Emergencies in France – what an efficient service

I recently had to visit the emergencies in Dinan with Chris who badly hurt his finger doing some DIY. Once we got there I noticed 5 people in the waiting room. I thought we would have had to wait a while. But by the time we ‘checked in’ (showed our Carte Vitale) it was already our turn to see a doctor! We didn’t even have time to sit down!

A nurse and a doctor looked after him. He was sent for an X ray (he broke one of his fingers) then had 5 stitches on his finger.

On the way home, we picked up some pain killers and antibiotics from our local chemist’s.

All this done in less than 2 hours! And the best thing was……. we didn’t have to fill in any paperwork or pay anything towards the operation, X Ray or tablets.

I can once more conclude that the French Health service is really efficient!

Chimney sweeping

The weather has suddenly changed. In Brittany, it has been raining nonstop for a few days, the sun has gone… The winter is on its way. Although it is not cold, we like to light the fire in the evening.

Before the winter, it is a good idea to have the chimney swept by a professional.

In France chimney sweeping (ramonage) is done by a roofer (couvreur). If you don’t know any, look in the French Yellow Pages (Pages Jaunes) under COUVREUR or ask your local mairie. They might be able to give you a list of the local Couvreurs.

The price for chimney sweeping is around €75. You will have to pay on the day and the roofer will give you an invoice which is the proof that the Ramonage has been done. In case of a fire, the insurance may ask you for it. If you haven’t had the chimney swept, the insurance might not cover you.

Recipe for apple jelly

Apples, apples and more apples!! They grow so well in Brittany that everyone seems to have apples coming out of their ears!! I use mine in various ways.

One of them being apple and quince jelly.

I use:

1.5 kg of apples

2 quinces

1 l of water

750 g of sugar

Juice of 1 lemon

Cinnamon and cardamom

I wash then cut the apples and quinces into quarters. I don’t remove the skin or core.

I put all the ingredients (apart from sugar) in a big pan. Once the fruits are cooked, I don’t let them strain overnight. I put the fruits through a strainer straight away. I then bring to the boil the juice and the sugar until the jelly sets. It takes about 25 minutes.

The problem I have is that this recipe only makes 2 jars! It is eaten quicker than I can make it!! It is nice on toast or pancakes…

Anyone who has a recipe to share, please feel free to contribute!

Taxe Foncière is due soon!

September and October are always difficult months in France! The tax man keeps asking for more money!

First the Income Tax at the end of August, then the Taxe Fonciere, then Taxe d'habitation. For others, like me, Social Charges and Taxe professionelle...
How many taxes can you pay in 2 or 3 months?!!

The Taxe foncière has to be paid by 15th October 2010. If you own a house in France, unless you bought it this year (2010), you will receive this tax directly.

It is paid in arrears which means you pay in October 2010 for the year 2010.

!!! If you don't send your payment on time, you will get a reminder with an extra 10% to pay!


How to pay your Taxe Foncière?

You can pay the tax online prior to 15th October. See on your tax (avis d'imposition) the different reference numbers (numéro fiscal, Référence de l'avis, etc) and the web site (click here for link to the official tax office web site). It is rather straight-forward.

You can also send a cheque made payable to the Trésor Public. (lucky him!)

A TIP is another solution. Send the bottom slip after dating and signing it together with a RIB (bank details) in the provided envelope before 15th October 2010.

To make life easier for next year, you can set up a monthly direct debit. You will pay the tax in 11 installments from January to November. So when you receive the tax, it is already paid for.

I have been paying my taxes that way for a couple of years and I can assure you it is a great peace of mind.


For the ones who have not paid yet, there are only 12 days left before the deadline!


If you require assistance with paying your tax online or setting up a direct debit, please contact me here. I will be pleased to help.

See this link here about why you must pay this tax.

Patchwork exhibition near Dinan

Looking for something to do on a rainy Sunday day?!

There is a patchwork exhibition at the Centre Culturel in Pleudihen sur Rance (near Dinan in Brittany) until 16th October 2010.



Free admission.

Evran Braderie today

Evran braderie (car boot sale) is on today. As it is raining it is mainly indoor. Most items sold today are for babies, toddlers and children: cloths, toys, prams, etc.

You will find it at the Salle Jean de Beaumanoir, near the canal. It is well signposted.

Rainy days in Brittany

Another rainy day in Brittany.... How much rain can we get in 1 week?!!
I suppose, we can't complain as we had nice weather from April to September!

The positive sides of it.... The well is now full. The plants don't need watering and there is plenty to do indoor. Paperwork to catch up - France is THE country for paperwork, cleaning, tidy up - jobs that we always leave for rainy days!!

I am about to bake (to escape from paperwork!!). That will keep me busy for a while!

If you live in Brittany, you can visit my posts about rainy days in Brittany.
You might find some interesting things to do if your house is tidy and your paperwork is in order!