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1st for French Property
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  Tue, 02 Sep 2008 01:00:00 +0200

Today over one million people a year move between EU member states, and most of them take their home contents with them. Prices for these removals can vary dramatically and service levels likewise. So how can the unwary avoid the pitfalls?

Firstly you should be aware that there is NO fixed price for a removal and the unwary can end up paying well over the odds for a service that should just not cost that much. But is there a REAL difference in the service offered by the expensive companies and ...

  Tue, 12 Aug 2008 01:00:00 +0200

French Meals

To become really familiar with French culture, you’ll need to understand what French people normally eat at mealtimes (as well as their eating habits), whether you plan to eat out at a restaurant or invite some locals to your place for a meal.  Only then will you truly feel part of the landscape. 

Breakfast
French people love their croissants at just about every breakfast meal.  Whether you choose the fanciest restaurant or the most inexpensive café, you’ll have your choice of a few ...

  Mon, 11 Aug 2008 01:00:00 +0200
Besides good wine, France is also known for its somewhat reckless drivers.  Compared to driving in Great Britain, when you drive or hire a car in France, it can be a bit of an experience.  To ensure your driving experience is as pleasant (and safe) as possible, we’ve listed some of the main French driving rules that can help you drive defensively in this most colorful country.

Drive on the right side of the road
Contrary to British driving, French drivers drive on the right side of the road.  It might take ...
  Mon, 21 Jul 2008 01:00:00 +0200
Even if you’ve never visited France before or never watched a cycling competition in your life, you’ve probably still heard about the famous Tour de France.  Tour de France is perhaps the most popular cycling competition in the world, which takes place on an annual basis throughout France in various topographic settings (mountainous ranges to flatlands).  Every year the thrill and excitement of the race penetrates throughout France and Europe, and even to the coasts of North America and beyond.

History of the race
The first Tour de France started over ...
  Sat, 12 Jul 2008 01:00:00 +0200

International Schools in France:

Aix en Provence
International Bilingual School of Provence

Bailly
Lycée International Montessori

Bordeaux
Bordeaux International

Caluire
Lycée Ombrosa

Cannes
Sophia-Antipolis

Fontainebleau

  Wed, 02 Jul 2008 01:00:00 +0200
Buying a property in France is similar to purchasing a property in most other countries.  Most buyers take out a mortgage that typically covers up to 80% of the value of the property.  If you’re planning to purchase that second home in France, or even a primary residence, you can either take out a mortgage from your home country or from a French mortgage company in France.  If you decide to take out a French mortgage, here are some of the basic points you should familiarize yourself with before taking out that loan.  
...
  Wed, 25 Jun 2008 01:00:00 +0200
Renting a property in France is much like renting a property anywhere else in the world, but differences do exist.  As long as you’re aware of those nuances, you should be fine.  The web is a great resource for researching those differences, as well local French real estate agents who can inform you of local real estate practices.  To help you get started with your research, we’ve listed some of the main rental practices in the country.

Rental period
Unlike some other countries around the world, France has a minimum three- year rental ...
  Wed, 25 Jun 2008 01:00:00 +0200
Whether you’re looking to buy that one-of-a-kind holiday property in the mountains, a traditional house in the countryside, or a townhouse in the city for an investment, France has it all.  With so many options available, though, it’s best to familiarize yourself with the different terminologies used to describe some of the various types of properties before you make that purchase.  Listed below is a quick summary of some of the more common real estate terms in France.  

Fermette
When you conjure up thoughts of ...
  Fri, 13 Jun 2008 01:00:00 +0200

With the markets in turmoil, property prices in flux and Sterling falling against the Euro, but still riding high against the Dollar, anyone intending to buy property overseas would be forgiven for getting the jitters.    In the last eight months a European property priced at €200,000 has become £24,677.40 more expensive to a British buyer due to fluctuating exchange rates*.  Currency specialists HiFX are however urging prospective buyers not to abandon their plans but to seek advice on how they can use current exchange rates to ensure they get a great deal on a property abroad. ...

  Thu, 08 May 2008 01:00:00 +0200
Instead of waiting until you arrive at the airport, having the inconvenience of queuing plus the added cost of getting charged between 6-10% on the exchange rate, HiFX Travel Money Online will make your money go further.

Order your travel money online with HiFX and you will not only receive excellent exchange rates but your cash or travellers cheques will be delivered direct to your door free of charge* saving you both time and money. ...
  Thu, 20 Mar 2008 01:00:00 +0100

For now, Languedoc remains that rarest and most precious of places: a corner of western Europe filled with great natural beauty, superb wines and a long and fascinating history that has somehow escaped the notice of the world's tourist hordes. Property in the Languedoc too is still very affordable.

It's all the more surprising since Languedoc has an abundance of the things we love about Provence: a sun-baked Mediterranean climate, fields of sunflowers and fragrant lavender, rocky villages ...

  Wed, 19 Mar 2008 01:00:00 +0100

“The 8.16 train to London Victoria has been cancelled due to leaves on the line. We apologise for this inconvenience".

A collective groan, with British reserve, reverberated along the station platform. Another normal day in the life of the commuter trying to get into work to earn a heavily taxed crust.

I stood on the station platform and looked around me. That familiar site that had greeted my pollution-reddened eyes for the last 15 years was becoming tainted. The drab colours ...

  Tue, 18 Mar 2008 01:00:00 +0100

Properties in the Languedoc, over the last few years,have seen a great growth. It was always called the poor man’s Provence, but they can eat their words now. Over the last 5 years, properties in the Languedoc have increase by about 80%. Also, there has been a huge rise in these properties being turned into Gites.

Where does this interest come from? One huge pointer is the growth of airports served by the Budget airlines. ...

  Wed, 30 Jan 2008 01:00:00 +0100
One big advantage for existing French Property Investors (from the UK) is that they are already sitting on good profits on their French property thanks to the strength of the Euro.

In the last six months the Euro has increased in value by about 10% against sterling (six months ago it stood about 1.48 euros to £1 - now about 1.33). So a property bought at 200,000 euros costing £135,000 is now worth in £sterling: £150,000. Many ...
  Mon, 21 Jan 2008 01:00:00 +0100


The euro has been gaining at sterling's expense over the last few weeks - effectively making a French Property purchase more expensive for UK buyers.

However, it is worth bearing in mind that the euro interest rate is particularly attractive compared with the UK rate.

French Mortgages

For example, it is possible to fix rates at less than 5% for up to 7 years. There are many ...

  Mon, 14 Jan 2008 01:00:00 +0100

With the Buy to Let market in the UK showing signs of decline - where to look next? Well Provence (Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur) looks a hot prospect. Apart from the playground of the jetset - from Elton John, Tina Turner, David and Victoria Beckham, Brigitte Bardot, Ivana Trump, Bono, The Edge, James Gandolfini, Roman Polanski, Michael Jackson and many more - this has much more going for it. Weather, gastronomy, glitz, beaches, night life and beautiful villages and stunning landscapes. ...

  Sun, 13 Jan 2008 01:00:00 +0100

With a background of economic uncertainty, it is difficult to call the property market in France for 2008.

2007 was a tough property market for most regions of France - the result was that property valuations became far more realistic, and sale prices were open to negotiation!

In the UK, many mortgage clients on fixed period discount mortgages were shocked by the new monthly payments on variable rate mortgages. Families have had to adjust their monthly spend, and may even ...

  Wed, 26 Dec 2007 01:00:00 +0100
The following is a list of the Public Holidays / Bank Holidays in France:

· 1st January - New Year's Day

· Good Friday

· Easter Sunday

· Easter Monday

· Ascension Day

· Whit Sunday/Pentacost
...
  Thu, 25 Oct 2007 01:00:00 +0200
Off to University I go .... here is our quick guide to Universities in France. They are arranged by French Region with all contact information. Just like the French education system, the universities are renowned for their high educational standards.

French Universities by Region

There are Universities and Poly-techniques in every region of France. The regions are sorted in alphabetical order:-

ALSACE

Mulhouse

  Tue, 23 Oct 2007 01:00:00 +0200
Converting an old derelict barn into the perfect home is one of the most interesting challenges, and is guaranteed to test the limits of perseverance. On the other hand, French barns for renovation are plentiful, the lifestyle in France is more appealing, and with proper planning will provide a home for all the family not obtainable in the UK for the same price.

Buying the right property will make the renovation go so much more smoothly. Rebuilding a barn can be a difficult and time consuming process and if it has started to deteriorate from ...
  Tue, 16 Oct 2007 01:00:00 +0200
The Poitou-Charentes region offers a great many market days, it almost seems as if every town, village and hamlet has it's own at some point during the week. Known as marchés publics or foires, most markets are organised in most larger towns at least once a week sometimes as often as twice a week, while smaller towns and villages are scheduled once a month.

Market days have always been popular in France, and typically involve traders setting up their stalls in long lines along one of the main streets or main square of the town. ...
  Thu, 04 Oct 2007 01:00:00 +0200
Moving to France is costly enough without having to replace all of your electrical appliances. The good news is that you can use your British electrical appliances in France, in most cases without worrying about the different voltage.

Electrical Supply in France
France, like most of our continental cousins, uses 220-230v at 50Hz, which is very similar to the UK's 230-240v at 50Hz, and since most electrical items are rated at 220-240v you can be reasonably certain your British appliances will work in France. If you happen to have an older ...
  Mon, 01 Oct 2007 01:00:00 +0200
Health care in France is broadly comparable to any industrialised economy, incorporating both a public and private health care system. Funding for health is sourced from a combination of social security levies on income for all salary and wage earners, and self employed artisans, along with supplemental insurance premiums to private insurance providers. Government health policy is similar to the UK in terms of promoting healthier lifestyles, and combating major diseases.

The French Health Care System
French residents are free to choose the doctor or specialist they wish to consult according to ...
  Fri, 28 Sep 2007 01:00:00 +0200

Moving to France may be the most exciting event in your life, and in this article we explain how to arrange your French water connection, possible problems you'll encounter with mains pressure and water quality, and how to deal with these, and finally, when to expect water restrictions.

Local Water Supply
The water rights in France are owned by local communes, and most is outsource to private corporations that maintain the water networks, provide billing, and develop infrastructure in consultation with the commune. Water ...

  Wed, 26 Sep 2007 01:00:00 +0200
The Poitou-Charentes region is generally considered one of the quieter less developed regions of France, and for good reason, the region has one of the lowest population densities in France.

With the exception of Poitiers and La Rochelle, no town has a population greater then 50,000, making for a distinctly peaceful lifestyle. In point of fact, Poitiers and La Rochelle are hardly large cities, a small London Borough having a greater population.

A drive into the country isn't to be feared, it won't take more than a few minutes until fields of sunflowers or the ...
  Tue, 25 Sep 2007 01:00:00 +0200

When traveling in the Auvergne region of France there are many different sites to see and cities to visit. Some of these must see places are a bit out of the way, so hotels will be more like inns or old mansions transformed into hotels in these areas. This lends a special air to the stay because there is history involved and all the old hotels have a story to tell. Families visiting this area can find quite a few different hotels that are great, even for young kids. They may not have all the ...

  Fri, 21 Sep 2007 01:00:00 +0200

The Atlantic Coast of France is beautiful and worth a visit, although it does not get as much attention as France's Mediterranean coast. Nevertheless, the beaches are long and sandy and the sun beats down just as strong as on the Mediterranean. However, there are more things to take advantage of in the Aquitaine region than just the beautiful beaches.

One city that is a must visit in the Aquitaine region is Bordeaux. In fact, it is quickly becoming one of the country's most popular destinations and this is because it has been made over completely and is ...

  Tue, 11 Sep 2007 01:00:00 +0200

Autumn tends to be an active time for foreign buyers in France. The holidaymakers are returning home and serious buyers are returning to the market.

But after years of rising prices, finding bargains is harder than ever.

Average Price rises: Last year 15%, Over five years 73%

So it is growing more difficult to find bargain properties - we recommend the following areas Champagne-Ardennes, Poitou-Charente, Pyrenees-Atlantiques, Limousin.

Typically the Brits are spending 150K to 250K euros on a French property. In the above areas your budget ...

  Mon, 03 Sep 2007 01:00:00 +0200
Do you want to hear the good news first or the bad news?

Good News - President Sarkozy has introduced some new measures. So the good news - three significant changes. On IHT (Inheritance Tax): There is an exemption for husband and wife, and the exemption has increased to 150,000 euros for each child.

French Wealth Tax

On the dreaded Wealth Tax, there have been significant changes. First you are assessed on 70% of the value of your assets, and the starting asset value has increased to 760,000 euros. So no wealth tax would be due on properties up to 1 million euros. ...
  Tue, 28 Aug 2007 01:00:00 +0200
The Dordogne in the Aquitaine region of France remains one of the most popular areas of France for British holiday-makers, and buyers of holiday homes!

The good news is that property prices have been dropping over the last few months. There are some good bargains around. As always be prepared to negotiate - try a reasonable offer and you may be surprised.

The Dordogne has good access from the UK with cheap flights to Bergerac, and the international airport at Bordeaux.

1st for French Property has a large selection of Dordogne Properties ...

  Tue, 13 Mar 2007 01:00:00 +0100
Few can fault France when it comes to wine but it seems that our closest neighbour is also looking to outdo Britain on the cider stakes.

Normandy, particularly, is renowned for producing some of the best cider in the country, as well as harvesting some of the best apples.

To celebrate this fact, 15,000 revellers head down to the Apple Fair at the Normandy town of Vimoutiers each year to enjoy the tasty fruit and have their fair share of cider alongside.

Most delicious apples


Locals hold competitions to determine which has produced the Most Beautiful Apple and Most Delicious Cider of the ...
  Tue, 13 Mar 2007 01:00:00 +0100
Brittany has long been a popular haunt for UK tourists with its endless sandy beaches and traditional French food.

Investors looking to buy property to rent out to holidaymakers would do well to consider the region as a place to make their purchase - with rent almost guaranteed all year round.

The Grand Pardon de Sainte-Anne-La-Palud

Brittany is not just renowned for its beaches, however, with the region offering up hundreds of different activities for the UK visitor.

One of the most moving of these has to be the annual Grand Pardon de Sainte-Anne-La-Palud where 10,000 pilgrims head the ...
  Tue, 13 Mar 2007 01:00:00 +0100
Nicolas Sarkozy's election as French president is helping to drive a surge in the country's property market, website holidaylettings.co.uk has reported.

Trevor Leggett, executive director of real estate firm Leggett Immobilier, commented to the site that new reforms by the incoming administration are helping to drive interest from overseas investors.

Buy-to-let opportunities


They are also encouraging greater investment in buy-to-let properties.

"Over the last 20 years I have spent living and working in France I have seen plenty of ups and down - now, for the first time since I first moved here, there seem to be major changes happening very quickly," said ...
  Tue, 13 Mar 2007 01:00:00 +0100
Les Soirees d'ete des Gordes is an eclectic music festival which takes place every August in the middle of picturesque Provence.

Running from the 2nd to the 12th of the month, it features all kinds of musical styles and performers playing at varying times at the small village of Gordes.

Performers at Les Soirees d'ete des Gordes


Among the performers this year will be the Paris L'Opera ballet as well as the 'world champions of hip hop' Pokemon crew.

A region of southeast France, once part of Italy, Provence is one of the most evocative regions in the ...
  Tue, 13 Mar 2007 01:00:00 +0100
If you are looking to buy French property, or are just interested in getting to grips with the language, then Limousin is a good place to start.

Each year the region holds a festival dedicated to the French language where tourists, teachers and students all come together to celebrate its unique style.

International Festival of Francophony


As well as offering up lessons, the International Festival of Francophony is also a good opportunity for those hunting for Limousin property for sale to meet some local people and get some tips on communicating with their French neighbours.

There are also ...
  Tue, 13 Mar 2007 01:00:00 +0100
Love cheese? Then France is certainly the place for you to buy a holiday home and those who are really keen on the creamy treat should look at staying in Normandy.

As well as being a popular historic centre, Normandy is also renowned for its cheeses, with the dairy product being celebrated in festivals throughout the year.

Get a taste of France


One of the most popular of these events is the annual Livarot Cheese Fair, which gives visitors the opportunity to enjoy the region's delicacy and even take some home to share with their friends back in the UK.

Anyone house hunting for ...
  Tue, 13 Mar 2007 01:00:00 +0100
A property expert has revealed that while it is vital that families looking to buy French property to use as holiday home should visit the location - it is not quite as important that investors do the same.

According to propertyshowrooms.com, people who are hunting for Brittany property for sale or are looking at renovating a farmhouse where they will spend the holidays should always have a good idea about the area they plan to buy in.

Holiday homes need more attention


Andy Welland, an agent for the firm, said those buying property for use as a ...
  Tue, 13 Mar 2007 01:00:00 +0100
House hunters searching for Limousin property for sale may want to consider heading to the region in August when the late summer brings in a huge variety of festivals and shows.

One such event, which has proven popular year-on-year, is the annual Felletin Music and Folkdance Festival which sees tens of thousands of people revelling in the streets of Felletin.

Folk festival in Felletin


The small town plays host to around 30,000 visitors from August 1st to 5th each year, who enjoy performances from musicians, actors and dancers from across the globe.

And it's not just the Europeans who ...
  Tue, 13 Mar 2007 01:00:00 +0100
Heading to France's ski resorts has just become that bit easier after an airline has announced the launch of a new flight headed straight from the UK to the mountains.

Tourists are expected to flock to the resort of Chambrey over the ski season when Astraeus Flystar introduces direct flights from Gatwick airport.

Head to the slopes


Skiers and snowboarders often choose to head to the slopes of France over neighbouring European ski resorts as it is not only closer but provides some of the best runs in Europe.

This is good news for any investors considering buying French property in ...
  Tue, 13 Mar 2007 01:00:00 +0100
French leaseback property is particularly popular with Brits who are investing in ski resorts, one expert has claimed.

Ewan McGarrie, chief executive of Property Investment.co.uk, said that the scheme was becoming increasingly attractive to those who were buying on the slopes - particularly in France.

Guaranteed rental income


French leaseback provides the owner with a guaranteed rental income by leasing the property back to a management company who will let it at an agreed rent. In general, the initial lease is for nine to 11 years.

Mr McGarrie said of leaseback: "That's getting a very popular choice for people because the property is managed ...
  Tue, 13 Mar 2007 01:00:00 +0100
Investors who are looking into buying Normandy property for sale may want to consider house hunting in September when the historic city of Lisieux holds one of the most spectacular events in the region.

Each year, thousands take the pilgrimage to the huge Basilica to celebrate the life of Sainte Therese and see a collection of her relics.

Thousands flock to Lisieux


Although the scale of the event is not quite the same as that of the Lourdes shrine, the occasion still attracts visitors from across the world who flock to the town on the last Sunday of September.

There, pilgrims can observe ...
  Tue, 13 Mar 2007 01:00:00 +0100
France's Languedoc-Roussillon is emerging as one of latest property hotspots for Brits investing abroad.

According to a number of property firms, the southerly region is becoming more and more popular with those buying off plan and new developments across the Channel.

Sunshine and wine


The area's sunny climate and 740,300 acres of vineyards also make it an attractive holiday prospect for European travellers hoping to soak up some of France's charming atmosphere.

According to holidaylettings.co.uk, which advises travellers on the best places to stay when abroad, the "scorching summers and a cosmopolitan lifestyle" are seeing visitors flock to ...
  Tue, 13 Mar 2007 01:00:00 +0100
Investors thinking of purchasing property in one of France's numerous ski resorts are likely to see high returns, according to one expert.

French property specialist Trisha Mason revealed that thanks to the accessibility of France's slopes throughout the year, investors have a "greater chance" of summer income as well as rent in the winter months.

Altitude an 'important factor'


She added that altitude was having more and more of an impact on people buying property on the slopes, as the higher resorts tend to be more expensive.

"Access to ski resorts has always been reasonably good during ski season. However, the growth ...
  Tue, 13 Mar 2007 01:00:00 +0100

Retiring to France
can be one of the most satisfying moves of a person's life but to make sure it all goes smoothly, it is a good idea to double check some of the legal issues which may arise.

According to Heyday, a membership organisation for Brits approaching retirement, many older people head overseas without getting a firm grip on the potential pitfalls beforehand.

Laws differ in UK and France


Alisa Ogilvie, director of Heyday, said that some people assume that the laws in the UK and France are the same and do not, therefore take into ...
  Tue, 13 Mar 2007 01:00:00 +0100
Whether you are hunting for Normandy property for sale or that perfect holiday home in Provence, it is recommended that before you make the move you get to grips with the language.

Make life easier by learning lingo


French is, for many people, the first and only language they have ever been taught but people who are hoping to buy property across the Channel would do well to take up a refresher course.

Elie Barbeau, office manager at Association Integration, said that although most big property companies have English-speaking staff, it makes life much easier if buyers have at least ...
  Tue, 13 Mar 2007 01:00:00 +0100
The dream of investing in overseas property has now become a reality for nearly £1 million Brits, many of who choose to buy a home in France.

But it seems that many people are getting themselves into difficulties because they are not up to speed on issues regarding French law, taxes and potential financial risks.

Know your French finance


Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, Ian Luder of accountants Grant Thornton said that he "never ceased to be amazed" by the risks people took when buying abroad and that more care needed to be taken regarding financial, tax and legal considerations.

Inheritance tax, for example, ...
  Tue, 13 Mar 2007 01:00:00 +0100
Limousin is a popular place to buy a holiday home, not only because it is one of the more untouched areas of France but also because of the wide variety of entertainment and activities on offer.

Aubusson organ festival


Among those which are often enjoyed by visitors to the region is the popular Aubusson Organ Festival - a rare and stunning event dedicated to the humble organ.

Whether you are thinking of looking for Limousin property for sale or simply visiting the region on holiday, it is worth stopping in at the event held annually at beginning ...
  Tue, 13 Mar 2007 01:00:00 +0100
A rental expert has said that Brits considering purchasing a buy-to-let property in France should think about the sort of people they want to attract before they seal the deal, Assetz reports.

Ross Elder, managing director of short-term rental website Holiday Lettings, said: "House prices are increasing in France, but as long as the investor purchases and furnishes a property to meet the demographic of the visitors to that location, there should be potential for attracting holidaymakers and achieving a return on investment."

Buy-to-let in the south


For many people investing in a rental property in France, the south is a preferable ...
  Tue, 13 Mar 2007 01:00:00 +0100
Many people dream of retiring to France but are concerned that they will struggle to go back and forth to the UK and visit friends and family.

But heading across the English Channel has just been made that bit easier with tickets for the new St Pancras-based Eurostar going on sale this week.

Although the train has been travelling to and from France for 13 years from Waterloo, it is yet to depart from its new home in north London and looks set to see thousands more holidaymakers head to Europe.

First train departing soon


The first train will leave ...
  Mon, 23 Jul 2007 01:00:00 +0200
Sports fans looking for Normandy property for sale will not be disappointed, with the region offering up plenty to entertain everyone from golfers to footballers and tennis players.

Another popular sporting activity among locals and those with a holiday home is running, with the huge expanse of beaches and cool climate creating the perfect atmosphere for a jog.

Celebrate sport and freedom


Indeed, each summer sees many of these athletes join together for the annual Freedom Races which not only celebrate athletics but serve as a memorial for those who lost their lived during the 1944 D-Day landings.

Every July, thousands ...