The Kindness of Julien at La Cave aux Trésors
Traveling with a pet, especially in a foreign country, often comes with unexpected challenges. This became abundantly clear when we embarked on the journey to register Frankie, our Australian Cattle Dog, for a pet passport in France. The seemingly simple task of paying an €11 registration fee turned into a week-long ordeal, revealing some surprising quirks of French bureaucracy. But in the midst of it all, the kindness of Julien at La Cave aux Trésors in Martignas-sur-Jalle shined through, reminding us of the unexpected ways in which strangers can become friends.
The Paper Check Problem
Registering Frankie with I-CAD, the French humane society responsible for maintaining the national pet database, requires a small fee. But unlike many modern transactions,
I-CAD insists on payment via a method that seems archaic in today’s digital age: a paper check. This requirement caught us off guard, as we had neither a French bank account nor the ability to write a check.
As foreigners, opening a French bank account is not a straightforward process. It involves numerous steps, paperwork, and time. We hadn’t gone through this yet, partially due to the many hoops one must jump through and partially because we didn’t think it was immediately necessary. In France, there is no equivalent of a cashier’s check or money order that could solve this quickly. Debit or credit card payments and IBAN transfers are not accepted by I-CAD. So, when we received a letter from I-CAD informing us that our payment had to be made by a check, we felt utterly stuck.
Seeking Help at La Cave aux Trésors
After spending several days brainstorming and exploring every possible workaround, we were still without a solution. Desperate and frustrated, we brought the problem to our new friend Julien at La Cave aux Trésors. La Cave aux Trésors, a delightful wine shop nestled in the heart of Martignas-sur-Jalle, had quickly become one of our favorite local spots. Julien, the proprietor, was always ready with a warm smile, a perfect wine recommendation, and a kind word. We had bonded over our mutual appreciation for fine wines and the joys (and trials) of living in a small French town.
On this particular day, though, we weren’t there for wine. We walked into La Cave aux Trésors carrying the I-CAD letter, unsure if Julien could help but hopeful that he might at least point us in the right direction. Julien took the paper and read it carefully, his brow furrowing slightly as he tried to make sense of the requirements. Without hesitation, he picked up his phone and called I-CAD directly, determined to find a solution.
After two phone calls, he confirmed what we already knew: only a paper check would be accepted. Julien then inquired if it would be acceptable for a third-party check to be used on our behalf, and thankfully, I-CAD confirmed that this would be fine. This revelation was a ray of hope, but we still needed a check, and the kindness of Julien’s next gesture is something we will never forget.
A Saint Among Us
Without a second thought, Julien offered to write the check from his personal bank account. He carefully wrote out a check for €11, ensuring all the details were perfect. He even drafted a letter explaining why the check was coming from a third party, which he included with the payment. Julien then provided us with a one-day rush stamp and addressed an envelope precisely according to the instructions given by I-CAD. The entire process, including the two phone calls, took him about 45 minutes. When he finished, Julien handed us the envelope with a smile, jokingly saying, "Viva la France," in a lighthearted nod to the bureaucracy.
We insisted on reimbursing him not just for the €11 but also for the envelope and stamp, giving him €15 for his trouble. Julien’s generosity went far beyond the money—it was his time, effort, and genuine willingness to help that touched us the most. What had been a seemingly insurmountable problem for us was solved through Julien’s selflessness and kindness.
Paying It Forward
To show our appreciation, we bought three bottles of wine from La Cave aux Trésors that day, something that felt like a small gesture compared to what Julien had done for us. As we left, we jokingly called him a saint, but the truth is, in that moment, he really was. Julien’s actions were a reminder of the power of human kindness and the impact it can have on those around us.
We often hear stories of French bureaucracy being unforgiving and inflexible, but our experience was a testament to the fact that people, not systems, define a place. It’s easy to get lost in the frustrations of paperwork and red tape, especially when navigating a foreign country’s rules and regulations. But every once in a while, someone like Julien comes along, extending a hand when you need it most.
A Lasting Impression
As we look back on our time in Martignas-sur-Jalle, it’s not the bureaucracy or the frustrations that linger in our minds, but the kindness we encountered along the way. Julien at La Cave aux Trésors did more than just help us solve a problem—he revealed the true heart and spirit of his community. It’s people like Julien who make traveling with a dog in a foreign country feel less daunting and so much more like home. His only request was simple: when Frankie’s pet passport arrives, he wanted us to return to his shop to take a picture with him and Frankie.
Our experience with Julien is a reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness can leave a lasting impact. So, if you ever find yourself in Martignas-sur-Jalle, make sure to stop by La Cave aux Trésors. Pick up a bottle of wine, chat with Julien, and you’ll quickly discover the warmth and generosity that define this charming corner of France. And who knows—you might walk away with more than just a great bottle of wine; you’ll have a story of kindness to carry with you wherever your travels take you.
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