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About Euro-Connect French Property |
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The company has been working with immobiliers and notaires in France since 1989 and we are able
to offer you a good comprehensive selection of properties through several different regions from
Normandy in the North to Languedoc in the south. France has always represented excellent value in property in comparison to other parts of Europe. The areas we operate in represent a range of differing French landscapes and cultures. Health Care Your Car in France Schools Learning to Speak French Food and Drink Banking Mortgages Which Property to Buy
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Where we sell |
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For easy access to the UK Normandy has gently rolling agricultural countryside with views to the
Channel Islands from its west coast beaches. From the spectacular sight of Le Mont St Michel to the wonders of Bayeux and the tapestry from the wonderful castle at St Lo to the picturesque coastline to the west of the region, Normandy has it all. As your ferry approaches the port at Caen you are greeted by vast expanses of golden sand, The "D" Day landing beaches, with names like, Gold, Omaha, Juno & Sword, no longer are conflicts played out on these beaches, they now are the playgrounds of children, yachtsman and nature lovers. Being easily accessible from the UK, Normandy has always been extremely popular with UK visitors but not many people take the time to Drive south from one of the ports, and discover the farms that make Calvados, the smallholdings that make the wonderful cheeses that can be found all over the region. The small local bakers that produce the freshest rolls and bread in the area, put it all together and sit overlooking the lush green rolling countryside that is Normandy and you will find that there is no better way to wile away the hours in peace. Alternatively wander around one of the historic towns that Normandy has become famous for, towns like St Lo, Flers, Bayeux, the list is endless. Soak up the atmosphere, the markets, the street cafés, and the history. Drive to the coast at Granville and watch the fishing boats dock or take the ferry to Grande Ile. Normandy is a region that refuses to be rushed; it has all the plus points of the 21st century without the headaches. Can you imagine the scene, you have purchased your dream holiday home, its Friday afternoon and you are catching the ferry to France; in a few hours you will be there. You need to pick up some provisions, you stop at the local boulangerie, and the owner greets you warmly, asks you how you are and is genuinely glad to see you. You are already starting to feel part of the local scene. Given the chance the local traders in your town can be a real asset with regard to where to get this or where to get that or the best artisan to do a particular job. They all love being involved and nowhere more so than in the small towns of Normandy. I hope that I’ve given you a small taste of the region and that we can be of assistance in finding you a suitable property to purchase. From cornfields to endless beaches, from fashionable resort to tiny unspoilt beauty spots, from the lush green of the countryside, to the ever-changing blue of the ocean, this is Brittany, changing with the season and the tides. The coastline of Brittany is the area beloved of artists, where light is at its best and most interesting. With its 1060 miles of shore, the region juts out like the prow of a ship rising above the crest of a wave. Mont Saint Michel to Brest. From Brest to Nantes, the Breton coast has a whole range of scenery to offer visitors, with an outstanding variety of flora and fauna and the sand and water troubled by the ebb and flow of the tides are beautiful scenes. The scenery abounds in breathtaking headlands, vast beaches of fine sand, creeks flanked by pink, grey and purple tinged rocks, and numerous picturesque, well-sheltered harbours. From all of them Brittany has derived a whole list of delightful names such as the Emerald Coast, the Wild Coast, the Pink Granite Coast and the Coast of Legends. A development in the area is the introduction of the high speed train (T.G.V.) to Paris, making the area ever popular with the French and visitors alike, being within easy reach of La Baule on the western coast and Paris about two hours away from the town of AngersBrittany, from the rugged coastline of the Cote D'Armor in the north to the attractive inland villages and towns of Ille et Vilaine in the south of the region with its many canals and rivers which borders onto the Loire. Lying east of Ille et Vilaine you have the Loire region which boasts magnificent chateaux and towns steeped in history. Further south and located in the centre of France is the Creuse region which forms part of the much larger Limousin region. Here you find an area of magnificent lakes and forests, a comparatively undiscovered area where property bargains can still be found. Further south west you find the region of Lot & Garonne. Bordering onto the Dordogne to the north and Aquitaine to the south you find a region with a very pleasant all year round climate with scenery to that varies from deep gorges with picturesque rivers running through around to far reaching views to the mountains. Moving further south towards the Mediterranean you find the Languedoc-Roussillon region which borders onto the Mediterranean at the south to the foothills of the Cevennes to the north. In between these two points you have some of the most spectacular scenery in Southern France. I hope that we can given you a taste for this lovely country and that we can assist you in your search for your ideal property.
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Health Care. |
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Available to all citizens, the French have a FREE high quality National Health Care Service. The
treatment generally received is second to none within Europe. Insurance. Although some aspects of basic medical care are provided for visitors, medical insurance is recommended for more complicated treatments. English visitors should obtain an E1-11 from the British Post Office. A word of caution, An English visitor was taken unwell while on holiday, she was taken into hospital and was treated until the doctors considered her able to travel. At this point she had to pay for a qualified escort to accompany her back to the UK for treatment. Having no insurance she was presented with a bill for £900, for home travel with a qualified escort. Pharmacists are always available to give advice for minor aliments and are often visited by the French. Make sure you take a good supply of prescribed drugs, should you intend to visit for a prolong period. Your general practitioner will often prescribe an extended supply if requested. Vaccinations. There are no special vaccinations required to visit France. Ambulance. There is an excellent accident and emergency service in operation. Most taxicabs double up as an Ambulance when the need is called for. Smoking in France has always been a very popular pastime and is still widely participated in. The government to discourage its use has recently passed new laws. It is banned in public places such as public transport, bars and restaurants although generally the police ignore this. Prices for smoking requisites have been increased in one year; going up by some 30% and are still increasing. Generally younger people are reluctant to start and are discouraged in the schools and colleges. Tobacco and alcohol are still the cheapest in Europe & can be up to one third of the price in the U.K.
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Your car in France. |
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Owning a car in France is absolutely essential particularly if you are living in an isolated spot. However, although a car is a priority it is worth looking into the French attitude towards them. Forget the Sunday morning ritual of the car cleaning and maintenance, the French will tell you that time would be better employed playing boules! Minor dents and scrapes are not to be expensively repaired but become like notches on a Colt 45, or a visible warning to other drivers whilst on the road you are not a person to be trifled with. Now lets move on to the practical aspects of driving and car ownership in France. A point to remember is the difference in price between petrol and diesel and deciding what to do about your existing car and your future fuel costs. Diesel can be two thirds of the price of petrol. It is said that one in four cars in France are now diesel.
You could not fail to notice whilst travelling in France that the French are fervently patriotic when buying their cars, and would rarely consider buying anything other than a car that was made in France. It is always reassuring to know however that in the event of a malfunction there is hardly a town in France that doesn’t host a Citroen, Renault or Peugeot garage.
The story goes breaking down in France you will roll to a stop outside a Renault garage.
Insurance. Thankfully, your “No Claims Bonus” can be transferred, providing a letter from the Insurance Company stating the facts of the bonus, is produced. The standard maximum in
France is 50%. At first glance insurance seems more expensive in France but there is a high tax on
the premiums and the standard cover is generally better. Cover also automatically includes
The drink/drive legislation is now strictly enforced in France. The legal limit is similar to that of the U.K. and the police do carry out random tests and penalties are severe.
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Schools |
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Every child living in France is required by law to attend school from the age of six to sixteen.
Young children from the age of two and a half can attend nursery school for a period of two to three years. (Note: The child must be dry before they can attend) At the age of six, children enter primary school, for an average of five years: - *Preparatory class - One year *Intermediate class - Two years *Elementary class - Two years Around the age of eleven, children begin their secondary education, for an average of four years. During these four years pupils learn French, Mathematics, History, Geography, Latin and one or two modern languages, Art and Music. Regular exams are carried out during this period, which leads on to a diploma called the “B.E.P.C.” “Lycee” for approximately three years. At the end of this period they should have a diploma called the: - “Baccalaureate”. (The above outlines the obligatory free state system in France). The religious schools have the same educational program. The teachers are paid by the state and the cost involved in this type of education is reasonable and can be paid for monthly. Private schools are not subsidised by the state at all and use different teaching methods. Any pupil attending a French school is assured of a good education. The French student has to work a long day, do loads of homework and is encouraged to receive an excellent education.
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Learn to speak French. |
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Speaking French. Although being able to speak French has its obvious advantages, it is not absolutely necessary, because the French, particularly the young, are able to speak English. Languages are taught from an early age in the schools. You will find that people will help you, as France is in the middle of Europe and is use to many foreign visitors. Non-French speaking, new students are usually thrown in at the deep end and within three months are able to converse in French very well. The younger they are the easier it becomes. Should any student have a particular problem, extra lessons are provided. Most children after a short while show the parents up with their command of the language. Tips to learn French: Try writing French words on a piece of card, on the reverse write the English equivalent and keep then handy and look at them when you have a moment to spare. Stick labels on things around the house i.e.: fridge, computer, fish tank and so on. However little you know, it’s important to use what French you have at every opportunity.
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Food & Drink |
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Food is a very important part of the French way of life. High on the weekly list of entertainment, many French people indulge in a weekly visit to a good restaurant. The many visitors to France share this every year. Restaurants are varied with Italian, Seafood, Cantonese and the world famous French Cuisine. Try a Lorry driver’s cafe a “Routier” it can be excellent and is usually good value, boasting a good atmosphere and home cooking. The best buys are in the local markets, home produced fruit, vegetables, poultry, meat and cheese are usually good quality. Wine. Many words and books have been written on this subject but its always a personal choice, all would agree that French wine is “probably” the best in the world. Most French shoppers can buy their wine from the local Supermarket “supermarche” paying as little as 1,82 € and a low priced Chateau bottled about 4,57 €. Champagne costs from about 7,62 € Remember there is no import duty on wine within E.E.C. for personal use, however should you live outside the common market please check with your customs and excise office.
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Banking |
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French banking systems are straightforward. It is relatively easy to open an account A passport
and proof of address is required You are given a cheque book; cheques are accepted in most
places, including shops, garages and hotels. Penalties are severe. To write a cheque without the funds in the account could mean that all cheque books with every French bank could be taken away from you for ten years. Cash point, are readily available. Traveller’s cheques would be a safer option. Recommended banks: Abbey National France (a name we all know) Credit Agricole (the biggest bank in France)
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Mortgages |
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Mortgages are possible to foreign buyers usually up to a repayment
period of 20 years. Strangely
the property is rarely surveyed. It is possible to have up to 80% but
please remember this will
not include the Notaire’s fees or the Real Estate Agent (immobillier)
commission. French mortgage rates tend to be on the high side for this reason it is, therefore, recommended to obtain the mortgage from your own country if possible. At the time of printing the French rate is approximately from 4.95% to 6.55%. The rate can vary depending on, deposit paid, fixed or variable and length of term. Do not forget a 10% deposit is always required at the time of signing your contract. French cheques, bankers drafts, bank-to-bank transfers and must be payable in Euros. An English or American cheque will not do.
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Which Property to Buy |
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Naturally the price you pay is dependant on how much money that you
have set aside to invest in a future holiday home or your permanent move to France. Don’t forget, to remember to calculate your
outgoings, such as
insurance, rates (see *note) maintenance and travel (if holiday home)
Land. Under French law when you acquire land it must be kept in good
order, kept free of
nettles, should they spread to farmer neighbours you can be made to
remove them. It is possible for the farming community to compulsory purchase the land. This will
happen when the land is not used for farming. Very often a good relationship can be formed with a
farmer by allowing him for example to let some livestock graze on your land for free. You
will make a useful friend and in return would clear your ditches and cut grass for you with his
tractor. This would be
particularly useful for a holiday home. The farmer would often keep an
eye on your house when
you are away. Neighbour-hood watch takes on a different meaning in
France.
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