Local News

Smoking Ban Implemented

From 1st February smoking in public places in France became illegal. This ban includes all enclosed or covered places including all work places where the general public have access. The ban also includes all teaching establshments and here the ban also applies to uncovered areas such as playgrounds. The second phase due to be implemented on January 1st 2008 will include restaurants, bars, casinos, tabacconists, hotels and any place where drinks are consumed on the premises. These businesses have been given a longer period to implement the ban in order to allow them time to make the necessary changes to their premises.

Record January Temperatures

This year saw Languedoc Roussillon record the highest ever January temperature of 22oC in Prades-le-Lez.

Perpignan - The Capital of Catalan Culture

Perpignan has been dedicated the Capital of Catalan Culture for 2008. The town will be allocated a budget of over €300,000 and will focus on cultural activities.

Languedoc 'Going Green'

This years 'going green' state grant has been increased to €16.4 million from just €10 million last year. This money will be used to increase the use of solar water heating panels, solar electricity and the use of wood as fuel. The region will also equip 5000 social housing units with solar power. The region hope that these initiatives will ensure that Languedoc Roussillon remains the greenest region in France.

Beziers Airport Expansion

Work has started to widen the runway at Beziers airport in order to take larger jets by Spring 2007. We understand that negotiations have already started with a budget airline although more details are yet to be announced.

Languedoc Vignerons Solidarity and Symbolism Protest

About 100 wine producers from Languedoc Roussillon set off from Montpellier on Friday January 19th to drive their tractors 800kms to Paris in an attempt to gain support for their wine growing industry from the government. The Vignerons argue that this region is dry, sunny and only suitable for the growing of vines. Therefore proposals discussed at Brussels to introduce other crops they believe are unrealistic. The drivers wore red matching jackets inscribed with the slogan ' you are killing my wine and my land'. The farmers were keen to show that they can protest in a peaceful way without violence following the violent protests seen in Montpellier in 2005.The tractors towed trailers with local produce; honey, wine, olive oil and truffles which were shared with people on route.

Chicago restaurants fight back against ban on Foie Gras

Restaurants owners in Chicago are outraged over a ban on the serving of Foie Gras in the city.
Alderman Joe Moore propsed the ban as he believes that the force feeding of geese is cruel.
Many restaurants fought back on the first day of the ban by serving foie gras with everything from pizzas to pasta.
Last year 46,000 pounds of foie gras were sold in Chicago alone, proving that the Americans really do love this French delicacy.

Eurotunnel Voluntary Bancruptcy

A French commercial court has accepted Eurotunnel's voluntary bancruptcy and protected it from creditors for six months.
Eurotunnel owes 9€ billion. During the next six months court administrators and the company will talk to creditors in an attempt to reach an agreement.
Eurotunnel have stated that the service to customers will continue as normal.

Lebanon Appeal

Terre humaine is a local, Perpignan based charity that helps sick and injured women and children in Lebanon.
The charity is trying to raise funds for desperately needed medical aid.
Donations can be made at the Pharmacie Vauban, quai Vauban in Perpignan or you can call Mr Bobe on 06 73 33 56 23 for more information.

SNCF fined for deporting Jews

An administrative court in Toulouse has found SNCF guilty of being involved in the deportation of French Jews in World War II, and fined €62,000. The case was bought by the député Alain Lipietz and his family. His father and uncle were transported to internment camps in Paris by special trains in 1944.
200 additional families fom France, Belgium, Israel, the USA and Canada are now expected to sue SNCF and seek damages "for prejudice inflicted on their families during deportation in cattle wagons in appalling conditions, knowing that they risked death"

How green is Languedoc-Roussillon?

Languedoc-Roussillon has pledged €10 million in a bid to become the most ecological area of France. This should come as no surprise in a windy region which boasts over 300 days of sunshine a year.
The money will go towards subsidising solar water heating. wood burning systems and photovoltaic units.
Priority will be given to low-cost housing projects, schools, hospitals and local companies.

Paris - Montpellier Autoroute

The first stage of the Paris-Montpellier autoroute has been completed with the bypass of Saint-André-de-Sangonais. The final stage, spanning the river Hérault, is underway. The other route to Béziers is behind schedule.
The new road is expected to open by the end of 2007.

Beware Speed Trap on A9

The unusual 110kph speed limit on the A9 passing Montpellier that came into force this year has seen 24,717 speeders caught in just two months.

Pavillon Blue Status for Languedoc Ports

Six ports in the region have recently been awarded Pavillon Bleu status. These blue flags award port managements which adhere to an environmental charter.
The six ports are: Canet, Le Bacarès, Banyuls, Port-Vendres, Argelès and Saint-Cyprien.

Bush Fires

Dry conditions and strong winds, particularly during July and August this year, have resulted in numerous bush fires in the region.
200 firefighters tackled a huge blaze, covering 200 hectares, in Aumelas and Vanemian until midnight on the night of August 2nd.
Everyone should be aware that it is strictly forbidden to carry or to light a fire within 200 metres of a forested area (woods, forest, maquis, garrigue, orchards) between 1st June and the 15th September.
It is also forbidden to light a fire during the rest of the year when there is a period of drought or exceptional risk.
Property owners are obliged to remove undergrowth around their property.
If you see a fire you should call the pompiers by dialling 18 or 112.

Diving Disaster

A diver at Port Vendres suffered serious injuries in August this year after his air cylinder exploded.
He was airlifted to Perpignan hospital where he received emergency treatment.
An enquiry is under way to investigate the cause of the accident.

Montpellier Trams

The track for the cities second tram line is now in place.
The line will operate between St Jean de Vedas and Jacou with 35 stations in between and is planned to start on 15th December 2006.