LanguedocGal2

[quote user="cooperlola"] Glad it helped LDG2. You can't expect every member on this forum to share your good taste, now can you?[:D] [/quote] It  would be difficult![;-)] Re Catalpa’s link, try this Wjt. They are modern versions of these Languedoc type tiles. http://www.mosaicdelsur.com The London Mosaic tiles are of the period. I have been told they are worth silly money – per tile. I notice that the London Mosaic site doesn’t even state the per tile prices. Probably too scary...

[quote user="catalpa"][quote user="Will "]I have never understood the philosophy that says 'if it's old it must be good'. [/quote] Yes. Agree completely. Some things weren't fit for their purpose 100 years ago so one has to question their value now. Unfortunately LG's tiles are a bit different as they've obviously stood the test of time and their only (tho' fairly major) fault is that they're easy to hate. [/quote] Couldn't agree more! Thanks all for your comments, advice and links (the mosaic site made me feel slightly queasy [:)]) I must say, though, that I now have slight worries about the tastes of a few LF forumers and YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE [;-)][:D].  Good advice all-round. RH, original features, I have aplenty (ceiling roses, fireplaces, internal shutters etc etc all  in excellent condition). I love them all except for these tiles.  Also, I appreciate the fact that previous owners didn’t destroy the features (except ripping out 2 out of 6 fireplaces- but you can’t win them all). I totally agree though that old doesn’t necessarily mean nice. WJT,  I don’t know the method you mentioned but I will research it as it sounds interesting. Since the lino idea has come up here, I have to say that it’s starting to appeal to me more and more.  I dismissed it last year, I suppose because of my own prejudices about lino but only realised later how this sector had progressed. Life can be so much simpler if we let go of our preconceived ideas.  Hope you’ve not been blinded by the photos.  I will consider all the proposals and things are a lot clearer in my head now so many many thanks to all.  

OK! Bulllied into this by 5-E The HORROR Languedoc tiles. One only has to see them to understand my reaction.  The living room one I'm seeking solutions for. [IMG]http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o78/LanguedocGal/HorrortilesA.jpg[/IMG]  In another part of the flat. This one will be covered but not too bothered how. [IMG]http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o78/LanguedocGal/Horrortiles2a.jpg[/IMG] The ones I love. [IMG]http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o78/LanguedocGal/lovethesetiles1.jpg[/IMG]  

The ugliest tiles in Europe Saga continues [6] WJT, I can see you’ve also inherited some divine features in your house too. We have to remember that these were all height of fashion once.   To be fair to my flat, the overall features are exactly what I love in a building and little essential work was needed (changing a boiler), so I suppose I had to have something I hated, otherwise it would have been too weird.   The tiles are no way as nice as the lovely glazed ones around the fireplaces in most of the Victorian homes I knew as a child but I suppose it’s the same period so something was going around Europe.   By the way, don’t listen to 5-E: she was much too kind to them… [:)] Dick, as 5-E has said, I plonked lino down in my kitchen as those tiles were even worse (yes, really!) and I only spend an average of about 3 hours a month in my kitchen, so wasn’t too bothered. Having said that, it’s amazing how much I have grown to like it after only 3 months.  Furthermore, to my amazement, everyone thinks its real tiles on first seeing it. When I say its lino, they normally bend down to touch it because they don’t believe me.  I’m tearing my hair out regarding the living room because I want to do something I will really ‘love’ as opposed to just like. Whilst looking for the kitchen lino, I was amazed at what was out  there now in terms of design and comfort.  Initially, it was a choice born out of budget restrictions and a desperation to cover those things but it ended up being a very good move and I would recommend it too.   Cooperlola, I saw some lino that were really hard to distinguish from real tiles and wood and would look great in any room. Technology in this sector has advanced so much.  However, I’m reluctant to put lino in my living room, but who knows. 

[quote user="WJT"] It wouldn't reflect on you, sunglasses ready, you have already said it is not to your taste [;-)]. Having said that, I don't think I would want to show some of the things in our house that was done in the late 60's early 70's, albeit all are being ripped out [:-))]! It is hard to imagine that original tiles dating from the 19th century would be ugly. But after your description, I guess I have to believe you. [:D] [/quote] Do you have any precious 60s/70s wallpaper? Mine have disappeared now but they were truly precious. Hate to say this, but Languedoc is awash with ghastly ( according to my taste) 19th century / early 20th century floor tiles. Some of my friends have different patterned tiles in every room  of their houses/flats, so it's obviously how things used to be. The locals are clearly used to them as they have grown up with them. There are of course some lovely designs too but the ones that are heavily patterned irritate me.   When I viewed the place, there was so much furniture in the room, I didn't notice how horrible they were.

[quote user="WJT"]Oh come on LDG2, let us see a picture. You have my curiosity up now. [:D][/quote] Not a chance! They would blind you[:D]. As proof to how disgusting they are, 5-Element can back me up on this as she has seen the horrors...

[quote user="Tresco"] LG, are the tiles you hate old? I replied to your post on an earlier page, but now realise you may be subject to some kind of 'rule' or something. If they are not, then I truly believe that you will never love them, no matter what you do. If they are, (and subject to some mad rule)  then I think you should move.[:-))] [/quote] You are right, I will never love them. Yes they are OLD but not ancient so can't quite see the fuss. I spoke to  'those in the know' this morning and it seems the ripping up option is not possible: not because of the age of the tiles but because they are of the ''period''.  Had they been older and not been of the 'epoque', it seems  I could have ripped them up.  Well, that cheers me up[:@]. They are not happy with the painting option either but can't stop me. Would still love to hear from anyone who has actually painted over 19th century floor tiles though. What is the wear and tear like? Ali-cat, re Dick's Kitchen - Get in line![:D]  

[quote user="Tresco"]I could just about live with that, Dick.[;-)][:)][/quote] Second that! But would be wasted on me... After the first photo, I wondered if you had knocked 2 rooms into one but you answered that. Tresco Not sure I'd be allowed to rip up the tiles. The living rough until I could afford what  I wanted would be no problem though. I sort of hoped the transfers would be an easy way of covering the garish design.  It's an odd thing really, because all the rooms have the red tomettes  I adore but the living room and an entrance hall got lumbered with two different types of yukky tiles: no doubt a very trendy status thing at the time, as ripping out fireplaces in Victorian houses was during the 70s.[:(] . Whatever I choose to do will no doubt be considered horrid in a generation or two as well. Such is the decorative cycle.

[quote user="ty ar mor"]I suggest tiling over them, apparently possible, or transfers, which we have used as a short term solution in our kitchen...maybe not for floors though.....Is it worth taking them up and starting again?[/quote] Transfers... Never thought of that. I'll look into it to see suitability for floor. Re taking them up, will have to ask permission - the quartier is protected - and not sure it would be approved. My neighbours had to ask permission for two internal walls to be knocked down and only one was approved. Something about keeping the architectural spirit intact. If approved, it really would be a pain as the area is quite large and I already live here. My artisan also looked at me askew when I discussed taking them up a few months ago. Not that he couldn't do it but yet another one who thinks I'm ga ga to want to touch them. Tiling over them is not, however, possible due to the configuration of the flat. Thanks for the suggestion,  I will research the Transfer option. Quite keen to find a solution soon.

Dick, we all know that 'habitable' in normal-speak means a dump [:D] Wish  I had your tiles because I wouldn't be in this dilemma now. Love the units too.  I hate cooking  (or cooking hates me) so my kitchen is functional and simple. I wouldn't dare post a photo of my living room tiles on here as I'll probably provoke a wave of vomiting among fellow forumers.  I get a headache just looking at them. Everyone keeps telling me they are worth a fortune but don't care, hate them! I've now decided that painting them is the only way out, however, I may be lynched by my local friends who think they are 'classe'. Yeh, right! I did a search on the forum to see if there was anything on painting these horrid things but sadly nothing. I did take a photo to Castorama a while back and the paint guy looked at me in horror at the idea of me painting them but recommended a 'Sol' paint as well as a carrelage paint but I tend to think they are for wall tiles and not floor ones.  Oh well, I will just have to continue my reseach.

My ideal colour scheme at the moment - white, white and more white. What did you use as flooring, Dick? I have a real flooring Dilemma, as another forum member will confirm. Bored her s***less with it the other week. Poor thing.[:D] Strangely enough, like the original poster, I'm reluctant to destroy them as they (tiles) are part of the original 19th century features. However,  I absolutely hate them. Strange self-imposed restrictions for someone as flaky as I am. Have any of the bricoleurs here ever painted over these old floor tiles?

I agree with you KathyC  and the last few posts.    I too get the impression that many Brits buy holiday homes in France with a view to eventually retiring there. The mixing of these two very different areas of need, I think end up posing problems for many.  When I was looking for my home, I was beaten to two properties; one by a monied Parisian couple who just had to have it  for weekends ( those Parisens again![:)]) but the second was by an elderly languedocien couple who had sold their remote near ruin to another couple - from a country that shall remain nameless - in order to buy in the centre of town to be near all services and entertainment. I found out later that their buyers were also approaching retirement.   The languedocien couple now live literally minutes from the local cinemas, restaurants, theatres, MVA’s , not to mention the medical facilities. I just thought it was ironic that the local people should move to be near services but their property be acquired by a ‘foreign’ couple who were going to require these same services but had distanced themselves. Monika My initial response to you may have seemed negative but please do not take it as such. It was just that, reading your first post, I got the impression that you didn’t understand why your friends and family weren’t excited by your holiday home. I just wanted to say that others have different perceptions of these things.  You know what you get emotionally from your holiday home as you need your own  pillow.  People like me (and perhaps those you know), however, are more of the ‘’Wherever I lay my hat (head), that’s my home’ and I like it to be as different as possible where holidays are concerned. It’s not necessarily a criticism of your choice but your choice is inconceivable for many people and no malice is intended. So, I don’t think you should be disappointed (or care) if others do not wax lyrical about your choice. We are all of course very different – thank goodness!  

[quote user="ali-cat"] [quote user="Monika"]This might be slightly going off thread but regards our Holiday home in France not one of my friends has been positive about it including my sister. They very rarely even ask me how we get on with our project, and I don't like to bore them, that's probably why I love this forum so much! They all seem to say the same, why do you want the worry of it, why do you want to go on holiday to the same place all the time. I have a friend with a holiday home in Spain, he gets exactly the same reaction with an added: "What, not Spain?" At least I don't get that, most people love France!![/quote] I think, with a lot of people, it's a case of the "green-eyed-monster".  My sis was never positive about the move.  She studied French at Uni, spent a year living here & goes to France nearly every year for a holiday.  Meanwhile I dropped out of school, early, bounced from job to job & suddenly retired to France, where she loves.  She probably thought it would be her, doing what we're doing. [/quote] I personally don’t know anyone who would be jealous of the fact that I live here.  For family and friends, there’s absolutely nothing special about living in France (probably on a par to moving from London to Brighton but more hassle to get to me), so I have no green-eyed monsters around me, thankfully. Think I may have impressed them if I had moved to Outer Mongolia: just before they sent in the doctors holding out the straightjacket for me.[:)] Suppose your sister is simply going to have to get over any hang-ups she has about you living in France. In any case, you can't let it spoil your enjoyment of your new life.

[quote user="Monika"]This might be slightly going off thread but regards our Holiday home in France not one of my friends has been positive about it including my sister. They very rarely even ask me how we get on with our project, and I don't like to bore them, that's probably why I love this forum so much! They all seem to say the same, why do you want the worry of it, why do you want to go on holiday to the same place all the time. I have a friend with a holiday home in Spain, he gets exactly the same reaction with an added: "What, not Spain?" At least I don't get that, most people love France!![/quote] Sorry to be a spoil sport Monika but I agree with your sister and friends.  I live in France and love my region but would never have bought a holiday home here.  My friends and family spent Christmas and New Year in the Maldives, Egypt, Gambia etc. It’s so easy now to take even a weekend break from the UK to Prague, Rome, Barcelona, Seville, Venice etc etc so what is be so special about holidaying at anyone location every time?  If they want to visit France or Spain, they can book into hotels and gites and holiday anywhere in the country so why should they understand your desire to restrict yourself to one place? I holidayed on an Indian Ocean Island last year, as I needed a break from southern France [:)] Many now do home or holiday home exchanges so, in a way, that's a sort of acknowledgement that it can be a bit boring holidaying in the same place all the time for some. I have never understood the holiday home concept either, especially as the world becomes increasingly cheaper and easier to explore.  The important thing is that you are happy with your holiday home irrespective of the views of others.  

[quote user="Just Katie "]When I told my friends about my house and introduced them to the region they said "Oh my god, I would go doo lally living here".  But there you go, we are all different.[/quote] Identify with that JK. General reaction to my decision was ‘Why?’’.  Most of my entourage know France well and so do not have the grass is greener view of this country. I had to beg a few to come out so they could ‘’understand’’ why I did. Some were only convinced because they saw how much I enjoyed the outdoor life here but most still think I’m mad.   Those who left the UK for a different life, chose Canada and France didn’t even feature for them.  One has had a couple of properties in Charente since the 90s but cannot envisage ever living there, loving his London life too much.  The only one I know who does want to live in the south  (Provence) knows France so well that she is reluctant to let go of her professional life in the UK as she knows she is highly unlikely to find the same here, even though she is completely fluent in French.  In fact, since I’ve been here, most of my regular visitors have been French friends escaping colder parts of the country for a week or so. My British friends tend to prefer more exotic far-flung places to holiday and France for many is for the old and tired.  Some go to Paris for the occasional weekend break but that’s as far as it gets.  Obviously reaction boils down to lifestyle too and how dissatisfied people feel with theirs in the UK. Let’s face it, 100% of the British population is not knocking on France’s door.  Personally, my choice was determined by two factors: better climate and health. From a professional and social point of view, it was a daft move and I knew that when I made it so no surprises whatsoever.  

[quote user="Ron Avery"]  I really do not understand why people commit to buying or moving to a place without having researched the employment prospects well before hand.   [:P]. [/quote] Ron, I’m often flabbergasted when I read some of the questions on the forum. I’ve simply come to the conclusion that a lot of Brits tend to put the ‘house and land’ above everything else.  Many equate the house and pretty landscape with a  better quality of life and, in their euphoria, relegate the financial reality to the bottom rung.  But surely, even a more relaxed lifestyle has to be financed over a period of years and even decades.  However, as so many Brits believe France to be such a ‘cheap’ country (Let’s kill those programmes[:@]), too many appear to grossly overestimate how long their savings will last and hence the importance of finding employment. Or perhaps, it’s simply British optimism telling them they can turn their hands to anything in the UK so why not in France?  Problem; France doesn’t like that nasty liberal way of thinking and the State will happily stamp on you if you try to introduce any of that disgusting ‘’Anglo-Saxon’’ enterprise culture here. [:(] I know a few people who have emigrated to Canada over the past 12 years.  The suitability of their qualifications and skills to the Canadian job market were always major factors determining whether they obtained the relevant settlement visa. Ironically, they have never suffered from unemployment in Canada. All spent years meeting the requirements of the Canadian govt in order to obtain their papers. All this despite there not being any linguistic barriers!   As there are no such requirements for France, unless Brits start putting financial viability over the beauty of cheap houses in isolated areas, they will continue to buy first and ask the truly vital questions later.  This is my theory; any others?  

[quote user="Will "] In fact I believe you have to be a French national (or at least from the DOM-TOM) to get a job even with the post office. I remember an article in Living France some time back. One of the few things I really dislike about health provision in Britain is the number of people - even in responsible medical positions and in the private sector as well as the NHS - who have a very poor command of English. That's not racism, that's concern for my own, and others', health when there is such a risk of misunderstanding and misinterpretation. Thankfully the French have managed to keep this problem to much lower proportions, but as health budgets get tightened I wonder how much longer they can hold out? [/quote] I take your point Will.  However, having been so well looked after by a group of Filipino nurses in a London Hospital a few years back, I’d settle for highly skilled with ‘adequate’ linguistic competence to understaffing any day.  By the way, aren’t the Dom-Toms French nationals too on the same basis as France Metropolitan?  I believe you are right about the Civil Service jobs and French nationality. It does beggar belief though that working at the post office counter or behind the scenes in one could be considered anything special to be reserved for nationals. It all smacks of daft protectionism. I suppose the shortage of nurses may force the French system into a bit more flexibility in general recruitment but I wouldn't hold my breath, as flexiblity and adaptability are not qualities particularly known to the French State.

[quote user="littlemouse"]I seem to remember that last year  french hospitals were recruiting spanish and portugeuse nurses and giving them french lessons at the same time.Which leads me to understand that french wasn't essential.[/quote] This was a special programme started around 2002/3 to fill the shortages and targeted Spanish nurses. The thing to point out is that it’s GOVT run and does not involve individual hospitals going out to employ foreign nationals without the relevant linguistic competence.  The French system is NOT that flexible. Apparently, the scheme has been successful so there must be a lot of info on it on the net.  However, from what I remember reading, the recruitment is targeted and the nurses do not necessarily have a choice as to where they will work (perhaps that has changed).  The recruits seemed to be housed by the hospitals etc in the same way as foreign nurses recruited into the NHS may be.  So, if the original poster has a house in the Aveyron and is offered a job in Manche, not sure how useful that will be. In General, the French are not as tolerant of non-French speakers as the Brits in the area of employment or anywhere else for that matter.  Within the work arena, it’s even worse. Let’s not forget that even for simple jobs within the French civil service, e.g the post office, there are ‘concours’ national tests and I cannot see how someone who doesn’t speak and write French fluently will get a look-in. In Britain you will come across people in all types of professions with relatively low linguistic competence in spoken English but you will rarely find that in France outside of the ‘Artisanat’ sector. The exception, as EJC has pointed out, are specific areas such as technology, research etc in multinational firms where English may at times be the working language.  Why doesn’t the OP simply contact the HR of the nearest hospital to her home in France? She will at least get relevant advice as I’m assuming she wants to work near her home.

Pun, The system of charges for employers are a real deterrent but employment contracts themselves are also a minefield in this country. I would be afraid to employ anyone in France. Just have a look at the following: a sure cure for insomnia if you have to get your head around them all.  I found this in Wikipedia so just click onto the links for explanations.  Reading the press, I get the impression that there is a lot of govt-assisted work (subsidised jobs) in France even within the private sector, so I wonder what the true unemployment rate really is? No govt ever admits to this in any case but I suspect the truth here would be horrific. It’s no surprise that so many try to find ways around them by employing illegally. Something's gotta give... Les différents types de contrats en France contrat à durée indéterminée (CDI, contrat de droit commun, cf. art. L.121-5 du Code du travail) contrat à durée déterminée (CDD) contrat nouvelle embauche (CNE) travail temporaire contrat d'apprentissage contrat de professionalisation contrat d'accompagnement dans l'emploi (CAE) intermittent du spectacle contrat jeune en entreprise (CJE) contrat d’insertion dans la vie sociale (Civis). Le chèque emploi-service est un mode de paiement du salaire et des charges simplifié, utilisé en général pour les employés de maison ; mais il ne s'agit pas d'un contrat spécifique, l'employé et l'employeur doivent tout de même signer un contrat de travail.

[quote user="chris pp"] Unless you are in a position to legally and officially use the land for something which is acceptable to the Min of Agriculture and SAFER, I think that you are on a loser if the farmer stands firm. Chris [/quote] Unless the farmer has reached the age of 60. (Ageism, I know[:(]) Ruth, how old is your farmer?  Is he anywhere near 60? I'm sure I read in my wanderings a few years back that retirement age was a factor enabling owners to reclaim agricultural land. Check this out too, in case it's still valid and he is or approaching this age. However, I bow to Chris pp's knowledge of SAFER rules. It was never part of my concern back then but the Notaire can fill you in.  

[quote user="RuthMcG"] The previous owner had a "simple" bail between himself and the farmer for 9 years which runs to 21 July 2007. At the time that we bought both the farmer and owner told us that there was no problem if we wanted the land back for ourselves, the farmer would vacate. We allowed the farmer to continue his run of the bail as we had no need of the 15 hectares that he uses, while all the time being told by the farmer that he would leave at any time if we gave him notice of one season.   [/quote] Ruth, the following is perhaps the point of view of an embittered person, but if it helps you to avoid the same, I’d be happy.  First thing is, listen to TU and get yourself t to a Notaire straight away. What does this ‘simple bail’ really contain? Your rights as owners should also be stated in it as well as the way to proceed. If it doesn't contain all the proper elements of a bail, it may not even be valid but that would be too optimistic. I had a tenant who would not leave – not land but a flat - so I sympathise. The rules are obviously different for agricultural land, however, you have to lean on the contents of the original bail and the previous owner would not have left himself unprotected. My tenant from hell also tried to con some ‘’dedommagement’’ out of me.  Your farmer is doing the same and hoping that you are some daft rich foreigner, irrespective of the actual state of your bank account.  RE NOTICE: ‘’CONGE - REPRISE POUR VENDRE’’  The minimium notice period should be on the bail and even if it says that you can issue it yourself, I would strongly recommend that you go through a ‘Huissiers de Justice’’.  They are the ones that usually issue such notices but your Notaire will explain this to you. My Huissier charged me around 135 € in  February 2004 to issue the notice. In any case, you ‘MUST’ issue this notice within the correct period or you may lose your right to get it back for another 9 years as the farmer is suggesting. If the farmer has already asked for that amount, he is really out to stitch you up so I would not use the softly softly approach because this is your land. He is not an innocent peasant but a greedy sod trying to well and truly shaft you.  He told you he would leave with a season's notice whilst fully aware of his rights. Don’t count on his goodwill. There is a lot of land in the Aude, he can rent somewhere else. Sorry to come across so harsh but you do not want to go through what I and many owners with tenants on long leases go through. I did everything by the book, language was not a problem but in France, laws are one thing, their application is another altogether. For property too, the owners have little support from the law. Notaire; you may laugh at this but if you live in close knit community in the Aude, I suggest you leave your commune and get a Notaire who does not know the farmer or his family.  This is not a joke, as you need someone on your side. Also, I would not listen to the Estate Agents but see your Notaire before you consult anyone else.  The Farmer may have a ‘droit de preemption’ (the first option to buy the land) and this should also be contained on the bail. This is what your friend is talking about and it exists also in long term tenancy agreements for properties. Hate to say this but he could also use this period (3,6, 12 months - whatever) to delay the sale by saying he will buy it, wait for the final moment to say that he did not get the funding etc. This latter did not happen to me but when consulting the Owner's Association in Montpellier, I learnt a lot. Sincerely, hope you can reclaim your land but I think that if the bail ends in 2007, you are leaving it a little late for the issuing of the 'conge'.  If you are late by one day, the bail is automatically extended 'reconduit tacitement'. You should have never listened to the farmer's assertions that one season's notice was enough because you can now see the result.  Please do not waste anymore time but take the 'bail' to a Notaire immediately. Re the notice, your bail may contain something like: (my highlights). ''Le conge doit etre notifie par lettre recommandee avec demande d'avis de reception ou signifie par acte d'huissier. Ce delai court a compter du jour de la reception de la lettre recommandee ou de la signification de l'acte d'huissier'' (sorry no accents).  Hope all goes well but PM me if you have any problems with terms. LG2  

[quote user="Keni"] I am finding this all a bit puzzling.  Keni [/quote] Keni, that seems awfully low unless you want to recreate ‘The Good Life’’.  Problem is, Haute Vienne is not Surbiton in the 1970s [:D] Sorry, not trying to be facetious but even if your local taxes are low and you have some savings in the UK, you have to factor in quite a lot of  heavy ‘unpredictable’ expenses that may arise from your everyday life.    The other thing I think everyone moving here should bear in mind, is the fact that the French economy is probably going to undergo a lot of adjustments in the next decade or so. Therefore, to start of with such a low budget without a viable way of developing extra income when you move here full time appears to be quite risky. You may end up eating into your savings quickly. No doubt this sounds incredibly condescending  (not my intention) but better that than the harsh reality of French life forcing you to abandon your dream. If you are still puzzled, why don’t you simply go to your local tax office in France and get them to give you some estimations based on your circumstances, after all, they will be the ones who will make the final decision on what you will have to pay.    

Cooperlola, you’re right of course and it was worth the effort. Shouldn't have been necessary but local conditions mean we have to adapt our ways to get what we want. Pun, I don't see how you can do more than you are doing now. There will always be the 'unexpected' but these arise even with professionally managed renovation jobs. Re working ‘on the black’ I personally have no moral issues with it.   I know that will no doubt horrify a lot of people on here but we live in a country that has very restrictive work practices and where good workers in many areas are hard to come by. This encourages an incredible amount of tax dodge at all levels of French society and not just among artisans. The people I have met here often use registered artisans but pay them ‘cash in hand’ which is the same thing obviously.  Foreigners may condemn it but it seems very much to be ‘the French way’.  The fact that this type of method is used by so many is due of course to the system. Love it or loathe it; that’s what many French people do. I wouldn’t have dared for insurance reasons and also because I refuse to take risks with my home. Nonetheless, many locals use friends of friends so having jobs gone wrong rectified, rarely seems to be a problem on a local level but I definitely wouldn’t recommend that foreigners do the same unless they have  enormous confidence in their artisan. Having said that, I certainly wouldn’t condemn anyone that does.  It’s a risk and a headache but then trying to do things ‘legally’ in this country often proves to be a massive headache too.  

Fluffy Kitten, I really wouldn’t panic unless they are particularly efficient in your region. EDF/GDF ‘separated’ their payments in 2006 and there seems to be regular mess ups since then. From what I can work out, the ‘separation’ simply means that they issue different telephone numbers and waste paper sending two bills. It’s daft because cheques are still made out to EDF/GDF and sent to the same address in Nice.  I’m assuming that this changeover must be causing problems. I pay by CB but this did not stop them from sending me loads of reminders between June and October for bills (EDF & GDF) that had been paid by CB and showed on my bank statements. To make things worse, because of overestimation, they owed me money!  Bear in mind that I had been paying by CB for over a year without any problems. It got even more ridiculous after speaking to staff  (who assured me not to worry) to discover that the payments were on their system but it was not showing up on the ‘tresorerie’ computers. They finally resolved matters in November and sent me revised bill.  Had they acted on their reminders, I would have been disconnected but, in MY experience, they seem to like sending reminders without acting on them. I would still try the CB route though if you cannot pay on-line.  If French is an issue, write the individual digits and dates down in French before you call them.  Re the telephone numbers: they appear to be region specific but why not try pages jaunes for a general number in NICE as that’s the address for those paying by cheques.  

[quote user="J.R."] I would dearly love to hear of someone (other than in TV land!) who actually manages to achieve somewhere near their planned objectives. [/quote] Me! , Not gloating as I had to earn him.  I spent almost a year turning him into a friend.  He is highly in demand  (this is an area of non-stop construction projects) and very good, so I pulled out the friendship card..  This involved even studying up on Iggy Pop – no joke – because Iggy is his hero and I even invited him out with me and my friends.  Luckily he is a charming and interesting person.   I did not have the renovations that most people on here have to contend with, as far too wimpish to have bought a ruin or a semi ruin. In 5 weeks, however, he completely overhauled, among other things, a kitchen and a bathroom from top to bottom and installed new toilets including the relevant plumbing that were non-existent. Trust me, not an easy feat in a 19th city centre building with restricted access to relevant parts of the building.   I would also point out that he would have finished sooner but we wasted over a week on Castorama damaged/forgotten items issues.  He was fantastic!. He worked from the moment he arrived to the moment he left and even through lunch at times. I also could have got the dodgy lot to do certain things much sooner but I felt it was important to wait for the right person.  So, a happy renovation story but very much earned via tons of patience.  I fully sympathise with those waiting endlessly.