Author: Craig McGinty

  • Test your knowledge of all things France

    Speak the Culture FranceJUST how good is your knowledge of France, both covering events from the present day to looking back over the past?

    Well have a go at the questions posed by author Andrew Whittaker, who compiled the book Speak the Culture: France, to see how much you really know.

    This month’s quiz questions take in a bit of sport, the arts and cinema as well as a test of your knowledge of recent events which made the news.

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  • Bringing together Riviera women

    Anna FillDURING her time as a DJ and radio journalist Anna Fill deftly linked between music tracks and news events.

    Now Anna has brought those same skills to the online world with the creation of The Riviera Woman website, which looks to offer ways for people on the Mediterranean coast to link up, share ideas and network.

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  • Economic impact of Bergerac Airport

    Bergerac aeroportA STUDY of the economic impact of Bergerac Airport found that 95 per cent of people passing through the facilities were from the UK.

    The research by the Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie de la Dordogne (CCID), who have responsibility for the airport, also found that one in five passengers lived in the region, covering the Dordogne, Lot et Garonne, Charente and the Lot.

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  • Starting out in property search

    Downie property searchIF you are not ready to retire and instead are looking to work or start a business in France many people gravitate towards being involved with the property market.

    Whether you are a builder planning to help people improve their home, or want to sell properties and guide buyers through the process there are various options open.

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  • Warning triangle and high-vis jackets required

    Jacket triangleFROM July 1 all cars in France will be required to carry a warning triangle and high visibility jacket which must be used in the event of breakdown.

    The official Securite Routiere website says the rules have brought France in line with other European countries.

    Both the jacket and triangle have to conform to EU standards, and the jacket has to be worn by the driver when they exit the car while the triangle has to be placed at least 30 metres from the vehicle.

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  • Life as a gay couple in France

    Bluefrenchlifeblock03040A QUESTION was posted to the forum recently from one half of a gay couple who asked if they would be accepted in a France.

    Simon wrote: “As a gay couple would we have any adverse reaction? We aren’t blind or unassuming that are life style isn’t the norm but what’s the French twist on things?”

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  • Be prepared for a move to France

    Move to FranceA MOVE to France is something not to take lightly, so reading up on subjects like how to buy a property, employment prospects and improving your language skills is very important.

    Here Ros Williamson, who runs the Relocate France event, passes on her top tips on what to consider before crossing the Channel.

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  • Challenge your knowledge of France

    French quizIT is time again to see how in touch with France you are thanks to questions posed by author Andrew Whittaker, who compiled the book Speak the Culture: France.

    He has put together ten questions on things that have been in the news, as well as a few brainteasers covering French cinema and the arts.

    The list of questions are below, alongside a .pdf that you can print off and take away with you, which you could hand out at a get-together or similar event.

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  • Review of French Property – An Insider’s Guide

    French propertyDOES buying a property in France have to be difficult? Well it can definitely be made easier if you have done plenty of reading in advance and have an understanding of the processes involved.

    With this knowledge you can then ask questions of the professionals involved, be that estate agents or notaires, as well as focus on the type of property that suits your needs.

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  • Writers on France and their blogs

    Writers French blogs

    The French way of life has inspired many writers to start blogs

    Whether it be love, life or the light, France has inspired artists of every hue to attempt to capture the essence of L’Hexagone.

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