Gondrin

Found these two sites with rental properties available in Paris: www.seloger.com www.pap.fr Gives an idea of what is available and at what prices. Clearly the rent is going to be a major expense. I'm afraid that I had underestimated the actual costs - living in the middle of nowhere is very cheap! - and maybe 3k isn't such a large amount to iive on in Paris

I think that this question is impossible to answer since it isn' t clear what you mean by a 'normal' life: your idea of a 'normal' life is possibly very different from mine. However, 3k per month sounds enough to live very well anywhere in France,including Paris, and down here in the Gers it would be a princely sum, enabling me to visit some very good restaurants and stock up on some very good wines!

[quote user="milkeybar kid"]Proof of the puddin is the eating - try it! We have that info Gondrin as well, but not about the black smoke!!! but tried poplar after we had it under cover for 12 months (well dried) and we found it burned adequately it gave off good heat - burnt a bit on the quick side and noticed nothing different to our usual as regards yuk on the front glass, and if its free - what the heck!!![/quote] Yes, I agree with that. For instance, all the advice - old and new- is that ash is excellent. In fact, I don't find it all that good, certainly not as good as oak for instance. And chopping up a mountain of poplar is going to keep one very warm indeed!

I don't want to dampen anyones enthusiasm but I note that my guide to wood for wood burners says: Poplar: A terrible fuel that doesn't burn well and produces a black choking smoke even when seasoned.