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Is France the Ultimate Retirement Destination?

France: Retirement Destination

Almost one million former British residents now receive their British State Pension abroad, with Spain heading up the list of relocation hotspots and France taking the second slot. Those who chose the latter, though, would argue that France is undoubtedly the ultimate retirement destination for a wide variety of reasons.

Firstly, it’s close to the UK! With a wide variety of flights to France leaving UK airports every day (plus solid rail and ferry links) it’s no problem for friends and family from back home to visit or vice versa. Once in mainland France, the internal air, road and rail infrastructures are also excellent, making it easy to get around.

France: Retirement Atractions

France is over twice the size of the UK but its population is only a little larger than our own, meaning that many rural areas in France are fairly isolated and many properties are still attractively priced. Property ownership rules and laws are also stronger and more transparent in France than some other European countries.

France is, of course, famed for its style, cuisine and culture and this remains true wherever you go in France. While millions of tourists take flights to Paris each year, the majority of visitors to France’s capital city never get to see anything else of the country – and there’s a lot else to see: some of the best skiing resorts in Europe; the lush countryside of the Bordeaux region; the spectacular scenery of the Alps; the sun-drenched Mediterranean beaches of Marseille, Cannes and Nice in the South. Obviously, France’s climate varies depending on the part of the country you choose to settle in but most people from the UK should be able to find a region of France which delivers the climate they prefer.

Obviously, though, relocating yourself to a new country in your golden years is a big decision to take and there are a few issues that you should consider and research carefully before taking the plunge.

If you don’t already speak the French language, get yourself booked into some classes soon. Speaking French is essential as you’ll quickly antagonise the locals if you don’t at least make an attempt to speak something other than English. As foreign languages go, basic French is not as difficult as you may remember from your school days, so don’t be too daunted to try.

Another thing to consider is that an isolated French location may be the perfect spot for a relaxing two-week holiday but it can quickly turn into a real bore once you decide to live there. Do your research in advance to make sure that the area you choose to settle has enough going on to keep you interested and active.

Finally, please ensure before you move that you are fully aware of how your pension or any other income (and the tax you pay on it) will be affected by your move. Unless you speak fluent French, it’s best to try to deal with any administrative tasks while still in the UK. Likewise, research the situation relating to your estate and any inheritance you plan to pass on to your loved ones and how French legislation may affect this.

Retirement Alternatives: One of the most popular alternatives is Florida – perhaps Miami, Orlando or the Keys. Great weather, and lots to do. Big Discounts on Cheap Flights to Orlando with OneTravel,Book Today!

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Gites de France

About Gites de France

In France,  Gîtes de France has a team of over 600 people to work with property owners and holiday-makers across the 95 departmental offices. Gites de France has just celebrated its 50th birthday. Gites de France’s objectives:

• promote comfortable, friendly holiday stays
• meet the special needs of holidaymakers seeking authentic, convivial holidays in natural settings, peace and quiet, novelty and wide open spaces
• help to preserve and promote the French countryside and its special cultural heritage
• participate in local development and bring stability to the rural population by providing additional resources through tourism.

Gîte classes:  A number of classes of gîte are defined and graded by Gîtes de France.

Gîte Rural
Offers self-catering accommodation located in the countryside, by the sea, or in the mountains. The gîte is completely self contained with one or more bedrooms, a lounge or dining room, a kitchen and bathroom facilities.

Gîtes d’Enfants
Holidays for children. During the school holidays host families provide lodging for children of various ages with a wide variety of activities. Children’s gîtes are regulated and inspected to ensure a safe and secure environment for each child.

Gîtes d’Etape
Stopover and holiday getaways off the beaten track for groups of walkers or cyclists. The English equivalent is most probably a youth hostel.

“Gîte Equestre”
A staging post for people or groups travelling across France on horseback; or gîte offering stabling for horses.

Chalets-Loisirs
A complex of wooden cottages set in the countryside providing various activities, such as, fishing, horse-riding, archery, cycling.

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Tips for Relocating to France

Located in Europe and a member of the European Union, France is also referred to as the French Republic. Known for its many famous landmarks, structures, and monuments, France holds Versailles, Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre within its boundaries. France is the most popular tourist country in the world, with Spain and the United States following closely behind. Most people are moving to France because of lifestyle changes and either business or personal relationships. If you are moving check your insurance cover. French is the national language, so anyone moving to France needs to brush up on their basic French so they can communicate with the local people.

Before you book your tickets to France. These regional guides will help you explore France. Check out a selection of tourist video guides – two videos that travel around France to give you a flavour of North, East, South, West and Central France. In addition, individual videos for each region. Research each region of France before you travel ….

The regions of France are:
Alsace region
Aquitaine region
Auvergne region
Brittany region
Burgundy region
Centre region
Champagne-Ardenne region
Franche-Comte region
Ile-de-France region
Languedoc-Roussillon region
Limousin region
Lorraine region
Lower Normandy region
Midi-Pyrenees region
Nord Pas-de-Calais region
Picardy region
Poitou-Charentes region
Provence region
Rhone-Alpes region
Upper Normandy region
Western Loire region

Reference: Moving to France

Technorati Tags: eiffel tower, france holiday, france tourism, Notre Dame de Paris

Things You Can Expect And Look Out For During Your Visit To The Louvre Paris France Area

Every year more than 8.5 million people come to see the Louvre Museum in Paris, France to see the second-biggest collection of artwork in the world. To Paris, art was seen as a point of pride, a show of grandeur and a vital part of their culture. Here, one will find paintings like Da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa,” Vermeer’s “The Lacemaker,” Delacroix’s “Liberty Leading the People,” Velazquez’s “Infanta Maria Margareta” and Raphael’s “Baltasar de Castiglione.” Travelers staying in Louvre Paris hostels can walk across the way to see amazing sculptures like the “Winged Victory of Samothrace,” “Venus de Milo” and Michelangelo’s “Rebellious Slave.”

The Louvre Paris France district is a gigantic collection of enormous fortress-like buildings. As well as the palace of the French kings, La Place de la Concorde ( Concorde Square ) was the former site of the infamous guillotine and many beheadings in the French Revolution. Today, there are no murdering machines, but instead, an Obelisk given to France by Egypt from the ruins of Ramses II’s temple. Between the Louvre and Concorde Square is the Jardin des Tuileries ( the Tuileries Garden ), which is an incredible Italian style garden with fountains, caves, greenhouses and sculptures. Below the garden is Le Musee de L’Orangerie, with Renoirs, Monets, Picassos and Czannes. Also nearby, visitors can find the Vendome Square, which is the center of fine jewellery on location Paris. Clients can also examine Rivoli Street, the Faubord Saint honor Street and haute couture homes in Victories Square. Le Palais Royal ( the Royal Palace ) is awonderful piece of design surrounded by gardens, columns and colonnades. The financial district is also located in this area of France, with La Bourse du Commerce ( the Commodity Exchange ) located here. The L’englise Saint Roch Church homes a number of Jesuit art pieces, as well as the bodies of Corneille and Diderot.

Naturally, many travellers want to stay in the Louvre Paris France district, given its close proximity to a number of excellent attractions. The closest hotel is the straightforward, two-star Timhotel Le Louvre Paris hotel, which is just 253 meters from this wonderful museum. The rooms are plain, but you’ll have access to free wi-fi in your room and cable TV. Prices start at $133 / night. The Normandy Hotel is also right on the corner of the Louvre Museum. This three-star building looks rather impressive from the street and offers an equally classy, sublime interior. Beginning at $185 / night, this is one of the pleasanter three-star hotels in Paris. Found right next door is the four-star Hotel du Louvre Paris, which seems more like a palace than a hotel. Beginning at $277 / night, guests can enjoy marble baths, jacuzzi spas, plush bedding, a fitness center and nothing apart from top-quality amenities. For the wealthiest travelers, the Renaissance Paris Vendome ( $411+ / night ) and Park Hyatt Paris Vendome ( $750+ / night ) feature five-star accommodations in the area.

According to a friend of mine who runs a home business in the tourism industry guests staying at hostels in Paris regularly choose to take special tours at the Louvre Paris France. For kids and families, tours can be taken based totally on the following themes. 90 minute guided tours for kids and families explore the following topics: “Histories and Legends”, “Two by Two” ( kids participate in a museum workshop, while folks choose a theme for a tour), “The Medieval Louvre” ( tour of the remains of the medieval fortress ), or “Discovery Trail” ( public galleries and hidden secrets ). People can take hour-and-a-half guided tours of the complete museum or 90-minute journeys thru the masterpieces, the design and the history behind the Louvre. There are also special tours for groups, children and disabled visitors to prompt the appreciation of art by all.

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Gite Property Market Review 2010

With European economies showing signs of recovery, there are some indications that the holiday rental season in France will be better than 2009. However, the gite market is very competitive, and although July and August may be good – the rest of the year could be difficult. Perhaps the Brits will still find it difficult with the strong euro but other Europeans will be vacationing in France.

Consumers are looking for value for money, and are conserving savings. So expect the last minute market to be very busy this year. The luxury end of the market was strong in 2009, and expectations are high for 2010. Those offering a range of activities and USPs will probably fare better.

Many gite owners are British, attracted by a less stressful lifestyle (how misleading), and often rely on pensions or income from the UK. Many have found it difficult to live on lower takings and less euros for their pension pounds, and have decided to sell up. Although gite property prices might have declined in the last couple of years, the Brits can sell at lower prices because they are getting significantly more pounds for their euros! There are still some desperate sellers.

So if you are thinking of buying, there are many gite bargains around. However, the Languedoc-Roussillon and Aquitaine, increasingly popular with the Brits does not have so many bargains – prices keeping relatively stable in the downturn.

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The Wonderful Adventure Of Castle Hopping In The Enchanting Loire Valley In France

Loire Valley

Whilst chateau hopping remember to take the time to happen upon some local wine cellars, for “degustation” or tasting in the Loire Valley. Take the time to relax and enjoy your holiday.

France’s Loire Valley has the grandest selection of 15th and sixteenth century castles. With fifty to sixty “must see” castles scattered on both sides of a 100-mile sweep of the Loire River, the first-time visitor can feel overwhelmed.

Image via Wikipedia

Five of the best castles are below.

Chateau Amboise

Amboise’s narrowed cobbled streets wind at the base of the large. Although only 25% of the original chateau survives, the fortress walls with flying banners look down on the village and neighboring river. It was here that King Francois I hit his head on a low arch, fatally wounding him.

Chateau Clos Luce

Not more than a half mile from Amboise is Chateau Le Clos Luce, a chateau built and designed by Leonardo da Vinci. He lived the last three years of his life here under Francois I’s sponsorship. The rooms are filled with 40 models of Leonardo’s inventions so you can marvel at his foresight and impressive mental powers 500 years earlier.

This is another nice venue to amuse children. The gardens are drop dead gorgeous with a bubbling brook and the kids can play on models of Da Vinci’s inventions in the garden for hours and hours.

Chateau Chenonceau

Chenonceau Chateau amazes you with its two-story, 260-foot Great Gallery arching over the River Cher. Originally “acquired” by King Francois I, it then passed to his successor, Henri II, who gifted it in 1547 to his mistress, Diane de Poitiers. Diane expanded the chateau and built a bridge over the river.

When Henri II died, his wife, Catherine de Medici, took revenge on her rival by forcing Diane to exchange Chateau Chenonceau for nearby Chateau Chaumont. Catherine then commissioned the construction of the bridge gallery. Unbelievably extravagant galas were held here until Catherine’s son, Henry III, was murdered. His wife, Louise de Savoie, placed the castle in mourning, furnishing it entirely in black and white.

History leaps out as you tour the rooms and the gardens. In world war I the Great Gallery was converted to a hospital. In world war II the chateau marked the boundary between Nazi-occupied and free France and became the site of prisoner exchanges. Today the chateau and grounds are maintained at their height as if they were at under Catherine de Medici.

It really is the must see chateau in the Loire Valley.

Chateau Chambord

King Francois I was not content with just the castles at Chenonceau and Amboise. He acquired over 10,000 acres of hunting land and decided to construct the world’s most magnificent “hunting lodge”. Chambord was built over many decades by Francois and his successors, Henri II and Charles IX in the sixteenth century.

Fully restored now, Chambord stands as the most extravagant of all the Loire chateaux – 500 feet wide with 440 rooms and 365 fireplaces. The central grand staircase was supposedly designed by the Italian great, Leonardo da Vinci. It has double spirals which enable two parties of people to climb and descend simultaneously without meeting.

[You can hire bikes and boats at Chambord for a delightful activity - very handy if you have kids to amuse.]

Chateau Chaumont-sur-Loire

Built in the 15th century by Lord Amboise on the site of a 10th century feudal fortress, Chaumont commands incredible views of the Loire Valley. It was later the home of both Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici of Castle Chenonceau fame. Enjoy this chateau for its fortress feeling, drawbridge, furnishings, tapestry, and incredible vistas.

It has a fantastic garden festival each year running from April to October. They have quirky contemporary displays and a different theme each year.

If you can you should spoil yourself and rent a chateau as opposed to just visiting one. A chateau is a wonderful venue for a destination wedding in France . Some even offer a destination wedding package. You do not have to be loaded to have a fairytale french wedding.

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How to get a Loan for your Vacation in France

Are you feeling stressed out by work lately? Do you need a vacation but are hesitant if your savings can shoulder the cost? Maybe so. But there are already some creditors that allow vacation loans. You may opt to take advantage of these to go visit the Eiffel Tower and some other France tourist destinations.

Vacation loans falls under personal loans, but can come in both secured and unsecured loans. These vacation loans also offer a wide range of terms regarding payment period and interest rates. There is usually almost the same terms with a normal loan.

Secured loans are usually against a valuable property, say your house. This comes with lower interest rates. Most creditors base the annual percentage rate or APR on your credit rating. Do not be discouraged if you have a bad credit only with a slightly higher APR. There are still loans available for you. APRs tend to vary for secured loans from 7.9 % APR Variable up to 19.9 %, but the average falls under 13.5 %.

Vacation loans can also be unsecured loans. This means that there is no collateral needed for the loan. This usually comes with an APR of 7.4 % up to 41 % APR, depending on the credit rating, but the average is around 19.9 %.

These vacation loans usually have special promotions during holiday seasons. There are creditors tends to give away a small per cent off as a bonus to those that wants to have a vacation for Christmas.

The rates for vacation loans tend to differ according to your payment plan. Since the loans are via APR then, the longer you plan to pay the loan, all the more interest you are likely to pay. This may also work just as well because there will be smaller monthly payments. So it is more affordable. You may go out on that dream vacation without blowing all your salary on repayment when you get back.

Another factor that may affect the monthly payment and the length of payment is the amount of the principal loan. There are creditors that tend to give more time for higher loans. Higher loans could sometimes mean longer payment terms, it can range from 12 months to 36 months, sometimes longer.

These vacation loans sometime vary a little, like personal vacation, family vacation, short-term vacation, and long term vacation. Vacation loans are practical as long as you know that you have the means to pay them. Remember to always plan your vacation wisely to avoid extra expenses and to have a fun and memorable one in France.

Technorati Tags: Annual percentage rate, eiffel tower, Financial Services

Gite Market Prospects for 2009?

Gite Market Prospects

The New Year is often a time to reflect and plan for the future. Often, big decisions are made during this period. Many contemplate big life-style changes while others plan to settle their finances like mortgages and the like. If history is anything to go by, the number of enquiries about Gites will rocket in January, February and March. So what are the Gite Market Prospects for 2009?

Will it be the same in 2009? The financial crisis will have some impact – there is no doubt. But it will be a good time to buy with substantial price reductions in the pipeline.

The media has been full of stories about expats with diminishing pensions in euro land. The rapid demise of pound sterling against the euro, has devalued pensions by 30% in the last 12 months. So many expats are having to re-consider a return back to Blighty. Expats in France are being forced to sell-up and return to the UK too.

In these well publicised cases, the problem is the income is in pound sterling. Those fortunate to be running gites will not be affected by this particular issue – although they have a different set of problems (less tourists from the UK as they cannot afford to holiday in France!). Gite owners are typically paid in euros so their income will not subject to the exchange rate.

So in 2009, we think potential “expats” will look at the Gite market seriously as they will perceive that their income will be in euros. Gites will look attractive in this light – a lifestyle change and income in euros! This paints a rosy picture. The gite market still remains a fiercely competitive market – 2009 is likely to even more competitive as economies struggle with the recession and tourist numbers to France decline.

Our recommendation is to have a thoroughly researched business plan – that is realistic! Look at options for a niche market for your Gite – wine tours, painting weekends, rambler weeks, etc. These markets are easier to market to – rather than attacking a hugely competitive general tourist market. Look for an unique USP, and bear in mind the French only tend to book gites in July and August. Perhaps 10 weeks to make some income! You probably need to look at attracting business outside that 10 week time frame. Save money on your channel ferries too: Channel Ferries Deals.

C’est la vie!

Technorati Tags: Business plan, Gite Market Prospects, Travel and Tourism

Holiday Villages in France for next year’s vacation

Holiday Villages in France

There are various alternatives for people planning a vacation in France – hôtels, holiday rentals, camping and Holiday villages are among the most popular. But perhaps it is time to consider Holiday Villages in France.

Image via Wikipedia

Hotels offer the advantage that everything is laid on – no cleaning to do or meals to prepare – and are often located in the best town centre locations. Holiday rentals provide a chance to stay in a typical house of the region, and give the freedom to come and go that may be missing with a hotel.

Camping holidays are a great way for a young family to visit France. Entertainments are usually laid on for adults and children alike, and most campsites offer bars, restaurants and swimming pools with slides and water games. Facilities depend, as always, on the price you pay.

Don’t confuse these large family oriented campsites with ‘camping a la ferme’ (on the farm) French-style when you make your booking! Camping at a farm is a cheap, traditional camping experience where you pitch your tent in a field – and very few facilities beyond running water and toilets are made available.

The last main option is French holiday villages, and perhaps these offer the best of all possible worlds.

A well run modern holiday village offers numerous facilities with a selection of bars and restaurants, night-time amusements, day time entertainment, tennis and other sports, and a dazzling choice of pools and associated fun.

But on-site enjoyment is only part of a successful holiday. Sometimes you need to get away and enjoy the French countryside or beaches! The best of the villages are found in the best locations. Usually they are near the coast, perhaps the Cote d’Azur, the Atlantic surfing beaches or the beautiful scenery of the Brittany region, but sometimes they are located in the most impressive country ide such as the Dordogne or the Gorged de l’Ardeche.

Whichever type of holiday you are looking for you are sure to find it in France from one of the options above – just spend some time deciding what is best for you and your family to be sure you make the best possible choices.

You can find some of the best villages available for a visit at holiday villages in France. If you need some ideas about which part of France to visit first, visit regions of France to start exploring.

Marcus Smith

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Technorati Tags: camping, holiday rentals, Holiday Villages in France, hôtels, Region France