moving

richardm · Joined: 01 Jan 2007 Posts: 2 Location: ESSEX

hi all.my names richard and am currently living in maldon essex im 46 yrs of age and re married last september to jackie after my previous failed after 24 years.we have both our two younger sons (both 17)living with us.we are now looking at moving to france possibly the cherante region and would find any info most helpfull.i am at present working as a lgv driver but would like to change to something more sociable.how hard is it to obtain work for us brits living in france?are we accepted or just looked on as immigrants.i must admit i have driven large vehicles through france in the past on my way to italy spain and swiss and found the french in the more rural areas to be more sociable than large towns/cities.any info from english/french would be most welcome.richard.

rosemaryj · Joined: 01 Jan 2007 Posts: 2 Location: Gloucestershire

Bonne Annee

I have lived in Gimeux on the outskirts of Cognac (Charante) for almost 2 years until my marriage broke up. My husband and I started a small business selling Jacket Potatoes but there was no interest (only from a few faithful Brits we met when we moved over. (I am now living in Gloucestershire minus my Victorian Baking Oven and husband).

I have in my possession a CD f rom the Chamber of Commerce - Setting up a Business in France if you are interested. I am selling it for about £12.00 ono.

We did not speak any French but we met a young enterprising couple who helped us immensley when it came to filling in legal documents of which there are many and more so if you start your own business. I can give you the name of a contact in the Chamber of Commerce in Cognac if you are interested or if he has moved departments he will have an English speaking contact. We banked at Credit Mutuel and the they have English speaking advisers - that is most important.

Medical care - first class in and around Cognac - Public Toilets in Cognac - clean - St Jean 'd Angeley Sad

(Unprintable!)

I have a house in Dept 3 Allier for sale if you are interested - have photos etc. We left Charante because the business did not take off and the area was very, very flat and we have now moved to a cheaper area and the scenery is spectacular - near ski resorts (Clermont Ferrand).

The local drink - Pinot - Smile

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Rosemary J Ross-Marion

richardm · Joined: 01 Jan 2007 Posts: 2 Location: ESSEX

thanks for your reply.we are at present not looking to start a business and would much prefer to be employed but would need to do more research as to employment in the surrounding areas.by all means mail me some pics and details of your property as we are looking.

Maurice · Joined: 03 Jan 2007 Posts: 14 Location: South Wales

Hello There!
Just would like to introduce myself to the website as a complete 'newbie'!
I moved to the Auvergne 6 months ago with my husband and son.
I am interested in the CD you mention.
Can you tell me more about it please?
Is it in French and English?
Thanks.

Rob · Joined: 13 Feb 2006 Posts: 48

Hi Maurice and welcome. Can you find the time to post some of your experiences for those of us who want to follow in your footsteps. Your reasons, your problems, your fears, your tears and your joys.
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Remember: You don't stop laughing because you grow old, You grow old because you stop laughing!

rosemaryj · Joined: 01 Jan 2007 Posts: 2 Location: Gloucestershire

Hi

I have just read your message and I take it you are asking about the CD Setting Up a Business in France? It is in English.

My Ex Husband and I went to France to sell Jacket Potatoes from a Victorian Baking Oven (and to insure it - was nigh impossible as the French could not understand that it was an "oven on wheels!"). The French men were curious at the mechanics and the women thought it wa very strange! The business did not succeed as they had no interest in Jacket Potatoes or Pommes de Terre en robe! that was another difficult obstacle describing the dish and they would NOT try them yet we saw them sold in Auchan frozen! Still, my marriage broke up and I am not unhappy.!!

I am also trying to sell our house in the Auvergne so if you know of your friends who could be interested - pass on my email address. Our house is near Commentry and Montlucon. I also have the information of the house on CD and in English!

I hope you will be very happy in the Auvergne - I loved the area. Bonne Annee.
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Rosemary J Ross-Marion

Maurice · Joined: 03 Jan 2007 Posts: 14 Location: South Wales

We have had a holiday home in Puy de Dome for the last 3 1/2 years.
Had enough of my job as a manager in NHS and once in a position to make move financially, we went for it!
My son didn't particularly enjoy school back in Britain and we felt he was being let down!He is enjoying school now!
We have been here for 6 months and have had our ups and downs.
But, undoubtably, it has been the best decision we have ever made!
My husband works from home and I am doing research into an idea I have for raising some extra revenue, whilst looking after the home.
I would say one thing, don't underestimate the difficulties you will encounter if you don't speak the language, it can be incredibly frustrating!! Even something as simple as getting telephone sorted or sorting a doctor!
We spoke some basic french before coming and our understanding has improved but putting some extra effort into learning the language is DEFINITELY advisable.
Bonne Annee!

Maurice · Joined: 03 Jan 2007 Posts: 14 Location: South Wales

I have to admit that this is the first time that I looked at the other subjects in this forum and it will also be the last time!
Obviously this site is not being monitered regularly enough due to the truly obscene material on the other threads!
Also, I do not appreciate being told that my message has 'gone to hell' when I tried to submit it.
Not very professional is it!
Adieu.

Rob · Joined: 13 Feb 2006 Posts: 48

Hello,
We monitor this forum several times a day and are as disgusted as you are at the filth that is placed on here and other forums. I can only apologise if you have been offended by actions other than our own and assure you that we will continue to be as vigilant as possible. I am looking into the e-mail problem as that is most certainly not our reaction or did you email the perpetrators of the filth?
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Remember: You don't stop laughing because you grow old, You grow old because you stop laughing!

Maurice · Joined: 03 Jan 2007 Posts: 14 Location: South Wales

Thanks for your reply!
Perhaps I wasn't clear enough as it wasn't a email message I tried to send, simply a post on this board!
A message came through along the lines of " seems as though your message has gone to hell ".
I'm not a prude, it's just annoying, as wherever you go now there seems to be hackers and perverted people!
I do appreciate that you are monitoring the site 'though, as you were quick to answer my post!
All the best!

Rob · Joined: 13 Feb 2006 Posts: 48

Thank you for replying and not deserting us. I've no idea how you got the message about 'gone to h...' we certainly don't use it. By the way I've just deleted another batch of rubbish, it's a penalty that it seems we have to pay for having a strong site, we want to have a strong forum in order to be able to offer something back to the users of this site. We operate another one and have a large community of people who enjoy helping each other out with all manner of problems that occur for people living or wanting to live in a 'foreign' country.
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Remember: You don't stop laughing because you grow old, You grow old because you stop laughing!

Jenny · Joined: 24 Feb 2006 Posts: 150

Hi Richard, Rosemary and Maurice and a belated welcome from me - I've been visiting relatives back in the UK over Chrismtas and the New Year so not been on here for a while.

Hope you have all had a Joyeux Noel and Bonne Annee!