La Coquille is the nearest town to our village and for a small town it serves its community and the surrounding villages very well. Situated right on the Route Nationale 21 it is an arterial thoroughfare, midway between Limoges and Périgueux, dating back to Roman times.
The Bank Credit Agricole is open from Tuesday-Saturday 9am-12.30pm. It is closed for Bank Holidays, which can fall in the middle of the week in France.
There are two Supermarkets, the largest being Shopi, just outside of the town (direction Thiviers). It has recently been expanded, is very well stocked and employs a full-time butcher. It also sells discounted petrol and diesel, but you can only pay by credit card, so you must know your pin number.
In July and August it is open every day including Sunday mornings until noon. Weekday and Saturdays it closes for lunch from 12.30 until 3pm.
There is a small market in La Coquille every Thursday morning, where, in addition to fruit and vegetables, and local produce, wet fish can be bought.
Other shops include two good butchers, bakers and patisserie, post office and two hairdressers, plus several bars (one being a PMU, for those who fancy a flutter).
Into a bit of DIY, there's an extremely well stocked hardware store.
For the budding antique dealer, an interesting shop with a varied selection of furniture, clocks, paintings and general bric-a-brac.
Les Voyagers Hotel - La Coquille
The restaurant at Les Voyageurs Hotel is open to non-residents and prides itself on offering freshly prepared meals, with a Périgourdin slant, at reasonable prices, in an ambient setting. (Children's menus also available).
There is also an eat in/take out pizzeria, La Provencale, offering freshly prepared pizzas cooked in a traditional wood burning oven.
La Provencale Pizzeria
There are two pharmacies and a number of good Doctors. Also a dentist.
The days and times for Mass Service are posted on the door of the church in the main square. On Sundays Mass is held in a different village church locally to La Coquille. This information is also posted on the church door.
Tennis courts can be hired for a charge of Euros 7 an hour. The key for the courts can be obtained from the newspaper shop in the main street.
Bikes can also be hired from the shop, Coq Dif, opposite Crédit Agricole Bank.
La Coquille is also on main line French Railway, SNCF. With services to Limoges and connections to Paris. Perigueux with connections to Bordeaux. The staff are very helpful, so don’t hesitate to enquire about train times. Sometimes it’s nice to leave the car behind with no worries about driving and then parking at your destination. Bordeaux is a particularly nice day out.
SNCF Railway Station - La Coquille
The vet is located in a small hamlet, Sainte Marie, between La Coquille and La Coquille. The practice is fully acquainted with the Pet Travel Scheme, for pet owners bringing their dogs and cats from the UK. Tel 05 53 52 80 58.
Note
All important telephone numbers for the local Doctor, Vet, and emergency services;
police, fire and ambulance, are listed in the information pack in the cottage.