Up cycling in Parisot

Thomas Lefort at L'Esquisse

There is a lot of interest these days in taking old pieces of furniture and either restoring them to former glories or transforming them into something new, "up-cycling" as it is called.
A new enterprise called L'Esquisse has opened its doors in the old school in Parisot (82) under the control of Thomas Lefort. Trained as a coppersmith, Thomas creates his own furnishings or re-cycles older pieces into new designer creations.
The boutique is open every Saturday from 10h-12h and 14h-18h.

Psst! wanna buy a rendez-vous?

Those of us trying to get a rendez-vous at the prefecture to renew or apply for a titre de sejour know how difficult it has become. The site for the Herault prefecture is so saturated that it is virtually impossible for those with a titre to renew it. But foreigners who fear they may become illegal (like many Brits with Brexit looming) have been resorting to underhand black market schemes to get a slot.
Enterprising types have found that surfing all the avenues throws up rdv's which they reserve using fictitious names and email adresses. Then like all black marketeers they find desperate clients willing to pay between 50 and 110 euros for the time. Once the deal agreed they cancel the rdv and re-book in the correct name.
The prefecture has become aware of this and has ceased to post slots as they become free, but on a random basis. We cannot see how this will improve things but no doubt the crooks will suss it out.
Apart from being amoral, it is illegal.

Fresh pasta from Varen

Poster for pasta: sorry for photo M. Johnstone

For a few days we have wondered why a house on the outskirts of Varen had suddenly had a huge sign "BONHEUR DE PATES" painted on the wall. Was it "pâtes"  or "pâtés", but it turns out to be the former, pasta as we say in English (Italian really). A local inhabitant Anne Prat has been making a choice of home made pasta and marketing them via a stall in St Antonin and various outlets including the boulangerie in Varen.

Tom and Lily recognised

Photo : Tometlily

The Gaillac boulangerie bearing the name of Tom Bastide and his companion Lily has been recognised by the prestigious guide Gault Millau as offering superior products in their "metier".
Thomas has worked in the boulangerie for some years, but only took over ownership just a year ago, and changed the name to reflect this.
He says the secret of great bread products is in choosing the best ingredients and especially in working the dough. Not sure whether the recognition will lead to more customers, Tom and Lily will no doubt welcome the free publicity.
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Changes to small artisan regimes?

The government is expected to announce changes to micro-entreprise and auto-entrepreneur regimes to encourage many small artisans to switch from traditional regimes to the less onerous regimes. The limits are to be doubled to 66400 for artisans and 165600 for commerces. The auto-entrepreneur scheme simplifies administrative procedures, including submission of accounts and record keeping, and payment of taxes on a less difficult timetable.
Unfortunately the exemption from charging and reporting VAT (TVA) will be removed, making the status less attractive for the smallest businesses, but also making the system less open to charges of providing an unequal playing field. No doubt the devil will be in the details and the government announcement today will be awaited with interest.
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Service is more than answering the phone

We commented below about the importance of responding to clients' demands. But at the market in Laguepie this morning we experienced a different form of service: indifference. The usual greengrocers were taking a well deserved holiday ( in fact many local businesses seemed to have closed as soon as the rentrée was in sight).
So there were local growers offering their produce - probably organic and better tasting. But as we piled up the courgettes, onions, tomatoes, aubergines and potatoes we were surprised that the seller (owner of the business) took absolutely no notice of us. Everything weighed, bagged and paid for as she continued to talk to another customer (French, no doubt). No bonne journee, no merci M Mme, no smile.
We have come across such indifferent service from other local producers; one can only assume that our business is of no consequence to them. Then they complain that we buy from the supermarkets, where the service can be just as surly - but the produce is cheaper. Thank goodness there are many lovely helpful servers.
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Using empty shops

Many towns and cities suffer from increasing numbers of empty shops and rather than just leave them unused councils are looking for ways to use them (rather than just disguising them with picture).
In tourist towns such as Moissac shops have been transformed into art galleries or artisan studios.
In and around the beautiful abbey such "ephemeral" galleries are marked with a large question mark sign - perhaps to say "why not your business here".

a galerie ephemere in Moissac

Locally several unused buildings in Laguepie have been opened as "boutiques ephemeres" and are an interesting addition to the usual commerces.
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Vanmania at Vaissac (T&G)

When friends asked this young couple if they could convert their van into a "camping car" it spawned a whole new enterprise. They had their own VW camper that had served them on trips to the beaches in France and north Africa and friends were envious of the concept of the small but practical holiday home.
Designing modular furniture which can be installed (and removed) in a matter of minutes meant the family could quickly and cheaply convert the traditional white van into a smart camper. They undertake all the work themselves, adapting the electrics to provide mains and battery power to the fridge and cooker, cutting and assembling the modules, even sewing the fabric seat covers and curtains. Based at Vaissac in Tarn and Garonne and with prices from about 4000 euros, the small business has boomed and its order book is full.

Easily moved modular furniture. Photo France 3

Penny's pinnies

Penny Smith comes each month to the book swap and with her business " A stitch in time" she offers  curtain and dressmaking and repairs. Today she was offering a range of aprons " retro pinnies" for sale.

She says:
I am Penny and I have my own business called ‘A Stitch in Time’ offering sewing alterations or creation of sewing projects from scratch. Clients more usual requests are to turn up skirts or trousers, change the styling of a sleeve, transform a dress to a skirt, trousers into shorts and sometimes, if my magic wand is really on form, I can even make clothes (a bit) larger! The more unusual requests have been to design and create pool table covers, exterior quality futon mattress covers, poolside cushion covers…. So if you need something sewing, not sure if it is possible, ask me you might be surprised and the reply!
Recently, I have set up a new line ‘Penny’s Pinnies’ which are mainly retro-style aprons for those special occasions to protect your lovely outfit during those dinner parties or just to add a bit of spice to the kitchen!
I have several models in the range in a selection of fabrics, and can make to order. They make lovely presents for birthdays, Christmas or just to say ‘I think you are great’.
I look forward to you contacting me on 06 33 78 61 71. SIRET no 527 752 596 00033

New boulangerie at Laguepie

Situated by the old Casino premises, alongside the new tourist information centre, is a "pop-up" boulangerie. Supplied by the Maison Bedel in Sanvensa the new shop has a selection of bread, savouries and cakes. The village has been without a bakery for seven months now, though there are "depots de pain" in the two supermarkets, as well as RAGT.
It may well be that the new shop is one of the "boutiques ephemeres" that open just for the holiday period, but it will be a welcome addition in the meantime and if successful could remain all year. Closed Monday.
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Now that's a "camping car"!

Ten years ago a young Aveyronnais was inspired by passing travellers to spend a year in a "gypsy" caravan - here called a roulotte Irlandaise. On his return he decided that so relaxing and different was that mode of transport that he would start to manufacture them himself. Pierre Jacquot set about making the caravans from scratch and to measure. Each one takes about 4 months to make and sells from 15000 - 50000 euros depending on the spec.

All you need is a good heavy horse to pull it, not supplied by Pierre.
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Tarn skills live on

Working with leather from tanneries to artisan workshops is a skill which has many associations in this area, and at Graulhet in the Tarn the industry was paramount for over 100 years until like many others it went into decline in the 70's and 80s. Five years ago two women from Paris and one local Tarnaise decided to pool their expertise and recommence manufacture of leather goods in the town.
They explained that many of the skilled workforce were still available and the town's accessibility to raw material and transport made it an ideal place to set up their business.

A Bandit Manchot design handbag

Known as Bandit Manchot the firm makes designer maroquinerie now sold in over 400 outlets in France. Because they do not mass produce items they can use small pieces of leather, often off cuts or end of line skins, and their purses, wallets and handbags have a unique feeling offering design and practicality.
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Legendary night spot for sale

If you are 20 something and live in Toulouse you may be a patron of  "Le cri de la mouette", the night club situated on a barge on the Canal du Midi in the city. A popular night spot offering live music and discos it regularly attracts up to 200 patrons a night. Owned by Toulouse businessman Erich Sperling, who gained his expertise in the underground music scene in Berlin, Le Cri has been a must do venue since the 1980s, but now captain Erich wants to retire and sell the boat.
For around 350000 euros some enterprising new owner could be carrying on the adventure - and Erich wants the boat to sail on as before. He will stay on as long as needed and offers to train any new owner.

At the cutting edge

A drive through the vineyards just now will show dozens of workers out in the fields preparing the vines for this year's crop and many of them demand electronic secateurs to do the back-breaking task. A family firm based in Cahuzac sur Vere, near Gaillac, is the world leader in design and production of electronic secateurs, used widely in the wine industry for pruning vines.
The firm Infaco was founded in 1984 and now employs 80 people in its Tarn factory, plus a subsidiary in California and sells over half its production overseas.

The product is pretty well all manufactured from parts sourced in France and the miniaturisation of the battery pack is one of the main improvements adding to its popularity with the pruners who can deal with up to 1500 plants per day for the next month.
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Big order from US

Boeing is the biggest American aeroplane maker, but a local firm, Figeac Aero, has announced a 500 million euro order to manufacture and assemble parts for an American sub-contractor. The parts are to be used in the assembly of various Boeing and Airbus long-haul aircraft. It is the second time the Lot based company has received an order in excess of a half a billion euros.

Photo: MazPPP

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New DIY superstore at Montauban

Crowds thronged to a new Leroy Merlin store in Montauban on Thursday. The group is well known in the north of France and there is a branch in Colomiers, near Toulouse.
The store offers a wide range of DIY products as well as advice on home improvements.
Other DIY superstores are available.
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Toulouse firm could revolutionise packaging

Not just food packaging for items needing preservatives adding, but especially medicines that have additives to prevent bacterial infections, such as eye drops, from repeated use of the container.
Their invention is a type of material containing "microspheres" which prevent bacteria from passing into a package made from the product. This could mean that thousands of medical products no longer need preservatives adding and even such things as cheeses or pre-cooked dishes.
The firm has invested 7 million euros and taken out 11 patents in developing their product which now has interest from all around the world and may grow their turnover by hundreds of millions of euros in the next three years.
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Why so much maize is grown locally

It seems that the huge water cannons used to irrigate the fields of maize are wasting precious water on a crop that could be grown elsewhere. But a surprising amount of that maize becomes - popcorn.
Local producers, especially in the Gers, supply Europe's leading popcorn manufacturer Natais, at Bezeril near Auch. The company supplies 80% of the popcorn sold in French cinemas and is well established throughout Europe. Now they are targeting the middle east.
Producing 15 million packets per week means local maize growers have a steady market provided they meet the company's strict criteria. Happily (depending on your point of view) Le Querlys at St Antonin does not offer popcorn.
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Sail away from Najac

Land-locked Aveyron is an unlikely place to find one of the world's most prestigious manufacturers of hi-tech sails for ocean racers. But CLM set up in Najac just eleven years ago and this year will be providing canvas for four contestants in the Vendée Globe ocean race.
Installed in an old agricultural building the five staff use the latest fabrics, both rigid and light-weight such as kevlar, to created bespoke suits of sails for these high performance craft.

Hi-tech sails. Pic France 3

Farmers' "market" banned

A co-operative making over 200 agricultural and horticultural products in the Pyrenees has been going to villages to sell for over 40 years. They have premises which can be visited or which welcome holiday guests in accommodation, the farm offering hands-on experience of looking after goats, sheep and cows, plus making cheese, honey and leather goods. But the farm is pretty well inaccessible in winter so the farmers say they need to get out to sell their produce in the locality.
However, local businesses claim that this is unfair competition and have prevailed on the local conseils communals to ban the farmers using municipal premises to sell their goods. The farmers suggest that the local councils are "closer to the commercants" than to their customers who are happy to buy direct.

Ferme des Cascades, Haute Pyrenees

It is always a tricky thing when a new enterprise threatens the existing businesses (cf supermarkets opening in small towns) and often it seems that French commercial laws protect businesses to the detriment of customers by restricting competition. But farmers' markets have an appeal that no supermarket can match and one would have thought a way through could be found.
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