Chris Slade describes the son et lumiere presentation at the abbey of Bon Repos called "Le Pays de Conomor" in Brittany, which takes place during the first two weeks of August.

Martin and Nadine haven’t been to France since January, and Covid complications certainly are an issue and a constant worry. It seems sorting out a ferry crossing isn’t the only hurdle. Is it better to go or to cancel?
On 1st July 2012, a law was introduced in France: all drivers had to carry a breath test kit in their car. Find out why and if or how that law was implemented. Read more about the driving requirements in France.
Kouign-amann is a beautiful, buttery, traditional Breton cake. During the current lockdown, unable to travel to Brittany, we have found an alternative: the British lardy cake. Read on.
Is it possible or indeed practical to buy a LHD car in the UK, originally registered in Poland, and then import it to France? Are there guidelines to be followed?
In recent years, travelling across to the continent and driving in France has become increasingly easy for Brits, but there are laws and regulations to bear in mind while driving abroad.
by Martin Jarvis | Jul 8, 2019
Chris Slade describes the son et lumiere presentation at the abbey of Bon Repos called "Le Pays de Conomor" in Brittany, which takes place during the first two weeks of August.
by Martin Jarvis | May 7, 2013
Can anyone buy a metal detector in France and go detecting wherever they like? You can if you’re on a beach, but in other areas you are likely to need a licence for metal detecting in France
by Martin Jarvis | May 8, 2012
The French celebrate the ending of the second World War ni France every year on 8th May. Le Jour de la Liberation is a public holiday in France.
by Martin Jarvis | May 1, 2012
Bastille Day is celebrated in France on 14th July every year and commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789 by the citizens of France.
What is Bastille Day and why does France celebrate on 14th July?
On 1st July 2012, a law was introduced in France: all drivers had to carry a breath test kit in their car. Find out why and if or how that law was implemented. Read more about the driving requirements in France.
The Summer holidays are nearing the end in France and everyone is preparing for “La Rentrée des Classes”. On September 2nd, every school in France will officially re-open its doors for the new school year.
Kouign-amann is a beautiful, buttery, traditional Breton cake. During the current lockdown, unable to travel to Brittany, we have found an alternative: the British lardy cake. Read on.
Make sure there is a clear and obvious way for people to get in touch with you wherever they are on your website. Failure to do so could result in lots of potential bookings finding their way to somebody elses website.
Find out how important it is to be easily contactable and how to fix it
What’s in a name, Simon asks? His Brittany property has two names – the original, official Breton name, and the slightly changed name chosen by the previous owner of the property.
Learn a little about Breton property names and why they change over time
Has your French commune adopted the tourism tax yet? The commune of La Gacilly in Brittany has and Nicola is not sure it will work – or is fair…
Find out about Tourism Tax in France and let us know if you think it is a fair and practical tax
If you could live anywhere in France, where would it be? See our readers’ favourite places and vote for yours!
Can you light a fire outdoors in France to burn your garden waste? Maybe – but it’s best to check first with your local Mairie or fire service to make sure you don’t get a fine.
by | Mar 23, 2011 | Gardening in France | 2 comments
I have planted less potatoes than in previous years partly because last year the Colorado Beetle was so dreadful. Yesterday I put in one row of Pink Fir, two rows of King Edwards and I still have two rows of Maris Piper to plant.
If anyone has a dream cure for Colorado Beetle I’d love to hear it! Too many to squish by hand – a vacuum cleaner might do it but the cable isn’t long enough! Any ideas?
What are Colorado Beetles?
The Colorado Beetle (also known as the Colorado Potatoe Beetle) is a crop pest – both adults and their larvae feed on the foliage. Although principally attacking potato crops, these beetles also cause damage to other crops such as tomatoes and aubergines. They are around 10 mm long, with a bright yellow or orange body and five bold brown stripes.
Colorado Beetles rapidly become tolerant to chemical insecticides, but there are a few natural enemies that can be deployed to control populations (as long as your insecticides don’t kill them off) such as the ground beetle (Lebia grandis) and a pathogenic fungus called Beauveria bassiana (which can be applied via a regular pesticide sprayer).
Jean. I posted your request for help getting rid of colorado Beetle onto Twitter a few days ago and have so far received the following replies…
“Beauveria bassiana can be used as a biological insecticide to control the Colorado beetle. CB is a notifiable pest in UK.” from Huw Helps
“We had to stop growing all potato family (aubergine tomato too) for years to clear them” from LaRoultiere
and a witty…
“~ check their visas – they might be over-stayers – in which case you can send them back…” from Bob Hayward
I hope you find these useful.
Thank you all for your replies. I will check the visas and spray the rest with Beauveria bassiana or whatever I can find locally. I hope very much that I won’t have to stop growing tomatoes and aubergines. I can do without potatoes but not without ratatouille!