Remilly

Thanks Nick, when I heard about the changes I thought it can't be that simple, its French!!

I am a semi retired builder living in England but with a French home in Normandy of many years standing. I have often thought how nice it would be to come across to France and work for a month or two every now and then. Does anyone know if the new system allows for someone whose "principle" residence is still in England (but owns a French home) to work in France and pay the required taxes?

 Bonjour, I have a holiday home near to St Lo and am looking for a reliable sparky for a 2 stage job. Firstly in the coming months to strip out the electrics on an existing garage/workshop prior to demolition and then later in the year when we move out to France permanently,  to undertake a complete re-wire of the main house (3 bed detached with dependences.) plus a proposed new extension. Under normal circumstances I can speak sufficient French to deal with tradesmen but as the electrics in the workshop are complicated (to me at least) in that there is also a separate 3 phase supply, I would really like to be able to converse freely. Does anyone have any recommendations, preferably within a 20 mile radius of St Lo. It does not necessarily have to be a native English speaker as I'm sure that I would be able to sort it out with a French tradesman who speaks  some English. (in fact this would be preferable so I could learn French electric-speak!).    Many thanks in anticipation

Bonjour, I have a holiday home near to St Lo and am looking for a reliable sparky for a 2 stage job. Firstly in the coming months to strip out the electrics on an existing garage/workshop prior to demolition and then later in the year when we move out permanently (hopefully) to undertake a complete re-wire of the main house (3 bed detached with dependences.) and a proposed new extension. Under normal circumstances I can speak sufficient French to deal with tradesmen but as the electrics in the workshop are complicated (to me at least) in that there is also a separate 3 phase supply, I would really like to be able to converse freely. Does anyone have any recommendations, preferably within a 20 mile radius of St Lo. It does not necessarily have to be a native English speaker as I'm sure that I would be able to sort it out with a French tradesman who speaks  some English. (in fact this would be preferable so I could learn French electric-speak!).    Many thanks in anticipation

I am considering a boycott of Brittany Ferries due to ever escalating charges and am looking at the Dover-Boulogne route because of the Speedferries special offers.. Can anybody tell me what the current toll charges for the Pont are please?

Lack of infrastructure in these places is a worry, (beautiful places though they are) Cheap houses, wine and a wonderful view won't be much consolation if you have a heart attack and have to wait 12 hours for an ambo... Having said that, the NHS sometimes don't do much better!

Bob,  from my very limited experience I have found that "newish" second hand cars in France don't suffer the spectacular depreciation that we see in England, particularly in the higher price/larger engine models. I was quoted 27,000 euros for a new C5 estate by the Citroen dealer in St Lo Normandy which soon sent me scuttling around the second hand dealers! Not much confort there either as I found that a higher than average mileage 2 year old C5 (obviously ex-rep) would still cost about 20,000 euros. There may be bargains to be had in the private market but having scoured our local press I havn't seen any yet! Which brings me back to the dilemma which prompted my original post, is it better to buy a 6 month old RHD for £10,000 and register in France or pay 20,000 euros for an 18 month old LHD?  Its a poser n'est-ce pas?

I've been recently making enquiries into buying either a new or very recent Citroen C5 estate, left hand drive in preparation for our impending relocation to France. I was very surprised to find that both new and used vehicles seem to be expensive compared to England.. Having had a good look around Angleterre on the internet, I reckon I could buy a 6 month old C5 estate with nominal miles at about 11 to 12 grand.  From a brief look around the car showrooms in and around St Lo, Normandy I reckon a similar vehicle would be closer to 16/17 grand. This has got me thinking that driving a RHD in France with a bit of aggro swapping headlamps and re-registering it isn't such a bad idea after all! Does anyone have any recent experiences on the above matters or advice/views as we have been visiting France for 20 years and frankly don't mind driving "on the wrong side of the car". Incidentally, would French vehicle insurance cost more for a RHD vehicle registered and used permanently in France? All comments/views/experiences appreciated