A Year in Villefranche sur Mer - Moving to France

  Day 1937 (Tuesday) 27 th September 2022 It was seriously  hot this morning – 40 degrees but it was comfortable because there’s no humidity. Huw worked most of the day with Gino and discovered that you are not allowed to make noise between 12 and 2 – we’ve been here how long and haven’t heard that one before. Are these the most desirable places in France to have a second home? For most French people, the ideal second home is by the sea. But which of the country's stunning coastal locations make the top of the list? Published: 29 June 2017 13:28 CEST Photo: AFP The French have revealed the places they consider most desirable to own a second home and the top ten are all by the sea.  Surveying around 1,200 web users, real estate website  Explorimmo  discovered where in France the French dream most of owning a second home.  Top of the list was the  Bassin d’Arcachon on the south west coast of France and just an hour from Bordeaux, with 21 percent of the...

  Day 1936 (Monday) 26 th September 2022 It was a stunning day again today, beautiful sunshine but not too hot – perfect! There were two cruise ships in the bay, that smaller one in the front would look big if it wasn’t dwarfed by that beast. As usual I did my duo lingo and found myself in first place – it won’t last. I am doing a lesson with Anastasia online this afternoon and today we are going to be reading Harry Potter at her request – I’m rather looking forward to it. On the Agenda: What’s happening in France this week From strikes and political storms to festivals of films, music and staying up all night, here's what is happening in France this week. Monday Budget  – the 2023 Budget is presented to the Council of Ministers, marking the beginning of what is likely to be an extremely stormy passage through the various stages of parliament for the Macron government’s first budget since the loss of its overall parliamentary majority. Pension reform  – Emmanuel Macron i...

  Day 1935 (Sunday) 25 th September 2022 All was well in the world today and it was lovely and sunny until about 4.30pm when we had some spots of rain. But the bad news is that it brought the bloody accordion player back. We thoroughly enjoyed watching Strictly last night but the start of it always makes me think of the end of the summer. I’m sure we’ll have at least two months of glorious weather but it’s not guaranteed.   Vide grenier and brocante: The written and unwritten rules of France’s second-hand sales From late spring to early autumn, ‘vide greniers’ are an institution in towns and villages across France - but what, exactly, are they? Updated: 20 September 2022 09:55 CEST Photo: Joel Saget / AFP The term literally means ‘empty attic’, and it’s basically a sale event that offers anyone who goes a chance to get their hands on some serious bargains, from clothes and shoes, to toys, small electricals and heaven knows what else. They’re usually held in public spaces such...