Paula

Hi Steve - try this website - apparently some friends of friends have used it and its quite good - good luck!   http://www.housecarers.com/  

Thanks to all who replied - we had a fantastic day (even though it was wet and blustery!), we ended up having a fab meal in the Pierre Chaud on the Rue de Lille in the old town - they were really lovely, welcoming and friendly and made all feel pleased to be there.  Thanks for the recomendations we will certainly try them when we are passing through - down to the South West.  Much apprecaited - Paula x 

Hi - I wonder if any of you foodies can give me any recommendations.   I am taking my 80 year old Dad through the Channel Tunnel on Saturday - (his birthday wish) and I thought it would be nice to go to Boulogne for a late lunch on Saturday - but the question is where to go?  I went to the old town a year or so ago and ate at a lovely restaurant - so I am looking for somewhere either in the Old Town or a nice restaurant anywhere near.  He's not a fussy eater and likes just good old plain food (and Moules) also I am taking my 3 kids (who eat everything and I mean everything!).  Any suggestions greatfully received have seen La Pierre Chaude on the internet and La Belle Barbue anyone tried these.  Thanks in advance - Paula

Thanks - just the information I was looking for - if anyone else knows any hotels/restaurants nearby would be great to hear from you. Thanks 

Last year my friends and I came over to Bolougne for the Xmas Markets - and want to do the same this year - anyone know when they are on - can't find anything on any websites - but only had a sneaky look in my lunch time at work.  Any info greatly received and if anyone knows a good hotel for a friday night nearby also as well as some good restaurants - cheers Paula

Thanks Andrew - I have sent you a PM Regards, Paula

Thanks for your reply I have also sent you a pm

Thanks so much for your reply I will get in touch with them - we are still finding our way around so every bit of info helps us. Best wishes Paula

Hi - can anyone help with the wonderful topic of swimming pools.  We have bought a lovely house and a bit of land near to Verteillac in the Dordogne and very close to the Charente border.  Our land is sloping and we are in the process of thinking swimming pools (we have done our sums and doubled it)! I wonder if anyone can recommend a good company/person who you have had good service from.  As I said our land is sloping so its not a straight forward pool (but what pool is?) and possibly an infinity pool could be a solution (am now tripling cost). Any one got any experience of this type of building work?  Thanks so much.