussian war (10)
18 Farine de ... is an essentialingredient for bread and cakes(fr) (3)
20 Normandy sits betweenBrittany to the West and ... tothe East (7)
23 International racing stableowners come to this smarttown every summer to buytheir yearlings (9)
24 Sealed with a bisou (eng) (4)26 Famous Norman engineer
Augustin Fresnel’s lenses arestill used today in these build-ings along the Norman coast(eng) (11)
DOWN1 To être or not to être ... (eng)
(2)2 En haut; en l'air; levé (out of
bed) (2)3 Way; method; fashion (fr) (4)4 Under; taking someone to
court? (fr) (4)6 The french for diesel (fr) (6)8 Percherons and cobs are
among these famous thor-oughbreds (eng) (6)
9 It looks a bit vague andsounds like a place in theNetherlands, but this placefaces the Iles Anglo-Normandes (3,5)
12 A ficelle, flute and tradigraineare all types of this (eng) (5)
13 Famous apple brandy, "trouNormand"; department inNormandy (8)
15 Jean-Francois, famous 19thpainter, famous for his scenesof peasant farmers; a type ofcereal grain (6)
16 A pomme a day keeps thedoctor away (eng) (5)
17 Twitch; mannerism; noise thata clock makes (fr/eng) (3)
19 Familiar greeting; hello; good-bye (5)
21 Demande; supplique; requête(eng) (3)
22 Platform (à la gare); dock; rive(fr) (4)
25 Sound; his/her (fr) (3)
Some answers are in English, some are in French. All accents should be ignored.
Normandy bilingual crossword
ANSWERS TO LASTMONTH’S CROSSWORD
Across: 1 Niche, 3 Brioches, 6 Moules Frites, 10 Campagne, 12 Caen, 13 Rouen,15 Ans, 18 Toast, 19 Pêche, 20 Cider, 22 Cream, 23 Eté, 24 Woods
Down: 1 Neufchâtel, 2 Camembert, 3 Basse, 4 Oui, 5 Hue, 7 Rape, 8 TheConqueror, 9 Monet, 11 Galettes, 14 Hastings, 16 Pommeau, 17 Ecru, 19 Paint,21 Ado
NEUFCHATEL cheese comesin many shapes and sizes:rounds, bricks, logs, butmost distinctively – andmost appropriately forValentine’s Day – in a heartshape.
Of all Normandy’s cheeses,Neufchâtel claims the longesthistory. Cheesemaking inthis region goes back to atleast the 11th century. Adocument written in themid-1000s refers to cheesebeing used to pay tithes tothe Abbaye Saint Sauveur atEvreux. This may explainwhy cheeses like Neufchâtel,Livarot and Pont l’Evèquewere called angelots. Anangelot is an angel.
There was a coin called anangelot that depicted theArchangel Michael and thisdesign may have beenimprinted onto the cheese bycheese moulds. Anotherexplanation is that cheeseswere made in the shape ofangels’ wings. Fromagesangelots are mentioned inthe 13th century literarywork Le Roman de la Rose.
The tradition for mouldingNeufchâtel into hearts is said
to have begun during theHundred Years War. TheEnglish had decided that byrights France should betheirs and it took the Frencha long time to convince themotherwise. ConsequentlyNormandy was overrun withEnglish soldiers, integratingwell with the locals and set-ting feminine hearts aflutter.
But the Norman lasses weretoo shy to say anything, ormaybe there was a languagebarrier. Finally the girls ofNeufchâtel-en-Bray decidedto “say it with cheese”, andone Christmas they madeheart-shaped cheeses to giveto the English soldier-boys.Is that romantic – or is it justcheesy?
Nothing says ‘I love you’like heart-shaped cheese
By Maggie Wakefield
SAY CHEESE: Norman women gave Neufchâtel to soldiers
LATE winter is usually the hardesttime of year in Normandy and it isquite normal to have snow for a cou-ple of weeks.This winter has been unusual with
the extreme weather we all experi-enced in December and January.
Provided the soil is not actuallyfrozen, you can still plant out bare-root trees and shrubs, which arecheap in the shops throughout win-ter – around half the price of trees inpots.
If you have land and you fancygrowing your own fruit trees, it isbest to choose French varieties. An apple such as Calville Blanc will
fruit better than one such asBraeburn. French apples are bred forthe country’s climatic conditions andeven a tree that is only head-heightwill yield two or three crates of fruitinside a few years. To avoid spring-time frosts, choose a late-floweringvariety such as Reine des Reinettes –
the French equivalent of the Cox’sOrange Pippin.
Pears take many years to produce agood yield and may be better asornamentals but plums do well inNormandy, especially yellow vari-eties such as mirabelles and green-gages (Reines Claudes), which plumpup well in the damp climate.
One fruit tree that is very easy togrow is the quince and since quincesare expensive in the shops, it is worthconsidering growing your own. Thetree itself is a gnarled and character-ful ornamental and the exotically fra-granced fruit are a boon in thekitchen for the interested cook.
February jobsLay hard standing when the
weather permits (buy gravel whenthe weather is dry, as it is sold byweight).
Catch up with indoor jobs such ascleaning tools. Paint the handles yellow for greater visibility.
Prune late-flowering shrubs suchas buddleia, abelia and hydrangea.
Things to enjoy in FebruaryThe gardens of some chateaux,
abbeys and haras remain open inwinter, including the chateau atCarrouges (Orne), the garden atHaras du Pin (reopens February 6)and the garden at the Abbaye SaintGeorges in Saint Martin deBoscherville (Seine-Maritime). At those that are closed, the garden
centre is often open all year round. Public gardens are generally open,
including the Jardin des Plantes andJardin Botanique in Caen, the Jardindes Plantes at Rouen and the Jardinsde Bellevue at Beaumont-le-Hareng(Seine-Maritime).
Gardening notes
It is still possible to plant some trees and shrubs in the February climate
QUINCE TREES: Easy to grow and a great source of cooking fruit
By Patricia Mansfield-Devine
The cruellest month
Photo: wallyg
The Advertiser, Normandy February 2010 Property 15
Lower-Normandy, Orne2 bedroomed half timbered country house with a 600m2
garden and an attached workshopwith an attic space.
REF: 22413
€€112,350
Lower-Normandy, Calvados, Vire3 level 4 bedroomed detachedhouse offers fully fitted kitchen,lounge/dining room, bathroomwith 3 separate shower rooms,balcony and large garden.REF: JL2268
€€193,400
Lower-Normandy, Orne, Domfront3 bedroomed detached house offers lounge, two bathroomsand kitchen with the potential toadd two bedrooms and abathroon in the attic.REF: JS207
€€93,000Lower-Normandy, Orne2 bedroomed house offers 37m2
living room, kitchen with a fireplace, bathroom and 800m2
enclosed garden.
REF: 12439
€€75,950
REF: 22412
€€100,000
Upper-Normandy, Seine-Maritime3 bedroomed renovated old mill.All major work has been carried,further conversion work on theattic would allow an additional 2 en-suite bedroomsREF: NOR76GOD2
€€367,000
Buying or selling a property in or around theNormandy? We can help. Our website www.connexionfrance.com carries details
of more than 14,000 homes for sale across France. We also feature properties for sale in this dedicated
section of The Advertiser every month. Use the codeunder each property to find out more on the website. For sellers, the adverts are also displayed across a
range of popular English-speaking websites whichensures they are seen by thousands of potential buyers
EVERY day. Prices start at €119TTC for a year’s onlineadvertising. Online advertisers can also place advertsin The Advertiser for an extra €60TTC for one month,€150TTC for three and €275TTC for six. Contact us on 04 83 93 60 08 or email [email protected]
REF: 26678
€€80,090Lower-Normandy, Calvados,Condé-sur-Noireau2 bedroomed house with terrace,garden, garage, cellar and attic toconvert. Situated in a calm hamlet.
REF: 128003
€€128,400Lower-Normandy, Manche2 bedroomed cottage situated inquiet hamlet with beautiful viewsover the garden. Comprises oflounge with feature fireplace, fitted kitchen, dining room,bathroom, en-suite and terrace.
More details on all these properties - and how to contact the seller directly - can be found in the property for salesection of www.connexionfrance.com. Simply enter the code under each home to find out more
Houses for sale in and around Normandy
Lower-Normandy, Manche, Sourdeval4 bedroomed detached house comprises of kitchen/dinningroom, lounge, 2 bathroom/wc,dressing room, garage/workshopand large garden.REF: JL2258
€€205,600
Lower-Normandy, Manche,Villedieu-les-Poêles4 bedroomed town house recently renovated and fully furnished. Fractional share (25%) ownership with 3 other families
REF: IFPC16664
€€40,000
REF: LAPENTYH103
€€44,580Lower-Normandy, MancheDetached stone and slate property (65 sqm) with 4.44acres (18 000 sqm) of land andbarn. Renovation needed for theroof and floor.
Lower-Normandy, Calvados, LisieuxVilla and Gite, renovated in1995-99. Both properties have 3 bedrooms no work needed.Surrounded by large garden.
REF: IFPC18752
€€352,000
The adverts above cost from just €179TTC for a whole year of web advertising and one edition of advertising in The Advertiser.10,000 copies of The Advertiser are distributed at key points across departments 50, 14, 61, 27 and 76 as well as onboard ferriesbetween the UK and France and at Dinard airport. Let our distribution get you a sale. Contact our sales team on 04 83 93 60 08
More details of all the homes shown here - and 14,000 other properties for sale across France - can be seen at www.connexionfrance.com Enter the code listed with the property to take you to the details
Lower-Normandy, Orne2 bedroomed house offerslounge with fireplace, open planfitted kitchen, bathroom, show-er, 3 toilets, basement, cellar, workshop, 200m2 garden andterrace.
The Advertiser, Normandy February 201016 News
Man steals tractorafter night outA PARTYGOER who stole atractor to get home from anightclub and then set fire to ithas been given a four-monthsuspended prison sentenceand 180 hours of communityservice. A court in Caen heardthat the 21-year-old was tootired to walk to Ouistreham at5.00 after a night out. The manwas ordered to pay €6,000 indamages to the vehicle’s owner.
Calvados mayordefends Pétain picTHE MAYOR of Gonneville-sur-Mer in Calvados has beencondemned by anti-racismcampaigners for refusing totake down a portrait in thetown hall of Marshal Pétain,the authoritarian French rulerwho collaborated with theNazis in the Second WorldWar. Bernard Hoyé says thepicture has been there fordecades in a row of portraits ofFrench heads of state and itwould be wrong to remove it.
British family inholiday blazeTHREE British holidaymakerswere taken to hospital forsmoke inhalation last monthafter they left a fire onovernight. The family fromLondon were staying in afriend’s second home near theLac de la Dathée in Saint-Manvieu-Bocage, which hassuffered some fire damage.
Another bigbeauty prize iswon by CaenJUST weeks after the election of Caen-born student MalikaMénard as Miss France 2010, another resident of the Basse-Normandie has been crowned Miss France Ronde – PlumpMiss France. Cynthia Bouvet Hellouin, 22, was picked inan online poll from 130,000 candidates to represent Franceat Miss Ronde Univers in Los Angeles, competing againstwomen from 45 other countries around the world.
The annual Miss Ronde contest is open to any woman inFrance with a dress size of 46 or more, the equivalent of asize 18 in the UK.
Caen celebrated the election of Malika Ménard, the for-mer Miss Calvados, as Miss France 2010 shortly beforeChristmas.
Normandy has produced more Miss France winners thanany other region outside Paris – six since 1958.WINNER: Cynthia Bouvet Hellouin was selected in an online poll from 130,000 candidates
English university ‘will be biggest in mainland Europe’From page 1
The closest are INSEAD inFontainebleau, which coversbusiness, and the AmericanUniversity of Paris, which hasabout 1,000 students specialis-ing in social sciences and com-munication. The Caen univer-sity will be considerably largerthan this.
Mr Tourret says Normandy’sposition within easy reach ofboth the UK and Paris wouldmake it a popular choice forstudents and researchers – and
the new university wouldboost the region’s economyand academic reputation.
Key subjects could includemedicine, technology andagriculture but the region isnot ruling out anything untildiscussions with British uni-versities take place.
It has not yet been decidedwhat role the current universityin Caen will have in the newproject, if any at all.
Mr Tourret has also recom-mended that an international
lycée be set up in Caen, provid-ing an alternative to Paris forFrench students who want tolearn English.
The plans are still in theirinfancy and no formal budgetfor the university has beenpublished yet. If approved, it isexpected that much of the costwill be met by the regionthrough a long-term loan.Funding could also come fromInterreg, an EU agency help-ing regions form partnerships.
French state funding could
also be used. Part of the govern-ment’s €35bn grand empruntborrowing scheme is beingdirected towards universities.
Higher education ministerValérie Pécresse told TheAdvertiser’s sister paper TheConnexion: “We have a tradi-tion of cooperation in educa-tion with the UK.
“We are shaping a highereducation map where impor-tant centres will extend theirinfluence in Europe andworldwide.”
TOURRET: Pitching ideato UK universities in April
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