Had I been in the UK, the chances are that I would have been arrested – quite wrongly, I must stress – for indecent exposure, writes Peter Clayton.
But I was in fashionable Le Touquet, relieving myself in the fashionable unisex loos of a fashionable bar. Suddenly, the door swung open and in came the cleaning lady who started mopping between my feet as I stood, minding my own business, facing the urinal.
AS people become more aware of the impact their travel plans have on the environment, schemes have been introduced where you pay a small fee that goes towards a sustainable project.
But for Graeme and Graziella Swan this wasn’t quite enough, so they looked closer to home for a way to reduce the carbon footprint of their three gites in the Poitou Charentes, as well as that of visiting holidaymakers.
UNLESS you have experience in property and construction there is a good chance you are going to have to call upon the services of a builder or artisan.
Of course making sure you have chosen someone who can do the work in the first place is important, but equally so is making sure they are properly registered.
AN important thing to remember when buying a property in France is that it could be on the market with more than one estate agent.
So finding out once you’ve signed for your new home that it was up for sale for a few thousand euros less with another agent would test the resolve of anyone.
A HOUSE with a difference is set to be built in Normandy, making use of old tyres, bottles, cans and piles of rubbish.
The Earthship is to be modelled on similar properties in the US and be completely eco-friendly, using solar panels to generate its energy needs and recycling water.
FARMING in France still holds an important position in the psyche of many people, both from a cultural perspective and an economic one.
French agricultural life still plays a role in many corners of the country, but despite this many farms are still left to drift into a state of disrepair if no one can be found to take over their running following the owner’s retirement.
I RECEIVED an email recently from a single parent who is looking to head to France with two young children.
And although I sent a reply I though it would most probably be much more enlightening if I ask readers of the site for any advice, hints and tips.
GAINING an understanding of the financial arrangements of a move to France can be both a challenging, and re-assuring, thing as it helps answer a number of questions.
But one of the things that is difficult to work out is how far your income, which may be lower than you are used to, is likely to stretch.
I RECENTLY asked for your thoughts on what you should ask of estate agents, especially in light of the handsome commissions some earn from property sales.
There were some very in-depth and thoughtful replies which are well worth pointing out so you can take a look yourself.
FRANCE is a hugely popular country to visit but in many areas there can be an oversupply of gîte accommodation.
This coupled with a relatively short summer season can make it difficult for many rental property owners to sustain a viable business, writes Ross Husband of Rent a place in France.
