Is off-grid living in france possible?
#1
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 25
Is off-grid living in france possible?
Hi, I'm new here and looking for some info on off-grid living?
I am currently mulling over different european countries to accomodate my desired lifestyle.
I would like to start a smallholding/forest garden/permaculture project.
Off-grid preferably.
So, what are the current laws on living off-grid? Such as "homes" like caravans or yurts? Solar panels and composting toliets etc?
Any information would be greatly appreciated as I am totally in the dark at this stage.
Kind Regards,
Paul.
I am currently mulling over different european countries to accomodate my desired lifestyle.
I would like to start a smallholding/forest garden/permaculture project.
Off-grid preferably.
So, what are the current laws on living off-grid? Such as "homes" like caravans or yurts? Solar panels and composting toliets etc?
Any information would be greatly appreciated as I am totally in the dark at this stage.
Kind Regards,
Paul.
#2
Re: Is off-grid living in france possible?
Hi, I'm new here and looking for some info on off-grid living?
I am currently mulling over different european countries to accomodate my desired lifestyle.
I would like to start a smallholding/forest garden/permaculture project.
Off-grid preferably.
So, what are the current laws on living off-grid? Such as "homes" like caravans or yurts? Solar panels and composting toliets etc?
Any information would be greatly appreciated as I am totally in the dark at this stage.
Kind Regards,
Paul.
I am currently mulling over different european countries to accomodate my desired lifestyle.
I would like to start a smallholding/forest garden/permaculture project.
Off-grid preferably.
So, what are the current laws on living off-grid? Such as "homes" like caravans or yurts? Solar panels and composting toliets etc?
Any information would be greatly appreciated as I am totally in the dark at this stage.
Kind Regards,
Paul.
#3
Re: Is off-grid living in france possible?
IIRC if a mobile home or caravan is on-site for 3 months then it will be subject to taxe fonciere/taxe d'habitation. (house taxes paid to the mairie).
Solar panels to generate electricity are ok, your problem is getting batteries to store the electricity for when you want to use it and ensuring you have enough over the winter months when your need for electricity is higher. I know this is possible though since my cousin does this in UK and has a back-up generator for when he needs it.
Septic tank in the garden, no probs since this is very common in rural areas.
composting, yes. But what about non-compostable, non recyclable products such as meat?
Solar panels to generate electricity are ok, your problem is getting batteries to store the electricity for when you want to use it and ensuring you have enough over the winter months when your need for electricity is higher. I know this is possible though since my cousin does this in UK and has a back-up generator for when he needs it.
Septic tank in the garden, no probs since this is very common in rural areas.
composting, yes. But what about non-compostable, non recyclable products such as meat?
#4
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jan 2012
Location: Dépt 61
Posts: 5,254
Re: Is off-grid living in france possible?
I wouldn't have thought France is going to be the most accommodating EU state for this kind of venture.
Even if you can live off-grid you can't opt out of the state social security system, and the kind of thing you're talking about would mean hefty social security and solidarity contributions to the MSA, the agricultural workers' branch of the soc sec.
I think moving to a socialist state would be the worst possible choice for a project that essentially seems to be all about doing your own thing.
Even if you can live off-grid you can't opt out of the state social security system, and the kind of thing you're talking about would mean hefty social security and solidarity contributions to the MSA, the agricultural workers' branch of the soc sec.
I think moving to a socialist state would be the worst possible choice for a project that essentially seems to be all about doing your own thing.
#5
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2013
Location: West Sussex / Lassay les Chateaux
Posts: 114
Re: Is off-grid living in france possible?
You might want to consider Hungary - the cost of living is lower than France and there are plenty of people living a rural life off grid. Rural land is very cheap and laws relating to buying by other Nationalities have been relaxed.
The climate is similar to France - hot in summer and cold in winter - only drawback is learning a complicated language but if settling near borders with other countries may get by with other languages (near Austria most people speak German).
Have a look at the Hungary section of this forum - they are a very friendly bunch or search on Google for Blogs from ex-pats living in Hungary.
The climate is similar to France - hot in summer and cold in winter - only drawback is learning a complicated language but if settling near borders with other countries may get by with other languages (near Austria most people speak German).
Have a look at the Hungary section of this forum - they are a very friendly bunch or search on Google for Blogs from ex-pats living in Hungary.
#6
Just Joined
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 25
Re: Is off-grid living in france possible?
Part of my plan is to make money from the land through livestock, fruit and vegetables, tree's, willow, etc.
So from your answer, are you saying not many ex-pats do this?
So from your answer, are you saying not many ex-pats do this?
#7
Re: Is off-grid living in france possible?
Quite a few do in Ariege like I said it has a very healthy Bio orientated community that appears to be constantly growing your not aiming for the lifestyle that the average Expat indulges in.
#8
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2013
Location: West Sussex / Lassay les Chateaux
Posts: 114
Re: Is off-grid living in france possible?
Paul - Have a look at this blog - it's by an American couple who live the sort of lifestyle you wish for on the plains of Hungary. I have been reading it for about 2 years and they are very inspirational:
handcraftedtravellers - simple living in a complex world
handcraftedtravellers - simple living in a complex world
#9
Just Joined
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 25
Re: Is off-grid living in france possible?
Ok, well thanks for your info anyways. I've found a better suited forum to answer my questions. I may be back in the future to ask other questions concerning life in france.
#10
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 14
Re: Is off-grid living in france possible?
I know this is an old thread but the subject interests me. May I ask which forum you found that answers your questions?
#12
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 14
Re: Is off-grid living in france possible?
Thanks for the update Mikelincs.