CarolineS

Hi

I have recently moved to beautiful Carcassonne and would very much like to meet other English speaking expats of all nationalities who live in the area. I am learning French but still have a long way to go and would really appreciate any contact, either virtual or hopefully, in person. Hoping to hear from you. Caroline

dmu

Hi, and Welcome to the forum!
I'm in the next département and can't help much, but I always recommend asking at the Mairie in a newcomer's town for a list of Clubs and Associations. You can join one or two and make friends with people with like interests. If they're all French, then you'll improve your French more quickly, but I'm sure you'll find Dutch, German, Scandinavian, or even Brits, in your chosen activities, to speak English with! Be aware that all participants must have a Pass Sanitaire....
Also, my nearest town used to have (until Covid) a monthly "Stammtisch" where Germans and German-speakers met up - Carcasonne might have a similar English-speaking Club?
HTH

Tweedpipe

"If they're all French, then you'll improve your French more quickly....etc"
Carcassonne? I thought they all spoke Occitan down thur.

dmu

avé l'acceng.....

Tweedpipe

And if it's the occitan closer to Toulouse than Carcassone it's, "avé l'acceng con".
For those not familiar with the Toulouse accent (which I picked up parrot-fashion), here are two class performers of that accent. They crack me up. Don't you just love it?

dmu

They're very funny!
On my side of the Occitanie spectrum, the accent is much stronger, e.g. "putèng"
I tried copying the accent in the past, but felt as though I was mocking it and couldn't keep it up long, anyway....
And now,
!

Tweedpipe

DMU is right, I must try to keep on track. New Year's resolution......?

In an attempt to asist the OP - CarolineS. I'm sorry I'm unable to direct you to Brits living in the area, but in a helpful mood, I've just spent some time trawling through Carcasonne related posts. There have been several members in the past posting their findings on Carcasonne, one in particular who now appears to be no longer a member of the forum.
Not exactly what you asked for but I've retrieved a few links that you may find useful.

non-public search in Carcassonne

Registering with a doctor

Suggestions for towns/villages to visit

As DMU already mentioned, when you introduce yourself and family at the local Mairie, ask them to put you in touch with other Brits in the area and any clubs & associations of interest. I particularly didn't say "any English-speaking clubs & associations" because if you associate only with such, the chances are that your French will not improve in leaps & bounds. Initially it was (trying to) watch French tv news and other variety programes that assisted me the most.
Please let us know how you get on, as your future posts could help others too.

CarolineS

Thanks for all your advice. I will definitely look at the links you sent and also go and see if I can locate any clubs etc. Will keep you posted as to my success. Thanks again. Caroline

cyrian

Have a look at the Facebook site Aude Grapevine.

Aude Grapevine (previously Brits in Carcassonne) a community site for celebrating life in the South of France. We organise regular meet-ups for expats.

HTH

CarolineS

Hi

Thanks for getting in touch and telling me about the Aude Grapevine. Will definitely give it a go!

dmu

You could also try

https://avf.asso.fr/carcassonne/
which has things going on for newcomers in any big town where the Association exists, although I've never actually heard of any one with personal experience.

Karengerges

Hi
I know it’s a while since you posted
We moved to Carcassonne area in November…although have had our house here for years
Also trying to establish links and learn French
Keen to meet up unless you’re snowed under with activities now?!

Mk.13

Hi, new to this forum and, hopefully before too long, new to owning a property near Carcassonne! Not making a permanent move to France yet, but it's a start! Would be great to compare notes with people who have done/are doing similar in the area. Advice about getting a non-resident current bank account would be much appreciated!

bazzer70

Hi - I’m not near Carcossone but the Dordogne. Thought though I could give input about bank account.
before actually signing any papers re house purchase I got in touch with the local Credit Agricole branch and was assigned a consueler (sp) who was/is fantastically helpful. Everything was so easy. Whenever I email with a query he tends to phone me (yes! You actually speak to a human being!) and sorts it out. After all the costs I ended up with about €18k in the current account which obviously gets no interest so I contacted my man and he suggested and opened a Livret A account which is linked to my current account - moving cash back and forward online a cinch - plus 1% interest. I have very limited French language skills - mon Consuelor speaks excellent English.
I too am not resident in France yet - spending a total of 4 months in Coux this year but plan to move permanently at beginning of next year.

cyrian

The Livret A is like an ISA -while it is tax-free in France it is taxable in the UK.
You are supposed to declare the interest to HMRC.
Credit Agricole will notify HMRC of the existance of the account.
However, as long as your total savings interest (UK and France) do not exceed your tax-free allowance for savings interest then there would be nothing to pay.
Credit Agricole credit the interest in December ( I think) each year.
I used to have a Livret but now the currency transfers are so fast that I did not need it any longer.
My last UK to France transfer of Euros took 11 seconds.
HTH