"Conquering Normandy Camembert, Collambage and Cobblestones"

Today is yet another holiday in France: Victory Day…and victorious and glorious it is. The non-stop beautiful spring weather we’ve been having seduced us to a weekend in Normandy, to drive through the blindingly bright yellow fields of blooming “Colza” (Rape Seed), visit the top ten most important sights and taste of Norman cuisine. Two days is barely enough, but all we had to take it as much of in as possible.
Read about the route we took and the stops we made, including the lovely port village of Honfleur, an architectural historian’s dream. The centuries-old city is a patchwork of “collambage” (half-timbered) and slate houses, refurbished and renovated, some in beautifully happy colors. Real estate agents dot the landscape advertising farm houses and village houses, all at very affordable prices, particularly in comparison to Paris!
Today, we explore the riches of Normandy — one of France’s great escapes, with one small tidbit about the Ile de France, thanks to the latest information from the Conseil Régional.
Get ready for our three upcoming Living and Investing in France Real Estate Conferences: June 22 in London, July 26-27 in San Francisco and October 11-12 in Paris. Scroll down or visit https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/frenchproperty/conference for more information and to register.
If you’re thinking about owning only a “fraction” of an apartment in Le Marais, now’s your opportunity to make that happen. Scroll down to learn more about our “Design Your Own Fractional” program.
The U.S. Dollar is showing a bit of strength against the euro — much to our pleasure — but according to this economist, we haven’t seen the bottom of the dollar yet. If that’s true, then waiting to invest in the euro will become even more difficult and costly. Our advice? Don’t wait another moment to buy your property in France!

A bientôt…

Adrian Leeds
Editor, French Property Insider
Email: [email protected]

P.S. If you’re in Paris this coming Tuesday, be sure to visit us at Parler Paris Après Midi, 3 to 5 p.m. at La Pierre du Marais. Visit https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/parlerparis/apresmidi.html for more information.
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Volume VI, Issue 19, May 8, 2008

* A Weekend Normandy Invasion
* Visiting Honfleur
* History of Norman Architecture
* Feasting in a Norman Château
* Paris Cooking Classes with Susan Herrmann Loomis
* The Dollar on an Upturn
* How Happy are Residents of the Ile de France?
* France a Healthy Investment
* Design Your Own Fractional Ownership Property
* Upcoming Living and Investing in France Real Estate Conferences
* French Property Consultation on House Hunters International – New Dates!
* FPI Property Consultation, Search and Relocation Solutions
* Today’s Currency Update from Moneycorp
* Next Parler Paris Après-Midi: May 13, 2008
* Hot Property Picks: Homes in Historical Normandy
* Leasebacks: Domaine des Roches Jaunes, France, Brittany / Normandy, Plougasnou
* Managing Your FPI Subscription
* Classified Advertising: Parler Paris Apartments — Le Déco!

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The Normandy Invasion in Less Than 36 Hours
By Adrian Leeds
An Excerpt from Parler Paris, May 5, 2008
Like William the Conqueror, we invaded and conquered Normandy in less than 36 hours. Okay, yes, slight exaggeration.
The truth is, with a rental car picked up at the Gare du Nord on Saturday morning, my visiting friend and I embarked on a circuit of Normandy intended to visit as many of the top ten spots as one could in less than two days.
Eyewitness Travel publishes a booklet guide of the Top Ten sights with a pul
l-out map that is alm
ost all one might need, with the exception of Michelin’s detailed map that will keep you on the right road at all times. Trust me, you’ll need it.
Normally Normandy is a rainy corner of France, one reason for its lush green pastures and ultimately healthy milk cows, but this past weekend, it could not have been sunnier or more glorious. We chose to take the more southern and direct route from Paris to Bayeux to see the tapestries and learn of William’s tale of the 1066 Norman invasion as it is depicted on a 20 inch X 230 foot-long embroidered cloth exhibited in a special museum.
Bayeux is a beautiful medieval town worth a visit in its own right and the tapestry should be on every Normandy agenda. An audio guide describes scene by scene with precision over the course of a mere 20 minutes, a bit shorter than the two year tale that ends with the Battle of Hastings on October 14, 1066, coincidentally my birth date (thank goodness, except for the 1066 part!).
(In a small aside, once many years ago visiting Hastings in England, I spotted a concrete mixer truck on which was painted boldly, “William the Concreter.” To this day I get a chuckle over the clever play on words on the part of the mason.)
From the Battle of Hastings we headed to the scene of another Normandy invasion at the American Cemetery and the beaches below: Omaha, Gold, Utah, Juno and Arromanches. Many tour companies offer guided tours from Bayeux and other points in the region. We chose to simply stroll through the marked graves, read the inscriptions at the memorial and cast our eyes over the sands that took the lives of so many Americans (1,465), Canadians (340), Commonwealth (2,700), French civilians (300) and yes, Germans (4,000 – 9,000 dead, wounded or captured) during World War II.
For our overnight stay, we booked the Hotel de Cheval Blanc, a big white building on the northwest end of the port in the lovely village of Honfleur. (We chose the room for its big Jacuzzi tub — a small treat to make up for my new undersized bathtub.)
Honfleur is as picturesque a place on the planet as any and in spite of the mobs of tourists, still charms the soul. Here is where you will want to order a seafood platter in one of the port-side restaurants and while the evening away as the boats gently sway in the harbor and the tourists stroll by.
The next day, in the blinding warm sun, we got off the beaten paths to meander down the cobblestoned streets and gawk at the half-timbered (“collambage”) houses that date as far back as the 14th-century. It wasn’t long before we were peeking into real estate agency windows wondering what it would cost to own one…and turns out it’s a bargain — 80,000 euros for a 30 square meter studio in the a historic building in the center of town. (Perfect. It would make a great vacation home and revenue-generating rental!)
From Honfleur, we crossed the “Pont de Normandie,” a cable-stayed road bridge that spans the Seine linking Le Havre to Honfleur with a total length of 2143.21 meters. From the top you can see all of the port of Le Havre, but we didn’t detour and headed straight to Etretat to see the famous cliffs and natural arches worn by the sea. The town has turned a bit tacky tourist over the past ten years, disappointedly so, but the landscape is still breathtaking.
At Etretat, before heading home to Paris, we had one of those French cultural experiences I don’t have so often any more, and by now, can just give a shrug to the shoulders and chuckle over: We waited a good 15 minutes at the entrance to a seaside restaurant watching four or five waiters serving and clearing tables, not one time to be acknowledged or approached by anyone. In desperation, we took an available table for two that had just been abandoned. Another 15 minutes or so went by to be ignored again, totally. When I called to one of the waiters, he stopped long enough to reprimand me fully for having taken a table on our own that hadn’t been cleared, so how could we expect any better treatment?
With that display, we laughed and left to find another, and did — a better, nicer restaurant. After dining pleasantly, strolling on the rocks near the cliffs and taking our sweet time to enjoy the scenery, we walked back past the first seaside restaurant only to discover the same couple who had been seated before us, next to us, still working through their meal, and realized that could have sadly been us.
“Tant pis.” With Normandy properly invaded, Paris here we came.
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More About Honfleur
http://en.wikipedia.org/
Honfleur is a commune in the Norman département of Calvados in France, located on the southern bank of the estuary of the Seine, very close to the exit of the Pont de Normandie. It is especially known for its old, beautiful picturesque port, characterized by its houses with slate-covered frontages, painted many times by artists, including in particular Gustave Courbet, Claude Monet and Johan Jongkind, forming the école de Honfleur which contributed to the appearance of the Impressionist movement . The Sainte-Catherine church, which has a bell-tower separate from the principal building, is the largest church made out of wood in France.
Contents
The first written mention of Honfleur is a reference by Richard III, duke of Normandy, in 1027. By the middle of the 12th century, the city represented a significant transit point for goods from Rouen to England.
Located on the estuary of one of the principal rivers of France with a safe harbor and relatively rich hinterland, Honfleur profited from its strategic position from the start of the Hundred Years’ War. The town’s defenses were strengthened by Charles V in order to protect the estuary of the Seine from attacks from the English. This was supported by the nearby port of Harfleur.
Howe
ver, Honfleur was taken and occupied by the English in 1357 and from 1419 to 1450. When under French control, raiding parties often set out from the port to ransack the English coasts, including partially destroying of the town of Sandwich, in Kent, England, in the 1450s.
At the end Hundred Years’ War, Honfleur benefited from the boom in maritime trade until the end of the both after the end of the 18th century. Trade was disturbed during the wars of religion in the 16th century. The port saw the departure of a number of explorers, in particular in 1503 of Binot Paulmierde Gonneville to the coasts of Brazil. In 1506, Honfleurais Jean Denis departed to Newfoundland island and the mouth of the Saint Lawrence. An expedition in 1608, organized by Samuel de Champlain, founded the city of Quebec in modern day Canada.
After 1608, Honfleur thrived on trade with Canada, the Antilles, the African coasts and the Azores. As a result the town was one of the five principal ports for the slave trade in France. During this time the rapid growth of the town saw the demolition of its fortifications on the orders of Colbert.
The wars of the French revolution and the First Empire, and in particular the continental blockade, caused the ruin of Honfleur. It only partially recovered during the 19th century with the trading of wood from northern Europe. Trade was however limited by the silting up of the entrance to the port and development of the modern port at Le Havre. The port however still functions today.
Famous Honfleurais
* Alphorns Allais, writer and humorist
* Eugène Boudin, painter
* Christopher Rocancourt, impostor and con artist
* Erik Satie, musician
* Michel Danino, author
* Stéphane Ferrand, wildlife photographer

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The Architecture of Normandy
http://en.wikipedia.org
The architecture of Normandy spans a thousand years.
In Haute-Normandie, the late medieval vernacular domestic architecture is typically half-timbered: some fine examples in Rouen escaped the devastation of the Second World War. The half-timbered farmhouses scattered across the countryside remind one of the historical links with rural English architecture. A particular style of farm enclosure has developed in the Pays de Caux as a result of the harsher landscape of that area.
Vernacular architecture in Basse-Normandie, especially in the Cotentin Peninsula, tends to use granite, the predominant local building material. The Channel Islands also share this influence – Chausey was for many years a source of quarried granite, including for the construction of Mont Saint Michel.
Unfortunately the urban architectural heritage of mainland Normandy was badly damaged during the Battle of Normandy in 1944. Many historic urban centers were destroyed, notably in Caen, Rouen, Lisieux and perhaps most tragically in Valognes, once known as the Versailles of Normandy for its aristocratic mansions and palaces. Massive post-war urban reconstruction in 1950s and 1960s, such as in Le Havre and Saint-Lô, has left modernist interventions.
The confident ecclesiastical architecture, such as at Lessay and Bayeux, has left its mark on the landscape, as well as an artistic legacy in literature and in art, for example Claude Monet’s series of impressionist paintings of the Gothic facade of Rouen Cathedral.
* Abbey of Jumièges, near Rouen (ruins)
* Abbey of Mont Saint Michel, Normandy (continued in Gothic style)
* Abbey of Bec
* Two abbeys at Caen founded by William the Conqueror
The south part of Bagnoles-de-l’Orne, which is called “Belle Époque” district is filled with superb bourgeois villas with polychrome façades, bow windows and unique roofing. This area, built between 1886 and 1914, has an authentic “Bagnolese” style and is typical of high-society country vacation of the time.
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A Love Letter to France
By Michael Lallo from http://www.theage.com.au
Fancy French food in a gorgeous Normandy château? Michael Lallo points the way to an authentic experience.
As far as first impressions go, it was a disaster. The Webster family had kept the real-estate agent waiting two-and-a-half hours, trying in vain to locate the château. Finally, their rented Renault lurched into the driveway. Out tumbled Jane, husband Pete and four hungry, disheveled children. Monsieur Michel was not impressed.
“If a Frenchman hasn’t had his lunch, he won’t be very receptive,” says Jane. “When you miss lunch in Normandy, you miss lunch. You can’t just go to a drive-through.”
The Melbourne couple’s dream of running culinary tours and cooking classes in France was looking increasingly unlikely. Their friends had already branded the idea as crazy. Now the Websters were starting to believe them. Then they saw the château.
“As you come up the driveway, you get just a glimpse to begin with,” Jane says. “Everyone in the car got goose bumps.”
The years of neglect inflicted on the 150-year-old, five-storey palace did little to diminish its splendor. And given the Melbourne family had the money to buy it – and the desire to restore it to its former glory – they didn’t expect any problems.
What they didn’t know is that under French law, any property for sale can be bought at the asking price by the village mayor on behalf of the townspeople. In many other towns, this right is rarely exercised. In the tiny Norman village of Bosgouet, however, it was a different story.
The mayor couldn’t afford the whole property – but why not buy an outbuilding or two? Maybe the school could use a new library, he reasoned. This led to protracted negotiations between real estate agents, notaries and international property lawyers. No one seemed fussed about doing anything swiftly.
Eventually, he bought 0.2 hectares on the edge of the 20-hectare estate. Why? No one really knows.
“I think he did it just because he could,” Webster says.
Three years on, Château Bosgouet has hosted dozens of guests. Marieke Brugman, formerly of Howqua Dale Gourmet Retreat, featured as a guest chef last year. Lakehouse’s Alla Wolf-Tasker will arrive for a two-week stint in July. Suffice to say, things worked out well.
For the Websters, it’s simply the continuation of the obsessive Francophilian that began on their honeymoon. “We were travel virgins,” says Jane. “Neither of us had been anywhere. We just walked around Paris in wide-eyed wonder and fell in love with the place. After that, we kept returning and eventually ventured into the countryside.”
Nothing, she says, better encapsulates the French’s attitude to food than the notice board at her children’s school.
“We expected to see information about maths and science, or maybe a list of requirements for each subject. But all it contained was a menu. In fact, the only information we ever got from the school was what the children would be eating every day and the cheeses they were going to be introduced to each week.” Of course, few nations revere their cuisine as much as France. But in Normandy – its lush orchards, bountiful seas and thriving dairy industry making it the country’s agricultural heartland – food is truly an obsession. Locals have little time for nouvelle cuisine or other Parisian pretensions. Instead, they favor hearty, simple fare, always with lots of cream and butter.
Among the region’s most famous products are its apples, cheese, cream, veal and seafood. Tough regulations govern almost every aspect of production. Take camembert: it must be made of raw, unfiltered milk from cows fed under strict conditions and its overall fat content must be exactly 38%. The ripening process, which involves covering the curds with a layer of penicillin, must last at least three weeks. The ripeness test, however, is less specific: the cheese maker must simply ensure his product “squeezes like a woman’s breast”.
Fortunately, locals are always willing to share preparation techniques and recipes.
“When I line up at the butcher on Sundays, for example, I’ll just listen to what everyone else is ordering,” Webster says. “Then I order the same thing. Before I know it, someone is giving me a recipe, and soon everyone is putting their two cents in. (In Australia), you come across so many people who are secretive about their food. Over there, there’s this lovely sense of sharing and community.”
It’s this aspect that Webster wanted to demonstrate to her guests. Instead of bussing them from one shop to the next and stuffing them with croissants, Webster takes her small group – never more than a dozen – to local artisan producers and farmers’ markets. They touch, taste and smell anything that takes their interest, then return to the château to prepare their feast.
After becoming intimately acquainted with her local artisan producers, Webster is convinced that Melbourne’s markets are among the world’s best.
“They really are just as good as any French farmers’ market,” she insists.
It’s the variety she misses most.
“You can’t just say, ‘Oh, let’s go and have some fantastic Greek or Thai.’ You really have to go to Paris to experience that.”
Now that the family travels between Melbourne and Normandy, they don’t need to worry about missing out.
Webster has detailed their experiences in At My French Table. The book includes dozens of seasonal recipes, including some of her own creation, and hundreds of stunning photographs.
Above all, it’s a love letter to France.
“There’s not a single thing I don’t love about the way they eat,” Webster says. “They’re so serious about the ritual of eating; sitting with friends and family for hours and hours. Sunday lunches are sacred. They even give wine to three-year-olds. Good food really is just ingrained in their culture.”
Editor’s Note: In addition to At My French Table by Jane Webster (http://www.thefrenchtable.com.au), for great reading about Normandy and its culinary attributes, we recommend books by Susan Herrmann Loomis (https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/parlerparis/books/cuisine.html or http://www.onruetatin.com)
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One Delicious Day and One Delicious Week in Paris with “On Rue Tatin” Chef and Author, Susan Herrmann Loomis
https://adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/conference/
Join internationally acclaimed author and chef in Paris ! If you are planning to be in Paris, don’t miss Susan Herrmann Loomis’ delicious offerings of one day and one week cooking classes, all held in a gorgeous, professionally appointed kitchen in the Saint Germain des Pres neighborhood. Visit a market, tie on an apron and chop, sauté, braise and whisk your way to culinary heaven, all with Susan as your guide.
Visit http://www.onruetatin.com or email Ms. Loomis for more information [email protected]
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Some Signs of an Upturn for the Dollar
By Steven R. Weisman for The New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com
Published: May 7, 2008
After six years of stumbling against the euro, the dollar may be showing signs of getting back on its feet.
Two weeks ago, the dollar hit a new low of $1.60 for the euro amid expectations of lower interest rates in the United States and possibly higher rates in Europe. President Nicolas Sarkozy of France and other European leaders expressed alarm over the dollar’s decline and its devastating effect on Europe’s exports.
Since then, the dollar has strengthened — it closed at $1.55 Tuesday — and some economists say that even if it creeps down slightly, the dangers of a precipitous fall, at least against the euro, have subsided…
To read the entire article, visit http://www.nytimes.com

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Le Journal du Conseil Régional
Ile de France
May-June 2008
What do residents of the Ile de France think?
According to a poll taken from March 11 to 13, 2008 by the Institut Opinion way of a sampling of 906 people aged 18-plus…
The French residents of the Ile de France love their region, but the difficult economic climate and difficulty finding housing is foremost on their minds.
When asked if they were happy living on the Ile de France, 51% answer “Happy Enough” and 36% were “Very Happy.”
Fifty-five percent believe that the economic activity is “Dynamic Enough while 24% believe it’s “Not Very Dynamic” at all.
Similarly, 49% were “Satisfied Enough” with the quality of the environment, but 31% “Weren’t Very Satisfied.”
Sadly, 36% thought finding housing was “More or Less Difficult,” but 49% thought finding housing was “Very Difficult.”
When asked about public transportation on the Ile de France, 46% were “Satisfied Enough,” while 14% were “Very Satisfied,” and 19% were “Not Very Satisfied.”
More Statistics…
* 57% of the French are property owners, but 63% are renters.
* 43% of the French are renters: 17% are in social housing, 21% in private accommodations and the rest have residences that correspond to their particular situation, such as a “guardien” or “concierge.”
* There are 4 million social housing units in France.
* There are 5 million private rental units in France.
* 13,000 housing units were constructed with the help of the Fondation Abbé-Pierre over the course of 15 years since its existence.
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A Healthy Way to Invest!
From http://www.vefuk.co.uk
Driving along the quiet country lanes this week, with the radio on, my attention was caught by a discussion about the property market.
An American company, experts on international property markets, has just carried out a study on four European countries: France, Germany, England and Spain. Their comment was that England, Spain and Germany’s markets are all “overheated,” due to the high level of individual debt. The French property market on the other hand, was described as “healthy” — good news for those looking to invest in a safer market!
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Design Your Own Fractional Ownership Property
With “French Property Fractional”
by Adrian Leeds
https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/frenchproperty/fractional
Fractional ownership may be a hot concept!…but we’re making it even hotter!
A new division of the Adrian Leeds Group, LLC, “French Property Fractional” is the
newest and hottest way to
own your piece of Paris simply, easily and inexpensively without the hassles of purchasing it on your own, but with all the benefits of doing it yourself.
What’s Fractional Ownership?
A hybrid of direct ownership and time sharing, it combines the best elements of both. The primary differences are that while timeshares involve many shares in a large complex with “resort” amenities and costs built specifically for that purpose, fractional ownership is joint ownership by only a few individuals in a single property whose value can easily be determined on the open market.
Most Paris fractional property opportunities are properties that have been purchased, renovated and decorated by one developer who then sells off the shares. Most of these offerings sell six to twelve shares to minimize the investment amount while maximizing the size, location and quality of the apartment.
What’s new about “designing your own” property?
While this system works well for many investors, we found that there are large numbers of individuals who would like to combine the benefits of traditional fractional ownership with single-party ownership, enjoying more time to personally use the property, having more decision-making power about the property, more input and more control. We believe that YOU want to feel like the property is really YOURS — and it is!! So, why not have a more personal relationship with the property.
Here’s how French Property Fractional works:
FIRST, WE OFFER A “CONCEPT”
Our team is offering a property CONCEPT…to search and find the following property to be shared between only a very small group of owners — four to six:
“MY PIED-A-TERRE IN LE MARAIS”
SIZE: 35 to 45 square meters (377 to 485 square feet)
ROOMS: two rooms — one bedroom apartment, with bedroom on a courtyard for quiet, full bath (perhaps bath + separate toilet) and open American-style kitchen
LOCATION: Le Marais, districts 3 or 4
LEVEL: No higher than 3rd floor (European) without an elevator
BUILDING TYPE: 17th, 18th or 19th-century (no newer buildings!)
AMENITIES: lots of light, nice views, fireplace or balcony or patio, secured storage for personal belongings, all new kitchen and bath fixtures, all the luxurious comforts
COST:
4 shares, 135,000€ each, 3 months of usage per year
5 shares, 108,000€ each, 10 weeks + 2 days of usage per year
6 shares, 90,000€ each, 2 months of usage per year
Total 540,000€
USAGE: Owners determine their own usage calendar and have
complete flexibility to arrange their calendar among themselves
FEES INCLUDE:
* Full price of the property including agency fees.
* All notarial and legal fees.
* Property search and consultation fees.
* Complete renovation and furnishing of property to luxury standards by professional interior architect and contractor within certain budgetary constraints.
EVERYONE MUST AGREE:
Members of the purchase pool must be willing to invest the full amount of at least one of six, one of five or one of four shares to be held in an escrow account to fund the property search, purchase and renovation.
The search will commence upon commitment in writing and receipt of funds from all members of the purchase pool with an agreed upon allowance for a minimum of 90 days to locate the property.
Upon location of a property that fits the above parameters, a memo with photos and description of the property will be sent to all members who may decide at that time to approve or decline the property in a timely manner — within 48 hours of receipt of the memo. Any group which is able to approve the found property with a combined total of 540,000€ will enable the purchase process to proceed.
Members of the purchase pool will provide proxy to the Adrian Leeds Group, LLC to sign notarial documents on their behalf: the Promesse de Vente and Acte de Vente — allow 3 to 4 months to completion.
Three decor concepts that fit within the renovation budget will be presented to the purchase pool for voting and will be executed by the interior architect and construction team. Any choices made by the purchase pool outside the framework of the budget will be charged over and above the initial fees. Allow 2 to 3 months to completion.
Members of the purchase pool will appoint one spokesperson for the purchase pool to make day-to-day decisions and act as a “liaison” between all members of the purchase pool.
NOTE: The Adrian Leeds Group, LLC will offer optional property management services upon completion of the sale and renovation at an additional expense to oversee the maintenance of the property, provide housekeeping between owners’ visits, manage the calendar of owner visits, pay all annual taxes, utility bills, etc. OR the group may operate fully on its own upon completion of the process.
If you are interested in participating in a purchase pool for “MY PIED-A-TERRE IN LE MARAIS,” email Adrian Leeds at [email protected]
If you are interested in traditional fractional ownership properties currently offered by our Fractional Ownership partners, see below:
Paris: LE JARDIN SAINT-PAUL
https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/frenchproperty/consultation/sales/fractional/jardinstpaul.html
Paris: CHEZ LA TOUR
http://www.adrianle
eds.com/frenchproperty/consultation/
sales/fractional/chezlatour.html
Languedoc-Roussillon: MAISON BLEUE
https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/frenchproperty/consultation/sales/fractional/maisonbleue.html
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Adrian Leeds, of Parler Paris and French Property Insider and John Howell, The International Law Partnership, Present the…
Living and Investing
in France Real Estate Conference
https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/frenchproperty/conference
Upcoming Conferences in 2008:
London
Date: June 22, 2008
Location: International Law Partnership Offices, Holborn Hall, 193-197 High Holborn, London WC1V 7BD
Times: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with buffet lunch
Limit: 25 attendees
Registration Fee: £147 1st person, £97 2nd person
For more information, email [email protected]
To reserve your place, click here https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/frenchproperty/conference/LIF_London_June_2008/fax_reg_london_2008.pdf
to download the registration form, print it, complete it, sign it and fax it to +1 (661) 554-1257.
To check the current rate of exchange, click here https://adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/loan/moneycorpconvertor.html for the Moneycorp Currency Convertor.
San Francisco
Date: July 26-27, 2008
Location: San Francisco, Alliance Francaise, 1345 Bush Street, San Francisco, California 94109
Times: To Be Announced
Limit: 80
Registration Fee: To Be Announced
For more information, email [email protected]
Paris
Date: October 11-12, 2008
Location: Paris Chez Jenny
Times: To Be Announced
Limit: 100
Registration Fee: To Be Announced
For more information, email [email protected]
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See French Property Consultation on House Hunters International!
Episode HHINT-402
“Settling Down in Paris”
Angela and Ben met in 2003 when they lived in Los Angeles working for the same clothing company. Now, the two are engaged to be married. When Ben started receiving frequent overseas work, the company believed he’d be more valuable in Paris, so they happily relocated. They immediately moved into a cozy rental in the 17th district near the Arc de Triomphe and started to explore the different neighborhoods of Paris. The pair is now ready to take the big leap and purchase an apartment to stay for good. Property consultant Adrian Leeds is enlisted to help.
AIR TIMES:
• May 05, 2008 10:30 PM ET/PT
• May 06, 2008 2:30 AM ET/PT
• May 31, 2008 10:30 PM ET/PT
• June 01, 2008 2:30 AM ET/PT
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TODAY’S CURRENCY UPDATE
Visit the FPI Web site and click on the link on the left panel or click here for Currency Convertor by Moneycorp: https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/frenchproperty/insider/moneycorpconvertor.html
for up to the minute conversions of all major currencies.
Compare currency values easily and quickly by visiting:
https://adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/loan/moneycorpconvertor.html
Charts
http://www.Moneycorp.co.uk/members/charts.asp
The charts below are updated every ten seconds.
The prices shown are “inter bank” exchange rates and are not the rates that you will be offered by Moneycorp. Your rate will be determined by the amount of currency that you are buying. Please speak with an Moneycorp dealer or your consultant for a live quotation.
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Parler Paris Après Midi
https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/parlerparis/apresmidi.html
Come f
or a drink and to meet and chat with other readers
in Paris…
The next gathering is May 13, 2008, and every second Tuesday of the month.
 
 
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HOT PROPERTY PICKS: Homes in Historical Normandy
Each week French Property Insider features a range of properties which we believe are on the market at the time of writing. These properties are featured in order to give readers a sample of what is currently available and a working example of prices being asked in various regions of France and districts of Paris.
As we are not a real estate agency. These properties do not constitute a sales listing. For those readers seriously interested in finding property in Paris or France, you can retain our services to do the whole thing for you. For more information, visit https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/frenchproperty/consultation
***Normandy, Country House, approx. 1400 sq. ft.
Totally restored Normandy colombage longere set in just over a quarter of an acre of established gardens. With 4 bedrooms, two bathrooms, designer kitchen, fireplace and terrace.
Asking Price: 273,000€ + 2.5% Finder’s Fee
 
***Normandy, Farmhouse, approx. 200m²
The main property offers 200m² of living space with an entrance hall, fully equipped kitchen, dining room, living room with fireplace, library, 4 bedrooms, bathroom, 2 shower rooms, 3 toilets. There is a guest house (70m²), open barn, garage, workshop, swimming pool. The property stands on 5 acres with a pond and a stream in a quiet location.
Asking Price: 522,000€ + 2.5% Finder’s Fee
***Normandy, Manor House, 10 rooms, approx. 380m²
This 17 century half-timbered manor house is in perfect condition and has two living rooms with fireplaces, dining room, veranda, laundry, office, 5 bedrooms, in-law suite, 3 bathrooms. Only 3km to a beautiful beach.
Asking Price: 645,000€ + 2.5% Finder’s Fee
 
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LEASEBACK NEWS FROM IMOINVEST
https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/frenchproperty/insider/sales/leasebacks/lb_list.php
DOMAINE DES ROCHES JAUNES
France, Brittany / Normandy, Plougasnou
One Bedroom 36m² to 36m² €123,000 to €123,000
Two Bedrooms 44m² to 50m² €147,000 to €163,000
Three Bedrooms 56m² to 71m² €180,000 to €223,000
Guaranteed Buy to Let – Leaseback
GUARANTED RENTAL INCOME: 4.30%

NEW BUILD AROUND OLD BRETON MANOR
Authentic Breton village located 70km from the Brest International Airport and 40km from Roscof (direct ferries from Cork and Plymouth), known for it’s 18 meter high cliff offering outstanding panoramic views over the Morlaix Bay, waterfalls and ornamental lakes with tortoises, rock gardens with cacti, agaves and aloes; an enchanting site with a taste of the exotic.
Discover this unique and rare new build property including an ocean view on the Beachside of “Saint Samson” as well as an old Breton Manor called “Les Roches Jaunes” on the premises. Nearby attractions include the Casino and Balneotheray centre in Roscoff and the Golf Course of Garantec at 9km from the residence. Residence facilities include a covered heated swimming pool, a fitness room and laundry facilities. There is parking available on site.
As a new build property, owners will benefit from a VAT tax refund equaling 19.6% of the acquisition price. In addition, owners will be paid a guaranteed rental income for the life of the commercial lease.
– Popular vacation destination
– Tax refund of 19.6% by the French Administration
– Managed by one of the biggest management companies in France
– Up to 5 weeks of occupancy
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SEEKING A MORTGAGE IN FRANCE?
When you make a purchase as important as a piece of real estate in a foreign country, you want to know that you can trust the people you are dealing with. Adrian Leeds has developed a network of pro
fessionals that meet only
the highest of standards. With the expertise and experience of Adrian and her team, you can depend on getting the best advice and support to feel completely confident that you are making an informed investment decision.
Let us help you secure a mortgage in France at a competitive interest rate. Visit https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/frenchproperty/loan for more information or contact [email protected]
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Managing Your French Property Insider Subscription is Easy!
We receive many emails from French Property Insider Subscribers who want to change their email address, or update personal information. But did you know that you can make these changes yourself?
It’s easy…
1. Go to https://adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/insider
2. Click on “Manage Subscription.” You’ll find it under the “Subscribers Only” section in the sidebar.
3. Enter your username and password.
4. On the Welcome Page, go to “Manage Your Account” and click on “Change Password/Edit Profile”
5. Once you’ve made the changes, scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on “Save Profile.”
Simple!
Of course, we’re always happy to help, so if you do need assistance, send an email to [email protected]
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We wanted better guides.
So we wrote them.
Insider Paris Guides are written for people who love the City of Light. You’ll get a Paris insider perspective on Restaurants… Making a Life… Black Culture… Expat Writers…and the newest guide, Practical Paris!
French Property Insider subscribers receive a discount of 10% off any guide and up to 25% off the entire purchase (if two or more guides are purchased at the same time). Here’s how it works:
1. Click on special Web link we give you just for FPI subscribers.
2. Then order one or more guide(s) and use the promotion
code “ED762.” This promotion code gives you 10% off your total
order.
3. If you order two or more guides, then an additional 15% will be
taken off automatically. There is no promotion code needed.
Here is the special “coupon” Web link just for you:
http://www.insiderparisguides.com/offer/fpi_offer.htm

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THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

To access password protected pages: click on any of the links on the left panel of the home page of FrenchPropertyInsider.com under “Subscriber’s Only,” then type in your personal username and password.

Past issues of FPI are available on the website. You will find the
“Past Issues” link on the left under “Subscribers Only” or by going to
https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/frenchproperty/insider/members/content/pastissues/index.html
To receive your free French Leaseback Report or the Paris Property
Report, click on
https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/frenchproperty/insider/members/content/reports.html

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HELPFUL CONVERSIONS FOR REAL ESTATE

1 square meter = 10.7639104 square feet

1 hectare = 2.4710538 acres

For more conversions, refer to: http://www.onlineconversion.com/

==== CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING ===

PARLER PARIS APARTMENTS
https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/parlerparis/apartments
Email: [email protected]/parlerparis

Welcome to your home in Paris. Home is how you will feel in a private apartment in Paris that has the “seal of approval” from Parler Paris Apartments and me, Adrian Leeds.
Parler Paris Apartments offers high quality accommodations to make your stay in the City of Light as enjoyable and memorable as possible. We at Parler Paris know each and every apartment owner or manager personally, and stand behind the quality of those we represent. We understand your needs and desires, all the small details that make a rental apartment a warm and welcoming home – and a much better alternative to an impersonal hotel!
Parler Paris
Apartments is administ
ered and serviced by the same great team as Parler Paris, French Property Insider and French Property Consultation. You can trust that Parler Paris Apartments and all those with whom it is associated will do their best for your 100% guaranteed satisfaction.

NEW LISTING!

Le Déco
One-Bedroom, Sleeps up to 4

From the quiet, residential rue Saint-Sébastien, walk up a mere dozen steps into this beautiful, newly renovated one-bedroom apartment. No effort has been spared to create a sophisticated, comfortable environment that provides you with all the modern conveniences, and the opportunity to experience romantic Paris to the fullest, whether as first time tourists, or as seasoned visitors who prefer to live like Parisians. Le Déco’s stylish interior combines contemporary design with Art Deco flourishes, while retaining elements of its 19th-century French heritage in its original wood beamed ceiling and marble fireplace. Its three large French windows with wrought iron railings provide a pleasant view of the rue Saint-Sébastien neighborhood.
Reserve now! Visit https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/parlerparis/apartments/rentals/deco.html
or email: [email protected]
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SUBSCRIBE TO PARLER PARIS

If you’re not a regular reader of the Parler Paris daily e-letter, and would like to be, simply enter your e-mail address here (it’s free!): http://www.adrianleeds.com/parlerparis

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Copyright 2010, Adrian Leeds®
Adrian Leeds Group, LLC, http://www.adrianleeds.com