Tomkat

Just as an aside to this topic, does anyone know what sort of distance from the road to the oil storage tank is okay for the delivery of oil? We are in the process of installing oil-fired heating and want to site the tank adjacent to the boiler but it's about 35 metres or so from the access road. Any ideas anybody? Dave

Just thought I'd share my very recent experience of registering our car in France. We went to our local sous Prefecture in Aubusson here in Creuse and was given a list of paperwork required. Our first port of call was the DRIRE ( vehicle inspectorate) in Gueret who said because the car was less than 4 years old, we just needed a form from them with all ther relevent info from the car, VIN number, permitted weights, number of doors/seats etc. We gave all the info plus original & photocopy of our UK registration document and was told the dossier would be sent to the Prefecture in Gueret within the next 7 days when we could present ourselves with a certificate from the local Centre des Impots to say no duty/tax payable on the car and get our new Carte Grise. A few days later we got a phone call from the lady at the DRIRE asking us to call in again. When we did the following day, she was all apologetic saying the Certificate of Conformity was not necessary. Apparently, if you have one of the new style registration documents for your car in the UK, this is regarded, in La Creuse at any rate, as a certificate saying your car conforms to French/European standards. She even rang the Prefecture to confirm this and sent a faxed copy of the directive relating to this over to the Prefecture. We went across to the Prefecture with our Demande d'Imatriculation, tax form from the Centre des Imppots and UK Registration Document and, sure enough, 10 minutes and 175 euros later walked out with our new French reg number and Carte Grise. It really was that simple. It may vary from one Dept to another but it seems if you have the new style European document it is a lot simpler. We were lucky to have one as we had moved to a rented address in the UK between selling our house and moving over to France so we notified the DVLA of the change of address and back came one of the new style documents. As far as I can tell, if your car is less than 4 years old no problem. If over 4 years you will need a Control Technique as well. Dave

A bit late in the day but, we are moving this friday 18th June and have just found out the removal men who will collect in the UK will not be the same crew that delivers in France next week. What's the score regarding tipping the men? Anybody any experience of how much to tip at each end? Any help appreciated as don't want to upset the crews for obvious reasons! Dave

Thanks for your replies, looks like it will be fingers crossed my local Hotel des Impots is as relaxed as yours! Dave

I read somewhere that if you import a used car from the UK into France and have owned it for less than 6 months, duty is payable before you can re-register it with the French system. Has anyone come across this, any idea what the duty is based on etc? Dave

Just had a quote from UK dealer to supply only 2 new headlights for my 3 year old Renault Scenic to convert to LH drive mode. 105 each incl vat. Anyone know if this is cheaper/dearer than buying in France? Dave

We're moving over to the Creuse near to Aubusson in about 3 weeks and would like a moggie or two for a) company and b) mousing. Would prefer kittens from the same litter if possible. Anyone know of any available in the Creuse or surrounding depts? Thanks in advance, Dave

I've just had a long conversation with the people at DWP about applying for E106. After answering various questions the customer services operator at the international dept said we couldn't have an E106 as we were not on benefit in the UK! Now, it's my understanding after reading several posts on the subject in the forum that provided you have been working in the UK for at least the last 2/3 years and have paid full stamp, then you are entitled to E106 for a limited period. The length of which is based on your level of contributions in the UK. I should say that we are both in our fifties, working full time at the moment and intend to take early retirement as of 1st June 2004. We move out to la Creuse on 21st June. Can someone please clarify the situation with regard to E106 & I'll have another go at the DWP. Probably get a different answer from a different person next time! Any help much appreciated. Dave

Does anyone know what the position is regarding airguns in France? I've searched the archives but can't find anything. We move over in June and I want to take an air rifle with me. I don't need a licence for it in UK as it's power is below the legal limit, but what about in France? Can I simply import it with our other posessions, do I need to declare it in France etc. I intend to declare it at customs just to avoid any confusion and risk of being arrested on suspicion of terrorism! I've asked at our local Police Station but they don't know anything about it and the local Firearms officer is only interested in shotguns/firearms etc. Any help much appreciated. Dave

We looked at a property in Fromental that sounds just like the one you've bought. It was with an Immobilier in La Souterraine. We decided it was a bit too much work at our time of life. Looks like a nice village though. Best of luck with your restoration. Dave

We've finally sold our UK property and will be looking seriously for our new home in France in the new year. We're looking for a house in the Haute Vienne suitable for chambre d'hote. I've been trying to get an idea of what the likely takings (if any!) would be. I know it's a bit like string and it's length but, assuming we do get some customers, I'm sure we can make something. I've trawled the forums for ideas and have come up with the following:- 2 rooms let at 40 euros each per night, say for 5 nights a week for a max number of 8 weeks per year. Allowing for running costs etc I reckon we could clear about 1500 euros per year once we get established. What do you think, too optimistic/pessimistic? We will both have private pensions coming in so any profit from the b&b would be a bonus. We'd be doing it more for the fun rather than to make a living. Also I'm not sure whether we should engage a UK solicitor for our purchase. I don't anticipate any problems but I suppose it's peace of mind. Any help/recommendations would be helpful. I was thinking of using a firm based in Ipswich who have been mentioned on the forums. Anybody had any dealings with them, good or bad? I think they're called Prettys. Any help would be much appreciated.