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Le Frog Blog

Welcome to the my-french-house.com blog, featuring the latest news, hot properties, investor's tips, finance related news and not forgetting the weather!

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Golf holidays in France - Maps of Golf courses

2008-10-20 6:41pm

Golf is increasingly becoming a very popular sport in France, you just have to look at the recent players who have emerged on the various circuits. There are around 450 - 500 golf courses in France, and here are some direct links to maps of golf courses in some of the most popular French regions. We hope you find this as useful as we do. Maps of golf courses in the Languedoc Roussillon region Maps of golf courses in the Midi Pyrenees region Maps of golf course in the Aquitaine region Maps of golf courses in the Poitou Charentes region Maps of golf courses in the Provence Alpes Cotes d'Azur region Maps of golf courses in the Haute Normandy region Anything else we can do for your forthcoming French holiday? Are you looking for: A specific golf course in France? Looking for a villa or cottage to rent for your holidays? Looking to buy a Mobile Home in France? Looking for information about the regions, culture, food and recipes, wine, cheese ...? Want to know the weather in France before you leave? Looking for anything else? Take a look at the Online Appliance and Electronic Store in association with amazon, it's just perfect for all your Xmas internet shopping.

Online shopping with my-french-house.com

2008-10-18 5:38am

For all your internet shopping needs ... Looking for a Birthday gift for him or her, for a Xmas present, an Anniversary or a treat, perhaps a surprise? Well, we have it all right here at the my-french-house.com online store in association with Amazon. Perhaps you landed on this page because of your interest for France, French real estate and all French things. So, in the first instance you might want to know about the French books for sale, compact discs - CDs, DVD movies, and a wide selection of specialist books available from our bookstore and music shop. But our internet e-store offers much more, whether you are looking for a new Digital TV ( ie: the new Sony Bravia with Freeview), LCD or plasma TVs, a Kodak digital cameras, music, hifi, i-pods, radios and dab, a Samsung DVD 5.1 surround system, Nintendo wii, Sony Playstation 3 and Xbox consoles and video games, electronics, computers, pc and laptops including Apple Mac and the Brand New Mac Book Pro, printers, cell phones, mobile phones, i-phone, toys, accessories, jewelry, watches, sporting goods, health, personal care, shoes, beauty products and supplies, home garden, fridges, ovens, washing machines, sporting goods, I could go on and on and on ... it is all right here, only a click away.

Book and information about Taxation in France

2008-10-16 10:20pm

A Foreign Perspective is an indispensable guide for the non-French person considering a move to France or the purchase of a second home there. This publication is designed to enable readers to gain a sound and comprehensive understanding of the scope and scale of the various French tax levies. The book offers: • an overview of the French tax system, explaining the main terms used and outlining tax residence issues. • an analytical guide to the main French taxes: income and wealth tax, corporation tax, taxes on companies holding French real estate, the impact of double tax treaties, gifts and inheritance tax, and so on. • practical sections on retiring to France, estate planning, examples of tax computations, investments for French residents, and much more. Virginie Deflassieux is a bilingual French tax specialist with over 15 years experience in dealing with French tax issues that affect non-French nationals settling in France or receiving French source income as non-residents of France. To find out more and order, please click here. We are also able to assist with : - foreign currency exchange - buy or sell euros at competitive rates with a great service. - French Insurance Services - house and content, car, boat, pet, health, mobile home, caravan ... - Financial Services - we work with several French lenders and can help you with this, please contact us. - French Property Law, French Tax and Succession Laws

French ideas and gifts perfect for Xmas online shopping ...

2008-10-15 7:48pm

Looking for ideas for French related gifts, books, music or DVDs? Why not visit our Online Store and browse through our selection of books about French wines, French recipes, learning French, French literature, French DVD movie store and much more. The good news is that Amazon are significantly reducing the minimum purchase for Super Saver Delivery, their FREE delivery programme. Starting today (Oct 15th, 2008), you only need to add £5 worth of eligible items to your basket to get free delivery. That’s a two-thirds reduction from the previous minimum of £15. And best of all, it is just in time for Christmas shopping. La vie est belle, non? We hope you enjoy your Xmas shopping ...

Mobile Homes in France - The Ideal Family Holiday

2008-10-08 11:51am

Why compromise on your Family Holidays ...? Always wanted a Holiday Home in France but not quite ready to buy a property? Worried about the current climate and economic downturn? We have the PERFECT SOLUTION to help those who want to Punch the Crunch by enjoying quality holidays in France that won't break the Bank. Find out how Buying a French Mobile Home is almost as easy as buying a car and as simple as 1,2,3,4 ... Whether you are looking for relaxing and lazy days in the sun, energetic and festive holidays in one of our 'Leisure' sites or nature holidays in the beautiful French countryside, we have a great choice of themes and resorts to suit everyone. Our 12 Leisure camping sites provide whole families with sports activities, kids clubs, evening entertainment, workshops, swimming pool complexes and much more … Visit our user friendly website at www.myfrenchmobilehome.co.uk We hope to see you soon, 'a bientot'.

Paris car and motor show opens

2008-10-03 5:55pm

 PARIS (France) -- The world's biggest car show opened Thursday in Paris with the excitement of the press open day largely taken over by economic trouble in the industry. 362 brands from 25 countries will be represented at the Mondial de Paris, a biennial trade-show, which attracted 1.43 million people to its last event in 2006.   In 2008, however, the industry faces falling sales. Rising petrol prices, new environmental legislation and falling sales figures were already a concern when the event was being planned. Now the credit crisis could hurt the auto industry further. Business analysts Global Insight, in a report published on their website Wednesday, warned that tougher credit restrictions could cause European car sales in September to drop by a fifth. "The combination has left September with annual selling rates heading towards levels last seen during the early 1990s recession", the analysis said.    Manufacturers displayed a range of new models, particularly smaller cars designed to attract drivers concerned by high fuel prices and pollution. Toyota will present three new cars in Paris: the new Avensis car, a smaller off-road vehicle called the Urban Cruiser and the iQ micro-car. Other Japanese companies will be present. Honda will reveal its Insight hybrid, designed to compete with Toyota's market-leading Prius as an eco-conscious family vehicle, and Nissan will present the all-electric concept car, the Nuvu.    From the United States, General Motors will for the first time show Europe the Volt, the electric motor driven vehicle. German manufacturers, long known for their fuel-hungry luxury cars, will respond to EU environmental regulations with a range of compact 4x4s.    French companies Peugeot and Citroen will also enter the diesel-electric hybrid market with the Prologue and the Hypnos. Renault's equivalent is still at the concept car stage, dubbed the Ondelios. The traditional petrol-driven options will also be present. Affordable and expensive cars will be presented, from the new version of Volkswagen's 34-year-old Golf hatchback to the all new Ferrari California.    However, analysts admit the industry is negative about 2009 sales. "Launching new models in this context is not ideal", noted Mark Fulthorpe of CSM Worldwide. Oil prices began to decline from historic highs since the world economy slowed, leading some to hope for increased sales. But credit trouble caused by the US banking crisis limited financing deals used to encourage consumers to purchase new cars. Bertrand Ratko, an employee of industry marketing experts RL Polk, said he did not expect sales to increase before 2010. "No one is very optimistic and everyone is lowering their forecasts", he said.   The Paris motor show opens Thursday and Friday for the press and industry representatives. From Saturday until 19 October it will welcome paying members of the public.   [Source : AFP / Expatica]

UK buy to let investors looking at overseas property

2008-10-02 11:40am

According to the findings of a new report from investment provider Skandia, many buy-to-let (BTL) investors in the UK could liquidize their holdings and invest into other asset classes, including overseas property. It believes that the combined effect of the credit crunch, sluggish rental growth and falling property prices will drive many BTL investors to look elsewhere for a better return on investment. Skandia’s research has revealed that at least £18bn worth of equity tied up in houses and flats is expected to be released from property in the coming years as conditions worsen. It says that with inflation rising, investors realise the need for strategies that preserve their wealth and that asset diversification is an essential ingredient of any investment strategy, whatever the individual’s risk appetite may be. The appetite for UK landlords to sell up and look abroad was highlighted recently by Savills Research which found, in a survey of 400 BTL investors (owning 2,782 properties), that many would be prepared to buy abroad should the pressure on returns increase. Simon Conn, Sales & Marketing Director at Conti Financial Services, the UK’s leading overseas mortgage specialist, says: “The good news for any buy-to-let investors looking to purchase overseas is that in several countries now, including France, Germany, Greece and Portugal, a percentage of the rental income from an existing contract can be taken into account (this varies by country) by the lender when calculating how much they are willing to lend. “Looking overseas is certainly a promising option. Recent reports suggest that the international market has not suffered from the same problems as the UK and the USA and that overseas property prospects are generally still good. The prime reason for this is the lack of a sub-prime market there – mortgage offers made by banks are based simply on affordability.” 19th August 2008 - Source : Conti Website

Is it really cheaper to live in France?

2008-10-01 3:53pm

With increased fuel and food prices hitting the UK hard at the moment and the domestic property market looking bleak, you'd be forgiven for thinking that most Brits are staying home and avoiding all risk right now, but recent figures show that the cost of living in France is less than a third of that in the UK. Could it be cheaper to live across the channel than staying at home? According to specialist expat adviser Siddalls houses in France offer better value for money than their UK counterparts, with average prices around 50% cheaper across the channel. A recent study conducted by Siddalls into retiring in France revealed that the overall cost of living in France compared to the UK is approximately 30% lower. While fuel prices were found to be on a par with those in the UK, French drivers pay no road tax. Affordable food in France was also found to be more readily available as people tend to consume more seasonal, local food rather than imports, where a lot of the big price hikes have been seen. Another surprise for expats moving to France is how much less they pay in income tax. Whilst the common perception is that France is a country with high taxation, the majority of expats pay less tax than at home. Source: Siddalls UK

Equity Release – Re-mortgage an property in France

2008-9-23 2:58pm

Most French Banks do not offer Equity Release, however our French bilingual partners can assist you to make this process as easy as possible. To find out more, simply click here and fill out the form ensuring the information provided is as accurate as possible. Equity Release & Remortgage Process Evaluation of your financial situation The Bank will establish if you can be approved as a borrower after looking at your current financial details and situation. If your application is accepted, the loan amount, loan type and loan term will be established depending on your needs and requirements. Mortgage loan offer The property is valued by a local valuation expert appointed by the Bank. When the valuation report is ready, the Bank will send you the loan offer. Acceptance of the loan offer According to French regulations, you are not allowed to accept the loan offer within the first 10 days after the issue date. Once the 10 days have passed, you may return your acceptance for the loan offer to the Bank. Signing The Bank submits your acceptance and all relevant documents to the Notary, who draws up and registers the documents. A date is then arranged for the meeting with the Notary in order for you to sign the documents. You may decide to meet with the Notary in person or decide to sign a Power of Attorney document. Payment Once the documents have been signed, the loan is disbursed and the money is deposited on your French Bank account. To find out more, simply click here and fill out the form ensuring the information provided is as accurate as possible.

Carla Bruni debut on UK TV

2008-9-18 4:52am

LONDON (AFP) — Carla Bruni-Sarkozy made her debut on British television Tuesday, performing a live song from her new album and revealing she often wakes up her husband, French President Nicolas Sarkozy, with her playing. The supermodel-turned-singer, who married Sarkozy in February, appeared on the BBC's 'Later with Jools Holland' alongside Metallica, singing "Tu es ma came", a love song that has provoked controversy because of its references to cocaine. Asked about the French leader's view of her music, she was diplomatic. "He's not really a critic or a fan but he's involved in my music because I play all night long, and I disturb him with it in the middle of the night," she said in English. Bruni-Sarkozy suggested she had few problems juggling her music and her role as France's first lady, saying: "I don't really mix them up. I play my music and I go with my husband when he needs me." She told the small studio audience that "Tu es ma came", a song from her third album "Comme si de rien n'etait" (Simply), was "about a love addition... being addicted to someone in a toxic way". Questioned whether she had ever been in that situation, the singer -- who has had a string of high-profile romances -- replied: "Yes indeed." Full article, click here

Currency Market Report Sept

2008-9-09 7:24pm

FCG Market Report - 8th September 2008 GBP/EUR The UK currency remained generally weak on Friday. The sharp drop in equity prices undermined risk appetite and damaged confidence in the economy which undermined Sterling, especially with persistent fears over UK conditions. There were no UK data releases during the day, but underlying confidence in the economy remained at a very low level, especially with political stresses still an important element. The growth and inflation data will be watched closely this week for further evidence on conditions. Sterling settled around 1.2250 against the Euro, just above fresh lows. Risk appetite recovered on Monday following the US Government bailout and this pushed Sterling stronger as there was an improvement in risk appetite. The UK currency recovered to 1.77 against the dollar, but failed to hold the best levels against the Euro as more negative housing news from Nationwide continues to weigh on Sterling. GBP/USD An interesting week prevailed last week as the Dollar continued to gain ground against the Pound predominantly due to flat data in the UK and the Eurozone. With hurricane season in full swing, oil prices started to rise as hurricane Gustav hit. However, the hurricane failed to realise the damage to production and infrastructure to oil that had been feared. Subsequently the Dollar didn’t lose any ground against the pound. US data releases showed promise last week, with Factory orders, productivity, average earnings and inflation figures all came out better than expectation. However, there was disappointment with non farm payroll figures which are a key measure of employment in the US. The figures showed that unemployment hit its worst level in nearly 5 years at 6.1%. Despite this, last week the Dollar cross held up well as the market was more focused more towards the Eurozone and UK as both kept their rates on hold and the rhetoric was relatively downbeat especially with Sterling as there was speculation of a surprise rate cut. Over the weekend, the markets confirmed the State take over of the US giant mortgage companies ‘Fannie Mae’ and ‘Freddie Mac’. Despite investors losing everything in the takeover, generally the markets took this as a positive step to kick start the economy and rescue the ailing mortgage and housing market. As a result the Dollar maintained its strength against the Pound and is broadly expected to continue its course. For those Dollar purchasers who missed the Sterling highs and are just waiting for the currency to bounce back, they should approach the market with care given the expected trend of the market. Speak to your FCG account manager to explore all of your options within the market in order to get a balance view before you purchase your currency.

Les Alpilles - great properties in the Provence

2008-3-30 1:16pm

The “little Alpes’’ or to be more precise Les Alpilles has a very special attraction for thousands of people who enjoy its diverse, rugged beauty and all the advantages of a French rural aspect that’s well within easy striking distance of the Mediterranean, particularly, the Carmague. There are so many things that make it an ideal destination to put down your roots or to invest in a holiday home which, when you are not using it, could generate a significant year-round letting income. Les Alpilles, with its jagged limestone peaks, is a much sought after part of Provence lying between Avignon and Arles where the Rhone slows down through its lower plain before it pours into the Med. To the west are Nîmes and, a little further on, Montpellier, while to the east are Salon-de-Provence and Aix-en-Provence. One characteristic of the area is the old style farmhouses, called “mas” in France, with their prolific olive groves and small vineyards. They are much sought after because they are such very sound buildings providing so much potential for improvement and renovation. Indeed some have already been very successfully upgraded to provide ample living space with the very latest mod cons, as you can see all here. There are many other property types and styles as well in Les Alpilles from new apartments to villas of all sizes and modest terraced houses, at prices to meet every budget. All of them ideally suited to providing a permanent home or a regular holiday-home income. Les Alpilles’ moderate climate is just one of the big attractions of this exceptionally beautiful corner of France. It’s also steeped in history and has an abundance of ancient sites such as the most important Ligurian-Greco-Roman excavations in France – the ruins of Glanum at St Rémy de Provence. And, of course, this particular town provided the inspiration for 150 of Vincent van Gogh’s masterpieces, which he painted in the surrounding countryside. But leaving history behind, the area enjoys every aspect of modern day living with ample water sports facilities on the Rhone and many other leisure activities including golf, horse riding, cinema, theatre, local pageants and several festivals. Plus everywhere there are excellent local wines and gastronomy. Not least of all of Les Alpilles’ many attributes is its close proximity to the Mediterranean which you can reach easily within 40 minutes. Indeed, fast roads can also take you to Marseille, Toulon, St Tropez and Cannes in the east and Montpellier, Narbonne and Perpignan in the west, where you can pick up the high-speed TGV train to Paris and Barcelona or aeroplanes to the rest of Europe and the world.

French Climate Has Something For Everyone

2008-3-11 11:09pm

France is roughly 1100 km from north to south and about the same distance from its most westerly point to its eastern extremity of Alsace. That makes it the largest country in Europe and twice the size of the UK. So you don’t have to be a professional climatologist to conclude that there must be quite a temperature variation from the country’s top to its bottom! And, of course, between the high mountains of the Alps, Pyrenees, Central Massif and the Atlantic and the Mediterranean lowlands. Understandably, climate and temperature are significant influencers in where people choose to buy a property in France. If you are keen on winter sports then you will expect to live with lower temperatures than if your priority is to barbecue and enjoy sultry evenings for eleven months of the year. Some say that France has three climates but when you weigh up the country’s various geographical transitions throughout its length and breadth, a distinct four-weather pattern tends to emerge. Starting in the northern coastal regions of Nord Pas-de-Calais, Picardie, Haute and Basse Normandie and, to a slightly lesser degree, Bretagne, the climate is temperate, not dissimilar to that of the UK. Winters are “mild” and summers not particularly warm, although global warming seems to be influencing this, plus it’s spiced with a year-round unpredictability of more or less rain! Pays de la Loire, Poitou-Charentes and Aquitaine in the south west reap the benefits of the Atlantic coast and the Gulf Stream. Winters are generally warmer and summers can be hot with substantially less rainfall than the north. Although quite spectacular thunderstorms are a common summertime feature. The Vendee is a particular feature of this area where many Brits choose to put down their roots possibly because it boasts a microclimate meaning it enjoys over 2,500 sunshine hours a year – that’s virtually equal to the South of France. The Dordogne, Lot, Tarn-et-Garonne, Gers and so on too, have warm, hot reputations with plenty of sunshine, but that doesn’t mean that it never rains across these regions. The summers are considerably hotter than England, which is a big attraction for people seeking to buy a second home and make a reliable income from the French indomitable leaseback arrangement. Provence, Languedoc Roussillion and, of course, Corsica bathe in a typical Mediterranean climate where there are hot summer days and short, mild winters providing an ideal environment for people to retreat from a tiresome UK winter to their sun-kissed South of France home. But it’s not without its surprises because the strong northerly Mistral wind blows across this area in late spring causing periods of cold windy weather that are known to tip the emotions of many a French man and woman. Eastern France and the mountain areas of the Central Massif, the Rhône-Alpes, the Jura mountains and on up to Alsace can experience quite severe winters and stormy summers as you would expect from these relatively elevated regions. But then the people who orientate towards these areas to purchase second homes are, probably, most interested in this vast winter sports arena which stretches along hundreds of kilometres of France’s extraordinarily beautiful eastern border. There can be little doubt that France has an exceptional, unique climate embracing so many variations that there is something to suit literally everyone from the excitement of a crisp, snow-covered black run to year-round swimming in your Mediterranean home’s outdoor pool.

Albertville’s Olympic legacy pays big dividends

2008-3-10 6:05pm

There was a time when Albertville in the Haute-Savoie was a modest French Alpine town enjoying little more than a close proximity to Mont Blanc - just 30km away as the crow flies - and not far from Annecy and its lake. Then, in 1992, the Winter Olympics arrived in town and it took on a whole new and vibrant existence. New hotels, trendy shops, classy restaurants plus a myriad of winter sports facilities sprung from Albertville’s rocky crust. Consequently, it became one of France’s leading ski resorts where, 25 years on, more and more people are clamouring to invest in its continuing success. It’s a far cry, too, from those heady days when the winter sports industry was first established there in the 1920s by English and Scottish entrepreneurial skiers. Founded by the Sardinian monarch, King Charles-Albert of Savoy, Albertville is an absolutely splendid base from which to explore, for example, the Trois Vallées district, claimed to be one of the world’s foremost skiing arenas. Also the posh resorts of Val-d’Isere and Tignes are just a drive away. No matter what time of year you arrive in Albertville there’s an abundance of good, healthy things to do, which is why many regard it as an exceptional property investment opportunity providing a guaranteed rental income. From Albertville you can ski and snowboard all-year round on really challenging runs or you can cross-country ski on the extensive, valley plateaus. And when summer arrives and the snows slip away from the lower slopes there is an even wider selection of activities! There’s walking, hiking, parachuting, karting, golf, climbing, bowling, horse riding, tennis, ice hockey, swimming and many more besides. The town also offers a comprehensive choice of “circuits cyclostouristic” marked out to various levels of difficulty from “flat and undulating” to “sporting or athletic” that will all take you through some pretty stunning surroundings. Then there’s the “lively” confluence nearby of the two rivers Arly and Isère adding a white water dimension to local water sports potential. But if you just want to stand, stare and explore, as well as the staggering Alpine scenery there on a bluff above the old town are the remains of the11th century Conflans ramparts with its renowned Sarracine Tower plus, close by, the handsome 16th century castle of Manuel de Locatel. The icing on Albertville’s cake has to be its accessibility! Geneva airport is only 70km away, Chambery is 53km away (35 minutes), Turin is around 105km and Lyon 160km. Or you can board a TGV in Lyon at breakfast time and easily be in Paris for lunch. Alternatively fast, multi-carriageway roads can quickly zip you to your destination. So it’s small wonder that people flock to Albertville year after year for peace-of-mind, recreation and to embrace that very special sense of fulfilment, which is so much a part of this town’s ambiance.

Fast, Trouble-Free Currency Exchange With No Strings

2008-1-29 9:15pm

No matter how much money you are transferring to purchase a property abroad, many people find currency exchange can be costly, tiresome and confusing. Also there never seems to be a right time to do it because exchange rates are jumping up and down all the time! Although you might think there’s peace of mind in using your own bank perhaps because of your personal standing with a friendly bank manager who will “hold your hand” all the way this is, in fact, rarely the best route to go down. Indeed there have been numerous examples of high street banks holding things up and even floundering in certain money market situations. By far the safest and most straightforward way to transfer money is to use a system such as the my-french-house.com service, which is fast, foolproof and although it’s ostensibly on-line you can always speak personally to your advisor, at any time. It operates in conjunction with UK-based The Foremost Currency Group who are specialists in foreign currency transactions. A dedicated account manager deals with your specific requirements and you’ll not suffer the frustrations of automated call answering as you might with other financial institutions or even with your own bank. What’s more – and extremely important – there are no fees or commissions and everything is planned to go through totally stress and worry free, saving you time and money. All you have to do to get things underway immediately on their “Currency Exchange” page and follow the simple, two-step on line procedure. Step One will ask you some simple questions which roughly speaking amount to “when”, “what” and “where”? Then you move onto Step Two that simply requests your address and telephone, plus there’s a couple of relevant boxes to tick. You’ll get an immediate response and the currency exchange process will be underway. What could be simpler and more positive?

France Rugby - 6 Nations Info and Fixtures

2008-1-26 2:41pm

HIGH HOPES PINNED ON NEW FRENCH COACH FOR SIX NATIONS SUCCESS - It seems a pretty common assumption in rugby circles that the final outcome of the Six Nations Championships that commence in February is like the two post of a goal, wide open! But does the French team enter the tournament with better promise than it exited the semi-final of last year’s World Cup? This year all French hopes seem firmly pinned to the broad shoulders of new coach Marc Lièvremont, the 25 times capped, former flanker. According to some rugby commentators there’s a reasonable expectation that he can make up for his predecessor Bernard Laporte’s shortcomings. And he aims to do this by “starting from scratch” bringing on many “new faces” but all with well-proven credentials. Over a long period Lièvremont has observed many matches and painstakingly followed the progress of French rugby. So his final selection for the country’s 22-man squad has “considered everyone”. He is reported to have said: “We took into consideration everything, the players who are in form and the team we are playing against. We wanted coherence with 2011 in mind and we also wanted a team that could be competitive at this year’s Six Nations”. As a consequence the French pack “will barely be recognisable from the World Cup.” Whether or not this drastic decision pays off remains to be seen so all eyes are turned on Murrayfield on 3 February. The 2008 Six Nation Fixture dates are: Saturday, 02 February: England v Wales Ireland v Italy Sunday, 03 February : Scotland v France Saturday, 09 February: France v Ireland Wales v Scotland Sunday, 10 February: Italy v England Saturday, 23 February: France v England Ireland v Scotland Wales v Italy Saturday, 08 March: Ireland v Wales Scotland v England Sunday, 09 March: France v Italy Saturday, 15 March: England v Ireland Italy v Scotland Wales v France

French holiday dates and zones

2008-1-26 2:38pm

WATCH THE HOLIDAY ZONES AND AVOID THE JAMS... In the UK 90% of school holidays commence at the same time whether it’s summer, Christmas or Easter. Consequently everyone going away at these times hits the road at roughly the same moment with the usual predictable degree of chaos and bumper-to -bumper frustrations. The French, on the other hand, manage to avoid this by staggering holiday start dates in their educational establishments. And this is cleverly achieved with a simple Zone A, Zone B and Zone C system. The school holidays in each zone commence on a different date with about seven days separating each one. And, of course, the schools reopen at the end of each holiday period with the same time gap. The dates for these ‘time zones’ are set by the French Minister for National Education and usually span a four-year period. The dates which are presently operating in the country were set in 2006 and will finish next year, 2010 and you access them on the Ministry’s website. So, when you plan to travel around France at the start of peak holiday periods, it as well to be aware of these zones, where they operate and what are their key holiday start dates. The three distinct regions are: Zone A - Caen, Clermont-Ferrand, Grenoble, Lyon, Montpellier, Nancy-Metz, Nantes, Rennes and Toulouse; Zone B – Aix-Mazrseille, Amiens, Besançon, Dijon, Lille, Limoges, Nice, Orléans-Tours, Poitiers, Reims, Rouen and Strasbourg; Zone C – Bordeaux, Créteil, Paris and Versailles. As they say “for warned is for armed” and if you bear this information in mind you should avoid being snarled up anywhere in France!

Learn about the department of the Aude

2008-1-17 11:35am

The French department of the Aude is located between the Mediterranean Sea and the Pyrenees mountains. It is part of the current region of Languedoc-Roussillon. It is surrounded by the departments of Pyrénées-Orientales, Ariège, Haute-Garonne, Tarn, and Hérault, with the Golfe du Lion on the east. Find out more about the Aude department View our properties for sale in the Aude

Introduction to French Wine and Cheeses

2008-1-17 11:29am

Were you aware that France has well over 400 different types of cheeses and produces around 7 million bottles of wine every year! Find out more by visiting our webpages relating to Wine and Cheeses, as well as Classic Recipes from France. Bon appetit!

When shall I exchange my pounds to euros?

2008-1-09 8:34pm

If you are looking to exchange large sums of money from pounds into euros over a broad timescale, as you would when buying your French property or indeed any overseas property think about ways to get the best deal and protect your money against exchange rate fluctuations. There are two ways of securing yourself the best exchange rate within your timescale: - Buying Spot – The Spot Contract is the most basic and popular foreign exchange product. It’s an agreement to buy or sell one currency in exchange for another. You have 2 days to settle the contract, at a price based on the prevailing "spot exchange rate" the current value of one currency compared to another. Although the spot market lets you buy or sell currency as you need it, spot exchange rate movements are highly unpredictable, even during a single trading day. Upon receipt of cleared funds currency is available for onward transmission. Or you may feel that you would like to leave what money you have in your domestic account to accumulate interest and only change your money just before the signing of contracts- this can be risky, however, as the Euro and pound fluctuate in value leaving the final price in pounds uncertain. - The forward contract - A Forward Contract lets you buy or sell one currency against another, for settlement no later than on the day the contract expires. Unlike spot contracts, a forward contract eliminates the risk of fluctuating exchange rates by locking in a price today for a transaction that will take place in the future (up to a maximum of 2 years). A 10% deposit is required to secure the contract and is payable within two working days with settlement due on the day the contract expires. This option gives you peace of mind as you know exactly what you will be paying for your villa or apartment overseas, so that you can budget your finances without any nasty surprises. Hence it is especially useful when buying properties off-plan with 3 or 4 stage payments of 18 months so you don’t end up going over budget. Also, because you don’t have to pay for the Euros until the maturity date it frees up any money you have and gives you some time to arrange the finance. All you will have to pay is a 10% deposit of the amount you wish to buy with the balance due on maturity of the contract. This forward contract is also useful if you receive a pension in pound sterling but live overseas. In this case you may want to be sure what your monthly income will be up to two years in advance so that you plan your finances. Also, if a French mortgage is paid for out of a pound sterling bank account you can ensure that the monthly outgoings are the same each month by entering into a forward contract. If you can afford to take the risk and speculate on the foreign exchange market in the hope of paying a lower price for your property then it may simply be best to buy the Euros spot as and when you need them but for most people the second option makes more sense. WHO DO YOU USE? You have two options: either use a regular bank which you are comfortable with which may not always offer the best deals or speak to our recommended currency specialist who focuses on currency transfers and could well offer you better rates of exchange and more efficient & personal service. Either way, your money is precious and like most people what you really need is piece of mind and to leave the risk taking to the professionals.

Mont Blanc And Skiing On Your Doorstep

2008-1-06 9:56pm

Skiing and winter sports are now so popular that many UK enthusiasts in particular, relish the chance to buy their own affordable pad in the mountains, especially if it’s right on the French slopes of Mont Blanc. So a little later in 2008 keep a close eye on www.my-french-house.com because it will be announcing completion of the high quality Résidence Le Monte Bianco refurbishment in Saint-Gervais-les-Bains. This is an extremely popular village in the Haute Savoie department, less than an hour by fast road from Geneva airport. It means that in just over three hours from leaving the UK you could be on your balcony sipping a hot toddy whilst soaking up the outstanding vista of Mont Blanc and contemplating a few lively black runs. And when the snow has left the piste, Saint-Gervais-les-Bains remains very popular with people on walking holidays who want to soak up the staggering views as well as the refreshing mountain air. There will be 71 apartments with living accommodation varying in size from 19 to 74sqm for sale at around €4 850 per sqm, providing a great investment opportunity with an annual rental yield of 4.5%. Half of them will be available on a leaseback scheme and the other half on a light leaseback scheme. You will find that the Résidence Le Monte Bianco is only 400m from the cable car and even closer to the shops. It will include exceptional facilities such as a covered, heated swimming pool, a sauna and fitness room, children’s games area, ample ski storage, sun bathing terraces and a cosy bar with an open fire. What more could you want and so relatively close to home!

Leaseback guarantees a healthy income investment

2008-1-06 9:44pm

Leaseback back is a unique, positive investment solution for purchasing new property in France. Well managed properties such as the latest My-French-House projects at La Butte aux Cerfs, in Vire, Normandy, Residence Kerbotez at Landevant, South Brittany and Les Jardins de Lestayrie in the Midi town of Graulhet, have the potential to provide leaseback purchasers with guaranteed annual income rentals up to 6%. All new properties in France are subject to VAT but by agreeing to lease it back to a rental management company for a minimum of nine to 11 years VAT is, in fact, eliminated from the purchase price. And over the period the 100% guaranteed income from the annual rent repays the mortgage, including interest. So what you end up with is a virtually trouble-free investment which you can live in free of charge for two to four weeks every year, with the firm knowledge that for the other 11 months you’ve got a tidy income rolling in! Leaseback properties are usually bought “off-plan” on a development that will enjoy all the benefits and conveniences of local sports facilities, swimming pool, integral leisure provisions, restaurants and so on. And, like La Butte aux Cerfs, Residence Kerbotez and Les Jardins de Lestayrie, are in the most popular parts of France, easily accessible by road, rail and air. Wherever you are from - in or outside of the EU - you can buy one or as many leaseback properties as you like. Obviously you have the certain peace of mind knowing that however many you own they will be expertly looked after by the management company which is also responsible for paying all the utility bills. They also settle any local rate requirements, except for Taxe Foncière, which is your responsibility. You can sell a leaseback property at any time but, depending on how long you have owned it, you will have to repay the relevant portion of the VAT to the French government. If you sold it within five years you would have to refund the total VAT amount. At the end of the leaseback period you can either sell the property or live in it yourself. However, because leaseback is such a sound investment, at the end of the term most people remain in ownership and automatically renew their arrangement with the management company, so their rental income continues uninterrupted.

Exclusive Mansion in the Languedoc

2008-1-06 9:39pm

Exceptional and rare partially renovated Manor House set on a 3.7 acres park with pool situated in a beautiful village of the Minervois, close to the Canal du Midi. Built in 1907 and used as a summer residence, this magnificent home offering 850 sq.m of habitable space (10 beds & 4 bathrooms) is a perfect example of the famous Napoleon III style; original features include parquet and marble floors, tapestry on the walls, high ceilings, and marble fireplaces. A very large terrace overlooks the swimming pool and the solarium is the work of Gustave Eiffel. Click here for full details

The French department of the Tarn

2007-12-30 10:57pm

The Tarn is a glorious meeting place of those desirable features we cannot fail to worship, with her back resting against the Pyrenean mountains, the rocky slopes and upland pastures fall into deep dales, wide plains and sunlit forests, also close to the great cities of Toulouse, Carcassonne and Montpellier. The Tarn borders South West France and the Midi-Pyrenees. A 10 hour drive from northern ferry ports, with motorway up until the last 30 minutes, makes for practical access by car. The availability of surrounding airports gives interesting travel options. Rodez is 50 miles away away Toulouse 60, Carcassonne 100 and Bergerac 120 miles. The Paris Toulouse TGV service with local rail links as also a favourite. With short mild winters averaging 14.7 degrees and sun soaked summers, the climate offers the best of cool green Atlantic freshness with the warmth of the Mediterranean. The Tarn has approximately 2,380 hours of sunshine annually with temperatures rising to 40 degrees. Learn more about the Tarn departement (81) ALL our properties for sale in the Tarn and Tarn and Garonne

What is the French departement of the Herault like?

2007-12-13 9:49pm

Hérault is part of the current region of Languedoc-Roussillon and is surrounded by the departments of Aude, Tarn, Aveyron, Gard, and the Mediterranean Sea (Gulf of Lion) on the south. The department is very geographically diverse, with beaches in the south, the Cévennes mountains in the north, and agricultural land in between. We have many properties for sale in the Beziers area – in the countryside and traditional villages among the vineyards between the Mediterranean coast and the spectacular Languedoc National Park. The advantages of this area are numerous; it is the sunniest in France with approximately 300 days of sun per year and there are not the strong winds you may find in other parts of the Languedoc. Learn more about the Herault (34) Our properties for sale in the Herault

Global SIM and Data cards for cheap mobile calls abroad

2007-12-06 4:29pm

Our partner GO-SIM provides travellers with an attractive alternative to roaming overseas with a domestic network SIM card. By selecting Global prepaid SIM cards, travelers can significantly reduce their roaming charges, in many cases by up to 85%. Even with the latest changes imposed by the European Commission, GO-SIM is still up to 50% cheaper in EU countries than using your usual mobile abroad. Presently GO-SIM’s cards and data cards cover around 200 countries. This includes France, Spain, most of Europe, North America, Asia, and some African countries. In many of these, it is completely free to receive calls. In addition, the GO-SIM service includes UK and US based customer care and fulfillment together with online top-up facilities. Last but not least, GO-SIM can supply you with Data cards when traveling abroad with your laptop or other electronic device require the use of a Data card. Global SIM card features and benefits: Works in over 140 countries FREE unlimited incoming calls in over 50 countries FREE initial starter airtime credit included FREE to receive SMS/texts in all countries Unlike many ‘local’ prepaid SIM cards - unused airtime never expires! Prepaid, no contract, no monthly fees - no more bill shock! Free delivery in UK and USA Click here for further details and your orders