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publishers of 95c | ISSUE 17 | DECEMBER 2012

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

TAKING A(BIG) DEEP BREATH

BRITTANY’S artisan brewers are deeply con-cerned that the government’s tax increase on beer will hit sales and jeopardise the future of their small regional industry.

The increase is due to take effect next January and is likely to hit small independent breweries hardest. Some experts say 150 small real ale breweries will be in danger.

The government says that prices will only rise by a few centimes, but since the tax rises with the alcoholic volume, for a speciality beer like Christmas Ale, the hike could be up to 20 cen-times for a small bottle.

The government says the tax hike will help to plug the hole in the social security budget, but Jérôme Morin of the Brasserie de Launay in Plémy (Côtes d’Armor) says the move is unfair.

He said: “Why beer? It only represents 16% of alcohol sold in France. If they had raised taxes

like this on wine it would have caused a huge reaction of course. But wouldn’t it have been fairer to raise taxes on all alcoholic drinks?”

He fears that the increase will hit sales hard. “We’re just a tiny enterprise employing two peo-ple and it’s going to have a bad effect, that’s sure.”

He is also not convinced that the government is right in saying that the move will deter young people from drinking. “Real ale and speciality beer drinkers are not young. They are older, they don’t drink to get drunk, they enjoy the unique taste of handmade beer.

“Young people buy a cheap bottle of vodka from the supermarket for e7-e8 and mix it with Coke.”

Turn to page 2

Brittany breweries voice anger at tax hike

Luxury property boom in ‘Nice of the north’

by SAMANTHA DAVID

3:HIKPMC=[UU^ZX:?a@a@b@r@k;M 05226 - 17 - F: 0,95 E

DINARD may be a long way from the Riviera, but to the cognoscenti it has many charms, not least of which is a rich heritage of stunningly beautiful seaside villas on the market at what, to the wealthy, are reasonable prices.

Breton businessman François Pinault bought an elegant seafront property called Greystone last winter for a snip – just e13million and restoration works are already in progress. The rewiring alone is reputed to be costing around e250,000.

Another desirable residence in Dinard, Castel Monde, has also just sold for around e5million. It is not for noth-ing that the town has been nicknamed “Nice du Nord”.

House-hunters yet to find their own huge pile in Dinard need not despair however there are plenty of piles to go round.

A stunning house at Moulinet, Bel-Event, is on sale for e3.8million and for those yearning after a room with a view, Ker Willy over-looks the Ecluse beach and is up for grabs for a mere e5million. Fireman’s 50m dive without equipment P7

Breton music isreal pipedream P4

Protestorsand police clash over airport P3

Notre-Dame-des-Landes

LOCMARIAQUER

The cityof oysters

P24

2 News Brittany Pages December 2012

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

02 98 76 29 29 | Côtes d’Armor - 1 place du Général de Gaulle, BP 2370, 22023 ST BRIEUC CEDEX 1, Tel: 02 96 62 44 22 | Morbihan - 24 place de la République, 56019 VANNES CEDEX, Tel: 02 97 54 84 00 | Ille et Vilaine - 3 avenue de la Préfecture 35026 RENNES CEDEX 9 Tel: 02 99 02 10 35OTHER HELP IN ENGLISHCOUNSELLING IN FRANCE: for a quali-fied therapist near you or counselling over the telephone; www.counsellinginfrance.com SOS HELP: similar to the Samaritans, listeners who are professionally trained, Tel 01 46 21 46 46; www.soshelpline.org NO PANIC FRANCE: for help with anxiety disorders; Tel: 02 51 28 80 25, www.nopanic.org.uk ALCOHOLICS ANONyMOUS: An English-speaking Alcoholics Anonymous group meet at the Mairie at Paule, 10 Km from Carhaix in Finisterre (29). The open meetings are weekly on Tuesdays at 14:00; there is wheelchair access. CANCER SUPPORT FRANCE: for advice and someone to talk to: www.cancersupportfrance.info National Office Email: cancersupportfrance@orange.fr, Tel: 05 45 89 30 05 SOLDIERS, SAILORS, AIRMEN AND FAMILIES ASSOCIATION FORCES (SSAFA): In France: 05 53 01 64 54, Email: france@ssafa.org.uk AVF: help with integration into French life; www.avf.asso.frOTHER INFOyELLOW PAGES: www.pagesjaunes.fr SPEAKING CLOCK: 3699. WEATHER: 08 92 68 02 + dept. number. LAST INCOM-ING CALL ON yOUR PHONE: 3131, then ‘5’ if you wish to connect. BRITISH CONSULATEBritish Consular Services, Paris: Postal address: British Embassy, BP111-08, 75363 Paris Cedex 08. Tel: 01 44 51 31 00 Tel (after hours Emergency Service only): 01 44 51 31 00PUBLIC HOLIDAYS THIS MONTHDecember 25: Christmas Day

Useful Numbers

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

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

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

Brittany Pages is published by: English Language Media Sarl, Le Vedra, 38 rue Grimaldi, 98000 Monaco. Directrice de la publication: Sarah Smith. Printed at Nice-Matin: 214 Route de Grenoble, 06290 Nice Cedex 3. Environmental policyBrittany Pages is printed on recycled newspaper, using a printing company which adheres to stringent regulations to reduce pollution.Mensuel Depôt légal – a parution ISSN: 2224-9788 - CPPAP: 1013 I 91047Encart abonnement sur une diffusion partielle.

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

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

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

www.ifa-rennes.org

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

Compagnie Legitime FolieDrama club for all ages. Situated at 135bis boulevard Jacques Cartier, Rennes (35).Blandine Jet: 02 99 51 99 29www.legitime-folie.frlegitime-folie@wanadoo.fr

Kora CantasThe adults’ choir at the Carhaix Music School. All welcome, whatever your experience, but basses are urgently need-ed! Practices on Monday evenings from 19:30 - 21:30.Elizabeth Conan: 02 98 93 08 20

PAGESBRITTANY ‘This will kill start-ups

and smaller breweries’ From page 1Hervé Corbel of the Brasserie de Bretagne agrees.

“We are the seventh largest real ale brewery in France, employing 30 people. We’ve been in business for 14 years and last year we produced 25,000 hectolitres of beer and had a turnover of e5.2million.

“80% of our production is sold in Brittany and we already pay e167,000 in excise duties every year.

“This tax rise means we’ll pay an extra e266,000 per year, taking our total excise duty bill to e433,000, which will wipe out practically our whole profit of around e290,000 per year.”

He emphasises that he is not against paying tax. “But why should wine produc-ers pay 15 times less than us? Solidarity is good but it has to be for everyone.

“This is dramatic for little breweries. I mean we’re in good shape, we’ve been in business for 14 years, but this will kill younger companies who are still paying off start-up loans.

“The government has changed the rules halfway through the game. It’s completely crazy what they’re doing.

“It’s been announced and put into action in such a hurry and no MPs have spoken out on our behalf.”

He is indignant about the effects of the tax on a sector which until now has been doing well despite the recession. “It’s crazy. 150 small real ale breweries will be

in danger. But we’re not letting it rest there. We’re going to try to talk some sense into our MPs.

“For 30 years sales of cheap industrial beer have been falling at around 5% per year in France but real ales and speciality beers have been increasing in sales by 10% – and our customers aren’t drinking to get drunk, they’re choosing speciality beers in the same way gourmets choose food.”

He disagrees that beer tempts young people to drink and says that if the gov-ernment was serious about combating alcohol abuse, it would be better to intro-duce excise duty linked to alcoholic con-tent so that every alcoholic unit was taxed at the same rate.

He said the current system means that alcoholic units in spirits are actually cheaper than in beer.

A selection of the beers brewed by Jérôme Morin at Brasserie de Launay, Plémy

Photo: Jérôme M

orin

Bid to find plane remainsA MAJOR mine-clearing exercise is underway near La Foye on the site of a British military plane crash in 1944. The Lancaster bomber crashed in the small com-mune of Betton with seven men on board. The local war history association fears that unexploded shells could still be buried in the surrounding area. They also hope to find the remains of the aircraft.

Five metre wall collapses in cityPEDESTRIANS had a lucky escape when a five-metre-high wall collapsed in the centre of Rennes on a Saturday evening in November. The wall sepa-rating the Rue de Paris from a private courtyard gave way and the subsidence risks caus-ing structural problems for two neighbouring buildings – but no one was injured.

Bus driver in drugs probeA RENNES bus driver has been questioned on suspicion of using his vehicle to deal drugs. The man, who has been suspended from his job at Keolis, was arrested in pos-session of 120kg of heroin. Prosecutors say he had trans-formed his bus into a “travel-ling supermarket” for drug users. Keolis said the case was “exceptional” and it carried out routine checks for drink-driving but not for drug use. The driver had worked for the bus firm for 20 years without any problems.

Brittany Pages December 2012 News 3

‘Military style’ expulsions as work starts on airport Despite all efforts by protesters and lawyers, the construction of a massive airport at Notre-Dame-des-Landes, just south of the border between Brittany and the pays de la Loire, is moving ahead.

in a special police operation 150 ille-gal squatters have been forcibly evict-ed from the 11 empty houses they have occupied for the last two years, and the police say these houses are due for immediate demolition to make way for the new airport.

the operation involved up to 1,200 riot police (CRs) and other police officers as well as several dozen police vans, a trailer for confiscated furniture, a helicopter equipped with night vision, and according to information leaked to the press, cost at least e500,000.

Householders in the area who are in the process of fighting eviction and forcible purchase orders were not evicted but commentators expect their cases to be dealt with summarily as preparatory works are still scheduled to begin in early 2013.

preparations include re-homing pro-tected species from the site and survey-ing the area for archaeological interest. the first building works will be the construction of a motorway junction giving access to the new airport.

But the protesters refuse to give up. “it’s a crucial time for us, but it is not lost. there is still time to prevent this airport being built,” says Agnès Belaud of protest group ACipA. “it’s always worth fighting. Look at the nuclear plant they wanted to build in Carnet. they got as far as building the access road before finally giving up. so it's never too late.” the Carnet Nuclear project, launched in 1974 was a plan to construct a nuclear plant on the Loire estuary, which was furiously opposed by inhabitants and finally abandoned in 1997.

“they want to empty the zone of the inhabitants they say are illegal, although of course we say they are there legally. seven houses have been demolished, but others are still inhab-ited, and of course even the authorities recognise that people who are appeal-ing through the courts have a legal right to stay there. And the judicial process is slow – with all the appeals, it could be another year.”

she says the 40-year old battle has been a lifetime’s struggle for many people. “We will never give up. We will fight all the way.”

Julien Durand, also of ACipA, says that there is a further legal battle taking place over the destruction of wetlands, which if built on, have to be replaced

by twice the area. “the law says that for every acre of wetland destroyed, two new acres should be created before the building starts. But there is no plan to do this and no date either. they are playing with statistics, figures and legal niceties to get out of replacing the wet-lands they're about to destroy, but we’ll take this issue all the way to the european Courts if we have to.”

But according to Mona Bras, the spokesperson of the Union Démocratique Bretonne (UDB) a Breton left-wing ecological political party, the airport project is unlikely to be abandoned now. “i think it will go ahead whatever happens,” she says. “And that’s a good thing, particularly from a decentralising point of view.

“paris swallows economic profits from other regions, ensuring that it

remains the richest area in France to the detriment of all the other regions which as a result are starved of funds, cultural events, infrastructure, educa-tional opportunity and all the rest.”

she sees the Landes airport as a way of counteracting this tendency, provid-ing Brittany with valuable transport links to the outside world. she denies that the airport will be an ecological disaster, saying that the main produc-ers of greenhouse gases are the pro-duction of electricity from fossil fuels, and agriculture.

she does however condemn the gov-ernment's methods of clearing the zone. “the military style of the expulsions is worrying. it’s sad to see a left-wing gov-ernment using such methods. it brings the whole project into disrepute.”

Air transport, she says, is here to stay.

passenger numbers are rising, the demand for freight transport is rising. “it’s important that Brittany has a share in the future. this airport will decen-tralise air traffic, bring Brittany into the modern world, and give us modern and global communications as well as our traditional but maritime links.”

the Aeroport du Grand Ouest is intended to replace the current Nantes-Atlantique airport and has been in the planning since 1963. it has been opposed from day one by residents, but is now slated to open in 2017 for an estimated price tag of e556million, although according to satirical newspa-per Le Canard Enchaîné, if associated works such as road and rail links are included the price rises to around e4billion. the airport is intended to have a high-speed rail link to paris.

New ownerfor yourlocal paper

by SAMANTHA DAVID

Up to 1,200 riot police clashed with protestors and residents as evictions and forced purchases of land continue

A seRies of black plastic bags con-taining animal parts has been found near the pont de trohéir, just north of Quimper.

they were found by a woman out walking, who recognised them imme-diately because she said she had come across similar black bags only a month before when clearing the area of rubbish.

this time, instead of disposing of them, she called the police who in turn called the Brigitte Bardot Foundation. the bags contained the head and guts of a male goat but it was impossible to say where it had

come from. the remains were removed by the Quimper hygiene department and the mairie in Quimper has made a formal complaint to the police, meaning that the offences will have to be investi-gated. A spokeswoman from the Brigitte Bardot Foundation (BBF) said that any form of animal butchery was illegal outside of a registered abattoir and that cruelty to animals, of any species, is punishable in France by a fine of up to e30,000 and two years in prison.

she said: “Dumping dead animals or animal parts anywhere in the coun-tryside is also illegal.

“in this case it’s difficult to know what happened, so we can't really say more until the police have investigat-ed. But if anyone finds animal parts dumped like this, they should imme-diately call the local police.”

All small farm animals in France have to be registered, even pets, with the Direction Départementale de la protection des populations (DDpp). they must be identified with an ear tag and have annual vaccinations.

Owners of these animals can arrange to have them slaughtered in an abat-toir, or can slaughter them at home but only if the meat is for their own

personal consumption. Unregistered animals, like the one

whose head was found near Quimper, are being kept illegally and should be registered.

the spokeswoman added: “it is ille-gal to kill an animal in any kind of ritual, religious or otherwise. And animal corpses should also be dis-posed of by calling the DDpp.”

the Brigitte Bardot Foundation website has a section on it where you can report cruelty to animals. it also has a section where you can get legal advice on animal rights. www.fondationbrigittebardot.fr

Walker finds animal remains in binbag

Photo: PHOTOPQR/OUEST FRAN

CEPhoto: André Bocquel

Old court turns into hotelA DisUseD court building in Nantes has been given a new lease of life - as a four-star hotel. the old palais de jus-tice opened on November 19 after three years of work, with 142 bedrooms including 20 luxury suites and prices rang-ing from e140 to e315 per night. the hotel is part of the Radisson international chain and also includes conference rooms and a sauna. the main courtroom has been trans-formed into a restaurant. the hotel has created 70 jobs and is aiming for a 60% occupan-cy rate in its first year.

Breton night for NY stormA GROUp of Breton expats in New York has raised more than $1,000 for victims of super storm sandy with a fest noz at a local pub. traditional Celtic acts played at the Connolly’s pub in times square.

Bilingual signs at post officeCARHAix post office has introduced bilingual French and Breton signage through-out the branch. the sign out-side proudly reads “La poste - ti post”. Management say it is an experiment and could be extended to other branches in Brittany. Carhaix is some-thing of a leader in protecting the local language, becoming the first town in the region to produce bilingual livrets de famille.

As of the end of this month, the Brittany Pages will have a new publisher. English Language Media, which launched the Pages 18 months ago, has sold the title to the solo Group of the UK. The company plans a redesign and relaunch in spring 2013. sarah smith, director of ELM, said: “ We are sad to part company with the paper, having seen it grow from launch to 24 pages, and we thank advertisers and readers for their support but we are also looking forward to seeing the new publishers’ plans put into action and the paper grow further.” We have written to all our sub-scribers – but if you subscribe and have not received a notice from us please contact our office on 0800 91 77 56 (free from a french landline.) ELM continues to be the publisher of The Connexion, france’s English-language newspaper. It also publishes more than 15 helpguides on the different practical issues of life in france. Topics include income tax, education, healthcare and inheritance law. for more details see www.connexionfrance.co

4 News Brittany Pages December 2012

Rennes tobuild newCitroën carOnce the current citroën c5 finishes production in Rennes, prime minister Jean-Marc Ayrault has announced that a new saloon car will be constructed in the factory at La Janais, Rennes.

The PSA car factory, with 5,600 people on its payroll, is the largest employer in the region and has been an institution in the region’s economy for the last half-century, having opened its doors in 1961.

Times however are not easy and management have already announced the loss of 1,400 jobs by 2014.

Unions have been con-cerned that the construction of the c5 replacement could be transferred to Germany, which could have spelt the end of the road for car manu-facturing in Rennes.

The celebrations, however, were tempered by the news that the PSA is still expecting to cut 8,000 jobs nationwide including the 1,400 at La Janais.

DeSPITe decades of attempts by the French state to smooth out regional cultural differences and centralise, one Breton tradition that is still going strong today is the bagad pipe band – and players and enthusiasts say their future is bright.

By the middle of the 20th century much of Breton culture, including even the language itself, was wilting if not completely dead. Traditional music was all but forgotten but after the Second World War, the British army, with their spectacular Scottish pipe bands, played a part in reviving local interest in celtic music. Young local musicians wanted to form their own celtic bands, and the first bagad was formed in 1948.

Bagadoù, as they are called in the plu-ral, featuring bagpipes, bombards (pipes belonging to the oboe family) and drums, have led the revival of Breton culture and traditions. every large town and city has at least one bagad. There are more than 80 of them across the region, and even more outside Brittany. The national championship takes place during the Inter-celtic Festival in August and is an event which showcases the way in which the music evolves from year to year.

Bob Hasle has at various times been president of a whole clutch of Breton music associations including the Regional Federation “Bodadeg ar Sonerion” which is an umbrella organisation representing all the bagadoù in Brittany.

He said: “We have already safeguard-ed thousands of traditional tunes, we are recruiting young musicians with no problems, people love this music. In the 1940s there were perhaps only 20 musicians in Brittany and now a conservative estimate would be 11,000 active musicians.

“It’s the only musical movement in the world which has seen such a strong renaissance. The beauty of it is that it’s a regional culture which reflects local life and traditions but in such a way that it is inclusive, open and outward-looking with links across the world.”

He began playing at the age of eight: “We lived in a flat in the centre of Rennes and one day there was a big festival with a parade and we were watching from the balcony. And sud-denly among the brass bands there was a bagad and the hair stood up on the back of my neck. I was transfixed and I said: ‘Grandpa, I want to play in that band’.”

His parents did some research and found out where he could learn and

sure enough Bob Hasle joined the band he had seen from the balcony. “It was the start of a lifelong passion. I’m retired now, but I was an engineer by trade. But I always played, I had this parallel career. And my wife is a danc-er, she knows all the Breton dances.”

Music became a family affair, both of his sons being bitten by the bug. “My elder son is married to a girl in Hong Kong and they live there with their three children. But he still plays in a bagad, and so does his seven year old son. There is a long-standing Scottish influence in Hong Kong, left over from the commonwealth. My son’s band have entered competitions all

over that region, they recently did very well at a competition in Jakarta.”

His other son lives in new caledonia, where there is also a deep-rooted Scottish link, and also plays “bombard” in a pipe band.

celts and Bretons in particular are big sailors, he says. They have explor-ing in their blood, and in times of poverty, unlike land-lubbers have always had the option of sailing away to find somewhere better. So celts have travelled all over the world and taken their music with them.

“Documents exist that show that even as early as the sixth century it was easier for Bretons to cross the english channel than make the jour-ney to Paris. So celts from cornwall, Scotland, Ireland and Brittany have always been in close communication with each other.”

He says there is a circular relation-ship between all styles of celtic music: “Scottish bagpipes became popularised when regiments were stationed in Brittany during 1914-1918 and then again during 1939-1945 – locals found that their instruments were naturally in tune, it was easy to play together. The pipes and the bagpipe went together easily and the Scots gave the idea of playing in groups to the Bretons, and the scouts have also

transported music between the cul-tures. For example even before the war a regiment in Dinan was popularising bagpipes, and scouts in Paris were playing them too, and so it spread.”

He explains that between the wars, nearly one million economic migrants left Brittany for Paris, and in 1932 they founded a celtic Association which organised Breton concerts, dances, and costume displays which kept Breton traditions and culture alive. La confrérie de Sonneurs was an associa-tion of Breton musicians which was formed in Paris at that time. There were only 40-50 musicians, and they did not play bagpipes.

But in 1948, the first modern bagad was founded in carhaix, and their music was a mix of Scottish and local traditions. But of course there are also strong relationships with Irish and cornish traditional music. “each area has its own traditions, style and music but they also have many similarities,” says Mr Hasle.

He has played in three bagads and in 1975 founded his own, Bagad Kadoudal de Vern-sur-Seiche and he says that the main difference between Scottish and Breton pipe bands is that the music of the bagadoù is tradition-ally-based but in constant evolution. “It isn’t just playing the same old tunes but getting technically better and bet-ter. Breton dance music played in cou-ples is a bit like that – but a bagad is orchestral so it’s always evolving, changing, and developing in different directions.

“Some people say the changes are too much, people go too far, it’s not cor-rect. But other innovations get widely adopted by other bands. even the instruments are still developing and changing. This means that it’s a really living music.

“I have immense pleasure in listen-ing to music from all over the world, chinese, Indian, Scottish, Middle east, that's the pleasure of music. There’s so much variety.”

Bagadoù reflect modern life, he says. “Just last weekend we played for 1,600 people, many of them sailors and they all commented on how many young people we have in the group. But they are there because they can contribute, make the music themselves. It’s not just a history lesson.”

Traditional Breton pipe bands enjoy a cultural renaissance

There are more than 80 bagad bands around Brittany – a region with an estimated 11,000 active musicians

“It’s the only musical movement in the world which has seen such a strong renaissance. The instruments are chang-ing and developing... it’s a living musicBob Hasle

People of all ages take part in bagad performances and the musical style continues to evolve and modernise

neW official unemployment figures show Brittany is faring worse than most of the rest of France, with joblessness up 3.6% in September compared with the previous month.

Some 133,000 people are registered with the Pôle emploi according to the most up-to-date figures made public, up 15.2% on the same time last year.

The Ille-et-Vilaine has seen the sharpest rise month-on-month, at 5%, followed by côtes d’Armor (3.7%), Finistère (3.1%) and Morbihan (2.1%).

The average rise across France was 1.6% from August to September.

An IMPAcT study has been carried out on the proposal to install 100 wind turbines in the bay at Saint-Brieuc.

Technical feasibility studies have also been carried out on the seabed of the proposed sites.

environmental impacts, both marine and on land were explored as were ways of ensuring that the wind farm can coexist with the Saint-Jacques fish-ing industry.

Other consequences explored were the impact of the wind farm on electricity prices, and the local econom-ic impact.

At the moment it is expected that the project will bring many jobs into the area; around 200 during the con-struction phase and another 140 jobs relating to permanent maintenance. It is scheduled to enter service around 2018.

100 wind turbines for Saint-Brieuc

Bad figures for jobless

Brittany Pages December 2012 News 5

Did you know?

One of Brittany’s most beautiful small castles was the location of a fascinating and romantic slice of history.

The Château de Kériolet, near Concarneau (Finistère) was bought by a Russian princess, Zénaïde narishkine Youssoupoff, the aunt of Tsar nicolas II, as a gift for her second husband, the ambitious Charles de Chauveau.

He was 26 years younger than her, and from a less exalted social background but desperately in love, she remedied that by buying him two noble titles (Comte de Chauveau, and Marquis de Serre) and helping him establish a career in politics.

She also provided him with a stunningly beautiful neo-Gothic castle, which is nowadays a tourist destination attracting up to 5,000

visitors a year. The rooms remain fully furnished, including the kitchen with its blue and white tiles, copper pans and samovar.

The grounds are a testament to the princess’s planting programme, which saw the establishment of the oak woods which surround the castle today.

After the death of her husband in 1889, when he was only 60 years old, the princess moved back to Paris, where she died four years later at the age of 90.

The château was transformed into a Breton Museum but the family, who had not relinquished their claim to the property, launched various legal actions con-testing its ownership.

Finally, after the Second World War, in 1956, the princess's great grandson succeeded in legally

establishing the family's owner-ship, and took it back from the authorities.

But it was not a happy ending for the château.

The building was half disman-tled, put up for sale, and then left to rot until Christophe Lévèque, a private buyer, acquired it in 1988, by which time the roof had been blown off by the terrible storms of 1987, and the chapel had been sold off and dismantled, the stones being used to construct another house elsewhere.

Since then, the château has been gradually restored, and works are still on-going.

It is open to the public from June to September and is now listed as a monument historique.

For more information, see www.chateaudekeriolet.com

Russian love story at heart of Finistère château

France is to get its first high-speed city cable car which will take passen-gers 60 metres above the Penfeld river in Brest linking the centre of the city to a new suburb being created on the site of its former naval base.

The e15million state-of-the-art cable car, due to open in 2015, will be able to transport around 1,200 people an hour for the 410m journey that will take just three minutes.

alain Masson, vice president of the Brest Métropole Océane, which is in charge of the city's infrastructure, described it as a development that will benefit local people and attract tour-ists. He said: “The project is part of our public transport programme and will link the right and left bank of the river providing a complimentary ser-vice to the existing bus and tram net-work. It will be an ecological friendly mode of transport with the benefit of offering incredible views of the city and especially the harbour.”

He said the cost is much less than a bridge which could have cost between e30 - 60million and he hopes that it will become a real talking point. “The project has been welcomed by the

maritime community as it will not affect the passage of boats. It is a first for France. Grenoble has a cable car but that is just really used by tourists. Because we are building 560 houses, a multiplex cinema and cultural facili-ties on the former naval site at capucins we see it as being part of the

public transport system and not just for visitors,” added Mr Masson. It will be the third mode of transport crossing the river which already has a footbridge and tramway.

Mr Masson believes it will see Brest ranked alongside other great cities with cable cars such as Lisbon and Barcelona.

Two cable car stations will be built; one at Siam Street on the corner of rue Ducouëdic and Boulevard Jean-Moulin; and the other at ateliers des capucins. Passengers will be able to buy a season ticket that covers use of the cable car, buses and trams. Work is due to start at the end of this year.

After tram launch comes newhigh-speed cable car for Brest

Photos: Stéphane Chalmeau

AOC request for LambigTraDITIOnaL Breton “Lambig” apple liqueur could be awarded an aOc label in recognition of its geographi-cal uniqueness.

a group of 20 producers in the region have applied for the status, which they hope will be awarded next year. It will prevent producers out-side a clearly defined area from using the name.

New A&E unit for hospitala neW accident and emer-gency and intensive care facility has been inaugurated at rennes hospital.

The new look aims to make it easier for staff to deal with the high number of patients that pass through the doors each year - more than 50,000 on average.

The former a&e building dated from the 1970s was in a poor state and no longer con-formed to French norms.

The new e85million unit is the result of five years of building work, which was delayed when one of the con-tractors supplying the plumb-ing work went bust.

The high-speed cable car wil take passengers across the Penfeld river in Brest linking the centre with new suburb

The beautiful Château de Kériolet

THIS environmentally-friendly housing project in Bruz, Ille-et-Vilaine, was one of the big win-ners at a region-wide architecture award ceremony. The Architecture Bretagne 2012 prizes were awarded to six projects out of an original 1,400 entries from all over the region. The Maison de l’Architecture in Brittany whittled the entrants down to 300, and finally to 29 shortlisted entries in six categories. There was also a prize awarded by public vote for an individual house, which went to the home (pictured inset) in Douarnenez, Finistère, by architect Tania Urvois.

The Chapeau Rouge shopping centre in Quimper, designed by Mark Wilson, was named the winner in the work category.

Brittany’s best new homes

6 National News Brittany Pages December 2012

Did you know?Trial brings new hope for Parkinson’s cureRESEARCHERS may have made a breakthrough in treating Parkinson’s disease with a gene therapy that is injected directly into the brain of suf-ferers. Fifteen patients (12 in France and three in the UK) received injec-tions of a modified virus that stimu-lated production of dopamine, a natu-ral substance that is known to help control movement. French team lead-er Professor Stéphane Palfi, a neuro-surgeon at Henri-Mondor Hospital in Créteil and a researcher at CEA/Inserm, Paris, said that early results showed that the treatment was “well tolerated” and produced “encouraging results, especially at higher doses”.

VAT rise will make lifemore costly in 2014MOST everyday products and servic-es are expected to cost a little more as of 2014 after the government unveiled plans to raise VAT.

Under the plans, the basic rate of VAT will rise from 19.6% to 20%, expected to bring in about e3.3billion in extra tax a year. Tax on goods and services at the intermediary rate of 7% will rise to 10% (generating e3.8 bil-lion), including restaurant meals and hotel or campsite stays, transport, home help, cinema, museum visits, home renovation work and non-reim-bursable medicines. The lowest 5.5% rate, on essentials like food and ener-gy, will be slightly dropped, to 5% - a measure meant to help less well-off families, who spend the largest pro-portion of their incomes on these.

Psychiatrist faces jailfor releasing killerA PSYCHIATRIST has been accused by a Marseille court of being responsi-ble for the death of an 83-year-old man after releasing a schizophrenic patient from a secure hospital. The doctor, Danièle Canarelli, faces up to five years in prison and a e75,000 fine if found guilty of manslaughter. She had allowed her long-term patient, Joël Gaillard, to leave the Edouard-

Toulouse hospital in Marseille on inter-im release - although his family said he risked further violence if allowed to return home. Days later, in March 2004, he attacked 83-year-old Germain Trabuc in Gap (Hautes-Alpes) with an axe, killing him.

No CFE property tax for auto-entrepreneursAUTO-ENTREPRENEURS have been given a reprieve from paying the busi-ness tax cotisation foncière des entrepris-es (CFE) for 2012. The tax, which replaced taxe professionnelle is based on the value of your premises (in auto-en-trepreneurs’ case this is often their home) and could be unrealistically high for many of these small business-es. Now more time has been given to analyse how they should be taxed.

Teenager’s ‘Come Back Sarkozy’ ode is hitA TEENAGER’s song pleading for Nicolas Sarkozy to return to politics in France has passed one million views on YouTube in a month.

Josh Stanley, 16, from Monaco, has recorded a song begging Sarkozy to return and save France from François Hollande.

The song also refers to “taxes that are sinking us” and Peugeot and Renault which have “broken”.

Josh who was born in Monaco to a British father and German mother, has made previous songs from his bedroom, including one called The Good Life about his life, and won “Idées jeunes 2012” - a competition held by the Monegasque education authorities for people aged 15-25.

Operations postponed as surgeons strikeMANY operating theatres have been shut due to a surgeons’ strike over perceived threats to their freedom and pay. Several medical unions took part, including hospital surgeons’ union Bloc, although the three larg-est doctors’ unions, which recently came to an agreement over fees with the health minister, were not involved. The campaigners are opposed to the recent agreement placing new limits on doctors’ rights to charge fees higher than the basic state tariffs (called dépassements d’honoraires) – for example Bloc thinks surgeons should be able to charge more than was agreed.

Algerian remembrance date set for March 19FRANCE has set March 19 as a day of remembrance for the victims of the Algerian war. The move ends years of disagree-ment over what to do about the 1954-62 war, with March 19 marking what some see as France’s defeat with the signing of the Evian accord to end the fighting. Right-wing senators voted against the move, saying the date would stir up old hatreds.

Thousands of North African-born French citizens known as ‘pieds noirs’ were repatriated to France after March 19. It is thought that 80,000 Harkis, Muslim soldiers who had fought for France, were killed after the war ended.

Authorities investigate ‘big cat’ sightings AUTHORITIES are investigating a rash of big cat sightings in the south of France. A spokesman for the pre-fecture of the Alpes-de-Haute-

Provence said: “We are studying all hypotheses, including that of a big cat and that of a black panther.”

The national office for hunting and wild animals has set up a trap near a village where the beast was spotted, but hunters have been ordered not to shoot it. Several sightings have been reported over a few months: the cat has been spotted drinking from a swimming pool, crossing a road and sleeping in a bush. Footprints of 10cm diameter have been discovered in the hills near the village of Oraison.

Long-term ill prescribed sport for treatment SPORT on prescription is being tri-alled in Strasbourg, where doctors are prescribing diabetics, the chronically ill and obese and those with heart problems a new diet of swimming, rowing, Nordic walking or cycling. The project, a pilot for France, is being run with the city, the Alsace health agency, the local Assurance Maladie, the prefecture and education authority. Fifty volunteer doctors will prescribe exercise for their patients under the “Sport-santé sur Ordonnance” scheme. The prescription will allow patients to visit special trainers and get a coupon for a free enrolment for an activity.

Mixed reaction for Hollande press briefing PRESIDENT Hollande’s first two-and-a-half hour speech and press conference since his election six months ago reinforced his image of a statesman but failed to address key voter concerns, critics say. During the recent conference, which was billed as an opportunity to educate the public on issues, Hollande defended his policies, including VAT rises and budget caps, in front of 400 journalists at the Elysée Palace.

More on these articles - and hundreds more - can be found at

www.connexionfrance.comJust place a word in keysearch and click!

UPDATED DAILY

Young computer genius tagged for phone virusA 20-YEAR-OLD from Amiens, Picardy, who created a virus that infected at least 17,000 smartphones is to be electronically tagged for six months. Dylan Caron, who dropped out of school at 15, said he did it to prove he is “as good as people with diplomas”. He made software which is free to download to Android phones but which, unknown to users, sent premium rate texts from their phone. He then recuperated small payments from the texts. He is said to have made about e4,000, which he used to buy IT equipment and computer games. His victims are thought to have lost around €500,000. Passing judgment, the judge remarked that “for a first try at committing a crime it was a masterstroke”.

Metro bans‘inclusive’ poster for its politics AN ANTI-Islamophobia poster cam-paign has been banned from Paris’s public transport system because of its political and religious connotations. The publicity arm of the bus and Metro authority RATP banned three posters (one of which is shown right) by the Collectif Contre l’islamophobie en France (CCIF).

The CCIF has made public a letter explaining RATP’s conclusion that the appearance of symbols like the veil, pay-ots (side curls worn by Orthodox Jews) and crucifixes alongside the phrase “We (too) are the nation” plus the French flag was politically charged.

One of the posters of the “We (too) are the nation” campaign is a reworking of the Tennis Court Oath (pictured inset right) painting by Jacques-Louis David (depicting a key meeting in the run-up to the French Revolution), redesigned to give a more diverse range of religious and ethnic identities to the figures involved.

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Brittany Pages December 2012 News 7

A BRETON diving enthusiast is preparing for a demanding expedition to Antarctica next year having achieved an impressive 50 metre free dive closer to home – to the bottom of the Rade de Brest (Bay of Brest).

Laurent Marie, a member of the GMAP diving club in Brest, beat his personal best with the dive which he completed without breathing gear. “I did it just using a monofin on my feet,” he says. The dive was not a record-breaker; the world record free dive of this type is 125m but was a spectacular achievement considering the conditions.

“It was a constant weight dive, using the mono-fin meaning I could dive very fast,” he added. His training regime took him to Corsica. “It was a great place to train but of course the water here in northern France has strong currents, the visi-bility was bad, and it was much colder than the Mediterranean,” he says.

Marie, 32, says this is one of the safer forms of free-diving. “No Limits (see below) means using weights to descend and an underwater parachute to re-ascend. There’s so much equipment, it means there’s more to go wrong. No Limits is very dangerous.”

He did it as a way of publicising a trip that he and a team of others are making in 2013.

“We already went on an expedition in 2010, to Patagonia, where as well as diving, we took photographs and filmed the flora and fauna.”

They then used this material to give talks and go to conferences, describing what they had seen and explaining how important it is to pre-serve the world’s remaining wilderness regions.

“This time we’re going to the Antarctic, a team of seven, all passionate about free-diving, sailing and the sea. We’re setting sail on a 15.5m alu-minium sailing ship called the Ile d’Elle on February 28 heading for Ushuaia.”

Once there, the team will take to the ice, so they can photograph and film whales, penguins and other natural phenomena.

“We plan to make two short films while we’re

there. One about the expedition itself and another purely about the animals,” he said.

One of their aims is to demonstrate that it is possible to explore these regions and have no impact on the environment.

Another Breton, Franck Daouben, will be on the expedition and plans to produce a book of photographs from the expedition.

“He’s already written one book, which was fab-ulous. So this one will be really special. And Fred (another member of the team) is also a very talented photographer.”

There is already a strong team spirit among the seven adventurers, who are all experienced free-divers. The expedition leader will be Gilles Rigaud, an experienced marine captain, marine carpenter and writer. The ship’s captain will be Jean Yves-Lepage, a professional skipper, who has built and sailed vessels all around the world.

Frédéric Buyle is a Belgian underwater photographer, Pierre Mireur a GP and experienced explorer, Alex Voyer, a sound engineer and diving instructor. The expe-dition is due to last a month, ending around March 28.

“We train a lot. The club members do yoga, and yama yoga which involves a lot of breathing control, which is vital,” said Marie.

He cannot remember the first time he started diving, but has been entering

free-diving competitions with the GMAP club for the last three years.

They also have a special mental trainer who helps the divers control their thoughts and remove mental limits. “There’s so much training to do,” he says. “But it’s worth it. Free-diving is a wonderful sport. It takes you outside, makes you travel, gets you meeting people, sharing knowledge and expe-riences. You get to know nature and the environ-ment, you learn things, and you keep fit. It’s a whole world and it’s fascinating.”

“I was born in Saint-Malo, and grew up beside the sea, I was always swimming and diving.”

He started off as a cook, and a diving instructor, and then became a fireman... “all really useful skills for an explorer,” he says.

A team of divers is using their sport to draw attention to the environment and are looking for help with a trip to the AntarcticSAMANTHA DAVID learns about breath control and more

Diving deep on a single breath

Free-Diving means diving with-out any external breathing aids such as scuba equipment. Success is entirely dependent on how long the divers can hold their breath underwater. There are vari-ous non-competitive disciplines within free-diving, such as spear-fishing and mermaid shows. There are also competitive sports such as synchronised swimming and even underwater rugby.

Competitive free-diving can take place either in a swimming pool or in open water. The swimming pool challenges are:

Static Apnea: not moving but simply holding your breath under water.

Dynamic Apnea With Fins: swim-ming the longest possible dis-tance underwater with fins.

Dynamic Apnea Without Fins: swimming the longest possible

distance without fins.in open water, free-diving disci-

plines are: Constant Weight Apnea: divers

follow a guideline (literally a rope) but cannot actively use it during the dive. Divers cannot dump any weights at the bottom of the dive, but may use fins.

Constant Weight Apnea Without Fins: divers follow but do not use a guideline, do not release

weights, and do not use fins.Free immersion Apnea: divers

can use the guideline to pull themselves up and down, but may not dump weights.

variable Weight Apnea: divers use a weighted sled to descend, and either use the guideline to re-ascend or swim up using fins.

no-Limits Apnea: any method of diving and re-ascending is allowed but most divers descend

with a weighted sled and ascend using an inflatable bag.

The Jump Blue/The Cube: divers complete the entire dive in a 15 metre cubic form.

The gMAP diving club (groupe Manche Atlantique Plongée) has about 200 members divided into groups for scuba and free-diving. President Patrick Pochard is always pleased to welcome newcomers. visit www.gmap.fr

Free-Diving - a beginner’s guide

The project has the support of Tv presenter nicolas Hulot (above left)

As well as a diver, Laurent Marie is a fireman and cook

TO LOCALS it may be their pride and joy, a beacon of Breton tourism – but visitors are staying away from the Cité de la Voile Eric Tabarly in their droves.

In 2008 visitor numbers were a healthy 112,000 but by 2011 that fig-ure had nose-dived to only 74,000.

A study suggests that there are var-ious reasons for this: ticket prices are too expensive, the entrance is diffi-cult to find, the reception is cluttered and unfriendly, and the permanent exhibition is too technical.

The Lorient authorities are there-fore getting busy putting works in hand to remedy the situation and lure visitors back to the centre.

The permanent exhibition is to be redesigned to make it more amusing and better adapted to the different interests and ages of visitors. The

submarine, La Flore, will have a sep-arate ticket desk for those people only wanting to visit that attraction.

The director, Jean Marc Beaumier, says that the project is a huge chal-lenge. “It will be a massive amount of work but sailing is a fast evolving sport and although our centre is only five years old, some of the technolo-gy is already obsolete. So we need to bring it up to date.”

The idea is to regenerate the entire area and present it as a great place for a day out, with a large variety of attractions all in the same place.

“We want to construct a centralised ticket desk for the Cité, the subma-rine, the Second World War bunkers, the boat rides and everything so that people will feel more welcome and will understand the whole offer, and buy tickets for whatever bits they

like, or for the whole thing." The works, with a budget of

e2.5million, should be finished by spring 2014, although as yet a designer has not been chosen.

“But what we can say is that the Cité will be immersive and interac-tive, and aimed at families so that everyone can take part in games, activities and simulated experiences.”

Some of the current exhibition, he says, is too dry and hard to under-stand, so the history aspect is going to be downplayed in favour of explaining the modern challenges in sailing; the risks, the adventures and how teams prepare for a big interna-tional race.

“We’ll show people how teams are chosen, funding is secured, how boats are designed and built... everything you need to know to

understand the world of racing mod-ern yachts.”

The Cité de la Voile Eric Tabarly is a multimedia exhibition centre in Lorient devoted to all things sailing. It explains the process of building a boat, navigating the seas, and even offers the chance of taking a ride on a yacht.

It is the home of the six yachts (Pen Duick I to VI) which at one time or another were sailed by Eric Tabarly.

Tarbarly (1931-1998) was a French yachtsman who became a popular hero for his long-distance solo-sail-ing exploits.

He won the Single-handed Trans-Atlantic Race across the North Atlantic twice – in 1964 and again in 1976. He was also awarded the Légion d’Honneur.

He competed twice in the

Whitbread Round the World Race, finishing second in 1973 and seventh in 1993.

In 1998, he fell overboard while sailing to the Fife Regatta in Scotland and his body was recovered five weeks later off the coast of Ireland.

From sketchbook to opening the doors of the centre took 10 years, a huge project which was undertaken by family and friends of Eric Tabarly in response to his death.

It is housed in an enormous, mod-ern, purpose-built hall designed by Jacques Ferrier and constructed on the waterside.

It houses many amusing, creative and educational workshops, as well as a temporary annual exhibition.

For more information about the centre in Lorient, see the website at www.citevoile-tabarly.com

Sailing club’s visitor numbers are sinking

8 What’s On Brittany Pages December 2012

EXHIBITIONFinistère Quimper ARTIlle-et-Vilaine RennesDecember 13-16 The Arts of Fire – Ceramists and potters from a Rennes association will share their art and their products at this fun and celebratory event. The festival brings together all areas of firing and earth but also glass and metal tiles. A large market allows visitors to discover crafts and creations. Meetings, exchanges and surprises will abound at this event. As we approach Christmas, the Arts of Fire offers the perfect opportunity to acquire some unique pieces of craftsmanship which will make ideal gifts. Call02 99 89 18 10.

Photo: © prudkov - Fotolia.com

Until March The Colour Woodcut. Paris-Japan-Brittany, 1880-1930 – This exhibition looks at how the art of engraving in France evolved considerably thanks to the discovery of Japanese prints. With delight the French engravers discovered the techniques of colour reproduction and adapted themselves well to Japanese processes, particularly regarding the sizing of wooden blocks and watercolour prints. Henri Rivière was thus the first to adopt these techniques, borrowing themes from the Japanese. The exhibition presents these French prints including many made in Brittany, organised by subject, alongside Japanese prints. Call 02 98 95 21 60 or see www.museedepartementalbreton.fr

Photo: © ADAG

P, Paris 2012

December 6-8 Bar en Trans – This festival in Rennes has made the city a real

showcase for experimental music and new musical styles. On the fringes of

Transmusicales, the major winter festival of music, the Bars en Trans presents three

days of concerts and exceptional gigs in various bars in Rennes (the 1929, the

Bernique Hurlante, the Ty Anna Tavern, the Mondo Bizarro). It is a great chance to

see some up-and-coming acts. To find out more, call 02 99 87 22 00 or visit

mondobizarro.free.fr

Ille-et-VilaineRennes FESTIVAL

December

Inna Modja performed at the Museum Cafe in 2011

Brittany Pages December 2012 What’s On 9

Worried about the Euro debt crisis?

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

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

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

December 1 – Camaret-sur-Mer, Cesson-Sévigné, Créhen, La Mézière, Plobannalec-Lesconil, Ploemeur, Plonévez-Porzay, Plumaudan, Saint-Guyomard, Tonquédec, Torcé, Vitré

2 – Bains-sur-Oust, Beignon, Broons, Caro, Cesson-Sévigné, Combourg, Créhen, Erdeven, Férel, Jugon-les-Lacs, Lanhouarneau, Larmor-Baden, Meillac, Pleslin-Trigavou, Pleuven, Plobannalec-Lesconil, Ploemeur, Plonévez-Porzay, Plouégat-Guérand, Plouézoc’h, Plumaudan, Poligné, Pontivy, Quimper, Tonquédec, Trégastel, Uzel, Vezin-le-Coquet, Vitré 8 – Brest, Carantec, Cesson-Sévigné, Châteaugiron, Coray, Locminé, Merdrignac, Plougastel-Daoulas, Pontrieux, Port-Louis, Quintin, Saint-Aubin-d’Aubigné, Saint-Avé, Saint-Samson-sur-Rance, Séné, Vern-sur-Seiche 9 – Brest, Bénodet, Carhaix-Plouguer, Cesson-Sévigné, Châteaugiron, Coray, Corps-Nuds, Crach, Domloup, Elliant, Guerlesquin, Irvillac, Lanvollon, Locminé, Planguenoual, Plougastel-Daoulas, Pluguffan, Pontrieux, Port-Launay, Quintin , Rospez,

Saint-Alban, Saint-Aubin-d’Aubigné, Saint-Avé, Saint-Gilles, Saint-Martin-des-Champs, Saint-Samson-sur-Rance, Saint-Thual, Séné

14 – Amanlis, Brest, Cesson-Sévigné, Guignen, Pencran, Pontivy

15 – Audierne, Brest, Cancale, Cesson-Sévigné, Chartres-de-Bretagne, Hennebont, Malansac, Mériadec, Noyal-sur-Vilaine, Plouray, Pontivy, Questembert, Quimper, Évran

16 – Audierne, Brest, Cancale, Cesson-Sévigné, Chartres-de-Bretagne, Chartres-de-Bretagne, Cléden-Cap-Sizun, Collinée, Gourin, Inguiniel, Le Petit-Fougeray, Loudéac, Maure-de-Bretagne, Mordelles, Moëlan-sur-Mer, Noyal-Muzillac, Ploubalay, Plozévet, Pontivy, Quimper, Saint-Coulomb

22 – Brest, Cesson-Sévigné, Douarnenez, Plouguernével, Plémet

23 – Bohal, Brest, Cesson-Sévigné, Douarnenez, Gouarec, Lannion, Pluvigner

Christmas markets

Until December 31 Marthe and Saint-Just Péquart – Learn all about the amazing discoveries made by Marthe and Saint-

Just Péquart on their excavations in the 1920s. You can experience the thrill of the archaeological dig thanks to the many films they shot on the islands of Morbihan. These films

are probably the first documentaries about prehistory to have been made. Musée de Préhistoire de Carnac.

Call 02 97 52 22 04 or see www.museedecarnac.com

Ille-et-Vilaine

December 31 – It is an annual tradition in Dinard to go for a dip in the sea on New Year’s Eve. Each year, more than 600 bathers, in swimming costumes or fancy dress, flock to the windswept beach for a daring (some might say foolhardy) last dip of the year. The temperature is often below zero, but these brave souls will plunge into the icy waters nonetheless. The spectators do their best to encourage the participants from the warmth of their coats and hats.

OUT AND ABOUTDinard

Ille-et-VilaineRennes

Morbihan MorbihanTHEATRE

December 6 – Tchaikovsky’s famous Swan Lake continues to enchant new generations of classical dance fans, with 60

dancers and a full orchestra. Vannes Exhibition Centre, 20.00, tickets e49-e55. www.lechorus.com

Carnac

MARKETUntil December 24 – This Christmas market on the Place du Parlement de Bretagne features about 40 chalets selling everything from food to art. Open daily from 10.00-20.00 and an ideal place to stock up on Christmas presents. For more information call 02 23 62 10 10.

Morbihan

December 31 New Year’s Eve Corrida – Shortly before the countdown to midnight is this race around Vannes with seven laps for men (8.7km) and five laps for women (6.2km). There is no need for serious kit; fancy dress costumes add a fun touch to this celebration. The best costumes will be rewarded with surprise gifts. Place Lucien Laroche from 20.00. Entry e9. Call 02 97 47 01 29.

SPORTVannes

ART Vannes

Photo: Marc Lagneau/Flickr

Photo: © ash_crow

- flickr.com

Photo: ©PHOTOPQR-OUEST FRANCE-Philippe Chérel

10 What’s On Brittany Pages December 2012

GetInvolved!

The Tal an Dour association in the village of Peumerit-Quintin (Côtes d’armor) traces its roots back to the 1960s, making it one of the most long-standing associations in the region. The basic aims are to encour-age people to socialise, and to sup-port local culture – “and always with humour and conviviality” says presi-dent Jean-Yves Blouin.

With a population of around 160, the village is small, and at the time the association was founded, there were very few social organisations in the area and one of the first activities was a friendly competition with neighbouring village Trémargat to see who could eat a pear hanging from a string, and a race to see who could push a Renault 4,100 yards, change a tyre and push it back to the starting line fastest.

Current activities include Fest Noz, traditional Breton evenings of live

music and dancing, a Mardi Gras fancy dress party with free pancakes for the winners, and an annual plant swap. In 2001 the association took over the village café when it closed, and now run it as a not-for profit concern. every month local people are invited for a pancake evening with a difference: the association supplies the pancakes, the party-go-ers bring their own fillings (jam, chocolate spread, cheese, etc). earlier this year, at the 10th anniversary pancake evening around 100 people turned up to celebrate.

Tal an Dour also organises Breton language lessons, and organises a variety of traditional Breton musical events. The area has always been a hothouse for musical talent, says henri le Naou, an active member of the group. as for welcoming new members, they are enthusiastic. “We’re open to everyone,” they say.

Promote your club or community event - email news@connexionfrance.com

noticeboardCelebrate Breton culture

The group aims to helppeople socialise through a

range of activities

Brittany Pages December 2012 What’s On 11

What’s On in the capital

Festive fun in the city of light

Show has all things nautical

Two wine rendezvous this monthDecember 8-9 – Twenty of the finest organic winemakers in France will be showing off their work for the third year running at Vignerons en Seine. It takes place on the Melody Blues barge, moored next to the Pont de Tolbiac near Bercy Village. Entry is e6 including a souvenir glass. Open 10.00-19.00. www.verrebouteille.net

Meanwhile, from December 14-16, the Maxim’s barge at the Pont de Suffren, near the Eiffel Tower, puts on its annual Salon des Grands Vignobles showcasing fine wines and foie gras. Booking is essential. See grandsvignobles.blogspot.com

FOOD AND DRINK

Photo: bibi95/Flickr

December 1-9 – The Salon du

Cheval is the annual rendez-vous for horse fans and fea-tures prestigious internation-al equestrian competitions, including the Gucci Paris Masters. It is the biggest horse show in France, with more than 400 exhibitors. Parc des Expositions, Paris Nord Villepinte, on the RER B towards Charles de Gaulle airport. Daily from 10.00. Tickets from e14 to e18. www.salon-cheval.com

Walk with dinosaurs

Sébastien Tellier

Until December 2 – The Cirque du

Soleil’s latest touring show, Alegria, spends a week in Paris this winter. The show’s themes are many: power and the handing down of power over time, the evolution from ancient monarchies to modern democracies and old age and youth. Kings’ fools, minstrels, beggars, old aristocrats and children make up the cast along with clowns. Palais Omnisports de Paris Bercy, 20.00 plus some matinée per-formances. Tickets from e36 to e78. www.cirquedusoleil.com

December 8-16 – Porte de Versailles transforms into a nautical dream for this major boat show that draws more than 250,000 visitors annually with exhibits, demonstrations and events. The show, called Nautic, aims to appeal to as wide an audience as pos-sible with something for every age and every taste. Some 30 different sectors will be represented including sailing and watersports activities, major races and events, river tourism and sailing equipment. Almost 800 boats will be on show including 200 brand new designs. Open daily 10.00-19.00. Paris Expo, Porte de Versailles. Entry e15. For full details, see www.salonnautiqueparis.com

Until March – The Star Wars Toys exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs on the Rue de Rivoli retraces 35 years of the history of the toys and products derived from George Lucas’s popular space series. Everything from games and toys to comics and other unusual products is on display – 400 items in total. Open Tuesday-Sunday 11.00-18.00, late night on Thursday. Entry e9.50. www.lesartsdecoratifs.fr

December 19-23 – After touring more than 200 cities worldwide and being seen by seven million spectators, the extraordinary Walking With Dinosaurs spectacle is back in Paris at Bercy. World-renowned designers have worked with scientists to create 20 life-sized dinosaurs including the terrible Tyrannosaurus Rex. This is a stunning family show with great special effects. Opening times vary according to day. Entry from e30 to e60. See www.bercy.fr

December 3 – French singer-song-

writer and multi-instrumentalist Sébastien Tellier plays one night at the Casino de Paris (which is a concert venue, not a casino) from 19.30. Tickets range from e55 to e199 from the usual outlets. 16 rue Clichy, 9e.

MUSIC

EXHIBITION Top French horse show

Photo: dalbera/Flickr

All month – December is a great time to visit Paris, as the city is bathed in sparkling Christmas lights, elaborate window displays, markets and outdoor ice skating rinks.

Starting with the window displays, the place to head to is Boulevard Haussmann where Printemps and the Galeries Lafayette do battle each year for the most spectacular show.

Top designers and stylists are invit-ed to participate in the creation of the set design and the figures, which outdo each other in magic and imagi-

nation year after year. This year Dior will take pride of

place at Printemps while Galeries Lafayette is joined by Louis Vuitton to celebrate the 100th anniversary of its giant dome.

Hundreds of streets will have spe-cial illuminations – but for the best photo head to the foot of the Champs-Elysées and take a snap of the beautiful avenue bathed in light with the Arc de Triomphe at the top.

Christmas markets abound – two of the biggest are at the Champs-Elysées and La Défense, selling

Christmas treats, vin chaud, decora-tions, gifts and warm food.

At La Défense, you will find no less than 350 chalets offering a multitude of gifts, handcrafted objects, gourmet food and plenty of decorative ideas. Santa will be there every day for a photo with the children. Open daily 10.00-18.00.

Then head over to the square at the front of the Hôtel de Ville and get your skates on. Rentals cost e5 – and the 1,300m2 open-air rink is open daily until 22.00 from December 18 until March.

Star Warstoy displayEXHIBITION

SPORTParis stage for Cirque du Soleil

FAMILY

FAMILY

OUTDOORS

Photo: Sweetsofa/Flickr

Photo: Bytemarks/Flickr

Photo: simononly/Flickr

12 Practical Brittany Pages December 2012

Sign first, ask questions later when buying a French home

BUYING a home in France is a two-stage process, with the first legally-binding step usually being a compromis de vente.

When an offer has been accepted (usually verbally) both parties will typically arrange to meet with a notaire to sign this important pre-sale contract.

The compromis is similar in most respects to the final acte de vente (sale contract) signed about three months afterwards. The main difference is that the compromis has a seven-day “cooling off ” period, when the buyer can pull out without explanation. (In the case of commercial properties this is not always

automatically the case). If the buyer pulls out after this, the deposit,

paid at the signing stage, is lost, compensating the seller. Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov set the bar high for this in 2010, when he lost his e39 million deposit after pulling out of buying a Côte d’Azur villa for e390 million.

It is theoretically possible for individuals to complete the compromis stage between themselves without a notaire (by using a model contract), but “it’s the best way to get things wrong,” said an English-speaking notaire from Rennes, Olivier Jammet.

In any case, the acte de vente must involve a notaire and using one from the start will cost you no more, he said. Typically the content of the compromis goes into the final act, so it is not to be taken lightly. It is also legal for the compromis stage to be organised by the estate agent selling the home, though if this is proposed you are not obliged to accept.

Typically the parties will meet at the seller’s notaires. A notaire is a state official and is meant to be impartial, however buyers also have the right to involve a notaire of their own choice, if they wish to have the extra reassurance of a lawyer who is unambiguously on “their” side and can double check the compromis to make sure it contains nothing prejudicial to them and contains all the clauses that may benefit them.

Where two notaires are involved there are arrangements to share fees and it is at no extra cost to the buyer.

What is the compromis?It is a multi-page contract naming the location and nature of the property and the identities of buyer and seller and noting that they agree respectively to buy from and sell to each other.

It includes all the conditions of the sale including any clauses suspensives, which cancel the sale if not fulfilled, and it names a date by which the signature of the acte de vente must take place (though this can be altered later if necessary, on agreement between the parties). This date is the one when the parties could legally take action to force completion. The contract should take into account all relevant factors, like the marital situation of the parties (and type of marriage contract), how the purchase will be financed, if the home is currently rented to tenants etc.

(Note that there is also a version called the promesse de vente, used in the Paris area, which involves some legal differences, notably that

From the very start, buying a home in France is a different process to that of the UK. It is highly regulated to offer security for buyer and seller, writes OLIVER ROWLAND

Photo: © Jörg H

ackemann - fotolia.com

JOHN Sidwell’s long-established company Big Dish Satellite has been in business for more than twenty years, with over half of that time spent in France.

Originally working in north Wales, John moved to the Limousin in 1996, and since then has supplied the Dordogne, and the rest of the coun-try, with his services and expertise in satellite television and broadband.

“When I was in Wales I specialised in French television,” said John. “So making the move was fairly easy.”

Big Dish Satellite is the longest established business of its kind in France and, thanks to a thriving mail order service and online shop, can

boast thousands of happy customers from every department in the coun-try.

Some years ago, John introduced factsheets, ‘How To’ guides and DIY products to his website, demystifying the more technical aspects of satellite television.

John began working in satellite broadband more than four years ago. When the new generation Tooway service started in June last year, he immediately got involved with a UK based provider, Tooway Direct.

Tooway is a fast and reliable satel-lite broadband service that is available throughout Europe.

Big Dish Satellite has all the

Tooway equipment in stock at its offices in the Limousin, so delivery is very quick.

“I have the system here myself,” said John, “so many clients come along for a demonstration and take a kit home with them.”

Tooway is designed as a DIY sys-tem, which fits in perfectly with John's philosophy of encouraging enthusiastic handymen – although he does offer an installation service if needed.

“All you need is a drill, a spanner and the ability to follow instructions in English,” said John. “I’m always at the end of a phone to sort out any problems.”

“When a customer rings up, I tell them about the service, direct them to the website - if they are able to access it - and send out the parts

immediately. My record from enquiry to installation is two days.”

Tooway broadband can be installed in any home in France, and offers affordable rates and packages to all users - from those who check their email once a day, to internet junkies

and business users.For more information on Tooway

visit the Big Dish Satellite website.

05 55 78 72 98www.bigdishsat.com

John Sidwell works with broadband provider Tooway Direct to supply a fast and reliable internet connection

No Tooways about it - this is fast broadbandADVERTISING FEATURE

Telecommunications expert John Sidwell draws on his years of experience in the industry to deliver the most efficient services to customers across France

Practical 13Brittany Pages December 2012

where the buyer pulls out after the cooling-off period they only lose their deposit, whereas with the compromis the seller could also take legal action to force the buyer to complete).

What if the buyer is abroad and cannot attend to sign?There are several options for the compromis stage. Mr Jammet said: “For the compromis it is easy to organise a proxy signature, for example

by a clerk of the notaire; or the compromis can be sent by post to Britain and returned by post.” However he added that given the importance of the matter it is always best for all parties to be present in person if possible.For the acte, however, both parties usually attend, although it is possible, but complicated to make other arrangements at this stage. What if the buyer speaks little French?The notaire must make sure the buyer has

understood all important elements of the com-promis, though he or she does not have to go through it line by line. Where he or she is English-speaking – as many French notaires are – the notaire may provide English explana-tions. If so, it will be noted in the acte de vente that this was done. Otherwise a sworn transla-tor may attend to translate the notaire’s words. The notaire must summarise the content of the document and answer all of the buyer’s ques-tions. The buyer will have received a draft copy of the proposed compromis before the meeting so as to consider questions or changes.

Mr Jammet said that, as these are long docu-ments, it is rarely practical for all of it to be translated, though the buyer could have this done at their own expense if they wished. However he added that the notaire should make themselves available to answer questions “before, during and after” the meeting.

Clauses suspensivesA variety of claus-es may be insert-ed, meaning that the contract ends if they are not ful-filled. A common one is the require-ment that the buyer should have a formal offer of a loan from a bank by a certain date. Mr Jammet said it would also be pos-sible to insert one saying “on condi-tion I sell my home in the UK”, however he said this would only apply if a buyer had already been found (but later dropped out), not if the home was merely on the market.

The diagnosticsThe seller must inform the buyer of the condition of the home by pro-viding legally-required diagnos-tics. These are cer-tificates drawn up after checks by a professional diagnostiqueur. This is to help the buyer in their decision on whether to go through with the sale and in assessing if the home is worth the asking price.

These include:n Natural and technological risks – is the

property in a zone at risk of earthquakes or flooding etc?n Energy performance – this includes the

award of a letter from A (good) to G (bad) indicating the property's energy-efficiency.n Floor space in square metres (called the

Loi Carrez diagnostic) – usually only for flats.n Infestation by termites – required in

risk zones.

n Lead – concerns properties built before 1949. Notably examines if there is any lead paint in a degraded state (eg. with flakes coming off).n Gas/electricity – checking the safety of

installations: for homes 15 years old or more.n Asbestos – check on its presence and con-

dition in homes built before July 1, 1997.For the more technical ones the seller may wish to seek expert advice as to the seriousness and potential cost of rectifying any problems. Notaires will also be aware of any local problems, Mr Jammet said. “For example in Brittany there are often problems with fungus – there is no obligatory check, so we will recommend the buyer has one done. In Paris the risk is quarrying – holes under the building... so we would run checks.”

The dépôt de garantieA deposit will be agreed between the parties and mentioned in the draft compromis, which

should be handed over by cheque on the day of signing it. This is usually 10% in Paris but often 5% in other parts of France, though legally-speaking none is obligatory (unless the notaire negotiated the sale of the home). The buyer should make sure their bank account contains sufficient funds as the notaire is entitled to bank it immediately. If they withdraw, it should be refunded within 21 days.

Withdrawal by the buyerOnly the buyer has a legal right to withdraw and this runs for seven days starting from the day after he or she has received a signed copy of the compromis. If attending the office to sign this will be the day after the meeting. If the process is done by post, the buyer will sign and send back a copy, then wait for it to be returned to them, at which point the retraction period

runs from the day it is presented at their home (eg. by international recommended post).

The seven days are calendar days and expire at midnight on the last day, but if the last one falls on a Sunday or bank holiday then the limit is prolonged for an extra day.

The decision to retract is by recommended post with reception slip and the buyer is in time if they send it back on the seventh day.

Mr Jammet said there is sometimes a clause in the compromis saying the buyer will cover the notaire’s fees of around e200 in this case. However where this is not included the notaire accepts not to receive payment if the sale does not go ahead.

The Connexion has a helpguide written in partnership with the Conseils des notaires de France - the publish-ing arm of France's national notaires group. You can order a printed copy from our website for e9.50

Buying a home in France - the helpguide

Visit www.connexionfrance.com or call 0800 91 77 56 if you have any problems and we will send you a printed version

“As these are long documents, it is rarely practical for all of it to be translated, however the notaire should be available to answer questions

Photo: pandore - fotolia.com

14 Leisure Time Brittany Pages December 2012

The France quiz

French-themed crossword by John Foley

by Paul Masters

BATHED in sunshine on the south coast of the Mediterranean Sea lies a city which has the dis-tinction of bearing three names. The official name on Algerian maps is Béjaia, but many of the inhabitants speak the Berber language, and use the name Bgayet. For Europeans, however, the city is known as Bougie.

The city's current fortunes are based on an oil pipeline running from Hassi Messaoud, deep in the Sahara desert, but the name of Bougie was widespread centuries before the petrochemical industry began.

Long before oil, gas and electricity were used to power our homes, Bougie exported beeswax to Europe. Much of it was exported to Genoa, where it was used in the manufac-ture of fine candles for the wealthy and the Church. The poor had to make do with tallow candles, made from the fat of cows or sheep, and which had the distinct disadvantage of giving off a really awful smell. So awful in fact, that the chandlers or candlemakers were

banned from manufacturing in a number of cities and towns throughout Europe.Bougie became synonymous

with candle and eventually replaced the Latin word in France,

it also took on a second meaning in modern French. Les bougies can also be found under the bonnet of your car - they are your spark plugs. (Belgian Jean J. Lenoir is credited with their invention). The rise of the oil industry, and the subsequent use of paraf-fin-wax candles led to the disappearance of beeswax, and thankfully tallow, during the last century. However, the invention of the internal combustion engine has given a new lease of life to the town's name.

So as you decorate your home over Christmas you can spare a thought for the north African town that lent its name to your bougie wonderland.

Across

2. Magasin specialising in stationery (9)8. Teatime equivalent of cafetière (7)9. Toile de tissu for jeans manufacture, whose name derives from the capital of the Gard depart-ment (5)10. Crainte or inquiétude (4)11. Formerly part of a franc, now of a euro (7)13. Purchases in a bazar, hypermarché etc (6)15. Heraldic and precious metal – or cash (6)18. Lemon _______ or verveine, whose leaves are often used for a refreshing tisane (7)20. Sweet food made by les abeilles (4)23. Stew of beef braised in wine, garlic, vegetables and herbes de Provence (5)24. Soft fruits rouges produced by a plant of the rose family (7)25. Eleventh month of the Republican Calendar (9)

Down

1. Mediterranean port and resort known as the Venice of Languedoc (4)2. In its masculine form it is used for heating, in its feminine for frying (5)3. Classic Godard film, _______ le Fou, starring Jean-Paul Belmondo (7)4. In music, un intervalle de trois degrés (6)5. Paris-born sculptor best known for works such as Le Penseur and L’homme qui marche (5)6. Synonym for neigeux (7)7. Léon ________, a founder of the Third Republic, who escaped from the siege of Paris in a balloon and briefly became prime minister (8)12. Alcoholic drink from the Basse-Normandie region (8)14. River which rises in the Cévennes and flows into the Mediterranean near Agde (7)16. Arthur _______, restless young poet whom Victor Hugo once described as ‘an infant Shakespeare’ (7)17. “Une femme sans ______ est une femme sans avenir”; Coco Chanel (6)19. Young mind attending an établissement sco-laire (5)21. Action d’un oiseau qui s’envole (5)22. Describes someone with big bones (4)

1 ROGUE trader Jérôme Kerviel lost his appeal against a prison sen-tence. How much of Société Générale's money did he lose (and now has to pay back)?

2 How many Bond girls have been French (including Bond-girl and villain Sophie Marceau, pictured above)?

3 WHICH artist is responsible for the biggest-selling album in France?

4 WHO wrote the Hunchback of Notre-Dame (French title Notre-Dame de Paris)?

5 THE first Frenchman in space (also the first Western European) Jean-Loup Chrétien escaped the atmosphere in which year?

6 "WE say time is a great teacher, unfortu-nately it kills all its students." Which French classical composer coined this gem?

7 THE Statue of Liberty was a gift from France to the USA - who raised the funds for the ped-estal on which she stands? (Clue: He named journalism's most famous prizes).

8 How many former French presi-dents are still alive?

CROSSWORD ANSWERS. Across 2 papeterie; 8 théière; 9 denim; 10 peur; 11 centime; 13 achats; 15 argent; 18 verbena; 20 miel; 23 daube; 24 fraises; 25 ThermidorDown 1 Sète; 2 poêle; 3 Pierrot; 4 tierce; 5 Rodin; 6 enneigé; 7 Gambetta; 12 Calvados; 14 Hérault; 16 Rimbaud; 17 parfum; 19 élève; 21 essor; 22 ossuFRANCE QUIZ ANSWERS: 1. e4.9billion; 2. Nine; 3. Celine Dion (D'eux 1995). Victor Hugo; 5. 1982; 6. Berlioz; 7. Joseph Pulitzer 8.Three (Chirac, Sarkozy and Valéry Giscard d'Estaing)

Sudoku

What’s in a word?

bougie

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Easy Intermediate Difficult

Brittany Pages December 2012 Food and Pets 15

Good will to all men, and their friends

EvEryonE loves Christmas but it is a time of year which poses special dangers to pets. obviously animals should never be given as presents. Even if the household is ready and willing to take on a pet, wrapping an animal up in a box is cruel. Introducing an animal (especially a baby one) into a household full of flashing decorations, noisy crackers, party-poppers, tipsy visitors and over-excited children is not a good start. If you have decided to give a pet (and a responsible adult has agreed to spend the necessary number of years looking after it) just provide a photograph of them on Christmas Day, and collect it from its former home in the new year when life has calmed down and there is time for house-training etc.

For furry friends already resident

in your house, try to see Christmas through their eyes. They still need regular food, clean water and (for dogs) walks. So if you are staying out late, or overnight, or all day long, plan ahead.

If necessary search online for garde d'animaux and find a professional cat feeder/dog walker for around 10-15 euros per visit. (If you don't know them, ask for a photocopy of their carte d'identité before handing over the house keys.)

Even during the season of good-will, pets still need a quiet retreat in which to sleep, so try and provide

quiet spaces for them. It is a rare animal which seriously

wants to dress up as a fairy or pre-tend to be a reindeer, so try to protect them from over-excit-ed toddlers. Teach children to leave sleeping animals alone.

There are specific Christmas dangers too. Poinsettia, holly, ivy and mis-tletoe are all toxic, so keep them out of reach. Wire Christmas trees securely in place so that they will not fall over if your young cat climbs into them, or your dog wags over-enthusiastically.

Do not use glass ornaments which can fall off, smash and cut pets' feet. Ensure that tinsel is out of reach and that electric wires are taped down or run underneath carpets to stop animals chewing through them or tripping over them.

Keep anti-freeze locked away and clean up any spills

immediately. Cats love the taste of anti-freeze but even the smallest amount will kill them. If your cat walks through a small puddle of anti-freeze on the drive or in the garage and later licks its paws, it will very probably die.

Christmas foods are full of ingre-dients which are toxic to animals. The major danger is chocolate (the darker the more dangerous) which is poisonous to both cats and dogs. So never leave boxes of chocolates where your dog can

find them and never, ever allow anyone to give your ani-mals chocolate.

Unless you have a pet toothbrush (yes, they do

exist) do not allow anyone to feed pets anything containing sugar.

remember that tur-key bones can cause choking, and

that onions, garlic and grapes are all toxic to animals. If you want to spoil your pets, it is best to buy proper pet

treats rather than feed them titbits or scraps.

Tel. 06 58 01 82 76Web. www.seulementnaturel.euEmail. marc.somsen@chardeyre.com

This column is sponsored by

Pet Care

Pets prefer a quiet time during the festive season which brings extra dangers around the house says SAMANTHA DAVID

Oysters: the real raw dealEnglish-speakers may be unsure about the Christmas delicacy of oysters but, as France is Europe’s top producer, it is time to lose the inhibitions and get cracking

Combine the oysters and 150 ml of the Sauterne wine in a bowl, cover and chill until ready to serve. Prepare the sauce by reducing the fish stock by half in a saucepan before adding 150 ml of Sauterne wine. reduce again by half, then add the double cream. Bring to the boil and reduce over a moderate heat until you have a thick coating consistency. Adjust the seasoning to taste and keep warm to one side. Fill a large saucepan with boiling

water and stir through the white wine vinegar. Whisk the egg whites with a pinch of salt in a large mixing bowl until they form stiff peaks. Form large quenelles of egg white and poach them, turning occasionally until firm yet springy to the touch. remove with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper. Melt the butter in a frying pan and sauté the plum tomato and mushroom

quarters briefly, seasoning as you do. Arrange the oysters in the centre of serving plates and carefully pour the sauce around them. Sit a quenelle of poached egg white on top and top with a quartered plum tomato and piece of mushroom. Arrange the tarragon tops around the sauce at intervals before garnishing the top of the poached egg white with a sprig of chervil. Serve immediately.

Marinated oysters with Sauterne wine sauceinGreDients

Serves: 4Preparation: 15-20 minutesCooking: 25-30 minutes

1 kg rock oysters, opened and kept chilled

150 ml Sauterne wine 4 large egg whites 25 ml white wine vinegar a pinch of salt

For the wine sauce: 250 ml light fish stock 150 ml Sauterne wine 150 ml double cream salt and pepper

For the garnish: 1 tbsp butter 1 small plum tomato, quartered 1 button mushroom, quartered sprigs of chervil large handful of tarragon sprig tops

ThE TrADITIonAl way to eat oysters during Christmas and new year in France is raw.

you need minimal equipment to prepare them, though it is worth investing in an oyster knife to avoid struggling or slipping while opening them. These have a rounded handle for a firm grip and a small, firm, triangular blade.

otherwise, use any small, sharp, knife, holding it so as to work just with the tip. you need a tray to put the oysters on and simple accompan-iments such as lemon juice or wine vinegar with chopped shallots, plus crusty bread and butter – then you are ready to go.

To prepare oysters: rinse and brush them Put a tea towel over your

left hand (if you are right-handed), and hold an oyster in it with the pointed end towards you and the flatter side on top. Insert the knife three-

quarters along the right-hand side (starting from the point) then cut towards yourself with a side-to-side motion to cut the muscle that holds the shell halves together, then twist it to open the shell.

For the best flavour do not eat oysters straight away: tip out the water inside – la première eau – and leave the oysters to one side for about a quarter to half an hour before eating them.

Most oysters in France are huîtres creuses – rounded oysters – as opposed to the other variety (plates – flat).

The Atlantic coast in the Marennes/oléron area is especially famous for them. They come in different size calibres, from 5 (the smallest) to 0, with descriptions indicating how full and fleshy they are (spéciales are the meatiest), or whether they were finished off in special maturing beds – de claires.

oysters should be kept in the bottom of the fridge, for no more than a week.

MethOD

Photo: Rivière/Photocuisine

CUT OUT & KEEP!

You are more likely to enjoy these costumes than your pets

Photo: © B.Stefanov - fotolia.com

16 Directory Brittany Pages December 2012

Find registered tradespeople quickly and easily

English-speaking firms near youBRITTANY DIRECTORY

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

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HOW TO BOOK AN ADVERTChoose the size of your advert from the examples on the left. You can have a black and white advert; or you can choose a colour from the list below. Finally, you can choose to have rounded corners to the box to help make your advert stand out (See right). Then, when you have made your choice, call 0800 91 77 56

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

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B&W e75HT

Colour e114HT}(31-45 words)

B&W e225HT

Colour e339HT

(16-30 words)

B&W e150HT

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REGISTRATIONThe BRITTANY PAGeS checks that all French businesses advertising on these pages are registered with the French authorities. While not all firms choose to display their siret number in their advert, they have all been verified. Advertisers without sirets are not allowed, those who use siret en cours (who are in the process of registering their business) will be removed if a number is not given within one month. UK businesses are checked at Companies house - and UK sole traders must have a UK billing address.

WhAT IS A SIRET?The siret is a 14-digit number identifying a business, issued by the national statistics body Insee. It proves a business has been registered with the French authorities. You can check it on www.infogreffe.fr (This site checks the siren - the first 10 digits or the siret). however, while www.infogreffe.fr will list the occupation

of a firm, this can sometimes undersell a business, which may be able to carry out a range of tasks not mentioned on the site. You can also ask to see a copy of the business’ insurance certificate and the card issued by the chambres de métiers which will list the competences of a firm. Being regis-tered does not, of course, guarantee workmanship but it is an important step in selecting tradespeople.

PAYmENTUNDeCLAReD work is illegal in France. If you are asked for cash, this should ring alarms bells. There are tax breaks associated with many forms of construction and other areas like home tuition, so it is beneficial to get receipts. For some of these benefits the company chosen must be accredited. Any work costing more than e150 must have a receipt. For some services you could pay using Cesu (Cheque emploi service universel). This is an official government-sponsored way of employing people,

that also allows tax breaks. (Connexion has a helpguide on employing people in your home. See www.connexionfrance.com)

CATEGORIESThe directory is split into the differ-ent types of busi-nesses covering the Brittany area. To locate a compa-ny, simply find the type of business you need which are indicated with an illustrative symbol and the title under-neath (see right for some examples).

Advertise here All yeAr from just e75HT Call free on 0800 91 77 56 or email directory@connexionfrance.com

ANImALS

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

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

collorec@me.comSiret: 492 349 931 00013

CHARITY FIELDSBreeder of Dutch Sheep,

Ouissant sheep and Kune Kune Pigs

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

ARChITECTS

If your job is worth doingIt's worth doing well

ANDREW ALLEN - ARCHITECTwww.architectbrittany.com

02 96 83 47 25

JEREMY SMITHFRENCH REGISTERED ARCHITECT

Design - Planning permissionsProject management - All building

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

www.jeremysmitharchitects.comSiret: 512004024300014

Plans Planning Permisions

Mike Welby 0296875737 www.welby.fr

Wellesley House SurveyingRegistered and Based in Brittany

Property SurveysBrittany/Normandy/Loire - English Style

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

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

SIReT No. 452 539 273 00014

BUILDERS & RENOVATION

BRETON BUILDCarpenter, roofer and general builder

specialising in the renovation of traditional Breton Properties.

info@bretonbuild.com02 97 38 57 61

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

Siret: 489 314 278 00032

Fabrick DinanSolving all your Building Needs

Office in Dinan Centre

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

Siret: 519 572 135 00019

Ed Chalkley: Maitre ArtisanComplete Interior Renovation

with all trades undertaken.Registered Carpenter.

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

Siret number: 513 187 153 00012

J. S. H. Easy Access specialist in Ramps, Handrails, Door Frames,

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

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

Siret : 519 571 392

Getting it right first timeDanish workmanship built to last

Newbuilds - Extentions - Repairs - Carpentry - Roofingwww.artisancarpenter.comemail : info@peterjensen.fr

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

Siret : 489651976

Building Renovation & Property Maintenance

Covering all of BrittanyShaun Lake

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

Email: shaunlake@hotmail.comSiret no: 500405089

Stairs2measure.comMade to measure wooden staircases

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

Email: quote@stairs2measure.com

Web: www.stairs2measure.com

CHArleS HAIGH CONSTrUCTIONRenovations - ExtensionsAlterations - Dry Lining

Excavations - Fosse Septiques

Covering Depts 22 & 29

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

Siret: 453 231 920 00019

Brittany Pages December 2012 Directory 17Stuart Barker Plastering

35 years experience:Boarding l Insulation l Floors l Tiling

Painting l Block Laying l Digger WorksTel: +33 (0) 2 98 93 87 43

Mobile: +33 (0) 6 23 67 84 17 Email: platrier.homeservice@hotmail.com

Siret No.: 511 627 341 00015

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

New - Renovation-Repair.Entreprise Bown Robert

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

Siret: 424 531 069 00013

LA CASSIEREInstaller of all types of sewerage

systems, agent for BIOROCK.All groundworks undertaken.

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

Email: lacassieretp@free.fr

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

Plastering, Pointing02 96 29 59 41

Thistle22@orange.frSiret 503 281 438

SARL Steve & Wendy Foster Renovations

Electrical - Plumbing - TilingDoors & Windows - Stud-walls

Insulationwww.renov8it4u.com

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

Jon OramPlastering l Rendering l Pointing l Limework l Tiling l Decorating l Renovation l Restoration

All Aspects of Work Undertaken

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

E-mail: Jonandorice@wanadoo.fr

C L CBuilding & Property Maintenance

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

Troleron 29530 Plonevez du FaouStonework Block work Plastering Plasterboarding Roofing

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

BUSINESS & WEBSITES

www.BREAKDOWNSOS.comMobile PC repairs

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

Contact Paul - Operating Dept22Radius 30km Corlay

COMPUTERS, TV, PHONE,

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

InfortechPC & Mac Computer Engineer

From teething troubles to total traumaWe Can Help!

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

www.infortechfrance.comSiret: 489 684 696 00011

EDUCATION / LANGUAGE

PENELOPE GRAHAM-HELWIGTraducTrice assermenTée

sWOrn TransLaTOrLegal - Property - Birth certificates - driving Licenses

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

Email: pennyhelwig@hotmail.com

ESTATE AGENTS

Property for sale in BrittanyBuying / Selling property in Morbihan Translation - Negotiation - Advertising

Currency Exchange Tel: 02 97 67 17 93

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

HOUSES ONINTERNET

Sell your property to a worldwide audience using

our global network.Our fees are the lowest in

France, our results are the best.

WWW.HOUSESONINTERNET.COMTel: 05 55 65 12 19

GARDENS & POOLS

Tree SurgeonStuart Lee

Qualified, Insured, EquippedStump grinder and Woodchipper

02 99 68 43 46www.lejardinieranglais.com

Highest Quality Handmade Sheds

Outbuildings, Animal Houses,All Garden Furniture

Made to your specificationswww.shedsfrance.com

shedsfrance@yahoo.co.uk02 97 70 42 0206 04 16 58 05

JARDINERIE HOLLANDAISEGarden Centre and Garden Maintenance

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

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

Web: www.jardinerie-hollandaise.comSiret: 40029026800020

GENERAL

Exclusive HealthcareYour Helping Hand to the

French Health System

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

Anna PathfinderYour life coach in Brittany

www.annapathfinder.comTel. 02 99 44 38 09

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Guided walks in EnglishDiscover the Monts d'Arrée in all

their beauty!

kelly@walkandtalk.frwww.walkandtalk.fr

02 98 81 12 41

LianaMobile HairdresserHuelgoat and its surrounding areas

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

INSURANCE & FINANCE

bmlangloagence.comEnglish registered cars

House insurance - Health cover1800 British clients trust us

02 96 87 21 21contact@angloagence.com

Dinan, Brittany

AXA INSURANCE

Guillaume POISSANTEXPERT INSURANCE & FINANCIAL

ADVICE IN ENGLISH02 97 60 08 23

Home l Car l Health l Business l BankingLocminé, Morbihan 56500

agence.poissant@axa.frwww.axapoissantinsurance.com

MOTORING

Ian TorodeServicing / repairs for most makes of

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

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

Tel: 02 56 22 90 12

PLUMBERS

Fabrick DinanSeptic Tank Installations

Including Pre-installation Surveys

Based Dinan Centre

02 96 27 16 53fabrickdinan@gmail.com

VALOMETPlumbing Heating & Sanitary -

Renewable Energy - Electricity Security Checks - Rewiring - Quotes in English

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

Siret: 417535572

PROPERTY SERVICES

Prestige Painting&

Decorating ServicesEvery aspect of Decorating, Interior &

Exterior, Wall Papering, Tiling, Sealants Work, Power Washing, Wood Treatments

Contact Adrian or Lena Baker

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

Siret 51442634500013

BRETON COUNTRYCOTTAGES

Property Management and Holiday Letting ServicesWe will take care of your

second home or holiday property leaving you free to enjoy it.

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

eco-nett Home ServicesOVEN DEEP CLEAN SPECIALIST

PAINTING, DECORATING, TILING, LAMBRIS

CENTRAL BRITTANY AREA (22)Tel: 06 04 49 83 70

email: eco-nett@hotmail.comwebsite: www.eco-nett.webs.com

SIRET 528 090 152 00018

REMOVALS

FIVE STAR REMOVALS Light Removals to and from Northern

France. Best prices, best service.

T: + 44 (0) 079705 30723E: classicalternatives@msn.com

ReDcliffe are a reliable Bristol based Remover and Storer

with weekly trips to Brittanycredit crunch specials

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

www.redclifferemovals.co.uk

RETAIL

WOODBURNERSAsh Grove Stoves

Supplier ofHunter - Villager

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

Lowest Prices GuaranteedTel: 00 44 (0) 1392 861579www.ashgrovestoves.com

sales@ashgrovestoves.com

Kitchens &Furniture

www.rustique-revival.comSiret: 497 736 272

Ad No. 18809

Villager, Hunter, Aarrow& Stratford Stoves

Esse Cooking RangesQuality Stoves Delivered throughout Francewww.woodburningstovesandcookers.com

Tel: 02 97 74 73 48Based in Josselin 56

Spex4less.ComHigh Quality Prescription

Glasses OnlineSave Money On All Your

Prescription Eyewearwww.spex4less.com

CLASSIFIEDS

House for sale in Plemet in need of refurbishment inside and out. Ideal for a builder or someone keen on DIY. Price negociable. Tel Anna +44 (0) 795 792 99 69 or +44 (0) 207 701 9723

18 DIY Brittany Pages December 2012

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2012 Helpguide toDeath in France

The helpguide is now on sale for 5 for a downloadable or printed version (printed version does not include p&p)

The Connexion has published a newly-revised 12-page guide to the formalities surrounding a death in France. Having the procedures to hand can help alleviate some of the stress at this trau-matic time. The guide explains, in straightforward language, what forms and certificates are needed, how to find a funeral director and what to look for on their quote, cremation and burial in France, repatriation of a body to the UK, inheri-tance and bank accounts. The guide also includes a page of actual reader questions and answers.

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December 2012 Brittany Pages

GIVEN we know exactly when Christmas is going to show up, and how frequently, it is surprising how reluctant people are to make a few tiny, permanent, adjustments in their home to accommodate the annual festival.

Outdoors, rather than attempting to use temporary fastenings, it is better to position proper metal loops and hooks discreetly and leave them in place all year.

Indoors, careful rearranging of furniture can allow you to drill holes for decorations that can be covered over for the rest of the year.

Choose a dry day to install fastenings and hooks for outdoor decorations; a hook on the front door for a wreath, wiring for Christmas lights, a base for an outside Christmas tree, for example.

If you have to run power through an external door, instead of attempting to jam the cable under the door, drill a small hole through the frame, remove the plug, run the wire through the hole and then put the plug back on. (Use mastic to block any draughts.)

Getting the Christmas tree to stand up can be a challenge. Even if it is cut, planting it in a bucket of tightly-packed, moist, compost or earth will stop the needles falling off. Otherwise, take a large solid board and mount two or three large shelf brackets on it. (Mismatched old ones are fine.) Then screw or wire the tree to the brackets. If your household includes children or other pets, wiring the tree in place will help it withstand climbing, claws and giddy playtime collisions. Drill discreet holes and fill them with rawl plugs at skirting board level, or behind pictures and furniture where they will not be noticed when things go back into position. Then use screw-in hoops which can either be left in place all year or unscrewed in the New Year. This works best if the tree is in a corner.

Do not forget to buy a selection of plug boards, adapters and cable covers to keep pets and children safe. If you have animals which might chew cables, spray them with répulsif from pet shops.

Homemade Christmas presents have a new fashionable cachet this year and anyone with DIY skills, especially carpentry, can shine. It is easy enough to make little boxes; lacquer them if your skills are up to it and the box is made of hardwood, or paint and decorate them with collage if you need to hide filler and plywood. Think carefully about what might go in the box (photos, jewellery, fishing hooks, tea bags, CDs, letters, etc) before deciding on the size.

Keep children busy making pomanders to hang up near a fireplace, kitchen stove or radiator. To make one, run a piece of ribbon around an orange so it divides it into four parts. Use dressmaking pins to keep the ribbon in place, and leave the long ends to hang it up by. Then fill in the four exposed quarters of orange peel with cloves. Large wool needles are useful for making the holes for each clove. These pomanders smell marvellous and make good presents.

Must christmas always surprise?

santa should surprise children, not homeowners

Photo: © st-fotograf - Fotolia.com

Brittany Pages December 2012 Home and Garden 19

Sponsored by les bocages

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

Free consultations and quotes Copious amounts of advice given

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

GardeningFacts

Common earthworms are not suitable for a wormery

AS mAny of our readers with gardens already have a com-post bin (or three) why would you consider a wormery?

Well, for one, like a hive or an ant-farm, they are a little world unto their own. For another, the result of a wormery in “tea” and compost is far richer than in an ordinary com-post heap. It is composting but turbo-charged.

It also takes a much smaller space and is a useful adjunct to the large compost heap for garden waste, ideal for kitch-en debris. So what do you need?

A small plastic bin to begin with, square if possible, of up to 10 litres capacity. It will need a tap fitted about 5cm from the bottom to drain the liquid off. Back the inside of the tap with mesh to stop it clogging with debris. Drill holes at regular intervals along the height of the bin to aerate it.

now layer it: start with sand to filter the liquid; sticks and twigs to keep the bottom layer open; then add rough chopped green material such as cabbage stalks, or broccoli. On top, add a layer of newspaper, composted material and fresh soil to start it off. Water it well and add worms.

However, not worms from the garden; they are too big and unmanageable to keep captive. you need red worms or tiger worms known as Eisenia foetida. Start with a half kilo – as little as e25 at Lombriculture.fr. The surface-dwelling worms are found in rich vegetation layers and do not bur-row deep. If you know a fisherman, ask for pointers to where he gets supplies and you may get some near to home.

About 2kg of worms will eat 1kg of household waste per day. As they breed and die, equilibrium will be reached. Tiger worms drag food just below the surface – so there should be little food on top, if any, if the quantities are right. Start on small quantities to let the worms get used to the new environment as they will not eat fully for a week.

As with garden compost, no cooked food or meat should be allowed near the worms. They also need a constant warmth, so keep them in a shed or greenhouse over winter. I kept mine in a corner of a polytunnel. In winter the bin was wrapped in an old duvet and they were happy.

Use the tap to drain off the build-up of fluid. This can be used as a fertiliser but is concentrated and needs to be diluted at least 5:1 with water. If the bin gets too wet the worms will migrate to the top. Stop feeding, and replace at least half of the top material with dry hay or torn newspa-pers to regulate the moisture.

Be careful not to mix their bedstock with the feed matter. Once a year, remove your worms to a temporary bin and change the base material and start again. you will also have a rich super-compost that you can use for potting and seed trays. It is an idea to halve your stock and give them to fish-er friends or the feathered kind - hens love tiger worms.

Turbo-charge the composting

Phot

o: ©

tris

tanf

- fli

ckr.c

om

IF yOU are looking to give your home an authentic, personalised French touch an online brocante (antiques and second-hand goods) site could be the solution.

Whether you are after classic “Lotus” design cups or bowls, a Henkel “apple motif ” pitcher, a cast-iron bed or perhaps a rocking-chair, a growing selection of sites offer to take the effort out of bargain hunting.

Instead of going to marchés aux puces (fleamarkets) or vide-greniers (car-boot sales) yourself, these firms do it for you and put a choice selection online. most of them also tidy them up and make sure they are in good working order.

www.banaborose.com is especially known for children’s furniture and specialises in restoring pieces for customers. Its items are not necessarily cheap but are full of character. For example, e360 for a distinctive olive-green 1950s bedroom cabinet/chest of drawers or e170 for a 1950s desk and chair set in red formica and stainless steel.

Founder Lisa Guillot said she has been in business for three years. “Online selling of brocante took off about four

years ago. It’s linked to the fashion for vintage.

"my clients like the fact that for a price not much more than those in the big furniture chains they can order very good quality, robust wooden furniture in the colours they want.

"They know they’ll have something individual that they’re not going to see all over the place. People might email saying ‘I’m after a chest of drawers in red and black’ – and I send photos of furniture I’ve got in but not done up yet and I decorate it to order. I also work to match what they have at home.

“I find families often want to mix old and new – they might have a cot and changing table by a well-known baby products brand – then have a retro chest of drawers.”

Another site, www.madamelabroc.com, specialises in items from the 1950s to 1970s. Founder Stéphanie Rottée said: “Coming to my site means my customers don’t have to get up at 7.00 to go and look at car boot sales in the rain – not everyone likes that kind of thing or has the time. I bring together lots and lots of objects, so it’s as if they can visit 10 brocante sales at once and they don’t need to rush around."

“I also have delivery solutions so they don’t need to have a car to transport their

stuff. There’s a transporter who does the whole of France and also abroad including the UK, and a little one for the Paris region.”

Her items range from a pair of big “Lotus” breakfast cups at e10 to an old bathroom cabinet in off-white wood, with a decorative glass front (e110) or vintage-material cushions for e15 each.

www.lapetitebrocanteuse.com aims especially at value for money, said owner Emmanuelle Cleyn. For this reason her largest items can only be delivered in Paris and the surrounding area (for e20) as she is still looking for a good-value national transporter. They can also be collected. However postal delivery is possible for boxes up to 1.2m, she said. “my items are mostly from the 1930s to today,” she said. “I am very careful that the prices are competitive. I created my site as an alternative to Ikea and based my prices on them.”

A cast-iron child’s bed - or a seat if one side is lowered - priced e120, would just fit the postal box size.

Lovers of kitsch might especially like to check out http://viedpuce.canalblog.com/ where you can pick up old Eiffel Tower glass salt shakers for e30 or snow globe desk calendars from e6.

Other brocante sites include: beigefluo.blogspot.com lesdedees.blogspot.com www.sofasurfer.fr www.edmond.tm.fr retourdechine.canalblog.com www.abracadabroc.comtohubohu-vintage.blogspot.com

It's as if they can visit 10 brocante sales at once and they don't need to rush around Online brocante founder Stéphanie Rottée

Find the best brocante deals - and no early startsThe antiques trade is finding a new life online through sites that spot bargains on your behalf

The styles of the 50s and 70s are the speciality of the site www. madamelabroc.com

Banaborose.com specialises in children's furniture and restoration to order

by Oliver rOwland

20 Property Brittany Pages December 2012

Buying or selling a property? We can help. Our website www.connexionfrance.com carries details of more than 14,000 homes for sale across France.

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

For sellers, the adverts are also displayed across a range of popular English- speaking websites and are seen by thousands of potential buyers EVERY day. Our 3+3 pack-age costs just 200TTC and gives you three months online

advertising as well as a print advert in three editions of the Brittany Pages. Our 6+6 package is best value at 330TTC and provides the same, but for six months via each channel.

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

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

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

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

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REF: ZXC00130

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REF: 83003139610

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saint-nicolas-du-tertre, MorbihanThree bedroom house set on an acre of land comprises living/kitchen room, shower room, conservatory and outbuildings.

REF: PLM01657

143,775

ENErgy ratiNg = E & f

saint-nicolas-du-Pélem, Côtes-d'ArmorFour bedroom house consists of lounge/dining room, kitchen, two bathrooms, conservatory, summer kitchen and garage.

REF: ZXC00124

103,950

ENErgy ratiNg = D & E

Josselin, MorbihanFour bedroom fully renovated house comprises spacious lounge/diner, fitted kitchen, bathroom, shower room and garden.

REF: PLM01681

173,000

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Pordic, Côtes-d'ArmorThree bedroom house set on 400 m2 of land consists of living room, large kitchen, bathroom and conservatory.

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194,250

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saint-nicolas-des-eaux, MorbihanFour bedroom house consists of living room, fitted kitchen with vaulted ceiling, breakfast room, bathroom, garden and outbuildings.

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Paule, Côtes-d'ArmorTwo bedroom cottage consists of open plan living room, corner kitchen, shower room and small private garden.

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Guern, MorbihanTwo bedroom renovated house consists of lounge, open plan kitchen/dining area, new bathroom, garage and large garden.

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135,200

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Châteauneuf-du-Faou, FinistèreThree bedroom house set on 1/4 acre of land comprises country kitchen, living room, dining room, family bathroom, two stone outbuildings and barn.

REF: 700570

216,000

ENErgy ratiNg = D

evriguet, MorbihanThree bedroom stone house comprises three reception rooms, kitchen, bathroom and gardens.

REF: 700413

251,450

ENErgy ratiNg = f

Callac, Côtes-d'ArmorTwo bedroom house comprises private courtyard, gatehouse entrance, workshop, two stone buildings and large barn with three horse boxes.

REF: IFPC22720

350,000

ENErgy ratiNg = C & B

Quimper, FinistèreSix bedroom house comprises living room, open kitchen, bathroom, en suite, separate toilet, back kitchen, garage and garden.

REF: 700411

450,000

ENErgy ratiNg = D

Ploërdut, MorbihanFive bedroom house set on 2 acres of land comprises living/dining room, kitchen, bathroom, conservatory, large cellar and garage.

Brittany Pages December 2012 Business and Legal 21

Last month we looked at how local initiatives could be generated to make a differ-ence but what if we take a look at the national approach that we are seeing to the eco-nomic situation in France?

small businesses are the lifeblood of the economy and a key part in making a differ-ence in the present economic conditions, but rather than encouraging more entrepre-neurial spirit – of which there seems to be an incredible lack in France – the auto-entrepre-neur regime is under attack.

this is the most progressive small business measure for years and while there are some issues to be looked at – there are grievances from some artisans that the playing field is not level – this three-year-old regime has done much more good than harm.

It took a protest from the La Fédération des auto-entrepre-neurs (FEDaE) for the gov-ernment to step back from plans to axe the regime’s pay-as-you-go social charges set-up. However, even so, these charges are still set to rise by 2% to 14%.

On capital gains, a protest from auto-entrepreneurs and

business start-up leaders saw the proposals to charge 45% plus 15.5% social charges on the sales of companies eased.

the present 19% rate will stay for those with at least a

10% stake, who have been active in the business for at least two years and who have held shares for five.

the FEDaE has launched a petition to try to persuade the government to think again before making any fur-ther changes to the auto- entrepreneur regime.

My wife and I have signed this petition and the link to it is at the foot of this article.

My stance is that the specif-ic problems should be addressed – do not throw out the baby with the bath water!

What must be remembered is that when a new business is created it spends money in

the local economy as well as paying some social charges.

It would make much more sense to deal with the areas of contention – surely not impossible – and encourage the rest of the auto-entrepre-neur community to grow their businesses.

the time has arrived to think in a positive entrepre-

neurial way, not to revert to state intervention and risk increasing the national debt.

Look at the French automo-tive industry and other industries which, like others

others in Europe, are shed-ding large numbers of jobs.

Yet some public sectors will see significant job increases.Public spending can increase GDP, but increased demand created by public sector employment has to be funded by taxation.

any increase that affects costs – such as taxation, social charges and pensions – has a negative effect on the supply of goods and services, which leads to less choice, higher prices and less compe-tition for the consumer.

Job creation within the pri-vate supply side is more sus-tainable but rather than push-ing the private sector further and faster, the wealthiest are instead facing higher taxes.

However what effect will that have where entrepre-neurs have lower tax options close at hand within Europe, such as the UK?

Changes to the small business regime would have a negative effect on the economy

The slogan “It’s the economy, stupid!” was part of Bill Clinton’s 1992 US Presidential campaign, and should still be the key for all national politicians

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

Don’t throw out the baby

the Brittany Business Network: www.synergienet.comBusiness information:www.apce.comRégime auto-entrepreneurwww.lautoentrepreneur.fr

Federation of auto Entrepreneurswww.federation-auto-en-trepreneur.fr/la-fedae.html to sign the petitionwww.federation-auto-en-trepreneur.fr/petition.php

Useful websites

To contact Jim Adcock directly, email ja@connexionfrance.com

Photo: © Kurhan - Fotolia.com

FinanceSponsored by

“the Fédération des auto-entrepreneurs has launched a petition to try to persuade the government to think again before making any changes to this successful regime

THE authoritative guide tobuying a home in France

Written by the Notaires de France and published by Conseils des Notaires. Available in English from The Connexion, priced 7.50 or £7 (plus postage and packaging)

See our website www.connexionfrance.com

I have heard that even as a second home owner I will be subject to CSG on my rental income for 2012 and that this will not be allowable against my self-assessment return in the UK. Do you have any tips on how I can reduce my tax exposure?

RENtING out your holiday home is a great way to make use of your second home, to generate an income which will help cover the fixed costs of running your property. However, it is important to be aware of the legal require-ments, security and other issues before you get started.

You will be taxed on the income in France, and, with the new higher taxes, it is even more important to make sure that you plan your tax declaration, taking full advantage of allowable deductions.

Many people with second homes do not realise that they may be running a business that needs to be declared as an activity in France. Depending on the circumstances, it can either be declared to the French tax authorities, or if you are running the business at a “professional” level, it may also need to be registered with the chamber of commerce (chambre de commerce)

Choices for the structure of your business include:n Entreprise individuelle this is a kind of self-employment registration, with an option known as the régime du bénéfice réel, which gives a business model that takes account of the actual income and expenses of the business - resulting in the equivalent of a standard profit-and-loss type account in the UK, with allow-ances for capital items (depreciation), mortage interest etc. If your business is registered with the chamber of commerce, there is an obligation to pay French social charges, calculated on the profit of the business – not normally applicable if you are not resident in France.n Micro-entrepriseanother option, known as micro-entreprise, allows you to work out your profits by a specified deduction for expenses – this is 50% of your income in most cases. so, if you earned 10,000 in letting income, your “micro profits” would be 5,000. the micro system is useful as it offers a simplified accounting system, and, once the gite is up and running, a 50% deduction for expenses is quite generous.

how will I be taxed?If you register as self-employed under one of the systems mentioned above, you will be taxed under either the micro regulations (a fixed deduction de 50% from your sales income) or the réel basis (actual income less actual business expenses). In the latter case, if you make a loss after allow-ing for capital expenses and other expenses, then there will be no income tax to pay from the gite rental business. the French income declaration is normally be made in May for French residents and at the end of June for non residents.

If you do decide to opt for the réel registration, then you have to keep proper books and records and make an annual profit/loss declaration at the end of april each year in addition to making your personal declaration (although keeping records is recommended for any businesses). You have the advantage of depreciation of the building and fixtures and fit-tings if you opt to put the property in your books.

Income tax is charged to non-residents at a flat rate of 20% (current rate on 2011 income). social contributions (including CsG) are also applicable on this income at15.5% a credit for tax paid will then be available when you com-plete your UK self assessment return, but only for the 20% deduction, not the CsG which is considered by HMRC to be a social levy. the réel regime with depreciation and mort-gage interest may give the best result , so it is worth checking with an accountant which is the best regime for you. tax options for 2013 will have to be confirmed by 31/1/2013.

How to reduce tax on home-letting

22 Property Brittany Pages December 2012

ProPerties AroUND FrANCe

Ref: 700937

83,500

EnErgy rating = E

Jumilhac-le-Grand,DordogneTwo bedroom semi-detached house has been completely rebuilt and decorated upstairs to expose original features.

Ref: 3367

99,000

EnErgy rating = g & D

Near Le Buisson-de-Cadouin, DordogneTwo bedroom house comprises garden of 1365 m2 and outbuildings.

Ref: 2231

86,000

EnErgy rating = D & E

Quillan, Aude, LanguedocThree bedroom semi-detached house comprises sitting room, kitchen, shower room and workshop.

Ref: 5232vm

64,500

EnErgy rating = D & E

Bédarieux, Hérault, LanguedocTwo bedroom house living room/dining room, kitchen, bathroom, shower room and garage.

Ref: G815

80,000

EnErgy rating = E & C

remoulins, Gard, LanguedocTwo bedroom town house comprises living room, open kitchen, shower room and bathroom.

Ref: Y533

98,000

EnErgy rating = C & B

saint-Gilles, Gard, LanguedocTwo bedroom apartment comprises living/dining room/kitchen, bathroom and garage.

Ref: 14025D

45,000

EnErgy rating = F & F

Montigny, Manche, NormandyOne bedroom house to renovate consists of living room, kitchen, bathroom, shed, workshop, garage and garden.

Ref: 14135D

86,400

EnErgy rating = E & F

saint-Hilaire-du-Harcouët, Manche, NormandyThree bedroom house consists of living room, kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, garage and garden.

Ref: XJN02780

81,980

EnErgy rating = F & F

Pont-d'ouilly, Calvados, NormandyTwo bedroom house consists of living room, kitchen, bathroom, conservatory, garage and outbuildings.

Ref: 700616

99,000

EnErgy rating = g

Le Gast, Calvados, NormandyTwo bedroom house set on an acre of land comprises living room, fitted kitchen, utility room, separate toilet and two storey stone barn.

Ref: IfPC22783

179,950

EnErgy rating = F & B

Near La tour-Blanche, DordogneTwo bedroom house comprises sitting room, kitchen/ breakfast room, bathroom, shower room, garden, barn, swimming pool and pool house.

Ref: 700781

115,000

EnErgy rating = E

Jumilhac-le-Grand, DordogneFour bedroom partially restored townhouse bursting with original.

Ref: 3434

107,800

EnErgy rating = F & C

Belvès, DordogneTwo bedroom restored house with garden to the back and outbuildings.

Ref: 700560

108,900

EnErgy rating = D

saint-Martin-de-ribérac, DordogneOne bedroom house consists of large living room with corner kitchen, shower room and fenced garden of 3500m2.

Ref: 3214

129,600

EnErgy rating = E & E

Near Le Buisson-de-Cadouin, DordogneFour bedroom house consists of courtyard, garage and outbuildings.

Ref: K428

165,000

EnErgy rating = E & F

Uzès, Gard, LanguedocThree bedroom house consists of living room, open kitchen, bathroom, workshop and garage.

Ref: 2224

122,000

EnErgy rating = D & C

Quillan, Aude, LanguedocThree bedroom fully renovated house comprises lounge, fitted kitchen, shower room and store room.

Ref: 340631322

129,500

EnErgy rating = D & C

Cessenon-sur-orb, olargues, LanguedocTwo bedroom house consists of living room, kitchen, bathroom and small roof terrace.

Ref: 700646

120,000

EnErgy rating = g

Courson, Calvados, NormandyThree bedroom house comprises lounge, kitchen/eating area, workshop/garage and outbuilding.

Ref: 700373

199,000

EnErgy rating = D

Le Mesnil-Villeman, Manche, NormandyThree bedroom house set on 1/4 acre of land consists of lounge, dining room, large kitchen and shower room.

Ref: mNB01599

160,000

EnErgy rating = C & D

sourdeval, Manche, NormandyThree bedroom house set on 0.68 acre of land consists of lounge, kitchen/ dining area, bathroom, shower room and small utility room.

Ref: AQU-496

205,000

EnErgy rating = E & C

eymet, DordogneThis three bedroom detached bungalow comprises living/dining room, kitchen, bathroom, utility room, garage, garden and luxurious swimming pool.

Ref: 71500

234,990

EnErgy rating = D

eymet, DordogneFive bedroom house comprises living/dining room, semi-open kitchen, bathroom, separate WC, garage, workshop, swimming pool and house.

Ref: AQU-693

245,000

EnErgy rating = D & B

Near Villefranche-de-Lonchat, DordogneThree bedroom bungalow comprises open plan living room/kitchen, bathroom, utility room, garage, garden and swimming pool.

Ref: 5572vm

200,000

EnErgy rating = D & E

Lodève, Hérault, LanguedocThree bedroom house consists of living room, kitchen/dining room, two shower rooms and detached garden.

Ref: 110154709

258,000

EnErgy rating = D & B

Capendu, Aude, LanguedocFour bedroom house comprises living room, dining room, kitch-en, garage and garden.

Ref: 700219

278,200

EnErgy rating = g

rauville-la-Place, Manche, NormandyThree bedroom house set on 3.63 hectares of land includes outbuildings.

Ref: 700511

296,800

EnErgy rating = D

saint-romphaire, Manche, NormandyThree bedroom house set on 3 acres of land comprises fitted kitchen, dining room, bathroom, shower room and outbuildings.

Ref: IfPC22356

320,000

EnErgy rating = E & F

Near Bergerac, DordogneFour bedroom detached house includes living room, dining room, kitchen, bathroom, shower room, study, integral garage, and swimming pool.

Ref: 700497

328,600

EnErgy rating = E

roullours, Calvados, NormandyTwo bedroom and one bedroom house with outbuildings set on 37 acres of land.

Brittany Pages December 2012 Property and Finance 23ProPerties AroUND FrANCe

Ref: 700062

349,125

EnErgy rating = D

ribérac, DordogneFive bedroom house comprises lounge, drawing room, office, kitchen, shower room, five en-suites, garden and a small separate studio.

Ref: 110154664

395,000

EnErgy rating = c & D

Capendu, Aude, LanguedocFour bedroom villa consists of living room, kitchen, bathroom, double garage, summer kitchen and swimming pool.

Ref: 700944

375,000

EnErgy rating = c

Crasville, Manche, NormandyThree bedroom house and three bedroom guest wing with separate access includes garden and outbuildings.

Ref: IfPC22612

384,950

EnErgy rating = E & f

Vimoutiers, orne, NormandyFour bedroom house and two bedroom cottage currently run as a very successful B&B and Gîte business.

Ref: fPBC3260C

449,000

EnErgy rating = E & b

Near Beynac, DordogneFour bedroom house set on 7 hectares of land consists of lounge/dining room, kitchen, shower room, separate WC, terrace, conservatory and outbuilding.

Ref: fPBC1510L

465,000

EnErgy rating = D & D

Le Bugue, DordogneFour bedroom farmhouse and one bedroom guest house includes well maintained garden and swimming pool.

Ref: fPBS2338M

499,000

EnErgy rating = E & c

Near Lalinde, DordogneA restored three bedroom stone Manoir and four bedroom guest house set on one hectare of land with barn, garage, swimming pool and pool house.

Ref: 342431473

495,000

EnErgy rating = E & f

Cazouls-lès-Béziers, Hérault, LanguedocNine bedroom classic French Bourgeoise house consists of French garden, courtyard, garage and swimming pool.

Ref: LAR-491

400,000

EnErgy rating = D & b

Lodève, Hérault, LanguedocThree bedroom villa comprises living room, kitchen, three bathrooms, garage, garden and heated swimming pool.

Ref: 14075D

473,000

EnErgy rating = c & b

Juilley, Manche, NormandyFour bedroom house and two bedroom cottage set on 9443 m2 of land.

Answered by

Unfortunately it is correct. Because you are not related or married, the tax rate applicable on death is the highest at 60% with practically no nil rate tax band.

In addition to this punitive situation, partners do not have any automatic inheritance rights over each other’s estate.

There are several possibilities if you and your partner want to avoid the fiscal problems. The first is to get married, if you are not the same sex. Although the prohibition on same sex marriages may change in France, it may be some time yet before it becomes reality.

The other solution is to enter into a Pacs agreement, a pacte civil de solidarité. It could be compared to a civil part-nership in England, except it is open to both homo and het-rosexual relationships.

This is a formal deed, preferably drafted by a notaire and registered as a deed, whereby the partners declare their intention to be bound by the rules of the civil code which will regulate their life together.

There are few restrictions as to who can conclude a Pacs: the partners should not be related to each other, or already mar-ried. There are no restrictions regarding nationality so even if you are both British, and live in France, you can sign a Pacs.

Your local notaire will be able to advise as to the formali-ties and documents needed.

Once signed and registered, the Pacs gives rights and duties to the partners: duty to cohabit, to support each other etc, but also to benefit from the social security cover and, above all, benefit from same total inheritance tax exemption and inheritance rights as married couples.

The partners can also express their wishes as to the owner-ship of assets acquired during the partnership. They can decide that these will be owned jointly or let the normal regime of separation of assets apply. In this case each item belongs to the partner who purchased it.

Remember though that, even with a Pacs, partners do not automatically inherit from each other. The normal inher-itance rules as provided by the civil code will apply.

It is therefore advisable to write a French will to protect the surviving partner.

My partner and I are not married and we have been told that inheritance tax for the survivor will be 60%. Is this true? Is there a way to avoid this?

A Pacs could solve inheritance worry

Photo: © Richard Villalon - Fotolia.com

LegalNotes

Unmarried couples face 60% inheritance tax on estate

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Recent suggestions that the eurozone looks like it is finally beginning to climb out of its debt hole are greatly overstated. With Greece, Spain, Italy and all the rest still nowhere near the point of return, the fact is that a recession on the continent is likely to extend into the mid-part of 2013.

Unfortunately debt and GDP levels are only going one way: the wrong way, and this has clear implications for anyone who is looking to transfer money in or out of France as the euro continues to struggle as a consequence.

to the south, Spain has continued to dither on requesting funds, and this in itself has caused problems. From a political point of view the Spanish prime minister has very little to gain from applying for an ecB bailout, but his reticence leaves him open to the accusation he has wilfully harmed the Spanish economy’s prospects, thus causing further market pressures, while the cost to the taxpayer and the size of the bailout increases.

In Madrid’s corridors of power, the hope must there-fore be that Spain eventually gets a bailout, after being told to have one following total european political gridlock – i.e. a scenario that can be blamed on everyone else. the market reaction to a junking of the Spanish sovereign bonds will only lead to more bailout chatter but, at the time of writing, nothing has been agreed and the pressure continues to mount on the eurozone countries and the single currency itself.

Such problems in struggling eurozone countries like Spain and Greece have caused the euro value to fluctuate fairly dramatically this year, and 2013 is not looking like it is going to be stable either. this will obviously present problems for anyone who needs to make international currency transfers and some careful forward planning is advisable.

For French expats, it has been a challenging period and unfortunately there is no clear path ahead as to how much euros will be worth in the long term. there are ways of fixing exchange rates in advance to take volatility out of the equa-tion and with the continuing economic uncertainty in the eurozone, this is the kind of step those looking for financial confidence might want to pursue sooner rather than later.

Making early plans may give stability

Photo: © crim

son - Fotolia.com

recession on continent is likely to extend into

the mid-part of 2013

Currency NotesJeremy Cook, chief economist at foreign exchange company, World First, talks about the Euro and other currencies.

“There is no clear path ahead as to how much euros will be worth Jeremy Cook

Sandrine Legros has been working in the oyster trade for 13 years and her husband eric for the best part of 20 years. They cultivate oysters in Locmariaquer and sell them in local markets and to wholesalers.

“i really enjoy the work, i’d never want to do anything else,” she says.

She has an eagle eye for oysters and clear ideas about quality. “a good oyster is nicely plump, the shell inside is smooth and pearly without any, what we call, pockets; the shape is nice and round. it’s not a question of size but of taste. Size 2 and 3 are the biggest sellers although they are just medium sized - 80-90% of what we produce are huitres gigas, otherwise known as Japanese oysters. and then there are the edulis, flat oys-ters, but they are less well known.”

Cultivating oysters is a combination of farm-ing and managing nature. The oyster larvae are caught on tiles treated with chalk, and then gen-tly transferred to cultivation beds for three months. during that time, it is important to protect the oysters from predators, algae and bad weather.

“We use stock from Japan and Canada, but we don’t feed them. They’re in the sea, they feed themselves. We just make sure that they get a nice shape, so they’re easy to open, and we check to make sure they don’t stick to each other. We don’t want them in clumps.”

With over 2,800km of coastline, Brittany pro-duces around 60,000 tons of oysters each year, almost half of the total French output.

“Production in Brittany is quite large. it’s tradi-tional here but it’s developed a lot since 1800. The land here is given to agriculture so cultivating the sea seems normal for us,” said Sandrine.

“People have always come to Brittany for oys-ters. even the Brits came here for oyster fishing, and in the past our oysters went to all the big fancy hotels in London, for the rich people.”

Today, she says that prices are rising because of a new virus which is killing the oysters.

“researchers are trying to find a solution but

often it’s worse because the oysters have grown so much. They grow too fast because of the super-plankton in the water. Growing like that exhausts them, makes them more vulnerable and then the virus attacks them more easily. But the plankton isn’t necessarily the problem, it’s the bacteria.”

She says she and eric love their life. They like being outside, like feeling connected to the nat-ural world.

“in July and august, i do guided visits. Then people understand the work that goes into pro-ducing oysters, and why they cost so much. There’s a lot of hand manipulation involved in raising oysters, it’s not done by machine.”

Sandrine and eric sell most of their produc-tion to a wholesaler, but the rest they sell them-selves locally. To book a guided visit, contact the tourist office in Locmariaquer.

www.ot-locmariaquer.com

24 People Brittany Pages December 2012

Farming in Brittany is not limited to the land. At sea; oyster growing is a huge business, producing half of France’s output. SAMANTHA DAVID speaks to farmers

The oysters are our world in Locmariaquer

Locmariaquer has variously been called the city of the oyster and the Kingdom of Flat oysters and is certainly one of the largest centres of oyster production in morbihan, with around 35 shellfish companies in the commune pro-ducing 3,000 tonnes of oysters per year and employing around 50 people full-time, plus from october to may, seasonal workers. apart from oysters, they also produce mussels and clams.

oysters from Locmariaquer are transported in refrigerated con-tainers, but it is better to sample them on the quayside, straight from the boats. Just ask the crew to show you how to open them, add a squeeze of lemon and enjoy.

Tourism and leisure activities in Locmariaquer are also orientated around the sea. Sailing is very pop-ular, and there is a good selection of sailing schools, and in the sum-mer there are regattas and other

sailing festivals. it is also possible to go for a sea cruise, or try your hand at driving a jet ski.

Walking is also popular, with breath-taking views of the sea from the coastal paths.

This part of Brittany also has a rich religious heritage, the area boasting a good selection of pre-christian megaliths and chap-els and churches of all ages.

Bird-watching and photography are also popular with visitors.

Locmariaquer - the city of oysters

How to open an oysterSandrine Legros says: “You shouldn’t force it. Just pick up the oyster gently and slide the knife in slowly so the oyster doesn’t panic and snap shut. do it slow and easy, opening from

the back. it’s cleaner that way and you’ll get less bits of shell. if you force it, the knife will slip. But it isn’t hard, even my children can open them. Perhaps ask a producer to show you the first time. Then you’ll easily get the knack.”

a short history of oystersOysters have been consumed since prehistoric times, and the romans invented a method of cultivating them. Commercial production did not really take off until the last quarter of the 19th century. at that period oysters were so cheap that they were a working class staple often used, according to dickens, to eke out meat stews. as demand grew and oyster beds were badly affected by diseases, the prices began to rise and oysters are now regarded as a luxury.

Sandrine and eric Legros welcome visitors to their oyster farm in Locmariaquer

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WHen it comes to the property mar-ket, things used to be so simple.

a house in France could be pur-chased and enjoyed for a number of years - either permanently or just for the holidays.

Then, when an owner decided it was time to sell, they would put up a sign and ask the local agent to hang up a photo of the house in his window.

Prospective buyers who happened to pass by showed their interest, and often it was soon sold, allowing the owner to move on. But times have changed.

The French property market has

become much more complex and old school advertising simply does not do the job anymore.

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For more than four years, Houses on internet has been successful in selling French properties to people from all over the world, including most parts of europe, the americas, australia, africa and asia.

“We would never have achieved these results if we had not fully used all the possibilities the internet has to offer,” said richard.

in spite of the ongoing economic crisis, Houses on internet has seen its best ever sales this year, and its website is visited by over 115,000 people from all over the world every month.

“reaching today’s buyers simply cannot be done without a top ranking on Google,” said richard.

The Houses on internet websites have had a page one ranking for more than a year now - something that few other companies can lay claim to.

“Maintaining this level is hard work, but definitely worth it,” added richard.

“it requires constant knowledge of the latest techniques, frequent updates of the websites and a lot of Google advertising.

“For example, our online adverts were shown over 3.1 million times last month on over 10,000 websites worldwide.

“This means that anyone looking for French property - whether far away or living in the next village - is just one

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The modern way to sell a French propertyHouses on internet has made use of the latest online advertising techniques to record its best ever year of sales

company founder richard Kroon

“reaching today's buyers simply cannot be done without a top ranking on Google

Photo: Maire de Locm

ariaquer

Photo: Aline Enaud

Photo: Maire de Locm

ariaquer