Les Chirons

Whilst all of the below and above responses are all relevant, due to the fact that it is the car that is insured here and not the policy holder, it is worth looking at your insurance documents as this will definitively decide things. I believe all of French insurers will not allow any driver to drive your car if they have not held a FULL driving permit for a minimum of 3 years

Ooh, Chezstevens, I assume the horizontal twin must be a BMW  For me, it's the clatter of  a Guzzi   Re the RHD thing, I recently had a prang in my car (not my fault) The car, an old 320 Merc Estate, was probably worth about £1,000. The damage was estimated at 4,350 Euros to which I replied, Fine, give 3,000 Euros and we're all over the moon. I get more than it's worth, they save 1,350 Euros and I don't have to find a buyer for a RHD guzzler. They gave me all the damage money and I got to keep the car which still drives fine as they valued it at 8,000 Euros so it was not considered a write-off. Now that's one benefit of keeping your old RHD.

Absolutely correct in what you say however, you will still need the French equivalent of our "street traders licence" This would be available from the Chambre de Commerce at a cost of approx 30 Euros. I understand that it is obtainable before registration but after completeing the Stage course at the Chambre de Metieres. It also enables you (apparently) to trade at any market in France with no maximum limit to the number of days you want to go. It will also enable you to trade at the Fete de la Region and  the Fete de la musique that most villages and towns hold.

Hi,   Don't know if this will help but depending on your department, there is a possibility that your local Conseill Generale will be holding regular meeteings for new arrivals with a view to helping integration into the country. This is certainly the case in La Creuse. I have attended all these meetings (which are very relaxed affairs) They usually have a representative from the all the relevant offices there. The last one was actually aimed at making tax and social charge payments. This subject was covered and I seem to remember that the starting rate was just 7% and rising in a sliding scale thereafter. They also made the point that they would want details of   ALL  UK bank accounts held.  Having spoken to various reliable sources of information this is not a legal obligation.   If none of these welcome meetings are available to you, go to the Hotel des Impots. There is usually someone there who can speak English if required. I'm not suggesting you need that but just in case.   Sorry I can't be more helpfull.

Hi Nick,   Thanks for the view. I suppose a Notaire would be best to speak to. As I said before, I asked the head guy at the  Hotel des Impots in Gueret as we'd met a few times before and may as well have asked Russ Abbot for the shrug I got.   Cheers anyway. LesChirons

[8-)]   Hi, Anyone got any info on selling two houses in France. We are permanant residents and submit French Tax return forms. We bought the first house 4 years ago and then the second (on the same plot) 9 months later. It was originally a small hamlet of just three houses and three barns. Our mayor's secretary has confirmed to us that it was a petit hameau. The original house is not used for habitation and the other two both will be when we finish renovating the second. As we bought these as two separate purchases, I assume that we will be liable for CGT, but, it was all originally owned by one family and all properties have the same address. Could this possibly mean that we could sell the whole chabang as one? thus avoiding the pain of two lots of Notaires and agents fees for any prospective purchaser? The property is more valuable as a whole as it has much scope as a business opportunity or for the large family with inlaws market. It surely must be offputting to any purchaser to think about paying everything twice. I have approached the inspector of taxes who gave me a blank look and said he'd get back to me....6 months ago!!!!   Any views appreciated.