Welcome to our latest new member.

[lagavulan]

Thanks again for the wellcome, a very friendly forum. I'm glad I stopped smoking if you guys are using good drinking spirit to fuel lighters. I have come across a very versatile spirit in France which I think would qualify though. They call it Calva maison (Home made Calva) Apparently it takes 400 litres of apple juice (I presume) to distil 40 litres of Calva. It reminded me of Irish Pocheen and I would imagine, a very good substitute for lighter fuel. My French friends drink it through sugar lumps with black coffee. I prefer it straight myself but in very small quantities. I have a bottle in the cupboard now but it's just not the same drinking it outside France and not in French company.

I seem to be gibbering, must have been on something else. Thanks again, Johna

[dromia]

Its banned in the French Army.

[DuncaninFrance]

Did you know that in the past, the cider growers of Normandy were allowed to distill a percentage of their production to Calvados without paying duty. This was mainly to placate them in the face of the wine growers.

The right to do this could only be passed from father to son but this right has now been removed and the practice is almost over . Only companies can now produce the spirit and of course - pay duty

I like mine in strong black coffee

[lagavulan]

Hi, my source comes from the Picardi region although we all join up in the Vendee and share 'spirits'. Lagavulan has now become very popular among a few as well.

On the subject of the Vendee, there is a great range near where we go at a place called the Valees between Notre dam de Riez and Fonteclose (spelling probably way out)

I quite fancy taking my K31 across this year and letting a few GP11's go in comfort. Anyone know what is concerned in taking a rifle abroad.

[DuncaninFrance]

.....near St Hilaire-de-Riez on the D83 S.E of Challans.

Nice area. Can't say what is needed to take arms/ammo from UK to France but if you are short of something to shoot than let me know and I will bring my Mauser and my 1858 Remington New Model Army up along with my mate Alain and his modern sniper stuff!

[lagavulan]

I think we are on the same track. The tier is on a sort of short cut I use to go from Notre dame De Riez to St Giles Croix De vie. It's on the side of a small man made lake used mainly for sailing and wind surfing. A nice spot. I was wrong with Fonteclose, it is on a road named Rue du Barrage just out of Le Fennouillier heading for Notre Dame De Riez.

Chemin Des Vallees N 46.72760, W 1.90548

We are usaualy across in the Vendee for the whole of July, at least we have been the last 10 years. Love it, we stay on a small family run site, our kids have grown up there and we have all made many French friends, which is what it's all about. Only found the Tier last year but they would only let me shoot air rifles without a license. I didn't think to take it. Both my young sons enjoy the shooting so I see it as a nice addition to a lovely holiday.

It would be nice to meet up if it's not too far to travel for a shoot. (Is it ever?) I'll keep in touch, John

[DuncaninFrance]

Thats about 290 kms / 180 miles north of us. Take about 3 hours to drive it. Might manage a couple of days mid week depending on our Gîte bookings.

[lagavulan]

Sounds good, I replied to this yesterday but the reply seems to have gone to the blue yonder. It seems a long journey but I'm sure some sustenance can be found for weary travelers. It would be nice to meet up. I will still try and take the K31 and ammo so I'll continue to make enquiries. I'm sure someone on the Swiss Rifle forum will know.

I'll keep in touch and we can do a check nearer the time. All the best, John

[DuncaninFrance]

John. I really have no idea what the requirements are for bring a weapon into France on a temporary basis.

I will try and make some inquiries and let you know but don't hold your breath