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AdvertiserThe
NORMANDYPublished by ConnexionThe
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FREEGRATUIT
July 2010 - Issue 7
The best historic cafésOscar Wilde’s favourite Dieppehangout and many more
AT LEAST 140 new wind tur-bines are set to be built offNormandy’s coastline by 2015under a major scheme to makemaximum use of the region’spotential for wind energy.
A public consultation isunderway in Le Tréport inHaute-Normandie untilSeptember 7 over plans tobuild a group of éolienneseight miles out to sea.
Basse-Normandie has alsoidentified a number of off-shore sites and has said it willfully consult residents in near-by coastal towns and villages.
The Basse-Normandie headof energy body Ademe, PascalCorté, said Normandy hadgreat potential for wind energyand was not doing enough.
“At present, the region is notvery well exploited,” he toldThe Advertiser. “Thanks to thelow depth of the sea and thefavourable conditions, it iseasy to consider off-shorewind power in our region.
“The new regulations are notin favour of implantation ofmore wind turbines on land.
“On the other hand, thereare likely zones for off-shoreturbines and we are alreadyseeing many industrial proj-ects which could result inhundreds of extra megawattsof supply.”
The €1.8bn construction
project off Le Tréport, if giventhe go-ahead, will be the firstlarge-scale wind energy farmoff the French coast.
It will have a capacity of 700megawatts – in theory pro-ducing enough electricity foralmost a million people.
An alternative arrangementwould see 60 turbines builtcloser to shore, about fourmiles out, with 300 more atleast 15 miles from the coast,out of sight.
Energy giant GDF-Suez willpay a special tax which willpump €8m a year into theSeine-Maritime economy, halfof which will go to fishermen,who have voiced deep concernsabout the effect the turbineswill have on their business.
Full story, page 7
Two pages of summerWhat’s On ideas SEE PAGES 12-13
Turbineplans forNormandycoastline
Photo: Le Pays d’Auge
WIND: A number of Basse-Normandie sites identified
HOPE: Mayor and regional council bosses celebrate launch
DEAUVILLE’S first-ever reg-ular air link to London isproving popular - with extraflights already being put on tocope with demand from holi-daymakers.
Airport authorities say theyare “very pleased” with earlyticket sales. The route, whichwas set to launch on June 24, asThe Advertiser went to press,will run until September 27,serving London City airport.
Figures released two weeksbefore the launch showed1,065 seats had been sold.
August is particularly popu-lar, with CityJet adding twoextra flights to cater fortourists and horseracing fanscoming to Deauville on Friday13 and Monday 16.
About two-thirds of the pas-sengers who have booked livein the UK and a third live in
France.The figures are fuelling
hopes for a boost in UKtourist numbers to Normandy,which fell by 22% last year.Tourism workers also hope astronger pound will lure moreBritish visitors.
Airport boss DesmondO’Flynn said: “These figuresare encouraging at this earlystage. In particular, the take-up on the French side is aheadof expectations.”
Full story, pages 4-5
London servicelaunches with hopes strongerpound will lureBritish visitors
UK FLIGHTBOOST FORTOURISM
The Advertiser, Normandy July 20102 News
Useful ContactsEMERGENCIESSamu (medical aid): 15Sapeurs-pompiers: 18Police/gendarmerie: 17Duty pharmacy: 3237
More contacts, page 13
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
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 ISSN: 2106 - 7902
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 (Normandy),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, MickAustin, Jonathan Gates,Ray Clancy, MaggieWakefield, Sally-AnnVoak, Paul McNally, AliceCannet. Design andlayout: Wil Pace, DaveCooper, Gemma Hill
Contact Us
Region merger ‘not a priority’
Local police march for right to have guns
Orne ruralbroadbandscheme isextended
Marigny inheritance seminar successTHANK you to the 110 people who attendedour inheritance seminar in Marigny(Manche) last month in association withMoneycorp.
The event was well-received and also helpedraise €160 for Cancer Support France.
We will keep Advertiser readers updatedwith plans for other talks in English over thecoming months. One attendee said: “I wouldlike to say how much we enjoyed the seminar.
“It was very informative and well-organ-ised. Well done and please do it again.” TALKS: Visitors helped raise €€160 for charity
MORE than 200 municipalpolice officers from all overNormandy converged inCaen for a protest march tocall for better pay and safe-ty measures.
The officers want the gov-ernment to pass a decreeforcing all local mayors togive guns to the police theyemploy. At the momentabout 40% of municipalpolice carry firearms.
Unions say they are facedwith the same dangers asnational police and have aright to the same protection.
They are also calling forfairer pay – the starting ratevaries from €1,100 to€1,600 a month dependingon the town – and earlyretirement at 55 for thelongest-serving officers. DEMONSTRATION: Police say their job is dangerous and guns would protect them
Photo: PHO
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A GRANT scheme to helpequip homeowners in theOrne with satellite broadbandhas been extended until theend of this year to give morepeople the chance to benefit.
The Haut Débit pour Tousinitiative was launched in2008 and some 1,900 homeshave signed up so far.
It was due to stop at the endof June but its renewal wasapproved by Orne councillorsat a budget meeting lastmonth.
Rural homes can apply for agrant of €400 to contribute tothe cost of equipment forsatellite broadband, leavingjust the monthly cost of theconnection fee to pay.
Local town halls are also eli-gible for a €650 grant to gettheir buildings equipped.
To get the grant, you need tobe in an area that cannotreceive ordinary ADSL broad-band through your phoneline, or WiMax wireless inter-net.
The head of Orne council’seconomic affairs and town-planning committee, JérômeNury, said: “A growing numberof people are contacting usabout getting high-speedinternet.
“The way people are usingthe internet is changing all thetime and households needaccess to the bandwidth thatsuits their needs.”
For more information onrural broadband grants andhow to apply, see www.normandyadvertiser.com
A PLAN to merge the tworegions of Normandy has beenput on hold, with Haute-Normandie describing it as “adead project” and “not at all apriority”.
The proposal, which was sup-ported by left-wing Basse-Normandie vice-presidentAlain Tourret, has beenremoved from a law on territo-rial reform currently goingthrough parliament.
A Basse-Normandie regionalcouncil spokeswoman toldThe Advertiser: “It has notmoved forward very much onour side of things. Since theregional elections [in March],this matter has not greatlyprogressed.
“It has not been scrapped butit has been in the backgroundfor a while. It is neither a stepback nor a step forward.”
Haute-Normandie regionalcouncil said: “The plans arenot at all in the region’s cur-rent priorities. It was one ofthe main themes of the oppo-
sition campaign and since theregional elections, nothing inparticular has happened.
“We are co-operating withBasse-Normandie and haveseveral common projects butwe are not at all involved inmerger talks with them.
“Here in Haute-Normandie,we never pronounced our-selves in favour of reuniting
the regions. So it is a bit of adead project.”
French territorial law allowsfor regions or departments tomerge after an agreement isreached between all interestedparties.
In a report published lastDecember, Mr Tourret saidthere were many advantages ofthe merger and set out a planbased around seven proposi-tions for the region.
Among those were increasedfunding for rail transport andresearch, the creation of anEnglish-speaking university inCaen and a reorganisation ofthe region’s administration.
The report supported theidea of Caen being the capitalof the merged region and dis-missed other likely candidatesRouen and Le Havre.
An online petition for themerger gathered 2,312 signa-tures including Rouen mayorPierre Albertini, Eure MPHervé Morin and Eure councilvice-president Franck Martin.
TOURRET: Key supporterof the merger proposal
Available in Englishfrom The Connexion,priced €7.50 or £7
(plus postage and packaging)
Written by the Notaires deFrance and published byConseils des Notaires.
THE authoritativeguide tobuying a home in France
See our websitewww.connexionfrance.com
SMALL independent cinemasin Normandy have come upwith a new way to improveattendance – special versionoriginale nights aimed atEnglish-speakers.
Claude Maze, who runs amonthly English night at LeNormandy in Tinchebray,Orne, said people drive fromup to 40km away to attend.
His version originale (VO)screenings have included TheCurious Case of BenjaminButton and Alice inWonderland and have attract-ed up to 180 people from thelocal area.
“English-speakers are aclientele which should not beneglected. The demand isthere,” he told The Advertiser.
“We had a number ofEnglish-speaking regularswho suggested we show morefilms in original version withFrench subtitles.
“It was a good idea for themto integrate and perhaps evenmake some progress in French.”
Everyone is welcome toattend the once-a-monthevenings which often startwith a buffet. Mr Maze saidthe convivial club atmospherehad helped the night becomepopular among the English-speaking community.
“Here, we make people feel
welcome – we offer tea, coffeeand cake. Just the other day, Ihad 150 people who came inand were so happy to meet upamong themselves and partici-pate. It is really convivial, andthat’s what works best.”
His latest ideas include get-ting his regular customers tochoose which films theywould like to see in the futureand a partnership with a localrestaurant where people candine prior to the show.
Mr Maze’s success hasinspired other cinemas to dothe same. The Rexy in Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives launched itsfirst Cinébritish evening inMay with a screening of TomFord’s A Single Man.
Le Rexy is a small arthouserun by volunteers who tookover the place four years agowhen the owner decided toclose it down.
Since they started running it,the number of customers peryear has gone up from 4,500 to
10,000. The local mairie helpsby paying the rent, charges andnecessary works on the venue.
The Cinébritish nights takeplace every two months andalso feature recent films.
Dianèle Natalini, one of themanagers, said: “We turn itinto a convivial moment byoffering refreshment and food.
“We are trying to create amulticultural space for peopleto meet. We want to increaseparticipation in such events inorder to bring this small vil-lage to life.”
Mrs Natalini explained thatdespite the growing number ofvisitors, the cinema still can-not consider hiring anyone ona salary. “The idea is not tohave big ambitions – it isenough for us to be there andto become an essential playerin the community,” she said.
Both Le Rexy and LeNormandy are members of anassociation called Génériquesthat acts on their behalf tonegotiate films with the dis-tributors.
Recently, the two cinemashave started coordinatingtheir efforts and sharing filmsin an effort to bring down thecosts of transport.
“We discuss films togetherand we choose which one welike the most. Fortunately, weare far enough not to get in eachother’s way,” Mr Maze said.
The Advertiser, Normandy July 2010 News 3
Meningitis jabscheme extendedSEINE-MARITIME councilhas extended its meningitisvaccination programme toyoung people in five addition-al areas: Argueil, Gournay-en-Bray, Aumale, Blangy-sur-Bresle and Londinières.
Centres have been set up inNeufchâtel and Gournay andjab vouchers should arrive inthe post for all two to 24-year-olds.
If your voucher does notarrive, call 08 20 30 00 60.
Drop-in centre fordiscrimination helpANTI-discrimination body LaHalde has appointed a localrepresentative for Calvados, itsfirst in Basse-Normandie.
Freddy Mambour will beavailable to inform anyoneabout their rights and how tolodge a complaint if they feelthey have been discriminatedagainst.
The free sessions will be onthe last Friday of the month inCaen and three times a monthin Hérouville-Saint-Clair.
To book a meeting, call02 31 53 20 04 / 02 31 79 73 32.
School bus passonline discountORNE families can benefitfrom a €10 discount on theirannual school bus passes forthe 2010/11 academic year ifthey are bought online.
The ticket, valid for 12months from July 3, costs €51per secondary school pupil, or€61 if not bought online. It isavailable at www.orne.frunder transports scolaires.
Bus travel for primaryschool children remains free.
English nights help cinemas growBy Alice Cannet
Sarl Manche Immobilier is currently searching fora bilingual French/English Estate Agent for their
Haye du Puits Agency, in North Cotentin.Agent Commercial Status.
Seeking bilingualestate agent
Contact: Mme Francine DIGNAT - 02 33 05 14 07
English-speakersshould not beneglected
FILMS: Claude Maze (top left) runs Le Normandy in Tinchebray. His English nights haveinspired Le Rexy in Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives to follow suit with English films without dubbing
“
The Advertiser, Normandy July 20104 News
Brit tourists down 22% TOURISM officials are hopingDeauville’s new summer airlink to London and a weakereuro will help reverse a sub-stantial decline in the numberof British visitors to Normandy.
The economic crisis andunfavourable exchange ratesmeant the number of nightsspent by Britons in the regionfell by 22.1% last year.
The figure has been below thesymbolic one-million nights ayear mark since 2008 and thenumber of stays has fallen by41.7% since 2003.
Tourist board head ofresearch Marie-GabrielleClément said Normandy hadso far missed out on the rapidgrowth of low-cost air travelas the budget airlines tend toprefer French destinationssouth of the Loire.
However they hope that willchange now that CityJet haslaunched a regular servicefrom London City airport toDeauville and holidaymakersare starting to get more eurosto their sterling. One poundcurrently buys about €1.22 –whereas this time last year therate was around €1.10.
The CityJet route opened onJune 24 and will operate forthree months until September27. Airport director DesmondO’Flynn told The Advertiser:“The new London City route
Dieppe wins first sea water quality prize
DIEPPE, Honfleur and Criel-sur-Mer have been awarded ablue flag for the quality of their beaches for the first time,bringing the total along the Normandy coastline to 23.
The voluntary scheme recognises beaches that are clean,have good disabled access and safe sea water. Local authori-ties pay to apply – so the absence of a blue flag elsewheredoes not necessarily mean the beach is sub-standard.
Each of the beaches that has been awarded a blue flag isrequired to take five sea water samples throughout the yearand publish the results.
The Manche has the most blue flags, with nine: Siouville-Hague, Portbail, Les Pieux, Bréhal, two in Barneville-
Carteret and three for Agon-Coutainville.The Seine-Maritime has seven: Etretat, Fécamp, Hautot-
sur-Mer, Le Havre, Saint-Jouin-Bruneval and new additionsDieppe (pictured) and Criel-sur-Mer.
Calvados also has seven: Colleville-Montgomery, Pontl'Evêque, two in Ouistreham, two in Courseulles-sur-Merand the latest winner, Honfleur.
Meanwhile, five beaches in Basse-Normandie have beensingled out as potentially dangerous, with more than 15% ofwater samples failing to conform to European norms.
They are Tracy-sur-Mer, Langrune, Saint-Aubin, Lion-sur-Mer (all in Calvados) and Saint-Pair (Manche).
Photo: Jean Decau/CR
T Norm
andy
Register gitewith mairieor face fineHOME-OWNERS who renttheir property out to touristsneed to register with the localmairie immediately or face afine of up to €450.
The new requirementapplies to anyone who runs agite or other furnished holi-day let, whether it is let allyear round or for a limitedperiod and regardless of howlong you have owned it.
Ask your mairie for Cerfaform number 14004-01 – ordownload and print it from ourwebsite (search for “gite” atnormandyadvertiser.com).
The two-page form needs tobe sent to the mairie in thecommune where the propertyis located – not the one whereyou live, if different.
The deadline was July 1 butif you are quick you should beable to avoid a fine. Thepenalty can range from €45to €450 depending on howlong you leave it.
Registration has becomecompulsory under a newtourism law, which isdesigned to offer better pro-tection to holidaymakers.
We publish a helpguide,priced €5, on letting yourhome out to holidaymakers.Follow the helpguides link atwww.connexionfrance.com
The Advertiser, Normandy July 2010 News 5
but hopes high for UK link
BASSE-NORMANDIE regional councilhas resurrected a campaign to get the D-Day landing beaches in Calvados classi-fied as a Unesco world heritage site.
Region vice-president PhilippeBonneau said Unesco recognition
would boost tourism and reinforceNormandy’s image on a global level.
A recent survey found 88% of localresidents support the idea.
The campaign has the backing of pop-ular ex-politician Simone Veil, a
Holocaust survivor and the first presi-dent of the elected European parliament.
The application process is lengthy butMr Bonneau hopes the classificationcan be awarded by 2014 in time for the70th anniversary commemorations.
Campaign for Unesco to recognise D-Day beaches
Summer trains toBrittany returnA RAIL link from Granville toSaint-Malo will reopen onJuly 4 for two months over thepeak summer period. Tworeturn journeys are scheduledper day. Three extra trains willrun between Avranches andDol-de-Bretagne.
Ferry crossings toJersey/GuernseyFERRY firm Finist’mer hasbrought back its summercrossings from the Manchecoast to the Channel islands.Saint-Helier (Jersey) can bereached in less than an hourfrom Granville or Barneville-Carteret. Saint-Peter-Port(Guernsey) crossings are fromBarneville or Diélette. Seewww.manche-iles-express.com
Deauville’s secondfive-star hotel THE ROYAL Barrière hasbecome the second hotel inDeauville to be awarded fivestars. The 250-room seasidevenue joins Le Normandy,which became the region’s firstfive-star hotel last December.Until last year, the category didnot exist in France – the besthotels were “four-star deluxe”.
COMMEMORATION: Parachutists land near Sainte-Mère-Eglise as part of last month’s D-Day 66th anniversary events
Phot
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is a milestone for Deauvilleairport as the first-ever sched-uled route proposed by an air-line carrier based in theLondon region.
“This service will caterspecifically for the UK shortbreaks market into Normandy,the large number of UK prop-erty owners in the region andFrench expats living in GreaterLondon who may need a littlenostalgic break back in France.
“It will also facilitate people
in Normandy who wish tovisit London, as well as theFrench business traveller whocan access a wide range of con-nections from London Cityinto the UK, Ireland, Europeand even New York.”
CityJet chief executive
Geoffrey O’Byrne said: “We’redelighted to be the first tooffer flights to this attractivedestination.
“Normandy is immenselypopular with British holiday-makers, families and secondhomeowners and has a large
population of British expats.“The frequent services we’ll
be offering will cater to thatmarket as well as open upaccess to this stunning holidayregion, with beautiful beachesand countryside, to a wideraudience.”
Britons are still the biggestvisitors to Normandy, repre-senting 33% of all holiday-makers here.
The next biggest nationali-ties are the Dutch (26%),Belgians (14%) and Germans(11%).
“The new LondonCity route is amilestone forDeauville airportDesmond O’FlynnAirport director
CITYJET: Deauvlle’s first regular scheduled route to London targets holidaymakers, homeowners and businesspeople
The Advertiser, Normandy July 20106 Profile
THE TOWN of Lisieux needs littleintroduction. With a population of23,000 it is the second largest townin Calvados, behind Caen, and is thecapital of the Pays d’Auge.
The town’s mayor, Bernard Aubril,is also president of the Communautéde Communes de Lisieux Paysd’Auge, vice-president of theCalvados conseil général – and, itemerges, a keen cyclist.
“I competed until I reached the ageof 45,” Mr Aubril says, “andalthough I no longer take part incompetitions, I still do just as muchcycling.”
He briefly summarises his lifelongconnection with Lisieux: “I was bornat Le Faulq, a little village 15 kilome-tres from here. My parents werefarm workers. We moved to Lisieuxwhen I was five and I received allmy education here. I became a pri-mary school teacher – I stayed at myfirst job at L’Hôtellerie for nineyears, and my second job was atMoyaux where I became headmaster
and stayed for 25 years.“I was elected conseiller municipal
in 1983, I have been a conseillergénéral since 1989, mayor since 2001and president of the Communautéde Communes since 2003.”
Lisieux’s economy and agenda isfar too diverse to be summed up asneatly, but Mr Aubril highlightssome of the salient points.
“Our economic structure benefitsfrom having around 400 small-to-medium enterprises, the majority ofwhich are run by businessmen whowere born in the Pays d’Auge, stud-ied here, learned their trade here, inmany cases took over from theirparents, and have a firm belief in thefuture of the Pays d'Auge,” he says.
Unemployment in Lisieux neverdeviates significantly from thenational average. The hospital andthe local authority itself are thebiggest employers. Multinationalcompanies such as Nestlé and Knorrhave sites here. Within theCommunauté des Communes, 1,200small-to-medium businesses employ
12,000 people in food processing,metalwork and other sectors.
Future economic development willbe greatly boosted by the extensiveenterprise and industrial zonesbeing developed by theCommunauté de Communes, MrAubril says.
Turning to civil life, Mr Aubrilmentions numerous projects cur-rently on the table at the town hall.
Some are large-scale, such as dem-olition-reconstruction works toreplace post-war accommodation, a“residentialisation” project toimprove security and amenities fortenants, a salle multi-activité cur-rently under construction, and anew crèche scheme.
Lexoviens (as people from Lisieuxare called) enjoy a full calendar ofevents and exhibitions includingconcerts, exhibitions, weekly mar-kets, the prestigious Foussard fenc-ing tournament, chess tournaments,competitions for the resident withthe best window-boxes and bestChristmas lights and an annual treefair, now in its 549th year.
And, every year, 48 hours after theTour de France ends at the Champs-Elysées, some of the competitorscome to Lisieux to participate in acycle race through the town centre.
“In a good year, this event attractsbetween 25,000 and 30,000 specta-tors,” Mr Aubril says. It’s a safe betthat the mayor will be among them.
By Maggie Wakefield
ACTIVITY: Bernard Aubril is a keen cyclist and every year Lisieux welcomes Tour de France competitors for a post-tournament race through town
Small to mediumbusinesses have a firmbelief in the future ofthe Pays d’Auge
“
Meet your mayor
Big projects in pipeline for busy LisieuxEvery month we talk to a local mayor about their background and the issuesaffecting their community.
This edition we visitBERNARD AUBRIL inLisieux (Calvados)
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The Advertiser, Normandy July 2010 Interview 7
Harnessing the powerof Normandy’s windBasse-Normandie has great wind energypotential but deciding where to build theturbines is a delicate job. Alice Cannetspeaks to Pascal Corté, the Basse-Normandie regional director at environment and energy-saving body Ademe
What is Ademe and what is its role in this region?Ademe is a public organisationin charge of changing people’senvironmental behaviour. We promote energy-saving
and renewable energies,encourage people to save rawmaterials, manage waste betterand rehabilitate polluted soil.We are also responsible for
working to reduce pollutinggas emissions and we con-tribute to air quality surveil-lance. Ademe works alongsidethe region on the themes ofenergy and climate and wehave more specific partner-ships with the departments on the theme of waste.
How much potential for wind power does Basse-Normandie have?At present, the region is notvery well exploited – we havea little more than 100 windturbines with a capacity ofapproximately 100 megawatts,which is relatively low com-pared to the region’s potential.
The projects on land havebeen considerably sloweddown because of a big changeto regulations.
More obstacles haveemerged in the new “Grenelle2” environment law whichrequire a minimum of fiveturbines to be installed atonce, which makes it hard tofind a space big enough.
The new regulations are notin favour of the implantationof more wind turbines onland. On the other hand,there are likely zones for off-shore turbines and we arealready seeing many industri-al projects which could resultin hundreds of extramegawatts of supply. Thanksto the low depth of the seaand the favourable conditions,it is easy to consider off-shorewind power in our region.
Where are the turbineslikely to be installed andhow is it decided?We have drawn up maps foreach of the three departmentsin Basse-Normandie andanother one off-shore. The maps classify the land-
scape according to its abilityto support wind energy.
These public documentstake into account protectednatural sites, listed monu-ments and other technicalconstraints such as weatherradars and low flying planes.
These constraints eventuallyindicate which zones arefavourable, which are not andthe zones where a number oflocal elements need to betaken into account when theimpact study is carried out.
How are local people consulted?Surveys show that peoplereact negatively to wind tur-bines when they are locatedwithin a one-kilometre radiusof their home. When it isbeyond this radius, 80% ofpeople are actually in favourof installing wind turbines.
What we ask of wind poweroperators is to start discus-sions with the local authori-ties and the population inpublic meetings as early aspossible in order to specifytheir projects. As soon as theyhave identified a zone, thepopulation is consulted.
There also are a number ofsafeguards. In the studies forplanning permission, there isa compulsory public survey.
An investigation is commis-sioned and a register is madeavailable in the town hallwhere anyone can give theiropinion on the project.
Then, the services con-cerned (weather forecasters,army, EDF and environmentalagencies) also give their opin-
ion and the final document issent to consultation at theCommission des Sites etPaysages to study the land-scape impact. At the end ofthe process, it is the préfetwho decides whether or notto grant the application.
What initiatives are inplace to help people reno-vate their home and makeit more energy-efficient? There is a range of help avail-able to individuals startingwith the chèque éco-énergie,an initiative in place since2009 financed by the regionwhich pays a grant of between€700 and €2,000 to helpcover the cost of eco-friendlyhome improvements. Morethan 3,000 of these grantshave been given out so far.
The applicant needs to livelocally and be a home-owner– it does not matter whetherit is their main property or asecond home. The construc-tion professionals have to beregistered with the region.
The application for thecheque needs to be made viathe network of Espaces InfoEnérgie (see box right).
This is a network of envi-ronmental advisors put inplace by Ademe, the regionand the EU who give freeguidance on how to choosethe right equipment and ren-ovate homes.
They work independently ofequipment or energy suppli-ers so their advice is impar-tial. They must be consultedfirst in order to obtain thechèque éco-énergie.
The cheque system runsalongside a tax credit schemeintroduced by the govern-ment. This means that whenan individual does renovationwork, they can benefit from adirect aid via the cheque andalso a tax credit when they fillin their annual income decla-ration. To get the tax credit(crédit d’impôt), you need topay tax in France and haveyour main home here.
The credit system onlyapplies once the work is com-pleted. The work needs to bedeclared in the tax returnrelating to the year that thelast of the renovation bills waspaid – for example, if youpaid for the work in 2009 youwould declare it in your 2009tax declaration, which had tobe submitted in May this year.
Another measure that appliesmore generally to renovationworks is a reduced rate of VAT.Works done on a house that ismore than two years old bene-fit from a lower rate of 5.5%instead of 19.6%. This appliesto properties whether they areyour primary residence or asecond home.
Is there anything else peo-ple can do to save energy?Basse-Normandie is one ofthe most active regions interms of the use of wood,
even though it is one of theleast wooded regions inFrance. It is commonly usedto warm houses and there is apolicy set up by the regionand Ademe to develop woodboilers in rural environments.
It is easy to find fitters in theregion who will install woodboilers, which also happen tobenefit from the chèque eco-énergie scheme.
Download our helpguide,priced €5, on eco-friendlyhome improvements. See p5
Basse-Normandie
Alençon52 Boulevard du 1er Chasseurs02 33 31 48 60
Caen19 Quai de Juillet02 31 34 24 88
Coutances3 Rue Gambetta02 33 19 00 10
Hérouville Saint-Clair10-18 Grand Parc02 31 54 53 67
MontchauvetLa Remondière02 31 67 50 25
Haute-Normandie
Elbeuf8 Place Aristide Briand02 32 96 98 98
Evreux12 Boulevard Georges Chauvin02 32 39 89 92
Fécamp3 Rue Saint Nicolas02 35 27 39 03
Le Havre19 Rue Georges Braque0800 35 10 11
Louviers1 Place Guillaume Petit09 71 35 63 15
Notre Dame de BliquetuitMaison du Parc Naturel RégionalSeine Normande02 35 37 23 16
Rouen5 Rue Louis Blanc02 35 72 05 10
or 7 Rue Jeanne d'Arc0800 021 021
Energy info
“80% of people arein favour ofturbines – if theyare beyond a one-kilometre radiusof their homePascal CortéAdeme
OUR region may be betterknown for its apples andpears than its red fruits butNormandy produces someaward-winning and sought-after strawberries as well.
This delicious summerfavourite came to France in1714 thanks to AmédéeFrançois Frézier. An engineer,explorer and part-timebotanist, Frézier discoveredthe strawberry in Chile,brought it back to France andcrossed the plant with onefrom Virginia in the US.
Almost 300 years later, whatis the secret to producingdelicious strawberries today?
Pierre and Danuta Rageulown La Ferme d’Elodie at theManoir de la HauteMartellière just outside themedieval town of Domfronton the road to Saint-Fraimbault.
They are strawberry andred-fruit farmers who arededicated to their work.
The stawberries are so full
of flavour, they are soughtafter by the very best restau-rants in the region, such asthe Auberge de la Mine atFerrières-aux-Etangs in theForêt d’Andaine and theMichelin-rated Manoir de laPommeraie near Vire.
La Ferme d’Elodie producesup to 200kg of top qualitystrawberries each day fromthe beginning of May untilthe end of October, thanks toa careful timetable of plantingand the use of different vari-eties of fruit, such asGariguette, Charlotte, Bois deMarea, Matis and Darselect.
“We grow our strawberriesin a traditional way and con-centrate on achieving maxi-mum flavour from our fruit”,Mr Rageul explains. “We don’tuse any fertilisers, whichwould affect the taste of thestrawberry, and we do notwater the plants at all”.
He says that although water-ing would enable him to pro-duce a greater quantity of
fruit at a lower price, it wouldhave an adverse affect on thesweetness and flavour.
La Ferme d’Elodie, which isnamed after the Rageuls’daughter, does not describeitself as an organic farm. MrRageul’s philosophy is calledculture raisonnable – plants aretreated if they show signs ofillness, but otherwise they areleft alone to grow naturally.
The conditions at the farmare ideal for the strawberry toprosper. “We have our ownmicro-climate here, aroundthree or four degrees warmerthan average, and with just athin layer of rich soil coveringgranite rock the earth is heat-ed up quickly by the sun,” MrRageul explains.
The strawberry plants arekept under polytunnels whichprotect them from the rainand also protect the leavesfrom burning in the sun.
Visitors are welcome to visitthe farm to buy fresh straw-berries, as well as redcurrants,blackcurrants and raspberries,all equally explosive inflavour, and frozen fruit isavailable all year round but dotelephone before you visit
If you prefer to enjoy yourstrawberries with a glass inthe other hand, Mr Rageul
has also developed a range ofliqueurs, all made from hand-picked fruit. They are deli-cious served at room temper-ature in an iced glass as anaperitif, a Kir champagne, ordrizzled like a coulis ondesserts. He is particularlyproud of his redcurrant wine(9% volume), which can beserved as an aperitif or as adessert wine, served cold in
an iced glass. It is even rec-ommended as an accompani-ment to game.
The liqueurs and wine aresold in delicatessens and wine-sellers, or direct from the farmwhere home-made jams andjellies are also available.
As for recipe suggestions,the Rageuls say they prefertheir strawberries eaten just asthey are – and they admit that
they eat so many in the fieldsevery day that they do notoften eat them at home.
A fabulous recipe whichshowcases the strawberry atits very best is a StrawberryCharlotte – perhaps serveddrizzled with one of La Fermed’Elodie’s liqueurs. See thebox below for the details.
Call 02 33 30 18 97 or seemanoirhmartelliere.com
The Advertiser, Normandy July 2010 Food 9
750g strawberries1 lemon26 sponge fingers250g fromage blanc25cl liquid cream100g sugar5cl port2 leaves gelatine (4g)
Cut 500g of strawberries inquarters. Soften the gelatineleaves in a bowl of coldwater, drain the leaves andthen melt in the warmedlemon juice.
Beat sugar into the fro-mage blanc and add lemonjuice.
Whisk the cream and addgently to the fromage blancmix with the preparedstrawberries.
Add the port to 5cl ofwater and quickly soak thesponge fingers, then line the
charlotte mould with thesponge fingers.
Fill the mould with thestrawberry and fromageblanc mix and cover the topwith the remaining sponge
fingers. Leave to set in thefridge for 12 hours.
Turn out of the mouldbefore serving and decoratewith the rest of the straw-berries.
Recipe: Strawberry Charlotte
CHARLOTTE: Showcases the strawberry at its very best
BerriedtreasuresAfter such a harsh winter, whatbetter way to celebrate the arrivalof summer than with strawberries?Jonathan Gates finds out moreabout the delicious fruit from ahighly rated producer in the Orne
PRODUCE: A selection of strawberry liqueurs and jams
Photo: Jonathan Gates
FULL OF FLAVOUR: Pierre and Danuta Rageul’s strawberries are served in some of the region’s best restaurants
The Advertiser, No10 Spotlight
Independent local cafes n
YOUR local cafe needs you. The numberof cafes in France has fallen from 200,000in 1960 to around 41,000 today.
Owners are struggling to make endsmeet, faced with high rents, local taxes,duty on alcohol and the poor economicsituation. The recent law banning smok-ing in enclosed public spaces has nothelped either.
However, it is not all doom and gloom.Some cafes are surviving well, particular-ly in busy towns and cities like Rouenwhere owners are prepared to adapt.
If you adored the louche, rather grubbyatmosphere of cafes in the 50s and 60s,captured in those evocative Jean Gabinfilms and Cartier-Bresson’s photographs,there are still plenty of cafes, particularlyin our busy Normandy market towns,where you can lean against a zinc-toppedbar, sip your coffee, preferably with anadded shot of calvados and chat aboutthe economic situation or the terriblewrongdoings of politicians (French andBritish).
Fifty years ago, the 19th-century CafeBélier in the village of Baillolet, in theSeine-Maritime, was just such a cafe – a
thriving hub of community activity. Presided over by la patronne, Madame
Bélier, it was smoke-filled, but warm andwelcoming, a venue for wedding andchristening parties, business meetings,and regular card and domino sessions. Italso doubled as the village grocery.
Now, we own the cafe, but it would notbe viable as a business, so we use it as anextension of our cottage home, for ourguests. We have kept the long cupboards,the bar area, the wood-floored gamesroom, the glass-fronted épicerie shelves,and the saucy art deco bedroom upstairs– even Madame’s enormous carved oakbed is still in place.
The farmers and agricultural workerswho live in our tiny village now drive tothe nearby towns of Neufchâtel,Londinières or Dieppe for their eveningglass of pastis or wine.
It would be terrible if excellent cafes inthese towns were to close. We are doingour best to support them. Whether it’s asimple petit noir after shopping, a vinrouge at lunchtime or a pastis or twobefore dinner, there is hardly a day whenwe do not spend an hour or so in a cafe.
Here are three of our favourites:
Situated in the heart of the old town,this wonderfully historic cafe has it all. It was built in the 17th century and
served time as Dieppe’s town hall whenthe real one was bombarded by theBritish in 1694. We love it for its huge,dark interior, long, well-stocked bar,bustling atmosphere, and the newlypainted, pink exterior with its huge greencanopy and terrace, the place for people-watching in summer.
The literary and artistic associations ofthis cafe are haunting and inspirational.After his release from prison in 1867,Oscar Wilde set sail for Dieppe and livedin the nearby village of Berneval-le-Grand for a few months. He was a fre-quent visitor to the Tribunaux and it isbelieved that he wrote at least some of hisdramatic and symbolic poem, The Balladof Reading Gaol there. Other regularswere the artists Renoir, Monet, andWalter Sickert, who lived in Dieppe from1896 to 1905. His painting of the cafe isin the Tate in London. Local literaryheroes Flaubert and Maupassant alsodrank in Les Tribunaux.
It is also a good watering hole for rug-bymen. The annual veterans’ tournament(Le Tournoi Des Papys) in May bringsthe hairy monsters flooding in from allparts of Normandy, Southern England,Paris and Morocco.
This is a great little bar and cafe the Eglise Notre Dame in this demarket town, famed for its heartcheese. It is a narrow cafe, with abar, and tables and chairs set agawall opposite, so you can catch MPatron’s eye easily when you wan
It is the best place in the world foodies to visit at around 10.30 oSaturday morning to check out thtents of the wicker shopping baskthe locals have placed on seats antables in the cafe.
The country ladies of Neufchâta bargain when the see one. If thkets contain a kilo of Dieppe-caudines, or a fabulous, curly-edgedgrown lettuce, you can be sure thgood value.
In summer, my husband Pat anoutside, watch the fish vendors in
Le WeekendGrande Rue Fausse PNeufchâtel-en-Bray
France is famous for its cafe culture but manysmall bistrots are struggling to survive. SallyAnn Voak shares some of her favourite placesin Normandy to relax with a drink, watch theworld go by – and help keep the trade alive
LES TRIBUNAUX: Dieppe hangout for Oscar Wilde, Renoir, Monet and Flaubert
LE WEEKEND: Little bar in Neufchâtel-en-Bray comes to life on market
Café des TribunauxPl. du Puits Salé, Dieppe
CAPTION:(Clockwise):Oscar Wilde,Renoir, Monetand WalterSickert
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Spotlight 11ormandy July 2010
need your support
oppositeelightful-shaped
a longainst theMr Lent a refill.
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tel knowheir bas-ught sar-d local-hat it is
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rubber boots and aprons opening oystersand scallops, a jolly wedding group at thechurch, or Lycra-clad local cyclists set-ting off. During the week, the barchanges its atmosphere – at lunchtime,workers from the banks and town hallrush in, dressed in their smart businesssuits, to sip a coffee or pastis, hold ameeting or two, or place a bet.
Neufchâtel suffered a great deal duringthe Second World War, with terribledamage inflicted during the Germanbombardments in 1940, when 33,000bombs destroyed 70% of the town. It isso good to see it looking spruce andprosperous again.
Simone de Beauvoir was very sniffy aboutRouen when she was a student there, call-ing it “rather dull and sad”. But it is acharming city and can give her belovedParis a run for its money any day.
I love the mixture of incredibly beauti-ful and well-preserved, oak-beamed 14thand 15th-century buildings, the specialistfood and wine shops, theatres, art, won-derful churches, fantastic cathedral, and,of course, the cafes.
There are lots of smaller cafes, andsome great bars in the streets around theVieux Marché, but one of our favouritesis the big, bright, breezy Bar des Fleurs inthe centre of the town, where you candrink from 9.00 to 2.00 in the earlyhours, if you feel like it, and enjoy a deli-cious breakfast, salade composée or platdu jour between 11.00 and 13.00 for €10.It is full of shoppers, canoodling couples(often students from the university), andwell-dressed professional types includinglawyers from the Palais de Justice.
Originally, the Rouen flower marketwas in front of the cafe but it closed in1960. Now, the area has been mod-ernised, but it is surrounded by oldRouen and full of atmosphere.
We go there when we feel like pretend-ing we are young again. We eat lunch andshare a bottle of wine or sip a beer (theystock Guinness) while we watch theworld go by.
Inside, it is light and modern, withwooden floors, and tables. Do not let thatput you off – the stained glass windowsare stunning, the seats are comfy, it iscosy, and the smaller, covered terrace isheated so you can people-watch in the
snow. In summer, the huge central ter-race, with plenty of shaded tables, getscrowded, but that is all part of the fun.
Owner Pierre Guet says: “We combinemodern amenities with tradition. Forinstance, I wouldn’t insult my late after-noon clientele with loud music. Theycome here to wind down. Instead, wesometimes have summer ‘street theatre’outside, like mime and classical music.”
Mr Guet has plenty of ideas for strug-gling cafe owners.
“It’s no good relying on customers con-suming large quantities of alcohol tomake profits,” he says. “These days, theydon’t. You must supply a variety of softdrinks – not just the traditional sirops –different kinds of tea and perhaps pâtis-series in the afternoons, plus clean, com-fortable surroundings, even music.
“Work with your clients to make thecafe a focal point for local activities. Ifyou want to make money, you have tomove with the times.”
It certainly works. This is a cafe withattitude and bags of charm.
We would like to hear about yourfavourite Normandy cafe. Traditional ormodern, laid-back or posh? Does theclientele consist of country folk, fisher-men, yachting types or a brilliant mix ofthe lot? Send your pictures and reviewsto [email protected]
Port
Heritage protection group Les Cafés Historiques etPatrimoiniaux d’Europe has three Normandy venues in itsnational list of historic places to eat and drink, all of them inHaute-Normandie.
Les Maraîchers, Place du Vieux Marché, Rouen (76)For a near-Parisian experience, this 1912 gem is the perfectcafe-brasserie. It has a large, stylish, mirrored interior withold prints, oak beams and, of course, a zinc-topped bar, andyou can sit also outside and watch the bustle of the market.There is a bistrot menu for €18, including starter, maincourse and dessert. The cafe also holds jazz nights upstairs.
La Chaine d’Or, Rue Grande, Place Saint-Sauveur, Les Andelys (27)Founded in 1751, this is a beautiful riverside auberge, whereyou can eat, drink, or stay. Its proximity to Giverny makes itpopular with tourists. The name derives from the chain thatused to stop boats from passing on the river – they had to paya toll, in gold, before moving on. Romantic and beautiful, andjust a 10-minute walk from the famous Château Gaillard.
Taverne des Deux Augustins, Place Foch, Etretat (76)This lovely cafe-restaurant-hotel opposite the big market build-ing dates from 1851. Itwas named after its pro-prietor and leaseholder –who were both called MrAugustin. TypicalNormandy décor, withshiny copper pots andpans, checked table-cloths and loads ofwarmth and charm, per-fect for a meal or drinkafter a walk along thestunning local coastline.
History on your table
STYLISH: LesMaraîchers in Rouen
t days as locals take a break from their shopping
BAR DES FLEURS: Successful cafe in the heart of Rouen with bags of charm
Bar des FleursPl. des Carmes, Rouen
The Advertiser, Normandy July 201012 What’s On
Throughout July – Music andlight show every Friday andSaturday night in the cathedralin Sées (61), a masterpiece ofgothic architecture built in the13th century. Starts at 22.30.www.musilumieres.org
July 1-31 – Thursday hikesaround the Pays d’Auge (14),organised by Blangy-Pont-l’Evêque tourist office. The 10km hikes will take you
around Manneville-la-Pipard,Saint-Philbert-des-Champs,Le-Breuil-en-Auge and othertowns. Meet at 14.00 at themairie of the town in question,€2 per person with freegoûter. Call 02 31 64 12 77.
July 3-4 – Randodulait eventtakes families on a 12km hikearound the Rabodanges (61)lake through the green pas-tures of Normandy. Fourbreaks are scheduled to get ataste of farm dairy delicacies.randodulait.canalblog.com
July 8-14 – Folklore festival inAlençon (61) with bands,crafts, markets, parades andother shows from performersand artists from around theworld. Call 02 33 80 66 33 orsee folkloresdumonde.com
July 7 and July 21 – Guidedwalking tour of Domfront (61)and its castle in English, 15.00,€2.50 per person. To reserve,call 02 33 38 53 97 or [email protected]
July 10 – Spanish-themed fes-tivities in the town of Epaignes(27) including a produce mar-ket, Spanish songs and exhibi-tions of Picasso, Dali, Gaudiand the Sagrada Familia. For more info, call AssociationCulturelle d’Epaignes on 06 8668 17 95 or email [email protected]
July 14 – Celebrations willtake place throughoutNormandy for Bastille Day,the French fête nationale. Le Havre and Rouen are
organising some of the biggestpyrotechnic shows.Most towns will host special
evenings of concerts and balls.
July 16-18 – Silent movie festi-val set in the beautiful 17thcentury manor gardens ofArgences. (14) from 20.00.Italian dinner served by thelake, bar serving drinks, musi-cal accompaniment. Films are Le Pirate Noir(Albert Parker, 1926), Les TroisMousquetaires (Fred Niblo,1921) and Le Voleur de Bagdad(Raoul Walsh, 1924). Seewww.jardins-argences.com
July 16-20 – Christian festivalEntre Ciel et Mer at the MontSaint Michel. Street theatre,concerts, conferences, art exhi-bitions and a nightly crossingof the bay by torchlight.http://festival.mtstmichel.free.fr
July 18 – Guided tour ofDieppe’s city centre with stopsto try local food. Meet at thetourist office at 10.00.www.dieppetourisme.com
July 18 – Series of walks, cyclerides or rollerblade outings tocommemorate the SecondWorld War liberation of Caenon July 19, 1944. The Randonnées de la Paix
start on the landing beaches ofthe Côte de Nacre and finishat the Memorial de Caen. See randonnees-normandes.com
July 22-25 – Sorties de Bainstreet arts festival in Granvillewith 130 shows mixing music,circus, theatre and dance and acarnival atmosphere. Seewww.sortiesdebain.com
July 3-14 – The 20th editionof the Virvoltés festival in Vire(14) brings concerts, aerialcircus, street theatre, acrobat-ics, dance, marionette shows,juggling and more. Seewww.lesvirevoltes.org
July 11 – Donkey fair inOurville-en-Caux (76). Call the Amicale Ourvillaiseon 02 35 27 03 99.
July 13-18 – Dives-sur-Merwelcomes the 25th edition ofits marionette festival with freepuppet shows on July 14 andan exhibition. The festivitiestake place in Les Halles (SallesGuy Môquet and MarcelCudorge). Call 06 58 29 01 33
July 18 – Giant picnic inVillers-sur-Mer (14) from11.00 to 18.00 with local foodmarket, games for childrenand donkey or pony riding.See www.villers-sur-mer.fr
July 1-29 – Terrasses du Jeudifestival presents free concertsevery Thursday nightthroughout July in Rouen.
July 2-3 – Contemporarymusic festival in the groundsof the Château de Beauregardin Hérouville Saint-Clair (14).Artists performing includeSaez, Mika, Laroux, BrigitteFontaine, Phoenix, Iggy andthe Stooges, Tété and LePeuple de l’Herbe.
July 11 – The harp is at thecentre of this programme ofchamber music concerts in thechurch of Notre-Dame de laGloriette, rue St Laurent,Caen. Composers includeDebussy, Ravel and Caplet.Tickets start at €8. Seewww.calvados-tourisme.com
July 13-30 – Les HeuresMusicales, classical musicfestival playing Chopin, Bach,Schubert, Handel and Mozartamong others. The Lessay (50)
abbey and other local churcheswill host the concerts. To bookor for more information, call 02 33 45 14 34 or visitlesheuresmuses.blogspot.com
July 14 – Try out the typicallyFrench dance of Guinguette bythe edge of the river Clérettein the beautiful Parc de Clères.Musicians and bands willaccompany the dancing. Call 02 35 33 23 08.
July 16-20 – Concerts fol-lowed by a film screeningevery night on Cherbourgbeach (plage verte) from 21.00.www.ville-cherbourg.fr
July 17-August 6 – Severalevenings of enchanting pianoby the Chateau de Carrouges.www.odc-orne.com
July 19-22 – European pianomusic festival in severalOuistreham venues welcomesmusicians from Poland,Austria, Macedonia, Italy andMoldavia. Call 06 74 40 92 33.
July 31 – Classical guitarconcert by Craig Ogden andGary Ryan. Starts at 20.30 atthe centre d’animations,Bagnoles de l’Orne (61).Call 02 33 30 72 70 or goto www.guitarfrance.com
July 2-4 – Creole festival inthe hippodrome in Neubourg(27). Explore the many facetsof Creole culture with work-shops on make-up, hairstyle,food, floral art, jewelry andhow to make rum. Try outexotic dishes and join the car-nival spirit. Call 06 70 97 54 35or see tinyurl.com/creolefest
July 2-4 – Haute-Normandieis France’s biggest producer offlax crop. Learn more at thisfestival dedicated to the plantand its many uses. Severalvillages in the Dun Valley (76)will host events. More info atwww.festivaldulin.org
July 3 – A series of confer-ences on Russian painters inNormandy by art historianTatiana Ninin-Mojenok.Learn how France became thetop destination among Russianartists in the second half of the19th century. Email
July 10-August 16 – Festivalde la Pluie contemporary artexhibition at various indoorand outdoor venues along thecoastline between Tracy-sur-Mer and Courseulles-sur-Mer(14). Find out more atwww.festivaldelapluie.com
July 29 – Discover wild plantsand learn about their historicaluses in a walk along the Orneestuary. Meet at the Maison dela Nature in Sallenelles (14).Call 02 31 78 71 06.
July 31-August 1 – Go backin time at the A Travers
Champs festival, which willattempt to reconstruct a typi-cal town of the Pays de Cauxaround 1900. The town ofManiquerville will divide itselfinto four categories: farm,wood, fishing and trade wherelong-forgotten crafts will berevived. Folk dancing, sailingsongs and story-reading areon the menu. Seewww.atraverschamps2010.org
Until September 26 – VisitChristian Dior’s childhoodhouse built on top of a hillcrest and its beautiful gardensoverlooking the sea nearGranville and see over 50 ballgowns from the iconic design-er. More info online: www.musee-dior-granville.com
www.brocabrac.fr
July 18-30 – The final phasein the European youth footballchampionships plays out inBasse-Normandie, in Caen,Mondeville, Bayeux, Saint-Lôand Flers. A thousand localvolunteers will be helping out.See bassenormandie.fff.fr
July 27 – The 41st edition ofthe Solitaire du Figaro boatrace at Le Havre port. The 74candidates will sail down thecoast to Gijon, Spain beforetravelling back to Brittany, hit-ting Ireland’s south coast inKinsale and sailing back toCherbourg by August 19.
July 24-25 – Kite festival onthe beach in Barneville-Carteret (50). For more infor-mation, see the website atwww.barneville-carteret.fr
Sports
Exhibitions/talks
Music/dance
Family
Out and about
What’s On Listings
July 9-August 28 – The Soirs d'Eté festival in Caenoffers free evening shows of music, theatre, dance andcircus every Thursday and Friday evening. There is also anight-time market in the harbour. See www.ville-caen.fr
Bayeux goesback in time
Event listings are free in The AdvertiserEmail [email protected]
July 3-4 – The historic town of Bayeux revisits theMiddle Ages with the 24th edition of its Fête Médiévale. The event includes costume parades, markets, street shows,
knight, a book fair and a medieval ball. Call 02 31 51 58 28or see www.bayeux-tourism.com for more information.
July 2 – Bagnoles de l’Orne streetarts festival, Les Vendredis de l'Etéincludes an aerial circus show by theCompagnie Rêve troupe. The performance starts at 21.00 in
the castle gardens. Call 02 33 30 7270 or visit http://www.reve2.com
Photos: Virginie Meigné
Photo: Ville de Caen/F.DECAEN
S
Alcoholics Anonymouswww.aabassenormandie.comBilingual meeting every Friday inPicauville (50). Alan: 02 78 08 41 23
Alliance Anglo-NormandeFrench and English lessons, meetingsand a social calendar. Based betweenLivarot and Vimoutiers.anglo.normande@orange.frwww.alliance-anglo-normande.info
Amicale Culturelle EuropéenneCultural events for all [email protected]
Anglo-French Club, The PercheEcole de Français Du Perche (61)Lessons, monthly events and walks.Maureen or Danielle: 02 33 25 25 63www.efdperche.com
Anglophone Association,CoutancesA social and cultural association forEnglish-speakers of any nationality.Liz Armstrong: 02 33 72 25 [email protected]
Association Euromayennewww.euromayenne.orgFrench language classes in Mayenneand Gorron for all levels. ContactJohn Robinson on 02 43 03 36 75 oremail [email protected]
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
Bocage GardenersFor gardening enthusiasts, offeringadvice, meetings and outings.groups.yahoo.com/group/bocagegardeners
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 of Désertines (53)Meets last Thursday of every monthat the Red Lion Pub, DésertinesAlan Soutter: 02 33 69 55 [email protected]
Club Franco-Anglais deConversation de Gacé (61)Weekly conversation exchangebetween local French and EnglishLynn and Phil Slade: 02 33 34 53 [email protected]
Epona TrustCharity helping sick and mistreatedhorses and poniesAnn: 02 33 61 88 41www.eponatrust.org
The 50 Photo ClubMeets on first Thursday of the monthat Laforge Pub in Le Petit-CellandJackie: 02 33 48 89 [email protected]
Groupe Ornithologique NormandRegular bird-watching outings02 31 43 52 56www.gonm.org
Mayenne and Orne Writers Relaxed, friendly creative writinggroup on third Tuesday of month.Kitty Stephens: 02 33 64 12 [email protected]
Neufchâtel Twinning AssociationEnglish, Spanish and French tuitionfor all levels. Various [email protected]
Orne LinkAnglo-French network for the Ornehttp://ornelink.orne.frScarlet or Véronique: 02 33 81 62 97
Royal British LegionNormandy/Calvados district branchhttp://rblnormandy.wordpress.comGoona Naidu: 02 31 78 36 40Ron Matthews: [email protected]
Royal Naval AssociationFrance Nord branchOpen to all ex-service members andanyone with an interest in the navyGeoffrey Baldock: 02 97 51 54 [email protected]
“Ville-Beau-Son” ChoirAnglo-French choir in Villebaudon(50). Meets every Wednesday.Sylvia Miles: 02 33 59 21 [email protected]
Community contacts
IT IS not often you get thechance to turn a childhoodfantasy into reality, but oneman in Normandy is doingjust that – and in the process iskeeping an ancient craft alive.
Tony Leese-Rogers spentmuch of his childhood roam-ing the Kent countryside withhis bow and arrows, imagin-ing he was Robin Hood.
Today he carries on thatpassion by hand-crafting whathas become synonymousthroughout history as amighty weapon of war – thelongbow.
In his tiny workshop at theend of a country lane on theoutskirts of Domfront, MrLeese-Rogers spends his sparetime turning pieces of oak,ash, hickory or the more tra-ditional yew into longbows –either in one piece as inmedieval times or into moremodern, laminated ones.
The latter can be a mixtureof, say, oak and ash with hick-ory on the back and lemon-wood (similar to boxwood).
The 50-year-old formerelectrical engineer keeps totraditional methods by usinghand tools whenever possible.
His only mechanical helpcomes from a small bandsawand a piece of metal filamentfrom an old toaster.
He wires that up to thenational grid for a heat sourceto cut the pre-dyed goosefeathers he uses for hisarrows. The rest of the time itis spokeshaves, rasps andplenty of elbow grease.
Ingredients
The bowstrings are fromDacron (as used for fishinglines) and the bow tips hefashions from American buf-falo horn, although cow hornor antlers can also be used.
The arrows are usually madefrom wooden off-cuts. Thetips can be from brass or, forthe medieval look, from tem-pered mild steel.
“About half of the arrowheads I’ve made are from thesides of old washingmachines,” he says.
An ordinary ash bow takeshim around two hours tomake, while the laminatedones can take up to two days.Mr Leese-Rogers sells the tra-ditional ones for €100-€300and the laminated ones foraround €200.
The bows are made to orderand made to measure, so eachis unique. The individual’s
height is taken into account(the minimum length of alongbow is five and a half feetbut it can be as long as sevenfeet), as is the draw weight(anything from 20lb to 160lbof pull) and the length of thedraw (how far back you pullthe bowstring).
The buyer then has a final“fitting” which includes shoot-ing 50-100 arrows to help thebow take its final shape.
Mr Leese-Rogers and hiswife Debbie moved toNormandy four years ago andhe caused a real stir at thelocal archery club.
“I got some funny looks atfirst when I turned up withmy longbow,” he says. “Butthen I started to win a fewcompetitions and made a fewbows for several French peo-ple and we have since become
the best of friends. I’ve evenbeen hunting wild boar withsome of them.
“A few tried using the long-bow in indoor competitionsbut without much success.They shoot it as they wouldwith a modern bow, aimingdown the arrow. I’ve beenshooting longbow for tenyears and I aim instinctively.That’s the way to do it.”
Prize-winner
That prowess won MrLeese-Rogers two regionaltitles in 2009 against oppo-nents using modern equip-ment. He won the Orneindoor title for the secondyear running at Banvou forbarebow shooting at 18metres (using a bow withoutsights). And he struck gold
again with the Orne outdoorcrown, shooting rubber ani-mals at set distances up to 40metres through the forestsaround Alençon.
“I’d love to have a go at anational title,” he says, “butyou need to practice for atleast two hours every day andI don’t have the time at themoment.”
All his time is spent helpingrenovate a cottage and gettinghis house ready to sell so hecan move to a larger place andset up a crafts workshop.
But the longbow will stillplay a major part in his life ashe also plans to give archerylessons.
If you want to become a lat-ter-day Robin Hood withyour own longbow, TonyLeese-Rogers can be reachedon 02 33 38 71 30.
Orne engineer keepsmedieval craft alive
Tea fundraiser forChristmas bashA BIG English tea party inRoullours (Calvados) isplanned this month to raisefunds for Noël pour Tous, alocal charity that offers a freeChristmas party to those whohave fallen on hard times.
James and Gisella Parkeswill be holding the fundrais-ing tea party at their home onJuly 24 from 15.00 to 19.00.All proceeds go to help payfor the Christmas event,which costs about €6,000 tostage and last year catered foralmost 400 people and gaveout presents to 140 childrenliving around Vire, Saint-Sever and Condé-sur-Noireau.
The Anglican Chaplaincy inCaen is also holding a specialHoly Communion service atthe Parkes’ house on July 25,followed by a bring-and-sharelunch at noon. For informa-tion on either event, call02 31 68 30 69 or [email protected]
Normandy supperclub launchesSUPPER clubs are a greatinformal way for people tosocialise and relax over anunpretentious home-cookedmeal – and a new one has justbeen set up near Villedieu inthe Manche. Organisers
Nicola and Lilian are askingfor a €15 contribution. Fordetails about the July meet,email [email protected]
Domfront gardenparty for charityCANCER Support France isholding a fundraising summergarden party at Le Bas Chenayin Domfront on July 10 from13.00. Picnic food will be pro-vided: just bring a blanket andbottle.
There will be stalls sellingsecond-hand books, bric-a-brac, cards, ice cream, beerand cakes. Entry is €10 andtickets must be reserved inadvance. Call Jenny Luck on02 33 60 27 82 or email [email protected]
Exhibition fromlocal art groupAN ART group in theManche is inviting Advertiserreaders to a free exhibition ofwatercolours and acrylics inLe Tilleul on July 17. Theworks go on show at the Bar-Restaurant de Normandie onRue Beauregard from 11.00 to15.00. Coffee and food isavailable from the bar andthere is ample free parking.For more info, call JaneBicknell on 02 33 51 03 19 orsee www.janesartstudio.co.uk
TAKE A BOW: Mr Leese-Rogers has won two regional titles for mastering the weapon
Community noticeboardemail your stories to [email protected]
The traditional longbow haswon a deserved place in his-tory, being used for bothhunting and fighting forthousands of years, includ-ing to great effect againstthe French at famous battlessuch as Agincourt.
The “machine gun of theMiddle Ages” was deadlyaccurate with a long rangeand rapid rate of fire. It
could send an arrow almost600 yards and bring downprey the size of an elephant.
Although the history ofthe longbow is important toMr Leese-Rogers – he visitsmedieval fairs and festivalsin France to chat about hishobby – it is making andusing them that give himmost pleasure.
“I prefer the traditional
longbow,” he says. “It’s morecomfortable to shoot withthan the modern laminatedones.
“Although with the mod-ern bow the poundage islower so you don’t get somany hunchbacks.
“In medieval times bow-men often became deformedthrough the constant draw-ing back of the bow.”
‘Medieval machine gun’
By Mick Austin
Tony Leese-Rogers makeslongbows fromoak, buffalohorns and old washingmachine parts
The Advertiser, Normandy July 2010 Community 13
Photo: Mick Austin
YOUR STORIESPlease send community stories or events for possibleinclusion in our August issue no later than July 5 to
[email protected] contacts online: www.normandyadvertiser.com
The Advertiser, Normandy July 201014 Business
RURAL Normandy is perhapsnot one of the places thatimmediately spring to mind ifyou are trying to identifysomewhere that has a highdemand for hair and beautyservices, and offers greatopportunities for newly-established practitioners tocreate niche markets forthemselves.
That, however, is the chal-lenge that Tracy Dixon andJayne Jones set themselves.
How did things start?Tracy: We both came toNormandy with our familiesabout four years ago and wegot to know each otherthrough our children.
Before moving to France Ihad owned and run hairsalons in Salisbury, and Jaynehad trained as a beautician.Since then we have eachestablished our own individ-
ual business.Because the activities com-
plement each other so well,we work together regularly,and we have also formed linkswith an English-owned hairsalon in La Ferté Macé.
What business set-up did you choose?Jayne: I set up initially underthe micro-entreprise regime.Based on my experience ofsetting up a business, what Iwould stress is: don’t let your-self be put off by what somepeople might tell you.
I’d heard that the registra-tion fees were high, and the
bureaucracy was a nightmare,and I would find it hard to getmy qualifications recognised,whereas in fact I was sur-prised how easy it all was.
Last year I switched to theautoentrepreneur regime.
It has not made a great dif-ference in financial terms, butthe payment stucture is a loteasier.
Because demand for beautytreatments tends to be sea-sonal, the big advantage isthat as an autoentrepreneur Ican diversify to bring in sup-plementary income – all thatwas required was to send in awritten request, which was
approved with no fuss at all. Tracy: I registered as an autoentrepreneur in April 2009. Iwent to Pôle Emploi inAvranches to find out moreabout the scheme, and wasadvised to arrange fix upsome work experience.
This involved getting athree-week placement at ahair salon, during which Iwas assessed on every aspectof my work, and at the end ofthe three weeks I received acertificate.
In fact, nobody has everasked to see my certificate –but I don’t feel it was a wasteof time at all, because it gave
me confidence that my ownskills and techniques werestill up to date.
How do you attract newcustomers?Tracy: In the hair and beau-ty business in the UK, mostnew customers comethrough word of mouth rec-ommendation, and this isthe case in France too.Jayne: At present we bothhave a very high proportionof English clients, but we’renow making a consciouseffort to draw in moreFrench customers - not onlyso that the businesses grow,
but because they we’re gen-uinely looking forward togetting to know more of ourFrench neighbours
It was a good feeling,when my first French clienthad gone away happy. I feltthat I’d passed a milestone.
By Maggie Wakefield
My first year inBUSINESS
What was your firstyear in business like?
Share your experienceswith readers at:
Beauty businessis looking good
WORKING TOGETHER: Tracy and Jayne’s businesses are separate but they collaborate
Tracy Dixon and Jayne Jones broughttheir UK hair and beauty expertisewith them to Normandy when theymoved here in 2006 – and they haveplans to attract more French customers through word of mouth
The Advertiser, Normandy July 2010 Letters 15
INSTEAD of counting sheepnext time you can’t sleep, trycounting place-names inNormandy that suggest thepresence of a river.
Some towns like Mayenne(just outside Normandy, inthe Pays de la Loire) arenamed directly after theirriver, but there are also plentyof towns “sur-Dives”, “sur-Noireau”, “sur-Scie”and so on.
And where there’s a bridgethere’s usually a river, soinclude names like Pont-l’Evêque and Pont-d’Ouilly.Of Normandy’s five depart-ments, three of them arenamed after rivers – theOrne, the Eure and the Seine(Maritime).
In total almost 100 riversrun through Normandy butthe best-known of all mustbe the Seine.
From its source at thePlâteau de Langres in theCôte d’Or (Bourgogne), theSeine snakes through boththe Eure and Seine-Maritimeon its 776km journey to thechannel estuary at Le Havre.
With its picturesque banksand river traffic, the Seine
makes a great tourist attrac-tion but has a tendency tocomplicate route-planning,because getting across it canadd many kilometres to ajourney.
Every bridge is a relativelyrecent construction, as dur-ing World War Two all Seinecrossings were systematicallydestroyed in an attempt tohalt the Germans.
The Eure has rebuilt fewerthan half-a-dozen road-bridges over the Seine, whilethe Seine-Maritime hasrather more, including thespectacular Pont deNormandie, Pont deBrotonne, Pont deTancarville, and the state-of-the-art Pont Flaubert inRouen which opened in2008 to become the world’slargest lifting bridge.
Alternatively, the Seine-Maritime’s eight bacs (fer-ries) across the river pre-serve the charms of a bygoneera – gliding across thesparkling waters on a sunnyday with the breeze in yourhair is a relaxing, feel-goodexperience that will bring asmile to your face.
SPECTACULAR: The Pont de Normandie across the Seine
By Maggie Wakefield
Did you know?
Many riversto cross
PICTURESQUE: Saint-Cénéri-le-Gérei on banks of Sarthe
MY husband picked up acopy of The Advertiser whilewe were waiting on the quay-side in Cherbourg – partlyintrigued by the front-pageheadline: “I’m so lucky I fellill in France.”
I had appendicitis in France20 years ago. My husband andI both had such an unbeliev-ably good experience thewhole time – GP, hospital,nurses, doctors and consultant(who came in the followingmorning to operate before heleft on a fortnight’s holiday).
Ever since, I have alwayssworn that if I fell ill again the
first thing I would do wouldbe to book my ferry ticketover to France.
I was ill last year while inFrance and, although I knewwhat the problem was andonly needed GP treatment, Icould not fault it. So I still
stick by my resolution.It is good to see in the
Advertiser article that it is notmy imagination – Frenchhealthcare knocks spots offthat in the UK.CAROLINE LYNASGlastonbury, UK
OUR STORY: Jim Lancaster on his operation in Cherbourg
Health praise is deserved
COMPARED to British roads,the D15 from Putanges toArgentan is rather like a bri-dle path on Bodmin Moor –not a lot of traffic. But that allchanged when every Citroën2CV in the western worldpurred past our house ontheir way to Giel-Courteillesfor the classic car festival youfeatured (“Tin-snail loversunite”, Advertiser May).
We have a special empathywith this slightly wacky vehi-cle. I presented my wife witha Plums and Custard Dollycomplete with pink ribbon onher 30th birthday. That won-derful car took us and our 18-month-old son on countlessadventures around Europe(that toddler is now takinghis final exams at theUniversité de Caen).
In this modern world ofenforced conformity, fewopportunities remain toexpress individuality and,why not, a certain eccentricity– so Vive L’Escargot.DEREK CHAMBERLAINPutanges, Orne 2CV: French motoring icon
2CV has aplace inour hearts
Send your letters to [email protected]
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
THE ADVERTISER DIRECTORY
THIS ADVERTISEMENT COSTS€€165HT for a year
Call our Sales Teamfor more InformationTel : 04 83 93 60 08Email: directory@
connexionfrance.comwww.connexionfrance.com
AllianzInsuranceMayenne
Friendly, English speaking agent
House, Car andHealth Insuranceplus savings account
at 4% netinterest, freewithdrawal.
Tel 02 43 05 21 82
www.english-speaking-insurance.com
Orias 09052461
AXAInsurance
Agence Vigneau CherbourgYour French Insurance In English
Health - Home - CarCall Thomas: 02 33 52 87 46
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
bml angloagence.comEnglish 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
Cours àCucugnan
Yes, you canLEARN FRENCH !
At your own speed, in private lessonswith professionalteacher (British).Study-holidays in
stunning scenery: tuition plus self-cateringaccommodation.
Tel: 06 78 15 19 29 Email: [email protected]
Regions Covered: All france Siret In progress
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
Crafts at Les LandesSpinning and other crafts.
Half, Full day tuition orresidential courses
www.crafts-at-leslandes.comtel: 00 33 (0)2 33 960904
SIRET No 489 459 438 00011
CERTIFIED TRANSLATIONS
All legal translationsby French-
English speaking
sworn translator
Property-legal-birthcert., driving licencesAdministrative help
Expat assistancewith 25 years of experience
Regions : All FRANCEKaren RENEL-KINGTel: 06 18 03 18 38
Email: [email protected]: www.certified
frenchtranslation.comFast and affordableSiret: 38058374000028
Help with theFrench system• Paperwork, Phone calls• Translation, Interpreting
Call Hilary Reynolds00 33 (0) 2 33 59 17 07
www.leapfrogservices.net
GitecompareFor
Accommodationand TouristBusinessesIncludingHoliday
Auctionswww.gitecompare.com
france 4 savvy people
THE ADVERTISER DIRECTORY
THIS ADVERTISEMENT COSTS€€231HT for a year
Call our Sales Teamfor more InformationTel : 04 83 93 60 08Email: directory@
connexionfrance.comwww.connexionfrance.com
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 51Web: www.swcomputers.eu
Email: [email protected]: 483 973 863 000 10
WEBSITESBoost your business with anaffordable, high-performance
website that you canedit yourself
www.rob-tomlinson.comTel: 05 62 67 39 98
[email protected]: All France Siret: 419 490 297 00027
Penny Graphicswebsites
from
75€€including design, hosting
and domain name
pennygraphics.net02 33 90 92 15
ANIMAL COURIERSExperienced couriers
specialising in pettravel between France / UK /
Spain or within France. Pet passport advice.Tel: 0044 (0) 1483200123
Email: [email protected]: www.animalcouriers.com
CCaattss WWhhiisskkeerrssCCaatttteerryy
caters solely for catslarge heated pens all withindividual outside areas
Tel: 02 33 49 11 57email: [email protected]
www.catswhiskerscattery.pi8.comSiret 51060809400015
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
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
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
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 July 201016 Directory
Exclusive online and print listings of tradesmen andbusinesses across Normandy that speak English
THE ADVERTISER DIRECTORY
Organised by servicetype - it’s quick and easy to find English-speaking businesses near you
“The Advertiser is an important aid to producing newclients in France to add to our existing client database and provides interesting and informative reading.Mark RobertsSWCOMPUTER SERVICESwww.swcomputers.eu
Advertise here all year from just €165HT
Read what our advertisers say about the results
WOODBURNERSBY
THE STOVE SHACKESSE - HUNTER - WOODWARM- Full lining and installation
of all Stoves - Free Survey and Advice
in Depts 14,50,61- Stoves eligible for
Credit d'impots- 20 yrs experience - HETAS and NVQ
QualifiedTel 02 33 17 25 21
Siret No 510 070 535 00016
REMOVALSFREE quote, FREE
short-term storage,self-pack - save money.www.BritServ.com
FR 02 99 98 31 81UK 0208 144 3538
FISHFACE REMOVALS UK - FRANCE - UK
Full and part loads You pack, we move, you save!
0044 (0)1327 264627 UKEmail: [email protected]
www.fishfaceremovals.com
REFLEX MOODYS LTDSALISBURY
REMOVALSUK - FRANCE - UK
• Weekly Service • Full & Part Loads• Container Storage
• BAR Members• On-line Quotation• Internet Shopping
Deliveries00 44 1722 414350
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
POWER & LIGHT SERVICESELECTRICAL & PLUMBING
ELECTRICAL AND PLUMBINGSERVICES, ALL WORK
FULLY INSURED.Tel: 02 33 70 88 24
Email: [email protected] Covered: 50,14,61,22
Siret: 515 210 847 00015
HHoolliiddaayy LLeettttiinngg &&PPrrooppeerrttyy MMaannaaggeemmeennttHoliday Booking Management, 7/7Bilingual Assistance, Changeovers,
Security Checks, Translations.Mob: +33 (0)6 30 28 13 67 Tel: +33 (0)2 31 86 14 01
Email: [email protected]
Regions covered: 14, 50, 61Siret: 511 964 983 000 15
BOOTH & COGGaarrddeenn MMaaiinntteennaaiinnccee
LLaannddssccaappiinngg,,CCoonnssttrruuccttiioonn ooff DDeecckkiinngg,,
DDrriivveess,, FFeenncciinngg aanndd GGaatteessFFuullllyy IInnssuurreedd
Tel: 02 33 59 36 39email: [email protected]
Siret: 49123150200015
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 including:
Mowing, Strimming,Hedges and Weeding
We are happy to quote for:
Clearing overgrown plots,Tree Felling, Rotavating
and Lawn creationReferences Available
Contact Peter/Trudie at:Tel: 02 33 59 42 46
Mobile: 06 78 41 85 78Email: [email protected]
Siret 48495870700016
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
THE ADVERTISERDIRECTORY
THIS DOUBLE COLOURDIRECTORY COSTS
€399HT for a yearCall our Sales Teamfor more information
Tel: 04 83 93 60 08
Email: [email protected]
www.connexionfrance.com
ChimneySweep
Wood StoveInstallationProperty
ManagementIain Davison
www.propertycarepeople.comTel: 02 33 14 09 55
Email: [email protected]: 494799968
CHARLES WILKINS (Crouttes) Garden design, construction
& advice. Patios, decking, garden buildings
RHS qualified Tel: 02 33 67 24 96
Email: [email protected] Regions Covered 14, 61
Siret 50404254000022
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,
Property Management.
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
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
WIDE OAKFLOORING
LOW PRICES DIRECTFROM PRODUCER
www.wide-oak-flooring.comPhone Bill 02 31 63 94 36
Siret 83661000014
BENTLEY DESIGNRenovations &RestorationsConversionSpecialist
With 35 years ExperienceAll Staircase Design and
ManufactureAny aspect of carpentry orjoinery work to the highest
standardAll Work guaranteed
Call Ken or Natalie on02 33 66 22 47
Siret: 50870297400017
CHIMNEYSWEEP
Expert, mess-freeservice from
a dedicated andprofessional
English Sweep.Steve Bainton-Smith at
Black Cat Services;02 33 50 84 91
email; [email protected]: 50,14,61
“Proud to be associated withThe Stove Shack for premierstove and liner installation.”
ELECTRICIAN / PLUMBERand HEATING ENGINEER
French RegisteredOver 35 years experience
David Christie02 33 51 05 91
Mobile: 06 31 97 58 15Email: [email protected]
South Manche Siret: 481 604 411 00019
HOUSES ONINTERNETDo you wantto sell your
house quickly?Our fee is only 2.5%
Find out how on:
WWW.HOUSESONINTERNET.
COM
Tel: 05 55 65 12 19
Francois LabadieAgence immobilière
Currently looking formore houses to market
on our portfolioAli Lamerton-Hunt 06 59 18 68 57
Email: [email protected]: www.maisonsnormandy.com
BESPOKEKITCHENS AND FURNITURE
Designed and handmadeTo the highest standards
Visit
www.allyouneedinwood.com or contact
TOBY PLATTS02 31 66 98 04
Fully qualified cabinetmakerand designer
22 years experience
References available
Andrew Morgan
Electrician All works guaranteed and carried out
to French regulations standard.Tel: 02 31 67 34 40
Email: [email protected] Covered: 50,61,and 14
Siret: 49427469900011
SBA Painting ServicesPainter and Decorator
Experienced Quality Work,interior and exterior.
Tel: 06 42 89 84 61Email: [email protected]
Regions Covered: 24, 16Siret: In Progress
JS MenuiserieJohn Shipton
02 33 55 15 90Carpenter/JoinerAll kinds of handmade furniture
and carpentry work.From door fittings to kitchens.
email: [email protected] 499 313 658
English Carpenter/JoinerMichael Bambridge BSc
Very experienced in renovationand carpentry including
stairs and furnitureTel: 02 33 50 40 24
Email: [email protected]: 48131662800017
Stuart Upton CARPENTRY &
ROOFINGFull 10 year Insurance
Backed Guarantee Tel: 02 33 64 89 28 / 06 06 43 52 28Email: [email protected]
Regions Covered 61, 14, 50Siret 48036552700013
NEWHOUSEChambre de Métiers registeredStonemason, Structural Timber
Roofing and Renovation Specialist100% Reliable
Tel: Terry 06 78 79 67 72 / 09 63 58 72 79
Email: [email protected] : 509430009600016
Andrew Hadfield
BUILDERAll building works undertaken.
Mini digger, Full Registered,10 year decennale insurance.
Tel: 02 33 61 72 90Email: [email protected]: Near St Hilaire
Siret: 499 532 059 00015
JOHN DAVIES RENOVATIONSAll types ofrenovation
work undertaken15 years experience in France.
tel 02 33 57 12 22mob 06 13 72 75 53
[email protected] 444.648.828.000.10
WWW.BOCAGERENOVATIONS.COM
For All YourBuilding &
Renovations WorksLarge or Small Projects
( Many can be Viewed )Backed up by 10 year Insurance
14 years working in France
Tel: 02 31 67 62 51Mob: 06 19 91 29 48
Email: [email protected]: 48877612100011
Mesnil RenovationAreas 14/50/61
Full / Part Renovations, carpentry,masonry, plastering, tiling, kitchens,
replacement windows and doors.www.buildersnormandy.com
Tel. 02 31 09 26 54Siret 48423125300010
Architect. Resident in Normandy.
Wide experience including interior
and garden designs. Tel: 02 33 49 69 26.
Regions: 14/15/50/61Siret: 50409652000011
QUALIFIEDMECHANIC
Mr James Marsden All makes & models undertakenHeadlight conversions possible
Tel: 02 33 69 40 16/06 88 66 28 98Email: [email protected]
SIRET : 491 165 825 00028
SSPPAARREESS,, SSEERRVVIICCEE&& RREEPPAAIIRRSS
Mowers, Tractors, Generators,Mixers, Dumpers, Diggers
and More25 yrs. Experience06 83 27 04 17
Kilrush Cars Ltd
A large selection ofEuropean
Left Hand Drive
CarsOne owner - FSH - C.O.CTel: 00 44 (0) 1252 782883
www.kilrushcars.com
Kilrush Cars Ltd
HUGESAVINGS!!!
BRANDNEW LHD
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INSIGNIA & TOURERZAFIRA
ASTRA & CORSAALL AVAILABLE
Tel: 00 44 (0) 1252 782883www.kilrushcars.com
PERSONALISED PHOTOCAKE TOPPERS
From €8 plus deliveryMake an ordinary cake extra special.
Tel: Jayne 02 33 49 82 45Mobile: 06 70 32 84 34
www.personalisedcaketoppers.comEmail: [email protected]
Regions: ALL FRANCE
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
The Advertiser, Normandy July 2010 Directory 17
Qualified French TeacherOffers One 2 One Tuition and Conversation In YourHome. Call Isabelle 06 65 22 27 83 Email:[email protected]
LEARNING
HEALTH
CLASSIFIEDS
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
BRITISHBEDS BYBEAUXRÊVES
2 & 4 Drawer Divans3/1 Guest Beds
Headboards & BedsteadsVaccum Packed-Memory Foam
Orthopaedic-PocketSprung Mattresses
Budget Range From €€99.00 Single€€119.00 Double - €€139.00 King
Opening TimesTues, Thurs, Fri
9.30-12.00 14.00-17.00Wed, Sat 9.30-12.00
Closed Sun-Mon23 rue de Bretagne,
53120 GorronTel- 02 43 11 26 77
Email- [email protected]
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 Advertiser, Normandy July 201018 Directory / Gardening
JULY in Normandy is gener-ally less clement than June.The French say there are twogood weeks and two bad, andthis often turns out to be thecase, with a fortnight of seri-ous heat and another of nastyweather that will leave yourunning to the woodpile.
In the garden, although thefirst flush of bloom is usuallyover for shrubs and theherbaceous border,hydrangeas, hollyhocks,lavender and philadelphuswill still make a good show, aswill summer bedding plants.
Remontant (repeat flower-ing) roses will also still beproductive. To keep theseflowering, keep dead-head-ing, and if you can apply abalanced rose fertiliser afterthe first flush of flowers, somuch the better.
In terms of garden jobs,other than the general rou-tine of lawn-mowing, water-
ing and tidying, July is a goodmonth for taking softwoodcuttings. Many plants, includ-ing lavender, viburnums,eleagnus and rock plants canbe propagated this way.
To propagate a cutting,you’ll need water, hormonerooting powder, small potsfull of moist potting compost,and some way of protectingyour plants until they “strike”,such as a greenhouse, cold-frame or cloches.
For the best results, takecuttings in the early morning,after the dew has risen andmake sure the plant is ingood condition – don’t prop-agate from unhealthy stock.
Take off a bendy shoot twoto four inches long, using asharp, clean knife (some gar-deners clean the blade with
alcohol between each cut toprevent “damping off ” – ageneric term for a variety offunguses that can attack cut-tings). Strip off all but two orthree leaves, and if the leavesof the plant are large, cutthem in half.
Dip the cut end of the stalkin water, then in hormonerooting powder and insert itinto the potting compost,firming it in well.
Cover the cutting, in its pot,with something that will keepin warmth and moisture – Iuse five-litre mineral waterbottles with the bottoms cutout. You want a nice dampatmosphere to build up insideyour mini-greenhouse, butthe leaves of the plant shouldnot actually touch the sidesor they will rot. Keep the pots
in a place that gets sun forabout half the day, such as atthe foot of a west wall.
Cuttings should generallystrike within about six weeks,
and are ready for planting outnext spring. Success dependson the plant but some, suchas lavender and rosemary, arealmost foolproof.
July can be an unpredictablemonth in the garden – but a goodopportunity to take some cuttings
A changeable monthBy Patricia Mansfield-Devine
Interested in stocking TheAdvertiser? Email us at thecontact details shown onpage 2. To receive a copy athome every month see p6
14 – CalvadosAquavire, VireBar de la Poste, La GraverieBar Patio, LisieuxLes Bons VoisinsBricomarché, VireCafé at Intermarché, VireCarrefour Market, Falaise, Honfleur,Villers BocageAu Cochon de Lait, FalaiseLe Comptoir Irlandais, Caen, DeauvilleDeauville airportFlying Fish, La Graverie, St ManvieuBocageFrançois Labadie Estate Agents, VireGedimat, La GraverieGolf Club, ClécyIntermarché, Condé sur NoireauLeclerc, VireManche Immo, Pont d’OuillyMarc Trouverie Estate Agents, VireMarché U, BayeuxNormandie Wine Warehouse,OuistrehamLe Patio, LisieuxSteve’s Fish and Chips, Champ duBoultSubway, CaenSuper U, Thury HarcouëtShopi, St Sever, VassyTourist Bar, OrbecTourist board, Ouistreham terminal
27 – EureBritish Food France, 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,Pontorson, Torigini-sur-Vire Château de Tallis, St André de BohonCeltic Link, Cherbourg portChez Madeleine, St Maur de BoisChrist Church CoutancesLa Clé des Temps, CoutancesComptoir Irlandais, Cherbourg,GranvilleDépôt Vente, Le TeilleulEpicerie BarentonEpi-service, ChaulieuFlying Fish, MoyonLa Forge, Le Petit CellandGimazane Immobilier, Barfleur,
Cherbourg, La Haye du Puits, LesPieux, ValognesGedimat, Gavray, Mortain, Périers, St Hilaire, St JamesIntermarché, Avranches, Saint-Pair,VilledieuJug & Jazz, GerLeclerc, Centre Culturel, TourlavilleLeclerc, 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, LePetit CellandThe Stove Shack, LessaySubway, Cherbourg, Saint-LôSuper U, St Sauveur le Vicomte, SainteMère Eglise, Brécey, Saint JamesLe Tie Break, Le LuotLe Train Bleu Pub, PontorsonMarc Trouverie Estate Agents, Mortain and VilledieuVive La Différence, MontpinchonTerminal Building, Cherbourg port
53 – MayenneLe Bon Choix Dépôt Vente, LaBaroche GondinLe 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 ComteBistrot du Coin, Passais-la-ConceptionBricomarché, La Ferté Mace, FlersCarrefour Contact, TrunCarrefour Market, Domfront,TinchebrayCatena, Argentan, VimoutiersClub Anglais/Français de GacéCinema le Normandy, TinchebrayHairchic, La Ferté MacéJardileclerc, ArçonnayLe Brewery, Joué-du-BoisLe Coin Secret, La Ferté MacéLeclerc, Argentan, FlersLes Favorites, DomfrontLe Réveillon Jazz Café, near Mortagne au PercheLe Secret Knight Public House,ChampsecretMonsieur Bricolage, AlençonRugby Tavern, TailleboisShopi, Athis de l’OrneSteve’s Fish and Chips, TailleboisSuperU, Bagnoles de l'OrneWoodstove Studio, Trun
76 – Seine-MaritimeSubway, Le Havre, RouenLD Lines, Dieppe, Le Havre
Jersey: Maison de la Normandie
Our distributors
Photo: Beth M527
WITH the summer propertyselling season under waythere are various things thatcan be done to make yourproperty more attractive tobuyers and help it to sell morequickly.
New to Normandy is a phe-nomenon called home stag-ing. This service is often pro-vided by interior decoratorswho will visit your propertyand recommend changesincluding moving furniture,colour schemes and making it look more spacious andinviting.
They claim a home stageproperty will sell faster andoften at a better price.
“Buyers today are moredemanding,” says home stag-ing specialist Celine Montier,who is based near Rouen andhas clients in Haute-Normandie.
“My role is to create a wel-coming atmosphere, reorgan-ise furniture and make theproperty more neutral.
“I use existing furniturewhere possible, I point out lit-tle imperfections that theowner no longer notices butthat a buyer will see. A housethat has benefitted fromhome staging will sell faster,often up to four times faster.”
One of the first things youneed to decide is who youaiming to sell to, as thedemands of French andBritish buyers are often quitedifferent. British buyers tendto want a bargain that needs alot of work done on it where-as French buyers want a home
where they can move in towith the minimum of fuss.
It is all a matter of vision,according to estate agentPippa Weikz, who specialisesin the Normandy propertymarket.
“French people werebrought up in cold, draughtyhouses with no central heat-ing so they aspire towards amore modern property that iswell-insulated,” she explains.“Whereas British people willconsider a wreck that needs alot of work because theydream of turning it into theideal home even if it is milesdown the end of a dead end lane.”
Most estate agents recom-mend that vendors tidy upboth the inside and the out-side of their property beforeputting it on the market.
“You would be amazed howmany unmade beds I photo-graph and boxes of junk Ifind in living rooms,” says
Ms Weikz.Tidying the garden is also
important whether you arelooking for a French or aBritish buyer, according toJean Boucey of Century 21.
“Everyone is much moreinterested in a well kept andtidy garden than they used tobe. It is the first part of aproperty that they see andneeds to look good,” he says.
He also recommends thatyou try to keep outhouses andsheds relatively tidy. “I recent-ly visited a property wherethe buyer asked to see in anouthouse and piles of smellyrubbish spilled out when Iopened it,” he adds.
Inside, simple things like acoat of paint and newlycleaned curtain can make adifference. Ms Weikz also rec-ommends hiding excess chil-dren’s toys and de-clutteringeven if that means puttingboxes of books and photos inthe attic or the shed.
Spruce up yourproperty for salePROPERTY FOCUSBy Ray Clancy
HOME STAGING:Improving the
visual appealof a home
The Advertiser, Normandy July 2010 Property 19
Manche, ParignyThis 3 bedroom stone master’shouse is set in 0.3 acre of landand comes with a big basementand convertible attic.
REF: 24301
€€125,000
Buying or selling a property in or around Normandy?We can help. Our website www.connexionfrance.com carriesdetails 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 code under each property tofind out more on the website. For sellers, the adverts are also dis-played across a range of popular English-speaking websites which
ensures they are seen by thousands of potential buyers every day. Prices start at just €119TTC for 12 months’ online advertising.
Online advertisers can also place their adverts in The Advertiserfor an additional €60TTC for one month, €150TTC for three editionsand €275TTC for six editions. Contact our sales team on 04 83 93 60 08 or email
[email protected] to find out more.
REF: M 31767 / J P
€€128,400 Saint-Lô House of 4 PP with an attic thatcould convert and dependenceson ground of 1015 m . 2 bed-rooms, attic that could convert in 2 parts of 23 and 57m .
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 straight to the information
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.com. Simply enter the code under each home to find out more
Houses for sale in and around Normandy
REF: 11032
€€82,500 MancheThis pretty cottage is the perfectholiday hideaway 13 miles fromthe sea but hidden from tourists.1 bedroom renovated stone'boulangerie' with views over the surrounding countryside.
Sourdeval, BrouainsFully renovated country cottageon 2,000m2 of land approx.Situated just 5 mins fromSourdeval with the river running past below.
REF: JL-2480
€€119,000
REF: JL2249
€€103,600 TinchebrayBeautifuly renovated 2 bed semi in the countryside. Perfectholiday home – everything ingood order at a realistic price.Mature garden of approx 2,000m2
with front and back entrance. REF: 10754
€€110,000CalvadosSet of stone buildings and houseto renovate with 2 and a halfacres of land. Situated on theedge of a pretty village with barand local shop but within a shortdrive of St Sever and Vire.
Orne, TinchebrayThis pretty cottage is set in 1.3 acres of land and comes with a detached gite, another outbuilding to convert, a washroom, garage and stable.
REF: 28974
€€138,450
REF: M31564
€€148,800 VireLying in a hamlet, near a village,this property has full cellars,a lounge with fireplace, fittedkitchen, dining room and down-stairs bathroom with 3 bedroomsand a second bathroom upstairs.
REF: M 31753 / MI
€€153,900 Saint-LôCompletely renovated. Offering:entrance hall. kitchen with fire-place. Lounge with bay window.Toilet. 2 bedrooms, Bathroom.Large attic bedroom. Garage.Small cabin. Grounds of 500m .
LisieuxAdorable colombage cottage situated in the countryside invery good condition. Pretty garden. Land area 1,760m2 (0.43acres) – 90m2 habitable space – 4rooms – 2 bedrooms.REF: DOM1177
€€162,000
REF: M 31603 / MH
€€212,000 Villedieu-les-PoêlesProperty with income potential.Consists of a 2 bedroom houseand a 2nd house, half of which isalready converted into a 2 bed-room gîte. Potential to convertthe other half into a 2nd gîte.
REF: JL2118
€€225,000 Avranches, BreceyBar Restaurant with family acco-modation. Situated just outsidethe old town of Brecey.An estab-lished Pub /Restaurant, popularwith both French and Englishlocal residents and visitors.
Manche, BuaisDetached stone and slate proper-ty, situated in a small village withshop, restaurant, baker, bar andpost office, with a garden area of800m2.
REF: BUAIS51651
€€176,500
REF: BNC00053
€€199,000Vire valley Set in a peaceful hamlet over-looking the Vire valley,surrounded by farmland.Picturesque thatched cottagewith mature gardens.
REF: 11387
€€256,800MancheIn a quiet country lane withviews over the marshes, this 3bedroomed property has beenrenovated to a high standard.Offers the opportunity to createtwo gîtes, subject to planning.
MancheAn attractive stone house on theoutskirts of Portbail, comprising;living room, dining room,kitchen and bathroom, 4 bed-rooms and a boarded out atticaccessed by an fitted staircase. REF: 11305
€€296,800
REF: 11139
€€328,600 MancheOn the edge of Mortain forest,this beautiful 4 bedroom homeoffers flexible accommodation, aseparate gîte, and 102mgarage/workshop all set in 3acres of land.
REF: IFPC19549
€€360,000 CaenModern south-facing propertylocated on the edge of a quiet village, midway between the cityof Caen and the famous D-Daybeaches (swimming, windsurfing).
MancheLarge property with possibilityto divide the house to create atwo bedroomed gîte or guesthouse.The house sits in maturegardens which are well stockedwith fruit trees and shrubs.REF: 11367
€€420,000
REF: DOM1189
€€446,250 BayeuxA classical French ‘Corps deFerme’ with stone farmhouse andoutbuildings under slate roofs,thought to date back to 17thCentury. Truly rural but notremote. Set in 28,300m2.
REF: JS222
€€479,250 DomfrontA most attractive fishing holiday property with a largefour bedroom house, fisherman'sclubhouse, 7 acre lake and stockpond on around 10 acres.
The Advertiser, Normandy July 201020
Help promote Normandy – and win a great day out
The tourist board terms and conditions are as follows: The competition is open to anyone aged 18 years or over. You may submitas many photos as you wish. The closing date is 9.00 on September 15. Any entries received after the closing date will not be con-sidered. Illegible, incomplete, late or defaced entries will be disqualified. The winning entry will be selected by a jury at the touristboard and the winners will be notified by email or telephone. The judges’ decision is final and binding. No correspondence will beentered into regarding the outcome of the decision. The indicative value of the prize mentioned in this article is based on fouradults at the Cité de la Mer in Cherbourg. The prize cannot be exchanged in part or whole for cash and is not transferable. Thefree tickets are valid from September 15 until the end of 2010, subject to opening restrictions. Booking conditions apply. By sub-mitting photos you agree to give the Normandy CRT tourist board and The Advertiser (Normandy) the rights to use the images topromote the region and accompany articles about tourist sites. The people featured in the photo and the place where it was takenshould be identified in your entry. Any photos featuring children require express written consent from their parents.
Free tickets to attractions intourist board photo competitionREMEMBER to take a dig-ital camera with you ontrips out this summer andyou could win free ticketsto some of Normandy’s topattractions – and do yourbit to help promote theregion at the same time.
Normandy tourist boardis appealing for Advertiserreaders to send in theirbest photos of peopleenjoying activities andattractions around theregion.
The five best entrants,selected by a jury inSeptember, will each winfour tickets to their choiceof either the Cité de la Merin Cherbourg, the Parc desBisons in Maisoncelles-la-Jourdan or the zoo inChamprepus or Cerza.
The photos need to begood quality digital images(300dpi) and by submit-ting them you agree that
they can be used by the
tourist board and TheAdvertiser in print andonline.
Your entry needs toinclude the details of whois in the photo and whereit was taken. The photoscan only include identifi-able children if you aretheir parent or you haveexpress written permis-sion. We will publish thelist of winners this autumnin The Advertiser – goodluck.
Email your photo and descriptions (who andwhere) to [email protected] 9.00 on September 15. Please include acontact telephone number
WORTHUP TO
€€72
PRIZES: Each winner will receive four tickets to either Cité de la Mer, the Parc des Bisons or Champrepus or Cerza zoo
Photos: CRT N
ormandy
www.normandy-tourism.org
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