loy loy

Good idea, first thing I did here was employ an English speaking accountant. Costs a fair bit but has been completely worth it. First thing she said was bank 40% for taxes and cotisations.

dmu

50% more like it! Half my nominal salary contributed to the French Economy one way or another, and the scary part is that you must earn that sum, which must be paid whatever, before you can start earning for yourself.

markek

Thank you Trufflette, will certainly be exploring that link

You're right, we're after a smaller place than Nice, but being in touch with a place of that size offers more variety to life, so a town of maybe between 5k and 100k as a base in the area would be of interest. Lots of reading to do! We are on the verge of booking a trip for Easter to around Perpignan; we'll go ahead with that but may well consider a visit your way too if possible.

Thx again.

Tweedpipe

But of course not! I like to think I've maintained at least an ounce (gramme?) of sense since residing here
As it turned out, the majority of French voters elected Flanby. Albeit with serious doubts, I naively hoped that the change would be positive - give the people a chance and change that that they apparently wanted and voted for.
Although admittedly a close follower of Sarky, I must be fair in saying imho he was, in many ways his own worst enemy. Firstly the 2007 Fouquets affair, then rapidly blotting his copy-book again as soon as he arrived at the Elysee by significantly increasing his salary. Had he done so by 15 or 20% it would still have been a 'no-no' viz-a-viz the public audience, but the 140 - 170% increase (the media seem to be divided on the actual amount) was another cause of public displeasure.
However I shudder to think where we would be today had the left-wing been in power at that time: thoughts of the Portugese, Spainish and Italian economies spring to mind.
We know at least that Flanby reduced his salary when he came to power, obviously to make a good initial impression. But why he didn't put in place obvious, sound policies is utterly baffling. One of the changes that was made as a corrective to the finance bill, immediately had leaders of industries, entrepreneurs and hoards of other French business people scrambling to leave the country. The last thing France needed!
Like you ET, my heart sank when the election results came out, and although my French dream has not actually turned into a nightmare, insomnia does take over when I think about the future, and reflect on the actual state of affairs, crime rate statistics, seemingly impossible situation for job-seekers, and cost of living increases etc, compared to a few years ago. Not to mention the weather!!
Anyone reading this, who may be planning a move from UK (or elsewhere) and thinking 'the grass is greener', you may be in for a rude awakening.

dmu

+1
As my OH says, "Pauvre France...."

InVinoVeritas

I didn't thinks Brits were allowed to vote for the French president
Although more French voted for Flanby than Sarko I haven't met a single one of them yet

EuroTrash

If a Brit took French citizenship, then they could vote, couldn't they? (Dunno really but was assuming.)

InVinoVeritas

But do we really want to make such a sacrifice and save France......again !?!?!?

dmu

They're the disillusioned ones, to be found in the demonstrations!
Sorry, we're getting off-topic....

criodain

The dream is over for me! France worse than Ireland.

Tweedpipe

- I'm pretty sure Brits's can't - unless they have dual nationality.

- Your 2nd comment is a particularly interesting one, and calls for reflection.
One French couple we are very good friends with and meet with often, would frequently drop comments on how 'their' party could do no wrong, and throw in the odd disrespectful comment about the 'right'.
Having for years made a point of never discussing politics (or religion) with friends, we would always nod, smile, and keep our thoughts to ourselves.
Interestingly enough we've noted - not without amusement - that these particular friends have not raised further comments on their party for at least a year now. Now I wonder why......? Would the French not call this 'd'avoir honte?'