Humph

Thank you for the reply, It seems to be cheaper to buy one here than in France.

I'm sure this has come up a million times before but, Should I buy a Sim Card in the UK £30.00 or is it as easy to buy one in France?

Many thanks for your prompt reply Pucette, as you say, there are lots of things we can do with that amount of land, and we would be happy for the farmer to continue to graze his cows, but we have four dogs - 3 of them collies and one who is from working stock and she might "go back to her roots" and start rounding the cows up!! anyway, the agent has told us that the vendor (a parisien gentleman) has explained our predicament to the farmer and he (the farmer) is not happy but accepts the situation. I have spoken with the farmers wife and told her that the arrangement may continue after we have bought the house but it has to be our agreement and not that of the former owner. (so that we can protect our own interests regarding ownership of the land). Our french solicitor in England is dragging her heels and we are waiting for an early reply

Many thanks for all your replies - we are now throughly depressed and cant get any answers from anyone of any import over there. You all keep asking what we want the land for - well we have four dogs and rather enjoy the idea of having a field of our own to exercise them in, and also a good training field (for agility training) which was why we made an offer on the property in the first place (by the way, we didnt find out until about 4 weeks ago that the field was being "borrowed" by the farmer - we had already put our deposit down and are now well into the purchase- in fact we are supposed to be signing next week. Pucette, if you can be of any assistance we would be eternally grateful.

The farmer wants to graze his cattle. I don't have a problem with it but it is something that I must consider so that I am protected for the future. Apparently there was an amicable agreement with the current owner.I have said at this stage that the farmer can not use the land until I have spoken to him. Thats not too far away as we sign for the property on November the Fifth!!!! Don't say it, please don't say it.

thanks for the info, all is now as clear as mud. Its only what I expected but it gives me a good starting point. I will try the website and if I come up with a definative answer I will return and publish.

We are in the process of buying a property in Burgundy and there is about 1/2 Hecter of land which is currently loaned to a local farmer by the current owner. I obviousley don't want to start off on the wrong foot by telling the farmer he can't use it any more, especially if it turns out he is our local Marie. I actually don't mind the farmer using it but I have heard horror stories where if someone has had the use of a piece of land for some time he can lay claim to it. Any advice please?