france

FRENCH property buyers are increasingly savvy about the buying process in France.

Before they travel to France on any house hunting trip it is not uncommon for them to have exhaustively researched the geopgraphy of the Dordogne and Lot-et-Garonne.

FOR most visitors to France it can be confusing and complicated. There are rules to be observed when meeting people, socialising and formal situations. This concise guide to French etiquette and manners from Expatica France gives you a good headstart.

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Castillonnes is a fascinating medieval town in the south-west of France in the department of Lot-et-Garonne. This lies just north of the Dordogne in the region of Aquitaine. The pace of life in this area of great natural beauty is relaxed, and the climate warm and sunny for much of the year.

Everywhere you go within Lot-et-Garonne there are rolling hills, wild meadows, stunning valleys and towns, and villages steeped in history. If you’re thinking of investing in French property in a truly rural and peaceful location, this is a great place to start your search.

1. New tax breaks introduced by Sarkozy

The new Sarkozy Government has reformed the inheritance tax rules, trebling the threshold for bequests from parent to child, and introducing an exemption for husband and wives. Whether you’re French born or not, the rules apply to all property owners in France. MUCH better than England!

AN INTERESTING article in the Telegraph today talks about the just released List of the World's Best Quality of Life locations. The survey covers 192 countries and I'm very proud to say that Ireland, not surprisingly, came in at number 10. Britain is in 37th place.

The survery was based on factors such as cost of living, health, climate, environment, economy, culture, safety, infrastructure and freedom.