Blanche Neige

Denise, if you are not hiring a car and driving take a look at the sncf website and look for the TGV fast train connections. Do a search on here for things to do in Paris as there was some useful discussion on here last Autumn.

[quote user="angel"] well my parents live in mouton, merigny ( not sure which way round) its about 4miles from st savin! its rural!!! we are not sure about money,jobs but my hubby was planning on helping my dad out labouring etc.... i currently practice reiki but im not sure how the french would take to that? im also looking into doing colour therapy.... dont speak french yet but we are learning so thats a start!     [/quote] "You can't be serious" ..............can you?[Www]

http://www.greencone.com/faqs.asp?prid=10   perhaps you could use one of these.

You could look on www.seloger.com

"We are looking to incorporate the wall as part of the design of the pool. I would like to see pictures of swimming pools wether or not they are yours or pools you have seen in the past to hopefully give us some more creative ideas." I can't supply design pics but perhaps you could all sit around the pool wearing Togas[:D]

Congratulations on hanging in there and getting the go-ahead for your pool. Thanks for the up-date and letting us know the outcome.[:)]

Re. Tin trunk: Tried and tested, definitely the best solution. AFAIK [:)] China can be stored in boxes, the large plastic ones with lids are good.

http://www.barnsinfrance.co.uk/ the above link may provide some information.   Think, costs of renovation..................not cheap! Think, job situation...........................how will you make a living! Think language! Bon courage

      "It's a bit more complicated than that I'm afraid, as I understand it, to get a rate of 5.5% it must be for renovation work to a habitation older than X number of years. "                 X years = 2[:)]   There has been a lot of discussion about this T.V.A. business in the past and I am sure that sooner or later an artisan will post with correct answer.

http://www.completefrance.com/cs/forums/934274/ShowPost.aspx#934274

" Off to France a week today and I always seem to do better over there as I feel the fruit & vegetables are so much fresher and tastier. "   Fiona In the U.K.you could try having a weekly organic veg. box. I think they are unbeatable for freshly picked veg. and heaps better that the (flown around the world) organic veg. often available in the U.K. supermarkets. I too like the vegetables in the French markets but I often feel their supermarket produce can be rather tired and mass produced. Let me know if you need a contact for organic veg., box delivery.

Mooky I am not picking on you but poor old Marie seems to be a common problem on here.[:)]

[:)] I liked your photos John, will you be making a living from photography in France or is this a hobby / sideline?

re. Limousin, you could post on Central France section, I am sure people on there will be able to tell you about the weather.

By all means ask at your Mairie but don't ask for Marie  [:)] 

ah yes, it probably all boils down to how many days you can spend in France before you need to be "domiciled" and I have forgotten how many that is, I am sure someone will have this info. at their fingertips!¬

If you are renting and living full time in France then wouldn't you be classed as domiciled in France?

Rowan Really pleased to hear that you and your daughter have talked and are progressing in the right direction. Perhaps when you are all in France (i.e away from the comfort and ease of  home)  there will be a greater need to stick together and she might work with you rather than against. Changing to a Fr. school will be difficult at that age but others have weathered it. Bon courage.

Thanks Claire and Gay. Higgy, Sorry there were problems, I hope you have now read my suggestions and that they will be of use. I am sure there must be some reasonable eating places in Jonzac too. Do let us know how you get on.[:)]   Happy camping!

some suggestions: It's saltpetre (sp) The stones are malade so there will never be a cure! "It has been suggested that it happens because the house is shut up for long periods of time (2 months max) and if we were there full-time, it wouldn't be a problem, but I'm not so sure." Yes this could be a contributing factor. If it is possible to leave some heat on in the house albeit on a very low setting this will make a big difference, also leave dehumidifiers around the house, and leave all internal doors open while the house is shut up. When you are there during good weather air the house by leaving doors and windows open as much as possible and let the sunshine in.[:)] Toile de verre is probably the only sort of "paper" that will stay on the walls and we have used this to good effect.   Finally, you are not alone and many (French) people accept this as a way of life and just live with it!   Bon Courage, I am sure others will have some good suggestions.

You could try the following, might be too far to travel but you never know.   "Des Trois Moulins" (Routiers restaurant) on the RN between Pons and Saintes (nr. St Leger), limited choice but food is usually good, a great atmosphere. (open lunch time and evening, closed Sat p.m. and all day Sunday) Cafe de la Paix at Jazennes.............Monday to Saturday lunchtime only, very good value. In Gemozac: try the Caravelle near the stade La Roze on the Gemozac to Pons road. Slightly more up-market, pleasant service and set lunches are great value. Open in the evenings too. Enjoy [:)][:)][:)] Edit: I've just thought of another one in Pons (lunchtimes only I think and not Sunday) opposite the St Vivien church.

Higgy   are you talking about Archiac 17520?

Marmite I don't know the answer but I think this question needs to be moved, either to become a new thread or with other questions about Angouleme airport. [:)]

[quote user="Spg"][quote user="whitey"] we are putting another tank upstairs and want to get the same kind of thing,  [/quote] But are you sure you need a second 'chauffe eau'? In our house we have a shower room downstairs and a bathroom with shower upstairs and both are served by the one and only chauffe eau ie ballon that is located in the garage. Ours is the normal 200 litre ballon, so nothing special size-wise, and we have found it to be adequate in our 3 bed home. We have not run out of hot water yet after nearly 2 years here and up to 5 of us here in holiday periods . Sue   [/quote]   ditto

Many French restaurants do very good all inclusive lunch menus prices between 10 and 13 Euros.