Diane_Rolph

I just love my Renault Kangoo.  When we had 3 large dogs it was fine. One (now departed) had a great deal of difficulty getting into a normal estate when she developed arthritis and the Kangoo's back door is closer to the ground than a normal car making it much easier for her (and us, not having to lift her in).  Now we only have one dog it comfortably takes dog + a month's groceries!   I'd thoroughly recommend a Kangoo or Berlingo or Partner, all the same type of MPV. Diane

Val : thank you for the constructive advice.  In fact, the car has already broken down once since we’ve been here and our local garage recovered it (from just outside the village, luckily!) and carried out repairs to the tune of €2000.  They basically rebuilt the engine and the fact that it was a Rover didn’t phase them at all.  It was worth spending more than the car is actually worth because the car belonged to my late father, so has sentimental value, but also the bodywork and interior are in pristine condition.    Miki: Thanks for your reply. However, most of it was not quite relevant to our situation.  We have let our house in the UK for six months, and there is every possibility that after this period we will need to return.  This is why we did not consider re-registering the car in France.  Our UK policy was due for renewal, but as soon as The Pru found out that the car would be outside the UK for more than 90 days they declined to reinsure us.  We found an advert for a company who insure UK plated cars in France and they were willing to take on our Rover for 6 months, but the policy did not include breakdown cover.   So I return to my original question which perhaps I’d not explained clearly enough, does anyone know if there are any organisations in France similar to the AA where it would be possible just to obtain breakdown cover?   Thanks Diane  

We've recently reinsured our elderly Rover in France, with UK plates.  However, the policy does not include Breakdown cover which is quite important with an elderly car! Is is possible to get just Breakdown cover?  The AA don't seem to operate in France. Any assistance gratefully received. Diane

In Praise of Deux Sevres! We bought a holiday home in 79 three years ago. Wed been looking in the Saumur/Chinon areas but an agent took us to a property in the northernmost corner of 79 which was perfect. We had not previously considered this area. We now have the advantage of being only 20 minutes drive from Saumur, without passing through a single set of traffic lights on the way, but also have the rural tranquillity wed been seeking whilst still in a delightful village with all amenities including a superb restaurant. Our nearest town is Thouars, which has everything we could possibly need. Perhaps not the prettiest of towns, it does have a nice old town area but also a huge out of town shopping mall and several big bricolage stores and a wonderful market on Fridays. I dont know why a correspondent to this forum gave a no-no to Parthenay. We quite like it, and there is plenty of history to see. We have some very pretty villages in our immediate area, Oiron (our own, with its wonderful chateau and its own wine!), St-Jouin-de-Marnes (with its amazing church and leafy square), St-Loup Lamaire (very pretty with the river Thouet running through), Airvault (historic and with its Voltaire connection) to name just a few. Do check them out! In March we let our house in the UK, my husband retired 3 years early, and we are now living here and carrying out work to the house. It is fantastic to get away from the rat race. Perhaps the only problem with moving here is if you are hoping to work. It would be very difficult to find employment in a rural area. Hope you find what you are looking for. Good luck! Diane Rolph