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Chris You replied to one of my posts earlier this year (I'm the one who wants to help parents to retire to Aude region and run v. small B&B for extra pin money) with some helpful directions to a variety of links. Despite the fact that I am now thinking this may not be the brightest idea I've ever had (what with the anti-competition postings and frightening saturation stats)we think that you're idea of a B&B training course is a fantastic one. If nothing else, it'll be a great excuse for a weekend break in the region (presuming it's a weekend course??). Main points I would appreciate your opinion on are: 1) Set up procedures, ie red tape, licences required, accounting requirements, tax etc 2) Costs of set up to be expected (other than cost of house) 3) Potential pitfalls and problems to expect 4) Rough idea of any post-tax earnings (don't laugh please) If you do decide to go ahead I would appreciate if you could let me know. If not, we will probably be down later in the year for a "reccie", so may well rest our heads at your place (presuming that'd be ok) - it looks gorgeous. Many thanks

I'm thinking of helping my parents invest in a semi-retirement property in the South of France and the Languedoc (partic. Aude) appears to offer reasonable properties at not too extortionate prices. BAsically we're thinking of a three bedroom village property with terrace/small garden and have a budget of about Euros 120,000. Can anyone tell me if this sounds reasonable (it appears yes from some of the property web-sites but you never know)? Also, mum and dad would love to run a small Chambre D'hotes business with the spare rooms - does anyone have any thoughts on this? In particular - is there a demand, is the red-tape long and torturous etc etc? Finally - given what I've said above - does anyone have any recommendations on particular areas/villages etc? Sorry for all the questions - just trying to manage expectations before we go down the path of house and area hunting!! Leisha

Hi all We're heading off to the Limousin in a few weeks to start looking for a slice of peace to call our holiday home. We have bags of enthusiasm but limited supplies of lolly and so are anticipating having to buy a property that needs a bit of work done. In saying that we're not keen on complete renovation as we're pretty good at the basics of DIY, but haven't got a clue about serious re-building. Can anyone provide a short (or long if you can be bothered) list of what to look for when we go house hunting, ie what to stay well clear of, and what is able to be rectified? Any tips at all would be most welcome - I'm feeling pretty nervous at what we could end up buying!!! Also, has anyone used the Links agency before? Are they recommended? Thanks!! Leish