IF you are planning to drive through France this summer then you can be sure of heavy traffic on the roads and autoroutes, but there are some websites you can use to try and get ahead of the jams. However, summer 2024 looks set to be a real test of every driver’s patience as Paris will be hosting the Olympics and Paralympic Games, during the busiest time of the year on the roads. Source ..read more

IF you have seen white, candyfloss like webs high in pine trees, keep a watchful eye on the ground for the pine processionary caterpillar. It is around March, April, May as the temperature rises that the caterpillars head to woodland floors in search of a place to pupate and it is when you will see the characteristic long lines as they follow each other nose to tail. Source ..read more

FROM 1 April, 2024, the small green vehicle insurance sticker you place in your windscreen is no longer obiligatory. From this date evidence of your insurance will be obtained by comparing your vehicle registration to the fichier des véhicules assurés to check that you are covered. You can make your own check via the website, if you have your carte grise to hand just enter the required… Source ..read more

DAILY maps from Météo France show the risk of forest fires across the different départements of France. The Météo des Forêts service shows which areas of France face potential problems from forest fires, providing an overview of the situation. The maps are colour coded with green being the lowest level, then yellow signifying a moderate risk, orange means a high risk and red is very high. Source ..read more

THE Dordogne chasse will open on 10 September, 2023, and run until 29 February, 2024, as published on the préfecture website. However, the hunting of sanglier will continue until 31 March, 2024. Details of the hunting season in other areas of France are available online. There are currently around 17,000 hunters registered with the Fédération Départementale des Chasseurs de la Dordogne (FDC 24). Source ..read more

THERE is a petrol station in Villefranche-du-Périgord, just look out for the multi-coloured cow on the forecourt. The petrol station is found on the western side of the village, about a kilometre along the D660 and is next door to the veterinary surgery. The station is open 24 hours a day and is operated by Aire C, who place brightly coloured model cows outside their petrol stations. Source ..read more

THE tiger mosquito, or moustique tigre, continues to prove a nuisance across many areas of France with people urged to help in controlling its spread. The mosquito can carry diseases such as chikungunya, dengue and Zika and was first spotted in the Dordogne in 2015. It is now a problem across large areas of France, including many urban areas, with research saying it was present in 71 départements. Source ..read more

THERE is a train station that serves Villefranche-du-Périgord and the surrounding villages, although services are limited and there is no onward public transport. The station is approximately 4 kms by road from Villefranche-du-Périgord, and whilst it is possible to walk into the village it will take around 45 minutes. The station is on the Niversac to Agen line, offering a route north to Périgueux... Source ..read more

IF you want a walk in Loubejac, then a simple, easy route to take is the Boucle des Granges that will take you around two hours. It takes you through the chestnut trees, lets you stop for photos across the fields and offers you the chance to unroll a blanket and sit in the woods if you want to take a break. The walk starts from the Eglise Saint-Pierre-és-Liens, in Loubejac, and obviously it being... Source ..read more

THE Dordogne préfet has introduced water use restrictions for homeowners in order to protect the supply of drinking water. The use of a hose for washing your car is banned, although you can use car wash machines as they recycle the water used. Restrictions are also in place for watering gardens and vegetable patches, it is authorised to do so only in the morning up until 13h. However... Source ..read more