I can thoroughly recommend a repeat of a super day out we had last week.........
lunch in Angouleme, then a guided tour round Chateau de la Mercerie at Magnac Lavalette 16320.
It`s a fascinating place....a chateau and huge folly, being renovated by volunteers, and still very much a "work in progress".
On Tuesdays at 14.30pm there is an English tour guide (other times are French speaking only). It`s not cheap (10 euros a head), although that obviously helps towards the ongoing renovations, and was thoroughly enjoyable.

Today I did not believe my eyes!

We stopped in the centre of Sillars as we had seen what purported to be a bagette machine dispnsing fresh bagettes for one Euro. Surely not I thought, it's the end of the Republic as we known it. Had we had the right change I would have tried my luck and seen what one Euro would have brought forth.

Can it be true? Does it work? Is it edible?

Chris

and Good Afternoon!

We appear to have a partial blockage in the piping from our kitchen sink.  It's clear through to the outside of the house where the kitchen sink waste pipe enters the ground but is partially blocked some distance underground.  If I pour some boiling water down the sink, it gurgles like mad and does drain instantly and the gurgling is some of the water water coming back to the surface around the pipe outside at ground level.

My understanding is that we are on mains drainage so ..... as it's outside, is it our responsibility to get a plumber in (any recommendations?) or is it Service des eaux?

Thanks
Chris

Always thinking ahead to another project, and although not quite ready to do the job yet, can anyone tell me the cheapest place around to buy gravel please?

I've just added another year to the Around Montmorillon domain.

I'm pleased to see the forum is still getting used, so keep it up and I'll keep renewing.

Be warned there are people knocking on doors trying to scam you by using the new insulation rule that came into place 01/01/2017.

Décret n° 2016-711 says that if you are renovating more than 50% of your roof or outside walls you must install insulation. The rule also applies to buildings being turned into habitation.

There are people knocking on doors telling you it is an obligation and they have to come in your house and tell you about the rules.

Don't fall for it, you can check on the new rules and make your own mind up buy going here:

https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/eli/decre...613394D/jo

If you do want insulation by all means get it done, but ask someone like Soregies to recommend professional companies as they will also advise about what discounts are available.

OK,wise ones!! I`ve bought some veg plants,but more significantly tomatoes. So WHEN exactly should I plant them out ????

Out on my travels the other day I noticed the Union Jack was missing from the Montmorillon roundabout near Leader Price.

You may know it's the one with all the EU flags on poles around the roundabout, well there is now one pole without a flag on and the Union Jack is missing.

So can anyone solve the mystery?    

#1 Has it blown away.

#2 Has someone pinched it.

#3 Is it being repaired.

#4 Has it been removed now Article 50 has been triggered.

Also what about the one at the Camp Sight is that still there?

Don't forget to complete your tax return: https://www.impots.gouv.fr/portail/

Last dates are.....

Internet: 06 June 2017

Paper: 17 May

In case anyone is interested in seeing how different regions/departments/towns voted, there's a useful website run by the FranceInfo TV channel. Here are the results for Montmorillon.

A lovely hour spent in Montmorillon today,at the jardin de passion.Bought 3 clematis, and some super clothes upstairs at Jane`s shop near the bridge. It`s all open again tomorrow, so don`t miss it.

9th Jardin Passion will be held at Montmorillon on 22 - 23 April 2017

In the market and the old town



https://www.citedelecrit.fr/9eme-jardin-passion

50 Artists will be showing at Saulge on the 15, 16, 17 April 2017 10:00 12:00 / 14:00 - 19:00

Free entry: Salle Espace 2000

Phn: 05 49 91 68 01

Vide Grenier at Montmorillon 23 April 2017 07:00 - 18:00

Espace Camill Olivet (Near the swimming pool)

If you want space it's €1 per meter
Phn: 06 01 71 38 53

Just a suggestion for a gentle afternoon outing........drive to Bourg Archambault, stopping at the chateau with stale bread to feed the numerous fish in the moat. From there , continue to St Leger Magnazeix, where there is a small, but very well stocked garden centre, run by an English couple. They serve excellent tea/coffee and delicious cake, at particularly cheap prices.

Pair of terracotta pots 8 1/2" x 11" - 25 euro the pair

4 glazed ceramic pots (green) size 11 1/2" x 8" 50 euro for the four
photo available if required