L i ving magazine
June July
2021
Summer plus A taste of summer
Saint-Émilion uncorked 2CV: Less is more
~ Passionate about life in south west France ~
living editor’s letter | 3
S
to our June/July issue
ummer is here! The longer, sunnier days certainly make a big difference. With the welcome acceleration of the vaccination roll-out and the proposed reopening timetable, we can begin imagining that life might just be returning to some level of ‘normality’. We can start to plan days out, pack our picnics and perhaps even enjoy a meal on a terrace with friends. And LIVING is here to help inspire you! Join us on a trip to Saint-Émilion, the UNESCO World Heritage Site on our doorstep. Delve into the town’s history as we guide you through its cobbled streets and, of course, you will want to taste the wines from this renowned terroir with the help of our local expert. A little further north, families will love what is on offer in the idyllic countryside of the Ouest Limousin over the summer months, where you are certain of plenty of space and a warm welcome. You’re going to want to hop into a 2CV and head onto the open road once you’ve read our feature on ‘the tin snail’ revealing its heritage and why the car has become a world-famous symbol of France. Personally, I hope that all British readers know by now that residency permits must be applied for by 30 June. We’ve certainly played our part since the referendum in protecting your rights and telling you about the progress, so it’s a relief to reach the end of this chapter. To round things off, we take a look at how French citizens abroad are regarded (and supported) by the French State - could this be a model for the UK in future? Meanwhile, we thank everyone who supports this magazine – all the advertisers and subscribers who have stuck with us through recent challenging times. Brexit followed by a pandemic was never in anyone’s business plans! But we are coming out stronger, so you can rest assured that LIVING will continue to bring you all that is great about the region for years to come. If you would like to ensure that you never miss a copy, simply subscribe over the page. A bientôt! editor
PS
British nationals: if you need help applying for your residency by the end of June deadline, there is free support available, but time is of the essence!
Read online at www.livingmagazine.fr
4 | living contents
20
50 29
38
40
Practical Advice Your questions answered
40
Nikki Legon’s Cuisine Scrumptious recipes for summer dining
22
44
High Summer Sunny days with Susan Hays and family
5
45
Our unique crossword by Mike Morris
6
46
Local news from around the region
A profile of Saint-Martin-de-Ré in Charente-Maritime
Snippets
20
Medieval Saint-Émilion
Living Property Pages
50
Roger Moss visits the UNESCO World Heritage Site
Keep it Colourful
26
65
Caro Feely guides you through the local wines
Your guide to summer events of the musical variety
29
66
An icon of France, we take a spin in the world of ‘the tin snail’
Emma-Jane Lee takes a trip in time
Saint-Émilion Wines
‘Deudeuche’
35
Flying the flag An insight into how France supports their citizens abroad
www.livingmagazine.fr
26
Puzzle Break
SUBSCRIBE TODAY
Year-round colour for all gardens
Curtain Up (at last)
Pardon!
Business Directory
54-64
The best local services and suppliers waiting for your call!
any Enquiries? editorial & subscription: editorial@livingmagazine.fr or phone + 33 (0)5 49 87 29 71
advertising:
contact@ammfrance.com or phone Jon on +33 (0)5 49 87 29 71
L i v in g magazine
June July
2021
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regional
News round up
New Rail Links
Charente-based company ‘Le Train’, headed by a former Director of SNCF major projects, has applied to become the first private highspeed train operator in France, following the opening up of the domestic passenger services market. If they are successful in getting the necessary permissions the company intends to procure about ten high-speed trains, each with 350 seats, to operate on the main axis linking Arcachon – Bordeaux – Angoulême – Poitiers – La Rochelle, with some weekend services extended to Nantes and Rennes. They hope to be in service from December 2022, running six trains a day, with more at weekends, although this depends on the evolution of the pandemic. Currently journeys from Bordeaux to Rennes take up to 5 hours 20 minutes via Paris, and it’s hoped that the new services will reduce this to 3 hours 27 minutes. Meanwhile, a project to link Toulouse to Paris directly (avoiding Bordeaux) has been accelerated to become operational for the Olympics in 2024. Costing €4.1 billion, journey times will reduce from 4 hours 30 mins to just 3 hours.
Double Proof
Online shoppers will notice a difference when it comes to paying for purchases. From 15 May it’s no longer possible to pay with your bank card and a code sent by text message – instead all online purchases require ‘hard’ verification. Now shoppers will need to provide proof of ID through a password, a mobile device or USB key – or through digital or facial recognition. The move has been introduced gradually since the beginning of the year, with goods over €2,000 requiring hard verification from 1 Jan, €250 from 15 March and €100 from 15 April.
New Ambassador
It’s all-change at the British Embassy in Paris this summer, as Ambassador Lord Llewellyn leaves to take up a new diplomatic posting elsewhere. His successor Menna Rawlings will be the first ever woman in the post, after 45 men. Also moving on is Deputy Head of Mission Matthew Lodge, who becomes Ambassador to Greece. Both Llewellyn and Lodge have visited the region on several occasions to meet with British nationals, and we hope these visits will continue when the new team take up their posts. Menna Rawlings has had a long diplomatic career, recently completing four years as British High Commissioner to Australia. She will be supported by Theo Rycroft who was previously Director for EU Exit in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. We look forward to welcoming them both to south west France.
dates to remember
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The pick of the news that will affect you wherever you live in south west France…
Early Warning
Concerns are already being raised after a dry start to the year has left subterranean water levels very low. While some areas in the region are already identified as ‘Alert’ on the Government’s Propluvia map, one area in Charente is already marked as ‘Crisis’. Of the last 50 years only three have been drier than 2021, and farmers are already feeling the impact of 55% less rainfall than usual. While grass growth was strong in February, it soon slowed down, and with it the production of hay and straw in areas like the Limousin.
Holiday vouchers
After a year of confinements, many young people are struggling to afford a holiday, so the 2021 ANCV scheme will be welcome. Launched in 2014, the programme ‘Depart 18:25’ provides vouchers to help those on low income, grants, apprenticeships or volunteering on the civic service scheme to get away. Vouchers have a value of up to 200€ and can be used on a variety of holidays, both in France and further afield, should regulations allow. To check if you are eligible and to see how to apply, visit: depart1825.com.
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LA ROCHE SUR-YON Les Sables d’Olonne
Chantonnay
VENDÉE (85)
Luçon
La Tranche sur Mer
DEUX SEVRES (79)
St-MaixentL’école
NIORT aise
Sévre Niort
Melle
News from around the region...
Deux-sèvres & Vendée
Iron an
After the success of the inaugural race in 2019, Ironman 70.3 returns to Sable des Olonnes (85) on 4 July. Offering 50 qualifying slots for the World Championship 2021 in St George, Utah, plus an additional 25 qualifying slots exclusively for female athletes from the Women For Tri Initiative, places were snapped up and the competition is expected to be fierce. The 70.3 races are half the distance of the standard races: a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride and a 13.1-mile run. The swim starts at the Promenade Clémenceau, with athletes competing along the canal before continuing around the sea wall back to land. From the beach the cycle stage turns inland through the forest before heading back to the promenade where the athletes run to the Lac de Tanchet, including a gruelling section along the beach, before returning to the finishing line in the town centre. Spectators are welcome to cheer on the competitors. See: www.ironman.com.
DIARY
DATE!
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Les Chemins de la Rose, a unique jardin à l’anglaise in Doué la Fontaine (49), possesses over 13,000 rose bushes set among paths and ponds. The 4-hectare site is open from May to November, along with the specialist rose nursery next door. Every year, in association with a specialist grower, they create, produce and market new roses, such as the recent “Camp du Drap d’Or”, in homage to the diplomatic meeting between King François I and Henry VIII of England in 1520. The traditional Rose Festival takes place over the weekend of 5-6 June, a time when many of the roses are at their finest, and will bring together rose lovers and collectors. Check their website for full details: www.lescheminsdelarose.com.
Wildlife photography The Centre d’Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC) at Villiers-en-Bois (79) are holding a photography competition with two categories (‘Biodiversité locale’ and ‘Insolite’) open to the public for the first time. The winning entries will be exhibited at the international wildlife documentary festival held annually at Ménigoute, and the photographers will be invited to spend a day with a researcher from CEBC. Entries must be received before 31 August, see: www.cebc.cnrs.fr.
© Virgil Decourteille
The 5th Vendée Gliss paddle boarding championship originally planned for May will now take place at Saint-Jeande-Monts (85) on 2-4 July. www.vendeeglissevent.fr
Rose Festival
News from around the region...
Photo Ballade
British photographer Lee Jeffries is the guest of honour at this year’s Festival Photographique de Moncoutantsur-Sèvre (79). Jeffries is famous for his graphic black and white portraits of homeless people in both Europe and America, whom he sees as testimonies to the difficult living conditions of those who are isolated, forgotten and damaged by a life of suffering. Held from 26 June to 26 September, the festival mixes indoor and outdoor exhibitions winding through the village streets with workshops and conferences. Find the programme of events at: www. festivalphoto moncoutant.fr.
Puy du Fou abroad Vendée-based theme park le Puy du Fou has opened a 30-hectare attraction south of Madrid, just two years after testing the market with a night-time show. Expected to welcome 600,000 visitors this year despite the pandemic, the park represents an investment of 183 million euros and is the first of three parks abroad planned by Puy du Fou president Nicolas Villiers. Four daytime shows, each lasting 30 minutes, will chart Spanish history from the 10th-15th centuries and will be supported by four authentic 13th century villages with artisans at work.
Mad Hatter’s Kitchen Le Logis, Le Breuillac, 79190 Caunay Tel: 0549 27 67 29 info@madhatters.fr www.madhattersfrance.eu
Serving freshly cooked food just for you! Bar open Thursday, Friday and Saturdays from 6pm, choose meals from our ever changing menu boards from 7 - 9pm Sunday lunch every Sunday from 12.30 onwards reservations advisable - bar open for drinks only. Regular music events being added so please check website for new details.
Saturday, 19 June from 6.30pm live music with THE MONDAY NIGHT PROJECT please reserve a table for food. 13 & 14 August, save the dates for our two-day WONDERLAND HOP!
20 | living places to visit The definitive overview from the base of the clocher
Saint-Émilion
Medieval
We take a look at a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of an illustrious wine area WORDS: Roger Moss
Saint-Émilion
www.livingmagazine.fr
living places to visit | 21
photos: © David Remazeilles (Gironde Tourisme)
The 32m high Tour du Roi
A
pproach Saint-Émilion from Bordeaux or Libourne and you’ll see the medieval town perched imperiously on a limestone plateau, but should you arrive from the opposite direction then it’s the world-famous vineyards which will make the biggest first impression. Covering around 5,400 hectares of what in growth terms is the right bank of the Gironde, they actually overlook the valley of its celebrated tributary the Dordogne, their boundaries having been first
defined centuries ago by the then ruling Duke of Gascony, one Edward I of England. Press on into the heart of the town and well before you get there it will be obvious that the town’s modern prosperity is still firmly rooted in wine production. In fact, any wine lover could devote many happy hours here to immersing themselves in just about every conceivable aspect of wine discovery and enjoyment, not least as an accompaniment to fine dining. If that sounds a little two-dimensional, rest assured that Saint-Émilion has far
more going for it than its reputation as a wine producer. For one thing the site itself is remarkable, the town’s attractive pantiled skyline having evolved on a horseshoe-shaped limestone plateau before spreading to the natural amphitheatre below. As for the name, the Saint in question was a Benedictine monk from Brittany who retreated here in 750, and lived until 767 in a cave which he’d excavated from the rock. After his death the site became an important halt for the increasing numbers of pilgrims bound for
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Idimmo, Prestige & Châteaux 42 Rue Grosse Horloge, 17400 St Jean D’Angély. Tel: +33 (0)5 46 33 19 13 http://adeline.idimmo.net/
€252,000 FAI Honoraires à la charge du Vendeur
Idiade 7318: Taillebourg. 3-bed Charentaise house (2009) in pretty riverside village with countryside views. Comfortable and easy to maintain. Office, covered patio with BBQ area, garage with extra storage. DPE en cours
€346,500 FAI Honoraires à la charge du Vendeur
Idiade 7309: 4-bed Charentaise property with spacious rooms. Beautiful courtyard with large stone outbuildings - 400m2. Private garden with pretty dining areas. Also included, 17C windmill just 2 km from the house! 50mins to Angoulême LGV. DPE en cours
E xc l u s i v e
€291,500 FAI Honoraires à la charge du Vendeur
Idiade 7229: Well-planned 3-bed contemporary bungalow with spacious lounge and kitchen area. Master bedroom has ensuite. Large covered terrace, second terrace, office / extra bedroom, independent garage. A must see! DPE B
Due to a surge in demand we are looking for more houses to sell! Call our bilingual team today if you are planning to move.
living living placesculture to visit | 35 21
Flying the Flag With the loss of their EU citizenship, UK nationals resident in France face new challenges. Kathryn Dobson asks what the UK Government can learn from France’s strong support of its citizens abroad
P
rime Minister Theresa May announced: “If you believe you are a citizen of the world, you are a citizen of nowhere” in October 2016 as the red lines for Brexit were laid out. She was taking to task the rootless managers of British businesses who behaved “as though they have more in common with international elites than with the people down the road” but her words resounded across the continents. The number of UK nationals abroad, now commonly referred to as its diaspora, is one of the largest in the world. According to a recent study by a researcher at Lancaster University, the Government assumes that Britons abroad do not want or need to engage with the
UK and so policies for its citizens abroad are characterised by providing comprehensive information whilst remaining passive in their engagement. The ambivalence of Britain to its citizens abroad is a long way from how France views its estimated 2-3 million citizens living outside its borders. Often highly skilled, they are seen as ambassadors for the country and are recognised as valuable assets who can promote all aspects of France. In return French citizens benefit from a significant support network developed over the last seventy years. Historically, France has been a country with more people arriving than leaving although emigration has increased over the past 20 years. Of the 1.8 million
French citizens who are registered in consular population registers just over a third reside in the EU. The largest community is found in the UK (147,500), which is similar to the estimated size of the British population in France, although their demographics are different with only 15% over 60 years of age and 34% under 25.
Government
Within Government, the responsibility for French citizens abroad falls under the remit of the Ministère français pour l’Europe et les affaires étrangères or French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, and the French diplomatic network is the third largest in the world after the US and China.
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40 | living nikki legon’s cuisine
Looking forward to relaxing with friends & family outdoors? Here are some scrumptious but simple recipes so you can make the most of your time together…
Nikki Legon's
cuisine Summer Salad
Summer Salad Ideal to serve with avocado toasts and tortillas 6 cherry tomatoes, halved 6 large radishes, sliced ½ cucumber, sliced 1 cooked beetroot, sliced ½ red onion, sliced 6 basil leaves 6 mint leaves For the dressing 1 small lime, juice only 2 tbsp olive oil salt and pepper
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Tortilla Chicken Wrap
METHOD Place all the salad ingredients into a salad bowl. In a small bowl add the oil and lemon juice, salt and pepper, stir to combine. Pour over the salad.
6 tortilla wraps 500g cooked chicken, sliced 2 tomatoes, cut into chunks ½ red onion, chopped small jar of salsa, mild or hot 2 tbsp mayonnaise chopped salad leaves
Tortilla Chicken Wraps
METHOD Wrap tortilla in foil and heat through in the oven on a medium heat. Mix together the chicken, chopped onion, tomato, salad leaves, salsa and mayonnaise. Remove the tortillas from the oven and add the filling evenly. Fold up the base and roll.
A firm favourite with all the family, experiment by mixing and matching your favourite salad ingredients...
Avocado Toasts
living nikki legon’s cuisine | 41
Avocado Toasts Perfect for all times of day… 3 slices of bread, toasted 1 ripe avocado salt and pepper toppings of your choice METHOD Slice the avocado in half
Pork Ribs with Barbecue Sauce serves 6
2kg pork ribs 1 large onion, chopped 30ml water 30ml olive oil 475ml tomato ketchup 80ml brown sugar
METHOD Blend the water and onion to a paste. Heat the oil in a medium saucepan, add the onion paste and simmer for 2 minutes. Add the rest of the ingredients, mix thoroughly, and cook on a low heat for 20 minutes.
Spatchcock Chichen
3 garlic cloves, crushed 15ml cider vinegar 15ml tomato purée 15ml Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp Liquid Smoke (optional) 1 tsp mustard ½ tsp cayenne pepper
Add the ribs to a large saucepan and cover with cold water. Add a tbsp of salt and cook the ribs on a medium heat for 45 minutes. Remove and finish off in the oven or on the barbecue, basting with the sauce. Serve with a baked potato and summer salad.
Spatchcock Chicken with Roasted Vegetables 3kg chicken 300ml chicken stock 150ml white wine 1 head of garlic, cut in half 2kg of mixed vegetables, chopped into chunks 4 sprigs of rosemary 4 sprigs of thyme 2 tbsp olive oil salt and pepper
Pork Ribs with Barbecue Sauce
and scoop out the flesh. Place into a bowl and mash with a fork, season with salt and pepper and place onto the toasted bread. Top with the topping of your choice. As well as the ones shown, for breakfast top with a slice of ham and poached egg, for brunch cucumber and smoked salmon are delicious. For supper, try prawns tossed in Marie Rose sauce.
for the sauce 3 tbsp honey 1 lime, juice only 1 tbsp soy sauce 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar 1 garlic clove, crushed 1 tbsp chilli sauce
METHOD Preheat the oven to 180°C. Dry the chicken and cut out the backbone. Turn the bird over and press down to flatten. Rub both sides with olive oil and season. Place the chopped vegetables into a large baking tray, add the olive oil and herbs. Place the chicken on top and cook for 45 minutes until the legs pull away easily. Move the vegetables and chicken onto a warmed platter, cover and keep warm while you make the sauce. Add all the sauce ingredients to a small saucepan with the juices from the roasting tin. Heat through to make a thin sauce. Pour over the chicken and serve.
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L i ving
Property
PHOTOS: © ROGER MOSS
Changing Places Living on the coast is a dream, but why stop there? For those with deep pockets, Saint-Martin-de-Ré offers island escapism in an enviable location just off La Rochelle, and which became more accessible in 1988 when roll-on, roll-off car ferries were replaced by the 2.6km-long Pont de l’Île de Ré. Crossing France’s second-longest bridge (which peaks at 30m above the waves at its midpoint) is an exhilarating experience, and there’s a tangible change of mood from the moment you reach island soil. The Île de Ré is actually an archipelago linked by roads and dedicated cycle routes, and on the northern shore of the largest land mass we find the island capital of Saint-Martin-de-Ré. During the 17th century the port prospered handsomely from trade links with the West Indies and Canada, a golden seafaring era recounted vividly in the Musée Ernest Cognacq, while the cobbled quaysides are still paved with stones which arrived here as ballast on tall sailing ships. Surrounding the port are massive star-shaped fortifications which were strengthened in 1692 by
Vauban, France’s greatest military engineer. Today you can stroll around the seaward ramparts, which provide an atmospheric backdrop to daily life unfolding below. Marina style moorings in the port are now a fashionable haunt for leisure sailors, who tie-up beside still active local fishing boats, and entertain diners on the elegant terraces of a string of quayside restaurants. Supplying their local produce and freshly landed fish and seafood is a daily covered market tucked away nearby – a down to earth touch among the craft boutiques and gift shops located among streets packed tightly within the town walls. In the heart of it all the summit of the belltower of the Église Saint-Martin offers panoramic views of the town and the coastline. Visible just beyond the eastern ramparts is the Citadelle, a smaller star-shaped structure completed in 1692 to strengthen the town’s coastal defences. In 1873 it became a high security penitentiary (a role it continues to fulfil) and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Beyond that, between Route de La Flotte and the coast, a
Saint-Martinde-Ré (17)
The Atlantic Coast’s very own Saint-Tropez? We find out more... second, more recent residential area packed with white limewashed villas, tempts potential property buyers searching for a Saint-Martin address.
Making connections Péage Tarifs None for full-time residents, while the island’s résidence secondaire owners pay 2€ all year round for each aller-retour. For visitors with a car there’s an 8€ péage levied for each return trip (rising to 16€ between 20 Jun-11 Sept) to fund bridge maintenance and environmental protection projects on the island. Distances/drive-times by road from 17410 Saint-Martin-de-Ré La Rochelle: 22km/30min Rochefort: 54km/48min Niort: 85km/1hr 11min Saintes: 95km/1hr 13min Poitiers: 158km/1hr 53min Nantes: 159km/2hr 15min Bordeaux: 206km/2hr 18min TGV & TER rail services: TGV services from Gare SNCF de La Rochelle to Niort, Poitiers, Paris, Bordeaux, Bayonne, etc. TER Nouvelle-Aquitaine services from La Rochelle to Angoulême, Niort, Poitiers, Royan, etc.
L i ving
Property Sovimo immobiLier Ref. 34239
DPE: D
213 950€ HAI
(198 100€ plus 8% fees payable by buyer)
Availles Limouzine (86). Ideal B&B, 3-bed pretty semi-detached cottage. 2 adjoining barns, pool, terrace exposed south/west, courtyard and adjoining land with well, set on 5839m2.
Ref. 34232
www.agence-eleonor.com Agence Eleonor Estate Agency 36-38 rue du Temple, 24500 EYMET T: 05 53 27 83 45 info@agence-eleonor.com Eymet, Villeréal, St.-Cyprien, Monpazier, Bergerac, Lalinde, and Issigeac
DPE: n/a
135 000€ HAI
(205 000€ plus 8% agency fees payable buyer)
Confolens (16). Quiet, town centre location with all shops. Renovated 3-bed house, garage/boiler room/utility room, gas heating, mains drains, adjoining courtyard.
Ref: 9387-EY 246,000 € HAI DPE: Vierge A beautiful large stone property located in a village with amenities. This house is full of character and consists of a kitchen, living room, laundry room, dining room, 4 bedrooms, veranda and cellar. Garden with fruit trees, a workshop and a garage. Taux d’honoraires 16,000€ (7%) inclus à la charge de l’acquéreur.
DPE: D
Ref. 34230
110 000€ HAI
(100 000€ plus 10% fees payable by buyer)
Near Aigre (16) on quiet housing development. Detached 2-bed 2007 bungalow. Fitted kitchen/lounge/living room,elec heating, septic tank, garage, adjoining land set on 1114m2.
Ref. 34229
DPE: D
194 400 € HAI
(180 000€ plus 8% fees payable by buyer)
3km to St Claud (16). Pretty renovated 4-bed cottage, without neighbours. 2 bathrooms, electrical heating, septic tank, terrace, detached outbuilding, adjoining land set on 7343m2.
Ref: 9358-VI 420,000€ HAI DPE: Vierge Former 6-bedroom presbytery full of architectural curiosities such as stone sinks, stone arches, terracotta tiles, decorative floors and mullioned windows. This house also offers superb views of the hilly countryside and is not overlooked. ExclusivE to Agence Eleonor. Taux d’honoraires 20,000€ (5%) inclus à la charge de l’acquéreur.
Ref. 34228
DPE: D
172 800€ HAI
(160 000€ plus 8% agency fees payable buyer)
Confolens centre (16). Ideal for investors, 4-bed house + 2 flats. House has outbuilding with 1 bed & shower room/wc. Garden, well. 1-bed flat to rent, 2-bed flat rented 370€/mth. Set on 446m2.
Ref. 34227
DPE: D
77 000€ HAI
(70 000€ plus 10% fees payable by buyer)
Close to Confolens. Detached renovated cottage, 2 bedrooms, attic to convert. Oil heating, septic tank, well with motor pump, adjoining land with shed, set on 1965m2.
3, place de la Liberté, 16500 Confolens Tel: 05 45 85 45 65 contact@sovimo.com
www.sovimo.com
Ref: 9317-MO 670,000€ HAI DPE: C immaculate property comprising a main house, 3 gites and 2 swimming pools on 3 acres of flat meadow land, only 5 minutes’ drive from Monpazier. Taux d’honoraires 31,905€ (5%) inclus à la charge de l’acquéreur.
50 | living in the garden Euphorbia puts out lots of colour
Hellebores flower when little else does
in the garden
Keep it colourful
Violas just keep putting out flowers
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Camelias bloom in early springtime Canes have a multitude of uses in the garden
living in the garden | 51
Winter jasmine adds a warm splash of colour
A
As we soak up the summer sun we reflect on ways to bring Some varieties are multicoloured year-round colour to our gardens
mong the few benefits of the long periods of confinement which we’ve all had to endure has been the chance to spend a lot more time than usual in our gardens. When the world has apparently gone mad at least we gardeners are able to keep our own sanity intact. The downside, of course, is that while we can take pride in the successes we’ve achieved so far, we soon start to notice all the refinements we could make. For many of us that includes ensuring that whatever the season we’ll have some splashes of colour here and there to lift our spirits, so off we go. It’s easy to overlook the effect of the little things, but even in the bleakest midwinter a minor miracle can still appear, in the shape of the humble Snowdrop. True to their French name of ‘Perce-Neige’, they can indeed pop through one of our rare coverings of
snow, to remind us that there’s still plenty happening down in the soil. Native to our region is Galanthus nivalis, although in eastern France you’ll also find Leucojum vernum, identified by its slightly showier bell-like flowers. They’re woodland plants, so tolerate a little shade and appreciate moist but not waterlogged soil. The bulbs produce small ‘offset’ bulbs around the main ones, which should be removed from time to time to maintain healthy plants and for replanting to increase your stocks. Hot on their heels are the perky winter and spring-flowering Crocuses, which can again be white, or more usefully cultivated to add a welcome blaze of purple or vibrant yellow. Members of the Iris family, they have three stamens, while the similar-looking autumn crocus (Colchicum) has six. Plant the corms in a sunny, well-drained location and left to their own devices they’ll
HOMME VERT Garden design, hard landscape construction and planting service based in Montmoreau (16). Kew trained, RHS show garden contractor & designer, 30+ years’ experience. Full references available. Richard 07 88 29 54 37 richard@boisbourdeau.fr www.boisbourdeau.fr Siret: RCS Angoulême 851 973 198 00019
Ceanothus: a true blue sensation
multiply and return each year, around the time when winter-flowering hardy Cyclamen (Cyclamen coum) are also blooming. Being woodland plants, the latter prefer dappled shade, so are suited to areas beneath trees, where they’ll benefit from leaf mould. In addition to their pink or pure white flowers they’re great colonisers, and in time will spread to create a cheerful carpet of blossoms. If, on the other hand, you have some vacant wall space then the yellow flowers and dense evergreen foliage of winter-flowering Jasmine (Jasmine nudiflorum) will fill the gap nicely. It will require some support, unlike its fellow olive family member the Forsythia – ‘Forsythie’ in French – which announces the coming of springtime with vibrant yellow displays before a single leaf has appeared. In addition to varieties native to the far east and the Balkans there are hybrids, perhaps the most
TREE SURGEON ARBORIST
Covering all areas
Siret: 808 903 074 00017
All aspects of tree care from planting and pruning to reductions and removals. Hedge cutting, ground clearance and maintenance. Fully insured & registered. 27 years’ experience.
GARDEN SERVICES
05 45 30 61 41 / 06 45 90 30 67 | tree-fairy@hotmail.co.uk
05 45 25 05 37
DOMINIC LUNN
www.homme-vert.com Facebook: @hommeverttreesurgery
Show how much you Living at ko-fi.com/livinghq www.livingmagazine.fr www.charenteassistance.fr
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Business Directory ADVERTISE WITH L i ving The leading English language magazine
W
elcome to our comprehensive Business Directory, packed full of the best English-speaking services suppliers across the region. Whatever you need, our advertisers can help you and, in return, just tell them you saw their advert here and you will help to keep Living Magazine free. If you have a business in the region and would like to showcase your services to our thousands of readers, we can help. With over 1,000 stockists, Living is the leading English-language magazine covering your area. Advertising starts from 35€ per month on our monthly payment scheme. “Your expertise with advertising is surpassing my expectations. Lots of new clients now finding me via Living. Thank you!” Karen Jones, Solutions “The majority of clients who find me through adverts are from Living. The area the magazine covers is vast which is why I am a long term advertiser.” David Cropper, Stump Grinding
Vendée (85)
DeuxSèvres (79)
CharenteMaritime (17)
Vienne (86)
HauteVienne (87)
Charente (16)
Dordogne (24)
HOW TO ADVERTISE:
Ring Jon on 05 49 87 29 71 or email ads@ammfrance.com. Pay monthly by debit/credit card.
Cafe Cour du Miracle Vouvant
Cafes & Bars
Come along for a beer, a glass of wine, a cup of English tea and a slice of homemade cake, or a delicious home-cooked lunch. Vegetarian options available. Open 11.00am to 6.00pm - until 10pm Friday evening Tel: 02 51 00 54 93 www.cafecourdumiracle.com Closed Monday & Tuesday
Britain’s leading supplier
Cotswold Eco Wood-Fired HOT TUBS in France
2, 6 and 8 person available
RELAX. REPLENISH. REWIND. Easy to install in even the most remote locations Shhhh...one of the quietest air bubble systems on the market Efficient wood-fired boiler - minimal electricity used for bubbles and LED lighting Robust wood and fibreglass construction means years of weather-resistant service Thoughtful design ensures they are hygienic and easy-to-clean Comfortable seating allows users to immerse their shoulders, perfect all year round Bespoke range of options and colour combinations
For more information, please contact Nicola or Tim: E: hottubsinfrance@gmail.com T: 07 49 19 46 84
www.hottubsinfrance.com
siret: 879 912 855
Facebook: HotTubsinFrance | Google business: hot-tubs-in-france.business.site | LinkedIn: hot-tubs-in-france
These local businesses are waiting for your call!
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New! Sunday market at Verteuil
Manot Ceramic
LA BOUTEILLE OUVERTE “PIES & THINGS”
Cafe Opening 9th June - Usual hours (Covid permitting) For painting, full English breakfasts & hot lunch time food. Tea & coffee served all day, wine & beer available. Cash or cheques only. Tel: 05 45 30 69 56 E: enquiries@manotceramics.com www.manotceramics.com
* OVEN-READY PIE SELECTION - Our 500g (+/-) pies are generally sufficient to feed 2 alongside vegetables. Freshly made pies always available (fillings change weekly) as are freshly frozen pies - extensive pie menu. SWEET TREATS - Desserts / Pastries / Cakes (change weekly) * * THURS - HOT Takeaway - Chinese / Indian etc (change weekly) * FRIDAY - Home battered Fish & Real Chunky Chips
Custom framing for arts, crafts & memorabilia E: encadrement.oradour@gmail.com
* SATURDAY - Pre-cooked Sunday Lunch (change weekly) CHECK OUT CURRENT MENU & PICK-UP TIMES ON FACEBOOK: labouteilleouverte OR email to subscribe to our weekly mailing list gretski@inbox.com / text mobile: 07 83 90 36 35
24320 - BOUTEILLES ST. SEBASTIEN (NR VERTEILLAC) Tel: 05 53 91 51 98
Tel: 09 77 00 66 38
Encadrement D’Art, 87150 Oradour sur Vayres
Cafés, Bars, Framing
TAKEAWAY FOOD SERVICE : THU - FRI - SAT
Siret : 892 358 342 00012
RENAISSANCE - hair, beauty, nails * SOCIAL DISTANCING RULES ARE FOLLOWED * Our bi-lingual team are waiting to pamper you. CACI trained and registered to perform non-surgical facelifts and more. Ring now to book your appointment. ~ PLUS! Wedding hair & make-up team ~
26 rue du Commerce, 86400 CIVRAY Renaissance - hair, beauty, nails Tel: 05 49 87 16 33
SIRET 848 719 42300016
M. Cochon - from our fields to your table Providing a complete range of pork produce from our own Youna, Duroc and Cul Noir pigs No chemicals or rusk are used in the preparation of any of our products or methods - we do things the old fashioned, traditional way We offer FREE DELIVERY to most areas in 16, 87 & 24
www.mcochon.fr maisoncochon@gmail.com Tel : 07 69 09 16 03
Barbecue season is here! Think ribs, chops, pork steaks...
Our wonderful 10-day, dry-cured BACK & STREAKY BACON:11.50€ per kilo GAMMON and thick gammon steaks Hot water crust PORK PIES from 3€ - 5€ each ROAST PORK JOINTS with plenty of skin and fat for crackling
SAUSAGES - British style & variety - 97% pork (including gluten free): 10-11€ per kilo BELLY JOINTS/STRIPS: 500gm-6 kilo Fat PORK CHOPS approx. 500gm each chop LEAN MINCE and DICED PORK
& much more!
Farm shops, Wellbeing
Siret: 509 861 902 00013
Visit Alison, Stephanie & Laura at...