Re: Introduction Thread (Somewhere to say Hi)
 

There is plenty of interest in complementary therapies. The health service is much more open to them for a start - but you'd need a whole load of French qualifications to be able to work in that way. Then there are the local/traditional beliefs in healing which mean that many people from all social classes have both a sympathy and a willingness to try all sorts of therapies - however there are a whole set of people serving this, literally serving in many cases as people feel obliged to offer their help - their skill is a gift etc. So there are local French healers who are quite conventional in other ways but may practice various techniques on the side either for or without payment. Then the alternative lot crowd the scene with endless different services to meet all needs. They tend to serve each other really and remain closed in their own circuits. The Brits out here are interested too I'd say - lots of Reiki around where I've been and all sorts from Chair Massage to Laughter Therapy elsewhere. So, lots of interest from the conventional otherwise conservative population through the migrants to the zonked out Space Ship Seekers - ah yes, the Chinese medicine men too are here - my local village of 800 had a specialised Chinese doctor there. So, it's a crowded world of complementary therapy out here with people practising on the other side of the road so to speak, going different directions at the roundabout. Very hard to make money at it. Some do. It takes a big reputation and a very large hat will help I was reliably informed.

Re: Introduction Thread (Somewhere to say Hi)
 

As a complementary therapist please check that your qualifications and professional organisation are recognised by the European Parliament. It is also easier to get your professional insurance through your UK based professional organisation. Here is will cost about £3-600 for a very iffy level of cover but insurance is obligatory. You no longer need to register with the Chambre de Métiers or the Chambre de Commerce. You will come loosely under the heading of 'profession liberale' and need to check elsewhere on this site for setting up as an autoentrepreneur so that you only pay your taxes etc as and when you're earning. (about 23%) Please remember that it is illegal to work in France, even for nothing, without registering as you are consiered to be depriving other people of employment.
I run a support group for complementary healers and therapists in central France. We're pretty thinly spread. This is partly because until recently it was virtually impossible to set up within the law and partly because, whilst the French believe in complementary medicine many of them have not had any experience of some quite well known therapies e.g. Shiatsu. I have come across two fraudulent therapists since being here. Be on your guard. Do not pay excessive sums of money for treatment and check out people's qualifications. One guy claimed to have a PH D (and charged accordingly) from a place where I happened to know there is no university!

Re: Introduction Thread (Somewhere to say Hi)
 

I'd just like to say re-HI to everyone. :D

It's been a looong time since I checked out the BE forums due to work commitments.

Still in France, the heart of the country in fact, Clermont Ferrand, with a lot more time on my hands :( so would be nice to catch up on all the expats out there!

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What's the weather like. This time last year it was Easter and the plateau de Millevache was covered in snow.

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Weathers been good the last week or so, around 15-18 degrees during the day. :D Apparently they've forecast rain for this week and as I type, it's all grey and its starting. There's still a sprinkling of snow at the top of the Puy de Dome, but I reckon that'll be gone today or tomorrow. :(

Never been to Treignac, and just looked it up in Google, seems a lovely place and not too far from us. Will have to give it a try!!

Re: Introduction Thread (Somewhere to say Hi)
 

not much different to the north of Scotland then. It was 17 C on Friday with sleet on Monday morning.

Hoping Correze will have better weather next week.

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Rain forecast until and over the weekend, so fingers crossed for next week - Good Old Spring, eh!

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Hello there,
just joined up so hello seems to be the way to start - most of you seem to be living in the sunny south or exciting paris, I'm up in the cold north, where in actual fact, it's very nice to live.
have a nice day:)

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Their are loads up in the North, Ok maybe just you and Val. Welcome to the forum.

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Hi to everyone Im new here and Im wanting to collect as much information as I can as myself and my husband are wanting to relocate to Limousin in the next 3 years so this is where we are going to start our homework . So any helpful advice would be great . We are visiting the area in Sept/Oct 09 . My biggest fears are the food as my hubby says Im very fussy eater I just like plain home cooking whats wrong with that .
Im also worried that the french people will ignore us and wont talk to us.
We are hoping to find a house with a lake as my hubby loves fishing.so if you have any advice for us then feel free to get in touch thanks

Re: Introduction Thread (Somewhere to say Hi)
 

Welcome to the Forum, Fun bunch here and a fair bit of Knowledge Floating about.(I keep meaning to find it) So when you have Questions feel free to ask, And Cleri will change the subject.

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:lol:...................:sneaky:

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W'appenin' in 'ere then?

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Ha!...I know < insert superior smilie>

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............?????????