Hello

[Jane]

Hi, We've visited Montmorillon quite a few times. Just in the process of buying a house in La Trimouille, so quite interested to know what goes on in the area etc. I shall be reading the threads for a catch up. 

[Brian]

Welcome, Jane.

This forum is not the busiest but I've found it to be one of the most helpful.
I'm sure others will be along soon to add their greetings but in the meantime I hope your purchase goes well.

Brian

[Fred]

Hello Jane welcome to Around Montmorillon.  

All sorts of things going on, but it depends on what you are looking for. Most events go on during the summer months, but there are lot's of local markets going on all year round. If you are into walking and nature you will find loads of great places to visit, and within an hour or so you can find places like Futuroscope, Crocdile park, Monkey park, etc, etc.

Me I prefer doing nothing.  

I hope the house purchase goes well, and please don't hesitate to share your adventure.

Regards.

Fred.

[Jane]

Thanks Brian and Fred. Our son bought a little house in La Trimouille, for holidays, a couple of years ago, so that's why we got the bug. We've covered quite a bit of the area over the last few years. We are coming over for the completion in November, third visit this year. 
I was reading some threads on here regarding the internet and wifi. We are going to need pointing in a few directions for sure. We are basically buying a house with no phone line, no kitchen, although it does have a sink, of sorts, and no door on the bathroom. We're going to be busy for quite a while each time we come over. It'll be an adventure, I hope. Mainly cosmetic stuff needs doing on the two houses together, and some sorting out of the electrics. I think we must be mad, but it'll be worth it in the end. 
We do like going for walks. Quite like a good mooch around a market. We've been to the Montmorillon market quite a few times. Even went to the food festival there one evening in July. My son took me to the market in Lussac, but the next time we tried to go to it it wasn't on because of Les Herolles (excuse the spelling). I'm getting used to finding things out the hard way in France, such as making sure I get everyone out really really early, or by the time you get there it'll be lunch time and all will be closed.
Haven't been to the crocodile park yet, or the monkey park. Whereabouts are they? I hate snakes, but I am going to force myself to go to the serpent place soon in La Trimouille. 
We've already met some lovely people in La Trimouille and have found everyone really helpful, which is good. Right, I'm off to read some threads. Thanks again for the welcome.

Jane

[Admiral]

Hiya Jane and welcome aboard.

Nice to have someone else on here - apart from the usual suspects - who is obviously awake.

You should be able to find answers to a lot of your pending queries on the forum.

If not; just ask.  No one will bite your head off or have a laugh.

Most of us have learned the hard way and are quite happy to share our experiences and knowledge - for what it's worth.

I see you've already cracked one of the most fundemental basics to life in France - get out and about early to avoid disappointment, tears and sick etc as you find everything closing at midday.

Bonne chance with the house.

PS:  The snakes are kept behind plate glass and appear to sleep most of the time.

[Jane]

Thank you Admiral, and thanks for the info on the snake place. Reassuring  to know that they are most definitely behind glass. Incidentally, whilst we're on the subject, have any of you encountered any snakes in your gardens? I was chatting to an English couple in La Trimouille in the summer, who told me that they encounter them on their allotment. Not what I wanted to hear tbh, but such is life.

[Fred]

Thank you Admiral, and thanks for the info on the snake place. Reassuring  to know that they are most definitely behind glass. Incidentally, whilst we're on the subject, have any of you encountered any snakes in your gardens? I was chatting to an English couple in La Trimouille in the summer, who told me that they encounter them on their allotment. Not what I wanted to hear tbh, but such is life.

Yes there are snakes about but they won't bother you and would rather avoid meeting you more than you would meeting them. There are some very nice large yellowy green ones and they just go about their business, apparently it's the little dark ones to watch out for (but don't quote me on that as I'm no snake expert) as they can bite if aggravated but they won't kill ya.

I would say just enjoy nature, snakes, lizards, birds, boar, deer, etc. None will harm you especially if you leave them alone.

[Brian]

Most snakes will run (slither?) a mile away as soon add they become aware of your presence.
If you see a snake that doesn't - or especially one that stands it's ground and rears up at you - then give it a very wide berth. They're very unlikely to give you a serious bite but probably best avoided.
Just about everyone I've met in France had seen snakes in their garden but I have yet to meet anyone who has been (or knows anyone who has been) bitten.

Wasps, however, are a different matter ...

[Jane]

I don't know who would move quicker, me or the snake. We stayed in Chaillac in August and came across a rather lovely coloured black and yellow lizard in the back garden. Was lovely to see. Now I don't mind lizards or any other creatures, so no worries there. 
Where have you encountered the boar? Just as a matter of interest. It would be lovely to see some deer too.

[Fred]

Where have you encountered the boar? Just as a matter of interest. It would be lovely to see some deer too.

I've seen two boar. Once whilst driving around The Parc naturel régional de la Brenne just outside Le Blanc. And the other time whilst walking the dogs near our home, it was a bit of a surprise and he was as surprised as us. He just charged through the bushes and ran, the dogs started to chase but I decided it may not be a good idea so called them back. Later some hounds came through and they were trying to track him down for the hunters, but they ended up getting a bit muddled with meeting my dogs and went off in the wrong direction.  

As for the Deer we regularly got them in our garden where we used to live, they have been within a couple of meters of our window just munching away on the grass. They used to walk past us whilst working on the garden and didn't seem bothered about us at all.

Oh and we also saw a huge tortoise on the road at The Parc naturel régional de la Brenne, not sure if they are native there or it was lost from somewhere but it was a long way from any buildings. He was very heavy, I know because I put him behind a hedge in a field.