Lindsay Lohan or Roman Polanski?

Lindsay Lohan lands in France; Roman Polanski in clink in Switzerland.

Seems like France would prefer Roman - strange world?

Posted via email from FRANCE facts about

Realtors Encourage Buying Before Prices Rise Posted By : Art Gib

The foreclosure of homes across the country has dropped the price and value of homes everywhere. In New Jersey realtors are encouraging their clients to buy homes now before the interest rates and home prices bounce back. Because many people face foreclosure banks are working with homeowners to negotiate short sales. http://bit.ly/15WHmV

The 2010 ski season starts here - Times Online

Well, thank goodness summer is over. Now we can stick the barbie back in the shed where it belongs and start looking forward to winter.

The ski season is just around the corner, and I, like everyone else who’s caught the downhill bug, can’t wait to get started. On Travel, we’re unleashing an avalanche of ski articles over the coming weeks to celebrate.

Sebastian Faulks looks back on a lifetime of skiing holidays and reflects on how much easier it all is these days. He also reminds us that you don’t need to stay in a mega-resort with 30,000 guest beds to ensure access to world-class pistes.

Last winter, he got the benefit of not one but four skiing areas while staying in a luxurious chalet in a tiny French hamlet, far from the madding crowd. Where?

Read more: via news.google.com

it is sunny and warm in the UK - ski season around the corner: bizarre

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Ski Season Approaches - Top Income Opportunity

La Salle Les Alpes near Briancon SERRE CHEVALIER SKI RESORT

Top Location - bargain price and INCOME.

Looks like a great opportunity for an investor who is prepared to negotiate.

Large 120M rustic ski apartment property in 1870's building 5 mins walk to lifts in the heart of Serre Chevalier.

More details, price and photos: Serre Chevalier bargain

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Fanning the Waves

Australia's Mick Fanning has won the Quiksilver Pro France in punchy 1- to 3 foot waves at Seignosse, Aquitaine, France. Seignosse is on the Atlantic coast of West France in the department of Landes.

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The Big Six Chateau ....

The Independent reports on the Big 6 Chateaux to rent!

Take your pick from a neo-classical pile, a 16th-century hunting lodge and a former military headquarters...

If however, you are loking to buy a French Chateaux, we have over to 125 investigate. Like ....

16th and 18th century chateau with outbuilding in a sample of our property in Burgundy

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Festival de Loire 2009: Opening celebrations!

Enjoy some of the celebrations from 23rd September in Orleans on the Loire in the Centre region of France.

Posted via email from FRANCE facts about

The Frog and the Princess((Princess Diana,France))

In the latest bodice ripper, Valery Giscard d’Estaing suggests there was a relationship between a French President and Princess Diana.

Many critics point out the real-life parallels between the novel and the ex-President’s actual links with Princess Di.

Perhaps in his dreams - the phrase to "Di for" ?? Think about it!

Posted via email from FRANCE facts about

Do you wanna touch me?

France: You don't send us the Calais immigrants. We don't send you Gary Glitter.

Simples!

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French Property of the Week: Character stone country cottage with beautiful garden

A well renovated, detached stone cottage in lovely position down a no through road. Far reaching country views.

The cottage has ground floor:country kitchen with fitted units, double sink, beamed ceiling, door to back garden. Hall, lobby, shower room, toilet, downstairs bedroom.

1st floor: Lounge with views, woodburning stove. Shower room, toilet. Velux windows. Bedroom, fitted wardrobe.

House has new insulation, new electrics, new plumbing, electric water heater and heaters. New septic tank.

Outside: A beautiful large cottage garden filled with plants, lawn,vegetable and fruit plot.Gravelled terrace.Parking to front. Garden shed. All set in a very peaceful location.

More details: Cousmes Vauce Property in Mayenne, France

Price just: €106,000

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Buying a Home With a Well: What You Need to Know Posted By : Karrie Rose

The amount of water that your system delivers is another important issue that you'll need to know about your well. While the well record should give you some important information in this regard, it is also a good idea to have a contractor come out to do a water recovery test to see how quickly the well can recover after having water pumped out of it. This can let you know what your maximum ideal pumping rate should be. http://bit.ly/tD00G

Calais Jungle Clearance - lets pass the buck

French police began clearing the immigrant camp of hundreds of mainly Afghan asylum seekers. Where next?

They want to come to the UK! Under EU law, the country the immigrants land in are supposed to deal with and house them. OK, some will have landed in other countries but why do these countries and France not process and integrate the Immigrants. Oh no, lets kick up a fuss and blame the Brits for more lax Social Benefits.

Stop blaming the Brits and deal with the problem France.

Posted via email from FRANCE facts about

The Bear Facts in the Pyrenees

Two endangered bears may have been killed in the Pyrenees Mountains, the French Secretary of State for Ecology said.

Bears are a protected and threatened species in the Pyrenees.

One activist said "Two bears were killed this spring in Haute-Ariege."

For those who love the great outdoors - get the bare facts on property in the Midi-Pyrenees.

Posted via email from FRANCE facts about

Discovering Bordeaux

Great article here about Bordeaux and the surrounding Dordogne - still remains a great favourite of the Brits.

Extract from Discovering Bordeaux:

"Bordeaux. The name says it all. This whisper of a word conjures up images of luxury, gorgeous chateaux, elegantly dressed aristocrats, and lavish, sophisticated living.

We won’t even get into all the centuries of romance novel-style drama that must have included arranged marriages for the sake of building a family dynasty and all that, yet for millions of people around the world the word Bordeaux is almost a synonym for the very best life has to offer."

Easy access to Bordeaux - airports at Bordeaux and Bergerac, and autoroutes from the channel posts. Property prices have dropped in the Dordogne Valley but have been picking up in the last few months . Great selection of Dordogne property here.

Posted via email from FRANCE facts about

France tops Brits buying property abroad

Of course, we are biased but it is good when you get this type of confirmation ....
"France has stolen Spain’s crown as Britons’ destination of choice for buying property abroad as investors look to developed markets, IFAonline research suggests."
Conti Overseas Mortgages says "As France's property market is relatively stable, there is a strong appetite for lending to foreign investors, with low interest rates and lower property prices providing a buyers' market says Conti."

Posted via email from France Miscellany

France to close migrant 'jungle' - BBC News

By Emma-Jane Kirby BBC News, Paris

Some 1,500 migrants live in dirty settlements in Calais

France has said it intends to close the camp in Calais known as "the jungle", where migrants gather to try to reach the UK.

Immigration Minister Eric Besson told French television that the illegal gathering of tents and shelters should close imminently.

The jungle has replaced official camps like Sangatte as a gathering point.

Mr Besson said the closure would send a strong message that people traffickers could no longer use Calais.

'Humane operation'

Mr Besson is due to hold talks on the issue with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees on Thursday.

He said it would be the local Calais authorities who would set the exact date for clearing the makeshift camps near the port but added that in any case it would be closed before the end of next week.

Some 1,500 migrants are now living in insanitary settlements in Calais and neighbouring areas, hoping to cross to Britain.

The minister promised that the operation would be carried out humanely and that each illegal immigrant would be offered the chance to apply for asylum or to return voluntarily to their country of origin.

Many of the migrants come from Iraq and Afghanistan.

The minister insisted they would not be forcibly returned.

via news.google.com

About time too - what do you think?

Posted via web from France Miscellany

Top 10 Languedoc Wines

Recent survey of the Top 10 wines in the Languedoc

Le Loup Blanc Minervois 2006

★★★ (Three Stars)

Château de Sérame 2006

★★★ (Three Stars)

Minervois Réserve du Château

★★★ (Three Stars)

Cuvée Syrah Conference de Presse

★★ ½ (Two and a Half Stars)

Pic Saint Loup Grande Cuvée

★★ ½ (Two and a Half Stars)

Minervois Cuvée Vignals

★★ ½ (Two and a Half Stars)

Cuvée No. 3 - Domaine Rimbert Saint-Chinian 2005

★★ (Two Stars)

Le Mas au Schiste

★★ (Two Stars)

Coteaux du Languedoc

★★ (Two Stars)

Château Cazal Viel Saint-Chinian 2007

★★ (Two Stars)

Cuvée des Fées

Do you agree? Or can you supply some better wines in the Languedoc?

 

Posted via email from France Miscellany

The Many Considerations Of Homebuyers Posted By : Art Gib

Home buying can come down to a choice between a resale home and a new construction. When weighing the options it is important to think about the age of an existing home and the possible replacements and renovations that may be required. In new homes things like closeness to shopping, schools and work will have to be considered more so than in established neighborhoods. http://bit.ly/KBHXW

Happiness in France is ......

How long before Cameron comes up with his own list of "happiness" indicators. Gordon will want league tables so that we can have another quango, and be able to report year on, year on that Labour is working. What's New In France: Nicolas Sarkozy, as reported by the Telegraph, has proposed measuring France's economic progress through a series of "happiness" indicators:

1. Work-life balance – what is the ratio of number of hours worked to leisure time?

2. Traffic congestion – buying petrol may help the economy but sitting in a traffic jam increases pollution

3. Mood – people will be asked to record how much time is spent feeling happy or sad

4. Chores – do people have enough time to carry out childcare, cleaning and DIY?

5. Recycling – living a more sustainable life reduces the impact on the planet

6. Gratification – is life filled with short-term gratification or more fulfilling long term satisfaction?

7. Insecurity –are people feeling financially secure and safe in their homes?

8. Gender – are men and women treated fairly in the workplace and home?

9. Tax – does everyone get their money's worth from the government?

10. Relationships – do people have time to see friends and relatives regularly?

Note nothing about "how small you feel !!! Sorry Nicolas!

What's missing? Happiness in France is Bridget Bardot .....

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New Normandy Agent on 1st for French Property

We have a new agency in Lower Normandy - some lovely examples in this popular areas for the Brits. Easy access by ferries and the autoroutes. This is also one of the cheapest areas in France so check our some lovely properties.

http://www.1st-for-french-property.co.uk/1stFP/image.php?Id=146225&image_table=tbl_files

For example, this magnificent manor with superb on 1.2 hectares near Lisieux

Posted via email from France Miscellany

Classic car tour of France - guardian.co.uk

The next day was spent in the neighbouring Lot départment, where we felt it would be foolish not to try its most famous produce. We set about an assiduous tasting of Cahors wine, a rich, dark red made from the Merlot vines that cover the banks of the River Lot. We were struggling to make swilling and spitting look good, however, so we headed to the city of Cahors itself, where cruising the impossibly narrow alleyways, cobbled streets and medieval bridges was supposed to lend us all the polka-dot chic of the Papa and Nicole Renault Clio ads.

Nothing, however, could beat the drive to Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, a small town some 20 minutes east of Cahors, to which we had been directed in the pursuit of an interesting place to eat. For a start, we nearly didn't make it there, having underestimated the frequency of petrol stations in rural France. Driving a cute little MG turns out to have its advantages, one of them being that we only had to pull over and look helpless for a few minutes before a very nice man ran into his garden to fetch us a jerry can.

But that little episode paled beside the sheer drama of the approach to the town itself. Saint-Cirq is perched precariously on the top of a cliff, and the meandering route towards it means that you first sight the town a good quarter of an hour before you arrive there. From far off, you can see the church, jutting dangerously out over the brow of the hill; then it dips out of sight behind forests and railway lines before you're suddenly stunned by a jumble of houses that appear to be tumbling down the cliff face.

Sweeping up the road in the last light of the day was possibly the single most satisfying moment of the trip, especially as I caught at least one envious glance in our rearview mirror from the tourists following us up on foot. Saint-Cirq is a real foodie destination – in a village of only 207 people, every other family seems to own a restaurant. We ate at Le Gourmet Quercynois, which combines a homely, country-kitchen decor with an ambitious menu that leaves you in no doubt as to the local delicacies. (Specials include duck in nut oil, duck in truffle oil or truffle and nut salad with four different kinds of duck.)

By the final day we felt ready for a challenge. We had become both expert at putting the car's hood up and down (personal best: 35 seconds) and immersed in character as golden-age screen goddesses on vacation, waving flirtily as we overtook army convoys or, more often, unimpressed cyclists. Now we wanted to know what this car could do. Could it get us to three different sightseeing locations, a total of 253km apart, on our homeward leg to Angoulême?

via news.google.com

This should be fun - follow the Classic car tour of France with the Guardian; first stop was the Dordogne

Posted via web from France Miscellany

A family tour of France by campervan - guardian.co.uk

A retired German couple told us that until their family had grown up they had spent all of their summer holidays caravanning. "I think it is the best, most economical way for a family to see Europe," said the man. "We have been everywhere – Finland, Denmark, Poland, Italy, Czech Republic, Croatia, France, Spain."

We met the Germans in a campsite in a pine forest west of Bordeaux, next to Europe's largest sand dune, the Dune du Pyla. Here were all the usual facilities – a pool, a couple of restaurants, table tennis, swings – but also a beach that runs for a hundred miles along the Atlantic coast, reached from the site by tumbling down the great dune. We slung our hammock between the trees and strung out our washing lines and went exploring.

That evening, we ate in the restaurant with views out to the Cap Ferret, watching paragliders play in the air currents that rose up from the beach and pleasure boats sailing home to Arcachon. Afterwards, we walked down to the sea. It was a warm evening, and we swam almost alone off the beach before climbing the hill back to the campervan.

We came back from our holiday browner and fitter and better fed, having seen parts of France we would not otherwise have thought to visit. We were sad to give our motorhome back to Bernie. We loved the sense of freedom it had given us. So much that we are now thinking of buying one – one that's much older, of course, and rather smaller.

Getting there

Holiday On Wheels (+44 (0)1440 761 725, holidayonwheels.co.uk) rents a variety of fully-equipped campervans, from £650 per week. Go Motorhome Hire (+44 (0)845 686 4473, go-motorhomehire.co.uk) rents vans from £700 per week, including insurance and unlimited mileage.

Where to stay

For Caravan Club sites, visit caravanclub.co.uk (+44 (0)1342 326944). Camping La Catinière, Honfleur (camping-catiniere.com). Camping de L'Etang, Brissac-Quincé (campingetang.com). Camping La Venise Verte, Coulon (camping-laveniseverte.fr). Camping Pavillon-Royal, Bidart, Biarritz (pavillon-royal.com). Panorama du Pyla, Pyla sur Mer (camping-panorama.com). Camping de Chantepie, Saumur, Loire (campingchantepie.com/en). Camping Le Brévedent, Pont L'Eveque, Normandie, (campinglebrevedent.com).

Further information

On touring: discovertouring.co.uk. The International Caravan & Motorhome 2009 show (+44 (0)871 230 5575, caravanshows.com) takes place at the NEC, Birmingham, from 13-18 October.

via news.google.com

Great way to get around and see France.

Posted via web from France Miscellany

Property Prices in Provence remain High

What is happening to property prices in chic Provence? Well it seems according to the Daily Telegraph that demand is still high in the chic coastal resorts such as St Tropez.

One estate agent reports "feverish demand" for apartments and beach houses below €20 million (£17m) in the area – not from Russians but French, Italian and even English families looking for a second home in a quality location".

Posted via email from France Miscellany

3 buildings for renovation in Brittany - only 44,000 euros

http://www.1st-for-french-property.co.uk/1stFP/image.php?Id=144054&image_table=tbl_files

Looking for a French renovation project with potential? Situated in a small hamlet between Plemet at La Trinite Porhoet, Brittany. Plemet has a supermarket, schools, banks, post office, shops, bar and restaurants.
The buildings require total renovation.
Electricity and water to be connected.
Land of 3336m².

As they say you will have a blank canvas!

Still it is only 44,000 euros - Plemet Property details

Posted via email from France Miscellany

French lorry driver dies after exposure to seaweed

via news.google.com

Update on our earlier post:
http://socialising.posterous.com/poo-poo-in-brittany

Posted via web from France Miscellany

A slice of French life - Saint Amand-Montrond in Cher

A recent headline in the daily French regional newspaper Le Berry républicain read something along the lines of "Bumper harvest, happy farming" ("Moisson copieuse, agriculture heureuse". Somehow it sounds better in French doesn't it?) A recent headline in the daily French regional newspaper Le Berry Republican read something along the lines of "Bumper Harvest, happy farming" ( "Harvest hearty, happy farming." Somehow it sounds better in French does not it?) Not surprising really perhaps that agriculture should feature so strongly as the paper serves a region that in all senses of the word is very much at the heart of the country - both in where it lies and what happens there. Not really surprising perhaps that agriculture should feature so strongly as the paper serves a region that in all senses of the word is very much at the heart of the country - both in where it lies and what happens there. Grab a map of France and stick a pin roughly into the centre of what the French affectionately refer to as the "Hexagon" and you'll find the département of Cher. Grab a map of France and stick a pin into roughly the center of what the French affectionately refer to as the "Hexagon" and you'll find the department of Cher. It's one of six départments (along withl'Eure-et-Loir, l'Indre, l'Indre-et-Loire, le Loir-et-Cher and le Loiret) that make up the region known as Centre. It's one of six department (along withl'Eure-et-Loir, Indre, Indre-et-Loire, Loir-et-Cher and Loiret) that make up the region known as the Center. Although Cher is far from being the tourist magnet of much better known potential holiday destinations in France it has its distinct charm and is nowhere the backwater that it perhaps at first appears. Although Cher is far from being the tourist magnet of much better known potential holiday destinations in France it has its distinct charm and nowhere is the backwater that it perhaps at first appears. The largest town with a population of just 72,000 is Bourges, the "capital" of the département, complete of course with its 12th-13th century Gothic cathedral, a UNESCO World heritage centre described as "one of the great masterpieces of Gothic art" and"admired for its proportions and the unity of its design". The largest town with a population of just 72.000 Bourges is, the "capital" of the department, complete of course with its 12th-13th century Gothic cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Center described as "one of the great masterpieces of Gothic art" and "Admired for its proportions and the unity of its design. The town is also home to the annual spring music festival "Les printemps de Bourges" and of course it's just a 45 minute drive to the medieval hilltop town of Sancerre famous worldwide for its...well there's probably no need to go any further. The town is also home to the annual spring music festival "The Spring of Bourges" and of course it's just a 45 minute drive to the medieval hilltop town of Sancerre famous worldwide for its ... well there's probably no need to go any further. Travel 32 kilometres northwest of Bourges and you'll hit the département's second largest town, Vierzon, population 28,000 and with its share of chateaux (this is France after all) and a 12th century church. Travel 32 kilometers northwest of Bourges and you'll hit the department's second largest town, Vierzon, 28.000 people and with its share of castles (this is France after all) and a 12th century church. Apremont-sur-Allier, Cher Apremont-sur-Allier, Cher But drive towards the south of the département, and not forgetting on the way to stop by the charming Apremont-sur-Allier, one of the "most beautiful villages in France" (if you need proof of that epithet, these photos should help allay any doubts) and you'll come across a smaller and possibly less well-frequented town, Saint Amand-Montrond. But the drive towards south of the department, and not forgetting on the way to stop by the charming Apremont-sur-Allier, one of the "most beautiful villages in France" (if you need proof of that epithet, these pictures should help Allay any doubts) and you'll come across a smaller and possibly less well-frequented town, Saint Amand-Montrond. There you'll find a town packed with centuries of history, and one that while certainly not ostentatiously oozing wealth and prosperity, perhaps reflects a more authentic side of French life. There you'll find a town packed with centuries of history, and certainly one that while not ostentatiously oozing wealth and prosperity, perhaps Reflects a more authentic side of French life. With a population of just 11,600, it's far from being a bustling metropolis, but that doesn't mean it has nothing to offer the curious visitor. With a population of just 11.600, it's far from being a bustling metropolis, but that does not mean it has nothing to offer the curious visitor. It's packed with history, and once you've left the main shopping thoroughfare and found your way to the streets of the old town, you're in for a real treat. It's packed with history, and once you've left the main shopping thoroughfare and found your way to The Streets of the old town, you're in for a real treat. You can take in the Saint Vic museum or admire the sculpture of the 12 century Gothic church. You can take in the museum or St. Vic admires the sculpture of the 12 century Gothic church. Maison d'Angle, Saint Amand-Montrond Angle House, Saint Amand-Montrond Wandering through the streets, you can follow an itinerary provided by the local tourist office, with a route offering explanations that'll help the development and history of the town come alive as you dwell in front of the Maison d'Angle or make your way to the Cours Manuel. Wandering Through The Streets, you can follow an itinerary provided by the local tourist office, with a road offering explanations that'll help the development and history of the town come alive as you dwell in front of the house or angle make your way to the Course Manual. All in all it's the kind of town where even the most hapless of photographers would be hard pushed not to take at least some snaps worth sharing. All in all it's the kind of town where even the most hapless of photographers would be hard pushed not to take at least some snaps worth sharing. History apart, there's also the proximity of Saint Amand-Montrond to the huge and immensely beautiful Forêt de Tronçais, which is actually in the neighbouring départment of Allier and, for nature lovers, definitely worth a trip in its own right. History apart, there's also the proximity of Saint Amand-Montrond to the huge and immensely beautiful Forest Tronçais Which is actually in the neighboring department of Allier and, for nature lovers, definitely worth a trip in its own right. The forest has over 10,000 hectares of trees, a majority of them oak with just under a dozen classified as being at the ripe old age of 350 years plus. The forest has over 10,000 hectares of trees, a Majority of them oak with just under a dozen classified as being at the ripe old age of 350 years plus. There are 40-odd natural springs, four lakes and fauna and flora galore. There are 40-odd natural springs, four lakes and flora and fauna galore. Indeed the official site promoting the forest and surrounding villages probably quite rightly heralds it as "the most beautiful oak forest in Europe". Indeed the official site Promoting the forest and surrounding villages probably quite Rightly heralds it as "the most beautiful oak forest in Europe. And a great place to begin your discovery of the forest is the étang domanial de Tronçais (click here for a couple of photos) And a great place to begin your discovery of the forest is the pond manorial Tronçais (click here for a couple of photos) As well as its history, Cher is renowned for its unspoilt natural surroundings and numerous waterways and Saint Amand-Montrond certainly fits the bill as being a gem for both lovers of history and nature. As well as its history, Cher is renowned for its unspoilt natural surroundings and numerous waterways and Saint Amand-Montrond certainly fits the bill as being a gem for both lovers of history and nature. And if you fancy discovering a part of France that is undeniably French, then it might well be a town worth considering. And if you fancy discovering a part of France that is undeniably French, then it might well be a town worth considering. Just don't tell too many people about it. Just do not tell too many people about it. Original Article (CC) Attribution (by) (CC) Attribution (by)

Posted via email from howard's posterous

BARGAIN: French Property Fully Renovated for 33,000 euros - yes 33K euros!

Can you believe this price? Sure to sell quickly - so enquire quickly if you are interested. Details: Small detached house. Stone building in very good condition. The roof is new and all the inside has been renovated and is habitable without works. Large room on the front including a kitchen and a lounge.

More Bourbonne area Property Details.

Posted via email from howard's posterous

French Kiss of Death

France has only had 3 deaths from Swine Flu but a delightful way of life is about to change.

La "Bise" - the mutliple kissing on the cheek - is about to be banned. Is it 3 or 4 kisses on the cheek? Just keep them coming!! Such a shame.

French schools are being instructed to ban the practise. Even la "bise" (we should say it is a polite greeting) for your teacher is no longer allowed by school children. Can you imagine that being allowed in UK schools? More details

Posted via email from howard's posterous

A fete worse than death? Hardly in the Hautes-Pyrénées!

LA Times (USA) reports on an annual festival in Luquet (the annual fete locale, or traditional village fair, for this medieval hamlet) with its neighbour Saint Christaud. Luquet is a commune in the Hautes-Pyrénées department in southwestern France.

The women were busy preparing a sit-down cassoulet feast for 400 people, and as a treat for the women they were rewarded with a meal of fresh escargot!

A good fete involves a lengthy petanque competition; dancing and music till dawn; drinking for the same period of time; grilled Toulouse sausage and the cassoulet. Flirting is a must!

Sounds like fun!

Posted via email from howard's posterous

Where do the French Retire to?

The French Baby Boomers are set to retire in the next few years. Where will they be retiring to? According to a study by INSEE, the favoured regions will be "particularly strong" in Burgundy, Aquitaine, Poitou-Charentes, Limousin and Auvergne.

Occupations experiencing the most departures will be initially those occupied by many senior managers and employees of banking and insurance, business leaders and doctors, executives and employees of the Civil Service, executive secretaries, domestic workers, childminders, and farmers.

Approximately one third of people currently employed in 2005 will have permanently left the workforce by 2020.

Posted via email from howard's posterous

French Snail costs 36,000 euros

Well we all know that the French are laid back and life runs at a snail's pace in France! But at 36,000 euros for a snail sounds a bit slimy!

General Council of Charente have bought the rights to use a snail for use as an emblem. So you will not just see the escargot on your plates but on flags, t-shirts, etc!

Posted via email from howard's posterous

Not another Dead Parrott sketch in France

So far this week: Horse dying from toxic algae on a beach in Brittany; King Cobras rampant Neat Tours and now nearly 200 dead birds in the Loire where they have succumbed to an outbreak of botulism type D - although harmless to humans.

It is something like something out of a Monty Python sketch.

And now for something completely ..... Sunday Madness on the Rhone at Pont Saint-Benezet - this Sunday the winners will not necessarily be the fastest but will also score points for technical skill and decoration. Nil points!

Posted via email from howard's posterous

Have your cake and eat it in the Charente-Maritime !!

Did you know? There are about 3,800 bakers confectioners in Charente-Maritime and there are some 1,200 employees in the department.

So not only well-known for its seafood, but also for the bread. Check out your Boulangerie for some hot, delicious rural bread - this is the taste of France!

Posted via email from howard's posterous

Snakes Alive - is that a Cobra in France?

A King Cobra snake is on the loose in a village in the Indre-et-Loire (French Loire valley). Police have issued a public warning after a sighting in the countryside near the village of Bueil-en-Touraine, near Tours in central France.

Posted via email from howard's posterous

Poo-Poo in Brittany

Sacre-bleu - there is a big stink in Brittany. Brittany Property is a big favourite with the Brits. But this latest news will cause a big stink.

The rotting algae that is prevalent on the North Brittany coast. The worst affected area is Saint-Brieuc on the Côtes-d'Armor coast of Brittany but does stretch down the West coast to La Baule. The gases emitted are toxic and are extremely dangerous.

The French government are committing to solve the problem by Spring 2010. So that sea breeze may be more invigorating than you think!
(tags: Brittany, Brittany property,Côtes-d'Armor)

Posted via email from howard's posterous

Home Buyers Better Go While the Going is Good Posted By : Fritz Pfister

Although the Springfield Illinois housing market is good today, there are seven economic danger signs on the horizon. http://bit.ly/u2qd7

Auvergne - our tourist video to show the best of the Auvergne

Want to see the delights on the Auvergne? The splendid rural landscapes dominated by the extinct volcanoes plus stylish cities such as the spa town of Vichy and modern Clermont Ferrand. Auvergne Video << here

Extracts from our light-hearted view of the Auvergne:
"In 52 BC, the advancing Romans ran into Vercingetorix, leader of the Gauls at the Battle of Gergovia. The Romans were soundly thrashed and were sent to bed without any tea. Retreating to the river Allier, they noticed the water's beneficial effect on tired, aching legionnaire limbs. They immediately downed spears and built Vichy as a spa town and health resort, thereby adding the leisure industry to their already impressive portfolio of ruthless colonialism and military innovation. Vichy is now home to the laboratories of beauty behemoth and skincare juggernaut L’Oréal. L’Oréal's famous slogan "Because I’m worth it" was changed recently to "Because you're worth it". L’Oréal's net annual revenue is about £12 billion, so they probably are worth it." More funny Auvergne revelations << here

Property prices - like much of rural France - are relatively cheap. So if you are looking for an Auvergne Property << click here

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