sending from hootsuite to ping.fm onto twitter-facebook-and many others - life gets tedious, don't it

Figs, Festivals and Formula 1

Figs, Festivals and Formula 1

Summer is great, I just pick fresh figs and passion fruit from the garden and put them in my bowl of Special K for breakfast. Today is July 14 so fireworks and celebrations tonight.

The law is changing relating to owning an offshore company if you are a French resident and we are trying to get clear and simple structures covering inheritance and gift taxes - I will write more about this as I learn.

Thanks again to all of you for your kind mails and good wishes - I am looking at the kilos I have to shed - it is equivalent to a sack of cement (25kg) or a 5 gallon can of petrol - the fresh figs will help.

We are not in a water restriction area and the well is still high so we are lucky, but half of France is officially a drought area and total bans seem to be on everything, so before you leave for a holiday villa that the pool is OK. To see on the water restriction in the area you will be visiting look at... http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/232 Water restrictions

When you sell a house in France it has to be certified as having no asbestos in it - I was curious as to what this increasing awareness is all about so I read up on the problems - it can make for heavy reading so I found some accurate and straightforward data on this and made a page at... http://www.francevoila.com/mesothelioma/ Asbestosis and Mesothelomia please go to the links there for more information and further reading.

A lot of my mail is about buying property in France and the best way to do this. We have a calulator and a lot of links to companies on our page at... http://francevoila.com/mortgagecalculator/ Information

My elder son helps buid the Renault F1 racing cars, he does a lot of the laminations and bodywork, every time they are first he gets a bonus so he is doing well this year - you can see all the news at... http://www.renaultf1.com Renault F1

=======

In this weeks newsletter

1. Applying for French Citizenship
2. Single Mothers Coming to Live in France
3. Exploring France for a Home
4. Buying an Apartment in Paris
5. Child seats in a Car
6. Rights to Health Care in France
7. More About Getting Health Care in France
8. More French than the French

=======

1. Applying for French Citizenship

Tony,

Is there a way to apply for French Citizenship online or through the mail?

Please advise.

To read the rest of this article, please go to

http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/243

Applying for French Citizenship

=======

2. Single Mothers Coming to Live in France

Tony

I was fascinated to read your newsletter. So pleased to hear that you are well.

I have one question: How was it possible for your mother to be treated in France? I ask this as I have often thought of moving myself and my two sons to France, with my mother, who is worried that she would not be covered for health car on France.

To read the rest of this article, please go to

http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/242

Single Mothers Coming to Live in France

=======

3. Exploring France for a Home

Hi Tony

Congratulations on your recovery.

My husband and I would like to rent a property in France with a view perhaps of buying a small property of our own at a later stage. Could you offer some advice. We are both retired. My husband is in a wheelchair and any prolonged trip would be difficult Since we live on the Isle of Man at present it is not so easy to travel across the channel as it might be if we were located in the UK, which is why I wanted to do some preliminary searching from home.

To read the rest of this article, please go to

http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/241

Exploring France for a Home

=======

4. Buying an Apartment in Paris

Tony, I have been a long time subscriber and very much enjoy your letter. I was a little distressed to hear of your illness...life is so short and we are all so vulnerable, (we just do not always realize it). Please keep
yourself healthy, and I share in your relief for your recovery.

I have considered buying an apartment in Paris for some time. Since the year 2000 in which I first thought of making a purchase I have watched the euro climb significantly against the US $ and have seen the price of apartments in Paris rise in their own right.

To read the rest of this article, please go to

http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/240

Buying an Apartment in Paris

=======

5. Child seats in a Car

Is a car seat for baby under 2 years old in the vehicle is compulsive in France?

To read the rest of this article, please go to

http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/239

Child seats in a Car

=======

6. Rights to Health Care in France

Tony,

It's scary to know you went through such an experience. Thank you for sharing it, and letting us know that you are well---thank heavens! Will you say more about the health care system, particularly, how does someone (your mother, for instance---and, well-wishes to her and her new lease on life) who has paid into the UK system become eligible for the France health coverage? Also, is it national health coverage in general, or simply the way it is run in the UK, that you do not care for? (We in the USA need a
better solution for health care than we have).

To read the rest of this article, please go to

http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/238

Rights to Health Care in France

=======

7. More About Getting Health Care in France

Tony

Great to hear your good news re heart attacks etc. Somewhat on the same subject, I have recently received copies of document E121 and they say send them to local health authority, which I take to be CPAM, in my case at Gueret since I am living in La Creuse. Is it as simple as that or would you recommend I take them in person, and is there anything else I should be doing? I am 65 years
old.

To read the rest of this article, please go to

http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/237

More About Getting Health Care in France

=======

8. More French than the French

I commented recently that workers in France do not seem to know much about hard work - there is a tendency to not turn up on time (or ever), to disappear and to work strange hours and times, often dictated by digestion and opening hours. It is not just the French local who has this characteristic, but often the ex-pat worker as well - this arrogant apathy seems to go with the territory and has a certain element of charm once you get used to it. A reader sent me this comment, this is my exchange with this (unsigned) mail - I did trace the mail back to a British person who has been in France 7 years and is working as a sub-agent for an estate agency...

To read the rest of this article, please go to

http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/236

More French than the French

=======

---

I really do try to reply to all mail, most are about property or living in France. I publish comments in this newsletter which I believe are of interest and may help find answers for others wanting to come to France. By linking the points I make to our weblog at http://www.fblog.com FBlog I hope readers will go to the adverts which help support our overheads.

Our business is our advertising sites for property and rentals at

http://rentalsfrance.com/

RentalsFrance

http://francevoila.com/

France voila

Please make use of these sites for rentals and property (and do visit the adverts).

Everything you always wanted to know about France

Your email here

Home Page |
Archives

Still Alive and Kicking from the South of France So many readers wrote to me with encouraging and warm letters following my hospitalisation last month in France, that it is not possible for me to write an individual thank you to you all. Thank you all for writing and for your support, your mail was helpful, both for me personally and telling me a lot about what you wish to read and learn from these letters. I will write more about life in France as well as respond to the questions about living here, buying property here and renting accommodation. Interestingly there were a couple of letters about good service from the British NHS, but a great many more highly critical letters about tragedy, delay and expense in the NHS and other hospital services in the world. I will not say more except I believe I am lucky to be living in France. I publish one highly critical letter from a NHS "client relations" person - whatever that is - if this is representative of the management of the NHS in the UK, then no wonder they are in a mess. Now I must change my lifestyle, this opens new opportunities. - I am looking for partners in the UK (or the USA) who I can work with and develop our new products for Internet sites and businesses. Some discussions are advancing and look very productive, I am still open to ideas. I am also looking for someone to help me with some simple building and decorating work I need to finish in our property in France. I can offer free accommodation, support and some wages. If anyone wants from one to three months in the south of France on a paid vacation with lots of time off let me know. The Da Vinci tour plans are well advanced, I will be writing to all of you who have asked for details in a few days - the delay in hospital gave me time to read and research - I had already found some new aspects on medieval encryption and message transfers systems (Microsoft was not around then) but I have uncovered some completely new techniques which I believe were used for many centuries for secure information transfer (money, plans, maps and documents). These were refined in Languedoc in the 10th to 13th centuries and are, I believe, the basis for many of the legends and stories of treasure and mysteries. Our tours will be real discovery tours as each person can bring more thought and experience to this new research and we can explore this history from a new viewpoint. ======= In this weeks newsletter 1. Phishing update 2. Our life in France 3. Water Restrictions in France 4. Buying a Vineyard in France 5. Planning permission - Change of Use for a Barn 6. Safety and Quality Regulations for Rentals 7. Property Design and Management Service 8. Why the British NHS is in a Mess ======= 1. Phishing update Phishing (pronounce fishing) is used by crooks to get you to give them delicate information about your bank or credit card by pretending to be a website of you bank, PayPal or you credit agency. The simple rule is - To read the rest of this article, please go to http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/234 Phishing update ======= 2. Our life in France This week it is sixteen years since we moved to France full time to live, with a 6 month old baby and a three year old toddler. We moved because we believed then that education and health care was better in France than in the UK, family life had a better chance of survival and vague phrases like "the quality of life" and "values" were better in France than in Bracknell or Slough. Were we right...? To read the rest of this article, please go to http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/233 Our life in France ======= 3. Water Restrictions in France If you are hoping to have the use of a pool when you visit France this year - you may be disappointed - water restrictions are already in place in many places along the coast and it looks as if this summer will be hot and dry again so this is likely to escalate. To read the rest of this article, please go to http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/232 Water Restrictions in France ======= 4. Buying a Vineyard in France Dear Tony, I was recommended to contact you about the availability of assistance in finding agricultural properties in the South of France. Your story as described on your France Voila website is quite inspiring to me and my companion David, who dream of owning a small vineyard (winery optional) in the South of France someday. We have found a wonderful-sounding property in the Corbieres region via the Internet. As we contemplate the reality of negotiating the French real estate market we realize the need for experienced local guidance undertaking the transaction. To read the rest of this article, please go to http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/235 Buying a Vineyard in France ======= 5. Planning permission - Change of Use for a Barn Tony I have seen mention that from next year applications to convert a barn to habitable accommodation will not be granted. Do you know if this information is correct? To read the rest of this article, please go to http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/231 Planning permission - Change of Use for a Barn ======= 6. Safety and Quality Regulations for Rentals I wrote recently about the legal requirements for a rental property in France and suggested that an owner applied the very strict standards required in the UK as I could never find any equivalent French rules. If any reader can help me with information where to find more data in French or English I can pass this on. To read the rest of this article, please go to http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/230 Safety and Quality Regulations for Rentals ======= 7. Property Design and Management Service Hi Tony, First of all I would to thank you for your very useful and informative newsletters. I am writing to you regarding small operation in Paris called DoMi Design. To read the rest of this article, please go to http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/229 Property Design and Management Service ======= 8. Why the British NHS is in a Mess After my comments about the health services in France and the UK I received a lot of mail, - the ratio was about 20 to 1 telling me I was right and I heard many horror stories about problems in the UK, often to do with incompetent and bad management decisions. Here is a short exchange from someone, I assume from their address, in the NHS propaganda department == Sir! I find this email exceptionally offensive - To read the rest of this article, please go to http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/228 Why the British NHS is in a Mess ======= I really do try to reply to all mail, most are questions about property or living in France. I publish comments in this newsletter which I believe are of interest and may help find answers to questions put by others wanting to come to France. By linking the points I make to our weblog at http://www.fblog.com Fblog I hope readers will click on the adverts which help support our overheads. Our business is our advertising sites for property and rentals at http://rentalsfrance.com/ RentalsFrance http://francevoila.com/ France voila Please make use of these sites for rentals and sales (and do click on the adverts).

France Voila - a great day to be alive.

France Voila - a great day to be alive.



For me this is the most exciting newsletter I have ever written. Three weeks ago I had a series of heart attacks - ten minutes later I was in intensive care, was treated quickly, had springs and pipes put into me and repaired, I got back home on Thursday.



I doubt I would be writing any more newsletters if we still lived in Britain. Last year my Mother last year suffered painfully for months due to the inefficiency and indifference of the UK health service - so although France is riddled with bureaucrats, knows very little about hard work or customer service and is heavily regulated and taxed - it works - and I owe my life to the efficiency, dedication and common sense of the French medical system - two years ago this August the same service in France saved my son Jack's life.



Why does a private scan cost £1,100 in the UK and exactly the same thing cost £25 in France - my Mother waited nine months, in acute pain, for a scan that never happened in the UK. She then came to France to live with us, as she could no longer walk - within three months she had an operation and last week could walk for the first time in years without even a stick and went swimming. Total cost to her - zero - as she has paid (into the UK health service) all her life.



It is Fathers day here today and my kids still have a Father and have gained a Grandmother - bright sunshine - Mediterranean diet - it is good to be alive.



=======



In this newsletter



1. En Gard - the Book I Wish I had Written

2. Rental Standards in France

3. Buying to Invest, using a syndicate - be careful

4. Property Investment Through a Company

5. Car Seats for a baby in France

6. Property for Investment, overheating and a Major Issue for Pensions.



=======



1. En Gard - the Book I Wish I had Written.



This book is a must-read for anyone thinking of selling up and moving to France. This is exactly what Alistair Scott and Sandy Thompson did in 2002, they sold their home in Brighton and moved into a traditional stone village house in Languedoc, no drains, no water but plenty of dreams.



Their story of the first two years is a hot-pot of Yorkshire improvisation and local Gypsy culture marinaded in plenty of Pastis.



To read the rest of this article, please go to



http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/227



En Gard - the Book I Wish I had Written



=======



2. Rental Standards in France



Tony
I am currently buying furnishings for an apartment that I am going to rent out and need some advice on the regulations linked with renting out a property in France i.e. furniture/electrical regulations, etc Would you be able to help with this please?



To read the rest of this article, please go to



http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/226



Rental Standards in France



=======



3. Buying to Invest, using a syndicate - be careful



Hi



I've been receiving your brilliant info mails for a while now and am sure I've missed the one article that would answer this question (or questions) but I really need some advice. Some friends and I are looking to set up a syndicate to purchase a property in the south of France. We have basic info gleaned from various magazine articles and Internet info but
what we really need is more in depth info on group property purchases/capital gains tax/mortgage restrictions either UK based or France based...any suggestions would be most gratefully received.



To read the rest of this article, please go to



http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/225



Buying to Invest, using a syndicate - be careful



=======



4. Property Investment Through a Company



Tony



I perused your web sites and there was a lot of helpful info on them. My wife and I are real estate investors in the U.S. (she will soon have her French citizenship papers) and I am trying to understand the cash-flow involved in investing in French property. Specifically, we were thinking about buying something suitable to be rented as one or two Gites, and having local managers for rental and maintenance. I need better info on rental/vacancy rates and need to understand my expenses better. Sorry for the general question, but where would you suggest I look?



To read the rest of this article, please go to



http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/224



Property Investment Through a Company



=======



5. Car Seats for a baby in France



Is a car seat for baby under 2 years old in the vehicle compulsory in France?



To read the rest of this article, please go to



http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/223



Car Seats for a baby in France



=======



6. Property for Investment, overheating and a Major Issue for Pensions.



It seems there are already more estate agents in France than propeties for sale so for Tour Operators (who now call themseves Travel Organisers) to jump onto the band wagon because their bookings are crashing through the floor looks like desparation to me. Next they will be selling used cars and double glazing perhaps.



For over a century French farmers in the South of France have been keen to unload their surplus property as it was a liability. When we moved here in 1991 we knew of farmers who had craftily added 50 acres of land and buildings to the deeds and "tricked" unsuspecting foreign buyers into owning more than they thought they had paid for. Ah, those were the days!



Supply and demand ultimately can be the only criteria for property investment. France seems unique in "Western countries" in having an increase in the birthrate, so real population growth (not just the British Barbeque Brigade) means more real demand for services and property. Now all the French have to do is to learn how to work and to encourage business.



To read the rest of this article, please go to



http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/222



Property for Investment, overheating and a Major Issue for Pensions



=======



Our business is our advertising sites for property and rentals at



http://rentalsfrance.com/



RentalsFrance



http://francevoila.com/



France Voila



Please make use of these sites for rentals and real-estate (and please do look at the adverts, they keep this newsletter going).



=======



Plans for "Da Vinci Code" tours and tours to Cathar, Templar and "Holy Grail" sites in Languedoc are advancing.



mailto:tony@frepro.com



tony@frepro.com



=======

Newsletter 107

Our business is our advertising sites for property and rentals at



http://rentalsfrance.com/



RentalsFrance



http://francevoila.com/



France Voila



Please make use of these sites for rentals and real-estate (and please do look at the adverts, they keep this newsletter going).



=======



Plans for "Da Vinci Code" tours and tours to Cathar, Templar and "Holy Grail" sites in Languedoc are advancing.



mailto:tony@frepro.com



tony@frepro.com



=======



1. The "Da Vinci Code", "The Knights Tour"and the Kabbalah

2. Cost of Living Comparisons for France

3. Never Talk about Politics or Religion

4. Capital (Gains) Punishment

5. Hi Di Hi

6. Dogs on Trains

7. House Insurance Companies

8. Translation Online



=======



1. The "Da Vinci Code", "The Knights Tour" and the Kabbalah



I have had a big response since mentioning that we are planning tours of this region, Languedoc, related to Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code and other books about the Knights Templar and the Cathars of the 13th century. If you have written asking for details I will be writing to you personally in a few days.



As the interest is so strong I have been doing a lot more research, checking "facts" and fantasies to create accurate and interesting tours, as well as ensuring that all accommodation and food is to the highest standard.



To read the rest of this article, please go to



http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/221



The "Da Vinci Code" and "The Knights Tour"



=======



2. Cost of Living Comparisons for France



Tony,

Could you please help me plan our trip to France. We will be sailing in the South of France in September and were wondering about purchasing groceries at the local stores. How are the prices for the "staples" (bread, milk, eggs, butter, coffee etc.) in France?



To read the rest of this article, please go to



http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/220



Cost of Living Comparisons for France



=======



3. Never Talk about Politics or Religion



Tony



I am on your mailing list, and enjoy your newsletter immensely, not least for the useful and realistic advice you offer. But I have noticed here and there your antipathy towards the Labour Government and its very competent leader and international statesman in the UK. Or have I imagined the odd snide remark?



To read the rest of this article, please go to



http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/219



Never Talk about Politics or Religion



=======



4. Capital (Gains) Punishment



Hi Tony,



As I am in the process of selling a French house I will have some French capital gains tax to pay.



In my naivete I thought that once that was done I could pocket the rest. Of course this is wrong!



To read the rest of this article, please go to



http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/218



Capital (Gains) Punishment



=======



5. Hi Di Hi



Hi, I came across your email in the newsletter at the above website and was wondering if you could help me.



We live in Ireland but are planning to spend a holiday near Nimes from the 20th August to the 28th August. We have two sons, aged 6 and 9. Up until last July we lived in Brussels where French was their first language, we are now keen to keep their French and are thinking of putting them into a summer camp for the week (or a few days) while we are there.



To read the rest of this article, please go to



http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/217



Hi De Hi



=======



6. Dogs on Trains



Hello:



I was wondering if you have any information on taking dogs on the TGV? We have 2 30 kg hunting dogs and don't want to crate them as we do on Air France, nor do we want to drive. If you don't have info on this, do you know of a number for TGV that we could call to find out?



To read the rest of this article, please go to



http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/216



Dogs on Trains



=======



7. House Insurance Companies



Dear Tony, I always find your article interesting and informative. I am in the process of buying a house in the Languedoc and am asking for advice on the most cost effective way of arranging house insurance. Do you have any advice.



To read the rest of this article, please go to



http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/215



House Insurance Companies



=======



8. Translation Online



Dear Tony,

Thanks for your continuing invaluable News Letter.
I own a time share in Antibes, but now regret not buying a property instead.
I am still looking and will eventually buy somewhere permanent.
Please could you give me (once again) the site where I can translate a document free?



To read the rest of this article, please go to



http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/214



Translation Online



=======



I really do try to reply to all mail do write to me about anything you like, most mail is about property or living in France. I publish comments in this newsletter which I believe are of interest and may help find answers for others wanting to come to France. By linking the points I make to our weblog at http://www.fblog.com Fblog I hope readers will look at all the adverts which help support our overheads.



Our business is our advertising sites for property and rentals at



http://rentalsfrance.com/



RentalsFrance



http://francevoila.com/



France voila



Please make use of these sites for rentals and property (and do go to the adverts).



=======

Newsletter 106

France Voila - Living, Renting or Buying



Our business is our advertising sites for property and rentals at



http://rentalsfrance.com/



RentalsFrance



http://francevoila.com/



France Voila



Please make use of these sites for rentals and sales (and please do look at the adverts, they keep this newsletter going).



=======



Plans for "Da Vinci Code" tours and tours to Cathar, Templar and "Holy Grail" sites in Languedoc are advancing - the demand I am getting is very big.



Please write to me if you are interested, I am thinking of five days of air conditioned luxury, good food, wine and conversation for a small group in the South of France, plus other tours in paris, London and Edinburgh which can be planned together.



mailto:tony@frepro.com



tony@frepro.com



=======



This week I write about...



1. Compulsory Road Safety Equipment

2. Calling Home - Cut the Cost

3. Property Management and Maintenance

4. Leasebacks, Big Problems Ahead
5. Renting a Villa With a Pool

6. Skype Me Up Scotty

7. EuroRail

8. Service in the Right Language

9. TV Licensing in France, New Rules



=======



1. Compulsory Road Safety Equipment



Almost all European countries now require drivers to carry a warning triangle, in Spain you should carry two triangles, but the list of other compulsory equipment is growing fast. Many countries expect cars to be equipped with a first-aid kit; in others, including Greece, a fire extinguisher is obligatory; and Spain and the Czech Republic require drivers to carry spare headlight bulbs. In most cases, an instant fine is payable if regulations are not followed.



To read the rest of this article, please go to



http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/213



Compulsory Road Safety Equipment



=======



2. Calling Home - Cut the Cost



Here is a mail from a reader who is offering a low cost phone service...



...I have only been in France six months and in that time I have run up horrendous bills with France Telecom phoning home to my children, who like all children will call me and say call me straight back Mum ! I did tell them I was moving to France for a better quality of life, now that they have grown up, and I think they believe I am now saving loads of money and can afford to pay for all their calls!



To read the rest of this article, please go to



http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/212



Calling Home - Cut the Cost



=======



3. Property Management and Maintenance



One idea I have often wanted to see working is a network of people, or companies, who help owners manage their properties in France, either for rental of when they are away. Here is a mail from a reader who is setting up a service with the aim of franchising it to other regions...



To read the rest of this article, please go to



http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/211



Property Management and Maintenance



=======



4. Leasebacks, Big Problems Ahead



Tony



We have completed our leaseback purchase for 18 months and only once during this time did we receive our rent on time. It now transpires that the managing agents have "sold" the management of the property to another company



We have now received a letter from them advising that the property has not had good occupation levels and they are now asking us to agree to deferring the index rental increase for one year and thereafter to accept only 50% of the stated index increment. The letter contains a veiled threat as it states that once we agree to this change by signing the letter then normal quarterly payment of the rent will resume! We do not want to agree to this.



To read the rest of this article, please go to



http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/210



Leasebacks, Big Problems Ahead



=======



5. Renting a Villa With a Pool



We will be renting a house in France and have a two year old child. The house only has a pool alarm - no other safety device or enclosure, can you tell me what the legal requirement is for pools at rental houses?



To read the rest of this article, please go to



http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/209



Renting a Villa With a Pool



=======



6. Skype Me Up Scotty



I like Skype - 110 million people cant be wrong - well almost, unless they vote for the wrong person.



I have never been comfortable with the telephone, it is intrusive, it is still expensive - especially mobiles and real conferencing conversations are not always an option.



To read the rest of this article, please go to



http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/208



Skype Me Up Scotty



=======



7. EuroRail



We are promoting EuroRail from our sites, if you are coming to France then using the excellent and economical French rail service is the best way to get around. Check out their prices from



To read the rest of this article, please go to



http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/207



EuroRail



=======



8. Service in the Right Language



One of the best ideas we have seen in a long while is "Pass The Phone", clearly readers are finding this valuable as many are signing up for total peace of mind when they are making their trip to Europe.



The call center is in Spain and the team speak 5 European languages.



To read the rest of this article, please go to



http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/206



Service in the Right Language



=======



9. TV Licensing in France, New Rules



Hello



We've got an apartment in Cannes which is used for business rental and our occasional holiday use. It has a TV (terrestrial only) and DVD player - please would you be able to give me some advice about TV licences, so we don't fall foul of the TV detector van?



To read the rest of this article, please go to



http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/205



TV Licensing in France, New Rules



=======



My mum is walking fine now afer her hip operation last month. Clio is preparing for her exams next month, Jack is now at the end of his first school and getting ready for Colege, Miranda is working hard and we are getting ready for our first summer i nthe new home.



I really do try to reply to all mail, most are questions about property or living in France. I publish comments in this newsletter which I believe are of interest and may help find answers to questions put by others wanting to come to France. By linking the points I make to our weblog at http://www.fblog.com Fblog I hope readers will lookat all the adverts which help support our overheads.



Our business is our advertising sites for property and rentals at



http://rentalsfrance.com/



RentalsFrance



http://francevoila.com/



France voila



Please make use of these sites for rentals and sales (and do go to the adverts).



=======

Newsletter 105

Our business is our advertising sites for property and rentals at



http://rentalsfrance.com/



RentalsFrance



http://francevoila.com/



France voila



Please make use of these sites for rentals and sales (and please look at the adverts, they keep this newsletter going).



=======



I have had a big reaction to the idea of tours of the Cathar, Templar and "Holy Grail" sites in Languedoc.



I am putting together some ideas for a few special tours later this year and also talking to other organisations in Paris for a "Da Vinci Code" tour. These could run together.



Please write to me if you are interested, I am thinking of five days of air conditioned luxury, good food, wine and conversation for a small group.



mailto:tony@frepro.com



tony@frepro.com



=======



In this letter



1. Are Second Home Prices Falling

2. To Dream The Impossible Dream

3. Pool the Other One

4. Apartment Blockage

5. False Alarm

6. Oz You Like It

7. Leaseback Penalties

8. Has Anyone Sold a Leaseback at a Profit



=====



1. Are Second Home Prices Falling



I was sent this piece from a reader.



...While you're sitting on the balcony sipping your cocktails, buying a place in the sun seems like a foolproof investment. But when the sun goes down, you could be in trouble.




To read the rest of this article, please go to



http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/204



Are Second Home Prices Falling



=======



2. To Dream The Impossible Dream



Tony,

We bought our holiday home in the Herault a year ago and love the area, in the last couple of months a wind farm has appeared in the distant hills, whilst this in itself does not concern us we are wondering if many more are planned for the area. Is there a map of the Languedoc showing where the planned sites are to be.




To read the rest of this article, please go to



http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/203



To Dream The Impossible Dream



=======



3. Pool the Other One



Tony

We too have a kit above ground pool, but have sunk it into the (sloping) ground a bit further.
At what point does it cease to be an above ground pool and become a submerged one.




To read the rest of this article, please go to



http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/202



Pool the Other One



=======



4. Apartment Blockage



Hi Tony,



A partner and I are looking at buying an apartment block in Cannes, with 4 apartments.



There is one tenant, aged 104. Is it possible that her family has any rights on the apartment when she passes away or will we have free access.




To read the rest of this article, please go to



http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/201



Apartment Blockage



=======



5. False Alarm



Tony, as usual your missives are helpful and pertinent. I have heard by word
of mouth through a pool supplier that there may be a problem with the
Aquasensor range of pool alarms which were advertised as conforming to the
new code for pool safety. In fact last year they were difficult to source as
being about the only device of that nature supposedly approved.




To read the rest of this article, please go to



http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/200



False Alarm



=======



6. Oz You Like It



Hi,



Do you have any information on Australians coming to live and work in France.




To read the rest of this article, please go to



http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/199



Oz You Like It



=======



7. Leaseback Penalties



Hi



We are interested in the french leaseback system and would like to purchase a holiday apartment off-plan. We understand the minimum leaseback period is 9 years. Would it be possible to break the lease before the end of the 9 year term and what penalties would be charged.




To read the rest of this article, please go to



http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/198



Leaseback Penalties



=======



8. Has Anyone Sold a Leaseback at a Profit



Hi Tony,



We purchased a leaseback in central Nice (studio apartment) strictly as an
investment. It comes with a guaranteed rental and a nine year lease. Reading
your newsletter I was a little alarmed to see that you had yet to see a
resale of a leaseback at a profit. It was my intention of selling after the
nine year period, I am prepared for my resale market to be a little limited
(even if it does say in my contract that I can sell to anyone as a freehold
property). Looking at other sites there seems to be many people who have
sold at a profit.



Interested to know your thoughts.




To read the rest of this article, please go to



http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/197



Has Anyone Sold a Leaseback at a Profit



=======



I really do try to reply to all mail, most are questions about property or living in France. I publish comments in this newsletter which I believe are of interest and may help find answers to questions put by others wanting to come to France. By linking the points I make to our weblog at http://www.fblog.com Fblog I hope readers will click on the adverts which help support our overheads.



=======

Newsletter 104

I really do try to reply to all mail, most are questions about property or living in France. I publish comments in this newsletter which I believe are of interest and may help find answers to questions put by others wanting to come to France. By linking the points I make to our weblog at http://www.fblog.com Fblog I hope readers will click on the adverts which help support our overheads.



Our business is our advertising sites for property and rentals at



http://rentalsfrance.com/



RentalsFrance



http://francevoila.com/



France voila



Please make use of these sites for rentals and sales (and do click on the adverts).



=======



1. Of Aire and Angels

2. All UK property Prices

3. We Want To Invest In French Property

4. Calculating Capital Gains Tax

5. Problems With Our Leaseback

6. Resale Of Leasebacks

7. Do I Have To Wear a Speedo

8. Sky TV In France




=======



1. Of Aire and Angels



I am writing late this week as we took a couple of days off to visit some of the castles and sights just down the road from us. One of the problems in living in the center of Languedoc is that the history and scenery become part of our daily life and often we "can't see for looking".



When we rented our apartments we relied on our guests to tell us about the things they discovered and places they saw, rarely making time to go ourselves and believing we would go next week/month/year and of course we never did.



Many visitors have come to us to visit and look for the secrets at places like Rennes le Chateau, many evenings talking and many bottles emptied. The interest created by "The Da Vinci Code" and other recent books is creating more interest.



Our home is in the center of many of the most important Phocean, Jewish, Roman, Visigoth, Cathar and Templar sites. Languedoc is also strongly influenced by Islam from the learning and knowledge that was protected here when the rest of Europe was in the "dark ages". Troubadours, "courts of love", enlightenment and the rennaisance happened here centuries before Italy, but just like Ferrari and Formula 1 today, Italy had to change the rules to keep on top.



This week Carole and I, with our son Jack and Daughter Miranda, managed to get away to see a little for ourselves, Clio stayed at home to feed the animals. Our first stop was at Rennes le Chateau. Once a powerful and important place, today it is still magnificent with a legacy of a mystery. The story of abbe Berenger Sauniere is well documented and is the origin for the recent best seller "The Da Vinci Code.




To read the rest of this article, please go to



http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/191



Of Aire and Angels



=======



2. All UK property Prices



OurProperty goes Live

After months of hard work the OurProperty site is finally launched. The site is a free information resource that provides you with the sale price of any property bought and sold in England and Wales since April 2000.



They aim to make government information easily accessible for the general public, and hope that you find the site easy to use and the information easy to digest. So why not go ahead and find out how much the neighbours really paid!




To read the rest of this article, please go to



http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/190



UK Property Prices



=======



3. We Want To Invest In French Property



Tony
We are interested in South West France: Midi - Pyrenees, Aquitaine or Languedoc-Roussillon.
We want a village house, apartment or cottage. 2 -3 bedrooms with a small garden or courtyard. We are prepared to do a little DYI and updating but not major structural renovations. We want to be able to rent the property out. It is not our intention to live in France but rather make it a little investment.




To read the rest of this article, please go to



http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/189



Investing in French Property



=======



4. Calculating Capital Gains Tax



Hi Tony,



Enjoy the newsletters - very informative. We bought a house in France 18 months ago. Unfortunately my company is likely to relocate me to the US and we're thinking that maintenance of the house and garden will be too much from such a distance - even a relatively new house. Selling so quickly was not part of our plan so I've not considered what it will cost. If we have any kind of capital gain, can you tell me how much tax we would have to pay?



To read the rest of this article, please go to



http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/188



Capital Gains Calculator



=======



5. Problems With Our Leaseback



Hi Tony,



We bought a leaseback last year, and have had many problems with the agents and their ability to explain procedures...I ask a question, no one has an answer, it takes 2 months to get the answer, etc. Of course, this was not the case until the purchase was completed!



Now, we are trying to understand the procedure for the return of VAT....which when selling the property was just a routine process, now it is quite complicated...and a year later we are presented with tax forms.



To read the rest of this article, please go to



http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/187



Leaseback Problems



=======



6.Resale Of Leasebacks



Hi Tony,



Hope you've got time to answer a quick question for me.



I have a Leaseback property in Cannes (Remember I contacted you recently as I was struggling to get someone in for the weeks I had reserved for the film festival! - still no luck on that either!)



I know your not a great fan of Leasebacks but a couple of your comments have got me worried! - Your comment on the re-sale value being that of a secure rented property not the freehold value - do you mean if you wish to sell during the 9 year lease it is tied to or afterwards when technically you are free from the tie?



To read the rest of this article, please go to



http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/186



Leaseback Resales



=======



7. Do I Have To Wear a Speedo



Tony



I have a very big question! it is about this class trip we are planning! we want to go to France and I have heard that boys have to wear speedos in the public swimming pools! no boxer shorts, is this right is this some sort of rule?
please help me!

udo



To read the rest of this article, please go to



http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/185



Be Cool in the Pool



=======



8. Sky TV In France



Dear Tony,

Have searched in vain through the 1,000 articles in your archives for info on Sat TV, maybe I have missed the article?



We have a village house in Burgundy and according to a TV specialist there most Brits with holiday homes who want to view predominantly British TV channels buy the receiver box in the UK, but knowing which or what box to buy is the problem.



To read the rest of this article, please go to



http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/184



Sky TV



=======

Newsletter 103

I got a lot of criticism for using the word "handicapped" in the last newsletter. I am sorry if this offended anyone, my excuse is that the only relevant word used in France is handicappe and I was not aware of the big changes in the use of PC English in the last 20 years. Interestingly the people writing to me from wheelchairs had no qualms or criticism and used much stronger words to describe the frustrations and pain of their own situations.



If anyone has a rental property or services designed for people with restricted mobility or ability - I will give them free publicity across our sites and will try to make some special sites to publicise these services.



Meanwhile if anyone knows who manages the Ian Dury estate, I would like to use words or titles from his songs to publicise and promote some ideas. Also if anyone want to work with me on this project please send me an email, programming skills, time and money will be welcome.



==



It seems that "harvest mites" are a very common problem in France. If you own a rental property and a guest complains about fleas or bed-bugs then the odds are it is these pests which they picked up on a walk - if you are staying in a gite and get bitten - don't automatically blame the owner or hotel - get some gunge from the chemist.



==



We have some powerful websites for rentals and real-estate which have been successful Internet marketing tools for over 6 years.I am looking for a partner or partners to help me develop some new software and ideas, preferably in the USA or the UK as developing a business in France is severely handicapped (that word again), please email me if you are interested.



=======



In this newsletter issue 103...



1. Is It Safe to Rent From Private Owners

2. Time-Share or Leaseback

3. Where to Stay in Pezenas

4. Currencies Direct are the Best Buy

5. Help With Renting

6. Above ground Pools

7. Rabbit and Pork

8. Travel Help Line

9. How do I find the right property



=======



1. Is It Safe to Rent From Private Owners



I am about to rent a property which I found on your website. The owner has asked for me to make payment in full to her bank account. Would I be covered by your company if, say, when I arrive the property doesn't exist or they keep the money and I can't get a key etc
David



To read the rest of this article, please go to



http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/183



Is It Safe to Rent From Private Owners



=======



2. Time-Share or Leaseback



We rented a lovely house through you in September 2004. It was so wonderful that we fell in love with Menton and recently went back to look for a property to buy. We did not find a property but we put a deposit on a timeshare of one month at the Residence de la Plage, are you familiar with this property? I am hoping that you could give us some advice.



To read the rest of this article, please go to



http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/182



Time-Share or Leaseback



=======



3. Where to Stay in Pezenas



Can you recommend any hotels in Nizas or Pezenas? Also, is there a good website for the towns in this area; what's going on, concerts, fetes etc.



To read the rest of this article, please go to



http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/181



Where to Stay in Pezenas



=======



4. Currencies Direct are the Best Buy



Definitely do not buy any currency from your bank, the foreign exchange shops in the high road or through travel agents.



The rate of exchange you can get can be much better, safe, secure and simple, takes 10 minutes and can save you a lot.



To read the rest of this article, please go to



http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/180



Best Currency Deals



======



5. Help With Renting



Tony, We are thinking of renting our property in France your website looks interesting but do you also manage change overs.



To read the rest of this article, please go to



http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/179



Help With Renting



best wishes



Tony



=======



6. Above ground Pools



Tony

I have a kit pool bought from a supermarket and erected in my garden by a friend. It is 4.5 meters diameter and 1.2 m deep. It is easily dismantled and last winter I kept it in the garden shed. Because of the slope of the garden, part of the pool is surrounded by earth. I have plastic fencing around the pool with a narrow opening straight onto the patio, just wide enough to take the step ladder. Do I need to comply with the stringent pool laws?



To read the rest of this article, please go to



http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/178



Above ground Pools



=======



7. Rabbit and Pork



Tony

I believe most French school children learn English as their first foreign language, but when I ask the young people in my bank or insurance agents if they speak English they almost invariably say they don't. I am happy to speak in French but I am just interested in why they won't even have a go at practising their English.



To read the rest of this article, please go to



http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/177



Rabbit and Pork



=======



8. Travel Help Line



You are traveling through a country where you don't speak the language. You have a problem, someone is lost, you are stopped by the police, miss your passport or want to change your room. Even just book a good restaurant or buy a bunch of flowers.



To read the rest of this article, please go to



http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/176



European help-Line



=======



9. How do I find the right property



Dear Tony,



Many thanks for this Newsletter and all those that have come before. Some have been very helpful and most of them informative.



My wife and I have been looking quite hard at the Gers region of France to find a property which we could use as a holiday home and eventually retire into, whilst being able to earn a few pennies by having a Gite business



To read the rest of this article, please go to



http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/175



How do I find the right property



=======

Newsletter 102

Issue 102 is not just about property for a change. I would like to hear from anyone who can give me information or contacts about handicapped friendly places in France.



mailto:tony@frepro.com



tony@frepro.com



My mum is back from hospital with a new hip and is free of pain for the first time in a year.



Thank you to all the people who wrote about the plague of red "mites" - not spiders, these are a common pest and they are early this year, if you have a problem look up "harvest mites" in Google.



If you want the most relaxing place to stay this summer, try...



http://www.rentalsfrance.com/rhonealps/MAIN-568/index.html



Chalet Montalbert



This is open all summer and is, in my opinion - much more interesting than when it is covered with snow, (falling off wet mountains has never been my idea of fun) - fantastic scenery, walks and rides, bargain price for 6 people and the top quality, being the best duplex in the town.



===



There are over 1,000 articles in our archives at...



http://francevoila.com/archives.html



Archives



Our holiday/vacation rental site is at...



http://rentalsfrance.com/



RentalsFrance



We advertise holiday villa and gite rentals in most parts of France, established in 1998 we are one of the most prominent and successful villa rentals sites on the Internet - and aim to stay that way.



Do browse through our websites and please use the advertising links, they help pay for the site.



=======



In this issue



1. Music Bus

2. To Bravely Go Where No Man has Gone Before

3. Help Line in Five Languages

4. Property Prices

5. French Health Service and the Good Life

6. Best Buy For Euro

7. Electricity In France

8. Wifi Hotspot Guide




======



1. Music Bus



I mentioned Mel Davis in my last newsletter. After an accident 8 years ago Mel is handicapped. Mel is a musician and has a dream to make a mobile studio to help others which mobility problems, he is offering the project a small fortune in recording systems and is asking for help



To read the rest of this article, please go to



http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/174



Music Bus




=======



2. To Bravely Go Where No Man has Gone Before



I am looking at buying a newly renovated apartment in the town of Villedieu les Poeles, approximately 2 mins walk from central street. Both one and two bedroom properties are available at 66k euro and 100k euro respectively including all fees. I'm just concerned how attractive to holiday renters such properties will be as I haven't seen anything similar.



To read the rest of this article, please go to



http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/173



To Bravely Go




=======



3. Help Line in Five Languages



You are traveling through a country where you don't speak the language. You have a problem, someone is lost, you are stopped by the police, miss your passport or want to change your room. Even just book a good restaurant or buy a bunch of flowers.



What if you could call someone (like on "Millionaire") who is fluent in the language and tell them your problem and then ask them to help or translate.

Well, this service exists.



I came across this brilliant and valuable service. The team speak five languages - English, Spanish, French, German and Dutch.



To read the rest of this article, please go to



http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/124



European help-Line



=======



4. Property Prices



Hello Tony



Thanks for your informative newsletters. I'd be interested to know if you have any comments on how a downturn in the property market in Britain might influence property prices in France.



To read the rest of this article, please go to



http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/172



Property Prices




=======



5. French Health Service and the Good Life



Hi Tony I've just received your 101 newsletter and a great read and informative as ever.



I'm so pleased for your mum not having to wait long for her hip operation and the fact she is up and about is great. Good Health to her..!!



The French health service is one of the main reasons my partner and I (and Oona our dog) are moving to France within the next few years.



To read the rest of this article, please go to



http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/171



The Good Life




=======



6. Best Buy For Euro



Definitely do not buy any currency from your bank, the foreign exchange shops in the high road or through travel agents.



The rate of exchange you can get can be much better, safe, secure and simple, takes 10 minutes and can save you a lot.



To read the rest of this article, please go to



http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/126



Best Currency Deals



=======



7. Electricity In France



Officially the public electricity supply voltage in France is 240 volt, but I have never found it to be above 215 volts and in the four very different places where we have lived power has been erratic and unstable. I get a lot of mail telling me the same and asking how to get the government monopoly, EDF, to improve supply. I would welcome any comments from readers about this and their experiences.



===



Tony



Thanks for your newsletter.



My wife and I are contemplating buying a property in Southwest France (Limoges region and south) and perhaps opening a B&B. Since such a project will probably require rebuilding/remodeling, I am curious to know whether American woodworking machinery can be converted to run on the French electrical grid.



To read the rest of this article, please go to



http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/170



Electricity in France



=======



8. Wifi Hotspot Guide



I travel a lot and find Wifi hotspots a vital part of my life. I choose hotels for their Wifi service and pay the outrageous Starbucks prices because I can sit in comfort in any city center and work on my notebook.



This site seems to give the best listing of Wifi hotspots with over 60,000 in nearly 100 countries



To read the rest of this article, please go to



http://www.fblog.com/?q=node/view/169



Wifi Guide



=======