Almost one million former British residents now receive their British State Pension abroad, with Spain heading up the list of relocation hotspots and France taking the second slot. Those who chose the latter, though, would argue that France is undoubtedly the ultimate retirement destination for a wide variety of reasons.

Firstly, it’s close to the UK! With a wide variety of flights to France leaving UK airports every day (plus solid rail and ferry links) it’s no problem for friends and family from back home to visit or vice versa. Once in mainland France, the internal air, road and rail infrastructures are also excellent, making it easy to get around.

France: Retirement Atractions

France is over twice the size of the UK but its population is only a little larger than our own, meaning that many rural areas in France are fairly isolated and many properties are still attractively priced. Property ownership rules and laws are also stronger and more transparent in France than some other European countries.

France is, of course, famed for its style, cuisine and culture and this remains true wherever you go in France. While millions of tourists take flights to Paris each year, the majority of visitors to France’s capital city never get to see anything else of the country – and there’s a lot else to see: some of the best skiing resorts in Europe; the lush countryside of the Bordeaux region; the spectacular scenery of the Alps; the sun-drenched Mediterranean beaches of Marseille, Cannes and Nice in the South. Obviously, France’s climate varies depending on the part of the country you choose to settle in but most people from the UK should be able to find a region of France which delivers the climate they prefer.

Obviously, though, relocating yourself to a new country in your golden years is a big decision to take and there are a few issues that you should consider and research carefully before taking the plunge.

If you don’t already speak the French language, get yourself booked into some classes soon. Speaking French is essential as you’ll quickly antagonise the locals if you don’t at least make an attempt to speak something other than English. As foreign languages go, basic French is not as difficult as you may remember from your school days, so don’t be too daunted to try.

Another thing to consider is that an isolated French location may be the perfect spot for a relaxing two-week holiday but it can quickly turn into a real bore once you decide to live there. Do your research in advance to make sure that the area you choose to settle has enough going on to keep you interested and active.

Finally, please ensure before you move that you are fully aware of how your pension or any other income (and the tax you pay on it) will be affected by your move. Unless you speak fluent French, it’s best to try to deal with any administrative tasks while still in the UK. Likewise, research the situation relating to your estate and any inheritance you plan to pass on to your loved ones and how French legislation may affect this.

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About Gites de France

In France,  Gîtes de France has a team of over 600 people to work with property owners and holiday-makers across the 95 departmental offices. Gites de France has just celebrated its 50th birthday. Gites de France’s objectives:

• promote comfortable, friendly holiday stays
• meet the special needs of holidaymakers seeking authentic, convivial holidays in natural settings, peace and quiet, novelty and wide open spaces
• help to preserve and promote the French countryside and its special cultural heritage
• participate in local development and bring stability to the rural population by providing additional resources through tourism.

Gîte classes:  A number of classes of gîte are defined and graded by Gîtes de France.

Gîte Rural
Offers self-catering accommodation located in the countryside, by the sea, or in the mountains. The gîte is completely self contained with one or more bedrooms, a lounge or dining room, a kitchen and bathroom facilities.

Gîtes d’Enfants
Holidays for children. During the school holidays host families provide lodging for children of various ages with a wide variety of activities. Children’s gîtes are regulated and inspected to ensure a safe and secure environment for each child.

Gîtes d’Etape
Stopover and holiday getaways off the beaten track for groups of walkers or cyclists. The English equivalent is most probably a youth hostel.

“Gîte Equestre”
A staging post for people or groups travelling across France on horseback; or gîte offering stabling for horses.

Chalets-Loisirs
A complex of wooden cottages set in the countryside providing various activities, such as, fishing, horse-riding, archery, cycling.

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The French Riviera is one of the most hottest and glamorous holiday destinations in the world. Just the mention of a holiday on the Cote d’Azur conjures up images of opulence and extravagance, not just in the form of luxuries and modern comforts, but also in the inherent pristine beauty of the place, the spectacular Mediterranean Sea, the numerous adventure activities you could indulge in, and in the rich historical heritage and charm of its little villages and towns. While five star hotels and presidential suites have their place, the best way to enjoy these offerings of the Riviera is with luxury villas in south of France.

Whether hidden away in the peaceful serenity of the lush greenery of Mougins, or overlooking Pampellonne Bay at St. Tropez, or next to Europe’s largest technology park in the modern town of Sophia Antipolis, there are enough luxury villas in the south of France to meet your requirements and preferences. A private villa affords you all the comforts and the privacy of any luxury hotel, and more. With personal swimming pools, tennis courts, gardens and lawns, they’re perfect for a large family, or for those who like enjoy their ‘me’ time in style.

Over and above the comfort and luxury they bring to your stay, deluxe villas in south of France also make great investment opportunities. Commercial and entertainment hubs like Nice, Cannes, St. Tropez; cultural and adventure hotspots of Antibes and Juan les Pins and quiet villages of Mougins or Beaulieu are high on the ‘hot’ property list and constantly appreciating in real estate value. What’s more, if you’re going to occupy your luxury villa for only part of the year, you can easily rent it out to other tourists. A specialised real estate agency dealing with luxury villas and elitist clientele will easily be able to do this on your behalf.

No doubt, those looking to buy luxury villas in south of France are faced with the same dilemma as those looking to tour the French Riviera – where to go, how much to see, and why to leave. There are just so many options, each out-doing the previous in some respect, and each uniquely attractive. However, considering the investment required, one can’t afford mistakes. At such a time, the services of a qualified, experienced and professional real estate agency can prove to be indispensible. A well-established agency can not only offer you a wide selection of luxury properties, but also help you make a choice keeping in mind your concerns and preferences.

However, you could do with a lot more. Thus, ensure that your agency can also help you with the legal and financial side of the transactions; and provide services for maintenance, upkeep and renting out of your property while you are away. With a good team on your side, owning your very own luxury villa on the French Riviera will be both, easy and rewarding.

Those who visit the French Riviera can’t stop raving about the places, the weather, the beaches, the lifestyle and the culture. The French Riviera is more than just an exquisite piece of land; it’s an experience, and a very memorable one at that. After all, not many places can boast of endless beaches of golden sand, ocean as blue as a summer sky, and an addictive concoction of quiet sophistication and pulsating excitement. The French Riviera can truly be spell-binding. And those who can afford to fall victim to its charms, should seriously consider a villa for sale in the south of France.

This is not entirely far-fetched. If you’ve said enough times that there’s no place to unwind and recharge than the Cote d’Azur, then why not turn it from a holiday destination to a holiday home? Owning a luxury French Riviera property in your favourite town or city, replete with all the comfort and privacy you need, is a very practical as well as rewarding choice. For those who really value the finer things in life, there could be no better way to enjoy the French Riviera than with their very own private luxury villa in the south of France.

Luxury French Riviera property comes in various forms, shapes and sizes, with different features and advantages, in various settings, to suit the needs and tastes of those who don’t like to compromise. Each property is unique in its own way; but at the same time they have some things in common: great weather, plenty of sunshine, spectacular views of the Mediterranean and the distinct touch of French lifestyle. Thus, you could opt for a villa for sale in the south of France, perfect for a couple or a small family, fully furnished, with a private pool, tennis court and a garden; or you may be taken in by a original complete-stone farmhouse in the quieter villages of France, surrounded by acres of lawns and dense woods.

But that is not all; luxury French properties can truly surprise your expectations. If you solicit the services of a real estate agency or a south of France immobilier that specializes in luxury property for sale and rental in the French Riviera, you could have the whole spectrum at your fingertips: from villas, penthouses, apartments and farmhouses to bastides, chateaux and vineyards. An experienced and professional immobilier in the sale and rental of luxury Riviera property should be able to offer you all the options. Professional immobiliers will also take care of many legal and fiscal aspect of the property transaction. They will have competent staff to communicate with you, and guide you in matters of choosing the right property, and also in the process of buying.

In fact, a few immobiliers will also arrange rentals of luxury properties in the south of France depending on where you want to stay. For such an arrangement, your best option is to pick an agency that will not only provide you with the accommodation but also with additional services: chauffeurs, housekeeping, charters and security in order to truly enjoy the Riviera in style

By Leena L. Marcos

France has always been a dream destination for people all across the world. Apart from being a very popular tourist destination, France is growing as a favorite place for investment in real estate. Real estate in south of France along the Riveria with its golden sand beaches, weather and culture is one of the best investments to make. Not only does it have business prospects attached, it is also ideally suited for people who would like to settle down in this beautiful country.

Properties, villas along with houses and apartments in France have always been eyed by the wealthy and the famous. Today realty in the South of France has also grown on to become the most popular choice among people hunting for property. The French Riviera with its magnificent villas, chateaus, vineyards tops the list.

When you go to look for real estate in France, you will be provided with a host of choices. You can either look to purchasing a luxury villa along with all modern amenities or you could buy a farm house in the quieter villages. You might want to look for a newly renovated private domain close to the Cannes, or you might want to look for a house that overlooks the panoramic views on hills of St Paul de Vence. A charming Bourgeoise house close to the center of Grasse might be your choice. You might also want to buy an attractively designed duplex in Beausoleil or a house with nice garden and views of Vence. You can also look for a selection of townhouses, villas and grand waterfront mansions. You can also avail of modest Provencal farmhouses, superb chateaux, golf properties, sea view estates and vineyard properties of your choice. You can look for them and find the one that falls under your budget. The best way is to hire the services of a trusted real estate agency that can provide you with a galore of choices to choose from.

If you are looking for mortgages, France is a good place for that as well. It is relatively easy to obtain a mortgage in France for the purpose of buying a property. By popular demand, the mortgage options in France are offered at attractive rates and terms. As per the present rules, a non resident can obtain mortgage for 20 years. 80% of the total value of the property is the amount given.

Therefore, investments in the real estate in France are an opportunity you should not miss. There are good real estate companies that have been established, to help you in your endeavor to possess that piece of real estate you always desired. The agents, who have been serving these companies aim to provide you with quality choices for real estate and will take care of any concerns that you may have either legally or financially. These companies are registered with the Carte Professionnelle which means that the agency and its working style completely abide by the French laws.

It would, therefore be good if you spend some time in short listing your real estate agent. Your agent could also go beyond just helping you purchase that property. If you need, they will also help you rent your property and take care of your property in your absence.

You are thus guaranteed great returns on your investment.

If you wanted to truly holiday in style and in luxury, the South of France would be the place to go. France’s coastline along the Mediterranean is one of the world’s favourite luxury holiday destinations. It’s where the rich and the famous from all over come to party, to relax and to generally live a ‘normal’ life. And Cote d’Azur, is as beautiful as it is chic. The azure Mediterranean waters, the miles of golden beaches, dense forests and mountains, splendid architecture, gardens and museums in quaint and cosy towns and villages are a delight to behold. Now what if you could have all of this, not just during a holiday, but all year round?

Yes, it is quite possible. If you wanted to change ‘holidaying on the Riviera’ to ‘live on the Riviera’, then you can consider looking at the property for sale in the South of France. And when it comes property, like everything else on the Riviera, it’s all about class, luxury and sophistication. With properties as stunning as the locations on the Riviera, it is little surprise that the who’s who from the world over should choose to make towns like Eze, Villefranche, Beaulieu, Ferjus or Grimaud their home. And it’s not just the locations; luxury French Riviera property spans the whole spectrum – from villas to bastides, apartments to chateaux, vineyards and more. With an elitist immobilier, no property is out of bounds.

Having your own luxury property on the French Riviera presents an all new way of enjoying this magnificent location. Not only can you come, stay and leave at your will, but luxury French Riviera Property takes privacy, comfort and indulgence to a whole new level. Any property for sale in the South of France comes with the added advantages of swimming pools, tennis courts, landscaped lawns and gardens, patios with spellbinding views, and most are fully functional, ready to move in to. All of these benefits are also available should you choose to rent a luxury French villa. Luxury Property Rentals in the south of France provide all the features of a privately owned property and more. With a professional and well-placed south of France immobilier, you will have chauffeurs, housekeepers, security, luxury vehicles and charters at your beck and call, should you choose to rent a luxury villa.

It is no secret that the trick to a successful French property transaction and a memorable French luxury holiday lies in finding the perfect real estate agency to anticipate and fulfil your needs. Apart from being an enticing luxury holiday proposition, luxury French property is also an investment, and a big one at that. If you intend to get a lot more than a few days of indulgence out of your property, it is very important that you pick an agency with the kind of expertise, knowledge and personnel to help you get the maximum out of your property deal. Someone who has experience and skill in dealing with the expectations of clients like yourself will be your best bet, assuring you of splendid returns on your investment on the Riviera.

By Leena L Marcos

When it comes to real estate extravagance, the French Riviera is a destination that fulfils every promise it suggests. From St. Tropez and Nice to Mougins and Beaulieu and everywhere in between, the entire coastline is a rich blend of excitement and quietude; sophisticated luxury and pristine natural beauty; vibrant evenings and laidback mornings. It’s no surprise then, that finding property for sale in South of France can be a task that is delightful and daunting at the same time.

The French Riviera’s diversity is not just limited to its cities, towns and villages. While each location has its own treasures to offer, the assortment extends even to the types of property for sale in the South of France. From apartments, condos and penthouses, to villas, mansions and manors, to even chateaux, castles and vineyards – the collection will leave you mind-boggled, if you’re not guided by a seasoned real estate agency that deals exclusively in luxury properties of these varieties in the south of France.

While comfort, sophistication, beauty and opulence are common across any type of property for sale in south of France, not all of them are the same. Therefore, regardless of the kind of preferences you have, you are sure to find a luxury home that is just right for you. For instance, if sun, sand, superstars and super-luxury are your thing, then there’s no place for you like St. Tropez; but if you’re looking for a place for your family vacation than Beaulieu with its beaches and water sports, tiny streets through charming old-world buildings and squares, and wonderful architecture is perfect.

Alternately luxury properties in the vibrant twin towns of Antibes and Juan-les-Pins will appeal to tourists who want to experience as much of the Cote d’Azur in as little time as possible. These twin towns are the cultural, historical and nature hub of the French Riviera, letting tourists experience a bit of French-everything. However, a businessman on a quiet holiday in France would definitely appreciate the beauty and charm of a peaceful village like Mougins, the home of many a famous artists and writers on the Riviera.
Confused already? Don’t be. The most wonderful aspect of any property for sale in South of France is that you don’t have to choose; you can actually have it all. With your own luxury villa on the French Riviera, you have the entire coastline, from Monaco to Nice, open to your enjoyment. Most of the well-known cities and villages on the French Riviera are close enough to each other, so that you don’t have to miss out on anything.

As with all investment, scrupulousness and an expert guidance are indispensible when buying property on the French Riviera. Professional and experienced agents can not only help you make the right choice, but offer a plethora of other services like financial and legal assistance, investment advice, property maintenance, servicing and valuation as well as additional services to augment your luxury real estate.

Before you book your tickets to France. These regional guides will help you explore France. Check out a selection of tourist video guides – two videos that travel around France to give you a flavour of North, East, South, West and Central France. In addition, individual videos for each region. Research each region of France before you travel ….

The regions of France are:
Alsace region
Aquitaine region
Auvergne region
Brittany region
Burgundy region
Centre region
Champagne-Ardenne region
Franche-Comte region
Ile-de-France region
Languedoc-Roussillon region
Limousin region
Lorraine region
Lower Normandy region
Midi-Pyrenees region
Nord Pas-de-Calais region
Picardy region
Poitou-Charentes region
Provence region
Rhone-Alpes region
Upper Normandy region
Western Loire region

Reference: Moving to France

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The Louvre Paris France district is a gigantic collection of enormous fortress-like buildings. As well as the palace of the French kings, La Place de la Concorde ( Concorde Square ) was the former site of the infamous guillotine and many beheadings in the French Revolution. Today, there are no murdering machines, but instead, an Obelisk given to France by Egypt from the ruins of Ramses II’s temple. Between the Louvre and Concorde Square is the Jardin des Tuileries ( the Tuileries Garden ), which is an incredible Italian style garden with fountains, caves, greenhouses and sculptures. Below the garden is Le Musee de L’Orangerie, with Renoirs, Monets, Picassos and Czannes. Also nearby, visitors can find the Vendome Square, which is the center of fine jewellery on location Paris. Clients can also examine Rivoli Street, the Faubord Saint honor Street and haute couture homes in Victories Square. Le Palais Royal ( the Royal Palace ) is awonderful piece of design surrounded by gardens, columns and colonnades. The financial district is also located in this area of France, with La Bourse du Commerce ( the Commodity Exchange ) located here. The L’englise Saint Roch Church homes a number of Jesuit art pieces, as well as the bodies of Corneille and Diderot.

Naturally, many travellers want to stay in the Louvre Paris France district, given its close proximity to a number of excellent attractions. The closest hotel is the straightforward, two-star Timhotel Le Louvre Paris hotel, which is just 253 meters from this wonderful museum. The rooms are plain, but you’ll have access to free wi-fi in your room and cable TV. Prices start at $133 / night. The Normandy Hotel is also right on the corner of the Louvre Museum. This three-star building looks rather impressive from the street and offers an equally classy, sublime interior. Beginning at $185 / night, this is one of the pleasanter three-star hotels in Paris. Found right next door is the four-star Hotel du Louvre Paris, which seems more like a palace than a hotel. Beginning at $277 / night, guests can enjoy marble baths, jacuzzi spas, plush bedding, a fitness center and nothing apart from top-quality amenities. For the wealthiest travelers, the Renaissance Paris Vendome ( $411+ / night ) and Park Hyatt Paris Vendome ( $750+ / night ) feature five-star accommodations in the area.

According to a friend of mine who runs a home business in the tourism industry guests staying at hostels in Paris regularly choose to take special tours at the Louvre Paris France. For kids and families, tours can be taken based totally on the following themes. 90 minute guided tours for kids and families explore the following topics: “Histories and Legends”, “Two by Two” ( kids participate in a museum workshop, while folks choose a theme for a tour), “The Medieval Louvre” ( tour of the remains of the medieval fortress ), or “Discovery Trail” ( public galleries and hidden secrets ). People can take hour-and-a-half guided tours of the complete museum or 90-minute journeys thru the masterpieces, the design and the history behind the Louvre. There are also special tours for groups, children and disabled visitors to prompt the appreciation of art by all.

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