Smoke detectors for French homes

As from 1st January 2016 (not March 8th 2015), all properties in France must have a smoke detector installed. If you are a landlord, you have to install a smoke detector in each flat / house you own. If you are the tenant, you are responsible for the maintenance of it (ie you must replace the batteries when need be).

Smoke detectors don't have to be wired in, they can just be batterie ones.
This applies also for furnished and unfurnished properties in France. 

Make sure you buy a smoke detector which has the NF sign on. You will easily find some in DIY shops in France.

Our fire alarms were fitted the day we bought our French house 12 years ago, so I won't be rushing to the DIY shop! We are already complying to the French regulations.

Beauty salon in Evran

Karen, a young French lady opened her beauty salon Belle et Zen in Evran just before Christmas 2014. It is located in the industriel estate Z.A. d'Evran, so a bit hidden but it is very well sign-posted.

I treated myself to a hot oil massage, one hour long. What a treat!
I recommend this salon to anyone!
Karen also do Manucures using OPI nail varnish and make-up.

You can check Karen's Facebook page for special offers:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Belle-et-zen-evran/971374126213429

She is selling the special edition of 50 Shades of Grey at the moment!

Dinan fun fair

Dinan fun fair with its 68 rides has started! You will find it on the Promenade des Petits-Fossés, along the remparts in Dinan. It is on until 23rd March.
Fun fair = Fête Foraine or 'La Vogue' where I come from!

I took this photo one sunny morning, it is not always that quiet!

Treverien plant sale

The plant sale (Vide Jardin) in Trévérien is on 5th April 2015. It is always the first Sunday in April so quite easy to remember the date.
You will find some plants, bulbs, shrubs, seeds, gardening tools etc at a great price. It is like a car boot sale but you will only find gardening things there.
The location is great: it is along the canal and only 20 min from Dinan in Brittany, France.
I have just booked my usual 2 m stall and have been busy preparing cuttings. 

Applying for a badge for Evran déchetterie

If you have a house (main residence or holiday home) in Evran, Le Quiou, St Juvat, St Judoce, Plouasne or Les Champs Géraux, you need to apply for a badge to be able to use the déchetterie from February 2015.

A form was sent to you by post. You need to fill it in: your name and address and send it back by post together with a proof of address (EDF or water bill) or drop the paperwork round the déchetterie.

If you don’t apply for a badge, you won’t be able to use the déchetterie!

Last minute offer for our gite in Brittany

Our gite in Brittany is available from 30th August to 6 September.
This is the only week left for this season!

The rental is 320 pounds instead of 450 pounds.
It can accommodate up to 6 people.

Please follow this link here for more info.

To take advantage of this last minute deal, please quote 'blogrg' when booking. Thank you.

Market in Evran

Evran market takes place every Saturday morning opposite the mairie.
On the second Saturday of each month there is a special market with all our local producers (locally made patés, rillettes, camemberts, apple juice, organic produces, etc) and live music from local artists.