This week on the Cote d’Azur saw the finals of the Mademoiselle Cote D’Azur.  We were on our way to Cannes when police motorbikes with sirens going stopped all the traffic  – what was unusua was that they had big smiles on their faces.  We then found out why – the procession they were leading was around 25 bikers on their Harley Davidsons, each one carrying a very pretty girl on the back – they were on their way to the Jean Marais theatre on Port Camille Rayon in Golfe Juan for the final judging – but were certainly taking the long way round through Cannes, Golfe Juan and Juan les Pins.  What a great idea, it certainly brought a smile to every passer-by as the girls waved at everyone, it was so unexpected.   The Cote d’Azur is a fun place to live at any time but with these little extras during the summer it is great.   There are fireworks every week in Cannes and also from time to time in Villefranche, Monte Carlo, Cap d’Antibes, Juan les Pins, Antibes, Golfe Juan as well as further along the cost into the Var.  There are musical evenings, often outside,  in several places which are not expensive or sometimes free.  In Juan there are always acrobatic acts, musical groups etc.   On the other hand it is easy to find tranquil locations to enjoy a meal under the stars in a pretty garden in such places as Valbonne, Auribeau, Haut de Cagnes and Biot.  What a great place to spend the summer - especially with the guaranteed sunshine.

There has been several mentions of the fact that airlines, particularly the low cost airlines, are cutting down on their flights both because of the ‘credit crunch’ and the fuel costs, particularly the low cost airlines.  However it is entirely normal at this time of year that they change their schedules for the winter months and reduce the number of flights to certain cities due to the lower demand during these months, in some cases they dont fly at all to some destinations, but I have noticed that they did exactly the same last year, without any reason other than lower demand, and without any comment from the newspapers.   We, who’s chosen destination is France are lucky as there are normally quite a few airports covering each area so that if, in the worst case, flights stop flying to a certain airport, you are sure to be able to fly to another airport from the UK that is perhaps less than an hour away.   The Languedoc is a good example, with flights into Perpignan, Carcassonne, Montpellier and Nimes and I believe Bezier is being discussed as another possible destination. Marseille is only just over an hour from Montpellier too.  With Easyjet, British Airways, Air France and Ryanair sharing these routes you are sure to be able to fly to somewhere within the vicinity.   Should the low cost airlines pull out, I am sure the national airlines will be only too happy to take over the routes. 

In Provence you have flights to Marseille, Toulon and Nice.  There are at least 25 flights to Nice from London alone each day, and many more from airports all over the UK and Ireland, so that cancelling one or two of these during the winter will not have any effect on the regular travellers and  French property owners.

Following on from my comments yesterday when the £ was at it strongest for some time, it seems that today the rates have dropped back to what they have been for several weeks.    Some of the currency companies offer you free tracking information so that you can register with them and be kept informed of the highs and lows so that you can buy at the very best time over a period of weeks.  This, as well as the fact that you can forward buy your currency to get the best rate, is well worth considering in these difficult times.  Just let us know at Latitudes if you are interested and we will put you in touch with some currency companies who offer these services.

The exchange rate over the last couple of days has risen to over 1.28 Euros to the £ which is the best rate for buying Euros with Sterling for some months.  Obviously it will depend on the amount of currency you purchase and rates change every second, but every point counts when you are buying a property in France so keep abreast of the rates by checking with us at Latitudes.  We can also put you in touch with currency experts who will keep you informed of the rates on a daily basis if you wish at no charge and will transfer currency or just exchange it at the best possible moment.   They can also provide holiday cash delivered to your home which is ideal when you are making viewing trips to find a property in France.

Just on the market through Latitudes French Property Agents this unique windmill with separate chalet providing extra accommodation in 6 acres with well. Exceptional setting with no road noise and completely unspoilt panoramic views and with views of the Pyrénnées. Built in 1833, the mill is in very good condition and has been renovated to conform exactly to the style of Gascon mills of the period. Accommodation is in 2 parts, windmill has approx 30m2 and has been restored to create a comfortable dwelling. Comprising: living room with fireplace, dining & concealed kitchen area, 1st floor: bedroom with access to the roof space. Wine cellar, storeroom. Pretty outside cabin containing a wc, it would be possible to install wc and shower inside.  Chalet comprises studio 17.5m2 with sleeping area, living/dining area, kitchen corner. Shower, wc. Garage,workshop 14.5m2. 2nd chalet 17m2 suitable to convert.  Land is composed of meadows and woods with lovely walks. Approached from a country lane via a gravel drive. Nearest shops 10 mins, 20km Agen.

We went to the open air ballet in Monte Carlo last night and it was amazing. Romeo and Juliet in the most splendid setting, and tickets at reasonable prices – 58 Euros for 2 people in the best seats. Refreshments were a little more expensive at 16 Euros for a glass of champagne but taking it all into account an excellent evening at a reasonable price – and even parking was easy and cost 8 euros – we could have had a special offer at 2 Euros – a far cry from prices in London.

Many people talk about moving away from the UK and setting up a new home in another country. More and more people are now actually making the commitment and setting up a new life outside of the UK. France is an attractive option for Brits. Still not too far away from the UK but reaping the benefits that come with a wonderful country such as France.

Where do you start ?

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