lalavande

Hi Poms, I'm in Provence, a teacher myself, but my kids finished their education in the UK. As far as I know there are 3 bilingual schools in Aix and others in Marseille. There is an excellent one near Vallbonne and Mougins. However, you can't go wrong with children as young as yours by putting them directly into the french system. It will be a bit strange for a couple of weeks. Most schools in the area cater for giving expat children extra french lessons to adapt. At least in a french school the staffing remains even. In some bilingual schools there seems to be a fair amount of movement of teaching staff (english speakers) and that can in itself be disruptive. I know this is true of one of the bilingual schools in Aix. I turned down a job because of the way the wanted me to teach english children. After all I'd been doing it for years in the UK!! I've quite a few expat friends and alot of them have put their children into the french system and have been pleased with their progress. look at  www.aagp-provence.com (anglo-american group of provence) might be something there.

Hi Ron, The accountant advised this because if I were to go above this I would get caught up in alot of bureaucratic stuff. If I were going to go well above this, then it would be worth it. It is only a small school and the chances are that I could quite possibly tip over the limit but not enough to make all the extra paperwork worthwhile. He told me the 27,000 euros is the statutory figure for a small business to stay out of the VAT trap. Also the current owner has said this too. Naturally there are some funds that do not appear on the books, but that is not that fantastic. As much as I'd like to run this, it seems I could be doing alot of hardwork for a minimum return. Food for thought and thanks for continuing suggestions.

Thanks Will. All seems logical, even if I don't like it!!! I'm beginning to think that after I've paid all the various overheads that there will be very little money left esp. as I have to keep to the 27,000euro ceiling amount. Seems I could be working my socks off to fund the french!!Perhaps there will be a better, less hassle return on investment. Not alot of incentive to work!!!

Thanks Ron, certainly food for thought. Thanks for the correct E number, I wasn't sure. Lalavande

Hi Laine, Thanks for reply. I'll not be far from you. It's in Marseille. Keep in touch. Lalavande

Salut Camilla, I've had my home in the southern Luberon for about 4 years and I plan on selling it sometime later this year or early next year. I'll be looking for somewhere smaller. But despite what we are led to believe there are still reasonably priced properties in the area, providing you stay away from the tourist trap areas such as Lourmarin. (Mind you it depends what price you have in mind, though you must have done your homework to get an approx idea) The area is well served by good local schools which help expat children integrate into the french system (great for total immersion of learning the language) but there are also biligual schools in Aix or Avignon about 30mins in opposite directions. Reasonable properties can be found in places such as Pertuis, Cadenet, Lauris, Merindol (all in the 84) or just across the Durance in the 13, Mallemort, Rognes, Ste Puy de Reparde. The closer you get to Aix the prices go up. I find where I am quite good for getting into either Aix or Avignon. Airports and TGV are about 50 mins away. There are expats that are scattered about, and there is a self help organisation for expats which also offers social events specifically for children as well adults. (AAGP anglo/american group of Provence. There is a website) Hope this may help. It's a great area to live in.

I am shortly to retire as a UK teacher, and I will also receive my Uk state pension. Both pensions will be paid into an offshore account.  I have had my home in Provence for about 4 years and I'll move there permanently asap. I don't feel ready to 'hang up my boots' and the chance has come up for me to buy a small business (a small language school) which I hope will generate extra funds to live on (UK pensions will be insufficient). The business stays below the 27,000euros a year allowance to avoid the VAT. There are the usual overheads of rent etc. but now I am told I will be obliged to pay 6,700euros pa for social charges. This is the french state pension and health contributions. As I'll be receiving a UK pension, and I'll have the carte mutual (done with the E106 from Newcastle) which comes under the reciprocal EU regulations (and I'll be paying additional top up health insurance) I have had a bilingual accountant go into the figures but because he deals with just french law he is unable to advise on any reciprocal arrangements, if indeed they exist.   Please can anyone advise me if there is anyway I can avoid paying the french social charges, because in effect I'll be paying twice. 6,700 euros is quite alot to come out of a small business. Or can they be declared and then set against whatever allowances I may qualify for. Or is it better I forget the who thing and stagnate??!!! Beginning to pay into the french state pension is crazy because of the few years I'll do it, I'll be lucky if it'll pay out centimes!! Also as far as the health contributions are concerned I'll already be covered. What now???Looking forward to some advice.