rosiejayne

Thank you very much for taking the trouble to find this out for me, very kind.  I saw the letter that my neighbour wrote, I didn't actually read it, but saw her hand writing and address -she has definately caused the kind of S*** that she was after!!!  I can honestly say that I haven't poisoned anyone. This is not the only thing that she has done to cause trouble! In your opinion, do you think that I should carry out the works that have been requested, or stand my ground - using the "I dont' think there are any other Cdh's having to do this" stance? Probably easier to just spend the money and do the work - and just wait for her next move - aaahhh. RJ

I am not registered with any body, ie. gdf etc, and it definately was not a scam - unfortunately.  I asked them why I was being inspected and they said because they had received a letter!!! By law apparently they have to visit if someone has written to them.  After the visit, during which I argued that I am only a TdH serving residents and not a restaurant, to which they replied that all food serving premises - residents or non-residents now come under the same rulings of health and safety as a restaurant!!!  I then said well if that is the case why can't I open my doors and serve Joe Public - no answer.  After the visit I received official letter, which states the things that I have to carry out - although there was no date put on it by them - they did ask me to reply in writing before a certain date to state exactly when the work would be done - I said by the end of this year, which is now approaching!!  I presume that I will then receive another visit - who knows. I think that this is something that all people operating as I am should be aware of. If anyone has any solid proof - preferably in writing - in French that I could use to fight my case, I would be very grateful.   RJ

Thank you for your replies, you have answered as I thought.  I only want to serve meals to the people who are staying in the chambres d'hotes, not to outsiders.  Recently I have been visited by the Veterinaires for a "controle", the same as the health and safety in UK - and have been told :- that I have to fit a separate wash hand basin with arm or foot operated tap, foot operated bin, removable insect netting to any windows or doors that open on to the kitchen, have separate fridges for my families food and the guests food - which seems pretty stupid as we are told that we have to eat with out guests at the same table!!!  I must also keep all the labels of the food to show expiry dates etc. among other things..... All was going very smoothly - until my lovely neighbour decided to write to these people to ask them to look at my business!  Charming. So I am interested to hear if anyone else has had an inspection from these people and if so what the outcome is - alternatively - is there something written somewhere which states how my kitchen should be if I run a chambres d'hotes etc. Thanks in advance. RJ

Hi I am interested to know if you run a tables d'hotes, if by law you have to have a separate hand wash basin and if it has to have a special tap, or can you just have the special tap - ie. using elbow or foot operated with a normal double sink. Thanks in advance. RJ

Your first port of call is your Assistant Social - you will get their number from your marie.  Make an appointment and when you go, take all of your papers - even your swimming certificates!!  They will want to know about everything - all your income and all your outgoings.  If you have children you will also need to see the CAF as they may be able to help too.  Good luck. 

Hi Andy If you are looking for an English speaking insurance company try : Christina Wingfield - AXA Contact Christina Wingfield : AXA Insurance Cabinet Limonier 95 Rue de France,06000 Nice TEL: 04 93 96 93 13 - FAX: 04 93 96 93 43 - e-mail: AXA Insurance Cabinet Limonier  Can't promise that they are the cheapest, but they gave us a good quote and they speak English.   Rosie