Ostriches help Autruche

The out-of-the-way village Autruche in Ardennes is bringing in new residents and visitors after setting up a farm... for ostriches ( autruche in French).

Connexion journalist Connexion journalist

Published Friday 29 September 2017 - 20:40 Modified Friday 29 September 2017 - 20:40

Ex-mayor Claude Lambert started the farm in 1999 when Autruche had just 40 residents and, being hidden off the road to Luxembourg, few visitors.

It now has 67 residents and hundreds of visitors for Autruches d’Autruche and the village’s recently-started brocante.

animals ostriches french news

French house prices: see how your area fares in new notaire data

Caen, Grenoble and Reims saw significant rises in a year whilst Lyon, Bordeaux and Montauban saw drops

What are the rules on metal detecting in France?

Focus on protecting potential archaeological finds means lack of clarity for amateurs

What are EDF ‘red days’ and how could they increase your French energy bill?

Special tariffs scattered across winter months can see electricity costs triple

Can you check if someone has made a will in France?

A national will register can be consulted by anyone providing certain information is given

Can I take my small pot pension from the UK early while living in France?

The UK has specific rules relating to pensions worth no more than €10,000

France’s top literary prize in 2025 awarded to author Laurent Mauvignier

Author receives just €10 in prize money under the rules of the Prix Goncourt

Stepchildren: French MPs approve higher inheritance tax allowance

The pre-tax allowance is greater than before, but there are conditions

Five French films and series to watch in November

Using stories and shows you are already familiar with can be a big help when learning French

Wizz Air trials ‘budget business’ seats on routes

Guaranteed empty middle seat and quicker boarding are perks on ticket aimed at professionals

Village gives free rat poison to residents to tackle infestation in southern France

Rodent populations along banks of Lot river have exploded

The decline of turtle doves and memories of summer birdwatching in France

The dramatic fall in turtle dove numbers due to Mediterranean hunting, plus discover the unique sounds of birds like the nightjar and bee-eater

French second home tax: over 1,600 communes opt for additional levy

Communes deemed to face housing shortage can opt for surtax of up to 60% more on top of taxe d'habitation bill

Dover port pauses EES border check rollout for car travellers

Port says it is ready but it is awaiting go-ahead from French authorities

Tests underway on French motorway into recharging electric vehicle as you drive

‘World-first’ scheme sees quicker charging times than traditional methods

French weekly weather forecast November 3 - 7: midweek temperature spike

Rain is then due at the end of week

How Verteillac's mayor revived a French village through community engagement

Connexion meets Régis Defraye, a Dordogne mayor who has brought a dying village to life using collaboration and apolitical thinking

MPs vote to replace France’s property wealth tax with ‘unproductive wealth’ levy

France’s proposed ‘unproductive wealth’ tax - part of ongoing 2026 budget talks - would cover assets such as art, jewellery and some assurance vie policies

A tax system that serves the wealthy undermines French democracy

Connexion reader says it is not fair that ordinary people should face hardship

French gardening tips for November: bird feeders, potager tasks, and sustainable gifts

Seasonal advice to enhance your garden's beauty and productivity

Find out how to be polite – and where to party: tours offer enhanced travel experiences in France

Guides can help visitors immerse themselves and meet locals for a more authentic perspective

What changes in France for residents in November 2025?

EES checks rollout, energy bills, taxes, and winter rules: See what is changing in France next month

French supermarkets revamp to retain custom

Smaller floor areas, lower shelves and more specialist counters among new features

Dordogne electricity broker claims 8% savings for most clients

Service is free for customers – company earns commission from suppliers

Ostriches help Autruche

The out-of-the-way village Autruche in Ardennes is bringing in new residents and visitors after setting up a farm... for ostriches ( autruche in French).

France’s top literary prize in 2025 awarded to author Laurent Mauvignier

Stepchildren: French MPs approve higher inheritance tax allowance

Wizz Air trials ‘budget business’ seats on routes

French house prices: see how your area fares in new notaire data

What are the rules on metal detecting in France?

Are there import duties for items when moving back to the UK from France?

What do I need to do if my partner dies when we are at our second home in France?

Can I contest a failed roadworthiness test in France?

What are EDF ‘red days’ and how could they increase your French energy bill?

Can you check if someone has made a will in France?

Can I take my small pot pension from the UK early while living in France?

France’s top literary prize in 2025 awarded to author Laurent Mauvignier

Stepchildren: French MPs approve higher inheritance tax allowance

Five French films and series to watch in November

Wizz Air trials ‘budget business’ seats on routes

Village gives free rat poison to residents to tackle infestation in southern France

More readers speak out on French citizenship denial over foreign income

Struggle to find tradespeople for home repairs in France, survey finds

How endangered Iberian ibex is thriving after French Pyrenees comeback

What to do when family or friends need help while you are in France

The decline of turtle doves and memories of summer birdwatching in France

French second home tax: over 1,600 communes opt for additional levy

Dover port pauses EES border check rollout for car travellers

Tests underway on French motorway into recharging electric vehicle as you drive

French weekly weather forecast November 3 - 7: midweek temperature spike

Savoir-faire savvy: the rise of business tourism in France

Contesting French speeding fines is a nightmare

The meaning and origins of ‘staircase wit’

How Verteillac's mayor revived a French village through community engagement

MPs vote to replace France’s property wealth tax with ‘unproductive wealth’ levy

A tax system that serves the wealthy undermines French democracy

French gardening tips for November: bird feeders, potager tasks, and sustainable gifts

Find out how to be polite – and where to party: tours offer enhanced travel experiences in France

What changes in France for residents in November 2025?

French supermarkets revamp to retain custom

Dordogne electricity broker claims 8% savings for most clients