LesleyD<P> <P><P>a bientot<IMG src="http:forums.livingfrance.comimagesline.gif"><BR>LesleyD<BR><P>

How perfect is that - the Lakes with better weather and food !!!!  ( to me anyway ).Thanks Peter. Both the nature and the wildness are drawing us to this area but we have to find out also about the realities of life such as proximity to doctors,shops and the like.Can't wait to visit- not long now!  Could anyone tell me about general public access on land in the area? Is there anything like the 'right to roam' or is it all private land with no access? I have 4 labradors and also I'll have to do a lot of walking to burn off all that lovely food!          

I've got to say that the parts of France that I have visited have far more graffiti than the parts of England that I have visited --- having said that, I haven't been to London for  40 years ! There's a serious problem with graffiti in Belgian cities too. Here in the Lakes I can't remember having ever seen any. I think "La Belle France" deserves it name but I do wish they would get their act together on graffiti and dog mess.  

Thank you Arawire for your response.I think it sounds very promising - I don't want to be in a British enclave,and walking for miles without seeing a soul sounds like bliss to me! I will follow up offer of further info.

Thanks everyone for your replies. I wouldn't want to break any rules but it seems that you can break them without knowing that there are any to break - if you see what I mean! If there are any people in the forum that actively show dogs in France at the moment it would be great to hear from them. Meanwhile I shall go round the show ring at Crufts and eavesdrop -- listening for the French speaking Lab enthusiasts! Crufts usually attracts many foreigners so hopefully... best wishes            

Could anyone tell me if it is true that if you have more than 3 dogs you have to live in a house that has no neighbours within 1 kilometre? Maybe it varies from area to area,but I can't seem to get consistent info.We have a small show kennel of Labradors (4) and breed the occasional litter of puppies and sell them. Would we be entering a minefield of bureacracy if we continued to do this in France when we moved here - hopefully this year (area not finally decided on yet) ?

"This is meant to help,but why would you want to buy a house in an area you do not know much about,and then ask for second hand opinions?"   ---- perhaps I didn't make myself clear enough --- we are coming on a visit to look at an area that appeals to us from what we have seen/read in books and on the net and we are asking for advice from locals who,having experienced life on a long term basis there, are in the best position to answer these questions. We would not dream of actually buying something until we had done a long term rental in the area first,but you have to narrow it down somehow and we believe that it is better to do it this way than to only base your ideas on somewhere you have been on holiday to. When we come down in the spring we shall be travelling around looking at different areas for at least a month before deciding where to rent something. Thanks for your  tips re the climate .  

We're coming to the South of France in April/May on a house hunting trip for a place to take early retirement to,and we are trying to get a feel for the area by searching on the net before we arrive. It would be really helpful to have tips from people who are already here. We were thinking perhaps of the Lozere/Cevennes area ----Are there any especially nice villages/towns that we should look at? (or any to avoid) Any matters to take into consideration re the area that may not be obvious before actually living there? Does anyone have any experience of the year round climate in these areas? Does it get "proper" seasons? In the South we have been to Provence and as much as we loved it -it is out of our price range. We realise that everyone sees things differently but it is good to listen to other peoples points of view.    

I will see if I can get hold of the lists you mentioned and also have a look at the CPAM website. My husband is Belgian (French speaking) and he says that there was a similar system over there but he has been in the UK for 35 years and doesn't know the ins and outs these days. Thank you for your comments -- very helpful.    

Thank you Maude for your quick and thorough response. How much are the blood tests? I also take epilepsy tablets so maybe I will have to pay for those too. We have only just started to delve into the workings of the French healthcare system and although I don't consider myself lacking in grey matter I find the whole subject as clear as mud. I have been reading through the health section on these forums (I probably should have put the original question there,shouldn't I ?) and I am more confused than ever. Is there anywhere that explains the whole thing with enough clarity for someone of my advancing years to take in ? Thanks again Lesley  

We are thinking of finally making the move to France and taking early retirement(59+55). I (55) currently get free prescriptions in the UK as I have to take thyroid tablets forever. Does anyone know if there is a similar scheme in france or will I have to pay for them?