Chris T

Hi, has anyone got experience of the Orange Airbox 4G. Looking at using this instead of a wired ADSL line. It says 'sans engagement' which I assume means that there is no minimum contract period but unclear how you would terminate. It would be ideal for me if I could subscribe and unsubscribe as and when I want as I am only in France a few months of the year. Anyone got any insight into this? Thanks

Paying, or trying to pay my taxes for the first time since buying a house last year. Taxe Foncieres: I requested to be paid directly on line and filled in my bank details on the www.impots.gouv.fr web site and printed out and sent the authorisation form to my bank, but having just checked my bank statement I see that nothing has been paid out. Should I have done something else? Taxe D'Habitaion: I have not received a request for this. The Taxe Foncieres request was sent to my UK address, could it be that the Habitation has been sent to the French house? In which case who do I contact to get a replacement, is it the same place - the local Tresor Public, that I need to contact? Thanks Chris

I have had Découverte Internet for 5 months now, and although I can cancel my residence secondaire line, I can't (as far as I'm aware) cancel the internet, so have to keep paying the 24.90 a month even when the line is suspended. If anyone knows better please let me know!

I have inherited a Butagaz 'Le Cube' connected to a hob, but I can't work out how to disconnect it. Can I disconnect before it is empty? Do I remove the regulator, the pipe or what, and how? Thanks Chris

Thanks, very comprehensive reply, and glad you did the leg work! Much as I thought. Chris

Hi, I have a FT Ligne Residence Secondaire phone connection, and have also subscribed to a 1 megamix broadband service. Although I have suspended the phone line at the moment, the charges for broadband seem to be charged regardless. Does anyone know if this means that I can continue to use broadband whilst the phone line is suspended? Thanks Chris

How do I remove a light switch? I have square 'Legrand' switches with a central rocking section. Do I pull, twist, slide ????. Hopefully a simple question! Thanks Chris

We have been advised by our notaire that we need to transfer the balance of funds for our purchase to the notaire's account 10 days before the signing. Is this normal? I was assuming as long as the funds were there on the day, then this would be OK. Any advice? Thanks

Hi All, I'm soon to complete the purchase of my first house in France and I am looking for a basic ADSL connection (no TV or Phone). It seems that Neuf offer a service for 14.90Euros a month for zone degroupee, and 19.90Euros non degroupee. I believe also that they are allowed to provide their own line, so there are no additional charges to FT. Questions? 1. Am I correct about the traiff? 2. Can I use a standard ADSL modem from UK, to avoid renting from Neuf? Many Thanks Chris

Thanks to all for your comments and ideas. A bit of background: I'm looking for somewhere not as a permanent move (yet) but more like a few months a year in, probably spring and autumn, and some rental potential in the summer. Started looking early this year at Pyrenees area as I have done some walking in Pyrenees and liked the idea of variety of landscapes within reach as I am a keen walker and cyclist. Viewed a number of properties around PAU, but on reflection as the move is a bit of a trial thing, I wanted to be in an area where if it didn't work out, I could get rid of the property easily, which is why I dropped back to Dordogne region, which I have visited many times. Also guessed that summer rental opprtunities might be better in Dordogne.

Help! I know that there are an infinite number of answers to this question, but that's my problem - too much choice. We are looking to move to the Dordogne area, want to be away from the main tourist areas, and have the opportunity to integrate into the local french community, but also want to know there is a reasonable British presence close by also. Any ideas and experiences would be most welcome! Thanks

Hi, I am new to this and have not done much research as yet, but I was wondering if anyone would want to share a renovation project? Reasons for sharing: 1. Basically having renovated our UK house over many years, my wife would not contemplate living on another 'building site' so I would need to get somewhere into reasonable shape on my own before she would be prepared to spend time in France. 2. Practical and moral support during the tricky times. 3. I would be looking for someone who had a good working knowledge of French (mine's a bit basic), even better some previous experience or knowledge about French regualtions etc 4. Renovation rather than ready to move in as I enjoy renovation work, and obviously there's the cost advantage I am a well orgainised (engineer and project manager by profession, now sort of retired), competent at electrics, plumbing, bricklaying, carpentry. I would be looking for somewhere fairly southern, possibly Pyrenees. Would need somewhere largeish which could be split into two, alternatively a pair of properties. I could also help with some initial funding. Maybe a long shot, but anyone interested? Chris