I'm hoping for some help here.
We are based in a tiny hamlet,  and most of the parcels of land are owned by us or our French neighbours.

M. Le Voisin knocked at my door earlier to ask if we'd be interested in buying a parcel. It's a bit less than a hectare,  and is bounded by a chemin on one side, our land on 2 sides and land attached to a fishing lake (owned by a remote landowner - they come to fish on 5 or 6 weekends a year) on the fourth side. The field doesn't have any obvious agricultural value but would possibly be good for some fruit trees and it would fit neatly into our existing land. We're 3km away from the nearest village and there is no power or water supply to the land.

The owner has suggested that I make an offer.  Does anyone have any idea of the going rate for land of this type?

Thanks in advance,
Brian

Has anyone got any recommendations for a plumber please? We already have the number for one bloke, who has said he will fix a leak for us. I think he is doing the job for us, but now haven't heard back from him. Just in case, we could do with some other recommendations please.

The other half is venturing over in a couple of weeks and shall be pouring weed killer down on those sticky weeds we have all over the front area of the house. Anybody know the best one to buy over there and who stocks it please? I know we can get it from the garden centres or supermarlets, but just wondered if anyone had any recommendations. Best for him to put it down when the dog isn't around you see and then we can rake up the dead stuff in April. That's the plan anyway, but we all know about the best laid plans of mice and men...

Has anyone got any good top soil going spare?

I want it for vegetable growing so none of the local Clay thank you, I have plenty of that.

Thank you.

I have once been told off for not stopping at a stop sign. You know the sort we have around here, a huge white line against you with a stop sign and no traffic in sight so you just cautiously go across without actually stopping. I was told by Monsieur Plod that it is important to stop the wheels of the car or I could get a fine, but it must have been my lucky day as he let me off with a warning.

But now they are testing cameras on stop signs in France and in one day the first one tested nabbed them 500 naughty drivers that didn't stop. There is no argument as stop means stop so be careful, we don't have the new cameras here yet but you bet your last baguette it won't be long.

Also remember that the Monsieur Plod may not be so forgiving next time as the fine can bring him a nice bit of cash for the policeman's ball.

So next time you see one of those fat white lines against you and a big red stop sign you would be wise to stop your car and count to two before crossing the line. Yes I know there is probably nothing there but you could find three gendarme hidden up just out of sight taking bets on how much they can get before all the other drivers start flashing their lights as a warning.

Oh the cost of the fine by the way is €135 yep you read it right €135 for not stopping your car.

Just thought someone may find this helpful.

I don't usually bother voting in elections, but with the Brexit referendum likely to be taking place soon I thought I should look into how I can vote.

You will need your Passport, National Insurance Number, and answer various other questions about where you last lived, when you left, etc. You will also be asked if you want to vote by post, in person in the UK, or by giving someone permission to vote on your behalf.

I also gave them my Email as they will send you conformation.

You can find the page to fill in here: https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

Don't delay if your not registered as the referendum could have an impact on you if you either Live here, Work here, Own property or land, Have a holiday home, Purchase from the EU, or even just visit for a weekend break and much more.

You have the right to vote, so use it.

Bonjour All,

Has anyone used the 'hold mail' service of La Poste and, if so, is it best to arrange in person at a bureau or can one do it easily online? Furthermore, if you have used the service, does it 'work'? I seem to be a person of little faith when it comes to these things.

Many thanks for any information...

As you may well know the French banks charge you to have a bank account, it's a damn cheek and extortion but there doesn't seem to be a way around it if you want a French bank account (which you will do if you live here and are in the system) and no sorry I don't have an answer.

But there is a new website where you can go and check out the racketeers prices for holding onto your money. It may help you with your choice of Bank, but my tip would be don't always go by price and check out the service offered.

Here's the website: https://www.tarifs-bancaires.gouv.fr/

Bonjour tout le monde,


Does anyone know someone in our general area who installs fencing? 
Haven't chosen the fencing yet (it will not be electric) but just need to know there is someone who provides this service.
Thanks very much for any info...

An interesting article about the Robuchon college in this month`s Vienne magazine.What difference to Montmorillon do you lot think the Robuchon opening will make?

The bar at Thiat (which used to be run by Paul and Tara), has now re-opened, serving REAL ALE (Bombardier and Directors), and with a decent range of menu choice. Fish/chips are served on Friday and Monday nights (I can vouch for these), and have a Sunday lunch roast offering.Booking is advised......tel 0555 47 34 45

Here's a handy little tool if you ever want to see your place (or anywhere in France) from above and be able to lay the Cadastral Maps on top.

https://www.geoportail.gouv.fr/accueil

Choose the way you want to look at it. Type in your address or town/village. On the left you can see the Cadastral layer, just click and it will add it to the view.

Hi everyone....just a general warning to say there are thieves about. Friends of ours in Bourg Archambault have had several items stolen in the last couple of months from an unsecured garden shed.....but in the middle of the village.Stolen items include a table and 6 chairs, 2 sun-loungers, BBQ and even a coal bunker with coal.
Be aware, and lock items away.

Hello everyone
We are in need of some help, does anyone know of a good experienced architect or planning consultant in the area ?
We need help with our application to the DDE and the CU certificate.
Any ideas will be really appreciated.

Thanks
Cari x

Hello Members, I have just discovered Around Montmorillon as a result of a web search. Although I am not online that often, I hope to take part in some of the discussions every now and then.
Happy holiday season to all...

I'm proud to announce that myself and Madame Admiral are now the proud "owners" of a MOLE.

Three mole hills appeared a couple of days ago followed by another two a few days later.

Whilst we were quite pleased the little fella (girlie?) had decided to visit, everyone we spoke to shook their heads in dismay and strongly advised the "bloody thing" should be got rid of toute suite.  Why?

I know they damage the roots of stuff they bump into but what other harm can they be doing?

On the upside I'm told the dirt from a molehill is excellent for potting etc etc.

So.......do I need to indulge in a spot of whackamoley or just leave it to get bored and go and bother our neighbours?  

Confused.

Has anyone ever ordered some of the myriad festive platters on offer at Leclerc and Super U?

With visitors staying over the festive period it looks, from the brochures at least, a good idea to order some of these delights to:

a)  Give our chums a good opportunity to taste French tucker and

b)  It saves me a lot of hassle in the kitchen so I can then devote more time to sampling vin rouge.

But - and here's the rub - do these things taste as good as they look and, more importantly, are they of a decent size to feed four adults?

I have a horrible feeling they will be miniscule resulting in myself and Madame Admiral having to spend a small fortune on top of already providing free hotel facilities.

Hi, I have a few items for sale...
a)2 wheeled chassis for sale , with a tow hitch. The tyres are decent.........should reasonably easily make a motorcycle trailer, or a small trailer.
40 euros
b) a set of french windows (ie like 2 doors), wooden, glazed, with a handle, in good condition 25 euros
c) a large acrow prop 10 euros
d) a wooden high chair 18 euros
e) a fridge freezer (2/3 by 1/3 split) though the fridge runs rather cold 50 euros

All collect from Brigueil le Chantre....and discount for multiple purchases!!!

We've just installed some drainage to cope with the rain run off from the roof of our barn, so now have a nicely cleared and leveled piece of garden about 35m x 5m. The plan is to grass it over.

Is it worth seeding it now (early December) or should I wait until the Spring?

All suggestions gratefully received!

Brian

Hi. I see the Tour de France route has been announced for next year. The stage from Samur to Limoges looks like its going close/through Montmorillon.

Does anyone have any more info as to the specifics (if they've released them). I'm guessing Montmorillon-Lathus-Le Dorat may be part of it?

Look forward to hearing any news