Raffiran declares "A budget that reaffirms the importance and dignity of work", "A Budget that doesn't work"his critics retort
25th September 2003. Prime Minister Raffiran reaffirms the governments commitment to Internal Security and Defence at the cost of Education, Sport, Transport and the public sector. Despite the fourth year running of France having to explain its budget deficit to Brussels as it once again burst through the ceiling of the euro stability pact the ongoing tax cuts that Chirac used to bribe himself into the Champs d'Elysses continue, this year with 3% of income tax. Francis Mer, the Minister of Finance found himself in a very tricky position today, 26h September, at the Monetary Committee of the Council of Ministers in Brussels, despite the support of Germany the overspenders recieved a sever rapping of the knuckles, will the European central Bank and the Commission have the courage to fine their two largest members? Read more in latest news

2003 Tourist Levels down 20%, 25% in Languedoc

As any gite owner will tell you 2003 has not been a good year. Despite the increased level of Ryanair flight occupancy the overall numbers of tourists visiting the Languedoc this year has tumbled. It is not just a question on quantity but also of quality. The most generous seizable tourists are the Germans and this year they have stayed at home. The ongoing economic insecurity of the German economy is thought to be to blame. Another reason possibly has been the incredible weather has made a summer holiday at home or further North attractive for once. The strong Euro has certainly had an impact on the British tourists, the war on the US market. The Dutch and Belgium markets have stayed strong, but sadly they are at the bottom end of the most profitable tourists, the Dutch particularly with their love of camping and self catering.

Another storm cloud on the horizon is the legal action taken by Air France against the Strasbourg Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
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Holiday Home of the Month Situated in the centre of Corbieres wine growing- Boutegnac. This edge of village, stand alone cottage actually backs onto the walls of the Chateau. Two double bedrooms, modern kitchen, living room with wood burningfire, shower, dressing room, garage, washing machine, terrace. Includes a mature Muscat vine growing over the door-delicious in September. Freshly redecorated and furnished. The ideal base to explore the vineyards and hills of the Corbieres, situated close to the market town of Lezignan and 25 minutes drive from the Med.

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New in the Library Revenge and Regret by Catherine Mercer
On the 6th August, 1944, a strong force of German soldiers, supported by armoured vehicles, tanks and artillery attacked the 400 maquisards living in a large camp in the forest of Picaussel above the village of Lescales in the high Aude. After their successful routing of similar armed camps of resisters at Gileres and in the Vercors the German army and their Milice collaborator allies were expecting a bloody but successful operation that would destroy their foe. Two young men from Lescales, who were working with the Marquis were ambushed and killed as they scouted out the German advance. The rest of the large group, under the inspired leadership of Lucien Maury, the village school teacher, fought off the first attack and were resupplied by the RAF with munitions and arms. Under cover of night fall they slipped through the German lines taking their wounded and all their supplies. The confused and angry German forces then burnt the village of Lescales to its foundations as a warning to all those who supported the Resistance. Read more of this review

House prices stabilise after 4 years of continuous growth.The effects of the strong Euro are effecting the property market throughout the Aude. While Premium properties remain in short supply the price of village terraced house, the vast majority, has clearly reached a plateau. Immobiliers advice to people who want to sell this summer is lower your prices or build a roof terrace. At the premium end of the market however well restored houses with gardens and terraces continue to command top prices. Irish buyers from within the Euro zone, retiring Parisians, and an increasing number of US citizens and Canadians are replacing the tradition UK buyers.Read more in House Buying If you already have a house and are looking for on hand property management click here

Site of the Month

Le Minervois is a lovely little site, simply designed, and therefore fast and very easy to navigate. It contains a detailed guide to a wide range of villages and towns of the Minervois, a great restaurant guide. Any one who includes the Auberge St. Martin is always a winner in my book. It also has a guide to hotels and a growing holiday home section. Property, as usual gets a good section with a guide to services- a little limited at this stage but growing. A great resource for anyone visiting the area or thinking of moving into the most chic part of the Aude. I expect this site will develop even further over the next twelve months so add it to your favourites now and revisit regularly.