At Home in Brittany

French Health Care System – Can it Survive the Excess and Poor Administration?

As a paid up member of the French Health System for the past seven years I cannot help but be impressed by the level and professionalism of the front line service. However as a user, one cannot fail to observe the serious flaws in the way that the system is being administered which will inevitably lead to increased overall costs and a reduction in the quality and availability of the service in the long term.

 

Much has been written about the membership of the French Health System by other EU citizens and the eventual compromise reached in 2007/8 described in some detail on the British Embassy and French Government Health web site. Therefore in this post I wish only to pass observations on my concerns for the future of the system surrounding the administration from the viewpoint of a user.

 

Ankou a Legend from Brittany

A formidable character, steeped in the legends of many cultures, under different names, is known as Ankou in Brittany; and plays a strong part in its folklore.

This reaper of souls pervades; not only as a creature of fantasy into the Breton culture, but once represented more than just a figment of people’s imagination. He is even distinguished enough to appear amongst the effigy’s of saints in Ploumilliau (a village in North West Brittany) church; a tangible reminder of the strong beliefs of a bygone time. But with a host of other bogey-men to choose from why choose Ankou?

Anatole le Braz was a late nineteenth century early twentieth century collector and translator of Breton stories and songs. Not only do they provide cosy fireside reading but they also allow us to be privy to a way of life in Breton communities, burdened by strong superstitious influences.  

The Tragedy of the Green Tide

This sounds like the title of a good book, but it is in fact a tragic story of mans continuing desire for progress and prosperity without consideration for the effect on the environment.

 

When we arrived in Brittany in 2002 we were continually amazed at the beauty of the Breton landscape and in particular the coastline; which in our area of the Pink Granite Coast is stunning. One of the most impressive coastal areas is the Bay of St Michel en Grève, which has one of the longest continuous beaches in Brittany. In July each year it is used for harness horse racing, due mainly to the long flat beach which is available when the tide exits the bay.

 

Over the past seven years this stunning coastal tourist destination has changed into an enormous green bed of slime, emitting a pungent odour as soon as the sun starts to warm the seas. In the spring, with rising temperatures and excess nitrogen (nitrate) arriving on the coast, the algae  begin to reproduce. It is an environmental nightmare which has descended on the peaceful bay and its residents, who for their part have been trying to stimulate the authorities into action against those thought to be responsible.

 

Another Fine Mess in Brittany

Catching sight of a new, shiny, spotlessly clean septic tank (fosse-septic) being installed at a neighbour’s house recently, brought back vivid memories of what happened when the time came for us to empty ours.

It was only a year after we had settled into our country life when we were reliably informed by an expert (a farmer who had lived since time began in a nearby farm) that it was overdue for la vidange (emptying). As it transpired he was right.

 The following morning in the bathroom the toilet refused to flush away its contents.

“It must be blocked,” my husband said throwing me an accusing look.

Later that day gloved and goggled he and our son approached the “very green area” at the rear of the house where the inspection lid was located.  It was a very inopportune time to have a sanitary problem as my parent had chosen this particular moment to have a little holiday with us; preferably in contemplative tranquillity. 

Eating Out On a Budget in Brittany

I expect all the ex-pats in Brittany are having to tighten their belts due to the falling value of the Pound, but do not despair; you can still enjoy one of the greatest pleasures of living in France, eating out. Okay you may not be able to enjoy the luxury of haute cuisine or the delights of a ‘fruits de mer’, but it is still possible to have a three course meal and a glass of wine for between 8 to 10 euros if you know where to go.

 

The first venues I would recommend is best described as the ‘the white van restaurants’, every small hamlet and village has a restaurant that provides midday meals targeted towards the mobile artisan. There are however no restrictions on who is served and they are happy to receive tourists, locals and the odd ex-pat that happens to be passing. The menu is fairly restrictive, referred to usually as ‘la formule’ i.e. a choice of two to three main meals at the set price. A typical meal would consist of small buffet starter, usually salad, followed by Steak and frites or fish with vegetables, followed by a choice of dessert or cheese and fresh bread. Bottles of the house red and white are placed on the table to be shared amongst the diners.