The Vigeois Two<P><STRONG>J & F<STRONG><P><P> <P>

Dear Lizzie,  We have both settled well into living here but perhaps the fact that we both speak French and work for a trans-European company certainly helped us settle in here. We have got involved in village life - but, once again, speaking French certainly helps although there are non-French speaking British people who live in the area.  We have found that only having French radio and Tv certainly helps with the language and other cultural waypoints ie it is no use trying to discuss Eastenders or the British election with your local tabac owner although he will be very pleased that you are taking an interest in Brive rugby or the French referendum on the European Constitution or even the latest reality series on french TV. All films on French Tv have subtitles (in French) which we have found to be a great great help! But now, after a year or so, it has become second nature to think in French. Alot depends on how willing one is to change and adapt. I would certainly recommend the effort.  There are a few British people in the Vigeois area - around 8 to 10 couples - and they are all very nice and welcoming.  Obviously, each person needs to consider his or her reasons for moving to France. It is not the land of milk and honey, although there are some very positive sides. If you are going to be looking for work here then I would suggest you reconsider as it is very difficult to find. france has around 10% unemployment (UK has around 4%). Income taxes and social contributions are VERY high compared to the UK but public services are excellent - which proves the old adage "YOU GETS WHAT YOU PAYS FOR"!  Property prices are still good here but, once again, it depends what you're looking for. How much do you want to spend? What type of property do you need? New or to be refurbished? When do you want or need to move? Let us know at [email protected] and we'll see what's around! We have no desire to act as agents or anything like that so don't worry!  Take care   The Vigeois Two

Hello Again!   I am writing from sunny Vigeois looking across the valley of the Vezere. My fiancée and I bought our house here a couple of years ago for a VERY good price. I found the house through an agent who has unfortunately now retired but still has her ear to the ground! We also recently bought two old workman's cottages just behind the church in what you might call the 'old part of town' and we are currently restoring them. There are many empty properties here but they are not always for sale as they are usually left empty due to someone's death. The family then canot always sell for tax reasons. You will also find many 'older' properties both in towns, villages and out in the country. This is due to another French phenomenon; French people tend to prefer new houses. This does lead to VERY LONG waits for builders and other tradesmen.  I would recommend a visit to the area to have a look around. Vigeois and Uzerche are both accessible from the A20 at exit 45. It is very easy to get to from Limoges airport where you will also find car rental companies (Hertz, Europcar and Avis). When you leave the airport head towards Brive following the blue roadsigns ( blue indicates autoroute or motorway).  Uzerche is a slightly different kettle of fish as it is a town that was once more important than it is now! It is built onto a hillside and some properties enjoy great views across the Vezere valley. There are houses for sale now on the main street into the town. These front on to the street but have beautiful views across the valley from the back. There is a VERY pretty mediaeval part of the town which is stunning. The mystery of Uzerche is why it is not more popular. Personally we love visiting it but have never found anywhere that we would want to buy.  Here in Vigeois we have a nice garden, a great view and all the important amenities close by. As for buying a house it is the same as anywhere - right place right time! That's what happened for us.  If you want to know more drop us a line on [email protected] or [email protected] and we can exchange numbers if you wish.  best Wishes   The Vigeois Two

Jake and Tommy,    The cooker looks like it just needs a clean up if you want to come and have a look drop us a line to [email protected]. Vigeois is straight down the A20 from you take the Uzerche turn off and follow the signs - its dead easy!  Look forward to hearing from you both All the best   The Vigeois Two!

Hey The Dunnes! We have a house and two small cottages here in Vigeois and its great! We love it! Beautiful 12th century church where we hope to get married, the famous Vieux Pont, the beautiful Lac de Poncharal, plus Tabac, bar, hotel, restaurant, pharmacy, boulangerie, pattiserie, Hairdresser, tourist office,Post Office, two doctors, Old folks' home, and the Cultural Centre! a whole range of events and festivities throughout the year - what more could you ask for! Enjoy Life   The Vigeois two ps check out www.vigeois.fr  

Dear jake and Tommy - I might be able to sort you out! We are just about to start clearing out an old cottage we bought. There is an old solid fuel cooker there but as it has not been used for over a year I'm not sure what state is in. when do you need it for? let me know and I'll leave another mex here regarding the condition.  A propos of the old cottage we bought two and have found four cookers and an old solid fuel heater in various states! Plus a big pile ofold car tyres and hundreds of empty wine bottles.  The mairie does a great job here and they can organise someone to pick up the stuff for only 8 euros. What a place. Take care 'the Vigeois Two':