Provence Movers  are the experts when it comes to removals to and from France, from anywhere in the world. As part of the renowned international ClickMoves group, Provence Movers has access to the global resources of one of the world’s most trusted international removals networks and the expertise and resources to move you to any country across the globe.

Expert removals to France

Provence Movers have experienced, highly trained international packers to ensure that packing and loading takes place correctly. With coordination centres in London and Provence they keep you informed all the way through your door to door overseas move.

They take care of all the paperwork too, completing documents, fulfilling the administration requirements and ensuring that your belongings arrive just as you want them to. France has a reputation for bureaucratic processes and that’s certainly true when it comes to removals. Before moving your things to your new French home, you’ll need to create inventories of goods (including values) and fill in forms that must be presented in a timely manner to ensure you don’t have to pay extra tax and duties. Provence Movers can do all this for you.

Fast and accurate quotes

Their quotes are online based and they’ll organise a video survey at a time to suit you. With a weekly moving service which covers all areas of France you can choose your dates and wait for your precious things to be safely delivered. And there are several different services to suit your budget, from the super quick European assisted removal service to the premium service where every aspect is taken care of from packing, unpacking and re-assembly of furniture.

Ready to move when you are

And if you’re not quite ready to move into your new home, maybe you’re still searching but want to bring your goods to France – Provence Movers can provide secure storage all over France, UK, USA and anywhere in the world. Then when you find your dream home, your things are already to be moved in.

Find out more and organise a quote at: provencemovers.com

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Pas-de-Calais is a department of contrasts in the far north of France. It’s coastline, known as the Opal Coast, runs from the tip of the Belgian border to edge of Normandy. Along its route there are dramatic cliffs and beautiful sandy beaches, fishing villages and seaside resorts. The interior of the department is a land of lush green valleys and bucolic countryside, peppered with picturesque villages and historic towns.

Most people think of Calais with its major ferry port and Eurotunnel terminal as a landing point for a holiday somewhere else in France. Millions of visitors arrive here each year and whizz straight onto the motorways, heading south to the sun. But this northern area has a huge amount to offer for those who want to experience authentic France. If you yearn for the good life and wide open spaces. Dream of uncrowded towns, street markets, boulangeries, fromageries and cafés where you can watch the world go by. You’ll find it all in Pas de Calais. And if you want to be close to the UK for family or even for work, this part of France is commutable.

Real France on your doorstep

Maybe because Pas de Calais is so easy to get to from the UK, there’s a tendency to dismiss it as not real France. But nothing could be further from the truth. This is authentic France at its best. A short drive from the busy port town of Calais you’ll find enchanting fishing villages like Audresselles and Wimereux. There are numerous pretty hamlets – the Seven Valleys is teeming with them. There are ancient forests, historic towns and magnificent coastal towns.

The weather is similar to that of Devon or Cornwall – and great for gardeners. Pas-de-Calais is the potager of France, agriculture is one of the main industries. There are vast fields of vegetables, wheat and maize, sugar beet and chicory. The marshlands of St Omer are famous for their vegetable growing properties including more than 7 million cauliflowers a year.

Pas-de-Calais is said to be one of the friendliest places in France. The locals have an enduring passion for their heritage and long history. The land is marked by a strong connection with England which once ruled Calais, and by battles going back thousands of years. Julius Caesar launched his conquest of Britain from Boulogne-sur-Mer. One of the most famous battles of the Hundred Years War took place at Agincourt. Henry VIII met his rival, French King Francis I, on the so-called Field of the Cloth of Gold near Guines. And the scars of WWI and WWII will remain forever.

Coast to coast

The Opal Coast is dotted with charming fishing villages. Le Touquet, AKA the Monaco of the north, and Wissant beach are regularly awarded top ten beaches of France status, and you’ll discover a variety of coastal styles from golden sands to dramatic cliff tops from which you can see the White Cliffs of Dove. There are rocky outlets where you can fish for shrimp, and secret bays where seals frolic.

Boulogne-sur-Mer, a Ville d’Art et d’Histoire and the biggest port in France, is brimming with attractions. “If it (Boulogne) were but 300 miles further off… how the English would rave about it” said Charles Dickens of the town where he lived for three years. He would almost certainly recognise the old town today with cobble stoned rue de Lille, and the incredible Basilica of Notre Dame. It’s also home to Nausicaa, the French National Sea Centre, which is one of the largest aquariums in the world.

Town and Country

Arras is the capital of Pas-de-Calais. It is architecturally splendid, largely restored after WWII, with huge squares bordered by tall houses with Flemish facades. It’s home to a UNESCO listed belfry, voted favourite monument of the French in 2017 (France 2 TV). The small city is an urban oasis set in lush countryside surrounded by pretty villages with easy access to Arras’ many charms and facilities.

Less than an hour from Calais lies the Seven Valleys area filled with tiny hamlets and charming towns such as Montreuil-sur-Mer with its cobbled squares and ancient ramparts. The scenery and life of the town inspired Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables. Each year around 600 locals put on a fabulous show of the author’s famous story on the town ramparts, complete with horses, cannons and fireworks! The town styles itself a “Destination Gastronomique” thanks to the number of excellent restaurants, fabulous food and wine shops and a superb market.

Work life balance France and UK

For those who have flexible working conditions, a move to “very south Kent” as some call Pas de Calais, really could maximise both home and work opportunities. Fibre optic high speed internet is being rolled out everywhere including rural villages. There are excellent transport connections between Pas de Calais and the UK. For instance passenger train Eurostar from Lille to London takes 1 hour 22 minutes and from Calais Frethun direct to St Pancras its just 56 minutes. There are also Eurotunnel trains (car/train) service and ferries run between Dover Calais and Dunkirk.

Barrister in Boulogne-sur-Mer

When Wendy and Adam Clemens’ daughter showed them a house for sale on the internet, they were hooked. The 19th century Hotel Particulier (mansion house) in St Etienne au Mont, just outside Boulogne-sur-Mer, Pas-de-Calais, was like a dream of their ideal home. Says Wendy “it was a moment of falling madly in love”. They moved from Essex to France and Adam, a barrister commutes to London on a regular basis via Eurostar from Calais. The whole journey takes less than 2 hours. In fact, he says, his journey from Essex took longer.

Though they love their French house it is the life they have in France that is most important to them. “There’s a sense of community spirit. The neighbours have been really welcoming. And when Adam is working in London I don’t feel isolated because there’s always something to do. Our daughters Lucy and Alice who both work in London, love to visit”. Wendy says right from the beginning, they’ve felt like they belong. “On our first day, our neighbour came over with a tray of hot food and home-made bread. After we’d been unpacking all day, it meant so much”.

“We love the food here” says Adam. “There are fabulous restaurants like the Michelin starred La Matelote in Boulogne for special occasions. And within walking distance of our house there’s a charming bistro with great steak frites”.

The proximity to the beautiful beaches of the Opal Coast, the street markets and the friendliness of the people make this “a little bit of heaven” says Wendy.

Designs on the 7 Valleys

Heather and Mike White, a creative pattern maker and graphic designer live in the Seven Valleys. They purchased a neglected former school house, close to the popular market town of Hesdin. But it needed a lot of renovation. So while Mike took on the challenge, Heather continued to work in London, commuting from France.

“Apart from not being able to get a take away after a hard day’s graft, there’s nothing I miss in the UK” says Mike.

What they’ve gained from their live in France/work in London arrangement says Heather, is a lifestyle they could never have afforded in the UK. They love walking in the country with their dog, “friendly and welcoming local people, a slower pace of life”. Plus they enjoy the street markets and visiting flea markets at the weekends (there are more than 3000 a year in the region). With numerous museums and cultural venues, including the world class Louvre Museum at Lens, hundreds of festivals and events, Paris 2.5 hours away, “it is” says Heather “ideal and idyllic”.

Tim Sage, regional manager of Leggett Immobillier, who lives in the Seven Valleys, says this is an area that’s underestimated and offers terrific value. “It’s the closest French holiday destination for the UK. This makes it easy for expats to see friends and family. And also for second home owners to spend more time on holiday and less traveling. It’s known as the golden triangle for its ease of access between Paris, Belgium and the UK. Plus it has the advantage of low cost homes with average house costs at £140,000”.

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When it comes to buying a property in France, an experienced, licensed property finder with contacts all over France makes finding your dream home so much easier. Nadia Jordan of The French Property Finders service in France explains how the best personalised property search services offer a complete, start-to-finish service. From access to properties all over France including off market properties and private sales, to viewings, negotiating, and contacts for everything from a notaire to schools and even builders, artisans and the best cafés in town…

How a personalised property search service works

The internet brought a huge shake up to the way we search for property. But, many French agents are still relative newcomers to property websites. And, while photos and videos are great, they do not tell the whole story. Often property details are basic to say the least. And you may only get an indication of property locations to stop buyers going direct to sellers and cutting out the agent.

Added to this, the French property system has many peculiarities and arguably more micro-markets than anywhere else. Many properties don’t even make it onto the web as they may be sold privately And there is no central multi-listing system. This makes it hard to narrow down a search – and very time consuming.

And that’s where a personalised property search service succeeds brilliantly. Support suited to your individual requirements where property finders or search agents (known as Chasseurs Immobiliers in French) put all their knowledge and networks at your service. They find the private sellers. They scour the multiple listings and websites, they contact notaires who also sell properties but rarely advertise them.

The French Property Finders

Until recently, you would have found it difficult to find a professional search agent (a search agent works for the buyer rather than an estate agent who works for the seller) in much of France. They were scattered about France and not easy to find. The French Property Finders network brings together multiple professional search agents all working for the buyer.

French Property Finders agents offer in-depth local knowledge and have access to a huge network of contacts and property agents. With an estimated 50% of sales made privately – having a property search agent who can source those non-advertised properties really opens up the property market to you. The agents will take photos, video and provide geo-localisation details and provides a detailed report. It’s a bespoke and personalised property finding service from start to finish.

Once your dream property goals are evaluated, a personal property finder with expertise in your ideal location will search on your behalf. They will find properties that are specific to your budget, criteria, plans and timings.

Property finders are often able to find and secure off-market properties as well as those that are somewhat hidden or under-promoted. It’s sometimes hard to know whether a house has been on sale a long time and open to reduced offers. Or whether it is in an unsuitable location such as on a busy road or has problems such as structural issues. The property finder becomes your eyes and ears on the ground.

Independent, bilingual and licensed

All French Property Finders agents are bilingual, independent, licenced and insured. They will search, check and validate properties from both agents and private sellers. Your property finder will then provide you with a list that suits your requirements. They will also ensure that all properties are available (you might be surprised how long it takes for some agencies to update their websites with sold info). They will arrange viewings for you – either in person or online.

Once you have viewed the perfect house, your property finder will negotiate the deal on your behalf. And they will help you through the buying process until completion. This can include providing contacts for securing mortgages, currency exchange, notaires, legal advice and insurance brokers. They can also help with more everyday information such as the best local shops, cafés, schools, garages and artisans/builders/architects.

The French Property Finders network welcomes clients with small and large budgets, it’s not just a service for the super wealthy.

Having a property finder work for you really can help your dreams come true.

Find out more details: www.thefrenchpropertyfinders.com

Nadia Jordan runs Foothills of France property finding agency in the Occitanie region and is a licensed property finder.

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Would you buy a property in France after a couple of virtual visits?

Before the global pandemic, virtual viewings would be a rare necessity. However when Covid-19 shut down travel and prevented standard visits virtual viewing came into its own – and the trend hasn’t gone awy.

Buyers visit French properties virtually

A virtual viewing can be carried out in a variety of different ways according to the client’s needs or preferences. Facetime, Skype and Zoom are some of the most popular applications the team uses to film and transmit the footage and “walk” buyers through the property and surrounding area.

Pros and Cons of property virtual visits

For many – seeing the real property for themselves is essential and no matter how good a virtual showing, it’s just not the same. That said, for first viewings it can be a really good way to whittle down a list of viewings so that you don’t have to keep travelling back and forth. Make sure your agent takes time to show you everything and to take a film of the good and the bad. And take a “live” visit, where the agent walks from room to room showing you each aspects.

Sometimes a poor signal or internet connection can affect a live viewing. But when it all goes to plan it is the most effective virtual viewing format for serious buyers.

Detailed property viewings – over internet

Detailed viewings are typically carried out on a second or third viewing. You can assess measurements of rooms. Look  at furniture and fixing. You can even view the drive from the property to the beach or town to see how long it takes.

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You’ve found your dream home in France (see part 1 of how to live the good life in France: the search)! You’re over the moon and raring to go.

But first – you have to buy that property.

There are several stages to go through and this being France it involves copious amounts of paperwork.

Making an offer on a French property

It can help to have your finances sorted before you get to the making an offer stage. It may save time, and if there’s room for negotiation on the price, may put you in a strong position.

Some people want to apply conditions to their offer. For example if you need to get a mortgage, or you only want to go ahead with the purchase if you’re able to put in a swimming pool. Make sure your agent and notaire (public official authorised to handle matters relating to purchases, sales, exchanges, mortgages etc) are aware of your requirements.

Once your offer has been accepted, generally speaking, the property is no longer shown to prospective buyers and the Compromis de Vente is issued.

What is a Compromis de Vente?

The Compromis de Vente is the first legally binding document of two which complete your property purchase. It’s a contract of sale agreement which binds the seller and the buyer. It may be drawn up by your agent or a notaire (or a combination of the two). And in France, it’s usual for the same notaire to support both vendor and purchaser on an impartial basis. This often surprises non-French buyers, however in France it’s completely normal

The Compromis de Vente includes

• Full details of the ‘civil status’ of both purchaser and seller. It includes full names, date of birth, place of birth, marital status etc.)
• Description of the property and details of the plot including buildings. You can get details of the cadastraux, plan of boundaries and land parcels held by the Cadastre (the land registry in France). The local Mairie (town hall) holds copies and you can also get details on line at cadastre.gouv.fr/scpc/accueil.do
• Confirmation of ownership of the title deeds
• The agreed price, full estate agency fees and estimated notaire’s fees. Notaire fees vary slightly by region but are usually around 7-10% of the purchase price of the property. The notaire also collects and pays land taxes on your behalf.
• Deposit – this is usually 10%. It’s paid in advance to the notaire who holds onto it until the sale goes through.
• Circumstances in which the deposit may be forfeited, obligations of the purchaser and declarations from the vendor.
• Provisional conditions (Clauses Suspensives) to your offer (eg getting a mortgage) which can protect you from forfeiting your deposit if you are unable to complete the purchase.
• Results of the DDT (Dossier de Diagnostic Technique)
• Target completion date – this is not definitive and can be amended if buyer and seller agree.        A list of any furniture, fixtures or fittings included in the purchase.
• Details of penalties should either side fail to complete the contract.

It’s important that you understand all aspects of the compromis de Vente. If you don’t speak French, and your agent can’t translate it into English for you, you might consider paying to have it translated so you know exactly what you’re signing.

Ten Day Cooling-Off Period

The buyer has an option for a ten day “cooling off” period. At the end of it, the deposit must be paid and the Compromis de Vente returned and received. During the ten day period, the buyer can withdraw from the purchase without penalty. If you change your mind after the ten days,  you’ll pay a penalty.

The ten day period includes bank holidays and weekends. The time period starts the day after the fully signed Compromis de Vente is delivered – whether by post or email.  If you want to withdraw your offer, you must send written confirmation to the notaire before the end of the ten days.

Paying the deposit

A 10% deposit is normal in France. It needs to be transferred to the notaire’s bank account at the end of the ten-day cooling off period.

The Compromis de Vente is then signed by the vendor who is then legally bound to sell the property to you. If the vendor wishes to withdraw after this, they must pay you damages equating to 10% of the property price – and you will also have your deposit returned.

You are legally bound to purchase the property at this stage. If you wish to withdraw you will have to pay damages equating to 10% of the property price (or your 10% deposit). You may also have to pay a portion of the estate agency fee.

However, you may not be liable to pay penalties if any of the suspensive clauses listed in the Compromis de Vente aren’t fulfilled.

Acte de Vente

Usually it takes at least three months from the signing of the Compromis de Vente to get to the Acte de Vente, the final document in the buying process, and a minimum of two months.

Much of the same information listed in the Compromis de Vente is repeated in the Acte de Vente.

The balance of funds to complete the purchase of the property must be paid into the notaire’s bank account. This includes mortgage funds. You cannot pay on the day by cheque or cash.

You also need to have property insurance in place on the day of signing.

The signing of the Acte de Vente takes place at the office of the notaire who prepared it. The buyer, seller and notaire must be present at this meeting, although if any of the parties is unable to attend, a power of attorney can be granted (though not to an estate agent). You can also organise to sign the document in the presence of a solicitor in the UK, who will mandate and stamp the document which you must then scan and send to the notaire, and send the original, stamped document by recorded delivery. The notaire has the power to halt the sale if the original document is not received.

Once the Acte de Vente is signed (and if sent by recorded delivery, accepted) – you become the legal owner of your French home…

More on the Acte de Vente

The post How to live the Good Life in France | Buying a French property appeared first on The Good Life France.

If you dream of living the good life in France – you’re certainly not alone, it’s a popular dream!

Expats in France are numerous and from all around the world. Drawn by the diversity of the landscapes, the food, sunshine, wine – there’s lots to tempt.

Those who love snow and mountains head to the French Alps. Culture vultures flock to cities from north to south – Paris, Lyon, Lille, Nice and more. Fans of the countryside have so much choice everywhere, from the far north to the far south, from east to west. Lovers of the sea can certainly find their ideal spot along the 2130 miles of coastline from tiny fishing villages in the north to the sun-kissed French Riviera.

So when it comes to finding your ideal place to live in France – your first problem is usually, where?

Where to live in France?

If you’re sensible, then unlike me – I bought my very cheap, wreck of a house on a whim while on a day trip to Calais to buy wine – you’ll put some thought into what you want from living in France. Actually, it worked out really well for me, I love my part of France, the 7 Valleys in Pas de Calais, so it’s not always the wrong thing to do, but it’s probably best not to leave it to fate!

Work out what’s important to you:

Weather

If you’re after sunshine and long hot summers, then the south statistically beats the north. That said, I live in the north and it’s nowhere near as cold, wet and miserable as lots of people think!

The far south of France gets around 2,800 hours of sunshine per year whilst Pas de Calais in the far north gets around 1600 hours of sunshine (for comparison Cornwall gets 1500 hours per year).

You might be surprised to know that the south of France has almost 25% more rainfall than the north. Cannes has around 830mm rain per year while Calais has 616mm of rain per year.

The warmest places to live in France

Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur

Occitanie
Pyrénées-Orientales
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Charente-Maritime
Charente

Public transport

If you’re going to need to use public transport – make sure where you’re seeking a property can accommodate your needs. Rural locations in particular don’t always have public transport or a severely limited service. My village for instance has a weekly bus service to local towns. And taxis are hideously expensive.

Internet

If you’re intending to run a business, or being online is important to you, make sure you check the internet speed and mobile phone signal. You may be surprised to know that not everywhere has internet, many places have slower than dial-up speed and poor or no mobile phone signal. Though the French Government has plans to upgrade telecoms for the whole of France – it’s a long, slow process.

Access to airports, stations and motorways

This can be really important, especially if you’re going for a second home. You don’t want to spend all day driving for a weekend away. And if you’re wanting people to visit or buying a home to rent out – you need to make sure people can reach you easily.

Facilities

If you’re from a city, moving to rural France can be quite a shock – I know, I’ve done it. It can take a bit of getting used to but that doesn’t mean it’s bad. I don’t mind driving 10 minutes to the nearest shop and I don’t mind restricting my alcohol intake when we go out for dinner or an aperitif in the town. But I do know of people that couldn’t live without access to shops, bars, restaurants.

If you’ve got kids, you’ll need to consider schools and you’ll probably want to have more facilities for the kids – from sports to cinema etc.

If you like to have company, then moving somewhere isolated might not be for you. I live in a small village and sometimes don’t see anyone for days on end if I don’t go to the shops. I love the space, the tranquillity, the glorious countryside that surrounds me. As an ex-Londoner, I’m used to having everything on my doorstep and people everywhere. This life is very different, it took a bit of getting used to but I wouldn’t change it. But anyone thinking of moving to a ville tranquille – if you like to have people around, it needs to be considered.

Winter & summer visits

How many of us go on holiday, lulled by the sunshine and chilled rosé, look in estate agents windows and fall head over heels in love with a beautiful French home? A lot. But it can be different in the winter. Seaside towns in Brittany, vibrant with life, bathed in sun in the summer, can be very quiet outside peak months. Second homeowners depart, restaurants may close out of season and it can seem isolated. Similarly, if you visit in winter and somewhere is quiet, it might be teeming with crowds of tourists in summer months – and that doesn’t suit everyone.

Budget

House prices vary substantially from region to region, departmental, cities, towns and villages. It’s worth considering being close to your ideal if you’ve got a budget to watch. For instance, Dordogne is typically quite expensive but you might consider neighbouring Limousin and if you don’t mind a short drive, get the best of both worlds. Similarly, buying a house near the sea in Charente-Maritime is considerably more expensive than a house in neighbouring Charente.

The cheapest places to live in France

It’s unlikely to come as a surprise that Paris is expensive. The south of France is also expensive though, if you’re prepared to live inland and not on the coast and consider smaller towns and villages and not the tourist favourites, you can find properties that don’t break the bank.

You can look on the Notaires de France website for an idea of house prices. They give a good breakdown by department. For instance Nouvelle Aquitaine as a whole, is classified as moderately priced, but there are several departments within the region and prices differ considerably ( www.immobilier.notaires.fr/en/home-prices).

To renovate or not?

Sometimes a bargain isn’t quite the bargain you thought. I know of a couple who bought an old wreck for £8000 on their credit card when they fell in love with its potential. 21 years later, they are still working on it as they have done everything themselves. Their home is amazing, they have mostly loved doing it. Same for me, we’ve been working on our house for years, it’s pretty much done but we constantly find more to do! It’s cheaper to do it yourself but it takes time. And if you need to pay builders, costs can mount.

Where’s the best place  to live in France?

That’s up to you – there’s a huge choice and part of the fun is the journey – working out what you want from your new home, and then finding it. And once you’ve thought about these basics, there’s a ton more to consider – you might want room for a pool, outbuildings, rooms flooded with light. It’s not always possible to have everything you want, but at least knowing what you need and adding what you want gets you close to the dream…

Janine Marsh is the author of My Good Life in France: In Pursuit of the Rural Dream and My Four Seasons in France: A Year of the Good Life

The post How to live the good life in France | Choosing where to live appeared first on The Good Life France.

France is renowned the world over for its outstanding collection of historic buildings. Châteaux in particular are strategically scattered the length and breadth of the country. And, many are for sale as private homes and hotels.

What does Monument Historique mean?

Simple barns, Cistercian abbeys, ancient fortresses and fairy tale châteaux all have one thing in common; they have the potential for preservation and protection under France’s cultural heritage scheme known as Monument Historique (MH).

Monument Historique means building/object is of French historical importance, either nationally or locally and therefore needs to be preserved.

Buildings may be listed as Classé, for properties considered of national importance. Or Inscrit (ISMH) for properties of regional or local value. This includes smaller châteaux and country houses.

There are currently around 45,000 listed properties in France. Almost half of them are privately owned.

Properties may have just an element of Monument Historique classification. Fr instance a staircase, a fireplace, or garden balustrade etc, whilst the rest of the building is not listed.

Buying a Monument Historique

Jane Berry at Leggett Immobillier says “TV Shows Escape to the Chateau, and especially Escape to the Chateau DIY have had an astonishing effect on the château buying market in France. We see a huge surge in visitors to the Leggett website straight after each show ends. The programmes showing ordinary people buying and doing up extraordinary buildings in France. It really seems to have ignited our sense of romance and dreams… of preserving something important as well as living the good life and sometimes creating a successful business”.

Whilst property sites like Leggett Immobillier Prestige property department typically showcase properties that are at the top of the range, there are some amazing châteaux at incredible prices. The Leggett main property website also has many châteaux for sale including those in need of “doing up” and are typically at lower prices. You can buy a chateau at under £300k – more than you’d pay for a 1-bed flat in London.

“Remember though” advises Jane “although the price may be affordable, there’s the upkeep to consider. So, you need to go into this aware of the maintenance expenses, which will be ongoing”.

Can you use a Monument Historique as a business?

Many château owners feel their castles are too large for use simply as a family home. Jane is often asked if they can be used to create a business? Hotel or wedding venue perhaps?

Sandy Guyonnet, Leggett’s inhouse Notaire explains that all business activities are possible within an historic monument, as long as the requirements/conditions imposed by the Planning Office and the Architecte des Bâtiments de France (ABF) regarding the business (i.e health and safety requirements), are met.

“As the vendor of an historic monument” says Sandy, “you are free to sell the property whenever you wish,. You simply need to inform the Minister of Culture. A DPE (Diagnostic Performance Energy test) is not required for these properties. However all other current diagnostic reports are required for the sale contract.”

Are there advantages to buying a Monument Historique? For instance grants…

There are a number of advantages to buying a property that is listed as a Monument Historique:

• The organisation offers invaluable advice and assistance in the restoration and upkeep of historic properties.
• Under certain conditions these properties can be exempt from Inheritance tax.
• There are a number of grants available for improvement works (subject to certain conditions).
• Costs for various works, insurance, land taxes and certain interest charges on loans are currently deductible, at 50%, from your taxable income.
• However, they become 100% deductible if you open the building to the public for a set number of days a year. And, on the condition that the property is kept for at least 15 years by its owner (being an individual or SCI “de Famille”).

It’s a thriving market says Jane Berry, head of Leggett Immobillier’s Prestige Property Department. Both domestic and international buyers are keen to buy a slice of historic architecture while enjoying the joie de vie for which France is famous.

www.leggettprestige.com

www.frenchestateagents.com

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Dick and Angel Strawbridge of Escape to the Chateau fame share their top tips for those dreaming of buying a chateau and moving to France. But these do’s and don’t’s are good for anyone making the move to the good life in France…

Key things to consider when you move to France

Location is key: France is a big country, about three times the size of the UK. There are many remote, rural areas and while for lots of us that’s part of the appeal, but when you’re running a business like this, being close to an airport or port for transport options is seriously important.

Be realistic. Chateaux are old, it’s inevitable that they will need work, whether that’s full-blown renovation or just maintenance. And, they generally cost a lot of money to run (heating especially).

Plan ahead: It’s really important to consider how you’re going to earn an income. If your chateau is going to be run as a business, do some research and plan what you will offer guests, how it will work to suit you and your guests and, critically, how you’ll market it. This will also help you when you’re planning renovations.

Set deadlines and try as much as you can to work to a timeline. Keeping focussed will motivate you to keep going, you’re going to need that. Reaching milestones does wonders for your morale!

Join in: Don’t forget you have to live there, it’s not just about the bricks and mortar. Integrate with the locals and join in with community events as much as you can.

Be patient. The French love bureaucracy, there will be a ton of paperwork. It’s life. In France.

Key things not to do when you move to France

Don’t buy pigs and chicken straight away! It’s easy to get carried away, to want to live the good life straight away, but concentrate on the basics first, you need to make your home weatherproof etc – then you get the pigs and chickens!

Don’t rely on getting everything you need in France. Some things are cheaper in the UK, such as paint, tools and even radiators. Some things are cheaper in France or essential to buy here, electrics and plumbing for instance. Shop around!

Don’t get carried away – prioritise fundamental basics such as heating (if you have a wood fire, don’t leave ordering the wood until its cold, it may be more expensive), electricity and plumbing.

Don’t be surprised by the fact that in France long lunches are still common – even for French artisans who are working on your home! Always get a quote based on the job, rather than time.

Don’t rely totally on the expat community. By learning French, you’ll be able to communicate better and importantly, get the best person for the job you want done.

Don’t worry if you’re not an experienced builder, you can learn lots from books, YouTube and the internet. The ability to plan well is really important, start with this.

Don’t forget that much of France closes down for August holidays. You’re likely to find that there are fewer shops and services are available, and it feels like all artisans take an extended holiday then!

Read our interview with Dick and Angel

Website for Chateau-de-la-Motte Husson for details of events and news from Dick and Angel…

The post Top tips to help you with your move to France appeared first on The Good Life France.

Lots of us dream of owning our own chateau in France. Some of us take a massive leap of faith to make those dreams come true. It isn’t always easy, especially if you buy a listed property which comes with restrictions, requirements and remits galore. But owning, renovating, bringing a chateau back to life – it can be hugely rewarding, especially if you plan in advance to make sure you buy the right chateau for you.

These essential tips will help:

Location, location, location

Chateaux come in all sizes and diverse styles. You’ll find them for sales in all areas of France but always, location is important. Being in the middle of nowhere with a ton of space, surrounded by fields and forests looks great. But, think about guest transportation – can they reach you easily by car? If they want to hire a car is that available in the area. Are you close to public transport – airports, trains and autoroutes etc for days out. How far is it when you need to go shopping, access to amenities and local attractions. Not just for your guests but when they’ve gone home, you’re going to need these things too.

Do your sums

Are you looking for a chateau to move into and start living in straightaway? Or do you yearn to make your own make and seek a renovation opportunity? If the latter, it really is worth spending time to work out just how much it will cost to renovate. You might be surprised to know that sometimes it works out cheaper and certainly less stressful to buy the finished product.

Set goals and budgets you can keep to

Buying your chateau is just the start. You’ll need to consider costs for ongoing renovation, maintenance and running expenses. Heating for instance can be a huge cost in a chateau. If you need a septic tank, that’s another big expence. And if it needs a new roof, its best to know how much that might cost before you get a nasty surprise.

Have a business plan

If your chateau is going to be run as a business, do your research before you buy. Know what you want/need to earn. Plan what you will offer, how you will make it work and how you will market your business. Check out the competition in the area – do they have lots of business or are they struggling? Is there room for another chateau B&B? What will you do differentiate your chateau. Get your website up and running straight away. Take photos of progress at your chateau if you’re renovating and blog about it – we all love a chateau success story!

Prioritise the essentials

Sort out the essentials first – electricity, plumbing, heating, hot water and kitchen, they are key to a successful plan. If you’re without the basics, you’ll find it really hard to carry on.

See top tips from Dick and Angel Strawbridge of Escape to the Chateau TV fame in our free ezine The Good Life France

Discover the Chateau de Gudanes, a once neglected castle that’s like a sleeping beauty come to live

The post 5 Top tips for Chateau hunters in France appeared first on The Good Life France.

The French Riviera, AKA Cote d’Azur, has been the summer playground of choice for the rich and famous for over a century now. It has the best climate in France and some of the most stunning coastal scenery. So, it’s not suprise that this area has attracted artists and writers such as F Scott Fitzgerald and Picasso as well as celebrities like Bridget Bardot who brought glamour to the fishing village of St. Tropez.

Today Cannes is famous for its film festival. Nice is the Riviera’s buzzy metropolis. And, the Caps of Antibes and Ferrat offer many of the most expensive seaside homes in France.  Easy access to the Italian Riviera at its eastern end. The beautiful hinterland of Provence and the foothills of the Alps are other plus points. But, there are also superb international schools serving a very large cosmopolitan expat community. Not to mention golf courses, fantastic restaurants and vibrant village markets.

The legacy of its long history as a holiday destination is a slew of beautiful Belle-Epoque mansions and trophy homes. Of course many are at eye-watering prices, but the good news is that if you head back from the coast a little, it’s surprisingly affordable. You can get properties within little more than an hour from the coast from €100,000.

The key is to head up into the hills above the seaside resorts behind the traffic-clogged coastal strip for peace and authentic charm.

Head for the hills

The Arrière-Pays, the stylish hill-top towns of Vence, St-Paul-de-Vence and Grasse, the perfume capital of France have long attracted international buyers. They’re drawn to the Provençal style villas, rustic mas or pretty sky-blue shuttered village houses. However, in Vence, about an hour from the sea, it’s possible to buy a three-bedroom character house in the centre of town for less than €250,000. And, in recent years the hilltop town of Mougins, just 15 minutes from Cannes, has become popular. With high-class restaurants and its renowned international school it’s got plenty to please. And you can find great property at a reasonable price.

Villages with charm

Lorgues is a beautiful historic town famed for its market and worth a look. Even in this fashionable area you can get a two-bedroom apartment in an 18th century building right in the heart of the lovely old town at a good price.

Or how about Tourtour? A charming village in the Var, which true to its name, has ancient towers dating back to the 11th century. There is a pretty central square, welcoming cafés, restaurants and shops. Its no surprise it is classed as one of the most beautiful villages in France. For €245,000 you can get a three-bedroom villa in a private wooded estate with pool and tennis courts.

Sun and ski?

Head back behind Aix-en-Provence towards the Luberon in the heart of Provence. For greater value, look east past the Verdon area into the Alpes-Maritime national park. “For just over €100,000 you can get a small one-bedroom home that is close to ski resorts, and just over an hour from the coast,” says Sascha Jenner, local estate agent based in the popular hub of Saint-Vallierde-Thiey. For €250,000 it’s easy to find a three-bedroom house with a garden.

The ski resort of Greolières-les-Neiges is also worth a look. You’ll find timber chalets, many come with pool and stunning views in the mountains of the French Riviera. The properties are less pricey and yet, it’s only 48km to the sandy beaches of Cannes.

Off the beaten track

Last but no means least, the lovely picturesque ancient village of Cipières is also worth a look. Perched on a rocky ridge high above the Loup river valley, with views north and east across to the Montagne du Cheiron. Here you may find village properties for under €250,000.

See: www.frenchestateagents.com for expert advice and to browse a huge range of properties for sale in the Cote d’Azur and all over France.

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