23500 raisons pourquoi we love La Creuse

Folklore du Monde 2011, Felletin

2011-08-04T08:50:00.000+02:00

Chaque année à le début du août Felletin est rempli par les couleurs et sons du monde. Cette année c'est le 34e Festival Danses, Musiques et Voix du Monde en Felletin

Each year at the beginning of August Felletin is filled by the colours and sounds of the world. This year is the 34th festival of dance, music and voices of the world in Felletin.

Cette année il y a groupes qui viennes de Mexique, Iran,
Bali/Indonésie, Brésil, Portugal, Québec/Canada, Pologne, Macédoine, Italie, Argentine, et bien sur la Creuse

This year there are groups from Mexico, Iran, Bali/Indonesia, Bresil, Portugal, Canada, Poland, Macedonia, Italy, Argentina and of course La Creuse.

Le mariage royal? C'est du n'importe quoi !

2011-04-25T08:52:00.001+02:00

Le vendredi 29 avril c'est l'événement que nous attendions tous avec impatience. Non ce n’est pas le mariage de William et Kate – c’est les journées de feutre à Felletin !

This Friday, 29th April, is the event we have all been waiting for with baited breath. No, it's not the wedding of William and Kate - it's the days of Felt in Felletin!

C’est les deuxièmes européennes journées de feutre à Felletin. Ainsi que une marché des feutriers il sera également les conférences-débats, ateliers enfants, formations débutants une défilé de mode et stages professionnels.

It's the second europeen days of Felt in Felletin. As well as a craft market there will also be conferences and debates, workshops for children as well as for adult beginners and professionals and a fashion parade.

Venez nombreux !

Journées Européennes du Feutre

2011-03-22T18:47:00.000+01:00

Felletin: Fête de la Bière 2011

2011-03-07T13:42:00.000+01:00

Un village français...

2011-02-16T18:54:00.002+01:00

Quand nous déménageons ici, il y a 3 ans nous avons décidé que nous n’aurais pas la télévision anglaise. Mais les émissions françaises, sont ils valent la peine regarder ?

When we moved here, 3 years ago, we decied we would not have English television. But French television, is it worth watching?

Comme à la télévision anglaise il y a beaucoup des émissions françaises qu’on peut jeter dans la poubelle. Mais il y a aussi des bonnes émissions.

Just like English television there are lots of french programmes you could throw in the bin. But there are also some good programmes.

Une des émissions nous aimons le meilleur est Un Village Français.

One of our favourite shows is Un Village Français.

C’est 1940 et les vies de tous les habitants de Villeneuf sont changés quand l’armée allemande se arrivent.

It’s 1940 and the lives of all the inhabitants of Villeneuf are changed when the German army arrives.

Tout le monde doit faire un choix…

Everyone must make a choice…

Nous avons regardé la troisième série directe et puis nous avons acheté la première et la deuxième séries en DVD. C’est un dommage que le deuxième séries n’avaient pas les sous-titres français (c’est plus facile pour nous si nous pouvons entendre les mots et les voir a le même temps.

We watched the 3rd series on television and then we bought the 1st and 2^nd series on DVD. It was a shame the second series didn't have French subtitles (it is easier for us to hear the words and see them on the screen at the same time)

Felletin - Agenda 2011

2011-02-02T20:35:00.000+01:00

26 Février 2011 - Carnaval. Défilé 16h. Repas (Moules Frites ou option végétarien) 19h30

28 Avril - 1 Mai 2011 Journées européennes du feutre de laine
2-3 Juillet 2011 Fête patronale de Felletin - feu d'artifice, retrait au flambeau, chars fleuris, bal dansant.

16 Juillet 2011 Felletin Fête de la bière - 2em année: musique, animations, repas, et (bien sûr) la bière!

4-5 Août 2011 Folklore du Monde Felletin
12 Août 2011 Journée de Livre Felletin
27 Août 2011 LMB (Felletin) 100 ans
21 Août 2011 Brocante Pont Roby Felletin
8 Octobre 2011 Gala Dansant

28-30 Octobre 2011 Journées de la laine Felletin

Le Marché de Felletin (Felletin Market)

2010-08-17T08:27:00.003+02:00

Un des les raisons les gens étrangers aiment France est les marchés ; les légumes frais délicieux et les artisans locaux à venir vendre leurs marchandises.

One of the reasons people love France is the markets; delicious fresh vegetables and local artisans coming to sell their wares.

Il y a beaucoup de monde qui viennent à le marché á Felletin et il est un des meilleurs marchés dans La Creuse

Felletin Market is one of the busiest and best in La Creuse.

Chaque vendredi beaucoup de petits agriculteurs locaux (il y a de plus en plus de agriculteurs bio), des artisans et des vendeurs viennent vendre leurs marchandises. Chaque août c'est le point de convergence du festival de Folklore du Monde.

Each Friday lots of small local farmers (including an increasing number of organic small holders), artisans and vendors come to sell their wares. Each August it is the focal point of the Folklore du Monde festival.

Journée du livre - Le Plaisir de Lire: Felletin

2010-08-15T15:39:00.009+02:00

Pour certaines personnes le vendredi treize portent le malheur, mais si vous êtes un bibliophile et vous étiez en Felletin (23), le vendredi treize août 2010, puis vous auriez eu la chance.

La journée du livre accueille une soixantaine d’écrivains et plus de 7000 visiteurs dans le Gymnase de Felletin

Nous avions la chance, nous avons eu d’écrivains séjournent dans notre maison d'hôtes. Hédi Kaddour l'auteur deWaltenburg , Astrid Ellard l'auteur de Nuits de noces et David M. Thomas l'auteur de Un plat de sang andalou and Nos yeux maudits ont séjourné dans notre chambres 'hôtes

La journée du livre est organisé par l'association Le Plaisir de Lire.

Friday 13th may be unlucky for some, but if you are a lover of books and happened to be in Felletin, Limousin, France, then you would count yourself as very lucky.

With over 60 authors and 7000 visitors it is a huge event.

We were lucky enough to have several authors stay in our central France guest house.

Hédi Kaddour, author of Waltenburg (which is available in english and french) and Treason Astrid Ellard author of Nuits de noces and David M. Thomas author of Un plat de sang andalou and Nos yeux maudits all enjoyed the large luxurious rooms at our bed and breakfast, here in Felletin.

The journée du livre event is organised by the association Le Plaisir de Lire and is getting better and better.

Fête de la Biére 2010

2010-08-15T09:40:00.010+02:00

La première Fête de la Bière a lieu en Felletin, le 17 juillet 2010. Nous avons eu 14 bières différentes : les bières sont venu d’Allemagne, d’Autriche et de Pays de Galles ainsi que les trios brasseries de la Creuse (Félis, La Mille et Bière23).

The 17th July 2010 saw Felletin host its first ever Fête de la Biére. With 3 local breweries providing 4 different beers and as well as beers from the rest of France, as well as Germany, Austria and Wales there were 14 beers to enjoy.

L’association Les Fuses@niment a organisée la fête

Il y avait un vide-grenier, la musique et animations (la association Fellet’n Boots a dansé pour nous) et les repas (choucroute et un chili végétarien). Il y avait la possibilité de camper.

It was organised by the association Les Fuse@niment.

There was also a vide-grenier (car boot sale), music and entertainment all day, and food (choucroute and a vegetarian chili). There was also free camping available so people did not have to worry about traveling.

C’était un succès fou ! Au moins de 1500 personnes sont venu pour goûter et danser – les Fuses et l’étrangers faisait la fête ensemble jusqu'à 2 heures le matin.

It was a resounding success, with over 1500 people attending. Everyone had a great time - locals and tourists partied together until 2am.

L’année prochaine la fête de la bière sera de plus grande et encore meilleur !

Next year will be bigger and better - for more information, email us.

Fête de Felletin 2010

2010-08-12T17:11:00.012+02:00

Le Fête de Felletin 2010 ont été organisés pour le weekend 12 et 13 juin 2010

The Fête de Felletin 2010 was held over the weekend 12-13th June 2010.

Chaque année, pour la fête patronale il y a une fête foraine et les feux d’artifice, le samedi soir.

Each year, for its Fête Patronale, Felletin hosts a fun fair and has a firework display on the saturday night.

Pour les derniers deux ans l’association Les Fuses@niment a organisé aussi un retrait aux flambeaux (une procession de lueur de bougie) sur la nuit de samedi, avant les feux d'artifice.

For the last two years the association Les Fuses@niment have also organised a candlelight procession, through the town, on the saturday night, leading up to the firework display,

Les Fuses@niment organisent un défilé de chars fleuris, le dimanche.

On the Sunday the Fuses@niment organise a Parade featuring Floral Floats.

Le Fête de Felletin 2011 sera au début de juillet

Fête de Felletin 2011 will be at the beginning of July - email us for details

A surprise gift...

2009-06-11T10:58:00.003+02:00

Two ladies, who stayed with us during October's Days of Wool, returned yesterday (they were here buying more wool).

They brought with them a present, which they made for us from Felletin Wool, depicting our four cats.

We were genuinely touched.

Your chance to comment on the 1st draft of our new cook book!

2009-06-08T23:28:00.004+02:00

The vegetarian chambres d’hotes 3placedesabres.com is releasing a cookbook (Vegetarian Felletin) of some of its best loved recipes. As a loyal reader of this blog you have a chance to download a PDF version of the 1st draft. Please email any comments you have on the book to contact@vegetarianandveganfrance.com

The book will be available from Lulu and Amazon later this year.

3placedesarbres.com: a vegetarian B&B, in the heart of France
Felletin, La Creuse, Limousin

First swim in the lake...

2009-04-24T05:13:00.004+02:00

The weather has been lovely, so I decided to test the temperature of the lake

Not as cold as I thought it was....

I took the plunge. It was pretty cold but I warmed up ok...

Things are definately warming up, here...

2009-04-14T20:18:00.004+02:00

Everything is springing into life at the moment:
In our lake the frogs and toads have been spawning:

And today in local Aubusson I saw these little fellows sunning themselves in a carpark:

3placedesarbres.com: a vegetarian B&B, in the heart of France
Felletin, La Creuse, Limousin

New recipes...

2009-03-28T07:04:00.003+01:00

We have published lots of our recipes, including one for Lemon Cheesecake

We are now publishing new recipes on
Why not click on the link and check them out?

3placedesarbres.com: a vegetarian B&B, in the heart of France
Felletin, La Creuse, Limousin

French B&B highlighted in Cook Vegetarian! magazine

2009-03-25T11:07:00.002+01:00

Under the heading "French Paradise" the May issue of Cook Vegetarian! highlights the vegetarian B&B 3 Place des Arbres, in its Product Showcase section.

The May issue is packed with great recipes and other useful information and is on sale on 3rd April (unfortunately only in the UK, but those of you living in France may be able to order it through your local stockist, or click on the link below to subscribe).

3placedesarbres.com: a vegetarian B&B, in the heart of France
Felletin, La Creuse, Limousin

New blog for people who love France and love vegetarian and vegan food

2009-03-24T21:13:00.006+01:00

Check out this new blog:

For people who live in, visit, or love France and also love vegetarian or vegan food.

3placedesarbres.com: a vegetarian B&B, in the heart of France
Felletin, La Creuse, Limousin

Vegetarian-vegan wine from Bergerac

2009-03-23T21:42:00.001+01:00

We were in Bergerac a couple of weekends ago (we have some friends down there) and too the opportunity to call into a vineyard on the way (Chateau Corbiac). They don’t use anything to filter the wine other than paper - no fish/eggs (the owner told us the reason for this is to ensure people with allergies to these products can safely drink their wine). We sampled the wine and came away with a few bottles of red and rose wine. Yum!

me outside Chateau Corbiac clutching a bottle of the 2004 red

Disclaimer: we can not be held resonsible if producers change their products, or if they have not been truthful in reporting their vegetarian/vegan status. If you have any information about any products please let us know

3placedesarbres.com: a vegetarian B&B, in the heart of France
Felletin, La Creuse, Limousin

Spring has definately sprung...

2009-03-23T21:35:00.004+01:00

The cats are out and about, loving the sun (although there are rumours it will snow on Wednesday!)

Strange things are growing out of plant pots...

3placedesarbres.com: a vegetarian B&B, in the heart of France
Felletin, La Creuse, Limousin

Ouch! A stitch in time, saves 19

2009-03-23T21:13:00.005+01:00

When using a sharp knife do not try to cut a cable while it is in the palm of your hand. Only really stupid people do this. As I found out, it hurts when you slice your hand open and then have to have 19 stitches.

If you don't like the sight of blood (or stitches) don't scroll down...

Below is the doctor putting in stitch number 17...

Another Humpbuckle Article published on French Entree

2009-03-16T21:53:00.003+01:00

Click here to read our latest article to be published on French Entree.com.

Why not check out the vegetarian section on French Entree?

3placedesarbres.com: a vegetarian B&B, in the heart of France
Felletin, La Creuse, Limousin

Signs of spring..?

2009-03-09T21:42:00.004+01:00

We've been up at the lake, this week, and there are signs that spring is on it's way. It is definitely warmer, and there are signs of life. We saw a tiny catfish in the stream, and our fish are creating ripples on the surface of the lake as they come up for food.

I have always loved seeing the first snowdrops come up, so was delighted to find them at the lake.

We have been planting trees and other plants including lupins (which are one of Mrs H's favorites)
This week I set about building a compost heap.

Recycling is the key here, so I used 4 old pallets which had been left up at the lake by the previous owners, and screwed them together.

Not the most attractive thing in the world (but it is a compost heap not a work of art or a garden ornament!) All our green kitchen waste will now be composted here.

3placedesarbres.com: a vegetarian B&B, La Creuse, Limousin

Carnaval - committed to la comité

2009-03-06T14:51:00.006+01:00

When we saw a poster publicising a meeting about organising events and fêtes in Felletin we decided to attend, as anything that attracts visitors is good for 3 Place des Arbres, our chambre d’hotes located in the heart of the town.

At the meeting, it was hard to follow the conversation (even though Andrea speaks good French and I understand a reasonable amount) as many people spoke at once. However, there was one word that stood out for both of us. Loud and clear: cotisations

Anyone who lives, or has lived, in France will know this word. Intimately. If cotisations was a person you would know them so well you would probably be related to them. Uncle Cotisation would not be one of your favourite relatives, you understand; you wouldn’t even invite him round for tea. Good heavens, no. As soon as you popped to the kitchen to put the kettle on, he would have your handbag off the mantelpiece, his grubby mitts rummaging around for your purse, hoping to liberate the spare change.

There was a debate about how much the cotisations should be. Some said it should be 5 euros. Other people argued for the cost to be double that, and they won. This seemed very alien to us - very un-British. Giving up your spare time and then paying for the privilege doesn’t seem right. Unless the money goes toward tea and biscuits. That would be ok. After all in Britain it would be unthinkable for people to go to a meeting and not be rewarded with a nice cup of tea. Although as each meeting started at 8.30pm, often finished around 11pm, perhaps a nice cup of cocoa may have been more appropriate.

We shrugged and paid our 10 Euros each.

The first major event to be planned would be a carnival at the end of February and this was to be followed by the Fete de Felletin in June.

There was talk of needing what sounded like “Chats” or “Chars”, something beginning with “Cha”, anyway. Neither of us had heard of this. Whatever they were, apparently they were big and they were expensive. They couldn’t be talking about cats, surely. They are neither big, nor expensive. Apart from lions, or tigers, of course.

Later, we looked up Char in the dictionary:

Char (Noun) 1. Military Tank; char leger/moyen/lourd light/medium/heavy tank; char d’assault ou de combat tank; fait comme un char built like a tank

Military Tanks? As in gigantic war machines with large caterpillar tracks, and turrets, and huge guns? What kind of festival was this? Had we joined a far-left group by mistake? Perhaps this was the paramilitary wing of the comité des fêtes. We appeared to be helping plan a communist-style military parade. Perhaps our cotisations weren’t going towards tea and biscuits, after all, but instead would fund a cache of arms, an attempt to overthrow the government and create a new Republic.

We checked the dictionary. There was another definition. With bated breath, we read on:

Char 2. (de carnaval) float.

So our cotisations weren’t to fund a revolution, Sarkosy could sleep soundly until the next election. Nor (as we found out at later meetings) were they to be used to supply tea, coffee, biscuits, or cocoa. They were required to pay for publicity (where do you think those annoying windscreen fliers that get stuck in your wiper-blades come from?), and to help purchase things needed to organise the first event, which in turn would help fund future events.

Carnival planning continued: the evening meal would be paella.

“Will you be eating with us?” the president of the committee asked Andrea, as everyone else was loudly chattering amongst themselves.

“No, I’m vegetarian,” she replied, “I can’t eat that: I don’t eat meat or fish.”

“I don’t suppose you could eat it if we just took the meat and fish out.”

“Sorry, no,” a hesitation, and then; “I could make my own – a vegetarian paella.”

The president looked confused. “What do you put in vegetarian paella?”

There was a sudden lull in the conversation around the room: everyone appeared to be wondering what the strange vegetarian lady would say next. It was as if a deathly silence had descended on the room, smothering all the talk with a blanket of shush. Even if you weren’t paying attention, you could hear the dressmaker, in the next village, swear under her breath over the clatter of a dropped pin.

“So, what do you put in a vegetarian paella?”

As the question hung in the air, like the scent of overripe cheese sweating in a dirty sock, Andrea could feel every eye in the room burning into her. She realised had their undivided attention. She was aware she had a unique opportunity to share and enlighten the group on the joys of vegetarian cooking.

She nervously cleared hear throat and, into the sound vacuum of the room a single word wriggled its way, reluctantly, out of her mouth.

“Vegetables,” she squeaked.

Despite this monumental recipe revelation, it was at this point that people lost interest and went back to talking at each other.

The carnival day arrived and everything went smoothly. We were amazed at the level of organisation how hard everyone worked. People had been decorating the room the night before, had worked from early in the morning and were still clearing tables and sweeping up at 4am. All this for no reward, other than hosting an event the whole community can enjoy.

The paella was indeed a meat and fish fest, with not a vegetable in sight, not even a solitary pea.

As the last few dishes were being served we heated up the pan of vegetable paella, Andrea had lovingly prepared earlier. People looked at it with interest. Or amusement – it was hard to tell.

It was delicious, and as usual Andrea had made much too much for the two of us, so she loaded up another dish and went round to the members of the committee.

“Would you like to try this vegetarian paella?” She said, serving spoon in her hand.

“I can’t eat that,” more than one person replied, with a smile. “I’m not a vegetarian.”

Of course they did try it, and one or two even suggested that we might make the meal vegetarian, next year. They were joking, of course. But you never know - come next time and perhaps we will be able to offer you a meat-free alternative.

3placedesarbres.com: a vegetarian B&B, La Creuse, Limousin

If you're gonna cut 'em, you gotta plant 'em...

2009-02-25T18:26:00.004+01:00

Today, was a glorious day here in La Creuse, in central France.

Just the day to plant a few trees.

We have plans for the lake. It already has raspberry canes, hazelnuts, and blackberries. We are hoping to grow a few vegetables up there too, but we have started with fruit.

Yesterday we bought three different cherry trees, an apple tree (we need to buy another one, tomorrow, as you need more than one to ensure pollination), a blackcurrent, a redcurrent and a gooseberry bush.

We spent an enjoyable afternoon digging and planting the trees and bushes, and hopefully in a few years we will be enjoying the fruits of our labour (boom, boom!).

3placedesarbres.com: vegetarian B&B in the heart of France

Chainsaw madness

2009-02-21T19:11:00.003+01:00

We bought a chainsaw a few weeks ago, but I was banned from using it while Mrs H was away (for obvious safety reasons).

Today, we finally got it up and running and began chopping the wood which we can burn in 2 years time.

Here are some pictures for your delight...

3placedesarbres.com: vegetarian B&B in the heart of France

First there was the national days of wool now it's European Days of Felt... but you have to book early!

2009-02-19T11:40:00.005+01:00

When we opened this vegetarian bed and breakfast in the town of Felletin (located in the south of La Creuse, a beautiful, undiscovered part of Limousin in central France), we would never have imagined that festivals celebrating wool and felt would be our busiest time.

This year, in October 2009, Felletin will be hosting the 10th annual Days of Wool (Journeés de laine). Last year we were fully booked (and turning people away).

This May (1st May-4th May 2009) is the first European Days of Felt (Journeés de feutre), and it looks as though it may be even bigger, and more popular. We have been fully booked for those dates for a month or more, and have already had to turn down bookings.

This has spured us on to try and complete the third letting room (currently we have 2 large chambres d'hôtes and 1 apartment which sleeps 4) - so watch this space if you are disappointed you have missed out on the place to stay for those dates.

A full account (including pictures) of days of felt will be posted here, for those of you who are unfortunately unable to attend.

Click here for felt facts!

3placedesarbres.com: vegetarian B&B in the heart of France

A trip to Mont Dore, Massif du Sancy

2009-02-15T12:52:00.005+01:00

We had a brief holiday (very brief, it only lasted 24 hours!) to Mont Dore last week.

For those of you who don't know Mont Dore is a ski-resort in the Auvergne region of France. It is located in the Massif du Sancy, part of the Massif Central. As well as skiing it is well known for it's thermal baths, and people go there for help with medical problems. The pure air is reputed to be excellent for asthma suffers.

We are lucky enough to be just over an hour away, so we (and anyone who stays at our vegetarian chambres d'hotes, in Felletin, in the department of La Creuse, in the Limousin region of France) are able to go there for the day skiing. You can hire all the equipment you need at the resort, and you can even pre-book the hire online (and get a discount). We have been there a few times for the day, but haven't hired those skis yet! It is a great place to visit in the summer months too. This time we decided we would like to stay the night, so we could enjoy a meal and a few drinks, so we booked a hotel.

We stayed in the Hôtel de Russie which had excellent customer service. The food is nice too (although the vegetarian options are limited): we can highly recommend the chips, which were nice and chunky.

Here are a few snaps:

3placedesarbres.com: vegetarian B&B in the heart of France

New location for the Humpbuckle Hylton

2009-02-03T11:15:00.003+01:00

Don't worry, you can still find us in Felletin, France!

We have moved the location of the blog to http://blog.3placedesarbres.com

We are still being hosted by our friends at blogger.com, and you don't need to update your bookmarks because blogger will automatically relocate you. As you have found (hopefully!)

3placedesarbres.com: vegetarian B&B in the heart of France

An afternoon in the sun...

2009-01-29T17:40:00.005+01:00

So (some of you may know this) I am on my own this week (aahhhhh!) 'cos Mrs H has gone to London.

It was such a lovely day that I packed up my laptop and headed for the lake.

It really is great here, and there are no distractions (apart from all that nature and stuff): no electricity (so the battery life time limit helps concentrate the mind), no mobile phone signal and no WiFi.

So I am writing this by the side of the lake, in glorious sunshine (I shall post it when I get home). It isn't quite t-shirt weather, but the sun is warm on my face.

I am trying to type with one hand and eat vegetable ravioli (I have heated on a camping stove) straight out of the pan (nothing quite screams class than eating tinned food straight out of a pan, unless of course you forgo the cooking part and eat it cold from the can)

All I can hear is the sound of water as it gushes in the stream to one side of the lake. It seems to be in quite a hurry: the water is running fast and high today, presumably because the snow and ice up on the plateau is melting. Here, the ice is still on the lake, but it is thin and about to disappear.

Here is a video, wat I did film:

It gives me a real taster of what is in store for us this year. It is fantastic to be able to get away from it all (from that bloody bathroom, for a start, although I think I have solved the last of the plumbing problems (don't ask) this morning, so all I have to do is make it pretty again), even if it is just for a few hours. Due to the nature of our business it is difficult to go on holiday (que Fawlty Towers psychiatrist "how often do you and your wife manage it?") but this haven means we can stay overnight, either in the cabin (Mrs H's preferred sleeping spot) or in a tent by the lakeside (for the more tough, outdoors types).

Anyhoo, I didn't come down here just to blog to you, my lovely readers. I have some other writing to do.

Toodle pip!

(Me: washing up - using grass and dirt and then rincing in the stream.)

3placedesarbres.com: vegetarian B&B in the heart of France

Groundhog day

2009-01-27T13:51:00.004+01:00

Living here, in our lovely old house, in our lovely town in lovely France, we sometimes have days that we are sure we have already lived through.

It seems that I have been working on the bathroom for the third room (currently the room we live in) for an eternity. And for those of you unfortunate enough to get my Facebook status updates, or read my Twitterings probably feel the same way.

The joy of living in this old house is restoring original features, and modernising where we need to - the bathroom being and example of this. But of course this is never easy...

Hopefully, sometime this year (it would be good to get it finished, this decade) I will be able to post some pictures of the bathroom and the bedroom itself...

But not today. Good heavens, no.

3placedesarbres.com: vegetarian B&B in the heart of France

A blustery day...

2009-01-26T15:58:00.004+01:00

Luckily we were not in the path of the hurricane that hit South West France on Saturday. Our friends in Lot-et-Garonne were in the middle of it and it sounded scary.

We just had very high winds and a sudden snow storm. Bad enough, I decided not to go out in it, but nothing like what went on elsewhere.

Almost as soon as it started the snow disappeared and the sun came out. Yesterday and today have been lovely... can we dare to hope this is the beginning of spring?

Thanks to those of you who have contacted us to check we are ok.

3placedesarbres.com: vegetarian B&B in the heart of France

2009-01-20T13:53:00.005+01:00

We have taken some time recently to go to the lake and (very British this) have a picnic (yes in January). To underline the Britishness we had a ploughmans, with chedder and Mrs H's homemade chutney, and delicious beer (the beer is French: Felis it is brewed in our town and is a fantastic dark beer).

Here are some pictures.

Not sure who invited David Belamy...
It wasn't all relaxation, as we have to start planning for winter 2011, when we can actually burn this! I won't be doing it all by hand, we have just ordered a chainsaw...
Not sure what lives below the ice...
Reflections on a lake of ice

Walking on water...

3placedesarbres.com: vegetarian B&B in the heart of France

Bonnes fêtes!

2008-12-23T20:52:00.005+01:00

Joyeux noël et bonne année!

Sorry, have been very slack about posting this month (to say the least). Here are a few festive pics, and will be back very soon...

Our living room, spot the cat on the sofa...
part of our decoration hanging from our porch- the icicles are real...
Our house (unfortunately the snow disappeared a couple of days ago)

Our street
Trees outside the front of our house
What is under the tree this year?

Have a good one folks!

3placedesarbres.com: vegetarian B&B in the heart of France

FrenchEntrée publishes article on our experiences...

2008-11-20T20:37:00.003+01:00

Check it out: http://www.frenchentree.com/fe-vegetarians/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=37707

3placedesarbres.com: vegetarian B&B in the heart of France

More images of autumn...

2008-11-18T21:40:00.008+01:00

Taking advantage of a lovely day, last Friday, we went for a 10.5k walk. La Creuse is a wonderful place for walking/cycling and is a great place to take photographs, or just take in the late autumn sun.

Here are some of our photos...

3placedesarbres.com: vegetarian B&B in the heart of France

“Ce n'est pas grave”

2008-11-11T16:45:00.005+01:00

Locals have been enthusiastic about the opening of le vieux presbytère de Felletin (3placedesarbres.com) the first, and only, Chambres d'hotes in Felletin, in central France, although they have been surprised we offer vegetarian evening meals.

The following is a typical conversation (translated from French):

“So do you live over here?”

“Yes, we moved over a year ago, and have opened a Chambres et tables d'hôtes”

“Why do all English people move over here and run bed and breakfasts?”

“I don't know. We aren't English, by the way: I am Welsh and my husband is half-Scottish.”

Generally, one can now observe a cloud of confusion cross their face, blown by the Northly wind of discombobulation, as many French people think Wales is a region of England, rather than a country in it's own right.

“So you offer evening meals?”

“Yes, vegetarian evening meals: I'm a vegetarian.” I casually brush away the tumble weed, which has now drifted into the room, and is bumping, repeatedly, against my left leg.

“Hmmmm, ok...” A face is pulled, generally not an appealing one. “So what sort of thing would I cook if I was entertaining a vegetarian?”

There follows a short dialogue, describing various dishes we serve, and the various ingredients used.

“Mushrooms? You eat mushrooms? I make a dish...” whereby an entirely vegetarian recipe is given for a delightful mushroom pie, followed by a look of amazement: “...oh, that's vegetarian, isn't it?”

That many of the dishes they already cook are vegetarian (or by the simple omission of jambon, would be) appears to be a revelation to many of the French people we have spoken to.

Some approach eating with us, as they might if a friend had taken them to a restaurant providing food from a far flung part of the world (or even another world in an alternative universe), run by a culture very different from their own.

“So how does eating at your place work, then?” (There is a temptation, at this point, to discuss the obligatory dress code of orange and the pre-diner prayer to the Lord of Carrots, before ritually dismembering a vegetable lasagne, but this must be resisted).

“Well, we offer three courses, plus cheese, plus coffee...”

“What? Three courses of vegetables?” There is a terrified look on their face: you can almost see, reflected in their eyes, the image of us serving a plate of broccoli for starters, followed by a main course of boiled cabbage, and for dessert a lightly grilled red pepper.

When setting up the business we knew we would be offering something very different from other chambres d'hôtes in the area: we are the only establishment offering fully vegetarian/vegan food, in this department, and we have kept the guest rooms large and luxurious, retaining their original features which that back to the 18^th century. We have also converted part of the house into a one bedroomed self contained apartment, available for rental.

However, we assumed that not many of the French guests, staying in our chambres d'hôtes, would eat with us (located in a small market town, there are several restaurants nearby and therefore meat-eaters do have a choice), but, happily, we have been proved wrong.

When they enquire about eating with us and we tell them the food is vegetarian, more often than not, they reply:

“Ce n'est pas grave,” (that's nothing to worry about) – hardly a glowing endorsement, and not something you'd want them to write in the visitors book, but one has to start somewhere, and the important thing is to get them round the table.

Once they have eaten with us, reactions have been exceptionally good, with people promising to return, and even suggesting we open a restaurant. We also have two regular French guests, a teacher, and a mature student. Neither are vegetarian, but very much enjoy our cooking, and have taken away recipes to try at home.

3placedesarbres.com: vegetarian B&B in the heart of France

Behind the mirror

2008-11-06T17:34:00.005+01:00

We have begun work on the third bedroom, and in doing so I removed an old (and ugly) mirror which had been built into the wall.

Behind the mirror I found the front pages of 2 different newspapers (one dated 1868 and one dated 1872), half a shirt, half a waistcoat (?), 3 folded half pages from a book (unclear of the date but makes references to things that happened between 1830-50), and some (presumably) original wallpaper.

This is the latest thing we have found. In a cupboard in the second bedroom is a pencil list (of linen, we think) dated 1898 and in bedroom one the fireplace is dated 1761.

3placedesarbres.com: vegetarian B&B in the heart of France

Sun reflections

2008-11-04T20:12:00.007+01:00

I took these photos of the sun reflected in the lake a few weeks ago...

3placedesarbres.com: vegetarian B&B in the heart of France

Autumn Colours in La Creuse 2008

2008-11-04T19:50:00.007+01:00

Autumn is a wonderful time here.

3placedesarbres.com: vegetarian B&B in the heart of France

Morning has broken...

2008-11-04T17:08:00.004+01:00

I don't choose to get up early, but when duty calls and I have to pop to the bakers to get croissants for our guests I leap out of bed with a song in my heart.

Sometimes I am rewarded...

It is a lovely town to get up early in.
3placedesarbres.com: vegetarian B&B in the heart of France

Chou show

2008-11-04T16:26:00.006+01:00

Many of you, I know, have been wishing the summer away, eagerly anticipating the second fête du chou (see previous post) held at Magnet L'Estrange, a short distance from us. If we were disappointed, back in May, at the lack of actual cabbages, the October fête du chou more than made up for it!

Legend has it that a poor man, Jeantounet, made a pact with the devil, in order to save his family from death from starvation. The devil took his soul and gave him a giant cabbage. A better deal you would be hard pressed to find.

This year, there was stiff competition for the crown - who will be the king or queen of cabbages?
Cabbages are not just for eating, oh no. They can also be used to create electicity (Before buying shares in the Cabbage Energy Company, I should warn you I saw no evidence that this actually worked)
The cabbage woman was there
And below is the winner, with her cabbage weighing a massive 17.2kg she was, without doubt, the queen of cabbages
Here is that winning cabbage

A local artist produced the Magnet Lisa...Some cabbages, in a field...
3placedesarbres.com: vegetarian B&B in the heart of France

Scorchio to Snowio

2008-11-04T16:21:00.003+01:00

The last weekend in October was hot, here in Felletin (it was during the day, at least). But, as with other areas in Europe mid-week brought snow, although it was barely enough for Mrs H to make a snowball to throw at me.

3placedesarbres.com: vegetarian B&B in the heart of France

Life in the fast Laine

2008-11-04T16:13:00.003+01:00

In October, Felletin hosts the National journées de la laine (days of wool). As well as having stalls selling wool, and wool products there are also activities for children.

3placedesarbres.com: vegetarian B&B in the heart of France

Shroomin'

2008-11-04T15:51:00.005+01:00

France loves mushroom season, and in La Creuse people take it very seriously. Certain mushrooms can be worth quite a bit of money, so people keep their knowledge to themselves!

Here are a few we have seen (the first three pictures were taken at our lake):

Below is a cep. This is a very sought-after 'shroom and is delicious. We got hold of this baby up at our lake.

The mushroom below is a wood blewit, which we picked on our walk, yesterday. Edible, and much sought after as it is one of a few mushrooms available late in the season
Saw this on our walk yesterday, not sure what it is, and doesn't look edible, or in any way appetising... at least I am not going to try it!

3placedesarbres.com: vegetarian B&B in the heart of France

Harvest time!

2008-10-01T21:35:00.003+02:00

Just now, there are lots of delicious organic, locally grown, vegetables available on our Friday market.

3placedesarbres.com: vegetarian B&B in the heart of France

When I'm changing windows...

2008-09-29T08:15:00.004+02:00

In preparation for the winter (which seems to be putting in an early appearance, this year with morning temperatures around 4 degrees C, at the moment), we have been busy putting in more double glazing.

I won't bore you with the details (read this if you want to know how to change a window!).

3placedesarbres.com: vegetarian B&B in the heart of France

More cute cat photos

2008-09-14T12:51:00.005+02:00

Pineau the kitten, and friends Armitage and Spud...

3placedesarbres.com: vegetarian B&B in the heart of France

Official opening of 3placedesarbres.com - vegetarian b&b in the heart of France

2008-09-13T08:53:00.005+02:00

Well, after almost a year of hard work, we opened our doors to the people of Felletin, and gave the a guided tour, drinks and snacks!

Thanks to everyone who came, and to all who sent us best wishes.

3placedesarbres.com: vegetarian B&B in the heart of France

Reflections

2008-09-05T21:18:00.003+02:00

More reflections on our new lake...

3placedesarbres.com: vegetarian B&B in the heart of France

Friends and family

2008-09-05T19:32:00.010+02:00

Thanks to Les (Sian, Paul and Nathan) for popping in to see us in July/August. Can't wait for our trip to Champagne!

Also big thanks to Neil, Vicky, Dave and Maria for a fabulous weekend - we had such fun and can't wait for your next visit.

Some photos

Lakeside with Les
Loving family!

Faaaaaammmmmillllly! Mum, Dad and Daughter. More faaaaammmmmilllllly
Neil does some "vegetarian fishing" and saves Andrea's flip flop from the stream at our lake
Ahoy-hoy - Vicki and Maria far out on the far side of the lake

Who is that handsome guy in the lake? International man of mystery Dave Lock... or is it?

Chilled, or what?

3placedesarbres.com: vegetarian B&B in the heart of France

New lighter meals menu

2008-08-19T17:37:00.005+02:00

We have introduced a lighter meals menu for those staying with us, who do not wish to indulge in the 3 course meal, click here to download it.

3placedesarbres.com: vegetarian B&B in the heart of France

More dining room pictures

2008-08-19T15:44:00.001+02:00

Below are a couple of pictures taken of the dining room, and Andrea's amazing aubergine pate.

3placedesarbres.com: vegetarian B&B in the heart of France

The Humpbuckle Retreat

2008-08-19T15:39:00.003+02:00

Here are a couple of videos of the lake we are buying.

This one shows the fishermans shack and the lake, taken from the edge of the lake:

This one shows the lake, and is taken from the balcony of the fishermans shack

3placedesarbres.com: vegetarian B&B in the heart of France

Folklore du monde - Felletin August 2008

2008-08-12T14:16:00.004+02:00

Another Folklore du monde (world music and dance) festival draws to a close in Felletin.

Here are a few clips from some of the groups who entertained us:

Benin

India (three clips)

Bulgaria

Mexico

3placedesarbres.com: vegetarian B&B in the heart of France

La di da! Hark at the Humpbuckles: we're buying a lake...

2008-08-12T13:41:00.006+02:00

Ok, this may seem like a mad idea, or a stroke of genius, depending on
a) how romantic you are
b) how logical you are
c) how much you like water, trees, and countryside
d) how much you have had to drink

Many of you know that we live in an area often referred to as the French Lake District. We are surrounded by them. Unfortunately, a lot of the big public ones are crowded in summer time, and we do like a bit of peace and quiet.

As we spend a fair bit of time and money on wood to keep us warm in the winter we also wanted somewhere with a few trees that we can manage, cut a few down, plant a few more, that sort of thing.

Well we found a beautiful little lake set within wood land with a small river and a stream running through it, and today have started the process of buying it. It is about 12 k from where we live and there are no neighbours (unless you count the cows in the field nearby, but even they can't see you!)

It also has a little fisherman's shack on it (which is in very good nick).
You can swim in the lake (as long as you don't mind sharing with the carp and other fish) or just sit and listen to the gentle music of the river and the stream and watch the dragonflies chase each other.

The plan will be that at some point it will be available to our guests to enjoy so they also have somewhere quiet and secluded to go to.

3placedesarbres.com: vegetarian B&B in the heart of France

Living/dining room pictures

2008-08-12T09:15:00.006+02:00

Hurrah! We have finished another room! Well, almost! We still have a little bit to do behind what is affectionately known as "the curtain of shame". This is a part of the living room which will be turned into a reading area (too small to be called a library, but a place with books and a chair in it!), but is currently an area where we store stuff we haven't found a home for yet.

Anyhoo, it is now loads better than a few months ago our kitchen didn't exist and so we were cooking in this room . It wasn't pretty...

This is a photo of when we first saw the room back in June 2005. The walls look quite white in this photo, but they were in fact a bit yellow.

So since then we had an electrician in who ripped out a load of old wires and put in new ones, and I ripped out the two windows and replaced them with double glazing...We have discovered we don't like painting very much. Which is a shame 'cos it is a big house and needs a lot of painting!
But it is worth the trouble, and she scrubs up nicely, don't she?

3placedesarbres.com: vegetarian B&B in the heart of France

Our family

2008-08-03T23:33:00.003+02:00

3placedesarbres.com: vegetarian B&B in the heart of France

Andrea has a re-upholstery success...

2008-08-03T23:26:00.005+02:00

It didn't look much when we bought it..But with a bit of patience
It turned out pretty good...

3placedesarbres.com: vegetarian B&B in the heart of France

Spud makes a comfortable bed for kitten - SHOCK!

2008-08-03T23:22:00.003+02:00

To the horror of the other cats, Spud was spotted snuggling up to Pineau...

3placedesarbres.com: vegetarian B&B in the heart of France

Replacin' windows...

2008-08-03T22:45:00.003+02:00

We have now replaced the unsound single-glazed windows in the living room with double-glazing, which will ensure we are toasty in the winter.

It was a bit more tricky in the living room, because we had to pull off the wood paneling in order to remove the old frame and replace the new.

Luckily the paneling was made of oak and was therefore not easy to break!

3placedesarbres.com: vegetarian B&B in the heart of France

Tour de la Creuse - 17/7/08 - Chavanat 23250, France

2008-08-03T22:41:00.002+02:00

Forget the Tour de France, a couple of weeks ago we witnessed the Tour de la Creuse, our departmental cycling event.

Here is the video:

3placedesarbres.com: vegetarian B&B in the heart of France

Bit distracted...

2008-08-03T22:26:00.004+02:00

I have been meaning to post for a couple of weeks but have been a bit busy decorating and had planned to do a whole load of posting on 31st July.

But we then had a real crisis.

Ok. those of you who don't like cats, or can't get your heads round people who get attached to animals, please don't bother reading any further...

Those of you who know us well, know that almost 14 years ago we adopted two kittens into our family, Armitage and Spud.

They are our babies. No appologies for that - it is fact.

We love them.

On Thursday at mid-day we thought Armitage was dying. She was making an awful sound, was sick, and was sweating through her paws and panting like a dog (never, ever seen a cat pant before). We took her to the vets and thought she had died on route (she hadn't she had just stopped breathing so irregularly). We were distraught (this is code for "falling to pieces").

When we got to the vets, he informed us that she was blind, and had either had a stroke or had been poisoned. He also told us (to our huge relief) that he was 90% certain she wouldn't die, but may be disabled...

We returned at 6pm to see her sitting up and apparently able to see us.

Due to her rapid recovery the vet thinks it was a stroke. She came home the next day and is on medication but appears to be doing well. Apart from not being able to eat dry food any more....

She denies that this is attention seeking behaviour in connection with the new kitten.

Although she is lapping up all the extra attention she is getting.

3placedesarbres.com: vegetarian B&B in the heart of France

3placedesarbres.com (vegetarian B&B/Chambres d'hotes) featured in the happycow Moozine

2008-07-19T10:48:00.002+02:00

Check out our link at: http://www.happycow.net/moozine/2008_july.html

3placedesarbres.com: vegetarian B&B in the heart of France

A new kitten at 3 place des arbres!

2008-07-18T11:54:00.003+02:00

Opps! We have accidently taken home a kitten.

The ladies are not amused.

But he/she (not entirely sure) is cute and goes by the name of Pineau:

Andrea’s Chili non-carni . A delicious vegan chili made with tofu: a recipe from 3placedesarbres.com vegetarian B&B in the heart of France

2008-07-16T11:31:00.008+02:00

Another one of Andrea's most popular dishes. This can also be turned into a rather delicious vegan shepherds pie...

1 large onion (chopped finely)
6 medium mushrooms (chopped finely)
Four cloves of garlic (crushed if you want it strong, sliced if less strong)
Pinch of black pepper
100mls red wine
3 small carrots (chopped finely)
Carton of passata (or large tin of tomatos)
Tbsp harrissa
Flat tsp coco powder
2 tsp paprika (smoked is good if you can get it)
1 vegetable stock cube
Tbsp sunflower oil for frying
Tsp mixed herbs
½ tsp sugar
150-200g block of tofu (crumbled – squish it with your hands for a rough uneven texture)
Tbsp tomato puree
1 red pepper
½ tsp cumin
400g of cooked (or tinned) kidney beans

Fry the onions in sunflower oil for 2 minutes, add the mushrooms. Fry for a further 2-3 minutes. Add garlic, fry for 1 minute. Add black pepper.

Add red wine and bring to boil.
Add all other ingredients (except for kidney beans). (If you like it hot at this stage add some chopped jalapenos, if you like your chilli with a bit of texture add 50g of soya mince – you will need to add more water – 100mls at a time, but you will need to judge it as it is not an exact science).
Bring back to boil and simmer for 15 minutes.
Add kidney beans.

Check seasoning – heat should build up slowly, rather than hitting you between the eyes! Add more to taste. Colour should be dark and rich. Feel free to add water at any point if you feel the mixture is too thick.

If you can wait the flavour improves. Best to leave until the next day, but just by turning off the heat, covering it and leaving it for an hour or more, before re-heating it and serving, you will notice a deeper flavour.

Serve with tortillas and/or rice with guacomoli and jalapenos.
Also delicious in a jacket potato. Or to make a superbly spicy vegan “shepherds pie” put chilli into an oven proof dish, top with mash and bake it in the oven until the potato goes a light brown – YUM!
Next step? Try experimenting by adding different types of beans/vegetables.

Feel free to distribute this recipe, but please credit Andrea and link back to this blog and www.3placedesarbres.com

www.3placedesarbres.com - vegetarian chambres d'hôtes (b&b) in La Creuse, Limousin, France

Virtual tour of Chambre 2

2008-07-15T22:34:00.002+02:00

A virtual tour of chambre no. 1

2008-07-15T22:26:00.004+02:00

1st floor hallway

2008-07-14T23:38:00.004+02:00

This was the hallway a few weeks ago...Since then we have stripped back the old wallpaper and put up more, painted the ceiling and the woodwork, and got the cement off the floorboards!

Here is the result...

www.3placedesarbres.com - vegetarian chambres d'hôtes in Limousin, France

Vegetarian/Vegan recipe - Andrea's famous "orange dinner" (made with absolutely no oranges!)

2008-07-12T20:18:00.015+02:00

Due to public demand Mrs H has agreed to release the recipe for one of her most popular dishes. Absolutely delicious, everyone loves this one- even people who claim not to like vegetarian food (just don't tell the meat-eaters in your life that this is a vegan dish!)

Andrea’s “Orange Dinner” – Moroccan tagine to serve 4

1 large onion
4 cloves of garlic (crushed or sliced – it is stronger if you crush it)
1 sweet potato
3 Large carrots
1 orange (or red) pepper
150g red lentils
100g dried apricots
500ml passata or 1 large tin of tomatoes
1 tbsp harissa
1 veg stock cube
250mls water
½ tps turmeric
2 tps dried mixed herbs
½ tsp ground cumin
400g tin chickpeas
A glug of olive oil

Chop all the vegetables chunkily. Rinse the red lentils well.
Fry the onions in olive oil until soft but not brown. Stir in the garlic and cook for a further minute.
Add passata/tomatoes and the stock cube and water.
Add lentils, carrots and herbs and spices and harissa.
Bring to boil, stirring so lentils don’t stick. Simmer for 5 minutes then add sweet potato and apricots.
Simmer for a further 5-10 minutes, add more water if becomes too sticky – should have consistency of a stew.
Add chickpeas and pepper.
Simmer until lentils and vegetables are cooked (approximately 15 minutes). Adjust seasoning to taste.

Serve with couscous and a large glass of your favourite wine!

Feel free to publish this recipe elsewhere, as long as you credit Andrea, and link back to this blog and www.3placedesarbres.com. Thanks

www.3placedesarbres.com - vegetarian chambres d'hôtes in Limousin, France

Tour de France in La Creuse

2008-07-10T18:29:00.006+02:00

The Tour de France came to town today (well nearly, it came to a town about 20k from us) and so we dutifully put down our paint brushes, and packed a meagre picnic, to ensure we could report the days events to you.

About an hour or so before the cyclists come you have a parade of sorts (basically a load of organisations – some making more effort than others – making use of the event to advertise their products, and chucking some freebies our way: hats, keyrings, etc). Below are some pictures of the best floats…

Meals on wheels?
Cheating, lazy, goodfornothing...
One for Ross. In France all the fireman use mineral water to put out fires...
Bin there, done that...
Got to love the laughing cow - surely a Limousin Cow?
Asleep at the wheel?
Don't know what is going on here - stuff of nightmares, I think...
What did you do today daddy? I dressed up as a glass of shandy, darling...
This guy was juggling bottles, but stopped as I took the picture...
Surely this guy is on steroids
Not just cycling - recycling too.

does my bum look big in this?
Why is there a man between the lions legs mummy?
hands in the air!

Big faced kid used as satellite dish?
Then the cyclists came. The first video shows the leaders. Blink and you will miss them, and wonder why I recorded a bunch of police vehicles, but I thought the others would be coming…

The video below is the rest of the pack and is more interesting than the above vid.

www.3placedesarbres.com - vegetarian chambres d'hôtes in Limousin, France

We aren't stalking Papy Jacky... honest!

2008-07-07T15:33:00.003+02:00

After the donkey festival we went in search of more fun.

On the way home we decided to go to Issodun because they had a vide-grenier (attic sale). They also have a 12th century church, which we thought we would have a look at.

Imagine our surprise (nay, delight) when we heard the unmistakable sounds of a barrel organ. Yes, Papy Jacky was playing (click here to see previous post complete with a video so you too can experience the sights and sounds of PJ)!

Here are a few photos:

www.3placedesarbres.com - vegetarian chambres d'hôtes in Limousin, France

La Fête de l'Ane - donkey festival

2008-07-07T15:05:00.004+02:00

Yesterday we went to Glenic, which is just north of our department capital (Gueret) for the 9th annual Fête de l'Ane or donkey festival.

We both have a liking for donkeys, they are such friendly sedate animals (much nicer than horses, I think!).

I have to say the festival wasn't really our thing (they were judging them, and doing "trials", which we aren't into) but there were some lovely donkeys, and they were obviously well loved by their owners.

There were also some people displaying traditional trades (blacksmiths, clog makers, butter churning, etc), and various stalls including some in aid of donkey sanctuaries.

Here are some pics from the afternoon:

3placedesarbres.com live on vegetarians abroad

2008-07-07T14:32:00.001+02:00

We now have a page on vegetarians abroad - check it out - http://www.vegetariansabroad.com/3placedesarbres.html

Tour de France within spitting distance of our B&B and we still have rooms available!

2008-07-06T21:11:00.004+02:00

Calling all cycling fans!

On Thursday the Tour de France comes whizzing past our house.

Well, almost. Its about 20km away, but we will be there watching them whiz by.

If you are looking for a place to stay why not try www.3placedesarbres.com !

Will post pictures on Friday of blurred cyclists.

Vegetarian B&B (chambres d'hôtes) in Felletin, La Creuse, Limousin, France at 3placedesarbres.com

2008-07-06T13:42:00.002+02:00

We are busy promoting the chambres d'hôtes, particularly the vegetarian food we offer (click here to see a sample menu http://www.3placedesarbres.com/vegetarian.html) here in Limousin, France.

As well as our main website (http://www.3placedesarbres.com/) we also have pages on Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/vegetarianholiday) and Facebook (look us up under Place des Arbres).

We can be found on the vegetarian societies website (http://www.vegsoc.org/directory/overseas_france.html) and other places such as happycow.net (http://www.happycow.net/travel/bb_france.html) and vegetarians abroad (to be added soon at http://www.vegetariansabroad.com/france.html).

We have also just joined the International Vegetarian Union and will have our details on that site.

Don't forget that although we serve strictly vegetarian evening meals we are open to everyone, and meat eaters have a wide choice in the local restaurants.

A thank you makes it all worth while...

2008-07-05T18:30:00.002+02:00

We have just said goodbye to some fantastic guests, who stayed in our apartment for a week.

Katrina and David came to explore the quiet Limousin roads on their motorbike, but unfortunately it broke down on the way, so they remained bikeless the whole time.

They didn't let it get them down, and I think the pleasure of seeing Papy Jacky at the bread fest probably made up for it!

And they left us the plant (pictured above, now in pride of place in the hallway) as a thank you.

Wonderful people - hope to see you again.

la Fête du Pain – La Salle, Felletin

2008-06-30T15:54:00.005+02:00

Calling all bread lovers!

A festival dedicated to bread products? Fantastic.

Not only that, but also traditional creusois dancers...

two hurdy-gurdy players and an accordionist ...

and Papy Jacky the barrel organ player.

Not to mention the biggest gateau creusois in the world!

Ok, at times it did seem a little bit League of Gentleman crossed with the film Witness...
(if you don’t see what I mean from the photos I suggest you watch the videos) but it was just what a village fete should be and we loved it.

Plenty of sun, wine, fun and, of course, bread for everyone.

This is just one more reason why we love La Creuse, its people and our lives here!

With a little help from our friends…

2008-06-30T15:17:00.003+02:00

Thank you, Ross, Nicki, Dave, Shelley, Sue, Liz, Jane, Jo, Keith, Cath and Phoebe for visiting us this month.

It has been a bit stressful, recently, not knowing if we could get the business registered. It so it was lovely to see you all, and hope to see you all again soon!

Below is Dave, Shelly, yours truely, Ross, Nicki and Sue at the Puy de Dome...
Below enjoying a few drinks are me, Jo, Jane, and Liz
Below Keith, Cath and Phoebe are wondering what the cats are doing...

It is a good sign…

2008-06-30T12:59:00.006+02:00

With the business officially registered as a chambres d'hôtes and tables d'hôtes (offering luxury bed and breakfast accommodation and vegetarian evening meals in La Creuse, Limousin, France), I took a moment to attach the sign given to me as a leaving present by my colleagues at Barnet Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust.
Thanks to you all, it looks spectacular and I think adds “une touche de classe” as one might say here in La France.

To have a look at the rooms click here: http://www.3placedesarbres.com/limousin_chambres.html
To check out our vegetarian menus click here: http://www.3placedesarbres.com/vegetarian.html

What a clown…

2008-06-30T12:51:00.004+02:00

Moving up a gear from juggling, I am now trying my hand at unicycling which is something I have wanted to do for a long time.

The unicycle (or one-wheeled tricycle as one person called it!) is not easy to master and so far I have managed to go about 5 feet before falling off.
“What a silly man”, said our youngest visitor (Phoebe, aged 2), displaying insight beyond her years.

chambres et tables d’hôtes – our first guests…

2008-06-30T12:40:00.004+02:00

At last, with registration complete, we opened our doors and welcomed our first guests, providing them with vegetarian evening meals.

Thank you Jean and Malcolm for being wonderful guests and helping us to get off to such a great start!

Why not check out the lovely vegetarian meals we can provide you in the beautiful region of Limousin France: http://www.3placedesarbres.com/vegetarian.html

A new door opens… and thankfully closes as well

2008-06-30T12:13:00.004+02:00

We have put a new door to separate the bit we are living in from Chambre 2. Please note that health and safety procedures are being followed with regulation footwear always being used.

In the next photo you will notice the floor needs some attention. As with all the floor in the corridor the people laying carpet decided to use cement to level the floor first. To reveal the (still) beautiful wooden floor beneath involves hours of chipping away at it (and cursing every time the hammer hits my hand of course).This next picture shows how uneven the floor is – look at the difference in height in the gap under the door

I have left our side of the doorframe uncompleted for now, to allow time to concentrate on other areas of the house. If things go well we will turn our living quarters into a further suite of rooms, including a small room for children, with bunk beds in. This is a project for next year.

Chambre 2 – part 2: la chambre

2008-06-30T11:59:00.003+02:00

These photos were taken in June 2005 on a mobile phone so the quality is not great but they give the general idea of how things were…
We decided to wallpaper this bedroom, which was surprisingly less difficult than we were expecting. The only real problem was going round the corners because the walls are not straight at all.
We have populated the room with new furniture as well as old, which works pretty well (we think!)

To see the other room, and find details on how to book, click here: http://www.3placedesarbres.com/limousin_chambres.html
To find out more about the vegetarian evening meals click here: http://www.3placedesarbres.com/vegetarian.html

Chambre 2 – part 1: the bathroom…

2008-06-30T11:52:00.004+02:00

At last chambre 2 is ready to welcome guests (although a few of our friends have already had the honour of occupying it before it was finished).

This photo of the bathroom was taken in June 2005 on a mobile phone so the quality is not great but it gives the general idea of how things were…

Our plumber (Philippe) put in a toilet – where there was none previously – and a new sink and bath, replacing the delightful pink suite. He also ripped off the pink tiles.

There used to be a connecting door between chambre 1 and chambre 2 through the bathroom. This we blocked up and insulated for sound (no-one wants to hear bathroom sounds in bed – or bedroom sounds in the bath, for that matter).

I tiled around the bath/shower…

After consulting with some friends, we decided to go with the bold colour we used in the kitchen – yep red again.

We also ripped up the vinyl floor and found similar tiles which populate the bathroom of chambre 1 and the downstairs toilet. As with other bits of the house the people laying the vinyl had used cement to level the floor first so I had to spend a fair amount of time cleaning this up.

Registered at last!

2008-06-26T17:38:00.003+02:00

Well we have been a bit busy recently: i appologise for not blogging regularly!

The biggest news is that at last we managed to register the business and are able to provide meals and drinks!

This was not achieved easily...

We have racked up around 400 kilometres on the van driving back and forth to our department capital trying to register. We didn't want to moan about paperwork in France, but when we were turned away from the custom office (where they issue drinks licenses) because we did not have a bit of paper from the mayors office telling the customs offfice we were applying for a drinks license we didn't know whether to laugh or cry (in the end, we compromised and did a bit of both!)

The veterinary service (who are not just for animals, you know) confirmed that we do not have to have a stainless steel kitchen to run a table d'hotes (stick that in your pipe and smoke it - outside in the properly ventilated and cordoned off smoking area, of course - lady from chambres de commerce, and all the other people who planted seeds of misery in our brains) and they were extremely helpful also. The customs people were also very helpful.

What shocked us was that registering the business at the chambre de commerce was quite a jolly affair (once we had all the correct paperwork to hand).

We are now officially up and running!

To book visit: http://www.3placedesarbres.com/limousin_chambres.html
To check out sample menus of our vegetarian evening meals click here: http://www.3placedesarbres.com/vegetarian.html

A brief holiday (part 2)

2008-06-09T20:13:00.002+02:00

So we decided to stop in Loches, which is a fantastic town, which has a walled city (dating from the 11th century) which is well worth a stop.

We decided to stay in a delightful bed and breakfast within the walls of the royal city, in an old presbytere.

A brief holiday (part one)

2008-06-03T20:57:00.004+02:00

As we were unable to catch up with family and friends at our nephew's birthday party in Wales a few weeks ago we jumped at the opportunity to see two family members by driving over 600km to Normandy for a night!

Perhaps we were overly excited but we woke up at 4.30am and decided to make a start - which was probably just as well as it took longer than expected to get there (8 hours!). But it was ace to see Les R (and pals) and a good time was had by all (despite the rain). We did the "Brit's Abroad" thing - paddling in the sea (despite the rain) and had a barbecue (once the rain realised we were not going to give up).Les brought us some stuff from home too, including some juggling stuff I had ordered (in anticipation of being able to collect it from wales)After a fantastic night's sleep we were all set to drive all the way home. But then the sun came out and we decided to stop at a fantastic place...

Shower room

2008-05-28T21:25:00.003+02:00

For those of you who may be wondering whether I made the deadline outlined in a previous post

Yes! It was close, though, as I had to put 2 coats of special paint on the wall (12 hours between each coat) and then wait 24 hours before tiling could begin.

Obviously, they could all slip off the wall and be sitting on the bottom of the shower tomorrow morning...

Bedroom 2

2008-05-28T21:20:00.003+02:00

Here are a couple of pictures of bedroom two, with our first attempt at wallpapering, which went surprisingly well!

Yes, that is a normal double bed, but the room is pretty big, so it looks a bit lost...

The hallway

2008-05-28T21:11:00.002+02:00

We finished painting the hallway some time ago, but we had a few other bits and pieces to do, so it is only now I can reveal it to you in picture form...

Should I be retiling the apartment shower after two years?

2008-05-25T18:49:00.004+02:00

No, I don't think so.

However, that is exactly what I will be doing (once I have ensured it is dry, mould-free and painted the wall with something to stop moisture getting into it).

We first noticed something was seriously wrong when we went to clean the apartment during a long stay and noticed the tiles were coming away from the wall. Now, we have had a chance to pull the tiles off, we can see why- water has obviously been getting behind the tiles and allowed mould to grow, which has been feeding off the tile adhesive and multiplying which has pushed the tiles away from the wall.

Hmmm, serves us right for employing a muppet in the first place... if you want a job doing right do it yourself!

Hopefully it will be done in time for the guests who are due on Wednesday!

One more kitchen picture!

2008-05-25T18:41:00.002+02:00

At last we have finished the kitchen - the wall unit, sink and island (or central reservation as we call it) have been installed.

So here it is...

Ex-pat joke no. 465 - How do you end up with a small fortune in France?

2008-05-19T19:14:00.004+02:00

So we spent the week generally alternating between despair and blind optimism, medicating our mood swings with liberal doses of wine.

We spent ages looking for information regarding regulations affecting chambres d'hotes on the internet (with some success), laughing hysterically at the radio programme which was about how little information was available for people wanting to start up small businesses in France, and inquiring from as many sources as possible as to what the rules were.

The Mairie weren't sure about the regulations, neither were the tourist office (although they did send us copies of the regulations pertaining to c d'h, which do not mention the kitchen) but at least both were friendly and helpful.

The most useful advice we had were from people in the business (in particular these guys at lay my hat (a forum for people in the business)). We were reassured, and now feel much better.

We spoke to Bill who runs a cheese stall in our market (who also runs a chambres d'hotes) who gave us some useful information.

"You know the only way to end up with a small fortune in France," he said

"No," we said, intrigued. "How?"

"Start off with a big one," he said.

Tuesday 13th part 2

2008-05-15T19:58:00.006+02:00

So, we went into our meeting feeling a little stressed due to the van situation.

The woman we met with was negative from the start. It seemed she was not an expert on Chambres d'hotes, but was meeting with us simply because we were British, despite the fact that Mrs H's french was better than her English (95% the meeting was conducted in French).

Her mission appeared to be to take any enthusiasm we may have had and bash it on an anvil of hopefulness with a hammer of smugness until it was a nice pointy thing she could stab us with until we left dejected, and miserable at the end of the meeting.

The upshot of what she told us was that there were new regulations which meant that our kitchen would not be suitable for preparing evening meals (even though the whole idea of chambres d'hotes is that it is not a hotel and it is like being invited into someones house, and you all eat together). Yes, this is the kitchen we have just spent weeks finishing, and I had just installed a sink the previous day which was not stainless bloody steel.

Could we have a copy of the regulations? Mrs H, asked. No. We could come to a meeting next Tuesday and ask any questions and then would be given a copy of the regulations.

Things became a little clearer as to why she may have been so negative towards the end of the meeting when she told us she had not been doing the job long, she had made the mistake of telling her boss she did not have enough to do and so was given this job.

To say we left the meeting feeling low is a far from accurate description. It seems our choices could be to a) rip out our kitchen and install a stainless steel one (which would destroy the ambiance of the place somewhat) or b) forget the whole deal and do something else.

We drove the 50 kilometers home at 60km an hour in 3rd gear the whole way, uncertain whether the van sounded better when accompanied by sobs or by wailing.

Cake, chips and wine helped block out the pain. For a while, anyway.

Forget Friday 13th - what about Tuesday 13th? Part one

2008-05-14T22:18:00.005+02:00

Ok, so the day had started well (see previous post) but even the most beautiful things can die quickly and suddenly.

We had a meeting in the department capital with the Chambre de Commerce to register our business. We decided to combine this 50km trip with a sightseeing trip, and a trip to the supermarket to buy some wine and beer to take to the party in North Wales we were going to at the weekend.

So half an hour before the meeting we load up wine and beer into the van. The engine starts first time and I put it into reverse gear and pull out of the parking space. I go to put it into first gear and the gear stick won't move. I try again. Nope. Won't work.

I turn off the engine and am able to put the van into gear and pull off with relief. But can't change into second. I turn the engine off and put it into second. Start the engine.

The time is now moving towards the meeting time, and we drive around the town in 2nd gear looking for a parking space. There aren't any. We end up much further than we want to be up a side street, hot, sweaty, arguing and on the verge (well, frankly we drove over the -metaphorical - verge and into the nearby field full of cow pats and stinking bogs) of tears.

We march up the hill and have enough time for several deep breaths and to concoct a rudimentary plan of how we would get home, before entering the chambre de commerce.

And that was when things took a turn for the worse...

Beautiful village of Moutier d'Ahun

2008-05-13T21:03:00.006+02:00

A mixed day today (may tell you the not-so-good bits when feeling strong enough!), but started well with a trip to Moutier d'Ahun which is a stunningly beautiful little village on the banks of La Creuse.

There is an old abbey here. Apparently a sculpture came to do some work inside and couldn't stop.

Here are some photo's what I did take:

Have either of you two got choux?

2008-05-12T21:47:00.003+02:00

One of the reasons we moved to France was to slow down the pace of life.

This has happened, and is evidenced by our taking a trip through winding country roads 15 km to the beautiful village of Magnet l'etrange for the purpose of enjoying the Fete du Chou (cabbage festival).

Mock all you want, but as fans of the cabbage, we were quite looking forward to it, and the poster looked pretty good.

Apparently, the marquis of L'Etrange came to Magnet and brought his cabbages with him. They are apparently unique and very large.

Unfortunately there were a disappointingly small number of cabbages on display (none), although there were plants of the infamous variety available to purchase.

There were plenty of stalls selling plants, a stage for live music (not playing when we were there), beer stalls (but we are giving our livers a well earned rest at the moment) and they were serving lunch (buvette) but certainly not anything suitable for a vegetarian. But not one cabbage available to eat, or admire so we left after an hour or so.

We did fancy that soon after we left, the cabbage parade marched through the village - people dressed as cabbages, cabbage jugglers, people riding giant cabbages, etc..

Painting, juggling, cycling and a surprise guest

2008-05-04T21:38:00.002+02:00

We have been busy painting the hallway. Once that is finished we will be able to open one room for guests while closing off the living room and other bedroom, whilst we decorate those.

After a break of several years I have taken up juggling again, much to the amusement of the locals (at least one wants me to perform at the music festival in August). I decided juggling would help with my arm injury, which has still not fully recovered from the gravity meets broken ladder incident in November.

I had forgotten how relaxing juggling is - why did I stop? Am considering getting some stilts as have always wanted to be taller and it would also help with decorating the house. Mrs H has reminded me if I can't stay on a ladder what hope have I on stilts.

For the first time in years we got out lardy backsides onto bicycles and went for a picnic. We bought Mrs H's bike about 9 months ago and it hasn't been out of the garage until today. Mine was bought about a month ago. Our bottoms hurt after about 3 km so we stopped by a river for the picnic and then returned to drink some wine in the sun (a reward for a morning of painting, you understand)!

We then had a surprise. A dutch woman who is cycling to the Algarve (she cycled 60km today), couldn't find anywhere open, and needed a place to stay the night, and a kind local woman showed her to our door. So we have our first guest in the B&B despite, not being fully open yet.

We decided not to boast that we, too, had been cycling today.

Dear Gardener's Question Time,

2008-05-02T19:21:00.003+02:00

Dear Gardener's question time,

We have been growing Bamboo in a pot, but it does not seem to be thriving.

We wondered if the pot needs to be bigger, or if there is some kind of infestation which is stopping the plant growing as normal.

We would be grateful for your valued advice.

Yours

Mr and Mrs Humpbuckle Hylton

Dear Mr and Mrs Humpbuckle Hyton,

Thank you, for your question.

Your bamboo plant does appear to be infested with a pest, latin name Biggus Fattus Tabbyus.

You can not get rid of this pest, you must simply indulge it.

Yours

The Gardener's Question Time Panel

Vintage cars come to Felletin - including a surprise classic

2008-05-01T20:36:00.004+02:00

Today we had a load of vintage cars come to the town square. We all had fun choosing the one we would like to own.

Here are a few of my favorites (if anyone with spare cash is reading this!)

And now for the real classic...