Hi to everyone.

Its my first time posting on this board (been lurking for a while though). We are finally in a position to be making the move to France - if all goes well we will be moving the beginning of November. We...that is myself & my husband + my parents. (Rented accomodation first whilst we search for somewhere to buy).

We are going to be in the Pau area & I was wondering if anyone who comes on this board knows this part of France. I speak reasonable French (lived out in France for 2 years a while back). I'm more concerned really for my parents who are in their 70's & may find it hard to be learning a new language (although they are both more than prepared to try). Is there much of an ex-pat community in this area? - Not that we are looking to move into a british enclave (like certain places in Spain) - it just will be nice if there are a few Brits around.

My parents are into Line Dancing!!! Is anyone aware of any Line Dancing in the area? I will also be looking for a livery yard where I can keep my horse until we find a house to buy - any info that anyone can give would be great.

We are very excited about the move (as I'm sure everyone was when they first did it). Luckily I have lived in France previously - over the other side of the Pyrennees near Perpigan & we have had many reccy trips out over the past year or so.

Cheers,
Jacki

Hi,
I know there is a lively British community centered around the village of Salies-de-Bearn to the west of Pau. That would be a good place to make some enquiries when you are down there (Tom's Bar is good place for information and there is another cafe run by Clive nearby on the main road in the centre of the village). Pau has got a shop selling British products called the London Larder and they carry a noticeboard that might help you out. I'm thinking here of your parents not you by the way in response to your question. In the centre of Pau is 'Le Garage' which is a meeting place for not just an expat community but a lively French bar crowd as well - pop in there.

That's all I can tell you.

T

Hi Treskillard.

Many thanks for your reply - its much appreciated. (sorry to reply so late but been out in France for the last few days).

To change the subject a bit - I've been reading the shooting thread with interest & see the links that you have put about gun licences. As far as I can understand from the first link you have, normal 12 bore shotguns dont have to be registered?? (unlike here in the UK) Is that right or am I getting the wrong end of the stick? Do you know what is the difference between a hunting licence & a sporting licence?

Cheers,
Jacki

Oh no! Don't start all this again!

got to laugh...


to answer the question, I don't know, I'd have to read it all through and right now I don't have the time. I may at some point be able to find this stuff out from my local Mayor - it's a long story - if I do I'll post something about it. Thunderous applause will be my reward no doubt and mild abuse.

Oh sod it, I've taken a look. Yes, it seems that the 12 bore does not need to be declared unless it is either automatic or semi-automatic but if you are bringing your own gun over here it would seem you need a European Gun Licence/European Firearms Pass. Really I don't know the ins and outs at all. As for sporting vs hunting licence, I've never heard about the former? What is it in French?

Here is your thunderous applause I'll save the mild abuse for the moment LOL.

Looks like I'm on the right track then - will delve more deeply into this over the next few days. Will have to look up the sporting licence bit in French.

Cheers again.

Hi treskillard, you mentioned auto/semi auto. What about 3 shot pump action any info if you know it cheers mate.

you what?
anyone who uses a 3 shot pump action needs no instruction as to whether it should be licensed I would guess...

Have you read this site rule ?

15. Creating multiple usernames is not allowed. If you have a legitimate reason to create a second username, maybe another household member joining, then you should contact the administrators. Anybody found with multiple member names will have their posting privileges removed and all associated member names will be deleted.

I was wondering about this! Gosh, who would have thought it? I just couldn't resist being helpful - I've learned me lesson the hard way now Guv and I won't make that mistake again.

Carrots go more quickly and quietly I find. Never needed a gun. Sometimes have to run fast.

My carrots fight me tooth and nail. Dont get me going about my sprouts.

sprouts can be right bleeders

nothing beets a beetroot...

Good luck