wkent

Thanks everybody - I will take one of each sort. We do have a battery operated double cupboard light. Torches go without saying - two in the car, one pocket variety. I even have a small battery operated light which clips onto a book so you can read in bed. However, as soon as a central light has a bulb in it, it will be easier to unload the car - and yes we do have camp beds and a ladder! The furniture has been on hold since September in the various stores - just hope the Christmas rush hasn't pushed ours to the back of the warehouses! I'm so excited now. Cheers, Wendy K.

We are moving into an empty apartment on 5 December, and it will be dark when we arrive. Can anybody tell us whether English light bulbs of either bayonet or screw type fittings will fit into a French light socket? Wendy K.

We have spent the last year watching our ground floor two bedroom flat, in a block of 12, 3 floors of 4 flats, being built. There are two other blocks of 12 and one of 6, and all the other occupants, we are told, will be french as it is in a residential area opposite a small factory estate. Being OAPs and not liking DIY or gardening very much, it is the best solution to living part of the year in France, also from a security point of view. We hope that when we decide to spend longer out there, we will not have much difficulty in selling this flat if we see something we like better. I have a daughter who is not impressed by an electricity pylon a short way down the road, but we do not have to look out on this, and do not worry about the health point of view at our time of life. The local Council have planted a most impressive floral area on the pavement opposite the flat, and the lamp-posts all have two tier flower arrangements along the 10 minute walk to the supermarket and other amenities. The French do seem to excel at floral art. Why not explore the Loire Valley further before you decide on Chinon if this is a worry to you. Angers is easy to get to, a major town with smart shops, the river, a chateau with a tapestry and is steeped in history. It is a convenient place from whence to take off to other places i.e. the Airport at Nantes served by flights from Gatwick only, and fast trains to Paris, which take only an hour and a half. We stayed at Fontevraud last June, and went twice to Chinon during that visit. We found both places more difficult to find by car than Angers. The most relaxing journey back to Calais, avoiding all major towns, is fast motorway to Alencon via Le Mans, main road to Falaise, then dual carriageway to Caen where you can easily find the motorway via the Pont de Normandy all along the North of France to the Shuttle - miles of fast road with, at times, nothing to be seen either in front or behind you. The bridge is quite something to see - and I am looking forward to viewing at night sometime to appreciate the blue lights I've read about. Far better than going round Rouen or Paris which we always seem to have done during peak hours of the day. I wish you luck in choosing the property of your dreams.

We have enjoyed holidays in both regions over the past four years, and almost bought a flat in Falaise. We ended up choosing the Loire Valley after we spent a few days in Angers. However, we have always said that Normandy had the edge on Brittany roadwise, and we have enjoyed warmer reception in Normandy, one special lady restauranteur in Lisieux chasing us down the street, after we had eaten there only twice, to give us a bottle of cider when she heard we were returning home the next day. Just a personal thing really. We move into our new ground floor two bedroom flat in about a month's time - can't wait. Good luck with your house hunting.

If you are not French yourselves, why try to do things the same as they do? I am sure it will be more exciting for the children invited to be entertained by something different. Whatever you decide, I hope it all goes well. Let us all know later on. Wendy K.

Setting off to Angers in the Loire Valley 5.30 am tomorrow for meeting with Builders and Estate Agent re. our own apartment which is nearing completion. Will take your message with me, and make enquiries of these French folk. Let you know if I find out anything. Wendy K.