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.



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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.



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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




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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




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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




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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



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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




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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




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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



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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.



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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



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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



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