bakerino

I have also read that book and would take it as "tongue in cheek" and I agree the bad tales just make for better reading.  Where we are I have only found everyone to be pleasant and helpfull, we only speak basic french and I mean basic but they appreciate us trying.  So dont worry to much just try and integrate as much as possible.  

Thats a positive response then..thanks I'll definately give it a go.

Thanks Jane   Will send a cheque back, just didnt want to pay it twice.

Thanks to both of you.  I have rung them and yes they do acept dogs.   Would still love a hands on response to places to walk the dog. perhaps I should post in the Normandy part of the forum( it is Normandy isnt it?)       

Has anyone used this to quicken up their IDSL connection.  Any advice re good or bad. Thanks

Why didn't I think of that..thanks Alcazar   If anyone has any first hand knowledge that would also be great

Hi   I have just recd my first facture from Lyonnaise des eaux it is for 55.56 euros.  Im presuming this is either a standing charge or possibily a charge for a new contract.  It is not for water usuage as we haven't had any yet.   If it is a standing charge can anyone tell me what period it is likely to cover  i.e do you get two half yearly like in the UK or could it be from date of purchase to end of year pro rated?   There are no dates on it just   Abonnement..which  I take it is standing charge   Also do i send a cheque back with the TIP or just my RIB.   Thanks

Not close enough unfortunately..but hope it goes well  and is well supported.

Hi will  be stopping over at Alencon in the B&B chain.(Apparently its north Alencon nr Buffalo Grill)  We will have our lab with us.  Can anyone that knows the place well tell me if there are any nice places to walk the dog that are either in Alencon or within 10/15 mins. Nowhere to isolated as it is me a timid female and my 79 year old mother.   Also does anyone know if you allowed dogs in Buffaloo Grill?   Thanks    

I think Rotties are classed as a dangerous breed and therefore have to be muzzled in public.  Cant help you on whether you can have any more. I shouldnt think previous convictions come into it.

As Nick says house and contents intogether.  I think house insurance is based on  square footage rather than re build value, ours had 95m2 liveable plus the equivalent in a double garage size for storage attached to the house, plus includes swimming pool (accidental damage for the security cover  was available seperate) and 10000 euros of contents, plus Public Liability cover anywhere plus cover for the dog, plus accidental glass breakage, theft of PP up to 500 euros.  The quote would be more expensive if your salon was over a certain size sorry cant remember what as our s didnt exceed it, also any open fire would have a higher premium, our is an insert with a glass cover (makes sense).   The contents stipulates     Dont au maximum 5 d'objects de valeur soit 500 euros en ce qui concerne la garantie  vol vandalisme.   Like I say we specifically asked for cover for our PC and it is included and not treated as a PP.   Our house is also a maison Secondaire.  There is a 200 euros excess   All for the grand cost of  11.63 per month plus a one off admin charge of  about 15.76     Head office no   in paris 0158384005   Failing that you could probably look up branches in the french yellow pages, would look up for you but am late for school run.  let me know if I can help anymore

What cover do you require for your lap top.  I JUST TOOK OUT COVER WITH  Generali Assurances and my PC is covered plus personnal possesions up to 500 euros but not for accidental damage.

Hi Jamie   I know of an English speaking notary in 24, not sure if they work out of there area, I think they do.  If some one on here can let you know if they do I could give you his details.  Also try posing the question on here   http://www.headdonconsulting.com/board/   They are very good and its all free advise, ( by a professional) however because of this replies can take a few days.  You also may get a better idea by reading their forum. (hope Im allowed to say that)   P.S  We pulled out of a purchase this year in simular circumstances  just because we dont like the risk element involved. i.e risk of falling out with the community.  Also if it worked out badly and you wanted to sell on any potential buyer may be put off and you could be stuck with it.  Our thoughts were if it worries us then it will worry another  potential buyer.   Good Luck  

Now I really feel stupid      I'll go and get back under the stone I crawled our from

Andrew   Are you saying you can collect rain water to put into your pool.  Sorry for being so thick.

Thanks for your replies, could someone also clarify does the top up card have a "scratchcard type number to be revealed" that you key in on your phone If yes do you first have to key in a number and if so what is it please.  Sorry on a contract in UK and not used to top ups. Thanks

Im on orange what do you need to know..Thanks

Hi   I have a french mobile number and need to top up could someone tell me what a top up card is called in French.  Also coud someone explain how I get the credit onto my phone.  Will there be a number and then a top up code to enter.  Can I buy them in most tabacs?   Thanks

Any ideas where about in 24  I know of some in South Dordogne as I have stayed in quite a few while house hunting.  They will be nr Bergerac area let me know if you want the details 

I paniced a bit when I first read this, but I think what it is, is along these lines. People over SPA who have not paid in will be entittled to some kind of pension so long as they prove residency rules (which have not been defined yet) It is to help women who have not paid a full stamp and have no entittlement at SPA.  That is how i read it over in the UK.  It did not appear to be saying if youv'e paid in for say 30 years and then leave the UK 5 years prior to retirement you will loose your pension.   However nothing is set in stone yet.  

tHIS WEB SITE WILL HELP YOU CAN GET VERY GOOD ADVICE FREE THROUGH THEIR FORUM. http://www.headdonconsulting.com/board/viewforum.php?f=1

cant help with accomodation but I could recommend a good estate agent that we used but it depends what area you are looking for..he is based in 24 and we bought a house about an hour from bordeaux..you should find plenty for your price but maybe not if you want right in Bordeaux.  The agent is French but speaks good English and really worked hard at getting to know us so he could understand exactly what we were looking for.  No point looking at their web site as by ENGLISH STANDARDS its poor and would put you off also he has many properties not on the web site. If you want you can PM me and I will give you the details.  the internet gave me a headache as it was so much better comming over and speaking to an agent face to face.  

http://wwwhttp://www.propertyservicesinfrance.com/   This is in 24  i found it while looking for security covers   Zyke web site is http://www.zyke.fr/localisation.htm

How near to bordeaux do you want to be  is 50 mins to far? 

If anyone is looking in the Dordogne I would recommend Guy Seynet immoblier in Montpon.  They are French but speak good English http://www.agenceseynat-dordogne.com/index_gb.htm. The web sire is cxxp and I have told them that.  But they ahve loads of properties that are not on there and I would say they took the most time to get to the bottom of what we wanted.  the chap Fabrice spent days letting me take the lead over what we want, he listened to all the feed back and gradually built up a picture of what we really wanted.  It anyone does contact then say pauline says hi.