|
|
|
|
WHY MOVE TO NORTHWEST FRANCE??
Many Brits are moving permanently to our beautiful
region, many more enjoy holiday homes here.
Whats the attraction?
Why would you chose to 'upsticks' and start a new in
a country that doesnt even speak your language!
Well, among the many and
varied reasons, a lot of people are seeking a 'better'
way of life; getting away from the 'ratrace' and living
at a slower pace;
more space and affordable land to to enable them to
fulfill a wish to grow their own food, keep horses or
livestock, and a government that positively encourages
farming!
Others want a less restricted
lifestyle for their family, where there is less crime,
less fear, 'old fashioned' manners and morals, and certainly
a commendable Education and Health system!
For retired folk too, the
air is fresh, there are still village shops and local
services, and neighbours are, on the whole, friendly and
concerned if they miss seeing you! You can receive your
UK pension which goes much further!
....There are always disadvantages
though...no where is paradise!
*******************
THE COUNTRYSIDE
The northwest of france
is a rich and varied landscape.
What flora and fauna can
you discover here?
° Red squirrels still roam free!
° Wild Boar can be spotted in many regions!
° Springtime fills the lanes with cowslips and later,
orchids!
° Buzzards and Kites are commonplace across much
of the Parc Regionaux
° Huge variety of garden birds, such as Treecreeper,
Woodpecker, Redstart and Nuthatch thrive!
° Lizards and Snakes sleep in the sun!
° Meet the Ragodon, not popular with the farmer
here, a huge ratty type fellow who will eat your crops!
|
|
|
|
The Pays de la Loire
A region of rich agricultural and viticultural terrain,
and a wealth of romantic and magical chateaux!
At Saumur,
the Cadre Noir, seat of military excellence in horsemanship,
is also where you will find a calendar of Equestrian
Events, from Cross Country, to Driving Trials.
Do you
have your own webpage to region of the Loire in English??
I am happy to SWAP links in the good will of exchanging
regional information!
Soon
to be listed:
The english version weblinks of the French tourist boards!
|
|
|
|
BRITTANY
Visit the excellent and informative site at
http://www.blavet.co.uk/
if you live in
the Morbihan, or would just love to know more about
the region!
Brittany
has its own regional language, Breton.
Known for its folklore, the region boasts a long, rugged
and beautiful coastline.
The Breton
horse, treasured in this region and across north west
france, is a strong, active draught horse, with a temperament
that matches the reputation of the 'gentle giants' such
as the Shire and Clydesdale.
He is not as tall as these chaps, being nearer in stature
to the Suffolk Punch.
There
is also a lighter version called the Breton Postier,
which was developed to cater for the fashion of a clean legged
and less robust carriage horse.
Find out more at the Breton Horse site http://www.imh.org/imh/bw/breton.html#assoc
We have
a young Breton horse which we are training to light farm
duties and driving, follow our photographic progress on
these pages!
|
|
| First lessons for our young Breton! |
|
|
NORMANDY
There is an excellent website and forum for this region at http://www.vienormande.com
Covering Haut Normandie - with its industrial centre
at Rouen,
to the cider and dairy region of
Basse Normandie, where the ferry brings you near to
the WW2 nostaligic City of Caen.
The Suisse Normande is a beautiful craggy region,
enthusiastically named for its dubious resemblance to
the Swiss alps!.....it is very pretty though!
The Orne, Mayenne and Calvados departments, proud
of its reputation as a horse breeding region, includes
the famous Haras du Pin, beautiful palace dedicated to
the horse, and open to the public for stallion displays
on certain days!
Trotter racing is popular in particular, although
courses are found across france.
The french tradition of the 'ridden trot' race, as opposed
to the 'sulkycart' racer, is a strange reminder to a
former child rider in the UK, of the kiddys pony trot
race....all legs and arms!! Taken VERY seriously here
though.
|
|
|
|
|
