Can anyone help with information about how to reconnect a telephone to an existing line with France Telecom? We found a number for an English helpline, but it seems to be dead, and all attempts to contact FR. Tel. direct are met with a demand for the tel. number at the property, which doesn't exist.

We just went into the nearest France telecom office. They are in all the towns here in Normandy, Cherbourg, St Lo, Caen etc. Around here they also have English speaking staff to help you.
If you check out www.francetelecom.com
you can see what they offer so you have some idea before connecting.
We have a package that allows us 2 hours free calls a month to anywhere in Europe and North America, but there are many more to choose from.
If you find your nearest office (call at your Marie if you don't know where it is and they will tell you) when you go take documents showing you own/rent the property where the phone is to be connected, also some form of ID (passport, carte de sejour etc). It was such a simple proceedure, and took about 24 hours for the line to be reconnected.

Many thank for that - I think we need to just learn patience and not try to get everything done before we get there! Only 2 weeks to go now.

Carol

the english speaking helpline for france telecom is 0800 364 775 - but I imaging this is only available in France

Thanks - we went to the local France Telecom office/shop in Aurillac and they were very helpful. Within 5 working ays we had telephone, broadband connection and Orange ISP all activated - I was amazed at the speed of it all happening; especially as our French is very rusty - however the Orange package had an excellent quick guide WITH PICTURES.
We are also now on Skype which is free and easy to use to all our relatives dotted around the world

We are also now on Skype which is free and easy to use to all our relatives dotted around the world[/QUOTE]

Another Skype fan here, too!