...and much more.

and www.expatsradio.com is another source of ex-pat information.

"The Connexion" newspaper is a monthly English newspaper reporting on life in France delivered by mail and the webpage is www.connexionfrance.com  with daily updates of French news in English.  "The Connexion" newspaper also provides answers to questions about life in France through contact@connexionFrance.com

"Living Poitou-Charentes" is an exceptional magazine about life in the Poitou-Charentes, and it's free!  You can pick up a copy at my office or call the editor Nicki Wade on 05.45.32.16.42 or 05.45.35.82.14 and she will tell you where you can pick one up, or if you prefer, a delivery service is available to a French address for £20 per year for 6 issues, or to a UK address for £30 per year for 6 issues, 
or by e-mail at  info@livingpoitoucharentes.com or "Agence Idee, 7 Grand Rue, 16200 Sainte Severe, France.

To see the magazine 'electronically' go to http://www.livingpoitoucharentes.com/en/zmag

"Living Poitou Charentes" also publishes "The French Paper" a monthly newspaper about France, in English.  It was first published in June 2009 and is an excellent read...to find further details contact Nicki Wade at 05.45.32.16.42 or 05.45.35.82.14.

The "International Express" is an English weekly newspaper including the most interesting articles from   the "Daily Express", delivered by mail and to subscribe go to www.theinternationalexpress.com

There is a new website for activities in the Charente-Maritime and you will find the details at http://lostinfrance2.blog.co.uk  It has been organized by Marian Phillips with the e-mail lostinfrance2@gmail.com This is a brand new *blog to try and provide anyone living in and around the Charente Maritime Region of France information about clubs and events.  If you are organising a social event such as a quiz night and would like to let people know about it please email the details to Marian and she will post them on her blog.  If you know of something happening locally that you'd like to recommend to others then send her any details or links you might have. Perhaps you can recommend a place to visit, a good restaurant or have discovered a walk you'd like to share?  Maybe you'd like to organise a walk or an outing of any kind? Or would like to get a group of like-minded people together without having to join an organisation? If you belong to a club or society in this area Marian will link your website to hers.

www.charente-maritime.org  is the départmental website for activities and lots of other information about the Charente-Maritime.

Administration

The main Préfecture is at La Rochelle, 38 rue Réaumur (05.46.27.43.00) with sub-préfectures around the département with Jonzac at 4 rue Château (05.46.48.02.11) and Saintes at 12 Place Synode (05.46.92.37.00).  This is where you deal with your driving licence, passport and car registration.

Sarah Gillespie on 0033.(0)5.46.48.43.29 or  lloydgsarah@aol.co.uk  operates "Hand-in-Glove" Relocation Services and works with you to make your move to France much easier.  She is English and has lived and worked in France for 20 years and speaks fluent French.  She is married, has 2 children (and numerous animals!) and is currently restoring a farmhouse.  She can offer help in all areas of your relocation including: business with the Mairie (Town Hall), applications for planning permission, meeting with professionals including architects, builders, doctors, bankers, insurance agents, vets and schoolteachers, dealing with utilities...electricity, water, telephone, internet etc., working with your children to prepare them for entry into school, French lessons…and anything else you have difficulty with after you arrive here.

AGA Cookers
 
AGA has now arrived in France, and for further information telephone 01.42.61.19.01 or www.agafrance.fr


 Amateur theatre

• It is intended for all those interested in the theatrical arts - not just actors
• There will be regular meetings at which talks on various aspects of the craft, e.g. makeup, voice projection, will be given
• There will be readings of plays and sketches to help develop member's abilities and confidence
• The group also hopes to arrange theatre and cinema trips. 
• Another aspect of the group will be to encourage new writing – do you have a sketch or play, written or in mind, you would like to see performed?
• It will not be limited to one type of drama but intends to cover all kinds – from musicals to experimental plays where you may only get an audience of 2 – with productions possibly running in parallel.

The overall aim will be to encourage participation in the theatrical arts – the committee will be there to support and coordinate, not control.

In the yellow pages you will find these listed under “Ambulances”!

In Brie-sous-Mortagne is:

Ambulances Verdon on 05.46.94.12.03

and in Gémozac

Ambulances Fauconnet on 05.46.94.60.60 or in Cozes 05.46.90.81.54

Anglo-French Information

www.angloinfo.com ...a vast information network web-site, in English, which has very recently opened a site for Poitou-Charentes and offers very useful information on every aspect of life in our region and with forums for posing questions or just making friends! Click on Poitou-Charentes site.

 
Architect

Paul McMahon works with a team of 4 architects, 2 technicians, a clerk of works and a secretary and has worked as an architect in France since 1999.  He qualified at Trinity College Dublin and is registered with the Ordre des Architectes, and other staff members are qualified from University College Dublin, Bordeaux University, the Université Paris Val de Seine, the Université de Lille, and Lycée Atlantique Royan.

Paul and his team have worked for a number of my clients and it is because of their positive comments regarding the quality of Paul's work that I recommend his company.

The McMahon team can prepare individual jobs or act as supervisors on a complete project coordinating the various trades people.

McMahon Architectes is located at 7 Rue Cuvilliers,  Saintes, near the church and pedestrian shopping centre, across the river from the Roman Arch, 05.46.97.76.62

Artisans

Any artisan should have "assurance de responsibilité décennale"...giving a 10 year guarantee on his work.  If major work has been completed on your property, when you come to sell it you will either have to provide proof that the artisan had this insurance or you will have to provide a guarantee on the work for the balance of the 10 years.  There have been reports of artisans who are not properly registered or have deregistered to avoid the costs of being registered and it is not always easy to confirm whether they are propertly registered/insured.  If you are dealing with a "société" then you can check via www.infogreffe.fr which is updated daily however if the artisan is a sole trader then the only foolproof way is to ask for his siret number and then check with the local "chambre de métiers et de l'artisanat" to which he belongs.  Make sure with the chamber that they have not been "radié" (deregistered) ... if they are not properly registered then they are almost certainly not insured either. (Reference "The Connexion" newspaper, p22, September 2009)

Badminton

...and this again underlines the importance of dealing with properly registeded workmen where everything is documented including the quote and the insurance and NOTHING is 'under the table'.
                  
Banks

Barber

I recommend CREATIF COIFFURE at 6 rue de la Libération in Gémozac, next to my office at the traffic lights at the post office, 05.46.94.52.52 

You will need this for your gas cooker.  The necessary attachments can be purchased from Balthazar Poupelain and the gas can be bought from a lot of petrol stations or supermarkets.  When you buy your first bottle you will have to register but after that it is simply a matter of exchanging the bottle.

British Embassy Consular Services

The website of the Embassy is comprehensive... www.amb-grandebretagne.fr

The British Embassy
35, rue du Faubourg St Honoré
75383 Paris Cedex 08
Tel: +33 (0)1 44 51 31 00
Fax: +33 (0)1 44 51 32 34
Opening Hours: 9h30-13h00/14h30-18h00

The British Consulate General in Paris provides a comprehensive service including full passport, birth and death registration and notarial facilities for British Nationals. The Consulates General in Bordeaux, Lille, Lyon and Marseille provide general consular assistance to British nationals as well as Legalisation and Notarial Services and Voter Registration Information.

Passport enquiries to the passport helpline (08.92.23.01.75) require a credit card and are charged at 1.60€ per minute including any 'on hold'/"your call is important to us and you will be dealt with by the next available operator" time...(in the Paris passport office these calls are 'outsourced' to a private company!)...this only applies to passport enquiries and you would not face these costs if you dealt with your passport enquiries while visiting the UK

The five British Consulates General in France are situated in Paris, Bordeaux, Lille, Lyon and Marseille.

Consulate-General in Bordeaux

353 boulevard du president Wilson,
33073 Bordeaux CEDEX
Tel: 05 57 22 21 10
Fax: 05 56 08 33 12

The offices are open to the public from Monday to Friday from 09h30-12h00 and from 14h00-16h30.
(Outside normal working hours a consular Emergency Service is in operation and a Duty officer can be contacted by telephoning 05 57 22 21 10.)

BROADBAND/ADSL/HIGH SPEED INTERNET

To ascertain whether your line works on ADSL high-speed internet ("Broadband") go to
www.123adsl.com and enter your telephone number.

For my internet/broadband (really ADSL) I use Wanadoo through France Telecom and it is excellent with practically no problems however when I have had problems I have had to sort these out with French speaking technicians and so an advertisement I saw recently in "The Connexion" newspaper for "ANGLOPACK" may be of interest...it offered high-speed ADSL for 29.90€uros (about the price I pay to Wanadoo) with unlimited 24 hour use, free phone calls to the UK, USA, Ireland, Australia, the USA and Canada, free number in the UK so you can receive calls, English bills and technical help in English...0805.02.4000 www.teleconnectfrance.com

Builders 

cf "Artisans" above

I have received  an excellent recommendation to the firm of Arcourt Pajaud of 19 ave. Mirambeau, Brie-sous-Mortagne, 05.46.94.13.82...they handle new build, renovation and roof tiles

The Musseau Brothers of 2 Le Breuil, Floirac, 17120, 05.46.90.51.71 are 3 brothers, one a builder, the second an carpenter and the third a plumber and whose endeavours are coordinated by their mother so that if you have a job involving one or more of these skills, because they work as a team, the work can be completed efficiently as one will be scheduled to begin work as the other finishes. 

In Mortagne-sur-Gironde Patrick Castincaud is a mason, tiler and general builder at Le bois Bricoux, 9 rte Epargnes, 05.46.90.62.99.  M. Castincaud has an excellent reputation and does fine work.

Benoît Joly is a general builder at "La Viauderie", 2 rue de l'Anglade, 17260 Cravans, 05.46.90.02.06 or 06.88.87.79.06.
He is a friend of Damien and has just opened his own business after working for 3 years with one of the best builders in the area.

Jean Surma is a French artisan, specialising in renovation, and works to a high standard...his number is 06.78.90.80.82 or jeansurma@orange.fr

also see "Mason" below

To claim against capital gains tax when you sell a property it is necessary to have proper documentation/receipts of the work completed by registered artisans specifying when the work was completed on the property with its address.  I recently encountered a case where the receipts had been mailed to another address without stating where the work was actually done and these were disallowed for the purpose of reducing the capital gains tax on the property.

The 10 year guarantee on building work

In France by law every artisan involved in building has to have a 10 year guarantee on his work, on a new or old building, and there is one policy for each artisan.  In France, unlike England, there are no ‘inspections’ or ‘building inspectors’ or ‘inspectors for the insurance companies’ and therefore ‘you are on your own’ so it is important you follow the steps below!

When you accept a quote ask the artisan to provide a copy of:

1.     An attestation to prove his 10 year guarantee/insurance is up to date;

2.     The actual policy which lists the work he us insured for…and make sure you check this against the work described in the quotation to ensure that the artisan’s insurance covers the work for which he is quoting!

Make it absolutely clear that these are important to you and that the job will not begin until you have them…and stick by this!...

…and if you don’t understand the documents have them translated, and if you still don’t understand them because of ‘jargon’/technical terms, seek professional help.

When the work is completed you should keep this quote, the invoice for the work, the attestation, and the insurance policy together so that if you need them you can find them easily, as they are your safeguard if anything goes wrong in the next 10 years; if you sell your property you should pass these on to the new owner.

So how do you claim?

The first step is to contact the artisan by telephone or letter to explain the problem and ask him to come and view it…the gentle approach!  Be polite!

If this does not work then send a letter by recorded delivery to the artisan politely describing the problem and asking that he contact you to discuss it by a certain date…say 7 days after receipt of the letter.

If this does not work then a ‘stronger’ letter should be sent demanding a response by a certain date, and advising him that your next step will be to contact his insurance company if he does not respond properly.

If this does not work then send a recorded letter to the insurance company of the artisan with copies of the quote, policy, attestation and invoice, details of the complaint with any photographs, and a copy of your other correspondence to date.  You should also contact the company which provided the insurance for your house as in this policy will be a "protection juridique" and so they will become involved to help with this...this is where it helps to have an insurer who speaks English such as Jean-Christophe Vallein of AXA in Montendre, see "Insurance" below.

The insurance company will appoint a local building expert to act on its behalf and he will arrange a meeting with the artisan ‘on-site’ to discuss the problem…if necessary the representative of the insurance company will arrange for the relevant experts to attend.  At this meeting it is decided if there is a problem, who is responsible and who does the rectification work…either the original artisan or another, and the expert appointed by the insurance company makes sure the work is done properly and to a defined timescale.

If the job you are doing requires a number of artisans you might consider having a bilingual project manager.

(These notes are taken from an article published in “French Property News”,  February 2008, p.82 by John Rainforth of Construction Cavaillonnaise, 04.90.06.10.54, johnrainforth.buildfrance@wanadoo.fr )

The Quotation

The quotation or estimation (“devis”) you receive for any work is of fundamental importance and so should be handled with great care to see it is correct and comprehensive…(the less accurate the request, the less accurate the devis!)  You should obtain 2 or 3 quotations on the same facts and note that quotes are often valid only until a specified date.

What should the devis cover?

1.     The fixed start-up date…certainty of this is all the more important if you are trying to coordinate different types of specialists…e.g. an electrician can’t start his work until the walls are up, a plumber cannot do his work until the bathroom has been built, a tiler cannot do his work until the walls are completed etc.;

2.     The anticipated date for completion;

3.     The precise itemised details of the work to be done…it is helpful if it includes at the beginning a summary of the work to be done;

4.     It should also be clear what is and what is not included…for example kitchen fixtures, white goods, bathroom fittings etc.;

5.      The devis should also cover, if required, connections of water and electricity including renewing where necessary, and the number of sockets, switches, lights and plugs.

The golden rule is to try and think of and include everything that needs to be done, even if it requires more than one or two meetings with the builder ‘on-site’ to complete this.

And remember, a devis is an estimate…‘life happens’, and unforeseen things happen subsequent to the devis and so allow 25% for ‘extras’ which should be the subject of a separate devis. 

The devis should also include written confirmation that the works will be covered by the builder’s 10 year building insurance.

Finally, remember, a signed devis is a legally binding contract and may be held against you one day, if you do not get it right in the first place.

Also see "Bad workmanship in construction" above

(These notes were taken from an article in “French Property News”, February 2008, p. 84, written by Ian Blackshaw, international lawyer, cblackshawg@aol.com)

Bus services

While there are public bus services in the area they are limited in number and run at varying times so to check the availability go to  www.lesmouettes-transports.com or telephone 0 811 36 17 17. (05.46.97.52.00)

When you call you may need to speak French and so go to "Translations" below to prepare your questions!

Cadastral Plans

You can check your cadastral plan at the mairie or online (in English) at www.cadastre.gouv.fr

Cakes, pies and pasties

"Markey's Cakes, Pies and Pasties" make traditional pork pies, pasties, meat and vegetarian pies and traditional English cakes.  You can contact them on 05.46.01.54.65 or markey.cakes@wanadoo.fr, and you can find them on Friday mornings at Melle market, Saturday mornings at Saint Jean d'Angély interior market and also outside at Fontenay-le-comte market and on Sunday mornings at Aulnay market. If you can't make any of those days the pies, cakes and pasties can be bought at Coque de noix, 1 rue de la Republique, Ruffec and Pin, Vin et Machins,1 rue du Commmerce,79170 Brioux-sur-Boutonne. 

Cancer screening 

At the age of 50 women should receive a letter from their CPAMS inviting them to go for a mamogram...if you do not receive such a letter check with your doctor.  Women aged 50 to 74 should have a check every 2 years, and the cost is fully reimbursed.  Both men and women of the same age are invited to have colorectal cancer tests every 2 years.  For those with a family history, a colonoscopy should be performed every 5 years, again without charge.  Cervical smear tests are recommended for women 18 or over who have had sex.  This can be conducted by a GP and is reimbursed 70%.  The Association Française d'Urologie recommends men have blood tests for prostate cancer every year from 50 to 75 or from age 45 if two close relatives have had the disease, or if you are black, and reimbursement is 70% (Connexion, p.30, April 2008).

"Cyber Angel" can be found at 10 rue Gambetta, across from the church in the village square, next door to the mobile telephone shop...05.46.74.72.74, open 10 to 12.30, 2.00 to 8.00.

"Cyberzone 17" is in the pedestrian district across the river from the Arch in Saintes.  The address is  2bis rue Alsace Lorraine, (05.46.74.02.88), and if you find the old (and very beautiful) Cathedral you are within 50 yards.  I have also been told that there is a second cybercafé in the LeClerc department store at St. Georges des Coteaux although I have not been able to find any more details.

Dance school

The "Centre de Danse" run by Philippe Moreau teaches all types of dance at the Salle Polyvalente in Pons, and Philippe can be reached on 05.45.38.88.45

There is also a dance class in Gémozac ('Classique et Modern Jazz) "Les Ateliers de la Danse", recognized by the Ministry of Culture on 05.46.39.12.85

Death

These notes are taken from the "Connexion" newspaper, (a monthly English newspaper reporting on life in France, delivered by mail and the webpage is www.connexionfrance.com) p.28, April 2007
...for more information  contact@connexionfrance.com 

1. In the event of a normal death a doctor is required to confirm the death...a 'constat de décès...and to provide a death certificate;

2. Within 24 hours an official  'déclaration de décès' must be made...this can be completed by a funeral director, 'pompes funèbres', or by yourself at the Mairie, or by a hospital...if you do it you should take along your ID and the ID of the deceased and the death certificate;

3.  The Mairie will then provide a burial permit, 'un permis d'inhumer', and the burial can only take place after 24 hours following the death and before the 7th day following the death...'Sundays and bank holidays not included'.  If it is necessary to remove the body from the commune then permission must be provided by the Mairie;

4.  The Mairie can help with the provision of a burial plot or permission for a cremation.

Angela Clohessy (Dip. FD M.BIF.D.) is an English funeral director working in France and can help in all aspects of a death.  Angela's telephone number is 05.63.39.55.97 and her website
www.funeralservicesinfrance.com and her e-mail enquiry@funeralservicesinfrance.com

Because the traditional French house has fewer electrical devices than an English house, and because the supply of electricity is calibrated to each house, (and usually to a low level!) it is quite common that when an English family takes over a French house problems are experienced with the amount of electricity available because of the larger demand and therefore the power 'cuts out' when too many electrical items are in use.  To remedy this problem in the short term the problem should be resolved by resetting the switch in the mains box (either inside or outside the house...usually flicking the largest switch from 'O' to 'I') and in the longer term contacting EDF, the French national electric company, to come to the house to reset the maximum level of power available to the property...this is a relatively easy change taking the EDF technician seconds to make.  

The English speaking number for EDF is 05.62.16.49.08 and their e-mail is simpleenergywithedf@edf.fr

Electronics, television, hi-fi

An excellent referral is the "Expert" group which sells first quality equipment from computers to hi-fi to washing machines, dishwashers, cookers and freezers at good prices and offer excellent service.  They are in Royan at 3 route Jean Besson, 05.46.05.20.00, Jonzac at Centre Commercial E. LeClerc on 05.46.48.56.00, and in Cognac at Parc Fief de Roy, Châteaubernard, on 05.45.32.00.23

For "on-line/discount shopping" for all electrical goods from washing machines to computers, www.darty.com is an option, with free delivery within 3 days.

EMERGENCY SERVICES...

KEEP THESE NUMBERS BY YOUR PHONE!!!

SOS English-speaking crisis line...01.46.21.46.46

Non-emergency out-of-hours (evenings, weekends, holidays)...05.46.27.55.20
Emergency medical help SAMU...telephone 15

Fire service...telephone 18

Gendarmarie/Police...telephone 17

Police, Ambulance and Fire Brigade anywhere in Europe...112
Poison emergency (Bordeaux)...05.56.96.40.80
Gas emergency...05.46.87.45.72
Electricity emergency...0.810.333.117

Drugs and alcoholism...113

Child abuse...119

Homelessness...115

Emergency, sea and lake...1616

Regular Ambulance service...Ambulances Fauconnet of Gémozac...05.46.94.60.60,
Ambulance Verdon of Brie-sous-Mortagne...05.46.94.12.03

When you contact the emergency services you will/may be asked:

Your name and phone number ..."Quelle est votre nom et numéro de téléphone?"

What has happened..."Quelle est la nature de l'accident?"

Possible answers:

He/she has collapsed...Il/elle s'est évanoui"

He/she has fallen..."Il/elle est tombé"

He/she has had a heart attack..."Il/elle a eu une crise cardiaque"

He/she has had a stroke..."Il/elle a une attaque d'apoplexie"

You will be asked your address..."Quelle est votre addresse?"

You will be asked the nature of the injuries..."Quels sont les blessures?"

He/she is unconscious..."Il/elle est inconscient"

He/she is bleeding..."Il/elle saigne"

He/she is in a lot of pain..."Il/elle souffre beaucoup"

He/she has a broken leg/arm..."Il/elle a une fracture de la jambe/du bras"

If you or your partner has a particular medical condition then it would be in your interest to prepare a list of sentences similar to those above describing the problem so that you can accurately inform the emergency services immediately and keep these with the emergency numbers by your phone...it would also be a good idea to discuss these sentences with your doctor.

English Groceries

 "La Perfide Albion", 11 rue Arc de Triomphe, near the Roman Arch alongside the bridge over the river Charente at Saintes, telephone number 05.46.94.24.98

These shops have many of the items from the UK do not usually found here, Cadburys, Heinz, Bisto, Marmite, Digestive Biscuits, Mint Sauce, Branston, HP Sauce, PG Tips, Ribena, bacon, clotted cream, Cheddar and other cheeses etc.

English residents who want to learn more about France and the French culture...see "Activities in the Charente-Maritime" above

         
Entertainment

Phil Barrows is a professional musician playing keyboard and singing.  I first saw Phil at a dinner/dance at the bar in St. Thomas de Conac (see below under "Restaurants") and his music really made the evening, from gentle 'dinner' music to great dance music.  He has a long musical history and even played on the Old Grey Whiltle Test programme when he lived in the UK.  He is available for any social function and can be contacted on 05.46.48.96.88

Equestrian

There a quite a number of stables in the area, and 2 of these are:

Ferme Equestre...at Epargnes, 05.46.97.83.39
and
Centre Equestre de Bellevue at Grezac, 06.22.27.98.39         

Eye Examinations

In France, a vision test has to be done by a doctor and not an optician.  Dr. Maroune, Ophthalmologist, at 103 Cours National, 17100 Saintes, 05.46.74.19.59, speaks English very well.  His office is just down the hill from the roundabout at the Bank of France or if you are coming from the bridge over the River Charente, about 300 yards up the hill on the left immediately before the roundabout.  The charge for an eye test is 38€ and is not covered by the basic medical plan although it may be by your private/additional insurance.

Please see "Optician" below.

 
Films in English

Go to www.angloinfo.com where you will find info about fims in English in the region.

Fires…the making of...20 steps!

Making a fire is a little like brain surgery…it is not difficult if you know what you are doing!

When I came to France my experience of making a fire was limited to flicking a switch or turning a thermostat control so in the beginning it was a problem however with time I have learned:

1.     Check that the chimney is clean as if you have a fire in your chimney and it has not been cleaned in the previous year it may invalidate your house insurance…see “Chimney Sweep” above;

2.     Use only dry wood and materials…it’s a good idea to buy your wood in the spring before the winter when you plan to use it, and try to buy oak...it's the best, burns well and doesn't 'spit';

3.     When you order your wood, ensure that it is cut to the size to fit your fireplace or wood stove…most open fires take 0.5 metre pieces of wood but ‘inserts’ or wood stoves may require shorter logs…each year I use about 3 cubic metres for one fire, 3 hours a day, (this is enough to heat my house for the winter), and buy wood by the 5 cubic metres so that each year I have some ‘very dry’ wood left from the previous year to begin with, and this year I paid 250€uros for these 5 cubic metres, 50 €uros per cubic metre.  Logs usually come in a semi-circle (log cut in half length-wise) though I find that sometimes these logs are too big and don't burn through and so this year I am going to pay the extra to have my logs cut into quarters;

4.     When your wood is delivered you will find it falls into 3 groups… thick/heavy logs, medium sized logs, and thin sticks of about 1.5 inches to 2 inches in diameter, the ‘kindling’;

5.     Stack the wood under cover to keep it dry, in the 3 separate groups so that you have easy access to each;

6.     Saw the smaller kindling sticks into short pieces, say 1/8 of a metre (about 4 inches) in length…you only need 3 or 4 of these to start each fire and so one stick as supplied by the woodman should be enough if cut into appropriately sized pieces, however if you don’t cut the sticks and instead use 3 or 4 ‘full’ sticks then you will soon use up all of the ones delivered to you and then have difficulty lighting a fire once these have gone, so they are precious!...each morning when I walk the pups I pick up suitable sticks for kindling such as old vinesticks to help avoid this ...old vine plants also burn very well too...when sawing the wood use the heavy gloves referred to in 6 below to safeguard your hands if you slip with the saw;

7.     If your fireplace does not have a metal grate, buy one from one of the bricolage/do it yourself/hardware outlets…these help keep your logs ‘together’ in a neat fashion in the fireplace and lift the wood so that air is able to flow below...at the same time buy a pair of heavy gloves so that you can move logs without splinters or damaging your manicure...you will find these near the wood at the bricolage;

8.     Buy small pieces of pre-cut kindling wood which you will find in bags at 4 or 5 euros per bag from the same place as ‘7’ above;

9.     Buy a set of bellows from the same place as ‘7’ above;

10.  At your local supermarket buy ‘firesticks’ such as ZIP “ALUME-FEU” cubes (I prefer those in individual sachets as they are cleaner and easier to use) and the ‘fireliquid’ such as ZIP “RAPIDE & SUR” which burn easily…these will be in the same place in store…in the supermarket I use, SuperU, they have their own brand but they are the same as the ZIP;

11. Choose a newspaper which burns easily…the “International Express” burns very easily but “The Connexion” does not!…I save old copies throughout the year so that I have plenty for the winter;

12. To lay the fire, ensure the fire/grate has all of the old debris removed and “scrunch” the pages of the newspaper into really small/tight balls and arrange in the centre at the lowest point of the grate, crumble pieces of the firesticks over the paper and then add the small pieces of kindling which you have bought in bags at the bricolage (see ‘7’ above);...be generous and cover the whole of the bottom and the back of the grate/fire area...it will help with a full fire!

13. Squirt some of the fireliquid (see ‘10’ above) over the kindling and paper;

14. Place 3 or 4 of the small sticks you have cut (see ‘6’ above) in a tepee/crosswise fashion on top of the smaller kindling and paper...this allows lots of air to be present and because the flames 'burn upwards', all of the smaller pieces of wood are in contact with the flame;

15. Apply a match…you can buy long matches, about 10” in length, at the bricolage or supermarket which allow you to light the paper in several places at the front and back without the danger of singeing your fingers;

16. Encourage the fire by ‘blowing’ with the bellows directed at the bottom of the fire so that the air comes from below the fire, up through the grate...this is when your attention and effort is critical as once the fire has 'caught' then it should not be difficult to keep it going;

17. Once the kindling and small sticks have ‘caught alight’, add a medium sized log in such a way that it sits on top of the kindling without pressing it down leaving room to allow air to come from below, and slightly at a raised angle on one side, so that the flame 'travels' along and up the log, and use the bellows, and then in due course add a larger log.  It is important that you continue to use the bellows quite a lot at this time to blow air at the bottom of the fire to increase the heat so that the larger log begins to burn, and once you are past this point the fire should largely take care of itself...this is the most critical point because if the log does not 'take' then your kindling will burn but you will not have a fire, and so you will have to start again!

18. Don't put too many logs on the fire as it will not function well...less really is more!  It may seem logical that 'the more logs, the more heat' but this is not correct, as too many logs will 'clog' the fire resulting in your burning a lot of wood but with little heat, and much of the heat being contained below/within the logs or going straight up the chimney.  You will only feel the heat if you can see the flames/embers-cinders, and therefore use 2 split logs on the bottom of the fire plus the new split log on top of the log at the back of the fire, and as you add new logs cycle them so that the most recent log is always on the top at the back and the second-most recent below this and the oldest log at the front.  This will result in maximum exposure at the front and the least amount of wasted heat up the chimney!

19. If your fire seems to be failing, just move the logs around to allow the air to 'refresh' them, and make sure that the logs are in contact with the embers/flame...and BLOW, BLOW, BLOW!

20. Each time you make a new fire remove the cinders remaining from the previous fire or they will 'clog' the grate and it will not be possible for the air to come up through the grate making it difficult for the new fire to take hold...

... and ‘voila’…your fire…and now for the crumpets!

Firewood

M. Retail.  To find his wood yard take the D6 down towards Mortagne from Gémozac and at the roundabout at Boutenac-Touvent at "Le Relais de Touvent" restaurant follow the direction towards the A10 and his wood yard is a few hundred yards along on the left, opposite M. Jolly's carpentry workshop.

M. Moreau, 4 rue Platanes, (overlooking the village green at the roundabout at Boutenac-Touvent where the D6 and D730 meet). 

In Gémozac, M. Bidaud at 05.46.94.53.20 is a good source

Wood comes cut to size, usually half or a third of a metre, (to fit your fire/heater) and is measured by the cubic metre or 'stair', and 5 cubic metres is a normal amount and the price 50 to 60 €uros per stair, cut and delivered but not stacked.

!!!Buy your wood in the summer as you may find difficulty buying at short notice in the colder periods!!!  Also store under cover so that it remains dry.

Fosse septique, fosse étanche, toutes eau fosse

 In France there are 5 levels of 'drainage':

1. The field next door (really!...quite common in the older properties!)

2. a 'fosse étanche' or sealed tank which needs emptying when it is full...these are not common and found on older properties

3. a 'fosse septique' (septic tank) which is the most common and deals with the waste from the wc where the solid waste breaks down and liquid runs off into the underground...the process of decomposition can be helped by adding a product widely available called 'Eparcyl'...(SuperU supermarket has it)…which is administered ‘down the toilet and flush’ either weekly or every 3 months depending on which Eparcyl you buy

4. a 'fosse toutes eaux' which is an all water fosse and the most modern kind

and

5. mains drainage

with 2 to 4 these require periodic emptying and for this process I recommend Balthazar Poupelain on 05.46.49.95.49

As a matter of routine I add Eparcyl to my system on Sundays (although you can now buy a bottle of Eparcyl which lasts for 3 months) and also on Sundays lift the inspection hatches to ensure that there is no blockage...if there is and you check weekly then it is usually just a job 'for the hosepipe to clear' or a forcefully thrown bucket of water but if the blockage is allowed to build up it can be messy to clear and may need the help of a company such as Balthazar Poupelain.   I read recently in "French Property News" that a check every 4 months is fine, but based on my experience (and common sense!) this is not often enough, and as it is so easy to do and takes so little time, a weekly examination is the way to go! 

Despite these precautions there can sometimes be a build-up of a solid mass on the top of the main tank which can impede the flow from the pipe from the house but this can be fairly easiy resolved by breaking-up the mass with a stick.  Do also note that the main tank should always appear 'full' with the surface at the bottom of the entrance of the pipe from the house into the main tank...the exit hole into the filtration system is slightly below the access of the main pipe so that as the main tank 'fills' the excess dribbles through into the filtering system...when I first came to France I had the fosse professionally emptied when it was "full" and it was only later that I realised that it was not necessary.  If the system has been properly installed then with the exception of the attention above it should function smoothly.

Fosses are widely used and work very well, and both of my houses have had them without any problem.  I did read recently an article in "French Property News" (p.30, Issue 190, December 2006) and one of the authors mentioned that if you notice an odour from the breather pipe you can fit a filter at the top/exit point which should remedy the problem, and you will find information on this from Gary Dyson of "Humm-Busters" (really!) www.humm-busters.com or 0033.(0)2.41.82.64.40.  Russell Barratt on 0033.(0)2.96.86.51.05 and Perfect Groundworks on 0033.(0)2.96.86.61.62 also contributed to the article and although they are not 'local' I am sure they would give advice over the phone.

DO'S AND DON'TS WITH A FOSSE

DO

make sure you know where the access hole to your tank is

have a visual check done on your tank by lifting the access plates every week

have your tank pumped every 4 years by a registered company which will dispose of the waste properly

keep a record of the maintenance work

ensure that your tank is accessible for the large vehicle which will be involved in the emptying

make sure your air vents are never blocked

keep run-off water from guttering away from the tank and filter

buy your toilet paper locally as it will be suitable for a fosse...English paper is fine for mains drainage but possibly not for a fosse as it may not biodegrade/deteriorate properly and therefore cause blockage

use Eparcyl (see above) on a weekly basis or as directed...it would be a good idea to add the Eparcyl and inspect under the covers at the same time each week so you spot any problems before they become too difficult to remedy

DON'T

put anything 'non-biodegradable' into the system...with the exception of toilet paper nothing should go into the system that has not been eaten first

use drain rods or boiling water to open blocked drains...if the fosse is inspected weekly than a bucket of cold bwater thrown forcefully or a hose pipe should be enough to clear any blockage, and failing that a freshly cut flexible long thin branch should do the trick

pour fat, cooking oil, grease, bleach or paint down the drain

dispose of chemicals or pesticides in the septic tank

allow paints, solvents or motor oils to enter the system

put nappies, cotton wool, facial wipes or sanitary items down the toilet

use a garbage disposal system

desludge your tank too often or empty it completely

park or drive over the drainage field

"Look after your fosse and your fosse will look after you!"

French Lessons

There are a number of options here.
 

1.     GRETA (Academie of Poitiers) offers free French lessons in many communities.  This programme is funded by the Région Poitou-Charentes and the European Social Fund and operates on a weekly ‘drop in’ basis.  These courses are designed for English speaking adults and also allow you to meet other English people in the area.  To find out more telephone 05.46.91.33.77.  In Saintes these classes are held at the Lycée Polyvalent Régional Bellevue, 1 chemin Côtières, Saintes from 13.00 hours to 16.00 hours on Tuesday and Thursday and for information go to Greta-De-Saintonge, rue de Cormeliers, 17800 Pons, 05.46.22.43.94 (pons.greta-saintonge@ac-poitiers.fr)

2.       I have received an excellent recommendation to the conversational language classes provided by the social and cultural centre of Pons, "Centre Social et Socio Culturel de Pons", 44 av Gambetta, Pons, 05.46.91.61.13.

3.     The CAREL language school at 48 boulevard Franck Lamy, 17205 Royan, 05.46 39.50.00, www.carel.org This is a language school dealing with all levels from the general, one-to-one, professional classes, classes for beginners, and full-time classes for young people involving both the academic and social, organized during the summer which are planned so that a younger person can become competent in the summer months and so continue in school without missing a year.  You can also perform a ‘self-test’ of your ability on-line at www.carel.org

Furniture

Meubles Graham Barry at Chez Moreau, St. Sulpice de Cognac (just north-west of Cognac on the D731, direction Niort) has the most perfect furnishings if you wish to furnish your house sympathetically with the style of the house.  I was astonished when I visited by the quality, style and grace of the furnishings, but also by the prices...and the owners are pretty nice too!  It is owned and operated by Barry and his wife Carolyn (who are English) and to find it go through St. Sulpice heading north-west from Cognac and at the end of the village you will see the blue and white signs for 'Meubles Graham Barry'. 

It is so wonderful and extensive that I recommend planning a half-day visit, and Barry and Carolyn will provide coffee or tea to 'lubricate' the visit.

Meubles Graham Barry is so good that you should not buy any furniture without visiting.

The telephone is 05.45.32.12.46,
the e-mail meublesgrahambarry@hotmail.com, and the website www.meublesgrahambarry.com, and they are open 10 to 12, and 2 to 7 Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, unless by appointment.

Quite a 'find'!

I have also received an excellent recommendation to "Maisons Du Monde" at 44bis, cours National (the main street) in Saintes, near the Palais de Justice and the pedestrian way, 05.46.92.78.78…well-priced furniture and accessories from all over the world.

Hémisphere Sud, 26 Antoine de Lavoisier, 17200 ROYAN "have an eclectic mix of French style furniture that appeals to English tastes, and excellent service and aftersales" and can be found on the outskirts of Royan as you are heading toward Saintes

Emma and Phil Hutchinson run their guest house, "Ma Maison de Mer" at 21 avenue du Platin, 17240 Saint Palais sur Mer, 05.46.23.64.86, www.mamaisondemer.com, reservations@maisondemer.com

 They have designed and decorated it with exquisite taste and here are their recommendations for their "favourite interior shops":

Home In, 1 Impasse du Brandon, Rocade Royan, La Palmyre, 17640 Vaux-sur-Mer, 05.46.05.57.14, inhome@orange

Tarra, 79 Route de la Roche, 17640 Vaux-sur-Mer, 05.46.22.58.79, taramaison.jardin@wanadoo.fr

Garage/Mechanic

I recommend either M. Chaput at Brie-sous-Mortagne on 05.46.94.11.04 or Garage Juteau at Gémozac on 05.46.94.20.34.  Although they are both Renault dealers they are very talented and have serviced my cars very well.

Gardener

We are very pleased with Ryan Roberts and his number is 06.61.45.45.54.

General Building

Centre commercial Bordeaux-Lac

Avenue des 40 journaux
33 049 Bordeaux-Lac...0825 10 3000

Ikea Bordeaux is exactly 108km south of Saintes via the A10 motorway (which takes you to Bordeaux airport), exit 4b, and it is well signposted from this exit.

Opening hours:

10 to 8 Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
10 to 10 Thursday and Friday

9 to 8 Saturday  

See "General procedures for purchasing an existing French property"  above

Insurance

AXA does a lot of insurance work for clients of the agency and Jean-Christophe Vallein, the agent, speaks English, and his number is 05.46.70.35.80, and e-mail agence.vallein@axa.fr and his address 34 rue des Brouillads, Montendre 17130...we use his services and have found him excellent.

It is far more useful to have an insurer nearby rather than at a distance, say in the UK, as when you need help the insurer is on the spot rather than trying to deal with the claim in an area that they don't really know.

Most car insurance policies in France have breakdown cover as part of the insurance however, unless you take additional coverage, such breakdown coverage may only apply if you are over a certain distance away from your home and therefore if you break down within this distance you will have to pay for the mechanic to  come to your car.  This additional coverage costs a very small additional amount and this will be more than repaid if you have a breakdown inside your area...Your agent will have further details.

I have also received excellent reports about AGF, M. and Mme. Dupouy, 81 Cours National, Saintes, 05.46.93.61.09, and they speak English!

All insurance companies are regulated by the 'code des assurances'.  It is generally not possible to cancel an insurance policy mid-term unless certain events occur...You can cancel the policy at any time in cases of death, changing marital status, or sale of insured items. 

By 'La loi chatel' insurers must notify clients of the right to cancel and this notice must arrive at least 15 days before the deadline for cancellation and your cancellation must be in writing and sent by recorded delivery...if you receive the notice with less than 15 days before the renewal date then you have 20 days after the date on the envelope...and therefore keep it!  

INTERNET

To ascertain whether your line works on ADSL high-speed internet ("Broadband") go to www.123adsl.com and enter your telephone number.

Ironmongery, fosse septique, chimney sweeping

For the above I recommend Balthazar Poupelain…they have a number of locations in the area although you can use the telephone number…05.46.94.66.60.

Junk mail

If you do not wish to receive junk mail, simply stick a notice on your letterbox stating "STOP PUB" (stop publicity)...however if you want to make sure you still receive local authority information write at the bottom "Oui aux bulletins d'information des collectivités territoriales".  Many Maries have their own stickers if you don't want to make your own.

Kennels...Cats and Dogs

This is a particularly difficult area as how your pet is going be treated while someone else is looking after it could not be of greater importance.  Normally you are in your pet's company for "24/7" or at least your pet is in a known, safe and secure environment...but if you put it in a kennel you suddenly 'vanish', your pet is in strange circumstances with people it does not know, and you can't explain what is happening to your pet.  We are lucky enough never to have had to leave our pets but if this is the only choice available to you, and because of the potential impact on your pet, it should be dealt with very, very carefully. 

I suppose the best way would be to find a friend who knows your pet and is capable of looking after it to stay in your house with your pet so it does not go through the double trauma of being placed with strangers in a strange environment...see pet sitting/house sitting Mrs. Glenis Owen...however if this is not possible then you have to find the right resource.

Also if you are going to be away for a considerable period let your pet stay in the kennel for a couple of days before the actual stay to see how your pet reacts and so that it 'knows' that you are going to return.  Also leave items which it knows and which have your scent on them with the pet when you leave it.

I think 6 words should be in the forefront of your considerations...

"recommendation, recommendation, recommendation"

and

"inspection, inspection, inspection".

Probably the best place to start is to speak to your vet as he should hear from many pet owners and know the quality of the people looking after the resources.  Failing this I suppose friends are a good resource however this would be my second option.

Once you have the recommended resources, visit and ask to inspect the 'operation' not only where your pet will be kept but the entire facility.  Are the people professional, does the business have a SIRET number, which vet will they use, what do they do in emergency situations, how often is your pet 'checked', inspect the food storage area and note the quality of food and the amount in the store, do they ask you about special requirements of your pet and can they accommodate them, look at the pets currently in care,  do they ask you about whether your pet is properly vaccinated, how will your pet be accommodated, is the accommodation clean or smelly, what about pet exercise, is it secure, do they have pet insurance...and finally, do you feel comfortable leaving your pet with them?

Some places insist on 'inspections by appointment', and while this may be convenient for the kennel, it makes me a little uncomfortable as if a place is 'OK' then you should be able to view at any time.  I would therefore simply turn up without an appointment, and if it is impossible to see a place without an appointment, make one and turn up 24hours before 'by mistake'.

A recommendation I have received is Jean-Claude Guerin, 3 rue de la Laiterie, Bel Air, St. Georges des Coteaux, near Saintes, 05.46.74.63.60.  My friend (who is very careful about her pets) wrote "We were very impressed when we visited.  If we should have to leave our pets at any time this is where we would definitely choose.  We met a number of English people delivering and collecting their pets and they spoke very highly of its service."

And it bears repeating...I am sure that you would not want to leave your companion at any place that was not perfect and so it is crucial that you obtain recommendations and inspect the resources.  

Zoo at La Palmyre, 6 av Royan, 17570, La Palmyre, 0033.(0)5.46.22.46.06, www.zoo-palmyre.fr

…an exceptional, animal-friendly zoo open all-year round from 9am to 7pm, 14e for adults and 10€ for children 3 to 12.

Les Antilles de Jonzac, Parc du Val de Seugne, 17500 Jonzac, 0033.(0)5.46.86.48.00, www.lesantillesdejonzac.com

…an aqua recreation centre with Caribbean beaches, lagoons, waves and toboggan, with 850m² of pools, games for children, fitness centre, Jacuzzi and water-jet massage, tropical gardens, shops and restaurants. The Lagoon is open from 11am to 7pm and entry is 9€ for adults and 6.60€ for children aged 3 to 11.  A family pass for two adults and 2 children is 24€.  The fitness centre opens from 10am to 7pm on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays and from 10am to 10pm on other days.  Entry is 11.20€ for adults and 8€ for children 3 to 15.

Paleosite, Saint Césaire, Paléosite, La Roche, 17770 Saint Césaire, 0033.(0)8.10.13.01.34, www.paleosite.fr

A walk in a prehistoric park, a centre devoted to Neanderthals, a giant screen journey back to prehistoric times and interactive workshops.  Open from 10am to 8pm in August and 10am to 7pm in September.  Entry is 10€ for adults and 6€ for children aged 5 to 14.

Le Château des Enigmes, Château d’Usson, Route de Fléac, 17800 Pons, 0033.(0)5.46.91.09.19, www.chateau-enigmes.com

The themed treasure hunt takes you round the grounds and the château itself and you can picnic on the terrace.  Open from 10am to 7pm.  Entry is 12€ for adults and 9€ for children aged 4 to 18.

Le Cap Enchante, 4 rue de la Croix de l'Anglais, 17490 Macqueville, 0033.(0)5.46.26.67.76, www.lecepenchante.com

Here is Europe’s leading wine, cognac and pineau production theme park.  Tours are provided in English and include games, a quiz and special effects.  Refreshments are available and evening tours can be arranged from Thursday to Sunday.  Le Cap is open every day from 11am to 8pm until September 16.  Entry is 5€ for adults and 3.50€ for children…a family entry for 2 adults and 2 children is 15€.

And finally one of my favourites in the Charente…

Maison des Gabarriers, Association Saint Simon, 16120 Saint Simon, 0033.(0)5.45.97.33.40
www.village-gabarrier.com

The museum shows what this sleepy village was like in the 19th century when it was a major port and boatbuilding centre producing flat-bottomed gabarres (the boats used on the Charente to move the barrels of Cognac).  You can also take a 90 minute trip on the museum’s replica of a gabarre, ‘The Renaissance”.  The boat leaves every day from next to the bridge at Juac, St. Simon, at 10.30am, 3pm and 4.30pm until October 16.  Entry including the river trip is 6.25€ for adults and 4€ for children aged 5 to 14.  If you walk about 100 yards from the gabarre in the direction of Jarnac you will see on the wall the ‘gabarrier graffiti’ carved on the wall by the boat builders in the 19^th century…detailed diagrams and plans of boats.

Asinerie du Baudet du Poitou, Ferme de la Tillauderie, 17470 Dampierre sur Boutonne, 05.46.24.68.94, asineriedubaudet@cg17.fr is a donkey sanctuary for the special Charente-Maritime donkeys, "Baudet du Poitou", with their characteristic long, dark fur.  There are exhibitions, saddlery, a smithy, videos, and each summer there are free events.

Kitchens

A client recently had a kitchen supplied and installed by Jean Marie Moreau of Avenue de Saintonge, 1700 Saintes and every element of the work was first rate...the number is 05.46.74.48.00

I have also seen excellent kitchens from IKEA...see above...excellent value for money

Knickers

Marks and Spencers will deliver knickers to France for £10.00 - go to www.marksandspencer.com

Language classes

See "French lessons" above

Legal advice

The Mairie

The Mairie (or town/village hall) of each village is an excellent source of information about anything in the village.  If you are unsure of your ability to speak French then prepare your questions using www.freetranslations.com and you will be fine!  Outside the Mairie you will find a notice board with details of local activities, and the village hall is often found next to the Mairie. When you arrive at your new house it is a good idea to visit the Mairie to introduce yourself.  You can obtain most forms you need as part of your relocation at the Mairie including the one to register your car or apply for the certificate to install a pool.  If you plan to make any changes to the outside of your house you should discuss these with the Mairie.

  

Marks and Spencers

...will now deliver to France...go to www.marksandspencer.com

Pharmacy/Chemists

Chemists are able to offer a wider service than chemists in the UK.  They can prescribe for basic ailments too.  It is not uncommon to find two chemists in a village and when closed you will find a sign indicating the nearest 'open' chemist..."pharmacie de garde"

Pizza

Gémozac has an excellent piza palace at FLORENTINE, 7 Rue Carnot, Gémozac, just around the corner from the main square...05.46.96.33.30

Planning Permission

Your initial contact will be with the mairie for a 'certificate d'urbanisme', which should state the intended purpose of the building you propose and the planned surface area.  The certificate is valid for one year only and during this period you must apply for a 'permis de construire', which is a building permit.

From October 2007 the process has been streamlined and the number of planning authorizations required have been reduced from 11 to 3:

1. Permis de construire (building permission)

2. Permis d'aménager (laying out permission...applies to dividing land)

3. Permis de démolir (demolition permission, only applying to significant buildings).

Authorizations for simple building works ('autorisations de travaux simples) will now be dealt with by the mairies...whereas they used to be granted by the DDE...which will make things a lot easier and quicker for everyone. 

Plumber