Michelle

Hi I am trying to brush up my French and was wondering if there are any good websites for french radio. Stations that are not too technical if you know what I mean. Just a thought

Hi I am trying to brush up my French and was wondering if there are any good websites for french radio. Stations that are not too technical if you know what I mean. Just a thought

I have read somewhere that one must obtain an import certificate for taking money and goods across to france. As I am about to put a substantial sum into my account with Britline in order to pay for a piece of land and the start of our build do I have to get one? I asked at the bank but they did not seem to know what I was talking about. Not sure I do either but want to keep on the right side of the law. Would be great if anyone has any advice Thanks

We have been given a deadline of 6th June for the signatures on the contract for our plot of land. We have been telling the notaire for months that we will not be able to travel to France to do this ourselves and will need someone in their office to do it for us. They keep telling me that it is not a problem. I have offered to pay for the land in full but have not been given the details yet. Our builder in France (a large national bulding company) is telling us not to sign anything or pay for anything until planning permission has been obtained. This is a lottisement of 16 plots and I am quite sure that the development company is a reputable organisation. How long can they be expected to wait until all of the people who have paid deposits on plots actually gain planning permission. Isn't that my problem! Not theirs. The Notaire (acting for both parties) told me yesterday that as all of the plots had sold so quickly the developer may decide not to sell to us once the 6 June deadline has passed if no payment has been made or signatures received. I am really worried about it as we really want this plot. A deposit was paid months ago. Should I listen to the builder and hold out till planning permission has been received or go ahead and pester them until I get the necessary information I need to pay and sign. I have an agent in this country and they are looking into it but are as puzzled as I am. Obviously time is moving on. I was wondering if the planning permission being spoken about is from them meaning the plots are ready to build on. They should be ready any day now and my builder is going out to check it today or tomorrow.

Does anybody have any advice on hiring caretakers in Normandy. How does one go about finding someone to take care of gardening, general maintanance, cleaning etc? I would be very grateful if anybody has any information. We will not be needing anyone till 2005 but thought I would start to make enquiries.

Hope someone can help. We are in the process of having a house built near Bayeux. Initially we wish to rent it out before making more use of it in about 5 years time. The problem is that we live many hundreds of miles away and visiting the property ourselves will be difficult. If anyone can give us advice on any aspect of renting out the property it would be gratefully appreciated. Things such as rental agreements, caretakers, gardening, general maintainence, effective advertising etc.