Dolomites and Valentines
February 14, 2010 by tony · Leave a Comment
A beautiful sunny Sunday in Languedoc – we drove to a local beauty spot (with Carole my local beauty) Moreze – it is unique in Europe – if you know what a dolomite is then….
The Cost of Living in France
February 14, 2010 by tony · Leave a Comment
For the fifth year running, France has been voted the best place in the world to live by some magazines and journals. This is the reason why hundreds of thousands of educated and qualified people are moving to France to live or to retire.
Being the best does not mean it is perfect, there is a cost, not only in the cost of buying food and shelter, but adapting to a different culture and values.
Comparing income and expenses is simple, there are many websites offering this service such as the one I mention in this reply to a letter today ( http://www.worldsalaries.org/france.shtml ) – but if you need the adrenalin buzz of wheeling and dealing, building a business or developing new ideas – France may not be the most fertile place for your skills and imagination – in fact it is hard to succeed in business anywhere, but just nigh on impossible in France.
It all comes down to the unmeasurable “quality of life” – (if you know parameters I can use to quantify the quality of life I would like to learn)
Her is the mail I replied to a few minutes ago……
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Hi Tony,
I really enjoyed your post, I can’t remember the link, but you had written “Wisely, Paris built their Disneyland outside the city & they plan to keep it there.”. You articulated in that article exactly what my wife and I experienced in France at different times and exactly why we want to move there- in France life is not always judged in terms of money value.
I have one question in particular I’m trying to answer to help assuage some anxiety I have about this move:
I get the impressive that the French generally save a lot of their paycheck, I think I read somewhere that they saved 10%, which is about 11% more than what the average American saves. I also have the impression that food costs are rather high compared to the US, and rent seems a bit higher too (in Grenoble I’ve found 800 Euro seems to be the going rate for a one bedroom place). I have contradictory impressions; a lower salary, a higher cost of living, and yet higher savings rates than in the US.
The approximate salary I have found for my work is about 50K euro in Paris, and less in the provinces, although I’m not sure yet how much less.
Would this be enough to provide for myself and my wife, own a car, and still save money?
===
Hi,
Income in France is low – average is about 22,000 euro a year – you can get a better idea about income from this site – http://www.worldsalaries.org/france.shtml
However a salary has a lot of social charges paid by the employer – it virtually doubles the cost of employing someone – for this you get the best health care in the world and excellent social services, education etc.
Housing is,expensive, the rent for Grenoble sounds about right, 800 euro a month for an apartment.
Cars are comparatively expensive, as is fuel, about 5 euro a gallon
Food I am told is more expensive than the USA, quality is good and the French are very careful shoppers.
The French are traditionally savers and the 10 percent or so of earnings does not surprise me.
You hit the nail on the head – it is impossible to put a value on the quality of life. With the sort of salary you have been offered you would be considered a wealthy person in France and could live comfortably, nut never luxuriously.
Hope this helps
Best wishes
Tony
A warm and Sunny Day in February
It was not a “Dark and Stormy Night” – but a bright and Sunny day today, so we went to the seaside to collect some seashells for my Mum.
Not much more to say really except “Wish You Were Here” and show some photos or Marseillan Beach and Marseillan Town (the beach is on the Mediterranean and the Port is slightly inland on a huge inland sea-lake.
Marseillan Beach on the Mediterranean in Languedoc
Marseillan harbour Entrance Languedoc France
Marseillan Port
Front Entrance for Villa Roquette
We collected plenty of sea-shells, but could not get a stick-of-rock for my Mum.
A Guide to Renting in France
Although home ownership in France is increasing, most people live in rented accommodation. In major cities apartment living is the usual way of life.
The Internet is changing the way we do many things, until recently nearly all property rentals were arranged through an an agent immobilier – estate agent – this was their main business, but increasingly home rentals are advertised and sought online. Sales of private properties have increased, as has the number of agencies and the rental service has changed, although there are usually some specialist agencies offering rentals in large towns.
In France the tenant has very strong rights and is protected in many ways from exploitation by landlords. But this protection has caused problems for property owners. There are many cases where an owner has not received any rent for years yet cannot gain access to their own property. This has discouraged owners from renting and there are changes now planned to some laws which give fair rights to both owners and tenants.
At present an unfurnished property will be offered normally on a standard three year agreement, renewable for a further two three year periods with fixed maximums to the increase of rent to be paid. Furnished accommodation is often offered on a one year agreement and a registered student can obtain a nine month agreement.
Unless there are restrictions (as there are in central Paris) a furnished property can be rented as a seasonal or vacation property for any period less than six months. In central Paris only one year tenancy agreements can be offered, vacation rentals are not allowed, unless the proeprty is correctly registered and rated as a commercial property (very few are).
The tenant can cancel the rental agreement with three month notice. The owner can only request vacant possession at the end of the period of the lease if they require if for their own use or intend to sell the property. If the property is offered for sale the tenant has the first right of refusal to purchase. An owner cannot artificially inflate the selling price or use other devices to inconvenience the tenant without risking expensive penalties.
If you are looking for rented accommodation and use estate agents, you need to know that there is no central listing service so it is necessary to get information from all agencies in a region to find the available properties.
Many commercial owners do prefer to use agencies to assist in protecting them from “troublesome” tenants. Agents will charge normally at least one months rent commission for finding a suitable tenant and about the same each year for managing the rental. Howeern renting diret from an owner does not often reduce the rental demanded, although you mayb able to negotiate the deposit required.
Agencies will normally demand a further two months, sometimes three months, rent as a security deposit. This is only repaid at the end of the tenancy after a full inspection of the property has been completed.
When a tenancy has been agreed, a detailed inspection (an état des lieux) is made – ther are standard foms for this and it is usually ery detailed. The tenant should check carefully all entries, note any prior defects or damage to the property and take photographs where possible. Make an note of every hole, scratch, mark or stain. For a landlord to claim a property had to be completely repainted and to charge a huge professional rate for this to the departing tenant does happen.
Unfurnished property can be very basic, a kitchen may only have a basic sink, I have seen properties where the light bulbs are removed and not offered with the property. If you are taking over a property and view it when it is occupied, do not expect any of the fittings and fixtures to remain, or insist that those items which are with the property are listed and agreed.
Be sure you are aware of any other costs in renting. You will be liable for the taxe d’habitation each year. Interestingly it is the person who occupies the property on January the first of a year who is liable, so if you move in on January the 2nd you get 364 day free of this tax for your first year. The owner of the property is liable for the other local tax the taxe fonciere. Check what this is at the local Mairie.
There are other charges on a property, especially apartments. Management, maintenance and concierge charges may apply, be sure to get these confirmed and explained in writing before you sign an agreement. These charges do change annually, rarely downwards.
Services are usually paid by the tenant, most usually water gas and electricity, but also waste collection and other services may be added charges. Check carefully what is included in the rental.
Once you have found a place to rent and are comfortable with the agreement, you will have to prove your income. This is usually proof of at least the previous three months income, a contract of employment, bank statement details. Your disposable income should be at least three times the rent demanded. If there is any problem, you may also be asked to supply one or more guarantors who have assets or proven income to support your charges. Guarantors are almost certain to be demanded if you are self employed or an “artist”. Now you know why many famous artists lived in squalid garrets, they could not get a proper apartment.
In most cases you will need a French bank account as payment will usually be demanded by autonomic monthly payment.
However, first you have to find your property – this is anther article.
Beziers the Gateway to the South of France
Our home in the village of Montblanc is between the towns of Beziers and Pezenas. We are a few minutes from the Mediterranean, and are now the focus of a communications network of airports, motorways and high speed rail connection – yet we nestle in a calm and tranquil river valley which has not changed for centuries.
- Image by tibchris via Flickr
I am busy sorting out the marketing for our Apartments and Bed and Breakfast accommodation in our home and
we are offering some great deals and discounts for 2010 in our January Sale.
These are exciting times, the new Motorway from Paris, the A75, a
rrives a few kilometers from us. You cross the highest viaduct in the world, often above the clouds, at Millau.
For centuries, over 800 years, after the crusade against the Cathars, Languedoc was a forgotten backwater, lost in time. The combination of sun, soil and steam-trains in the 19th century brought enormous wealth to this quiet paradise, but not many visitors. The Internet has changed this – in under 20 years, Languedoc has become not only the most desirable place to live in France, but the wines, once considered a vast lake of cheap plonk, are now rated as some of the best in the world. The sun shines longer in Languedoc and communications are the best in France with the best road, rail and air connections in France.
- Image via Wikipedia
At the center of Languedoc is the city of Beziers. An ancient Roman town which still has bullfights in the arena each year. Famous for the birthplace of the Canal du Midi, a World heritage Site and also for the massacre of thousands in the crusades against the Cathars in the 14th century.
Beziers is coming back to life with a new airport and new ideas to show the world how Languedoc became the cradle of Western Civilisation in the age of the courts of love of the troubadours.
A new website from Beziers begins to show the return of this cradle of enlightenment.
- Image via Wikipedia
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Montblanc Puzzle
December 30, 2009 by tony · Leave a Comment
If you are finding it hard to concentrate on work after Christmas and the new year – then what you need is a holiday.
What better than coming to stay with us in our Apartments or Bed and Breakfast in Montblanc.
To relax you and get you in the mood, here is a jigsaw puzzle of a typical street in our village……
Slide the pieces with your mouse….
Or click on the picture or link below….
Montblanc streetConsumer Protection
December 29, 2009 by tony · Leave a Comment
I am writing about problems with apartment rentals in Paris on my blog at http://2337.com – the aim was originally to give information to owners about problems ahead from laws affecting vacation retals.
Interestingly this site has generated mail from renters telling me some horrific stories about owners. Clearly there is a lot to be cleared up and the Government of France and the City of Paris are taking steps to put things in order.
If you have had problems with any service, most countries have an official department you can complain to and report the supplier. A good website listing these offices is http://oecg.org/ – for France the official consumer protection bureau is The DGCCRF – it is an official French government authority for Consumer Protection, they have a website in English at http://www.dgccrf.bercy.gouv.fr/anglais.htm – they have produced a leaflet, in English, which gives some information and other contacts. You can download this at Welcome to France
As most apartments in Paris rented for vacations are rented illegally, you should ensure that the owner, or the owners agent, has correctly registered the apartment as a commercial property to rent, is correctly declared for taxation on the revenue in France and therefore they are able to show you valid and adequate insurance.
Interestingly from the websites above I found that most of the disclaimers for loss or damage on rented premises are not legally valid, this applies to hotels as well – you cannot “sign away” your rights on any rental contract.
Why I live in France
December 6, 2009 by tony · 3 Comments
I wrote recently about the ‘flip side’ of living in France. Today is Sunday and it is the end of a frustrating week, dealing with French bureaucracy as well as trying to help with the problems of Paris apartment rentals. But Sunday morning is the end of the week and I look forward to bringing Carole breakfast in bed, reading the papers and getting bread from the Boulangerie warm on the table.
The boulangerie is the real heart of a French village – we must be from Gallifrey, the planet of the Time Lords as we, Like Dr Who, have two ‘hearts’ in our village of Montblanc. The one at the top of our high street had a ‘degustation’ of their bread this morning and were giving away balloons and samples of their produce, they also sell their own wine. With over 15 different varieties of bread baked continuously every day, it is a precious resource and makes a big difference to the quality of life and a very good reason to put up with the tribulations of paperwork.
www.EpiMontblanais.com
They have their own website which has a brief history of bread-making in Montblanc, the medieval oven is still in the center of the village (photos on their website), not in use today, but once it would have been the place where most of the village gathered each week to cook their food and exchange gossip – in a way this is still the tradition as the village boulangerie is as much a place for meeting people and hearing the news as for buying bread (or wine).
This is one reason why we have lived in France for 20 years.
French Property Newsletter
December 2, 2009 by tony · Leave a Comment
I have been sending out newsletters about living in France for over 12 years. Another newsletter I think very highly of is one from French-Property – their newsletter is like Lidl – whenever I really need something, I look in and ‘bingo’ there it is.
I used to know the people there but am out of touch with them so I have no association with what I recommend as a good resource.
Another source of good information is AngloInfo – I loather the title, but the content is good, this is the link to their Languedoc site and Caroline, who runs the site, is a very attractive, hard working and intelligent lady.
Peace Purpose and Passion
November 22, 2009 by tony · 3 Comments
The title sounds like the name of a film – it is actually the mission of a lady who wrote to me this week guides others to discover themselves. I think it is only for ladies, so sadly I cannot search these aspects of my persona.
Tara of www.ElegantFemme.com is asking if there is someone looking for help in return for her family being involved in a French community for some time next year.
I offer the email exchange below and direct links to Tara’s site for anyone who wants to talk.
I am also publishing this as there are some observations in my replies which focus on the differences and attitudes in France which makes for the ‘Frenchness’ of the society.
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Hi there,
I have been following your newsletter for some time;) and I, as an avid lover and dreamer of fulfilling my childhood fantasy of living in France, have come to a beautiful realization! My family and I are considering spending the summer in France, living, working and becoming part of the culture. My heart sings as I write this, for if you knew what this meant to every cell in my body, you would understand the intensity and fear that accompany this email;0
I was wondering if you knew of any small village in France where we could live inexpensively for the summer (perhaps longer), work as either teachers, waiters, or some other light work (even a care taking position would be entertained.)
We have two small boys ages 3 and 6 and are looking for an experience of a lifetime.
Any and all advice would be so much appreciated!
Thank you in advance,
Sincerely,
Tara Marino
Coaching women through Femme lifestyle design
Overwhelmed? Find out how to go from overwhelm to ommmm by uncovering the 3 women who live inside. Join our newsletter at www.ElegantFemme.com
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Hello Tara,
I would love to help you realise your dream. Twenty years ago Carole and I left the UK with two small children, both under 4 at the time, and came to live in France. Twenty years later we are still here, the girls have grown up and are strong individuals and our son, who was born here, is doing well at college.
France is a complex country, it has a unique identity for each of the 95 departments – I would go further and say it has a unique identity for each of the 36,000 villages and towns. it is the village way of life that defines France, you have percieved this well.
France has also evolved a social structure which is very different to that of most English speaking nations. Many people coming to live in France cannot and do not accept ‘the French way of doing things’ they love the French way of life, the respect, consideration, food, culture art, health and education – but visitors too often dismiss the rigidity, bureaucracy and privacy. These are two sides of the same coin.
To live in a small French community for several weeks or longer would be a valuable and enjoyable experience, but – sorry there is a ‘but’ – to have any sort of paid employment is near to impossible.
Visiting and staying in France is open and free – you can buy and invest simply and securely anyhere with no complications. However, all activities and employment must be registered. Teaching, even waiting table need correct and in some cases (teaching is an example) local qualifications and registration for social security and taxes.
Having said that, the ‘unofficial’ working community, as in most countries, is large, but it takes time to discover this and casual summer work is very hard to find.
I know there is a solution for your family – I looked at your website, please tell me more, what budget you would have etc and I will look.
Best wishes
Tony
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Tony,
It was so kind of you to get back to me! Thank you for your response. I understand the difficulty in finding short term summer work and we are open to an experience. perhaps it would help a bit if I gave a bit more detail. I want to spend the entire summer (maybe longer) in France with the family. We are considering doing some volunteer work in lieu for room and board. For me it is not so much budget as it is really wanting to give my family a beautiful and meaningful experience. We have vacationed many places and I truly want this to mean more. We saw an add for a small farm that is being renovated in the south that was looking for some help…that type of thing. I really want to become integrated with the culture and the way of life. I am not looking on taking the boys to the Sofitel;0 Although I do enjoy a bit of female luxury and may leave my husband to ten to the hard labor so I can sneak a petit cafe!
Any and all thoughts regarding what we re looking to do and insight on your own experience would be magical.. Thanks Tony and Bravo for what you have done for your family-in my opinion you have given those girls the experience of a real lifetime.
Tara
PS.
You asked about my business I am a Women’s Lifestyle Expert and coach women on finding peace, purpose and passion in their lives. I would probably be taking care of my clients from overseas as most of my work is done on the phone (which is a beautiful advantage;)
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Tara,
Occasionally I have seen offers of accommodation in exchange for help – I have done this myself when I was rebuilding our home and had people he to stay for a few weeks tileing and helping me renovate our house (there is still a lot to be done 
)
I can send out a request in my newsletter if you wish and you could look for forums on the Internet and ask if anyone knows o something.
But this will mostly be to English speaking people and this will not give you a ‘French’ experience. To find a French family or a French busioness which can offer you something will be much harder as this is not the sort of thing which the French culture would embrace. The National characteristic is generally polite and friendly, but, extemely private, many French people have never seen inside their neighbours homes, even in a lifetime o living net door to one another. So acepting someone from another country into your property is a very rare thing.
When we bought our first home here, we invited our next door neighbour, Mme Jarlet, into our home to meet us, as we did with all our neighbours. She told us, that althouh she was the best friend of the previous owner and had known her all her life (for over 75 years) she had never once been into her house. Times have changed and this is now a little unusual, but not exceptional. We then found that all our French neighbours rarely visited each others homes, they met and talked in cafes and on the streets (usually in the middle of theroad) and they still do.
So finding acommodation in exchange for some involvement with a French family will be difficulty – but not impossible, there are exceptions, people travel a little more and some are open to new things.
Do you speak French ?
Best wishes
Tony
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Tony,
Oui je parle francais et mes fils aussi-pas mom mari;) donc, si c’estait quelque chose avec le francais est bon.
Merci beaucoup Tony,
Tara
