Suggestions and website links about supplying your own renewable ENERGY or having your property linked up to the national grids/Gas de Ville supply etc..
these sites are good starting point for basic information in English about renewable energy and how to choose the best option for your own project.french-property.com also has financial information.
http://publications.cat.org.uk/
http://www.heatmyhome.co.uk/index.php
http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/
http://www.french-property.com/guides/france/building/renovation/
Here are some French links...ADME is the french governments website about all things ecofriendly and what support you get for being green in France.There arn't any practical demonstrations there, but all the infomation about finance and grants will be invaluable to get you started.
http://www2.ademe.fr/servlet/KBaseShow?sort=-1&cid=96&m=3&catid=12615
http://www2.ademe.fr/servlet/KBaseShow?sort=-1&cid=96&m=3&catid=13547
French Friends Of th Earth "Amis De La Terre" have lots of very useful links.They've been publishing this information since 1969!
http://www.renovation-ecologique.org/