tag:www.my-french-house.com,2012:/blog//1 2012-01-31T14:47:43Z Welcome to the my-french-house.com blog, featuring the latest news, hot properties, investor's tips, finance related news and not forgetting the weather! Movable Type 3.32 tag:www.my-french-house.com,2012:/blog//1.291 2012-01-31T14:43:55Z 2012-01-31T14:47:43Z

Low cost airline Ryanair will launch a new budget service between Leeds-Bradford and Brittany in March making it easier for holidaymakers and property owners to enjoy this part of France more regularly. The twice weekly flights to Dinard start on...

Our properties for sale in the Dinard area of Brittany Our properties for sale in Lower Normandy and Mayenne ]]> tag:www.my-french-house.com,2012:/blog//1.290 2012-01-20T01:28:28Z 2012-01-20T01:31:33Z

Rugby Union RBS Six Nations fixtures 2012 Saturday, 4 February 2012 France v Italy, 14:30 Scotland v England, 17:00 Sunday, 5 February 2012 Ireland v Wales, 15:00 Saturday, 11 February 2012 France v Ireland, 20:00 Italy v England, 16:00 Sunday,...

Saturday, 4 February 2012 France v Italy, 14:30 Scotland v England, 17:00 Sunday, 5 February 2012 Ireland v Wales, 15:00 Saturday, 11 February 2012 France v Ireland, 20:00 Italy v England, 16:00 Sunday, 12 February 2012 Wales v Scotland, 15:00 Saturday, 25 February 2012 England v Wales, 16:00 Ireland v Italy, 13:30 Sunday, 26 February 2012 Scotland v France, 15:00 Saturday, 10 March 2012 Ireland v Scotland, 17:00 Wales v Italy, 14:30 Sunday, 11 March 2012 France v England, 15:00 Saturday, 17 March 2012 England v Ireland, 17:00 Italy v Scotland, 12:30 Wales v France, 14:45 Allez les Bleus! ]]> tag:www.my-french-house.com,2011:/blog//1.289 2011-12-22T23:34:30Z 2012-01-10T22:17:20Z

When the mercury dips our thoughts invariably turn to the slopes and the opportunity to indulge our cravings for some French Alps-based winter skiing. As usual, the first choice destination for ski mad Brits will be Chamonix which offers the...

Chamonix which offers the perfect blend of skiing, climbing, shopping and gastronomy. Dominated by its majestic 15,700 peak, the town’s first establishment offering a room for the night accompanied by a warm hearty meal opened in 1770 but it was Napoleon really opened the town up to mainstream appeal by sanctioning the building of safe rail and road access and the town’s popularity grew even more the appeal of the town its name was cemented in folklore by the with the arrival of the inaugural winter Olympic games in 1924 Loved not only by skiers but also travellers, climbers, artists and writers Chamonix is centred around five major ski areas namely Le Brévent, La Flégère, Grands Montets, Le Tour/Balme and Les Houches But there is plenty to do in the resort other than ski and visitors must ensure the take a ride on the awe inspiring Aiguille du Midi cablecar which takes you effortlessly over 9,000 feet in under 20 minutes. Paragliding is also an option for those possessing a string stomach or for something a little more sedate catch the Montenvers train from Chamonix to the Mer de Glace glacier. A mecca for romantic weddings the town even hosts its own annual marathon and is without doubt one of the most famous skiing destinations in the world – but by no means the only one in France...and even has its own marathon Anybody seeking to avoid the hustle and bustle of Chamonix may prefer a visit to the village of Megeve which is fast earning a reputation as an excellent location for all snow sports. Similar to its better known neighbour Chamonix, Megeve also has four main areas of skiing, Mont d'Arbois, Côte 2000, Rochebrune and the quiet district of Jaillet. Offering facilities for skiers of all abilities, the slopes of Megeve are well served by a regular, free shuttle bus. Rookies and families are also well catered for as the village is home to the Waidzai Snow Park which extends a warm welcome to skiers and snowboarders with Megeve also offering a superb indoor swimming pool, a climbing wall, two ice rinks and an impressive indoor tennis facility. After dark Megeve takes on an altogether different complexion as the sophisticated town relaxes and caters for its rather upmarket clientele as expensive restaurants and the local casino proving an irresistible urge for many. For something truely magical, Annecy, approximately one hours drive from Geneva has recently begun to market itself as an all year destination thereby stealing the edge on some of its neighbours who are only able to market themselves as ski destinations. Situated at the head of a stunning lake Annecy does not have any skiing areas of its own, but its attraction lies in its proximity to a number of areas where first class skiing is available including Le Grand Bornand, Saint Jean de Sixt and Megeve But that isn’t to say you’ll be regretting basing yourself here as you wander around the banks of the numerous canals which lend the town a certain Venetian feel. The town has a richly-deserved reputation for attracting sportsman and women of all abilities and it is easy to understand why with a host of activities on offer aimed at participants of all ages including cycling, rowing, climbing trekking and of course, skiing and snowboarding. Swimming is permissible in the Lac d'Annecy which is claimed to be Europe’s purest lake and whatever you do, make time to visit ‘Lovers Bridge’ but be sure to read up on the traditions associated with it beforehand! ]]> tag:www.my-french-house.com,2011:/blog//1.286 2011-10-28T22:50:24Z 2011-10-28T23:00:26Z

HOUSE-HUNTING in France just became a whole lot easier thanks to the decision of Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary to begin operating a number of new routes to the country direct from Manchester. The first flight from Manchester to Biarritz is scheduled...

Biarritz is scheduled to depart on March 25 2012, a day later the airline introduces its new service to Beziers while on March 27 flights begin to operate to Tours. Adding these three new routes to the already existing, popular destinations of Bergerac, Beziers, Bordeaux, Brest, Carcassonne, La Rochelle, Limoges, Nantes, Nice, Perpignan, Poitiers and Toulon proves beyond doubt Ryanair are the premier supplier of flights to destinations throughout France. And Ryanair’s latest three routes will prove invaluable to anybody looking to purchase a property in France with My-French-House offering a comprehensive range of village houses, country houses and villas for sale in all regions. Biarritz has long held a richly-deserved reputation for glamour, rich in chic and heritage but also remains a favourite among the world’s surfing community with the Atlantic Ocean regularly supplying some of the best surf in Europe. And now you can fly there from the North West and find yourself unlocking the front door of your new property in less than two and a half hours. We offer a wide selection of property in this area, our database is updated daily and we remain confident you will find the property of your dreams with us. My-French-House.com also has numerous properties for sale in the Beziers area, many in the countryside and traditional villages among the vineyards between the Mediterranean coast and the spectacular Languedoc National Park. This area is also the sunniest in France with approximately 300 days of sun per year but more importantly it lacks the strong winds prevalent in many other parts of the Languedoc. Within a 13 miles radius you can find beaches, the Upper Languedoc National Park with mountains, cliffs, waterfalls, rivers, a lake, registered historic villages, traditional markets, vineyards, rivers (for swimming and kayaking,) astounding scenery and the spectacular Lake du Salagou for swimming and watersports. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for a property in the central region of France, then Ryanair’s new route to Tours is the one for you. Famous for its wine production, Tours is the largest city in the region and an ideal base for second-home owners who wish to remain in easy commuting distance of the UK. Further details and up to the minute information of all Ryanair routes. All our French properties for sale.]]> tag:www.my-french-house.com,2011:/blog//1.288 2011-10-22T23:35:57Z 2011-10-28T23:39:18Z

Know your AOC from your VDT - The French wine classification system Mention France and people automatically think of wine. This is a country with the highest per capita wine consumption rates of any other and landscapes characterised by vineyards...

Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée, or AOC - An AOC classification acts as a consumer guarantee that a wine is of a particular quality and, generally, of a particular style. It also states that the wine has been made in a designated area, in accordance with local wine production laws and regulations. On the bottle label, the place-name of the wine is mentioned between the two words e.g. Appellation Bordeaux Contrôlée. Grand Cru and Premier Cru wines fall under AOC-level appellations and imply a further step up in terms of quality. Grand Cru is the highest-possible classification for a French wine. It is used in two distinct ways, relating either to the winery itself (as in the 1855 Classification of Medoc and Graves) or the land from which the wine comes (as in Burgundy's Cote d'Or district). Premier Cru is also used in two ways: to denote the highest tier within an existing Grand Cru classification (such as the Premier Grand Cru Classes of Medoc and Saint-Emilion) and to denote land of superior quality, but which falls short of Grand Cru status. Vin Délimité de Qualité Supérieure, or VDQS - VDQS is a small category of wine, translated as “demarcated wine of superior quality”. A stepping stone for appellations seeking promotion to AOC/AOP status, VDQS titles represent less than 1% of France's total wine production and because they change so often, it is rare to see VDQS on a wine label. The category has been removed from France's wine quality hierarchy, as of the 2011 vintage. Vin de pays, or VDP - VDP, meaning “country wine”, was introduced as a category in the 1970s and represents wines intended for the domestic market. The production zone of a Vin de pays region is much larger than that of an AOC and makes up 25% of French wine production. Winemakers must use specific grape varieties suggested by a "Conseil Interprofessionnel" (joint committee of professionals) but regulations are less restrictive than for AOC wines (VDP wines can list on the label the grape varieties used while AOC wines cannot). A VDP bottle label will always be followed a place-name e.g. Vin de Pays Languedoc Roussillon. Vin de table, or VDT - VDT is the lowest category for French wine. Meaning “table wine”, it carries no geographic indication other than “France”. The least regulated of all the quality levels, VDT wines labels have no official statement about vintage or grape varieties. Since the development of the VDP wine, very little wine is now sold under the VDT title. Learn more about French wines ]]> tag:www.my-french-house.com,2011:/blog//1.287 2011-10-18T23:04:20Z 2011-10-28T23:10:39Z

HAD enough of budget cuts, inflation and miserable weather? Fancy upping sticks and starting a new life in France? Well perhaps now is the time to turn that dream into reality and bid farewell to the UK once and for...

France is situated in the very heart of Europe offering the opportunity to travel to other countries in any direction whilst not discounting the opportunity of getting to know your new country of residence even better. With the credit crunch showing no immediate signs of ending you may be surprised to learn your housing budget stretches further in France than in the UK. Property in certain parts of the country is affordable to only the very wealthy but there are numerous bargains to be discovered at a fraction of the comparable UK price elsewhere. Perhaps somewhat surprisingly many people choose to make the move away from the UK without any knowledge of the French language and much to their dismay find life somewhat difficult as a result. If you don’t already have a good grasp of the French language perhaps now would be an ideal time to correct that flaw – your life will be far richer for it! See our selection of property for sale in France.]]> tag:www.my-french-house.com,2011:/blog//1.283 2011-10-01T21:41:58Z 2011-10-01T21:45:17Z

When it comes to choosing a second home abroad it seems France is Number One with the British. French newspaper Le Monde reported recently that France’s stable property market was one of the biggest attractions for UK buyers, particularly in...

French Properties for Sale Country Homes for sale Luxury Villas and Homes in France ]]> tag:www.my-french-house.com,2011:/blog//1.284 2011-09-28T21:46:40Z 2011-10-01T21:49:16Z

France is officially one of the best places to live in Europe according to new research. The country topped the table in a recent study by uSwitch which put the UK in bottom place. Factors including working hours, VAT, holidays,...

See all our properties for sale in France]]> tag:www.my-french-house.com,2011:/blog//1.285 2011-09-19T21:56:54Z 2011-10-01T22:03:39Z

IF you’re looking to make the most of your hard earned money, whatever you do when shopping for cheap currency exchange or car insurance in France, please don't deal with your bank. Instead follow our advice in order to eradicate...

cheap currency exchange or car insurance in France, please don't deal with your bank. Instead follow our advice in order to eradicate expensive errors which will cost you money while at the same time increasing the already inflated profit margins of others. For commission free foreign currency exchange we recommend you use our euro currency exchange partners who richly deserve their reputation as a market leader in the world of currency trading. Whether you wish to convert sterling to Euros, US dollars, Swiss Francs either as a one off transaction or on an ongoing monthly basis, our currency brokers will provide a one to one service enabling you to obtain the most competitive foreign exchange rates now and in the future. Thanks to their many years experience in the ever-changing and often turbulent 24 hour foreign and European currency market, they are able to provide an accurate control of the margin at which you purchase your currency and as a result are able to offer a more competitive euro exchange rate than high street banks and other financial institutions. How do I change my sterling into Euros? It’s easy - first you’ll need to open a free, no obligation, trading account using the form provided here. Once your account has been approved your dedicated adviser will contact you to discuss your fx exchange requirements. Once you’re satisfied, the next step would be to enter into a verbally binding agreement to secure your currency at an agreed level. Confirmation then follows in the form of a contract which is sent via registered post, fax or email. Once the order has been agreed there is a two-day settlement period and as soon as funds are received, cleared and ready for transmission they will be sent to your onward destination. How do we exchange funds? Depending on the urgency of your transaction, you can either transfer your currency via Chaps/Swift or send a cheque. If you use Chaps/Swift we can supply your currency within the two day settlement period. If you decide to send us a cheque then your currency will be paid out on the sixth working day following receipt of the cheque and dispatched via priority telegraphic transfer directly into the bank account of your choice. Convert your Pounds Sterling, US dollars or swiss Francs to Euros. ]]> tag:www.my-french-house.com,2011:/blog//1.282 2011-09-06T23:39:39Z 2011-09-07T16:50:49Z

Situated between Toulouse and Carcassonne, Castelnaudary has excellent transport links including good motorway access, mainline train station, 45 mins from Toulouse airport, 30 mins from Carcassonne airport. The area is famous for the delicious hearty bean stew called 'cassoulet' &...

cassoulet' & the fête du cassoulet takes place at the end of August each year. The town boasts the largest bassin on the Canal du Midi (a unesco world heritage site which was the vision of engineer Paul Riquet, much revered in this part of the world) - Rick Stein passed through the town during the filming of his enchanting tv series on a barge from the Atlantic to the Med. He visited the foreign legion barracks - the foreign legion has a large presence in the town - wonderful to see them in their full dress uniform. Rick Stein also visited Revel a lovely town half an hour north of Castelnaudary famous for it's saturday market-not to be missed! To the west of Carcassonne the scenery is very beautiful including views of the Pyrenees, as well as the beautiful crops of sunflowers, wheat & maize blowing gently in the wind- an ever changing landscape with he most beautiful colours. Castelnaudary is situated about an hour from the coast (Med.), 1.5hrs from skiing, 30mins from the beautiful medieval town of Mirepoix and 30mins from Limoux which boasts the longest running carnival in the world! Properties for sale in the Carcassonne and Castelnaudary areas. Properties for sale in the Tarn (north of Toulouse) ]]> tag:www.my-french-house.com,2011:/blog//1.280 2011-08-26T00:11:04Z 2011-08-26T00:14:47Z

Dreaming of swapping the rat race to live like French nobility but concerned about the financial implications? Well don’t be, because for little more than the price of an upmarket UK semi, you could quite easily get your hands on...

many chateaux are now in need of considerate new owners seeking a unique way of life. But an investment on such a grand scale should not be taken lightly, rather accompanied by thorough research including location which will have a huge impact on the price of your investment. Limousin offers perhaps some of the best chateau bargains while somewhat unsurprisingly, anybody looking to purchase along the Cote d’Azur will discover their budget does not offer the same possibilities. And our notes of caution are not limited to your budget. As the dreams of becoming a chateau owner become increasingly popular, expect fierce competition for your dream property from not only fellow Britons, but also those residing on the European mainland along with those from further afield, including a growing number of Americans. For those with the time, and more importantly capital, there exist many chateau on offer providing a long-term restoration project. Many are little more than ruins although others remain available in slightly better condition but nevertheless will still demand a serious reconstruction budget. As a means of assisting with the repayments on your atmospheric and charming investment, many chateaus provide the opportunity to part convert them into five-star bed and breakfast accommodation, restaurants, wedding venues or a base for outdoor pursuits including all things equestrian, fishing, cycling - or why not consider a golf driving range? With prices ranging from as little as 500,000 Euros right up to the grandest residence currently priced at over 2m, there really is something to suit every budget for those in pursuit of their French dream home. Please remember the golden rule of research, research, research, not only your desired location but more importantly, exactly how much of your budget you are prepared to set aside for any planned renovations or improvements. Never allow yourself to be blinded by romance, you will encounter the odd stress filled moment and will also be hit with an unexpected expense at some stage, it’s inevitable, but almost never terminal. Weigh up the differences between a property requiring a great deal of work and capital and one which would enable you to move in without too many alterations bar a fresh coat of paint. It is also worth remembering not all investment properties are worth the stress and long-term financial drain they will inevitably demand. Allowing My-French-House.com to assist in your search for that perfect chateau would be an advisable step on one of the greatest and most rewarding journeys of your life. We have over 25 years experience within the French property market and are available to assist you every step of the way with our guarantee of trust, care and courtesy. ]]> tag:www.my-french-house.com,2011:/blog//1.281 2011-08-24T00:16:24Z 2011-08-26T00:18:50Z

The claustrophobic crowds have long departed, the air is lighter, the colours yet more vibrant than the height of summer – clever travellers have always acknowledged September as perfect time of year to undertake a house hunting expedition in France....

See all our French properties for sale ]]> tag:www.my-french-house.com,2011:/blog//1.279 2011-08-22T17:43:39Z 2011-08-22T17:47:38Z

A Recent reference to the French police’s increased activities to catch errant motorists brought a request by email from Fred Wyatt for more information on the law and how it was being applied. He wrote: “I for one am concerned...

Fréderic Mandy, published in YP from 20th august. Insurance in France French Car Insurance quote Left Hand Drive (LHD) car search ]]> tag:www.my-french-house.com,2011:/blog//1.278 2011-07-05T15:28:55Z 2011-07-05T15:31:59Z

My-French-House.com has launched a new range of properties in South West France, which is fast becoming one of the country’s up and coming destinations for investors. The area has always been a favourite with holidaymakers but affordable property prices and...

new range of properties in South West France, which is fast becoming one of the country’s up and coming destinations for investors. The area has always been a favourite with holidaymakers but affordable property prices and low cost air travel to the region have boosted its appeal to second home owners. This part of France enjoys an average of 2,000 hours of sunshine a year and is within easy reach of the Atlantic surfing beaches of Biarritz and Saint Jean de Luz as well as the picturesque mountain scenery of the Pyrenees. For those who enjoy shopping, the cosmopolitan resort of Biarritz and the sophisticated streets of Saint Jean de Luz with their designer boutiques make this an ideal location. There are regular low cost flights from most UK regional airports to Bordeaux, Biarritz, Toulouse and Carcassonne making the Aquitaine and Pyrenees Atalntique regions both attractive and accessible. Property prices are very affordable and most are within a short drive of the beach or the mountains. It’s also the perfect place for wine lovers and foodies who will enjoy the plentiful supplies of seafood and fine wines such as Médoc, Pomerol, Saint-Emilion and Sauternes. Wine, cheese and garlic festivals take place throughout the year and there are regular open air markets selling local produce. This is the perfect place for sports enthusiasts who can choose from the world-class surfing conditions of Biarritz, canoeing, rafting and kayaking in the Pyrenees and some of the most spectacular ski runs in Europe. Some of the summits rise above 3,000 metres and include the famous Pic du Midi and Pic du Montcalm. Properties here make perfect second homes for active families and command good rental incomes throughout the year. Take a look at our latest range of properties in South West France and find out how much your money can buy in this beautiful region. ]]> tag:www.my-french-house.com,2011:/blog//1.277 2011-06-29T18:15:59Z 2011-06-29T18:18:46Z

WHEN Maurice Garin took the plaudits of over 20,000 passionate cycling enthusiasts inside the Parc des Princes Velodrome in 1903 to be crowned the inaugural winner of the Tour de France, little did he know his victory was heralding the...

WHEN Maurice Garin took the plaudits of over 20,000 passionate cycling enthusiasts inside the Parc des Princes Velodrome in 1903 to be crowned the inaugural winner of the Tour de France, little did he know his victory was heralding the arrival of one of the world’s greatest sporting occasions. Having been set an almost impossible task of covering 2,428 kilometres in only six stages, of the 77 riders who optimistically signed up alongside Garin, only 19 followed him into Paris. Even longer, this year’s Tour gets underway on Saturday (July 2nd) before reaching its climax in Paris on July 24th. Consisting of 21 stages, the race covers an astonishing 3,430.5km and sweeps into 15 new stage towns including Cap Fréhel, Pinerolo (Italy) with the iconic le Galiber climbed twice. And after several years of at times somewhat unsavoury headlines, this year’s event promises to be one of the most keenly fought and eagerly awaited in years, a race to restore the pride - and more importantly honour and reputation – of the Tour de Farnce. “The route of the 2011 Tour has been determined with two objectives in mind, to set the pace from the beginning and maintain suspense right up until the end,” said Tour director, Christian Prudhomme. “The third week will be crucial; it will honour the giant, the Galibier, which was climbed for the first time 100 years ago. Its summit will initially be reached after a long Franco-Italian expedition which includes the ascent of the Agnel and the Izoard, making it the highest finish in the Tour’s history at an altitude of 2,645m. “Then it will be crossed for the second time during a short and exciting stage punctuated by the 21 mythical bends of l’Alpe d’Huez, which has never been climbed so late on in the race, just two days before the Paris finish. “Nevertheless, the odds for the Yellow Jersey may still be open the following day in Grenoble, in a final time-trial which will hopefully be as decisive as in recent years.” So will this year’s winner emerge from deep within the peloton and surprise us all to join the list of some of the most famous – and it has to be said, infamous - sporting icons on the planet, a list which includes Djamolidine Abdoujaparov, Jacques Anquetil, Lance Armstrong, Mario Cipollini, Fausto Coppi, Laurent Fignon, Bernard Hinault, Miguel Indurain, Greg Lemond, Eddy Merckx, Marco Pantani, Jan Ulrich and Eric Zabel – or has the time finally come for Sky Procycling’s Bradley Wiggins to finally fulfil his potential and claim the biggest prize in cycling? Only time will tell... Selected odds to win the 2011 Tour de France: Alberto Contador, 7/10 Bradley Wiggins, 25/1 Samuel Sanchez, 33/1 Frank Schleck, 50/1 (Odds courtesy of Bet365.com) FACT FILE 123,900 - Average number of calories burned per rider during the Tour. 34 - Most stages won by a single rider. (Eddy Merckx) 28mins 27s - Biggest winning margin. (Fausto Coppi over Stan Ockers, 1952) 8s - Shortest winning margin. (Greg LeMond over Laurent Fignon 1989) 8 - Most stages won on single Tour. (1930, Charles Pelissier, 1970/1974, Eddy Merckx, 1976, Freddy Maertens,) Lance Armstrong is the only rider to date to have won the Tour seven times. Domestiques is the name given to the team helpers (sometimes referred to as the SERVANTS). Green Jersey is worn by the leading SPRINTER. Peloton is the name given to the PACK (or herd) of cyclists. Red-Polka Dotted Jersey is worn by the best CLIMBER, always referred to as the King of the Mountains. White Jersey introduced in 1975, worn by the BEST YOUNG RIDER (under 25). Yellow Jersey is worn by the rider with the fastest COMBINED times.