Braunstonian

[quote]your'll find that most people that move to Ile de France do so for a completely different reason that the rest of France. it is usually for professional reasons. - jobs, relocated by company , second...[/quote] I moved here because my gf is French and now live in semi rural Essonne. I think most that want to move or retire here for a "better life" tend to settle down in SW France (from the Dordogne across to the Hérault) or to Normandie. Personally I didn't choose the region where I live now, I just wanted to be with my GF - so that can pose problems : friends, transport, work etc... We are in the Paris region, and only just in the suburbs - yet we have the campagne all around.

[quote]You can get a bike for 89 Euros from Decathlon which seems like a good deal if you want the occasional bike ride. The only problem is where to leave it in a safe place for the days when you don't use...[/quote] Sadly it's not really worth looking for a safe place - more a case of buying two decent U-locks (one for each wheel) and taking the saddle off. I live in the south suburbs of Paris and had the front wheel of my push bike stolen. These days I ride around by scooter and have everything to secure my scoot and make life as difficult for the would be voler as possible. In the end you can only do so much, but it helps to satisfy the insurance company that you did all you could to keep your bike or scoot safe.

Nous sommes un groupe pour ceux qui habite dans l'Essonne - banlieue sud de Paris et plus loin. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Essonne-Community We are a group for those that live in the Essonne - south Paris suburbs and further. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Essonne-Community A bientôt sur notre groupe!