Category: Property

TIGHTER measures have been announced by the Dordogne préfecture with the département remaining under a ‘risque sévère’ warning for forest fires.

Motorised vehicles are not allowed to access tracks through forest areas, or park up on them, between 14h and 22h.

Forestry work and activities are not allowed between 14h and 22h in forests larger than a hectare.

Update 10 August, 2022: A number of forest fires broke out in the Dordogne in the past few days but fortunately the pompiers were able to bring them all under control.

And all fireworks are banned from use within 200 metres of woodland.

Dordogne forests

The risque sévère warning also means that no fires should be started, including BBQs, and people should not smoke in the woods.

A centre has been created to manage surveillance of the woods in the Dordogne and a spotter aircraft will fly over the département to try and locate any outbreaks of fire that take place.

On Wednesday 17 August, 2022, the Dordogne Préfecture announced a relaxation of the warning level for the risk of forest fire in the region.

I THOUGHT it might prove useful for people to get an idea of the cost of living in the Dordogne, so you can plan ahead if you want to visit or are looking to make a permanent move.

Below is a selection of everyday items that will provide an idea of what things cost such as petrol, bread and other important items that you will find in a shopping basket.

I will look to update the items regularly so that we both get an idea of the evolving price range over time.

Tackle living expenses

There can be a marked price difference between some of the budget chains, such as Aldi and Lidl, when compared to Intermarché and Leclerc, the prices above are in the main from Aldi.

Packaged goods from supermarkets can often be expensive, especially more well known names, but you can get an idea of prices in advance by undertaking a ‘phantom shop’ through a supermarket’s website.

The larger chains offer a Drive service that lets you do a shop to get an idea of prices, that you would normally go along and pick up a little later, but you don’t need to do this to get the latest prices.

Petrol and energy prices

Another thing you can do is check petrol prices online around your local area, as there can be real difference across France.

Energy prices are items that are seeing some of the steepest price increases around the word, although the French market is much more controlled by the government and any rises are formed in agreement with providers and consumer groups.

You can get an idea of the possible price you will pay based on the size of your property, the number of people in it and what types of electrical equipment you have and the choices you make for hot water and heating your home.

EDF provide information on getting an estimation through their website, one for electricity and another covers gas use.

The use of bottled gas is also common in the French countryside and again you can get an idea of prices by checking the Gazissimo website which provides prices for a range of bottle types.

But if you want to keep an eye on costs, fruit and vegetables from local markets are a good option and do as the French do, buy local – buy seasonal.

IF you need to contact EDF (Électricité de France) fortunately there is an English language helpline to answer your questions and offer advice on the service.

The service can help if you have questions about your energy consumption, if you want to change the power of your service, provide a meter reading or are in the process of moving house.

The number +33 (0)9 69 36 63 83 is available for people throughout France, and is open from Monday to Friday, 8h to 18h.

It is the price of a local call when in France, but you may face additional charges if calling from overseas.

There is also an email address you can send enquiries to: simpleenergywithedf@edf.fr

A postal address is also available: EDF Service Clients, TSA 21941, 62978 ARRAS CEDEX

Naturally there is a French language helpline, that is 3004 and is a free call number open from Monday to Saturday between 8h and 20h.

If you are happy to use the EDF website and have set up an online account then you can contact customer service through this, as well as get advice and billing information.

Emergency telephone numbers

A key thing to remember is that should you require emergency assistance then you need to go through ENEDIS for electricity or GRDF for gas emergencies.

ENEDIS electricity emergency number: 09 726 750 XX
(with the XX replaced by the number of your département so, for example, 24 if you live in the Dordogne).

GRDF gas emergency number: 0 800 47 33 33

Moving house with EDF

If you are moving house and need to sign up to an electricity or gas contract at the new property, then EDF asks that you have certain information to hand.

Moving in date

If you have a date for moving in then you can contact EDF from between six weeks and seven days before moving in, which should mean you reduce the risk of being cut off from any services.

PDL and PCE readings

For your new address you will need the PDL and PCE numbers, but what are these?

They are the identification numbers found on the electricity and gas meters installed in the property.

The PDL number corresponds to the electricity meter and the PCE is for the gas meter.

Each number is composed of 14 digits and can usually be found on the bill of the previous occupier, so either ask for it directly or make sure estate agent is able to get hold of a copy.

Meter reading

Again your estate agent, or immobilier, should be able to provide you with the most recent reading or make sure it is on you list of questions to ask.

Property details

You will be asked to provide some information about the new property you are planning to move into, covering issues such as how it is heated, your hot water and cooking equipment, as well as the size in square metres of your home.

Bank details

To set up bank details to pay for your electricity or gas bills you will need to provide a RIB.

SMOKE from the Gironde fires near Arcachon has spread across the Dordogne and other départements this morning, 19 July 2022.

The Dordogne préfecture has issued a press release saying that the smell of smoke is hanging in the air in many areas of the département, and I’ve been contacted by people in the Charente who have also woken this morning to the smoke.

The authorities say that there is no risk to health, but advise people to wear a mask if necessary and to keep windows closed if they have respiratory issues caused by the smoke.

They are also asking people not to call the emergency services, as they can cause telephone lines to be engaged and so block real emergency calls from getting through.

Smoke cloud across Dordogne and south west

Weather service La Chaîne Météo has also produced a map of France showing a forecast of the air quality across the country, with the plume of smoke coming from the Gironde clearly visible as it spreads over neighbouring départements.

L'air qui était étouffant à l'ouest en raison de la #canicule, est devenu plus respirable avec la baisse des T°C, mais il est chargé en particules fines (PM10), dont on distingue très nettement la zone de diffusion en Gironde où se produisent les #incendies. pic.twitter.com/7mEhOAHyKp

— La Chaîne Météo (@lachainemeteo) July 19, 2022

Again to give you an idea of the area covered by the smoke from the forest fires, the distance between Bordeaux and Toulouse is around 250 km.

Storms and rain are forecast for this corner of south west France this evening, whether it will be enough to help in the fight against the fires in the Gironde will remain to be seen.

THE Dordogne préfecture has placed the département under a ‘risque sévère’ warning for forest fires, asking people to take real care in the woods of the region.

With little rain over the past few weeks, little forecast in the near future, and with temperatures hovering around 40C, the woods and forests of the Dordogne are very dry.

A small forest fire broke out in the north of the département near Brantôme on 16 July, 2022, whilst two large fires in the neighbouring Gironde has seen 14,000 people evacuated from campsites and properties.

Update 10 August, 2022: Forest fires have broken out in the Dordogne in recent days, but swift action by the pompiers has seen them brought under control.

Now the Dordogne préfecture has announced the ‘risque sévère’ warning saying that the public can still visit wooded areas, but to take extra precautions and calling upon people to be responsible to protect the natural environment.

Restrictions put in place

No fires should be started, including BBQs, and people should not smoke in the woods. Also fireworks are banned, both public and private events.

Flammable materials should not be dumped in wooded areas, plus work and tools that might produce sparks should not be undertaken, whilst any incineration or controlled burning is also banned.

If you are close to the start of a fire call 112 or 18 and provide an exact location.

On the morning of Tuesday 19 July, 2022, many people in the Dordogne have woken to smoke from the fires hanging in the air of the département.

Below is the press release announcing the ‘risque sévère’ warning for the Dordogne.

AS two forest fires rage to the south and east of Arcachon, in south west France, the authorities are stepping up their campaign to cut the risk of people accidentally starting a fire.

The two fires in the Gironde have seen around 10,000 hectares of forest burnt, called upon the tireless work of more than 1,000 pompiers and seen 14,000 people evacuated from campsites and properties.

To give you an idea of the total area currently burning, the main town of Périgueux here in the Dordogne, home to the préfecture covers an area of just under 1,000 hectares.

Government ministers have visited the south west and despite the efforts of pompiers and Canadair aircraft to drop water on the area, the risk is still high and the fires are not under control.

⚠️🚨🔥🚨#Incendies #Gironde Reprise de feu à #LatestedeBuch intervention des Canadair.
🎥Sdis 33 pic.twitter.com/4xbPeWUEv6

— France 3 Aquitaine (@F3Aquitaine) July 16, 2022

The Dordogne has also been placed under a severe risk warning of forest fires, with some actions banned and the public urged to take extra caution.

Fire risk warning

The campaign to raise awareness of the risk of forest fires comes from the fact that nine out of ten fires are started by human actions, and with the average temperature in France heading upwards it is set to be a long running campaign.

Even something as simple as a small BBQ getting out of hand and grass nearby catching fire, or someone working with small machinery and tools in the forest that results in sparks catching light, can see the situation quickly get out of hand.

Smokers are also being warned of the risks of lighting up in the woods themselves, or throwing cigarette stubs out of the window of a moving car and it smouldering in the grass at the roadside.

Speed of fire spreading

The campaign also highlights the risk of the speed with which a fire can spread, stressing that whilst you think you might have everything under control fires spread quickly.

With the right conditions such as a strong wind, a fire can spread across a kilometre in just ten minutes, with the danger of burning embers landing in other areas and starting new fires.

Cut the risk of forest fires

Some forests have already been closed to visitors, these fall under a vigilance rouge warning, so if you are in an area of risk be aware of where you can and cannot visit.

But simple steps such as not smoking in wooded areas, only having a BBQ on a patio or terraced area and not having celebratory fireworks regardless of the occasion are some of the measures people can take.

Working in forest zones can also be a risk especially on campsites with tools such as an angle grinder or soldering station, and ensure you have a fire extinguisher to hand.

Although the pompiers and other forestry organisations are on full alert to spot outbreaks of fire, if you are close to the start of a fire call 112 or 18 and provide an exact location.

WITH temperatures seeming to be forever heading upwards, water use and waste, as well as possible restrictions, are beginning to make the headlines across France.

The French authorities are keen to make people aware of what they can do to preserve water, but they also provide up-to-date maps and reports on the water levels in the many rivers and streams in the country.

IN the Dordogne the préfecture has published its own map highlighting the areas across the region that face water restrictions.

The Propulvia website offers a map with the latest reports from around France.

If you click on the département that interests you, this will then provide information on the rivers and areas that face restrictions.

Map and vigilance levels

There are four levels of vigilance. The lowest level in France is vigilance, or warning, and this means should be aware of their water use and try to conserve and not waste any water.

The next step up is alerte and this requires homeowners to reduce the amount of water they use, for example in swimming pools or if watering their gardens.

The agricultural sector can also face restrictions at this level, with a cut in the number of days they can water their crops for example.

The second highest level of warning is alerte renforcée and this could see homeowners asked not to wash their cars, a ban on the water of lawns and farmers being asked not to water crops for half the week.

And the highest level is crise which places an emphasis on ensuring drinking water is available to all residents and any other use facing tight restrictions or being banned completely.

Mairie for updates

A key thing to remember is that your local mairie should be your first port of call if you have any questions about what water use restrictions are in place local to you.

The four levels of vigilance are used as a guide, but because individual areas have different water use and river volumes, detailed studies and data is gathered on a daily basis to ensure any restrictions are tightly focused.

The Dordogne authorities have also announced the introduction of tighter water restrictions from the beginning of August.

Fines for breaking water restrictions

The French authorities are keen to offer advice over punishment when it comes to homeowners breaking the rules covering water use restrictions.

You may be living in an area where restrictions on watering your lawn and gardens are in place, and whilst you should do your best to be informed, if you are visited by the local authorities they will usually issue a first warning and offer advice.

Should you continue to ignore the water use restrictions in place then you are likely to face problems, with initial fines starting at 1,500 euros and heading upwards to 3,000 euros for continued infringement.

Reduce your water use

The French environment agency is keen to promote wise water use and make people more aware of what they can do to save water.

In the home they stress the importance of not letting taps run, using your washing machine with a full load or on an eco setting and to install equipment that will let you reduce water use.

Farmers and businesses are also urged to recycle water and ensure any leaks are quickly dealt with.

How much water does the average French person use?

The daily water use on average in France is 149 litres per person, which covers domestic consumption such as drinking water, use in the bathroom and around the house.

This works out to 54 m³/person/year for domestic use.

FROM 1 July 2022 and until the end of August the 50 déchèteries across the Dordogne will reduce their opening hours over the summer holiday period.

The organisation of the centres is overseen by the Syndicat mixte départemental des déchets de la Dordogne (SMD3) and they have a detailed page about the opening times.

You can narrow down your search by using the map towards the bottom of the page and finding the déchèterie closest to you, this then provides information on dates and times each centre is open.

SMD3 also say that all centres are closed on Sundays and jours fériés.

Dordogne déchèteries

The summer opening times for the déchèteries especially on Saturdays are often based around odd and even weeks of July and August, or impaires and paires with the gates open on alternate weeks.

For example, if I take a look at the opening times for Saint-Cernin-de-l’Herm the summer service for the déchèterie between 1 July and 31 August is open on Tuesdays from 7h30 to 13h.

And then it is open on Saturdays but only covering the odd weeks for the two months and again from 7h30 to 13h.

Finally to add a little more spice to the service, a card the size of a credit card has to be applied for through the SMD3 that lets you open a barrier at the entrance of the déchèteries and entitles you to a certain number of visits each year.

Not surprisingly local opposition to both this system for the déchèteries and the overall cost of recycling and refuse services in the département is pretty strong.

RECYCLING your rubbish ensures that you leave only footprints when holidaying in the Dordogne, as we all try and reduce our impact on the planet.

The recycling system in the Dordogne uses large coloured containers, but with a twist for non-recyclable rubbish that goes in black bin bags.

The system is overseen by the Syndicat mixte départemental des déchets de la Dordogne (SMD3) and the containers for black bin bags can only be opened by the use of a card the size of a credit card.

This needs to be passed across a reader before the hatch opens allowing you to place your rubbish inside.

Steps for using containers for black bags

1. Press the round silver button

2. Place your card over the reader for at least three seconds

3. If valid you will hear a brief whirring noise, then pull open the rubbish chute

4. Place your rubbish sacks in the chute bucket either 2 X 30 litres or one of 60 litres

5. Close the chute back up ensuring it’s properly shut

The cards are only available to local residents who pay an annual fee, so if you are on holiday double-check with your property owner or management company that they will take away any black bin bags, because without a card you can not open the containers.

And sadly some bins have seen black bags left in front of them, which in the summer can create a smelly problem for the local authorities to deal with.

But you can do something about tidying up recyclable packaging, glass bottles and cardboard boxes that you may use whilst in the Dordogne.

What can you recycle in the yellow bins?

You will see large containers with yellow panels and flashes on them saying you can recycle emballages et papiers, this is packaging and papers.

So things like plastic bottles and containers, magazines and milk or juice cartons, metal trays, tins and crisp packets, yogurt pots and cheese wrappers, all these can go into the yellow containers.

You are best collecting them up over a few days and then emptying them into the container, but you will have to take them out of larger plastic sacks if that is how you have collected them because bars on the entrance of the bins prevent larger items being pushed through in one go.

What can you recycle in the green bins?

The green containers will take glass bottles and pots, so your beer and wine bottles can go in here.

First though take any plastic or metal lids off and place them in the yellow containers.

What can you recycle in the brown bins?

This is for larger pieces of cardboard for example items ordered for the home off the internet.

Recycling in towns

Many larger villages and towns in the Dordogne have door-to-door collection services for black bag rubbish, but some are trying to phase this out and move to a central location for such waste.

The problem is that many villages and towns are build along narrow roads and passageways and so it is proving difficult to set up the large bins and access for the vehicles that take the rubbish is limited.

Périgueux is facing such problem and has decided not to swap over to the new system, towns such as Bergerac and Sarlat are also considering whether to adopt the new arrangements.

And it is not just an issue of access, it is illegal in France to charge residents different rates for the same service, depending upon if they live in the countryside or a town.

So in Périgueux the authorities have said they can’t have the two systems running in tandem, and charge people two different rates for a rubbish and recycling service.

Using the tip for larger items

If you are on holiday then there is less chance you will need to get rid of larger items, or dangerous or polluting materials such as paints or building rubbish.

But if you are a property owner then these have to be taken to your local tip, or déchèterie, but again you need to prove that you are resident to the area.

This is achieved by requiring residents to apply for a second card via SMD3 that will open a barrier at the entrance of the déchèteries across the Dordogne, allowing you access and counting your use throughout the year.

Garden waste you don’t want to compost can be taken to the tip, but be aware that there are strict rules on burning garden waste and if you fall foul of them you can be heavily fined.

The déchèteries serving smaller villages are usually only open for a few days through the week, so it will be best to check with the local mairie for the opening times.

Recycling rates in France

France has made significant progress in increasing its recycling rates over the past decade. According to Eurostat, the recycling rate for municipal waste in France was 43.5% in 2018, up from 25% in 2001.

The recycling rate for packaging waste was 77.9% in 2018, which is above the European Union’s target of 70%.

However, there is still room for improvement. The French government has set a target of recycling 100% of plastic waste by 2025, but this goal will require significant investment in recycling infrastructure and public education campaigns.

Overall, the French recycling system has made significant progress in recent years, but there are still challenges to be addressed.

The government will need to continue investing in recycling infrastructure and public education campaigns to achieve its goal of a circular economy.