Following up on my previous thread, we have now completed the purchase of our property in France, located close to Viam, within the Millevaches National Park, in the department of Correze at an altitude of 740 m.

I said I would do some occasional updates to give an indication of the weather over there, so here we go.

We were there from Thursday to Saturday to complete the purchase and at first it was a little dull and cool. Since Saturday it's been virtually cloudless. We arrived at the property Saturday morning from Limoges through some fairly spectacular fog in the valleys and a white frost at the property. At noon we were sat in the sun outside, really feeling the heat from the sun, with the local station reporting 5c.

This month has been very dry, with the 2 nearest stations recording 3.8 and 4.4 mm respectively. The nearest to us is 5 miles to the South West (Perols-sur-Vezere) and the mean max this month is running at 9.4, while the mean min is -1.8. Yes, minus and about average for December. 9 air frosts to date with a min of -7.9c. (Wait and see what they drop to if a cold spell arrives!). The station 12.5 miles to the SSW (St Yrieix de Dejalat) has similar day max, but the min is +1.9 and only two air frosts. Both are about 750m..

I am a little confused by the vast differences in the night mins, but they are well represented on the temp profile maps, http://www.infoclimat.fr/cartes/obse...7/46.544/3.439

The Eastern side of the Millevaches seems to attract the lower temperatures, while the station at St Yrieix de Dejalat appears to be more open to drift from the plains of Southern Correze. But generally in the area there are some vast temperature differences, particularly at night, which are going to test my understanding of the weather, which is pretty much minimal at best.

On Monday, 14 December 2015 12:36:57 UTC, David Mitchell wrote:
Following up on my previous thread, we have now completed the purchase of our property in France, located close to Viam, within the Millevaches National Park, in the department of Correze at an altitude of 740 m.

I said I would do some occasional updates to give an indication of the weather over there, so here we go.

We were there from Thursday to Saturday to complete the purchase and at first it was a little dull and cool. Since Saturday it's been virtually cloudless. We arrived at the property Saturday morning from Limoges through some fairly spectacular fog in the valleys and a white frost at the property. At noon we were sat in the sun outside, really feeling the heat from the sun, with the local station reporting 5c.

This month has been very dry, with the 2 nearest stations recording 3.8 and 4.4 mm respectively. The nearest to us is 5 miles to the South West (Perols-sur-Vezere) and the mean max this month is running at 9.4, while the mean min is -1.8. Yes, minus and about average for December. 9 air frosts to date with a min of -7.9c. (Wait and see what they drop to if a cold spell arrives!). The station 12.5 miles to the SSW (St Yrieix de Dejalat) has similar day max, but the min is +1.9 and only two air frosts. Both are about 750m.

I am a little confused by the vast differences in the night mins, but they are well represented on the temp profile maps, http://www.infoclimat.fr/cartes/obse...7/46.544/3.439

The Eastern side of the Millevaches seems to attract the lower temperatures, while the station at St Yrieix de Dejalat appears to be more open to drift from the plains of Southern Correze. But generally in the area there are some vast temperature differences, particularly at night, which are going to test my understanding of the weather, which is pretty much minimal at best.

The area seems to experience regular inversions. A couple of weeks ago the mountains of Auvergne about an hour's drive to the South West, were reporting max's of 17/18c, RH 2% and DP's of -40c and lower. In the strong sun there was very little snow melt apparently.

The ski resorts in the Auvergne were planning to have opened by now, there were some decent snowfalls at the end of November and early December, but the mild temperatures have hit it hard and the snow cover is pretty patchy and the forecast is not looking good.

The Millevaches experienced a light snowfall at the end of November, which hung around for a few days, but not much prospect of snow here either.

Otherwise, not a lot happening over there currently. The locals seem very happy with the dry, warm and at times, quite sunny weather.





Big step David, but on google maps the area looks idyllic. Can I ask if this is part of retirement?

On Monday, December 14, 2015 at 1:21:58 PM UTC, Lawrence Jenkins wrote:
On Monday, 14 December 2015 12:36:57 UTC, David Mitchell wrote:
Following up on my previous thread, we have now completed the purchase of our property in France, located close to Viam, within the Millevaches National Park, in the department of Correze at an altitude of 740 m.

I said I would do some occasional updates to give an indication of the weather over there, so here we go.

We were there from Thursday to Saturday to complete the purchase and at first it was a little dull and cool. Since Saturday it's been virtually cloudless. We arrived at the property Saturday morning from Limoges through some fairly spectacular fog in the valleys and a white frost at the property.. At noon we were sat in the sun outside, really feeling the heat from the sun, with the local station reporting 5c.

This month has been very dry, with the 2 nearest stations recording 3.8 and 4.4 mm respectively. The nearest to us is 5 miles to the South West (Perols-sur-Vezere) and the mean max this month is running at 9.4, while the mean min is -1.8. Yes, minus and about average for December. 9 air frosts to date with a min of -7.9c. (Wait and see what they drop to if a cold spell arrives!). The station 12.5 miles to the SSW (St Yrieix de Dejalat) has similar day max, but the min is +1.9 and only two air frosts. Both are about 750m.

I am a little confused by the vast differences in the night mins, but they are well represented on the temp profile maps, http://www.infoclimat.fr/cartes/obse...7/46.544/3.439

The Eastern side of the Millevaches seems to attract the lower temperatures, while the station at St Yrieix de Dejalat appears to be more open to drift from the plains of Southern Correze. But generally in the area there are some vast temperature differences, particularly at night, which are going to test my understanding of the weather, which is pretty much minimal at best.

The area seems to experience regular inversions. A couple of weeks ago the mountains of Auvergne about an hour's drive to the South West, were reporting max's of 17/18c, RH 2% and DP's of -40c and lower. In the strong sun there was very little snow melt apparently.

The ski resorts in the Auvergne were planning to have opened by now, there were some decent snowfalls at the end of November and early December, but the mild temperatures have hit it hard and the snow cover is pretty patchy and the forecast is not looking good.

The Millevaches experienced a light snowfall at the end of November, which hung around for a few days, but not much prospect of snow here either.

Otherwise, not a lot happening over there currently. The locals seem very happy with the dry, warm and at times, quite sunny weather.





Big step David, but on google maps the area looks idyllic. Can I ask if this is part of retirement?

In theory Lawrence. Definitely for quality of life, it is idyllic, but I can see the prospects of developing a few ideas, but nothing too strenuous!

On Mon, 14 Dec 2015 04:36:56 -0800 (PST)
David Mitchell wrote:

Following up on my previous thread, we have now completed the purchase
of our property in France, located close to Viam, within the
Millevaches National Park, in the department of Correze at an altitude
of 740 m.

Next year's Tour de France will pass very close on 6th July going from
Limoges to Le Lioran in the département of Cantal. I'll be by the side
of the road somewhere, possibly Pas de Peyrol, from a base at 350m
just north of Brive. It's a lovely area.



Mike

On Monday, December 14, 2015 at 1:56:02 PM UTC, Mike Causer wrote:
On Mon, 14 Dec 2015 04:36:56 -0800 (PST)
David Mitchell wrote:

Following up on my previous thread, we have now completed the purchase
of our property in France, located close to Viam, within the
Millevaches National Park, in the department of Correze at an altitude
of 740 m.

Next year's Tour de France will pass very close on 6th July going from
Limoges to Le Lioran in the département of Cantal. I'll be by the side
of the road somewhere, possibly Pas de Peyrol, from a base at 350m
just north of Brive. It's a lovely area.



Mike

You're absolutely right Mike. I've been trying to find the exact route, without success so far, which is a bit annoying as the Auvergne have listed it once it crosses the border. I believe it enters the Auvergne around Mauriac, but also heard that it will pass through Eymoutiers after leaving Limoges.

If this is accurate, it will be very close to us. Still, better than last year when it was in Yorkshire and we were in France, telling all the local how we'd driven on the route a couple of days before on the way to Leeds/Bradford.

On Mon, 14 Dec 2015 08:00:21 -0800 (PST)
David Mitchell wrote:

You're absolutely right Mike. I've been trying to find the exact
route, without success so far, which is a bit annoying as the Auvergne
have listed it once it crosses the border. I believe it enters the
Auvergne around Mauriac, but also heard that it will pass through
Eymoutiers after leaving Limoges.

Try the Mairie, they'll know the route if it's anywhere near. Otherwise
the actual route and timing appears about 6 weeks before the start.
This year we are not going to suffer the 2004 embarrassment of being the
only party without table, chairs, food and of course wine.


Mike

On 14/12/2015 13:45, David Mitchell wrote:
On Monday, December 14, 2015 at 1:21:58 PM UTC, Lawrence Jenkins wrote:
On Monday, 14 December 2015 12:36:57 UTC, David Mitchell wrote:
Following up on my previous thread, we have now completed the purchase of our property in France, located close to Viam, within the Millevaches National Park, in the department of Correze at an altitude of 740 m.

I said I would do some occasional updates to give an indication of the weather over there, so here we go.

We were there from Thursday to Saturday to complete the purchase and at first it was a little dull and cool. Since Saturday it's been virtually cloudless. We arrived at the property Saturday morning from Limoges through some fairly spectacular fog in the valleys and a white frost at the property. At noon we were sat in the sun outside, really feeling the heat from the sun, with the local station reporting 5c.

This month has been very dry, with the 2 nearest stations recording 3.8 and 4.4 mm respectively. The nearest to us is 5 miles to the South West (Perols-sur-Vezere) and the mean max this month is running at 9.4, while the mean min is -1.8. Yes, minus and about average for December. 9 air frosts to date with a min of -7.9c. (Wait and see what they drop to if a cold spell arrives!). The station 12.5 miles to the SSW (St Yrieix de Dejalat) has similar day max, but the min is +1.9 and only two air frosts. Both are about 750m.

I am a little confused by the vast differences in the night mins, but they are well represented on the temp profile maps, http://www.infoclimat.fr/cartes/obse...7/46.544/3.439

The Eastern side of the Millevaches seems to attract the lower temperatures, while the station at St Yrieix de Dejalat appears to be more open to drift from the plains of Southern Correze. But generally in the area there are some vast temperature differences, particularly at night, which are going to test my understanding of the weather, which is pretty much minimal at best.

The area seems to experience regular inversions. A couple of weeks ago the mountains of Auvergne about an hour's drive to the South West, were reporting max's of 17/18c, RH 2% and DP's of -40c and lower. In the strong sun there was very little snow melt apparently.

The ski resorts in the Auvergne were planning to have opened by now, there were some decent snowfalls at the end of November and early December, but the mild temperatures have hit it hard and the snow cover is pretty patchy and the forecast is not looking good.

The Millevaches experienced a light snowfall at the end of November, which hung around for a few days, but not much prospect of snow here either.

Otherwise, not a lot happening over there currently. The locals seem very happy with the dry, warm and at times, quite sunny weather.





Big step David, but on google maps the area looks idyllic. Can I ask if this is part of retirement?

In theory Lawrence. Definitely for quality of life, it is idyllic, but I can see the prospects of developing a few ideas, but nothing too strenuous!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Something I dream of and have a slight envy of, although South Devon
would do me. Trouble is the pull of a large number of friends, family
and grandchildren it would be too much of a dent on my social life at
my age and that tie is greater than an idyllic location! I'll stick to
holidays.
Dave

"Dave Cornwell" wrote in message
...
On 14/12/2015 13:45, David Mitchell wrote:
On Monday, December 14, 2015 at 1:21:58 PM UTC, Lawrence Jenkins wrote:
On Monday, 14 December 2015 12:36:57 UTC, David Mitchell wrote:
Following up on my previous thread, we have now completed the purchase
of our property in France, located close to Viam, within the
Millevaches National Park, in the department of Correze at an altitude
of 740 m.

I said I would do some occasional updates to give an indication of the
weather over there, so here we go.

We were there from Thursday to Saturday to complete the purchase and at
first it was a little dull and cool. Since Saturday it's been virtually
cloudless. We arrived at the property Saturday morning from Limoges
through some fairly spectacular fog in the valleys and a white frost at
the property. At noon we were sat in the sun outside, really feeling
the heat from the sun, with the local station reporting 5c.

This month has been very dry, with the 2 nearest stations recording 3.8
and 4.4 mm respectively. The nearest to us is 5 miles to the South West
(Perols-sur-Vezere) and the mean max this month is running at 9.4,
while the mean min is -1.8. Yes, minus and about average for December.
9 air frosts to date with a min of -7.9c. (Wait and see what they drop
to if a cold spell arrives!). The station 12.5 miles to the SSW (St
Yrieix de Dejalat) has similar day max, but the min is +1.9 and only
two air frosts. Both are about 750m.

I am a little confused by the vast differences in the night mins, but
they are well represented on the temp profile maps,
http://www.infoclimat.fr/cartes/obse...7/46.544/3.439

The Eastern side of the Millevaches seems to attract the lower
temperatures, while the station at St Yrieix de Dejalat appears to be
more open to drift from the plains of Southern Correze. But generally
in the area there are some vast temperature differences, particularly
at night, which are going to test my understanding of the weather,
which is pretty much minimal at best.

The area seems to experience regular inversions. A couple of weeks ago
the mountains of Auvergne about an hour's drive to the South West, were
reporting max's of 17/18c, RH 2% and DP's of -40c and lower. In the
strong sun there was very little snow melt apparently.

The ski resorts in the Auvergne were planning to have opened by now,
there were some decent snowfalls at the end of November and early
December, but the mild temperatures have hit it hard and the snow cover
is pretty patchy and the forecast is not looking good.

The Millevaches experienced a light snowfall at the end of November,
which hung around for a few days, but not much prospect of snow here
either.

Otherwise, not a lot happening over there currently. The locals seem
very happy with the dry, warm and at times, quite sunny weather.





Big step David, but on google maps the area looks idyllic. Can I ask if
this is part of retirement?

In theory Lawrence. Definitely for quality of life, it is idyllic, but I
can see the prospects of developing a few ideas, but nothing too
strenuous!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Something I dream of and have a slight envy of, although South Devon would
do me. Trouble is the pull of a large number of friends, family and
grandchildren it would be too much of a dent on my social life at my age
and that tie is greater than an idyllic location! I'll stick to holidays.


I thought you were a coldie Dave? South Devon would be useless for that
experience :-) Good point about friends and family. My grandchildren are in
Leeds and are an awful long way away. So we are thinking of retiring up
north back to my roots, not in Leeds though as I hate cities, but probably
the Peak District as a compromise. Great place for coldies as well! Having
said that all my friends and social life revolves around here on Dartmoor
and in nearby Exeter/Newton Abbot. So some massive life-changing decisions
to make soon when swmbo retires. One reason we have bought our holiday let
in the Peaks, it at least gives us a base in the north. Perhaps that may be
an option for you Dave, down here in lovely Devon or even across the English
border in Cornwall?

Will
--
http://www.lyneside.demon.co.uk/Hayt...antage_Pro.htm
Will Hand (Haytor, Devon, 1017 feet asl)
---------------------------------------------

In message , Eskimo Will
writes
My grandchildren are in Leeds and are an awful long way away. So we are
thinking of retiring up north back to my roots, not in Leeds though as
I hate cities, but probably the Peak District as a compromise.

Not Ny Alesund or, failing that, Copley?
--
John Hall
"Honest criticism is hard to take,
particularly from a relative, a friend,
an acquaintance, or a stranger." Franklin P Jones

On Tuesday, 15 December 2015 10:08:11 UTC, John Hall wrote:
In message Eskimo Will
writes
My grandchildren are in Leeds and are an awful long way away. So we are
thinking of retiring up north back to my roots, not in Leeds though as
I hate cities, but probably the Peak District as a compromise.

Not Ny Alesund or, failing that, Copley?
--

Thanks, John!
I think Mrs Hand has dismissed us as being too bleak (;0)
It's not that bad really, it's all relative. Usually nice and dry here with surprisingly high amounts of sunshine.
Having said that, thick fog, drizzle and thawing snow this morning doesn't do too much for the Copley Tourist Board!
Ken
Copley
Teesdale