Where to start

[natalie]

I apologise in advance i am new to this and have so many questions to ask! Me and my partner are now in the very early stages of moving to France we have dreamt about it for seven years and we the last year being up and down in England etc we have decided that life is too short and if we dont do it then we will regret it!
The first thing we have done is started to learn French, now we have booked two weeks off in early septemeber to go over, camp and travel the areas we would like to consider. Our plan is to find a property with land so we can ideally run a B and B and campsite.We both have different hobbies,interests and skills, My partner a qaulified ski instructor, cyclist and fisherman, me a keen horsewomen and catering skills so we intend to run a horse trkking, fishing, cycling and possible skiing in winter holidays. Are we on the right track has anybody got anymore advice. Thanks i am sure i will think of more questions.....

[Marcus]

Hi Natalie, and welcome here,


You've great plans, it's good thing having enough strength to try them.

You should find out a region that helps for such activities... Where do you planned to begin your visits ? There are many regions where we can ski, but some of them may have bad years without any snow ; so be carefull in your choices.
For instance, Vosges, Jura and Massif central have each their ski stations, but some years none can open. (Jura has often nevertheless).

I imagine you'll open your center to foreign tourists, so this site will also choose wich of them will come (for instance, in Jura, there're not plenty Englishes... in fact, there're not plenty of strangers exept Sweiss ones).

But i imagine you've planned many things, i'll imagine taking by reading your post. If i can help, i'll do it.

Have luck,
Friendly
_________________
Semper Fidelem

[Maurice]

Hello There!
Well I live in the Auvergne so I can tell you that if you are active outdoors sports enthusiasts then this region has everything you need .
Property is relatively cheap compared to the rest of France but that is going to change soon as Ryanair are coming back into Clermont Ferrand from next April!
Saying that though, we live in the Volcanic National Park and property here is more pricey than the rest of the Auvergne as it is so close to the Sancy Range for sking. (If your husband is a qualified ski instructor then there may be English Speaking Instructors required up at Superbesse.
I think there is definitely scope for activity hols in this area lots of walking/biking trails and of course riding trails.
Have a look at the Auvergne Tourism website if you're not familiar with the area.
Good Luck wherever you decide to go!

[djahna85]

I have an advice.. Have fun fun fun!!!

Just be laid-back and romantic. This is the best way you'll enjoy the country..