Noise Restrictions - acceptable hours for building works

[Jane]

I’ve sent you a private message Nigel, in case you miss it.

[Nigel]

I've located the house - just 50 metres from my door! I'll pop round to morrow if your husband and son are there an make myself known. The man in question (Charles) appears to be a next door neighbour, his property being no. 1 Rue Jean Jaures.

This whole saga began just over a year ago when he started victimising workers in another next door property to him in Rue Jean Jaures (no. 3); at that time I kind of sympathised with him since walls between properties are thin and the works had been going on for 18 months or more (they're still going on - albeit with different workers who are quite prepared to stand up to him). However, when he attacked me (the first resident he attacked) I revised my opinion somewhat since it was totally unjustified as I live some properties away on the other side of the street. Ironically his wife is Romanian; but since she is a very nice person and constantly apologising for his behaviour, the other French residents have tolerated him. But this cannot go on, he's now lashing out when not observed by others at everyone in the vicinity carrying out much needed renovation work - English and French alike!

In France, I have learnt, at least in our region, Saturday is considered the same as any other weekday and we are all perfectly entitled to carry out work in and outside our properties. Avoiding making undue noise between 12:00 and 14:00 is merely a matter of courtesy and in no way enshrined in law. You can work on Sunday mornings also, for that matter (none of us do), but Sunday afternoons are sacrosanct! However, Charles makes up his own laws as he goes on since he has nothing better to do, I guess, whereas his wife works long hours as a nurse in Montmorillon. C'est la vie.

[Jane]

As we speak my husband, Pete, is at Limoge airport, due to take off at 4.30pm your time. Our son is headed back to the house now, after dropping him off, so he will definitely be back there tomorrow. He would love to say hi and introduce himself I’m sure. He did tell me to give you his address. He also has another property in the village, and we do too. They’re all slow works in progress, due to distance. 
I’m sure he’ll fill you in with all that tomorrow. 
We’re over soon too, so if you’re around pop up and say hi. As long as you don’t mind the mess that is 

[Jane]

Nice to see you met up with Kevin this morning Nigel. He says you're a very nice man. It's good to get to know more people in the village. Can't believe how close your house is to his.