Free France wifi and other wifi resources

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

What is France wifi and how does it works?
France Wifi is a method of acessing the Internet wirelessly in France. In order to acess wifi, you have to have a router hooked up to your internet connection. If you have a built in card on your pc or mac, then the computer will automatically find the signal that is being transmitted from the router. If you don't have a built in card, most french wifi carriers sell cards or you can get a USB dongle.

How to connect to wifi?

French Breakfast: What do French people eat

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Its history begins in the XVIIIth century when the custom of drinking coffee and coffee with milk served with toast, spread into the cities. The Fre�nch term petit d�jeuner was coined at the end of the nineteenth century when the current three meals pattern was set up. �

As a whole, breakfasts are not a huge affair in France. Traditionally french breakfast is called as Le petit d�jeuner - it means the petit (small) breakfast. So breakfast ...

Popular Driving Trips in France

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

��With up to eighty million tourists a year, France is officially the world�s most visited country - and by a wide margin. The country offers an enormous number of cultural opportunities and historic attractions, combined with the high quality of life enjoyed by its citizens and by those who frequent it. It�s no wonder that France is said to be one of the most pleasurable countries to drive in, with advanced road networks and magnificent scenery. The topography of this country is highly varied: ranging from the low lying valleys of the north and west - where the straight Roman ...

Property investment

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Investing in property can be a hard job even in your own country, not to talk about abroad. Real estate business is growing each day, offering properties all over the world, helping you get the dream house, the office for your business or even the factory for your manufacturer business. Some of us only want to buy a house to live one, the one we can afford, we can maintain and manage. But not everyone is the same. More and more are thinking about investing in properties abroad. Some European countries as Italy, Britain, Spain or the magical France are sparkling ...

The Effects of Financial Crisis in France

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0000

There is a common misconception when it comes to the economic stability of every developed country. For many, they believe that developed or the so-called First World nations such as France, which is more popular because of it being a member of the European Union, are not affected by the global financial crisis. The effects of the financial crisis are very stark in the Third World and Second World countries, but in the more advanced nations, is there an economic crisis?

...

Coupe du monde de la Patisserie: the World Pastry Cup Festival

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

If you've ever had an authentic French pain au chocolat (chocolate croissant), you can appreciate the skill and craftsmanship it takes to create the world's most delicious pastries, every day! Freshness, flavor and texture are incredibly important in this art and tradition. It�s a known fact that the French are masters at the art of pastry making and therefore only fitting that the Pastry Cup is held in Lyon, France.

Celebrating its 20^th anniversary this year (2009), the World Pastry Cup, is one of the most ...

French Property Market

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

��How is the recession affecting the French Property Market?

With the current economic crisis emerging into something bigger than anyone could have expected, it is becoming evident that the recession is global, and bound to touch every nation involved in the free market economy including the French Property Market. In the UK we have seen more houses being repossessed, property prices fall considerably, and well known and long established companies go out of business. As the number of people out of work constantly rises from week to week, people are becoming wary of parting with their money or taking out loans ...

Celebrate Bastille Day in Paris

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Nothing is more thrilling than experiencing the fun and excitement of a foreign country�s national holiday. You really get to feel the uniqueness of a place by participating in its special celebrations. One of the most exciting celebrations is Bastille Day in Paris.

Every year, on July 14, France commemorates the start of the French revolution in 1789. Though it occurred more than 200 years ago, the energy that you can feel from the day�s celebration is as if the revolution occurred just a few years ago. That revolution gave the people of France power ...

Travel Options to France

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0000

�Superb cuisine, historic cities, fine wines, architectural treasures, fine sandy beaches and glorious countryside - these are just some of the almost overwhelming number of wonderful holiday attractions that France offers the visitor.

The west of France has mild wet winters and cool summers with frequent intervals of rainfall. The climate in central France is different with hotter summers and cooler winters. November can be one of the best months to visit France as there are a lot of celebrations and festivities at this time of the year.
It is relatively straightforward to find accommodation ...

Seeing the South of France by French Motorail

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Traveling to the south of France is a must for any French holiday. The only problem is that if you�re short on time, it may not be a realistic option. Driving by car can take days, and if you choose to take a train, you�ll still have to rent a car to get around the picturesque southern part of the country. One option does exist, though, where you can have the best of both worlds - a high-speed train ride and your own private car. Enter the French Motorail.

The French Motorail is basically ...

Eurotunnel - a Quick 35-Minute Journey

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Long gone are the days when travel from the U.K. to France took an inconveniently long time. With the advent of the Eurotunnel, travel is both convenient and quick, making France an easy travel destination at anytime of the year. In fact, more and more British people are making France the destination of choice for either work or leisure.

What is the Eurotunnel?
The Eurotunnel is a train service that transports both cars and their owners under the English Channel. ...

Visiting the Bordeaux Wine Region

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Whether you�re just visiting in France or happen to own a second home in the country, you shouldn�t miss a visit to the famous Bordeaux wine region in the Aquitaine. Known for over its fine wine since the 8th century (produced since the 1st century), the Bordeaux wine region is a must-see attraction for just about anyone interested in wine or the production of wine.

The Bordeaux region
The Bordeaux region is located along the Atlantic Ocean, in the southwest section of the country. This area is ideal for ...

The Alsace Wine Region in France

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0100

If you've always wanted to experience the awe-inspiring, mountainous wine regions of France, then you should consider the famous Alsace region, known around the world as one of the premier wine regions of Europe, dating back from the Middle Ages. It's easy to experience the wonder of this region, as lots of tours are available that offer full day trips to the Alsace wine region. If you prefer, you can choose to tour the region without a guided tour, as long as you have a good map and some basic knowledge of French. Most wine tours, ...

A basic guide to Moving to France

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Today over one million people a year move between EU member states, and most of them take their home contents with them. Prices for these removals can vary dramatically and service levels likewise. So how can the unwary avoid the pitfalls?

Firstly you should be aware that there is NO fixed price for a removal and the unwary can end up paying well over the odds for a service that should just not cost that much. But is there a REAL difference in the service offered by ...

Typical French Meals

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0100

French Meals

To become really familiar with French culture, you�ll need to understand what French people normally eat at mealtimes (as well as their eating habits), whether you plan to eat out at a restaurant or invite some locals to your place for a meal. Only then will you truly feel part of the landscape.

Breakfast
French people love their croissants at just about every french breakfast meal. Whether you choose the fanciest restaurant or the most inexpensive ...

Driving Safely in France

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Besides good wine, France is also known for its somewhat reckless drivers. Compared to driving in Great Britain, when you drive or hire a car in France, it can be a bit of an experience. To ensure your driving experience is as pleasant (and safe) as possible, we�ve listed some of the main French driving rules that can help you drive defensively in this most colorful country.

Drive on the right side of the road
Contrary to British driving, French drivers drive on the right side of the road. It might take ...

Tour de France: The Greatest Race Around

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Even if you�ve never visited France before or never watched a cycling competition in your life, you�ve probably still heard about the famous Tour de France. Tour de France is perhaps the most popular cycling competition in the world, which takes place on an annual basis throughout France in various topographic settings (mountainous ranges to flatlands). Every year the thrill and excitement of the race penetrates throughout France and Europe, and even to the coasts of North America and beyond.

History of the race
The first Tour de France started over ...

International Schools in France

Sat, 12 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

International Schools in France:

Aix en Provence
International Bilingual School of Provence

Bailly
Lyc�e International Montessori

Bordeaux
Bordeaux International

Caluire
Lyc�e Ombrosa

Cannes
Sophia-Antipolis

Fontainebleau

Taking out a Mortgage in France

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Buying a property in France is similar to purchasing a property in most other countries. Most buyers take out a mortgage that typically covers up to 80% of the value of the property. If you�re planning to purchase that second home in France, or even a primary residence, you can either take out a mortgage from your home country or from a French mortgage company in France. If you decide to take out a French mortgage, here are some of the basic points you should familiarize yourself with before taking out that loan.
...

Renting a Property in France

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Renting a property in France is much like renting a property anywhere else in the world, but differences do exist. As long as you�re aware of those nuances, you should be fine. The web is a great resource for researching those differences, as well local French real estate agents who can inform you of local real estate practices. To help you get started with your research, we�ve listed some of the main rental practices in the country.

Rental period
Unlike some other countries around the world, France has a minimum three- year rental ...

Types of French Properties

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Whether you�re looking to buy that one-of-a-kind holiday property in the mountains, a traditional house in the countryside, or a townhouse in the city for an investment, France has it all. With so many options available, though, it�s best to familiarize yourself with the different terminologies used to describe some of the various types of properties before you make that purchase. Listed below is a quick summary of some of the more common real estate terms in France.

Fermette
When you conjure up thoughts of ...

HIFX ADVICE FOR BUYERS FEELING JITTERY ABOUT FLUCTUATING EXCHANGE RATES

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

With the markets in turmoil, property prices in flux and Sterling falling against the Euro, but still riding high against the Dollar, anyone intending to buy property overseas would be forgiven for getting the jitters. In the last eight months a European property priced at �200,000 has become �24,677.40 more expensive to a British buyer due to fluctuating exchange rates*. Currency specialists HiFX are however urging prospective buyers not to abandon their plans but to seek advice on how they can use current exchange rates to ensure they get a great deal on a property abroad. ...

Make your Money go Further

Thu, 08 May 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Instead of waiting until you arrive at the airport, having the inconvenience of queuing plus the added cost of getting charged between 6-10% on the exchange rate, HiFX Travel Money Online will make your money go further.

Order your travel money online with HiFX and you will not only receive excellent exchange rates but your cash or travellers cheques will be delivered direct to your door free of charge* saving you both time and money. ...

A taste of the Languedoc, France

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0000

For now, Languedoc remains that rarest and most precious of places: a corner of western Europe filled with great natural beauty, superb wines and a long and fascinating history that has somehow escaped the notice of the world's tourist hordes. Property in the Languedoc too is still very affordable.

It's all the more surprising since Languedoc has an abundance of the things we love about Provence: a sun-baked Mediterranean climate, fields of sunflowers and fragrant lavender, rocky villages ...

The Next Train is Leaving the Rat Race

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0000

�The 8.16 train to London Victoria has been cancelled due to leaves on the line. We apologise for this inconvenience".

A collective groan, with British reserve, reverberated along the station platform. Another normal day in the life of the commuter trying to get into work to earn a heavily taxed crust.

I stood on the station platform and looked around me. That familiar site that had greeted my pollution-reddened eyes for the last 15 years was becoming tainted. The drab colours ...

A Gite in the Aude, Languedoc, France

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Properties in the Languedoc, over the last few years,have seen a great growth. It was always called the poor man�s Provence, but they can eat their words now. Over the last 5 years, properties in the Languedoc have increase by about 80%. Also, there has been a huge rise in these properties being turned into Gites.

Where does this interest come from? One huge pointer is the growth of airports served by the Budget airlines. ...

Good Profits on French Property

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 00:00:00 +0000

One big advantage for existing French Property Investors (from the UK) is that they are already sitting on good profits on their French property thanks to the strength of the Euro.

In the last six months the Euro has increased in value by about 10% against sterling (six months ago it stood about 1.48 euros to �1 - now about 1.33). So a property bought at 200,000 euros costing �135,000 is now worth in �sterling: �150,000. Many ...

Worried about the Exchange rate

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 00:00:00 +0000

The euro has been gaining at sterling's expense over the last few weeks - effectively making a French Property purchase more expensive for UK buyers.

However, it is worth bearing in mind that the euro interest rate is particularly attractive compared with the UK rate.

French Mortgages

For example, it is possible to fix rates at less than 5% for up to 7 years. There are many ...

Investing in Provence Properties

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 00:00:00 +0000

With the Buy to Let market in the UK showing signs of decline - where to look next? Well Provence (Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur) looks a hot prospect. Apart from the playground of the jetset - from Elton John, Tina Turner, David and Victoria Beckham, Brigitte Bardot, Ivana Trump, Bono, The Edge, James Gandolfini, Roman Polanski, Michael Jackson and many more - this has much more going for it. Weather, gastronomy, glitz, beaches, night life and beautiful villages and stunning landscapes. ...

French Property Market Prospects for 2008

Sun, 13 Jan 2008 00:00:00 +0000

With a background of economic uncertainty, it is difficult to call the property market in France for 2008.

2007 was a tough property market for most regions of France - the result was that property valuations became far more realistic, and sale prices were open to negotiation!

In the UK, many mortgage clients on fixed period discount mortgages were shocked by the new monthly payments on variable rate mortgages. Families have had to adjust their monthly spend, and may even ...

French Public Holidays

Wed, 26 Dec 2007 00:00:00 +0000

The following is a list of the Public Holidays / Bank Holidays in France:

� 1st January - New Year's Day

� Good Friday

� Easter Sunday

� Easter Monday

� Ascension Day

� Whit Sunday/Pentacost
...

French Universities: ooh la la off to University I go!

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Off to University I go .... here is our quick guide to Universities in France. They are arranged by French Region with all contact information. Just like the French education system, the universities are renowned for their high educational standards.

French Universities by Region

There are Universities and Poly-techniques in every region of France. The regions are sorted in alphabetical order:-

ALSACE

Mulhouse

UNIVERSIT� DE HAUTE-ALSACE : MULHOUSE ...

French Barns for Renovation, a Bargain or a Bomb

Tue, 23 Oct 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Converting an old derelict barn into the perfect home is one of the most interesting challenges, and is guaranteed to test the limits of perseverance. On the other hand, French barns for renovation are plentiful, the lifestyle in France is more appealing, and with proper planning will provide a home for all the family not obtainable in the UK for the same price.

Buying the right property will make the renovation go so much more smoothly. Rebuilding a barn can be a difficult and time consuming process and if it has started to deteriorate from ...

Market Days in Poitou-Charentes

Tue, 16 Oct 2007 00:00:00 +0100

The Poitou-Charentes region offers a great many market days, it almost seems as if every town, village and hamlet has it's own at some point during the week. Known as march�s publics or foires, most markets are organised in most larger towns at least once a week sometimes as often as twice a week, while smaller towns and villages are scheduled once a month.

Market days have always been popular in France, and typically involve traders setting up their stalls in long lines along one of the main streets or main square of the town. ...

Use Your British Electrical Appliances In France

Thu, 04 Oct 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Moving to France is costly enough without having to replace all of your electrical appliances. The good news is that you can use your British electrical appliances in France, in most cases without worrying about the different voltage.

Electrical Supply in France
France, like most of our continental cousins, uses 220-230v at 50Hz, which is very similar to the UK's 230-240v at 50Hz, and since most electrical items are rated at 220-240v you can be reasonably certain your British appliances will work in France. If you happen to have an older ...

Health Care in France, What to Expect

Mon, 01 Oct 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Health care in France is broadly comparable to any industrialised economy, incorporating both a public and private health care system. Funding for health is sourced from a combination of social security levies on income for all salary and wage earners, and self employed artisans, along with supplemental insurance premiums to private insurance providers. Government health policy is similar to the UK in terms of promoting healthier lifestyles, and combating major diseases.

The French Health Care System
French residents are free to choose the doctor or specialist they wish to consult according to ...

French Residential Water Connection, Supply and Usage

Fri, 28 Sep 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Moving to France may be the most exciting event in your life, and in this article we explain how to arrange your French water connection, possible problems you'll encounter with mains pressure and water quality, and how to deal with these, and finally, when to expect water restrictions.

Local Water Supply
The water rights in France are owned by local communes, and most is outsource to private corporations that maintain the water networks, provide billing, and develop infrastructure in consultation with the commune. Water ...

A Country Drive Through Poitou-Charentes

Wed, 26 Sep 2007 00:00:00 +0100

The Poitou-Charentes region is generally considered one of the quieter less developed regions of France, and for good reason, the region has one of the lowest population densities in France.

With the exception of Poitiers and La Rochelle, no town has a population greater then 50,000, making for a distinctly peaceful lifestyle. In point of fact, Poitiers and La Rochelle are hardly large cities, a small London Borough having a greater population.

A drive into the country isn't to be feared, it won't take more than a few minutes until fields of sunflowers or the ...

Family Friendly Hotels in Auvergne

Tue, 25 Sep 2007 00:00:00 +0100

When traveling in the Auvergne region of France there are many different sites to see and cities to visit. Some of these must see places are a bit out of the way, so hotels will be more like inns or old mansions transformed into hotels in these areas. This lends a special air to the stay because there is history involved and all the old hotels have a story to tell. Families visiting this area can find quite a few different hotels that are great, even for young kids. They may not have all the ...

Sightseeing in Aquitaine

Fri, 21 Sep 2007 00:00:00 +0100

The Atlantic Coast of France is beautiful and worth a visit, although it does not get as much attention as France's Mediterranean coast. Nevertheless, the beaches are long and sandy and the sun beats down just as strong as on the Mediterranean. However, there are more things to take advantage of in the Aquitaine region than just the beautiful beaches.

One city that is a must visit in the Aquitaine region is Bordeaux. In fact, it is quickly becoming one of the country's most popular destinations and this is because it has been made over completely and is ...

Bargain Properties in France

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Autumn tends to be an active time for foreign buyers in France. The holidaymakers are returning home and serious buyers are returning to the market.

But after years of rising prices, finding bargains is harder than ever.

Average Price rises: Last year 15%, Over five years 73%

So it is growing more difficult to find bargain properties - we recommend the following areas Champagne-Ardennes, Poitou-Charente, Pyrenees-Atlantiques, Limousin.

Typically the Brits are spending 150K to 250K euros on a French property. In the above areas your budget ...

Good News Bad News on French Property

Mon, 03 Sep 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Do you want to hear the good news first or the bad news?

Good News - President Sarkozy has introduced some new measures. So the good news - three significant changes. On IHT (Inheritance Tax): There is an exemption for husband and wife, and the exemption has increased to 150,000 euros for each child.

French Wealth Tax

On the dreaded Wealth Tax, there have been significant changes. First you are assessed on 70% of the value of your assets, and the starting asset value has increased to 760,000 euros. So no wealth tax would be due on properties up to 1 million euros. ...

Dordogne - Brits Happy Hunting Ground

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 00:00:00 +0100

The Dordogne in the Aquitaine region of France remains one of the most popular areas of France for British holiday-makers, and buyers of holiday homes!

The good news is that property prices have been dropping over the last few months. There are some good bargains around. As always be prepared to negotiate - try a reasonable offer and you may be surprised.

The Dordogne has good access from the UK with cheap flights to Bergerac, and the international airport at Bordeaux.

1st for French Property has a large selection of Dordogne Properties ...

Roll up for the Apple Fair at Normandy