French Consular Agency Christchurch
Consular enquiries should be directed to the French Embassy in Wellington or through their web site.
Pinus pinea; Italian Stone Pine trees common to France & Italy
Please be aware that Le Petit Hotel, Sumner, NZ is now closed. This update is simply a reflection on the demise of two maturing French/Italian Stone Pine trees that Martine & Bruce planted to reflect the French nature of their hotel.
Travellers arriving at Le Petit Hotel prior to COVID 19 , would have noticed the distinctive juvenile pine trees – Pinus Pinea, gracing the street frontage. Our original news item copied below, published on the 4th Nov. 2010, explained their heritage. 11 years on now, while still in their formative state, their umbrella type canopy was just beginning to take shape. but as reflected upon via my post script below, they are no more.
4/11/2010 – “Martine & myself recently had some R & R in France during September…one of the best months in respect of the French climate. Some of the time was spent near Plan du la Tour near the Med. coast, http://lepetithotel.wordpress.com/2010/09/11/chasteuil-to-plan-de-la-tour/
and we couldn’t help noticing a tree with an attractive green umbrella like top…commonly called in France – the Parasol Pine…its botanical name being Pinus pinea. Clearly this was one tree which could survive not only the hot dry Mediterranean seaside environment but also the cold winter winds. For some time now here at Le Petit Hotel, we have been pondering what species of tree we could plant safely in our own Sumner location where the climate varies from hot summer winds, salt laden sea air, to our cooler winter temperatures. So it has been a surprise, in the last few days to locate a source of these Pinus specimens here in NZ at a nursery in New Plymouth : http://www.conifers.co.nz/
Needless to say, we are looking forward to trying the species in our own unique NZ climate.
It’s interesting to note that the Pinus Pinea species is the one that produces genuine edible pine nuts, the tree and its nuts having a history of more than 6000 years at least.” Pine nuts are variously described as the most expensive dried fruit in the world.
Reflection time. Post Script: Sadly ..we have to report that the new owners of the building previously known as Le Petit Hotel, Sumner, NZ, saw no value in the two Pinus Pinea specimen trees ( known in NZ as Stone Pines) which had both matured sufficiently to begin producing numerous pine cones complete with the edible pine nuts. Both trees succumbed to the kiwi chainsaw disease. It is sort of ironical but possibly attributable to the immaturity of NZ as a colonial society, but to Europeans in general, trees have appreciable value and in both France, Italy and Spain people go to extraordinary lengths to keep trees alive, and indeed shift them around Europe to owners who place a high value them. The same treasure of trees is recognised in China, where not only do they cultivate huge mature tree nurseries, but they also have the skill and dedication to shift and or transplant such trees around their country.
A Scottish reason to stay at Le Petit Hotel Sumner.
A Reason to Stay at Le Petit Hotel
There are many reasons why travellers choose to stay at Le Petit Hotel, in Sumner, and most of those relate to the genuine discrete French character and feel that Martine, my partner, has successfully imbued into the hotel’s seaside operation.
However, there is a genuine Scottish reason that many of our guests can relate to , and that is the presence of a true Scottie dog….our beloved Kara who stepped into the big shoes of her kindred predecessor – Maggie, 10 years ago. In fact many of our return customers feel a connection with Kara as much as the hotel itself, its managers, and the French seaside accommodation offering.
But just as we humans have our own life health issues, Scottish Terriers have their share of troubles. It is very common for Scotties( and many other dog breeds) to be afflicted with cancer in one of its many forms, and so for the past couple of years we have been very focussed on her diet and also the use of what has now been globally proven to be a useful medication ( Denamarin) countering some of the by product (effects) of liver cancer. We can also thank the antibiotic Clavaseptin which we found to be very effective to dealing with pneumonia symptoms which hit her some months ago.
However , we are currently dealing with a sad development in that Kara is now diabetic and has become blind following the very rapid development of Cararacts in both eyes. But we are looking at our options to try and help her.
It is at a time like this, I am reminded of the quote attributed to Anatole France: “Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”
It is just so true.
Good Vibes within Le Petit Hotel Sumner Christchurch
Good Vibes
We see a large proportion of international guests choosing to stay with us; from Antarctica staff on leave, to very interesting travellers from Norway, Russia, Latvia, & Estonia, to name just a few far distant countries.
And so it was that a few days ago, a couple who spent 2 nights with us as guests, gave us a quick review on-line with 10/10 plus the comment that the place had good vibes. That was a new one for Martine & myself, but we would be the first to acknowledge that there is good karma within the walls of Le Petit Hotel, and our current Scottie dog Kara and her predecessor Maggie , are in part responsible for setting the hospitality standard.
Menu, Gluten free & or Dairy free breakfast option
Menu option for travellers who endure food sensitivities ( sometime serious) arising from certain ingredients which typically requires them to have gluten free and or dairy free breakfasts.
Le Petit Hotel management are more than happy to make adjustments to the continental fruit /cereal etc plus croissant breakfast to meet these requirements. Simply add your request to your accommodation booking notice.
Being a genuine French Bed & Breakfast, our renown fresh baked croissants are always available each morning, along with genuine french plunger coffee, hot chocolate, or a variety of teas, together with fresh fruit and yogurt. Recently, …made in France – French Brioche has been added to the petit déjeuner.
Scottish Terrier, permanent resident manager, Le Petit Hotel
Clan Scottish Terrier!
As Le Petit Hotel’s Scottish Terrier , it’s a while since I’ve been in touch with the wider world…& much has happened in both Sumner and Christchurch . I’ve grown up fast and the earthquakes are supposedly behind us, the experts say, but I am still anxious when I hear strange noises. I’m now 9 years old, and my black overcoat is showing some grey hair now!
I’m still performing my hotel guest welcoming routine…racing to reach the front door before Bruce, after the door intercom phone rings, so I can see the new guests first. I really live for my meet & greet job.
Always at my best,
Kara.
Le Petit Hotel Accommodation, Boutique French Style
Le Petit Hotel accommodation provides boutique French B & B lodgings for all travellers, both domestic and international. The property is located by the beach in Sumner; the premier seaside suburb of Christchurch.
Unlike most AirBnB properties, managers – Martine and Bruce are on-site 24/7 and are focused on providing genuine hospitality to all guests. However the privacy of individuals is very much respected when required . Both short & long stay guests are most welcome at Le Petit Hotel’s unique retreat from the city bustle.
The daily room rate includes a served French breakfast and the hotel has free high speed data/WiFi services throughout the complex. The en-suite accommodation rooms are most suitable for 2 adults.
Le Petit Hotel management & Chinese Connections
Le Petit Hotel management are regular visitors to China.
China and France are connected by substantial trade ties. The effects of the historical political concession that resulted in an area of Shanghai being administered by France are still apparent. It is well worth the time doing the research to discover how this concession and others in Shanghai came about. While the French have long departed from the concession, with very little effort , any visitor can quickly recognise the influence they left behind .
Croissants, fresh breads, brioche and small delicate cakes are evidenced in hotel breakfasts, especially those that share a European breakfast menu with standard Chinese fare.
Le Petit Futé Nouvelle-Zélande
Le Petit Futé est un voyage Guide de tourisme et de Nouvelle-Zélande – Bons Plans, visites, conseils et practical information. Le Petit Hôtel Sumner fournir un hébergement B & B en français langue voyageurs, et est également l’emplacement consulaire française à Christchurch.
Look at me now : The continuing story of Kara the Scottie
Hi there all Scottie lovers…It’s almost 15 months since I left behind my friends at Juscot Kennels in Hamilton, and I’ve had my 1st birthday at Le Petit Hotel. Despite having inherited a twisted right hind leg, I’m doing my utmost to be part of the hotel day to day operations…answering the door, checking the guests in, plus security duties, so much so that several of Bruce & Martine’s guests have suggested that I climb into one of their suitcases & go home with them… Unlike many of my 4 legged relatives, I have developed my own vocabulary for use in the hotel..eg. when I want to go outside, I don’t bark, but I do a bit of a quiet sing song. I’m also quite good at singing along with the piano!
Sometime in the next few months, I’m going into hospital to get a CT scan done on my crooked leg, to see what can possibly be done to help me…but I’m a good patient, so it won’t be a problem.
My shiny black coat at the moment makes me a difficult camera subject, but attached here is a recent photo taken on Christmas day with one of my presents.
Until my next post…yours truly
Kara