‘Communism’, ‘community’, the ‘commune’ – living in France illuminates the real meaning and the importance of ‘local’ government

The Mairie in the village of Arbas

As a foreigner, it has taken me a good ten years to really understand the importance of the local mayor and Mairie in France because we just do not have the equivalent in the UK. We knew that when we moved in to our village . . . → Read More: ‘Communism’, ‘community’, the ‘commune’ – living in France illuminates the real meaning and the importance of ‘local’ government

Does it makes financial sense to buy a property in France?

Nothing illustrates more clearly the rise and fall of foreign home ownership in France than the currency exchange transactions and mortgage applications from foreigners looking to buy a home a France. And, although the property market in France has slowed during the economic crisis, France is still the top foreign buyer’s property . . . → Read More: Does it makes financial sense to buy a property in France?

Home sweet home

We did our first ever home exchange over Christmas and New Year as a means of having a holiday that we would otherwise never have been able to afford. It was such a great experience that I am wondering why everyone doesn’t do it as a matter of course. Perhaps we just . . . → Read More: Home sweet home

The rise and rise of ski and mountain properties

Luchon in the snow

Having been lucky enough to spend Christmas and New Year on the slopes, I thought I should take a quick look at the ski property market here in the Pyrénées. While a financial avalanche threatens to engulf many property markets in the Euro zone, ski properties are bucking the . . . → Read More: The rise and rise of ski and mountain properties

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