Lori

Boy, I am about as technical as a shoe string.. Pool is en beton and I'm sorry, but I don't know if it was backfilled or what aggregate is.... sorry just dumb. Pool is 11 x 5 meters. Does that help?? Lori

There is no question, customer service simply does not exist here.  You MAY find an exception to the rule once in a while, but make no doubt about it, that would be an EXCEPTION to the rule.

Tara - we lived in Greece for about two years.  Our 11 year old daughter was born there.  It is lovely, but VERY expensive.  You might be quite surprised just how expensive.  Also, the language is very unique and can be difficult to manage.  Totally different alphabet and absolutely essential to learn.  Everything is in Greek (naturally) and finding English speakers can be impossible.  Where-ever you choose to go, rent there for at least 3 months and do your homework.  We rented in France for 11 months before buying our home (for various reasons).  

Just ordered 1000 litres - .63 cents per litre (Dept. 84 Vaucluse)  

If you do ask that all occupants of the gite are named on the contract, and additional guests show up and stay overnight, then I believe you have every right to mention this to them.  Also, as for smoking, I think you have to be REALLY specific on this one.  We state that our property is a NON-SMOKING property.  Smokers are allowed to smoke on the terrace, but are asked to put out their buts in the ashtray as this is an EXTREME fire risk area.  We also state in the contract that any signs/scents or actual witnessing of smokers in the gite will result in the owner's right to ask guests to leave and a charge for professional cleaning could be levied at the right of the owner.  We make this really really clear.  We have seen a couple of guests' guests smoking on the terrace, but none of our actual clients have ever smoked. Perhaps your guests smoked outside?  Do you state that smoking on the property is prohibited - anywhere on the property??  If so, you must leave a kind note reminding them of this taped to their front door.  If you do this, you might mention the occupancy issue too.  I have had to leave notes for folks too - on separate issues, but serious things.  I found that they were amicably received, but who knows. I think you said they are here for only one week right?  It will go by quickly and if you leave the smoking note, I doubt you will find a problem in the gite...   

Gas here .... 1.36 per litre for 98 !!!!!!!!!!!!  Unbelievable.. I am from San Diego, and can tell you that I find this area (Provence) extremely expensive.  Some things on par with CA, others WAY OVER ! As far as work, be sure to check out your Visa requirements.  If you are moving to France from the U.S. with no job, it can affect the type of Visa that will be issued to you.  Mine did not allow me to apply for work here for 5 years.  Do check it out.  And, in order to work here, you will need to speak and write well in French.  I agree with the other poster.  Check out Great Britain or the Netherlands and compare all the data. Your reasons for moving were on our list too.  We had many other reasons, as I suspect you do too, but we hated living in the U.S. and we are American.  Do we find it different here - absolutely.  Believe me, it is not perfect here, but no place is.  You just have to do your homework and balance out what is important to you. Good luck.

We have had our pool 3 years now and need to repaint the interior of the pool.  I am told this is not abnormal (as far as how long the paint is expected to last).  We will be doing more work around the pool, so plan to empty it somewhere around November or December, weather permitting, and get the work done. Can anyone recommend a GOOD interior pool paint?  And, can you advise how long it is normally expected to last? Also, our pool man says that it is not good to leave a pool empty and that after the work is complete, we should refill it (assuming it is legal at that point in winter) and winter cover it.  He has no monetary gain by telling us this as his services are only used in Spring/Summer, then the pool is winter covered for the rest of the year.  Can anyone advise if this is true - shouldn't leave a pool empty and systems turned off for a long period of time? Thanks ..

That's right Sucre Glace and it is everywhere.  Look on the regular sugar aisle and you will find it.  Even our tiny Casino in the village has it.

We had a similar problem with one of our guests bringing in all kinds of other guests (caravans, etc.).  From that moment forward our contract states that ALL  persons staying in the gite must be named on the contract - it gives a special place for them to do this.  It also states that only those named guests will be accommodated.  We do go on to say that having friends over for dinner or a swim is fine.  However, all guests must sign the POOL RULES form and there are to be NO children, of any age, on the property.  We learned the hard way that you have to state things to the bone or you can expect anything. As for what to do, it depends.  You don't say how your contract reads.  Do you accept children of any age?  At 3 months, I doubt the baby will be much of an issue as long as the parents follow their responsibilities.  Do you ask for the names of all who will occupy the gite?  If you do, then you have every right to ask the guest if their guests intend to stay further on.  If you don't, you may just be learning a tough lesson.  Change your contract. I suppose I would just endure and change the contract as it isn't fun to have a run in with a guest.  But, that would have to be your decision. Good luck.

Scots... - Are you really serious or trying to get us going..??  If you are serious, what is it that makes you want to spend 6 months in France?  Your answer could, perhaps, help us advise a particular area.  Large house with pool and lots of English speaking services for 350,000 Euros could be had in a number of countries...?

Chocolate:  The wood decking idea sounds interesting, but expensive to me.  Not sure.  And, we get all four seasons here and you are right, it is rather a large area when considering things like decking.  I would imagine that the weather would take its toll on exterior wood, making maintenance a constant issue.  I was trying to do something maybe a little simpler than that. The pebble idea is a good one.  Our driveway/entrance has the pale yellow gravel you spoke of.  It is not that expensive either.  I suppose that would be a good option.  As for the smaller rounded pebble, I would have to check it out from the carriere here.  Good idea, thanks !  

For those of you who accept checks as deposits/payments and then find the guests don't show up, don't you find that they have canceled the check too??    

Hi Liz:  I think you are probably better off without them.. But, they should have paid you for at least one night to try to cover your loss, instead of running off. If I read your website correcly, you say that all rooms must be paid for upon arrival.  That is exactly what I would do.  If the guest prefers to pay for each night each day, that would be up to you.  If your bookings come via your website, guests should already know about payment upon arrival.  If you send out booking confirmations, this point should be included on the confirmation form.  Any guests who show up (without reservations) and are lucky to find a vacancy should be told that payment is required upon check-in.  Not that uncommon at all. Your choice, but if questioned about the payment on arrival, I would tell the truth, that the unfortunate actions of a few causes the policy for us all. Just my ideas..

We have a separate fenced garden for our dog - for when we have guests coming and going, workers coming and going, etc.  It is approximately 350 m2.  The problem is that it does not have proper grass (has weeds, etc.) and with the very dry summers we have here, our dog has had the hard/sharp dried grasslike tips enter his skin and lodge inside.  This has caused serious problems (one abscessed another was found in time to have removed prior to infection).  Our dog is a collie and therefore has a thick coat making it very difficult to see these things.  Although now we have his under-belly shaved (for easy viewing) and thoroughly inspect/brush him every single day - sometimes twice a day. According to our Vet, the dried grass problem is very prevalent here.  He sees pets every day with the same problem. So, we would like to do something to his garden area to protect him.  As it appears that every summer brings the same drought, water restricted problems, we don't want him to have to go through this every year. We have considered just outdoor tiling his entire area, but that seems a bit excessive.  I thought perhaps we could lay outdoor tiling over half of the area and till the rest to plant proper grass.  Are there any other ideas out there?? Anything would be considered. 

Iceni - I would have called the pompiers... what a nut !  He must be insane.

Would this be for jarring (storage) or just to eat at once?  

We haven't had a vacation in 5 years, but are about to have a week in October (not enough, but beggars can't be choosers).  We were not up to the International travel scene as we really want a relaxing week to ourselves, so it is definitely FRANCE !  Husband travels all the time anyway, so more airplanes and airports does not really appeal to him.  Had arranged to have daughter stay with family, but that has been cancelled, so now we are having to find last minute babysitting help.  But, it is still FRANCE....  to gorgeous to go elsewhere and can't stay here - means nothing but work work work. 

Thanks TU.  Yes, it really is good.  I was very surprised.  Next time you find a goodie.  Let me know.  I trust your tastebuds..   Lori

MWJ - very interesting.  I have received a similar type of correspondence from "associates" in America too...  Rather amazing and very telling.  

I live in a small village (Vaucluse) where there are only two known Americans.  Me and one other lady who has been here for more than 20 years.  I have to say that we both have discussed this issue.  We feel we have been very well received.  Who knows what may be said when we are not present. The funny thing is that, until my French friends got to know me, they thought I was British.  It was funny to me because I obviously have no type of British (or other UK) accent.  Also, to me, the English English and the American English are noticeably different.  But, apparently not to all the French. Even my Vet told me the same thing.  They just know they are hearing English come out of my mouth, so I must be British. I have to admit I have been rather apprehensive about telling them that I am American (but I have).  Don't get me wrong, I love my home country, but am not necessarily feeling good about it these days.  Also, of all the different nationalities we have met, here in France, I have to say the Americans seem to be the most obtrusive (not sure if I can say that on the forum...).  It wasn't the word I really wanted to use... but.... My French friends have mentioned several different nationalities they tend not to like.  I guess it is like someone else said earlier, there are good types and bad types from everywhere.  Perhaps some are a bit more outspoken and therefore leave a more lasting impression with folks.

I remember someone on the forum said that the Sauce Tartare from Leader Price was the only ready made one she/he could tolerate.  I don't know who it was, but remembered the post.  Whoever you are, I would like to thank you.  I bought a jar last week and really like it.  Is much like the tartar sauce I was served in coastal seafood restaurants in North Carolina. Had tried several others and gave up - until your recent post. So, THANKS !  Whoever you are..

Good grief  ....  I'm about to mow the weeds (they always seem to manage to grow high even though the rest of the garden is dead).  I am now planning to wear insect repellent, long pants and hope for the best.   Yuck...... I remember my parents mentioning "chiggers" when growing up in  North Carolina.. 

Anyone know what happens when you reach the caisse and you have no money.  I was on my way to get my daughter from the airport at Marseille.  Waited with hundreds of other cars to pay for my passage.  The owner of the car in front of me apparently did not have any money.  She said something to the lady at the caisse, but the lady, apparently not amused, explained something back to her.  The women in the car waived a credit card around, but she was not in the credit card lane and I suppose with the huge crowds trying to pass through, no one was going to take the time to take her card over and pay her fee.  I don't know what was said, but after about 8 minutes of waiting (seemed like forever), two autoroute employees pointed to the amount she owed and waived her on.  Does that mean she just went through without having to pay?  French tags from Dept. 84.  Very curious what happens in this situation.  No one appeared to take down her tag number... ?

Pinkfluff - funny you should mention the dead smell.  I was swimming yesterday 4 pm and kept smelling an awful smell - like a dead animal baking in the heat.  Our home is surrounded by a farm - fields of land.  I suppose there must be something out there dead.  I couldn't see anything from our property and it was too hot to go looking.  Awful awful smell.   ughh Yes, rain is in the forecast.  But, it has been so many times and never actually arrived.   Let's do our rain danse or say our prayer.... Rain rain rain rain rain

Just FYI, Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice has arrived at Auchan, Le Pontet.  Even the Nestea Cranberry drink was there.  I have waited four years to buy some !  Perhaps it has been available all along in other parts of France, but not here.  Now, if they can only bring in the sugar free version..