steve&becky

Great! Thanks for the tip. Have sent an email to see if they can assist.

Does anyone know of an accountant that can help with French and English Tax returns in the Charente-Maritime area (some english would be a great bonus!) . We live near St Jean D'Angely. Thanks.

Great news! We have been given a new home by Su in the Pays de Loire and we should be moving in, in the New Year! So, many many thanks to Su for giving us the BEST christmas present ever!!

Good News! We have found a new home with Su in the Pays de Loire and should be moving in, in the New Year! So, many many thanks to Su for the best Christmas present ever!

Good news! We have been given a home by Su in the Pays De Loire and should be moving in, in the New Year. So, many many thanks to Su for giving us the best Christmas present ever!

[quote]Hi all, never been in a forum before so here goes. I am Looking to relocate to France October 2006 and will be looking for furnished rental from October 2006 to May 2007, whilst house hunting. I am w...[/quote] Hi We have a 2 bedroom property that we rent out for these months in the Saintes area of the Charente Maritime. If you are interested please let us know  

[quote]Do you know of anywhere in France you can hire campervans? Camping and Caravanning Club now have a connection where you can hire a campervan from somewhere near Dover. But then you have to pay your ...[/quote] Hi Jill I know this isn't exactly what you are asking about but I thought I would let you know anyway. We live just outside St Jean D"Angely (Dept 17, about 1 hour from the coast) and we have a 2 berth caravan here that we rent out to people who want to holiday in the area but dont want to tow a caravan all the way down here (or pay for it on the ferry)   Steve

I understand your point guys, we too spent an absolute fortune bringing our dogs and cats over from England, however we still cannot pass judgement without knowing the facts. The main concern here is the dogs, not the owners. It is very easy to be judgemental, but bottom line is no-one has offered these poor dogs a home (me included).

Hi Sue Thanks for your reply. From what I understand, there are complicated circumstances surrounding the owners return to England and the paperwork is not available to be able to arrange passport quick enough. Quarantine in England was considered however cost was quoted at around 4,000 GBP so was not an option. They have been searching for a home for them for some time with no luck and I would imagine having them put down must be last last resort. I don't know the full story so cannot really pass judgement, but my only concern is doing my best to find them a home. Have had a positive email from a lovely lady in Pays de Loire so fingers crossed. Will keep you posted. Becky        

 Hoping someone can help. "We are two english springer spaniels (Chocci & Creme - one male & one female) whose english owners have unexpectedly had to return to england, but we cannot go with them. We are both ten years old and are chipped and rabies vaccinated. Unfortunately our owners have already returned to England and we are staying with a friend, but we desperately need a home. " These two dogs belonged to some english people who lived locally to us and as above have had to return to england. We have been told by the friend who is looking after them at the moment that they will be put down shortly if he doesn't find a new home. Unfortunately we already have two cats and two dogs and just haven't the space, but we just can't let them be put down, hence this post.  Please can anyone help. We are in dept 17 near St Jean D'Angely. Becky & Steve  

 Hoping someone can help. "We are two english springer spaniels (Chocci & Creme - one male & one female) whose english owners have unexpectedly had to return to england, but we cannot go with them. We are both ten years old and are chipped and rabies vaccinated. Unfortunately our owners have already returned to England and we are staying with a friend, but we desperately need a home. " These two dogs belonged to some english people who lived locally to us and as above have had to return to england. We have been told by the friend who is looking after them at the moment that they will be put down shortly if he doesn't find a new home. Unfortunately we already have two cats and two dogs and just haven't the space, but we just can't let them be put down, hence this post.  Please can anyone help. We are in dept 17 near St Jean D'Angely. Becky & Steve  

Hoping someone can help. "We are two english springer spaniels (Chocci & Creme - one male & one female) whose english owners have unexpectedly had to return to england, but we cannot go with them. We are both ten years old and are chipped and rabies vaccinated. Unfortunately our owners have already returned to England and we are staying with a friend, but we desperately need a home. " These two dogs belonged to some english people who lived locally to us and as above have had to return to england. We have been told by the friend who is looking after them at the moment that they will be put down shortly if he doesn't find a new home. Unfortunately we already have two cats and two dogs and just haven't the space, but we just can't let them be put down, hence this post.  Please can anyone help. We are in dept 17 near St Jean D'Angely. Becky & Steve        

We are between Saintes and St Jean D'Angely and go back once every few months with our van, however need a small amount brought back in the next week or so, hence my post. Perhaps we could be of mutual benefit as some point?

Anyone coming back to Charente-Maritime area, in the next 10 days with space in a car or van? Alternatively, anyone need something taken back to South of England (preferably van load)?

Is anyone coming back to France (Charente-Maritime area) in the next 10 days with space in their car/van? Alternatively does anyone need a van load taken back to England in the next 10 days?

We run a market stall in our local town and had to apply to the local mairie for a place. In order to have a stall we had to be a registered business and obtain a siret number from the chamber of commerce (lots of form filling but we managed it in the end.) We also had to have Public Liability insurance, which cost around 150 euros a year. Obviously it may vary depending on where you are and where you want a market stall. Where abouts are you and what kind of stall are you wanting to run?   Becky

Bourderat, Near Saint-Hilaire de Villefranche (17) right in the middle of Saintes, St Jean D'Angely & Cognac. Wouldn't want to be anywhere else! (definitely not England, anyway).

Just found your (now quite old) mail, so not sure if you are still looking for information. There are a couple of english groups that I am aware of : one in Matha and the AVF in Saint Jean D'Angely. Where does the lady live? If she is still interested, I can try and find more information for her. Becky Birch

Hi Gill I'm certainly no expert, but I too am looking into these issues at the moment. If you are classed as a french tax resident (ie, you live permanently in France) you must declare your worldwide income (including any pensions, investments etc) to the french tax authorities. A 'double tax treaty' exists between France and England whereby you can claim a tax credit in France for taxes paid in England, however beyond that I am still trying to find out more information. It is clear that professional advice should be sought and if I find anyone who can help I will let you know. I have found an interesting website www.frenchentree.com which has a few good articles under the Legal & Tax, and Health headings. I would also be interested if you find anyone who can assist in these matters.   Becky Birch  

Thanks to you all for your suggestions so far. Will get straight on those. Have spent the day driving around the area trying to find garages with vans. Have found a few possibilities; it is likely we will go with a normal van and find a way of getting some kind of fridge installed. It is quite strange, you can't seem to buy anything below about 10,000 euros. I think you are right when you say that the french seem to drive them into the ground and then scrap them! I have to say I would rather be enjoying the sunshine by the pool, than scouring the countryside for some old van! Oh well, needs must. I'll see what your helpful suggestions bring. Thx. Becky

Can anyone help with buying a vehicle in France? Are there any websites/publications like the Auto-Trader in England? We are trying to buy a refridgerated van, but aren't having much luck. We live in dept 17 (Charente-Maritime) and are finding it all a bit hit and miss. Help!  Becky Birch