Scotjohn

Hi French is best by miles. I had a problem early on in France and collapsed at home. The doctor who happens to live next door arrived in minutes, did all the relevant tests, called four times that day to ensure I was OK, arranged blood tests the next day with reults that night, arranged two different specialists within two days with results the same day and prescribed remedial treatment immediately. Within a week I had every possible test with the reults and was on the road to recovery. Everybody had been professional,efficient, friendly, sympathetic and inexpensive. The whole thing cost less than 200 euros and I have been reimbursed for most of that. In Scotland I couldn't get a doctor's appointment within a week and tests took weeks if not months with results following on weeks later and we were in a quiet country area. No comparison! John

Hi You should definitely not use gloss paint if you don't need to. With the weather in most parts of France it will nlister and be difficult to maintain generally. There are lots of microporous stains here which are available in matt or satin finish. These are much better long term and are I think look better too. I don't have the makes to hand but there are lots to chose from at all the big bricolage stores. John (ex paint and stain retailer)

Hi I am going through the same process at the moment with our chambres d'hotes. I think you have got it just about right. I do agreee with the other reply about contacting a french accountant as everybody's circumstances are slighty different. There do still appear to be some ambiguous areas and the french accountant will probably check it out with his local tax guy who might have a different interpretation of the general rules. Will keep you informed of any progress. Good Luck John

Hi Miranda I've just joined the LF forum and have just noticed your note. We have recently moved to France and have a B&B in Scaer. I am in the process of setting up a small property services offshoot offering the services you require. I anticipate covering an area between Benodet and Pont Aven. If you have not yet managed to find a solution I would be delighted to have a chat about your requirements. Look forward to hearing from you. John Campbell

Hi Miranda Have just joined the Living France forum so have just seen your note. We have a B&B in Scaer which is about 15 minutes from Tregunc. I am in the process of starting up a small property services offshoot which I think would cover all your needs. I have already been to the Mairie to start the process off and have already a couple of clients on the books ready to go. If you have not yet found a solution to your needs I would be delighted to hear from you. John Campbell

Hi folks My partner and I recently bought a house in Brittany, have spent four months fitting new shower rooms and are now offering B&B or chambres d'hotes. We spent a fair bit on a website and various slots on other websites and now have a nice forward booking situation. We have four letting bedrooms and this is probably going to be our only income short term though I am sure I will have to do something else to augment the B&B income. We have tried to do everything by the book, visited the Mairie, called an accountant, visited CPAM but still are unsure what we have to do officially as far as income, tax, accounts etc. Do we go to the chambre of commerce, the ANPE or what? Do we do it now or at the end of the year? Do we need a licence? If I do end up doing something else, who do I visit? It is probably going to be to do with property caretaking, management etc. Can anybody advise. John PS have enjoyed reading the advice given to other queries and hope you can help.