France is simply wonderful during the autumn months. There is that slight nippy feeling in the air, there are low mists over the rivers, but the atmosphere is quite something, the sun is golden and low and there are still plenty of outdoor days to look forward to. If you are thinking of making a short trip over the Channel, now really is the time to do so. The tourists are largely gone, you can find some excellent deals in many hotels and B&Bs and if you are mulling over possibly buying your own bolthole in France, you really could not choose a better time.
Of course we live in tough times and I suppose one small consolation is that we are all, to some extent, affected by the recession in some way. I am often asked for tips on how best to make the most of your hard earned money in France and this surely is something we all need at the moment. So this month I have prepared a little feature for you on this with my very own hot tips – take a look!
We have heaps of other useful info this month: carrying on from my wedding and honeymoon theme, I am featuring La Rochelle, a most beautiful fishing port which my husband and I visited on our way back up to the UK at the end of our honeymoon. I have put in a couple of pics of both of us as I know you like to see these! Further, I have found a wonderful property for you to check out, Charles Purdy from Smart Currency Exchange shares his expert knowledge on the pound v the euro, and I have a book recommendation for you if you are trying to get to grips with taxation in France. As an Overseas Guides reader, you are entitled to money off this excellent book – which in turn should save you money in the long term! Look out for my top tip and “what’s on “ section too.
Before I move onto the rest of the newsletter, I want to ask you if you need the phone number of an English speaking solicitor that specialises in France legalities? How about the contact details of an estate agent that comes recommended by me or another France Buying Guide reader? What about a France tax expert or a specialist that works to get the best Euro rates?
Due to the high number of calls received at the Overseas Guides Company and subsequent requests for recommendations we’ve increased the size of our OGC Resource Centre! Standing by (or shall I say – sitting by) are a team available for you to contact that can connect you to various professionals that may be able to assist you through your France property purchase.
By calling the OGC Resource Centre, you could save hours of time and loads of money by finding good, solid, reliable and recommended services the first time around. There’s quite a few bad companies out there that you want to avoid. When calling the OGC Resource Centre they may or may not have the perfect recommendation, but it’s a place you can start – at the very least, one of the team will be able to point you in the right direction.
The service is free – but if you haven’t purchased a France Buying Guide yet, they may attempt to sell you one (we need to make our money some how)! Anyway – like I mentioned, we have had to expand the team due to the fantastic success of our service, so please give them a ring and find out how and where they might be able to assist you. The OGC Resource Centre is open Mon – Fri, 9am to 6pm and the number is 0207 898 0549 (From outside the UK +44 207 898 0549). I hope you enjoy the newsletter!
“Le credit crunch” may not have hit France quite as badly as some other European countries but still the price of everyday goods is now dearer than before. So let me share with you my own tips for saving those euros next time you are in la belle France.
FOOD SHOPPING
It’s true that there are some lovely specialist stores in France but prices can be on the high side if there is little competition in rural areas. You may want to consider shopping online. Supermarkets such as “Casino” (which you will find in most French villages and towns) often do a weekly delivery too. Shopping online means you can watch what you are spending too and you will be less inclined to impulse buy!
You could also find out which day is double points day at your local supermarket and make a point of doing all your shopping on that day.
As well as Casino, check out Aldi and Lidl which are all over France and often have a wide range of food at cheaper prices.
Last but by no means least, make a point of using your local market for the bulk of your general day to day food shopping: you may have to queue at the popular stalls but you will likely find a bargain and benefit from the fresh produce to boot!
CAR BOOT AND BRIC A BRAC SALES
Every village or town has one or more. Look out for adverts in your supermarket or at your Mairie. The word for car boot sale is “vide grenier”
MAKING USE OF YOUR OWN GARDEN/LAND
Once you have your own property, think about growing your own vegetables. Some friends of my husband’s have a small plot and were absolutely delighted this year to discover the most wonderful green beans, potatoes and tomatoes growing. It is also tremendous fun to watch something you have planted grown from seed and not difficult to achieve.
Invest in a water butt to catch rainwater for your garden.
GENERAL HOUSEHOLD BILLS
Good insulation helps cut these down as does sealing outside doors to keep the heat in.
A wood burning stove and/or an open fire may well be all you need for many of the winter months.
A simple one but effective: remember to turn off your TV, PC and mobile phone charger when not in use. A little goes a long way eventually in saving you money!
PETROL
Both petrol and diesel are cheaper at supermarkets. Try to avoid motorway service stations if you possibly can, they can be quite a bit dearer.
INSURANCE
This is always worth looking into properly. You need to look at the cover you have as well as any excess. It can be difficult, particularly if you are not a fluent French speaker. Many of the FBG readers have used Intasure and have been very pleased with their policies and their prices.
You know how important I feel this is. Communicating with your neighbours, local shopkeepers and new friends is vital, not only for your peace of mind and happiness in France but for helping you ultimately to save money on your general living expenses. When I first bought my house in Montjoi, a kind neighbour told me where to get the very best and freshest bread in the morning which also happened to be a few centimes cheaper than the bakery I had been going to. OK, a small point but a good example of how integration can help you in so many ways. So don’t be shy, socialise as much as you can and both you and your pocket will benefit!
For more tips and ways to make the most out of buying a property and living in France, buy the France Buying Guide (if you haven’t done so already!). Click the link to order today:
Creating a strategy to minimise loses on your future international payments is VERY important. After all, who wants to lose £1,000 or £5,000 or £10,000 or more unnecessarily?
This year has been a particularly bad one for sterling – every newspaper stand and TV programme harps on about it over and over. But actually how bad has it really been? Here are some figures that may really shock you. Let’s consider the best and worse case scenario for 2009:
Based on buying £100,000 GBP in 2009, the euro rate against sterling was:
BEST for the year: 1.19
WORST for the year: 1.03
A difference of €16,000.
Put another way, you would get €16,000 less for your £100,000 had you bought at the worst rather than at the best rate.
So – the key question is how to create a strategy to buy closer to the best time rather than the worst!? What the Smart Team will do for you is to discuss your requirements, determine how much time you have and offer various options that will allow for ways to reduce risks and ultimately save money.
You can buy currency today and pay for it later or request an ‘Order to Buy’ where your Smart Trader will buy currency on your behalf once the rate hits the budgeted amount you desire (if possible). And no matter what option you decided, the rates offered by Smart are better than those quoted by the high street banks! There are many options available and the more time you give yourself to use those options, the better!
It’s often the people that wait until the last minute that are forced into buying at the worst times – don’t let that be you. Request a quote from Smart Currency Exchange below or call today to discuss your options!
As you probably know, property around the Riviera is usually massively expensive, but I have found you a lovely villa near Fayence that has been dramatically reduced in price. It is just 45 minutes from Nice and 30 minutes to Cannes. It is still very Provencal and away from the glitz and glamour but is within easy reach of the Riviera, so you really have the best of both worlds! It also has a warm southerly climate and a welcoming ambience.
Within walking distance of all amenities, it has 2 bedrooms, a living/ dining area, a bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen plus a huge cellar and garage. Renovated to a high standard, it is a great investment, located in a very sought after area at a great price. All utilities are connected.
Fayence is a delightful fortified town perched on a hill top, surveying the plains between the southern Alps and the Esterel massif. The town has kept the charm of its medieval origins and is very popular as a centre for tourists and visitors. It is a maze of steep and narrow lanes with the remains of a castle that once defended this fortified town towering above it.
Flying there is easy as there are regular flights into both Nice and Toulon from the UK. If you’re travelling by car then you should turn off on the D562 between Draguignan and Grasse. You’ll be able to see the town on the hilltop above you. Alternatively the TGV train service arrives in Marseille from Paris. Fayence is popular with tourists and there is a thriving rental market here. This means that you’ll have the opportunity to rent your property out should you wish to.
If you are interested in this property, call the OGC Resource Team and they’ll put you in touch with the vendor (0207 898 0549) or if you’d like help locating an agent…again the OGC Team can help you out. Give them a ring or fill out the following property form: http://www.FranceBuyingGuide.com/property.htm
La Rochelle
My husband and I were so taken with La Rochelle. It is a thousand year old city with oodles of charm and has somehow managed to preserve its natural and architectural assets. For many years a large maritime base, it is now thriving economically due to its successful tourist industry. I don’t think I have ever seen so many restaurants in one relatively small space in my life!
This is a welcoming and dynamic city. Take a look at the Old Port in the city centre, the marina, the commercial port of La Pallice and the old fishing port of Chef de Baie. The two towers guarding the Old Port are imposing and beautiful but it also has a wealth of churches and museums, all of which are totally free to enter.
La Rochelle is still one of France’s biggest ports and is the only Atlantic port capable of meeting the needs of larger boats and cruise liners. Its main feature is the old harbour (“vieux port” which really is at the heart of the city and lined with seafood restaurants. The old town is beautifully preserved and if you have time you can take a boating trip to the Ile d’Aix and Fort Boyard. You will see the Ile de Re across the water which is just a short drive to the north via a 2.9 kilometre bridge (I believe the largest in France).
This is the perfect place for a long weekend away in the autumn. La Rochelle is served by the Ile de Re Airport which has undergone modernisation during the last 5 years and is currently the largest airport in the Poitou-Charentes area. You can buy a La Rochelle City Pass which offers unlimited transport on buses as well as reduced admission to the many museums and the imposing towers which stand majestically at the entrance to the Port. The climate is balmy thanks to the influence of the Gulf Stream waters.
Eating out is a real pleasure here with a large emphasis on mussels and oysters. We enjoyed a wonderful meal in a beautiful restaurant overlooking the port and then strolled up and down the pedestrianised streets catching a glimpse of some of the lively street entertainers. This was the last place we visited on our extended driving honeymoon but we would happily have stayed there longer had we had time.
If you are thinking of taking an autumn break without breaking the bank then La Rochelle may just be for you. It is served by various airlines and flights are cheap. Flybe have several flights from regional airports, Easyjet fly from Bristol and Gatwick, Ryanair fly from Stansted and Dublin and Jet2 have flights from Leeds and Edinburgh.
Here are some helpful websites that can assist you with an autumn break:
Here are a couple of photos we took when we were in La Rochelle. We will definitely be going back there before too long, we loved it!
What’s on across France this month
As well as the wine harvests taking place in the many vineyards across the country there are many other autumn events in France. Here are just a few suggestions for you:
Reims Jazz Festival has been held annually since 1994 and attracts performers from across the globe. This is held in the grounds of the Pommery Champagne house and is generally regarded as a starting point for young musicians through its support of upcoming talent. You can get more info here: www.djaz51.com
Hot Air Ballooning has long been popular in France and down in the South at Le Puy-en-Velay in the Languedoc Roussillon area. There is an international ballooning event held in November each year. Visitors can simply look up and marvel at the colours, whilst enjoying wine and cheese on the ground! Take a look at: http://www.montgolfiere-en-velay.fr/
Buskers Event in Toulouse. This takes place in the Parc des Expositions in Toulouse and is one of the top antique fairs in France. There are 3 halls showing antiques, arts and crafts from various periods in history right up to Art Deco. Very well worth checking out if you are heading down that way soon. www.salon-antiquaires-toulouse.com
Automne en Normandie. If you are hopping across the Channel for a few days, check this one out. It features over 60 events celebrating the arts throughout most of the cities and even smaller towns. Rouen, for example, hosts an Argentinian inspired celebration with a range of street performers and musicians. www.automne-en-normandie.com
To plan a trip, another good site to check out is Expedia:
Top Tip: Excellent news for those of retirement age in France!
I think of all the queries I receive, ones about the health system are the most frequent so here is my top tip for this month.
Getting older does not have to be all bad news …Obtaining French health insurance is really not difficult and the MOST FORTUNATE are early retirees on Government service pensions and those who are of retirement age. This is because you are entitled to the personal allowances due to you in the UK and in France and you are NOT liable for the French social charges on either of your pensions.
Remember: if you are of retirement age and in receipt of a state retirement pension you DO NOT HAVE TO PAY compulsory health insurance contributions as your basic health costs are covered through the E121 exemption certificate. You may still want to “top up” your cover but this is something even the French have to do and it need not cost a fortune.
Book Review: Taxation in France - A Foreign Perspective written by Virginie Deflassieux
So…you have bought your home in France, or are considering doing so. What’s next on the agenda? Well, I know it’s mega-dull, but my bet would be that, right up there at the top of your list, is the taxation system in France and how it pertains to you.
Well, here’s the good news; at last there is a book with all you need to know about taxation in France but were afraid to ask! It is an absolutely comprehensive guide all about French tax from the point of view of someone who is foreign to the French tax system – that’s you – right?
'Taxation in France - A Foreign Perspective' written by Virginie Deflassieux is an indispensable guide for non-French individuals considering a move to, or an investment in, France.
Ms Deflassieux has updated the book written by Charles Parkinson in 2004, so it’s bang up to the minute. She obtained a degree in Business Studies from a French business school in 1993.During the four-year course she gained experience with companies in the USA, France and Channel Islands and is a French tax specialist with extensive experience in all aspects of French property purchase, investment and taxation.
She also holds a Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English.
The book provides a comprehensive overview of the French tax system including:
The scope and scale of French taxes, explanations of the terms used and information about residence issues and conflicts
An analytical guide to the main French taxes such as income and wealth tax, corporation tax, capital gains tax (including the treatment of capital gains made by individuals, businesses and non-residents), the impact of double tax treaties, gifts and inheritance tax and taxes on companies holding French real estate
Examples of typical income tax, wealth tax and capital gains tax computations
Practical advice on taking up residence in France, retiring to France, the ownership of French real estate, investments for French residents and much more
The really exciting news is that The Overseas Guides Company has managed to get you a very special price on the book. If you buy it before the end of the year it will be £16 instead of the RRP of £26 - not bad, is it? Just give the Overseas Guides Company Resource Centre a call on 0207 898 0549 and we will arrange this for you.
What can the OGC Resource Centre do for you?
Well…we have tonnes of feedback from people who have already used our services, so I’ll let them explain:
“…Let me say how happy Philip and I are with your [OGC Resource Centre] service. You have opened so many doors for us….I like to take things one step at a time, to fully take on board every situation, but I could never have been prepared for the multitude of options that you have presented us with. …You can be sure that we will be using your recommendations because we are gaining more and more confidence in your company and that is all down to the interest you take and the advice you give.”
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"Hi, Having found the forum, subscribed to the free newsletters & purchased the Guide to purchasing property, it was amazingly easy using the tips & suggestions, to define my requirements & establish my strategy for what I really wanted.
Then once introduced to the Guides Company's network of friendly, helpful associates, everything fell into place. And this despite some very attractive, but potentially risky, alternatives which I could have easily tempted into. However, I had a plan to keep me on track & knowledgeable friends to draw advice from. I have now successfully purchased a unique property, which I believe I will enjoy during my future retirement in a friendly to you, your colleagues & all your kind associates & their unique way of working. Best regards, Brian Dorey."
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Just pick up the phone at 0207 898 0549 and the OGC Resource Team will be happy to help you. The team is available Mon-Fri from 9am to 6pm. You are under no obligation to use any of the recommendations and this service is absolutely free, so give them a ring today!
A Guide to Removals and Shipping
You may or may not have found your new home abroad yet. However, once the decision has been made to move to your home in the sun, the fun really begins! We all know that moving house can be fraught with problems; well, moving abroad can be a minefield if you don’t plan properly and use the professionals.
Ok, so where do you begin? Well, first of all, let’s hope you have plenty of time to organise your move. When I moved abroad we only had 11 weeks from start to finish moving lock, stock and barrel - hectic to say the least - but it can be done!
The first thing you need to do is find your removal company.
How do I choose a reputable removal company?
First and foremost, make sure you employ a professional removal company. Beware of the cowboys, because they are out there - and they disguise themselves very well!
What should you look for? Well, be very careful when you are obtaining remover’s details from the Internet as a great deal of these are not bona fide movers. A website that looks good doesn’t necessarily mean you will be working with companies who have a high professional standing. Some of these companies even ask for deposits online before they have even visited you!
Your safety net is to look for bona fide professional memberships, which you can check out yourself.
BAR (British Association of Removers) have a Code of Practice, which is the only code in the moving industry that’s approved and monitored by the Office of Fair Trading under its Consumer Codes Approval Scheme.
All members abide by the Code that dictates the standard of service you will receive, the quality of the materials used, the standards of vehicles and warehouses, staff training requirements and best of all – what will happen if something goes wrong!
Most importantly, the Code requires BAR moving companies to deal with you in a courteous and sympathetic way at all times. You also have financial protection, which I will talk about later under the insurance section.
The other memberships to look for are FIDI, a network of International Quality Removers. Most BAR members are members of FIDI, and often also members of FAIM (part of the FIDI group), HHGFAA (Household Goods Forwarders Association of America), EURA (European Relocation Association) and ARP (Association of Relocation Professionals).
OK, so I’ve found quite a few professional companies, what do I do now?
Don’t wait until your house is sold before telephoning - this is a big mistake and can cause unnecessary delays. Contacting your removal company early is particularly important when moving abroad. They will need to book your container (which will hold all your possessions) and also the ship that will carry it. If you can give as much notice as possible, then the chances are you will have a choice of sailings.
It’s always best to telephone quite a few reputable removal companies and ask them to visit your home. They will come along and conduct a survey. These surveys are always free. If you are asked to pay for a survey, then walk away from the company concerned because that’s your first alarm bell ringing. It’s a really good idea to obtain several quotations as they do vary quite a bit for more or less the same service.
A comprehensive survey of all your household possessions – including any buried in the garage and the loft – will be conducted. An accurate cost will then be sent to you along with advice on all aspects of your move, including packing, wrapping and dealing with precious or delicate items.
Always ask the representative when the quotation will be received. If, after a reasonable time, you have not received your quotation and you have to chase the company, perhaps this is the first indication that they are not as efficient as they could be and this may help you in the decision making process for choosing your removal firm.
I have masses more information for you in order to ensure that your experience with Removals companies is a safe and happy one. I am going to outline a few points here that I discuss in some considerable detail - if you want my the full report discussing the whole process from start to finish, all you need do is emailFrance@OverseasGuidesCompany.com, put A Guide to Removals and Shipping in the subject line and I will email you the full document.
The subjects discussed are many and varied: here are a few examples:
There are usually several different options for your move overseas:
Deep-sea shipping
Groupage
Full containers
Airfreight
I discuss these in some detail. I also talk about:
What are my goods shipped in?
Where is my container being loaded – at my home or somewhere else?
How do I know my possessions are safe in the container?
How long does it take to pack and load the container?
What about packing and unpacking?
How many staff will come to pack and load?
Who is responsible for the necessary paperwork?
What about security?
Do I really need insurance?
What are the benefits of using an FSA authorised removal company?
Are there any other reasons why I should have marine insurance?
I answer a lot of questions that I have been frequently asked by people moving abroad:
I’m renting a property before I buy, so I want my possessions to be put into storage first, can I do this?
What do I do if I want to take my car?
What should I be doing 3 months before the move? Here UI give you a comprehensive list of what you should be looking at.
What should I be doing 1 month before the move?
What should I be doing 2 weeks before the move?
What should I be doing during the last week?
What do I do on the day?
When and where do my goods arrive?
What about customs
What happens when my container is delivered?
Which handling company is used?
What if I ever need to move back?
As you can see, this is a very comprehensive look at the whole Removal process and I would be delighted to share all the knowledge that I picked up the hard way. I am sure it will save you much valuable time. if you want my the full report discussing the whole process from start to finish, all you need do is emailFrance@OverseasGuidesCompany.com, put A Guide to Removals and Shipping in the subject line and a member of the OGC Resource Team will email you the full document.
Closing
My husband and I are about to head off to the Languedoc Roussillon area where the weather remains very warm well into November. I seem to get withdrawal symptoms if I don’t go to France at least once every couple of months! It remains one of the loveliest countries from so many points of view: great living standards, excellent education, space and beauty – not to mention the food….
If you are contemplating buying a property there but are maybe still mulling over which area would be best for you or simply are unsure where to start, please do ring the OGC Resource Centre (0207 898 0549) as they can put you in touch with the very best agents or other professionals to guide you on your way.
I am continually amazed at the response I have received to my monthly newsletters and hope this one finds you well and happy. As ever, do feel free to tell me if you would like to see more on a specific topic or if you have a story to tell or a question to ask – it is always wonderful to receive your feedback. I just want to make sure that, in writing these newsletters, I am really being of assistance to you.
Would you mind taking just a second to let me know your thoughts on my monthly newsletters? Which are the things that you find the most interesting or the most helpful? What would you like to see more of, what do you think could be improved, is there anything you would like added?
I leave you with a lovely testimonial from a France Buying Guide reader, Jane:
"Congratulations on a most informative and useful guide. I am particularly impressed by your advice on finance, buying currency (I had completely overlooked this one),inheritance issues, the regional comments by Alexis, the need for thorough research and evaluation of positives and negatives and the need for assistance by French speaking lawyers etc. I am so glad I found you!”
