Deby

Hello Well today is Bastille day in France - a public holiday so you really won't get much joy. You are also entering a period of holidays in France, so it is also possible your Notaire could be on vacation for up to a month - usually there is some sort of cover, but I say this candidly. Also, a Notaire in France has a certain amount of prestige and it is not uncommon practice that he will see you when he is available. Notaires are called Maitre Bloggs instead of Monsieur Bloggs to give you some idea. I know you are the client (the paying customer) BUT this is France and you cannot apply the same ethos. Nonetheless it is courteous for them to at least give you an appt. It doesnt really work that you tell him when you are coming over, the Notaire has to agree with this. I am sure this is quite difficult to grasp especially when you dont speak the language, at this stage my advice is do not get cross as this will be counter-productive, be totally conciallatory this moves mountains in France, be friendly, even though you probably want to scream at him. Hope this advice helps you, but honestly if you tried to complain to a body (I'm sure there is one) you will be laughed at. Good luck Deby

Hello, Does anyone have any good sources for the purchase of tiles to surround our pool. Obviously they have to look nice and be cost-effective at the same time (wishing!). Thanks for your help. Deby

I only joined I think November time and really have found the Forum very useful. I have lived in France for 4 and a half years now and have been introduced to another French (albeit Anglisised (sp.) dimension) Have met some lovely people too. Must admit am curious to meet some of the regulars here - I'd love to share a glass of the Rouge with Miki. I think Miki is about late 40's has lots of blondy-graying hair and a beard! Probably about 5ft 11' and of medium build. But I could be wrong.... Deby

Anyone know anything about Family Air Tickets when travelling within France. I hear if you are travelling with children you can opt for a family ticket, which is usually cheaper than a full fare air ticket and it is changeable. I know the website doesnt offer this, but does anyone have a number or procedure that would be very useful. Deby

Hello Frederic, I am very sorry to hear of your plight and I think that raising it will assist others. Do try to think positive your health and family are intact and that is a good thing. I am sure the sorry affair leaves a sour taste in your mouth at least. You are being very proactive by making people aware of the pitfalls. Myself am very unsure as to why anyone would need an agent - am I being a bit daft, maybe someone should enlighten me, but if a person wants to buy then surely they can search the internet, visit the Immos and themselves (I am aware of the need to arrange prior) but this can be done and is just equally a pain to the local french too. I can understand the language element when it comes to legalities i.e. compromis but the most imp bit, but the process is this to me Do Research- french life, CGT, inheritance,cars, education, health, pensions, taxes and logistics (and I dont mean who latest budget airline)! Check finance is in order Learn basic french vocabulary to do with buying and selling properties Search internet/local media/notaire Make a list of possibles Organise visits(could take 2-3 visits) Choose property Make an offer Agree price Sign Compromis (ensure legal advice is taken here + independent translation if necessary) Organise Finance Consider if necessary additional surveys (buildings/disputes) Transfer funds Sign Acte Make friends with your neighbours and invite them for an Apero even if you cant speak a word - there is alot to be said in sign language and gestation Dont know whether this helps someone new but its a start.... Deby

We are at the bottom end of Charente Maritime 17 and considered West France, but we define ourselves as SW France because we are 40 mins from Bordeaux which is our nearest departmental capital (La Rochelle is officially 17's capital). You wouldnt believe the hassles that this sometime causes, but hey ho we live with it because it is such a lovely corner edge of the Dordogne/Gironde and Charente Maritime. Deby

Not sure about it - but would certainly imagine that you will need something - in the event of hospitalisation. As for registration into a school, you would have to ask to the local Mairie to be on the safe side, you also need to provide a carnet de sante or the red health book that is provided in the UK. One point to note is no child in france can attend school without a BCG (TB) jab or at least having had the monotest which is the text to see if TB is present. Deby

Has anyone paid for the 'Norms" or is it just my husband in a panic? We are in/process of constructing our pool and of course the barrier has to be built alongside it. We saw a metallic fence in Brico Dept which certainly fulfills the height capability but there are 3 other norms that it might not meet, if I only new what they were! I dont have an issue at putting in a pool as it goes without saying there needs to be a barrier not just for my children, but any other child/animal that might endanger themselves. Could someone recommend a supplier we are dept 17/33. Many thanks, Deby

Hi Sue, Looked at your work, I see you like to work with acrylics - a favorite of mine (when I get the time). I've put a message in your inbox btw. Deby

I was very pleased to see this thread. We plan to use our well water (when the darn pool finally gets here!) but the question I would like to know is about the water table. We are surrounded by lots fields and cows and the nice farmer uses his wells (v adjacent to us) to water his stock. If all of a sudden we start using the well to fill-up/replenish our pool, plus water our lawns/flowers/weeds etc - this will have an effect on him no doubt, does anyone know of any law or issues that we might encounter. I am sure the farmer is a reasonable man, but I would just like to be prepared. I know in the UK if you start messing around with the water table and farmers they get cross. Deby

We bought and paid for an above ground pool on April 20, the day we placed the order, Castorama took our money and gave a 3 week delivery promise. We chased them 2 weeks after the supposed delivery date to get another promised delivery date of 6 June - nothing. Then we chased them again, and when I mean chase you have to wait on the call-service phone facility for up to an hour only to be told they will call back which they never do. We have also emailed them. So far nothing but empty promises. We have explained we need the pool for our guests who will expect a pool within two weeks time. We still have heard nothing back from Casto. Does anyone know what recourse we have as we are undoubtedly going to get disgruntled customers who may well want compensation, plus I dont want to disappoint them. We have already explained this to Castorama but heard nothing again. I have made an appointment with a lawyer for Wednesday. Any comments/advice would be well appreciated. Deby

If you forward me your coordinates I can pass you on any requests we have for which we cannot help. I put out a request in the Gite section a few days ago searching for accommodation in Biarritz to Bordeaux - Midi Pyrenees covers that area. If you want I can send you their details. Best regards, Deby

Does anyone have accommodation available for the week of 21st August for a group of of 4 adults and 5 children (1 week only). The family are looking for anywhere from Biarritz to Bordeaux. Thanks for your help. Deby

Does anyone have accommodation available for the week of 21st August for a group of of 4 adults and 5 children (1 week only). The family are looking for anywhere from Biarritz to Bordeaux. Thanks for your help. Deby

Hello, I've had a baby in france and one in the UK. The system is very different here. If you need someone to explain to you how it works, you can email me. I had my baby in 38 and basically I was informed that in Region Rhone Alpes it is impossible to have your baby anywhere different than a hospital or Clinic. I had my baby in a hospital as this was my personal preference. Should anything go wrong the baby is transferred to a hospital and mum is left in the clinic. That was my main reason for this. Any Q's you may have just ask. I'm in 17. Deby

I have seen on near us(17). Not sure whether it is 4 berth or not, I know it is not tiny, I'll look into if for you. Not sure that the garage is open today as it is a Monday..... Deby

Message in your inbox

Clerac, Dept 17/Border 33 Lovely village, primary school, fabulous Auberge, butcher, shop, Mairie, Church even a museum (of ancient rural trades)soon to be boulangerie aah then it will be perfect. Not much to do of a night though.... when is the summer coming.... Deby

I was thinking about keeping some goats. Main purpose would be to keep down the grass and my two children could get to know them -mmmh! Anyone have any knowledge about keeping them - I am a complete beginner - am I mad or walking into something in pure ignorance? Thanks Deby

Hello, I have had a requested from someone (2) looking for a B&B in or around Jonzac for July. Does anyone have one which is available - if so I will forward their details on to you. Deby

One point, I'm sure most of you know, but be aware of clauses in the sale of land i.e. what the land can and cannot be used for - this is very important e.g. if it is horticultural land there may well be a clause saying that this land must remain so for 15 - 20 years - also there will need to be a very clear definition of what horticultural might mean, it could mean you cant even plant flowers on it. Just a reminder. Deby

Hello, We save many KW by using energy saving lightbults - they are quite expensive initially circa 8 Euros depending on size. You really can save KW and keep the brightness, say 60KW for just around 5-6KW - it all adds up. You can buy these at IKEA. We also have a little box which lights up when it is cheap time electricity and we encourage our guests to take advantage of this. You could also point out the Rural element of electricity usuage in your welcome literature and indicate to them that trip switch is at the bottom of the garden, under a fence, climb 3 steps etc.. - this could well put people off and want to be more considerate regarding usuage. It worked for the previous owner of our place. I like the idea of timers for the W/M and D/W but I am not sure how practical this would be for our guests. Good Luck. Deby

Could any of your offer me some of your good advice and opinions. I'm trying to ascertain which is a better target market. We have the possibility of renting out 6 double rooms plus a twin, which could accommodate up to 14 people comfortably, BUT as I am searching and discovering 14 people is quite a high number to spend your holiday with... Would it not be better for me to offer say 4 double rooms and the twin(8-10) and then say we can accommodate more. I am using the various holiday sites to market our property, but we then get lost in the 12+ criteria. I get an 'inkling' that we might not be considered as we are 'too big.' Your informed experience would be most appreciated. Deby

I sent my daughter to a privee in a small french city (grenoble) it was very good. It was a religious one but not at all over the top. I was very happy with it and so was my daughter, we have now moved to a small country village and my daughter has a new school which is state run and she loves it too - I think even moreso than thelast one as the class sizes are smaller so she gets more attention! I have also taught in French state schools and there is a huge disparity - the questions you really should ask are not so much privee or publique but these: class sizes teaching quality location (if the area is a bit dodgy, this makes a huge difference due to the parental influences/guidance) facilities general word of mouth. Your comments about children pulling faces, shows a little disrespect but also shows humour - I do find that children 'fear' teachers here and I feel in France a bit OTT - a good teacher is not based on fear and discipline, it is simply about gaining their trust and respect, but also setting out rules. The privee my daughter when to was very good, but she is creative and I feel that ultimately this school would have hindered her creativity and focused very much on the 3 R's, but then it is down to what you want for your children. I hope my comments help you and give you food for thought. Whilst I love france dearly and I want my children to grow up with a mind that provokes issues and questions things, something very amiss in the french rote-learning system. I have to adjust to these things myself otherwise I would have to move back to the UK and be faced by issues there. It is a trade-off. Let me know how you get on. Best regards Deby

Hello, Could anyone tell me what constitutes deducting breakages/damage from a deposit. I feel a bit mean deducting the price of a wine glass, but say if there are 3 or 4, plus other bits what do you do? We also have new tables, what if there are burns because guests have placed hot pans on them with no protection (cork pads provided), what do I do? Any advice as to where to draw the line would be very much appreciated. Deby