Logan

[quote]Laotze, I don't consider myself as a "guest" because that's just not how I think. In the UK it would never have crossed my mind to class anyone as a "guest", whether they were Pakistani, Chinese, Fre...[/quote] A large hurrah to that Saligo Bay. Assuming the mantle of 'a guest' surely immediately sets yourself apart. Where is the sense in the creation of invisible barriers? I would like to return to the subject of the thread and the poster asked about opportunity in France. Well having lived here in France for 20 odd years I think I have seen and heard  many differing opinions on the interpretation of 'opportunity'. Opportunity can mean all things to all men. Some folks see opportunity as a way of helping others. Some think it means self-enrichment. Don't get me wrong, I think becoming rich is OK. However I don't believe that means necessarily having a happy or fulfilling life. I mean you would not come to live in France to get rich would you? Most folks come here in search of something else. That is, I guess my point. France offers a different way to live, particularly in the countryside. Business opportunities are virtually zero. It's not that kind of place, France is different, an island in a sea of similarity among other EU countries throwing off the yolk of Soviet domination and the long hangover from the cold war. France is a quirky place full of contradictions and double meanings. Frenchman for example were among the first to colonize ‘the new world’, and were there 100 years before the Mayflower arrived. A fact not mentioned by the current US administration! France is indeed “Old Europe” and because of that is sees merit in trying to retain the values of its forefathers. Business and capitalism have an important place in modern France but in my opinion the balance has to be maintained between capitalism and socialism in order for France

[quote]France is stuck in a time-warp where business and daily living is concerned. Nothing changes and new ideas don't seem to be encouraged however good they may be - everyone hangs onto how they have been...[/quote] Trouble is in life you cannot have your cake and eat it too. The time warp that is France is why I love the country so much. It goes it's own way, holding fast to cultural values of family life and quality of life. Long may it be so. France is French not anywhere else. 

Good on you Melrob. You did extensive research, had a skill the French want and you speak the language. All subjects members on this forum have continually said is essential for a successful working life in France. Hope the gods continue to shine upon you.

The simplest method of new build in France is have one of the major housebuilding companies do it for you. Masion Aura, Maisons Copreco or IGC. There are many. Buy land yourself with clause suspensive in the contract that the CU is valid and positive. The building companies will do everything else, including applying for planning permissions, drawing plans to your requirement, arranging services, everything. They all incidentally have English speaking staff to help. They are also very cost effective and complete to a time deadline contract. Nothing is left to chance. It's very simple and stress free. Having gone through the process myself I cannot speak highly enough of their service. Forget renovation or DIY. New Build is almost a perfect answer. The only downside is expect to wait 18 months - 2 years before you have a habitable house. 

[quote]I would fully agree that you need to research everything, then researcg it again and again until you get to the truth! The truth will probably be different depending on where in France you choose and ...[/quote] Amazing how there will always be exceptions to the rule. My many French friends would be utterly amazed reading this post. It goes against every current trend. So come on tell us more.

This reply I am about to make may upset a few people. However I have to say that recently from meeting a very wide cross section of British people who have emigrated to France I despair a little. I have the overriding impression that these Brits have previously lived in a soft, spoon fed society with an excess of social liberalism. They appear to me to be clueless as to how actually to survive when the going gets tough. Living in France with no means of support, speaking almost no French and with not an ounce of understanding about the workings of the new state to which they have moved, lock stock and barrel. Please folks do your homework extensively before even considering moving to France. France is not the UK and is nothing like it. It is more than just a cheap house and a society that will bale you out if in trouble. They will not, despite everything you have been told. It's simple if you cannot bring an income with you then don't come unless you have qualifications the French state needs and can speak the language as a native. 

Yes, I agree Italy, Spain Portugal anywhere but France, Germany or Scandinavia. However when the time comes for you to want something  yourself from these countries.(Eventually you will) e.g. healthcare, state pension, financial security in old age etc. then your past will catch you up. Pay nothing in, get nothing out. It's not rocket science just practical common sense. Can't have your cake and eat it too as my old mamma used to say.

£750K might initially seem like a lot of money. However shop around for  annuities with protections for spouse and inflation and the income it will produce is modest. At 50 almost impossible. At 60 around 25K. Brandon wants us to list the regs. for starting up a business! He might well seek a book because to even begin in these forums is a monumental task. Brandon don't bother. Life is too short. Retire and live on your assets. A business in France will make you old, grey and very stressed!

Brandon. I understand your sentiments entirely but you are heading for serious grief from the scenario you outline. Do not ignore these posts. The advice they offer is valuable because it's from primary sources and correct. I live in the area of France you mention. It is probably THE poorest rural region of the country. There is very little but subsistence farmers dependent on CAP subsidies. Small amount of tourists in August only and small businesses closing literally every day. Many gites stay empty all summer. That's established French businesses that have existed for years. Then you have a few British people who have done as you suggest. They are living a hand to mouth existence, disillusioned, isolated and anxious to return but cannot. France is not business friendly. It's basically a socialist co-operative run by out of touch and distant politicians who have no ideas. The French find it very hard going. Ask yourself how you expect to do better. The answer is you will not without years of hard struggle and living a hand to mouth existence. Even then you are likely to fail. France is a wonderful country to live in if you are retired and have an income from elsewhere. If not, get one first then retire to France. It really is the only way it will work. Dreams are just that, dreams. Good to have but useless in practice.

That taxi fare will cost you an arm, leg and three of your fingers as well as around 150 euros! Hire a car is the answer there are hire firms at the airport.

[quote]This thread seems to be degenerating. However, I’m probably not explaining what I mean. You cannot legislate for people to be considerate. Start enforcing a “law” that makes your neighbours life dif...[/quote] These laws exists as a fall back position. If your neighbours cause you a problem that you cannot resolve by negotiation the law is there as a final remedy. If you insist on your right to prosecution the state must support you. That's societies final protection under the law in a democratic system. 'The Law is the Law' as Auden once wrote. We all have no less but an obligation to observe and keep to. Amazing how 'Gentlemens Agreements' usually are observed better under the threat of financial sanction. A gentle reminder usually work wonders, as this thread will testify. Sorry Diemos can't come to cut your grass, much too busy cutting my own, during weekly hours of course.

The going rate for contract gardeners in my area of 24 is between 15 - 20 euros an hour. The figure Ian has mentioned seems a tad steep. 11 hours to cut his grass, blimey you must have some acreage. I find all my neighbours respect Sundays and fete days, even farmers. Perhaps I'm just lucky. One of the many joys of living in rural France is that some days are still special. Long may it be so. The UK for example has long since destroyed those conventions to serve the needs of mammon along with many others in it's headlong dash to imitate the USA. 

I have a very good life thank you very much. However I do believe in respecting the conventions and laws of the country in which I have made my home. Unfortunately there will always be those who do not.

Ian. Your point is a fair one but it still means you will not be popular with your neighbours if you work in the off periods. The solution most people seem to use is employing contract gardeners during the working week to do the machinery bits. Contract gardening in rural France seems to be the only sustainable living for local people at present. A couple of hours a week should not break the bank and you can rest all weekend. Another point which has not been mentioned here is the ban on Trucks using the roads on a Sunday. One of the best laws ever thought up. Makes travelling on Sunday a joy.

I live in SW France and local artisans quote 9-12 months currently before they will contemplate a start. The south and south west has always been more prosperous perhaps that's got something to do with it. Earlier this year our local carpenter finally came to measure up for new shutters all round the house. Time- only 15 months since I first requested the work! ce la vie!

A general accepted convention in France is you do not use machinery on Sundays or Fete days. Its a day of rest and relaxation. The French work hard and with long hours. The last thing they want is somebody disturbing their chance of a bit of peace in their own home. It's called CONSIDERATION for other people. Most departments also have bye laws which include this interdiction but really if you need a law to force you to have consideration for your neighbours I am glad I don't live near you.

One of the loveliest and cheapest regions to buy good substantial property with land is the Limousin. (Departments 19,23 & 87). A very traditional region with little else but lovely rolling countryside and a way of life that has not changed for generations. The reason property is so cheap is because there is no employment. The tourist market is very underdeveloped, there is no wine production, very few identifiable attractions. The principal economy is mainly impoverished and heavily subsidised farming. In other words the Limousin is the perfect place to invest for the future if capital gains and a peaceful way of life is what you seek. It will be long term but in my opinion it is a region that will grow in every sense of the word in the future. It has a new airport, rail links are great and new motorways are coming on stream. All the signs are in place for a regional boom. Where else in France can you still buy and large unrenovated farmhouse, outbuildings and land with beautiful views for under fifty grand? (Sterling) Buy now before its too late folks. 

I sympathise with you Lori. Moving to live in France is a learning curve for us all none French. The culture, laws and procedures are so utterly different to UK and USA and everywhere else come to that. I have been here for years and I still learn something new everyday. Some of these learned lessons have come at great personal and financial cost. The example I posted here is just one of them. The system is so utterly unforgiving and you are guilty until YOU prove yourself innocent which is not always easy to do. However I have discovered that if you play 'hard ball' with the system, especially the tax system you can get out from under cheaper. They will accept offers if you refuse their first demands and argue like mad. I have also found this to be true in many official dealings. Do not accept the first move they make. Functionaires hate a one to one argument.

That is exactly right Andy. A few years ago (when I was a little greener than now) I employed an artisan to work on my property quite extensively and over a number of months. He periodically asked to be paid in cash but always issued his factures showing TVA paid. Some while after his work had been completed (which I was happy with) I sold the property and to claim the allowance to avoid capital gains tax I submitted these factures to my Notary. They were rejected by the tax office and a subsequent investigation took place, including me being summoned to the tax offices and treated like a criminal for hours. It turned out that the artisan pocketed the TVA and never declared the payment on his books. Result, I had to pay more capital gains than necessary and was ordered to pay the TVA already paid back to the state. I went looking for the aristan in question and of course he had moved on address unknown. So NEVER pay anyone in cash in France.

Actually if you buy from a large main dealership they should sort out the carte gris for you. Usually they give you a document to prove you are the new owner and the carte gris is in the pipe line. Show this to the cops if stopped. In 15 days (longer in August) go along to your Prefecture and walla there should be the new carte gris waiting for you.

You re-register the car by taking the Carte Gris to the prefecture of the department where you live and it's a fairly simple procedure. Take with you every sort of personal document you can think of to prove who you are. Also every kind of document to prove you live at the address. ie: EDF bill, telephone bill everything you have. I would not advise insurance through the Bank. There are loads of insurance offices in any town in France. Car insurance is pretty general and there is not much competition between companies. I would look for an agent who speaks English. You might need him in the future. The service history should be supplied automatically if the car is relatively new and you are buying it from a reputable dealer. If it hasn't got one then don't buy it. It should be in the glove compartment of the car. Ask for "Le Utilisation des Vignettes de les revision". 

Go into your branch and ask the bank to issue a bank cheque payable to the garage. There will be a small charge of course. Large cash transactions in France are regarded with enormous suspicion. I am not sure about the legality but paying or asking to be paid in cash means only one thing - On the black!

Try Le Cheval Blanc at St Yeriex la Perche. The best black pig you will ever taste! yummy.

An excellent and thoughtful reply Vervialle. Our lives are about making choices and sorting personal priorities. I think most Brits who come to live, retire or work in France accept financial rewards will be sacrificed for among other things a form of inner peace no longer found in pressurised Britain. Life in rural France at least, gives you time for reflection and time for yourself and family. The cost is materialism and I suppose it can only be decided by the individual if that price is worth paying. Some of us could never accept such a compromise. Inevitably some folks who do try make a choice that it's not. The rest of us who stay are quite sure that it is.                                     

The best solution is to seal your loft. It can be done simply even in very old properties. Buy a roll of fine chicken wire and lay it around inside the loft under the roof eves. Tack it to the beams leaving no gaps or openings. That prevents the Loir entering or more importantly going out to feed at night. You only then need deal with the existing population in your loft. I tried all methods until finally poison rid us of the pesky vermin. You have to check occasionally and remove their corpse.  They are vermin, they leave their droppings in your roof, eat the wiring, insulation and even the wood joists. They also breed several litters a year. We now have peaceful nights.