<![CDATA[Around Montmorillon - Health, Social, Legal, Work, Finance]]> https://aroundmontmorillon.com/ Thu, 16 Apr 2026 22:01:34 +0000 MyBB <![CDATA[Anglophone or bilingual groups]]> https://aroundmontmorillon.com/showthread.php?tid=1021 Tue, 22 Jul 2025 10:02:57 +0000 https://aroundmontmorillon.com/showthread.php?tid=1021
Finally overcome my technophobia, incompetence, laziness (take your pick) and got myself back on line.

Does anyone know of anglophone amdram or book groups in areas within, say, 30km of Montmorillon. I belonged to a group in Gers which ranged from playreading to staging performances in a local theatre. I also learned a reasonable amount about setting spottlights etc.

Ciao for now

Peter]]>
Finally overcome my technophobia, incompetence, laziness (take your pick) and got myself back on line.

Does anyone know of anglophone amdram or book groups in areas within, say, 30km of Montmorillon. I belonged to a group in Gers which ranged from playreading to staging performances in a local theatre. I also learned a reasonable amount about setting spottlights etc.

Ciao for now

Peter]]> <![CDATA[Dentists - quite a problem]]> https://aroundmontmorillon.com/showthread.php?tid=1010 Mon, 12 Aug 2024 17:01:01 +0000 https://aroundmontmorillon.com/showthread.php?tid=1010
I have to visit Poitiers hospital for an operation, but before they will admit me, they need to have a certificate of dental health provided by a French dentist. The process for this involves a general dental inspection and an analysis of a 3D tooth/jaw x-ray, which is made using equipment that many French dentists don't have.

'No problem' I thought. Time to find a French dentist. After many phone calls I was beginning to give up hope, as they all said that their books were full - although a place in Verrieres said that they might be able to take me on next April - that's 9 months away...

My MT's only suggestion was to try a surgery in Chauvigny: 'Go in person' she said 'and plead!' I tried that. Unfortunately they had closed for 6 weeks Summer holiday the day before I turned up on their doorstep.

But there's good news. After much searching, I finally found a cabinet dentaire who could take me on and carry out the required work in the required time frame.

There's also bad news: they're based in Cholet, 190km away.

My appointment is booked for tomorrow: I'll let you all know how I get on.]]>
I have to visit Poitiers hospital for an operation, but before they will admit me, they need to have a certificate of dental health provided by a French dentist. The process for this involves a general dental inspection and an analysis of a 3D tooth/jaw x-ray, which is made using equipment that many French dentists don't have.

'No problem' I thought. Time to find a French dentist. After many phone calls I was beginning to give up hope, as they all said that their books were full - although a place in Verrieres said that they might be able to take me on next April - that's 9 months away...

My MT's only suggestion was to try a surgery in Chauvigny: 'Go in person' she said 'and plead!' I tried that. Unfortunately they had closed for 6 weeks Summer holiday the day before I turned up on their doorstep.

But there's good news. After much searching, I finally found a cabinet dentaire who could take me on and carry out the required work in the required time frame.

There's also bad news: they're based in Cholet, 190km away.

My appointment is booked for tomorrow: I'll let you all know how I get on.]]> <![CDATA[Police English Chatline]]> https://aroundmontmorillon.com/showthread.php?tid=1009 Tue, 06 Aug 2024 10:39:52 +0000 https://aroundmontmorillon.com/showthread.php?tid=1009 https://www.masecurite.interieur.gouv.fr...e-yourself

It's on the bottom right or you can find information of your nearest police station on the left.

*If it's an emergency you should dial 112 or text to 114.]]> https://www.masecurite.interieur.gouv.fr...e-yourself

It's on the bottom right or you can find information of your nearest police station on the left.

*If it's an emergency you should dial 112 or text to 114.]]> <![CDATA[Down town Monty flooded]]> https://aroundmontmorillon.com/showthread.php?tid=1002 Sat, 30 Mar 2024 06:13:59 +0000 https://aroundmontmorillon.com/showthread.php?tid=1002 google translation  

FLOOD OF THE GARTEMPE river
La Gartempe got out of bed last night.
The river is currently at 3m40 (in comparison, we are at a level similar to the flood of March 2006, and well above 2016 when the water level reached 2m96).
The city center is flooded.
Water now appears in BD Gambetta, all the ground floors are to be moved to the low points.
Be careful, Vigicrues announces the continuation of the flood.
At 3.50 m, the Strasbourg Boulevard will have its feet in the water, more particularly the parking lot on Rue de la Marne and the public garden at Square Médina Del Campo.
The decline should take place around 1 p.m.
Be careful, warn vulnerable people who are affected by this flood.
The town of Montmorillon activated its crisis unit last night. The municipal police came at 3:30 a.m. to warn the residents concerned using a megaphone. Citizens are accommodated at the St Nicolas gymnasium.
The teams are on alert and are closely monitoring the evolution of the flood. In case of emergency or necessity, you can contact the town hall on 05 49 91 13 99.
As a reminder, the water rose to 4m95 in 1982 (city landmarks on buildings).

french version:
Ville de Montmorillon
CRUE DE LA GARTEMPE
La Gartempe est sortie de son lit cette nuit.
La rivière est actuellement à 3m40 (en comparaison, nous sommes à un niveau similaire à la crue de mars 2006, et bien au dessus de 2016 où le niveau de l'eau avait atteint 2m96).
Le centre-ville se trouve innondé.
L'eau apparait maintenant BD Gambetta, tous les rez-de-chaussée sont à déménager dans les points bas.
Attention, Vigicrues annonce la poursuite de la crue.
A 3m50, le bd de Strasbourg aura les pieds dans l'eau, plus particulièrement le parking rue de la Marne et le jardin public du square Médina Del Campo.
La décrue devrait avoir lieu vers 13h.
Soyez prudents, prévenez les personnes vulnérables qui sont concernées par cette crue.
La ville de Montmorillon a déclenché sa cellule de crise cette nuit. La police municipale est passée à 3h30 pour prévenir les riverains concernés au mégaphone. Des citoyens sont hébergés au gymnase St Nicolas.
Les équipes sont en alerte et suivent de près l'évolution de la crue. En cas d'urgence et de nécessité,  vous pouvez joindre la mairie au 05 49 91 13 99.
Pour rappel, l'eau était montée à 4m95 en 1982 (points de repères en ville sur les bâtiments).]]> google translation  

FLOOD OF THE GARTEMPE river
La Gartempe got out of bed last night.
The river is currently at 3m40 (in comparison, we are at a level similar to the flood of March 2006, and well above 2016 when the water level reached 2m96).
The city center is flooded.
Water now appears in BD Gambetta, all the ground floors are to be moved to the low points.
Be careful, Vigicrues announces the continuation of the flood.
At 3.50 m, the Strasbourg Boulevard will have its feet in the water, more particularly the parking lot on Rue de la Marne and the public garden at Square Médina Del Campo.
The decline should take place around 1 p.m.
Be careful, warn vulnerable people who are affected by this flood.
The town of Montmorillon activated its crisis unit last night. The municipal police came at 3:30 a.m. to warn the residents concerned using a megaphone. Citizens are accommodated at the St Nicolas gymnasium.
The teams are on alert and are closely monitoring the evolution of the flood. In case of emergency or necessity, you can contact the town hall on 05 49 91 13 99.
As a reminder, the water rose to 4m95 in 1982 (city landmarks on buildings).

french version:
Ville de Montmorillon
CRUE DE LA GARTEMPE
La Gartempe est sortie de son lit cette nuit.
La rivière est actuellement à 3m40 (en comparaison, nous sommes à un niveau similaire à la crue de mars 2006, et bien au dessus de 2016 où le niveau de l'eau avait atteint 2m96).
Le centre-ville se trouve innondé.
L'eau apparait maintenant BD Gambetta, tous les rez-de-chaussée sont à déménager dans les points bas.
Attention, Vigicrues annonce la poursuite de la crue.
A 3m50, le bd de Strasbourg aura les pieds dans l'eau, plus particulièrement le parking rue de la Marne et le jardin public du square Médina Del Campo.
La décrue devrait avoir lieu vers 13h.
Soyez prudents, prévenez les personnes vulnérables qui sont concernées par cette crue.
La ville de Montmorillon a déclenché sa cellule de crise cette nuit. La police municipale est passée à 3h30 pour prévenir les riverains concernés au mégaphone. Des citoyens sont hébergés au gymnase St Nicolas.
Les équipes sont en alerte et suivent de près l'évolution de la crue. En cas d'urgence et de nécessité,  vous pouvez joindre la mairie au 05 49 91 13 99.
Pour rappel, l'eau était montée à 4m95 en 1982 (points de repères en ville sur les bâtiments).]]> <![CDATA[The role of the Notaire]]> https://aroundmontmorillon.com/showthread.php?tid=990 Fri, 03 Nov 2023 09:59:21 +0000 https://aroundmontmorillon.com/showthread.php?tid=990
I have noticed a few times on this forum the suggestion to go back to the notaire.  

I dont think i realised that we could access the Notaire after the legalities of the house purchase had taken place.  

I have vague memories of our estate agent telling us to send an IBAN to them in case we had a refund on the payments (we didn't do this - is it too late?)

And more generally, do we just drop in, ask for an appointment - how does it work?

Any information welcome.   Thumb]]>
I have noticed a few times on this forum the suggestion to go back to the notaire.  

I dont think i realised that we could access the Notaire after the legalities of the house purchase had taken place.  

I have vague memories of our estate agent telling us to send an IBAN to them in case we had a refund on the payments (we didn't do this - is it too late?)

And more generally, do we just drop in, ask for an appointment - how does it work?

Any information welcome.   Thumb]]> <![CDATA[Hsbc]]> https://aroundmontmorillon.com/showthread.php?tid=983 Mon, 11 Sep 2023 20:12:19 +0000 https://aroundmontmorillon.com/showthread.php?tid=983

We are looking to open an online account before moving at 
End of the month.. i have a revolut but tbh prefer a traditional bank for a decent amount
Of savings. 
Looking for ones with a local ish presence and english speaking. 
Looked at BNP and SG but seen quite a few negative reviews.  Hsbc is being recommend a lot and 
I see braches Le Blan, Poiters and St Benoit if i had to go in person. 
Anyone use HSBC and experiences, i am assuming english speaking advisers. will mainly be online 
and not locally ?.

Thank you for any info]]>

We are looking to open an online account before moving at 
End of the month.. i have a revolut but tbh prefer a traditional bank for a decent amount
Of savings. 
Looking for ones with a local ish presence and english speaking. 
Looked at BNP and SG but seen quite a few negative reviews.  Hsbc is being recommend a lot and 
I see braches Le Blan, Poiters and St Benoit if i had to go in person. 
Anyone use HSBC and experiences, i am assuming english speaking advisers. will mainly be online 
and not locally ?.

Thank you for any info]]> <![CDATA[Private Health Insurance Help]]> https://aroundmontmorillon.com/showthread.php?tid=974 Tue, 01 Aug 2023 18:50:50 +0000 https://aroundmontmorillon.com/showthread.php?tid=974 <![CDATA[Taxe D'habitation]]> https://aroundmontmorillon.com/showthread.php?tid=966 Tue, 14 Mar 2023 21:37:34 +0000 https://aroundmontmorillon.com/showthread.php?tid=966
Deep breath!!

Been trying to find out more info about how we can declare the necessary for the Taxe D'Habitation which we now must do (we believe)

We have a place near Lathus and use it as a holiday home. We're reading that as second home owners, we must declare this but appear to be going around in circles trying to set up a personal space on the impots website.

Has anyone else had a successful journey on this - we've not had a personal space on Impots.gouv before as we've never had to declare anything and only used the site to settle property tax bills. We filled out what we thought was the right form, but had an email back directing us to our local office (which we must visit in person as we don't have a personal space on Impots..... Angry )

Any pointers gratefully received Confused Confused Thumb Rules Rules

Thanks everyone]]>
Deep breath!!

Been trying to find out more info about how we can declare the necessary for the Taxe D'Habitation which we now must do (we believe)

We have a place near Lathus and use it as a holiday home. We're reading that as second home owners, we must declare this but appear to be going around in circles trying to set up a personal space on the impots website.

Has anyone else had a successful journey on this - we've not had a personal space on Impots.gouv before as we've never had to declare anything and only used the site to settle property tax bills. We filled out what we thought was the right form, but had an email back directing us to our local office (which we must visit in person as we don't have a personal space on Impots..... Angry )

Any pointers gratefully received Confused Confused Thumb Rules Rules

Thanks everyone]]> <![CDATA[Electricity charge increase]]> https://aroundmontmorillon.com/showthread.php?tid=963 Wed, 15 Feb 2023 15:01:18 +0000 https://aroundmontmorillon.com/showthread.php?tid=963 Can anyone point neon the right place to find it please]]> Can anyone point neon the right place to find it please]]> <![CDATA[Yoga Near La Trimouille?]]> https://aroundmontmorillon.com/showthread.php?tid=945 Sun, 14 Aug 2022 23:07:12 +0000 https://aroundmontmorillon.com/showthread.php?tid=945
We are going to be in La Trimouille for 3 weeks at the end of August working on our house.

Can anyone recommend a local yoga class to stretch out all my aching muscles after a day of work?

Thanks

Kit]]>
We are going to be in La Trimouille for 3 weeks at the end of August working on our house.

Can anyone recommend a local yoga class to stretch out all my aching muscles after a day of work?

Thanks

Kit]]> <![CDATA[Is it rubbish?]]> https://aroundmontmorillon.com/showthread.php?tid=904 Mon, 03 Jan 2022 14:15:01 +0000 https://aroundmontmorillon.com/showthread.php?tid=904
Just saw Brian's note on the latest newsletter about rubbish collections.

We took delivery of two new wheelie bins with an incredibly boring leaflet a couple of months ago.

What concerns me is this:

The bins look ridiculously small compared to the ones we have in England.  What on earth can you get in them?

Someone told us the bins are microchipped and actually weigh your rubbish.

Yet another kind soul told us the weekly collection is now down to once a fortnight.

Is any of this right?  And if so, what is the point of weighing rubbish per household?  And why has the collection time doubled?

Pip pip,

Admiral]]>
Just saw Brian's note on the latest newsletter about rubbish collections.

We took delivery of two new wheelie bins with an incredibly boring leaflet a couple of months ago.

What concerns me is this:

The bins look ridiculously small compared to the ones we have in England.  What on earth can you get in them?

Someone told us the bins are microchipped and actually weigh your rubbish.

Yet another kind soul told us the weekly collection is now down to once a fortnight.

Is any of this right?  And if so, what is the point of weighing rubbish per household?  And why has the collection time doubled?

Pip pip,

Admiral]]> <![CDATA[Having documents printed]]> https://aroundmontmorillon.com/showthread.php?tid=886 Tue, 17 Aug 2021 13:20:36 +0000 https://aroundmontmorillon.com/showthread.php?tid=886 <![CDATA[Debit card - touch and go]]> https://aroundmontmorillon.com/showthread.php?tid=885 Sat, 14 Aug 2021 13:55:30 +0000 https://aroundmontmorillon.com/showthread.php?tid=885
I normally use my Credit Agricole debit card for making payment in shops. If the purchase is under 50€ you can use contactless payment - which in times of Covid seems like a healthy choice!
Up until a year ago, my contactless card worked correctly at least 9 out of 10 times. On the tenth, I'd be asked to enter my pin as a check on security. However, over the past 4 or 5 months, I've found that contactless payment is increasingly refused. This week, I've tried contactless on 5 occasions and 3 were refused.

Are the banks getting tighter in their security or have I suddenly become massively untrustworthy Sad

What are your experiences?

Brian]]>
I normally use my Credit Agricole debit card for making payment in shops. If the purchase is under 50€ you can use contactless payment - which in times of Covid seems like a healthy choice!
Up until a year ago, my contactless card worked correctly at least 9 out of 10 times. On the tenth, I'd be asked to enter my pin as a check on security. However, over the past 4 or 5 months, I've found that contactless payment is increasingly refused. This week, I've tried contactless on 5 occasions and 3 were refused.

Are the banks getting tighter in their security or have I suddenly become massively untrustworthy Sad

What are your experiences?

Brian]]> <![CDATA[health insurance advice]]> https://aroundmontmorillon.com/showthread.php?tid=876 Wed, 30 Jun 2021 15:45:28 +0000 https://aroundmontmorillon.com/showthread.php?tid=876 regards Peter]]> regards Peter]]> <![CDATA[LAST FEW WEEKS! Residence permit reminder]]> https://aroundmontmorillon.com/showthread.php?tid=872 Fri, 04 Jun 2021 14:49:38 +0000 https://aroundmontmorillon.com/showthread.php?tid=872
It really is simple to do and those that have lived here for more than 5 years don't have to give much information. All it takes is your personal details, proof of being resident for more than 5 years, and proof of living here in 2020. That's it apart from giving your finger prints and a photo.

For those not living here 5 years it's a bit more difficult but you can find all the information in English and French Here

There is another thread WARP Card where some of us have posted our experience,]]>
It really is simple to do and those that have lived here for more than 5 years don't have to give much information. All it takes is your personal details, proof of being resident for more than 5 years, and proof of living here in 2020. That's it apart from giving your finger prints and a photo.

For those not living here 5 years it's a bit more difficult but you can find all the information in English and French Here

There is another thread WARP Card where some of us have posted our experience,]]> <![CDATA[COVID PASSPORT]]> https://aroundmontmorillon.com/showthread.php?tid=870 Wed, 02 Jun 2021 09:43:18 +0000 https://aroundmontmorillon.com/showthread.php?tid=870
The basic idea is that an internationally recognised document will enable those who have received an appropriate course of Covid-19 vaccinations to travel abroad without having to produce tests or quarantine on arrival.

Many countries around the world are working on similar schemes (including the UK) and the EU is well advanced in its plans.

I find the Tous Anti Covid moblie phone app to be very useful. It gives up-to-date information about the pandemic and allows you to generate attestations etc easily and quickly. It can also store information about your vaccination status and is almost certain to be automatically linked to the Covid vaccination passport.

To store your vaccination status, you simply have to scan the document you were given at the vaccination within the app itself. Go to Form and Wallet, then select My wallet, then Scan QR Code).

But what if, like me, your form does not have a QR code? Ce n'est pas un problème!

Go to attestation-vaccin.ameli.fr, log on by selecting S'identifier avec France Connect, then choose which service to use to gain access - choosing the Ameli account is easiest here.

Click on Continuer sur Attestation Vaccin - Assurance Maladie
On the next page, click Mon attestation de vaccination to download it to your phone or computer.

Open the document. You can then print and scan the barcode, or (if you open it on a computer) just scan the barcode on screen.

Your Tous Anti Covid app will now show proof of your vaccination status.

I hope you find this helpful!
Brian]]>
The basic idea is that an internationally recognised document will enable those who have received an appropriate course of Covid-19 vaccinations to travel abroad without having to produce tests or quarantine on arrival.

Many countries around the world are working on similar schemes (including the UK) and the EU is well advanced in its plans.

I find the Tous Anti Covid moblie phone app to be very useful. It gives up-to-date information about the pandemic and allows you to generate attestations etc easily and quickly. It can also store information about your vaccination status and is almost certain to be automatically linked to the Covid vaccination passport.

To store your vaccination status, you simply have to scan the document you were given at the vaccination within the app itself. Go to Form and Wallet, then select My wallet, then Scan QR Code).

But what if, like me, your form does not have a QR code? Ce n'est pas un problème!

Go to attestation-vaccin.ameli.fr, log on by selecting S'identifier avec France Connect, then choose which service to use to gain access - choosing the Ameli account is easiest here.

Click on Continuer sur Attestation Vaccin - Assurance Maladie
On the next page, click Mon attestation de vaccination to download it to your phone or computer.

Open the document. You can then print and scan the barcode, or (if you open it on a computer) just scan the barcode on screen.

Your Tous Anti Covid app will now show proof of your vaccination status.

I hope you find this helpful!
Brian]]> <![CDATA[3 Covid jabs in France for patients on Immunosuppressants]]> https://aroundmontmorillon.com/showthread.php?tid=868 Thu, 27 May 2021 20:58:59 +0000 https://aroundmontmorillon.com/showthread.php?tid=868
France have recently reviewed their covid jab strategy and have put patients receiving an Immunosuppressant on three jabs of covid vaccine.

Today Mrs Fred went for her first jab this morning and met our old retired GP, he told her that I should ask about the third jab. As it happened I also had an appointment with my new GP this afternoon and she confirmed that it is being rolled out that anyone taking an Immunosuppressant is to have three shots.

#1 First shot

#2 Second shot 6 - 8 weeks later

#3 Third shot 4 weeks after the second.

If any of you are taking an Immunosuppressant it may be worth you having a word with your prescribing doctor or your GP if you are going for the covid vaccine.]]>
France have recently reviewed their covid jab strategy and have put patients receiving an Immunosuppressant on three jabs of covid vaccine.

Today Mrs Fred went for her first jab this morning and met our old retired GP, he told her that I should ask about the third jab. As it happened I also had an appointment with my new GP this afternoon and she confirmed that it is being rolled out that anyone taking an Immunosuppressant is to have three shots.

#1 First shot

#2 Second shot 6 - 8 weeks later

#3 Third shot 4 weeks after the second.

If any of you are taking an Immunosuppressant it may be worth you having a word with your prescribing doctor or your GP if you are going for the covid vaccine.]]> <![CDATA[First hospital experience]]> https://aroundmontmorillon.com/showthread.php?tid=860 Wed, 21 Apr 2021 09:40:30 +0000 https://aroundmontmorillon.com/showthread.php?tid=860 It was at the Department of Ophtalmologie (odd how French has 'Opht...' and English has 'Opth...') at Limoges CHU.

I used the relevant link on the website to email for an appointment and wasn't unduly surprised when, 24 hours later, I had still received no reply. However, on emptying my postbox, I discovered a letter (printed on photocopied headed notepaper) giving me the time and date of my appointment - in 7 days time. Recent experience in the UK for a similar appointment yielded a waiting time of 8 months.

I know Limoges spreads its hospitals over a wide area, so I then went back to the hospital website to discover exactly where the eye clinic was located. There was no direct information, but by searching other sites I eventually tracked it down to somewhere in the main building. At least I now knew which of the many buildings to aim for!

My second experience was trying to find out where I could park. On the hospital website, the only info I could find related to arriving by public transport. Much googling later, I discovered a public car park a 3 minute walk away.

When I arrived, an hour before my appointed time, I asked at reception where the clinic was located and set off down several corridors, eventually finding the right place. Still 50 minutes early. Inevitably, a queue...

About 10 minutes later, I presented myself at the desk and had a very confused conversation with the receptionist. She was about a metre away, behind a perspex screen, wearing a facemask. And she had a quiet voice. It eventually dawned on me that I should have taken a booking-in ticket from a machine in reception and then "follow instructions". Feeling a bit dazed, I made my way back to reception where I eventually discovered the small ticket machine (like one of those at the deli counter in a UK suspermarket). It was attached to a small pillar in a 12m diameter walled-off waiting area in such a way as to be completely invisible to anyone entering the hospital. But I was still 30 minutes early.

After waiting for 50 minutes, my number came up on the single TV screen and I made my way to 'bureau A'. Confusingly, bureaux A to G were all in one room.
I had to hand over CV, ID (first official use of my CdS - hooray!) etc and then go through address, phone number, relatives, hamster's birth cerificate etc. But at last, I was given a sheet of sticky labels with my details on and I was free to attend my appointment.

Now 25 minutes late by the time I arrived back at the Ophtalmologie clinic, I queued again. When I arrived at the desk, they needed my sheet of labels (which they returned to me) before asking for and re-entering name, date of birth, address etc etc etc.

By now, I had missed my appointment time by about 30 minutes, so resigned myself to joining the back of the queue.

To my astonishment, I was taken for an initial inspection within 5 minutes and then had to wait a further 3 minutes (3 whole minutes!) to be seen by the specialist. By now I was quite relieved that he was keen to practice his English on me. The result was that my French eye biology vocabulary has improved dramatically! After a thorough inspection, he pronounced that all was well and I could go happily on my way Smile

Now I know the system and I'm enrolled, I don't think I have to go through the 'ticket' process on subsequent visits.

However, the entire process was very much faster, and the department itself seemed much better equipped than the UK equivalent.

Are there any other French hospital stories out there?]]> It was at the Department of Ophtalmologie (odd how French has 'Opht...' and English has 'Opth...') at Limoges CHU.

I used the relevant link on the website to email for an appointment and wasn't unduly surprised when, 24 hours later, I had still received no reply. However, on emptying my postbox, I discovered a letter (printed on photocopied headed notepaper) giving me the time and date of my appointment - in 7 days time. Recent experience in the UK for a similar appointment yielded a waiting time of 8 months.

I know Limoges spreads its hospitals over a wide area, so I then went back to the hospital website to discover exactly where the eye clinic was located. There was no direct information, but by searching other sites I eventually tracked it down to somewhere in the main building. At least I now knew which of the many buildings to aim for!

My second experience was trying to find out where I could park. On the hospital website, the only info I could find related to arriving by public transport. Much googling later, I discovered a public car park a 3 minute walk away.

When I arrived, an hour before my appointed time, I asked at reception where the clinic was located and set off down several corridors, eventually finding the right place. Still 50 minutes early. Inevitably, a queue...

About 10 minutes later, I presented myself at the desk and had a very confused conversation with the receptionist. She was about a metre away, behind a perspex screen, wearing a facemask. And she had a quiet voice. It eventually dawned on me that I should have taken a booking-in ticket from a machine in reception and then "follow instructions". Feeling a bit dazed, I made my way back to reception where I eventually discovered the small ticket machine (like one of those at the deli counter in a UK suspermarket). It was attached to a small pillar in a 12m diameter walled-off waiting area in such a way as to be completely invisible to anyone entering the hospital. But I was still 30 minutes early.

After waiting for 50 minutes, my number came up on the single TV screen and I made my way to 'bureau A'. Confusingly, bureaux A to G were all in one room.
I had to hand over CV, ID (first official use of my CdS - hooray!) etc and then go through address, phone number, relatives, hamster's birth cerificate etc. But at last, I was given a sheet of sticky labels with my details on and I was free to attend my appointment.

Now 25 minutes late by the time I arrived back at the Ophtalmologie clinic, I queued again. When I arrived at the desk, they needed my sheet of labels (which they returned to me) before asking for and re-entering name, date of birth, address etc etc etc.

By now, I had missed my appointment time by about 30 minutes, so resigned myself to joining the back of the queue.

To my astonishment, I was taken for an initial inspection within 5 minutes and then had to wait a further 3 minutes (3 whole minutes!) to be seen by the specialist. By now I was quite relieved that he was keen to practice his English on me. The result was that my French eye biology vocabulary has improved dramatically! After a thorough inspection, he pronounced that all was well and I could go happily on my way Smile

Now I know the system and I'm enrolled, I don't think I have to go through the 'ticket' process on subsequent visits.

However, the entire process was very much faster, and the department itself seemed much better equipped than the UK equivalent.

Are there any other French hospital stories out there?]]> <![CDATA[Trouble at t'mill]]> https://aroundmontmorillon.com/showthread.php?tid=856 Tue, 06 Apr 2021 10:35:05 +0000 https://aroundmontmorillon.com/showthread.php?tid=856
Now they tell me they are having massive problems exporting their stuff out of France and business is drying up.  They can't work out which end has the problem.  All they know is the stuff is not moving beyond France.

Anyone got any clues here?  I, and they, thought Brexit was meant to tariff free.  Or are the french being their usual protectionist bureaucratic selves?

As a footnote I read that the long-running Mouse to House delivery service has stopped trading after what seems like decades of life-saving grocery drops of lifes essentials; Marmite, peanut butter etc etc.

They say their demise has been caused by french customs and their love of forms. Angry  Angry]]>
Now they tell me they are having massive problems exporting their stuff out of France and business is drying up.  They can't work out which end has the problem.  All they know is the stuff is not moving beyond France.

Anyone got any clues here?  I, and they, thought Brexit was meant to tariff free.  Or are the french being their usual protectionist bureaucratic selves?

As a footnote I read that the long-running Mouse to House delivery service has stopped trading after what seems like decades of life-saving grocery drops of lifes essentials; Marmite, peanut butter etc etc.

They say their demise has been caused by french customs and their love of forms. Angry  Angry]]> <![CDATA[WARNING! Service-Public.fr Email]]> https://aroundmontmorillon.com/showthread.php?tid=854 Fri, 02 Apr 2021 10:57:18 +0000 https://aroundmontmorillon.com/showthread.php?tid=854
It will mention the "New Carte Vitale" DO NOT CLICK ANY LINKS

You can read all about it here: https://www.service-public.fr/particulie...or=EPR-100

Here are the basics Google translated.

Quote:
Have you received an email using the Service-Public.fr logo and alerting you to a new version of the vital card? This email invites you to click on a page and enter your personal data to obtain your new carte vitale? Be careful, these emails do not come from Service-Public.fr and should not be followed up under any circumstances.

These are attempted scams called phishing. These emails, often alarmist, usurp the name and logo of Service-Public.fr . They encourage you to provide personal data (identity card, passport, driving license, vital card). This data will then be collected by the phishing author who will use it for purchases or banking transactions. For example, they can offer a paid online service for updating the vital card. In truth, the update can be done free of charge in most pharmacies and on terminals in health insurance reception points.

Service-Public.fr does not ask for money, does not reimburse it and never seeks to collect bank details. Service-Public.fr can nevertheless send you an email (subscription to alerts, follow-up of a process ...).

In general, be careful when you receive an email inviting you to fill out a form in order to change your health card where the sender:

   asks you for money or offers to reimburse you for a sum of money;
   seeks to collect personal information (bank details, marital status, etc.).

What to do with the message?

Do not reply to the email or click on the link contained in the message but destroy the message.

If you have already replied to a fraudulent message by giving your bank details, you must first of all make opposition to your bank.
How to report these fraudulent emails?

You can report these phishing attempts:

On the Phishing Initiative website: https://www.service-public.fr/particulie...its/R47282 This report will feed the reference databases of the main browsers to block access to these sites;
 
The police services on the reporting website (Pharos ); https://www.service-public.fr/particulie...its/R17674
   
At Info Escroqueries by telephone on 0 805 805 817 toll-free number (free call from France) from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.

Where to get information?

   Info Scams

   By telephone

   0 805 805 817

   Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.

   Toll free number (free call from France).

]]>
It will mention the "New Carte Vitale" DO NOT CLICK ANY LINKS

You can read all about it here: https://www.service-public.fr/particulie...or=EPR-100

Here are the basics Google translated.

Quote:
Have you received an email using the Service-Public.fr logo and alerting you to a new version of the vital card? This email invites you to click on a page and enter your personal data to obtain your new carte vitale? Be careful, these emails do not come from Service-Public.fr and should not be followed up under any circumstances.

These are attempted scams called phishing. These emails, often alarmist, usurp the name and logo of Service-Public.fr . They encourage you to provide personal data (identity card, passport, driving license, vital card). This data will then be collected by the phishing author who will use it for purchases or banking transactions. For example, they can offer a paid online service for updating the vital card. In truth, the update can be done free of charge in most pharmacies and on terminals in health insurance reception points.

Service-Public.fr does not ask for money, does not reimburse it and never seeks to collect bank details. Service-Public.fr can nevertheless send you an email (subscription to alerts, follow-up of a process ...).

In general, be careful when you receive an email inviting you to fill out a form in order to change your health card where the sender:

   asks you for money or offers to reimburse you for a sum of money;
   seeks to collect personal information (bank details, marital status, etc.).

What to do with the message?

Do not reply to the email or click on the link contained in the message but destroy the message.

If you have already replied to a fraudulent message by giving your bank details, you must first of all make opposition to your bank.
How to report these fraudulent emails?

You can report these phishing attempts:

On the Phishing Initiative website: https://www.service-public.fr/particulie...its/R47282 This report will feed the reference databases of the main browsers to block access to these sites;
 
The police services on the reporting website (Pharos ); https://www.service-public.fr/particulie...its/R17674
   
At Info Escroqueries by telephone on 0 805 805 817 toll-free number (free call from France) from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.

Where to get information?

   Info Scams

   By telephone

   0 805 805 817

   Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.

   Toll free number (free call from France).

]]>