This French Life

Get your website clicked

FOR many people who have made the move to France it is the first time they have been involved in letting a holiday home.

But with maintenance jobs and changeover days there is not much time left to actually market and promote the property.

However, an ebook claims that by using the internet you could increase the number of people who stay in your gîte.

Business start-up sites

SETTING up a business in France can be a daunting prospect but a browse around the internet can produce some useful advice.

Residence permit dropped

FOLLOWING a recent change to French law the requirement for EU nationals to hold a carte de séjour has been discontinued.

France for free, almost

EBAY is a great place to browse around to pick up a bargain, so how about this for a deal?
The chance for a family to spend six to twelve months, rent free, in accommodation in Brittany in exchange for a bit of graft.
Not sure if he means the kids have to mix the cement but if you are willing, could be a chance to experience France long term.
Take a look, click here…

Mixed blessings for Ryanair

RYANAIR have issued their financial report for the last three months of 2003.
The low cost airline said the average revenue per passenger during this period dropped by up to 30% and they predicted a fall in profits over the year.
This comes on the back of the news that they will be forced to pay back millions of pounds in subsidies after the European Commission found them to be illegal.
Chief Executive, Michael O’Leary, above, remains upbeat for the future, saying: “Ryanair is by some distance the lowest cost operator in Europe.
“And we continue to enjoy the support of the travelling public.”
Passenger numbers surged by 54% during the quarter to a record 6.1 million people.

Ensuring a healthy time

IF you suffer a minor ailment or illness in France the pharmacy will be your first port of call.

Getting your benefits right

RECEIVING health care, payment of a pension and entitlement to social security benefits should be easier thanks to reciprocal arrangements between EU countries.

Taxes on your home

THERE are two types of local taxes in France and you will have to pay them if you buy a property.

A good example of sparkle

I WROTE earlier this week about adding some sparkle to your gîte website by featuring news style content.
Well during the many hours I spend researching about France on the web I found a great example of this technique.
The site of Duncan and Elaine Andrews, called andrewsinfrance.co.uk, mentions events that are coming up through 2004.
They are up to date, easy to read and I especially like the mention of the Rugby World Cup 2007 in France, now that would be a real advance booking!

Schooling in France

A MAJOR worry for parents thinking of moving to France is what if the children don’t settle into their new school?