magsw

The statement that IKEA kitchens are cheaper in U.K. caught my eye because we are about to buy an IKEA kitchen here in France, but are about to make a trip to the U.K. and could take our trailer with us.  We've just checked IKEA's website to compare prices and it would seem that some items are more expensive and some cheaper which seems rather strange!

A poison extractor as shown on the insectsting site can be bought in France in Pharmacies (it is red and is sold in a red plastic box which looks a bit like a glasses case).  It works for mossie bites too.

Could you not make two 2-bed gites that interconnected,giving you the best of both worlds?

Obviously many people are dissatisfied with FC's performance this year, myself included.  Does anyone have any suggestions as to who to advertise with next year?

I have CA Britline account and when my card expired they sent the new one by registered post - no problem.  I found them very useful when we first bought our house and our French was practically non-existant, but we now have a local account as well.  You mentioned paying cash into your local CA branch but I thought it was only possible to send cheques by post.  I understood that banks are Departmental franchises, not national as in U.K.  I must admit to having been amused at receiving a lot of the information in French when it's supposed to be a British speaking branch.

I visited my local CPAM office with some trepidation but took with me all the necessary documents (including a letter turning me down for an E106) and I had no problems.  I have since been back with my husband with his E121 and also obtained my 'carte European'.  In all cases I have met with friendliness and helpfulness and have had no problems obtaining my Carte Vitale.