New 80 km/h Brought Into Force As Of 1st July 2018

The government has introduced an 80km/h speed limit on countryside roads in France from July 1st 2018 as part of its of new measures to make the country's roads safer despite opposition to the move.

The reform, which sees the speed limit reduced from 90km/hto 80km/h on all two-lane highways or specifically "on all secondary roads without a central reservation",  until July 1st 2020 as a two-year trial. (See below graphic).

Craft Ale Production In The Charente

The Poitou-Charentes or Nouvelle-Aquitaine region as we should now refer to it, is well known for its Cognac, pineau and fine wines. However, Craft Ales?? Maybe in the not too distant future a little known micro-brewery in the Charente countryside will proudly be known further afield. “CharentAles" started brewing 18 months ago once the old stone house and barn had been renovated.
The brewery founder, David Parfitt,

has attention to detail down to a tee. As a micro-biologist David knows the importance of utmost cleanliness and hygiene. The selection of the barley, malt and hops as well as the water quality (regularly sent back to the UK to be analysed ensuring the famous Burton-On-Trent ‘standard’) is taken very seriously to ensure the perfect end product.

BEAUJOLAIS NOUVEAU : WHAT IS ALL THE FUSS ABOUT??

Beaujolais Nouveau – that much-ballyhooed cherry-red colored vintage that's best served chilled -- is clearly not for wine snobs. This fresh and fruity red is the result of a quick fermentation process that ends up with a tasty, clean wine that is enjoyed by palates the world over.

Taxe d’Habitation Changes For 2020???

The move to abolish Taxe D'Habitation for 80 percent of people living in France by 2020 has been championed by French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Edouard Philippe alike.

And on Wednesday, France's Minister of Public Action and Accounts revealed exactly who the changes will affect.

3rd "Balade Découverte" At Veretuil Sur Charente

Under a morning mist along the banks of the river Charente a crowd of 100 eager, local enthusiasts gathered at 10h00 on Sunday 10th September. Not your normal Sunday morning and certainly not at that hour!! For this day was the third "Balade Découverte" in the beautiful and historical village of Verteuil-Sur-Charente.