Interested

We live in Dept. 85 and the DRIRE we have to deal with is in La Roche-sur-Yon. Our caravan is British (Swift) and new 2003. We have all the necessary information needed for the DRIRE to inspect the caravan from ALKO (a frame, brakes, ect.)plus a National Caravan Council Certificate showing the van is up to EU standards. However, the DRIRE will not even give us a form to fill in to apply for registration because we do not have a European Certificate of Conformity which they say we need. They told us to go to the manufacturer of the caravan to get the certificate. Swift say they do not give this certificate as it is not a requirement in the UK and they make their caravans for the UK market. So what do we do. I went onto the web site to find out the rights of citizens of the EU and asked them the question and got told that by EU law the French have to prove our caravan is not road worthy before they can refuse registration. It is all very well saying that but what can we do if they won't inspect the caravan or even look into registering it without this certificate we don't have and can't get. We were advised to go to a lawyer and force our rights. I would like to know has anyone else in Dept. 85 managed to register their caravan. I know people in other departments have been able to, so it can be done, but this DRIRE don't want to know. They know we don't have the certificate and can't get it so this way they refuse to go any further, and thus not have to do any work re registering British caravans in their department. Any advise would be appreciated.

We have recently moved to live in the Vendee region and as yet have not got a dentist in the area. Is there any one in the Vendee who can recommend a good English speaking dentist? We are learning French but are not good enough to explain a problem with teeth, which I have at the moment. Past history is important where teeth are concerned and explaining all this to someone who doesn't understand your language is impossible. Thank you.

Thank you everyone for your help. Yes there was a green form with the card with "attestation" at the top, and yes my name is on it under my husbands. So from what several of you have said I am covered. That's a relief. Regarding the message about speaking French. We live in 85 dept. We don't know of anyone who will translate on our behalf. We are learning French but at our age it is a very slow process and the things we learn are not what we need to know ie. can I make a reservation for two or can I have a cup of coffee. The really important things you need to know are not what you are taught at the early stages. We are not here just supping the wine and not considering the need to speak the language. We want to integrate into the culture completely but it is early days yet. We love it in France and most people are very helpful, but on this occasion we were unlucky and had to deal with someone who was really rude. This is not the norm. Anyway thanks once again everyone.

Have been happily living here in France since Jan. 04 and did the necessary to apply for the Carte Vitale. Couldn't get an E106 for myself as hadn't paid the stamp coninuous in the Uk for past 2 years. Took my husbands E106 and necessary documents down to the Social Security office and got registered as a dependant spouse through my husbands E106. However, when the carte vitale came there was only one and it was in my husband's name. Neighbours (also British ex pats) told me I could not get health cover on that card and would have to get one in my own name. Trotted down to the Security Office again and received a lecture on coming to live in France and not speaking the language (at least that is the point that was coming across). Came away non the wiser. Has anyone else had a similar experience and if so can they tell me if they needed a card in their own name or could the dependant spouse use the same card even though their name was not on it? I really want to get this sorted before the need for medical cover is needed.

We have been happily living in France since January 04 and did the necessary re applying for the E106. I was not allowed one as I did not pay a full stamp for the last 2 years. Took the E106 my husband got to the local Social security office along with all the necessary documents. Was told I would qualify under by husbands E106 as a dependant spouse. However, now the carte vitale has come through and it is in my husbands name only. Neighbours (also British expats) told me I could not receive any medical treatment using the card in my husbands name and I would have to get one for myself. Went down to the local Social Security again and got a lecture (at least this is what came across)on coming to France without speaking the language. Could not understand a word he said and came away from the office non the wiser. Has anyone had a similar experience? Do I need a separate card or can I use my husbands card as a dependant? I really want to get this sorted out before the need for medical treatment arises.