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Despite the fact that Brits are big buyers of property in France, they have a terrible reputation in France whilst buying a property. Why?

a) The big reason - Brits book appointments to view and then do not turn up.
b) The Brits expect to view during lunchtime (noon to 2pm). Mon dieu!
c) Wasting time!
d) Culture differences

Appointments

No doubt this is the biggest issue! Appointments are often made, and broken without any communication with the Immobilier. Potential buyers should be aware that the Immobilier has set aside a time frame to show you a property (and in many cases will have turned down other potential clients at the same time); he has organised a viewing time with the vendor - so the vendor can have set aside time to receive you! Many Immobilier will ask for a mobile number whilst you are viewing in France to ring you and confirm a viewing. Often Immobilier complain that mobiles are turned off or the British clients have not arranged international roaming and so they do not work in France!

Brits when asked about the lack of communication will often get aggressive and cannot see how inconsiderate and rude they have been! A classic excuse: “I was stuck on the motorway”. When asked “Which French Autoroute?”. Reply: “We are still on the M1 in England”. Yes - not even in France. “Not our fault we did not ring you!”. Then, of course, the good fallback - “It was too expensive to ring you on our mobile. International mobile calls are so expensive you know!”. Just how much was that property you were going to buy?

Lunchtime Viewings

Brits just do not appreciate how important le “Lunchtime” is. It is a sacrosanct 2 hours that the French enjoy - it is a passion to eat well and savour the ambience of food, wine and talk. How often do you hear “Don’t they want to sell me a property? Why won’t they arrange a viewing so that it will fit in with my viewing schedule?” Don’t forget one of the reasons you buying a property in France is too enjoy the French life style and culture.

Wasting time

Another classic - “I’m holiday in the area, can I have a butcher’s at a few houses while I am here?”. Often asked during July and August - when most French go on holiday - so Immobilier will be on skeleton staff (if not closed), and the Vendor could be on holiday too. Consequently viewings can be extremely difficult to arrange.

In many cases, the most frustrating time-waster “I have a property to sell in the UK!” Remember once you have made an offer which is accepted, you will have to sign the “Compromis de Vente”. This document commits you to buying - normally the process takes about 3 months with the Notaire. You HAVE to be in a position to buy - do not make offers if you cannot complete with 3 months (approximate time frame).

Culture Differences

We have already mentioned the Lunchtime issue! Brits have to realise that the pace of life in France is different. Everything is more laid-back. You are going to have to get used to it! This is France and what you are buying into. Yes, at times it can be frustrating. You are in France so do not expect to dictate your terms of reference on the French.

Are we really that bad?

Of course, most of the Brits are NOT representative of the above. They are all too ready to adapt to the French style of life, and enjoy their experience in France. Many Brits even become friends with their Immobilier! 

Popularity: 77% [?]

Oh no! Merde! Peter Mayle has written an Encylopedia about Provence. But as you would expect of Peter Mayle nothing is as it seems. From Little Willy to A Year in Provence, Peter has come up with another triumph. He is passionate about Provence and it shines through in his latest book.

The A-Z is just another vehicle for his anecdotes, Provence characters, and observations about an inland area adjacent to the French Mediterranean coast - you can read his book to find out the area he defines as Provence!

In his usual dry manner he intertwines fact with glorious stories from past and present. He introduces us to more delightfull eccentric characters and paints a wonderful picture of Provence. You can almost smell the variety of fragrances and aromas. One wonders if the Provence tourist board and local Immobilier have any input as the area will once again be besieged by the “Brits” trying to locate the various locations described in this book.

Some of the facts can make uncomfortable reading - so those of a nervous disposition - need to skip those sections. Did you know that Air Pollution is so bad in Provence? For example, in 2003, by August 36 days had exceeded the official limit of 240 micrograms per cubic meter!

You will be glad to hear that “Les Anglais” are more popular than the Parisians: A neighbour informs Mayle ” You are English,” he said, “which is, of course, unfortunate. But you should know that most of us prefer the English to the Parisians.” I am sure sure this neighbour has said this before!

Mayle weaves his magic with the characters he is introduces to us - during the many anecdotes - from Professors to local tradesmen - each with their oddities but you soon warm to their eccentric behaviour. Who though is Bill from the House of Lords?

Naturally food and drink is a theme running through the book - just like his earlier books - but you never tire of reading about it! You just wish you were there to experience the flavours of Provence.

It is a wondeful compilation of facts and Mayle observations about the area he loves so well. If you have enjoyed his previous Provence books, then you will certainly enjoy this book too. Each section is a short read and it is ideal companion for the little room in the house. While you ponder life, you will be able to read about those aromas of Provence. Well it is preferable to…..

Provence A-Z by Peter Mayle (Publisher: Profile Books)

Popularity: 24% [?]

Read twice……

Outside a Paris dress shop: Dresses for street walking.

In a Paris hotel elevator: Please leave your values at the front
desk.

Popularity: 12% [?]