French Island Fever

I’m writing you from San Francisco, where it is sunny and cool, as it usually is. The team from the Living and Investing in France Real Estate Conference will be arriving one by one in preparation for the conference to begin Saturday afternoon at the Alliance Française. Next week I’ll provide a report in full on what we will have learned there — as not only do the attendees learn a lot, but we also gain tremendous insight from them, as well.
Today we’re placing our focus on the islands of France…of which there are many from which to choose. However, we devote our attention to just three: Corsica in the Mediterranean Sea, Ile de Ré and Ile d’Oléron off the Atlantic coast…my three favorites. These little oases make perfect vacation home havens and are sure to be quite bustling all summer long. Have a read and a dream of your island home in France.
Parler Paris Apartments has just launched its newest vacation rental owned by a reader of French Property Insider: “Le Pinot Noir.” “Le Pinot Noir” one-bedroom luxury apartment is a wine connoisseur’s dream and everyone’s dream. Located just steps off the lively rue de Bretagne, but facing the quiet little street of rue Debelleyme across the street from one of Paris’ finest restaurants, Le Pamphlet, it affords views of rue de Bretagne and the adjacent Marais streets from close to rooftop level. It is completely equipped for pure luxury…and it’s this notion that leads to today’s article about the details of equipping a luxury apartment for ensured success. Be sure to read all about what makes an apartment like this so perfect and take advantage of booking your stay at Le Pinot Noir! For more details and photos visit https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/parlerparis/apartments/rentals/pinot_noir.html
There’s lots in store for you today regarding setting up your property purchase correctly for inheritance reasons and another article about the advantage of gifting in France. These are important reference articles for your library of information on how to make a purchase in France.
Note our new updated Web site…and enjoy today’s issue. Next week I’ll be writing from Los Angeles, what we endearingly call, “LaLa Land!.”

A bientôt…

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

P.S. It’s not too late to attend the conference this Saturday, July 26. If you present yourself at registration, we can accommodate you. Visit https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/frenchproperty/conference/LIF_SF_2008/index.html for more information.
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Volume VI, Issue 30, July 24, 2008
In this issue:
* Finishing Touches Make the Perfect Paris Property
* Joint Property Ownership and French Inheritance Laws
* Tax Savings and the Gift of French Property
* Islands in the Seas…of France?
* Bridging the Gap Unpopular with Islanders
* Charming, Chic and Cheap in France?
* Your Personal France Map
* Design Your Own Fractional Property
* Upcoming Living and Investing in France Real Estate Conferences
* FPI Property Consultation, Search and Relocation Solutions
* Today’s Currency Update from Moneycorp
* Next Parler Paris Après-Midi: September 9, 2008
* Hot Property Picks: French Island Living
* Leasebacks: Residence de la Tour de Mare, France, Mediterranean Coast, Frejus
* Managing Your FPI Subscription
* Classified Advertising: Parler Paris Apartments — Le Pinot Noir
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The Devil is in the Details: Make Your Rental Apartment Perfect Down to the Details
By Adrian Leeds

You’ve purchase an apartment or home in Paris or elsewhere designed for rental revenue. It needs refurbishment, or perhaps complete renovation. The big aspects aren’t difficult to think about…the floor plan, the color scheme, the appointments such as exposure of old beams, fireplaces, etc. and the position of furniture. But in the end, it’s the details that coun
t and make the
rental property comfortable and convenient — a place your guests will enjoy and return to time and time again. Don’t overlook the importance of these details.
Telephone and Electric Plugs
Make sure there are plenty of plugs! Where the TV and Internet equipment will be, you need at least 4 or 5 plugs. The kitchen needs at least 3 or 4 for all the appliances. Every wall should have at least two plugs. The bathroom needs a plug or two for a hair dryer and shaver. Next to every table that houses a lamp needs plugs. Put a telephone plug in every room on the most convenient walls.
You may think this is silly, since every newly built home in the U.S. is well plugged, but not in France! And they don’t think ‘convenience’ like we do, so don’t overlook this important feature.
Entertainment Electronics
Equip the apartment with at least one TV, DVD player, CD player, even a computer if you like. Clock radios are great — but if not, be sure there are alarm clocks next to each bed!…such a simple item easily forgotten.
A Place to Work
Many people travel with a computer and need to work a bit while on vacation — or at least want a place to set up a simple work station. Think about it. Every hotel has a desk. Do the same. Create a desk or work space with Internet, good lighting, plenty of plugs (of course) and drawers complete with all the little necessities: pens, paper, stapler, tape, etc. Equip it as if you were working there.
Lots of Storage
You can never have enough…make sure there is space to store luggage away! And a marketing cart and hamper! And where will you store the brooms, mops, ironing board, iron, tools, extra light bulbs, etc.? Make sure there are drawers or shelves to put clothing and lots of hanging space. Or what about a place to hang drying laundry? And extra linens? They will need lots of space for the extra sheets and comforters. Whatever you need at home is what your renter may need in the apartment.
Convenient Bathroom and Kitchen Features
In the bathroom, make sure is plenty of space to put all their cosmetics. The plugs should be conveniently placed. Add lots of mirrors and good lighting. Add a hook for their robes and lots of towel bars for both hand and bath towels. Make sure it has a small trash can and a place to put a toothbrush and toothpaste.
The kitchen must be completely equipped with pots and pans, coffee makers, all the right appliances including stove, oven, microwave, kettle (electric or other) and a washer/dryer combination in either the kitchen or bath. Have enough cabinetry to accommodate it all, comfortably.
Fully Equipped Kitchen and Bath
The bathroom needs a hair dryer, shampoo, cream rinse, body wash, fresh soaps (change between each renter), toothpaste and everything a renter might need and not have brought with them (remember all the times your luggage was lost by the airline and you had nothing with you!?). What about the magnifying mirror to see better when applying make-up? Lots of tissues and toilet paper are a necessity. Have enough towels for a fresh one every day of the week. Add a terry robe and slippers for ultimate luxury. Maybe perfumes…it costs so little to be luxurious, you’d be surprised.
In the kitchen, the more of everything the better…utensils for cooking, a cork screw, serving pieces, pot holders, hand towels, sponges (fresh!), paper towels, napkins and all the cleaning products you can think of. Don’t forget the tea strainer and the teas, the coffees, sugar, salt, pepper, oil, etc…just what every kitchen needs so your renters don’t need to run immediately to the market for the basics. Leave nothing for want.
Parler Paris Apartments (https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/parlerparis/apartments) provides a complete list of items to each of our apartment owners to ensure that every apartment we represent is fully equipped. Here’s the list. Is yours as well equipped? And if not, it should be! If so, your rental will be guaranteed success to satisfy every renter and keep them coming back time and time again.
Items Recommended For Parler Paris Apartment Rental
Kitchen
* Cook rings – at least two
* Can opener
* Champagne flûtes
* Cocktail glasses
* Coffee cups – mugs and espresso size
* Coffee-maker – drip or press
* Colander
* Cooking utensils
* Corkscrew
* Cutting boards
* Dishes — service for 6 or 8 including salad plates, dinner plates and bowls
* Dishwasher recommended for luxury rental
* Drinking glasses
* Drying rack
* Espresso machine recommended for luxury rental
* Ice trays or ice maker
* Kettle – electric or stove top
* Kitchen towels
* Potholders
* Pots and pans
* Refrigerator and freezer
* Salad spinner
* Salt and pepper shakers
* Scissors
* Serving pieces
* Silverware
* Soap dispenser
* Spatula
* Sugar bowl
* Toaster/toaster oven
* Trash can
* Vase
* Wine glasses
* Wine rack
Bedrooms
* A TV in each bedroom if possible
* Alarm clocks next to each bed
* Bedspreads
* Comfortable beds (twins of 80cm x 80cm or 90cm x 90
cm that convert to one king size)
* Duvets
and covers
* Good quality hangers (wood)
* Minimum of 2 sets of white sheets per bed (no iron if possible) including bottom sheet, top sheet and pillow cases
* Minimum of 4 pillows per bed (2/person)
* Storage
Living Room
* Cable television with international channels e.g. CNN, BBC
* CD player/radio with an assortment of CDs
* DVD player with an assortment of DVDs
* Sofa bed – good quality (with 2 sets of white sheets)
Bathroom
* 4 sets of towels for each potential renter (wash cloth, hand towel, bath towel)
* Hair-dryer
* Makeup mirror
* Soap dish/dispenser
* Tub/shower with doors or curtain
General
* At least 5 sets of keys to the apartment
* Binder with apartment details, emergency procedures and appliance owner’s manuals
* Book shelves (stocked with English language books, guide books, maps, etc.)
* Broom and dustpan
* Bucket
* Currency Convertor by Moneycorp Global Money Services/Currency Onlines and adapters
* Cordless phones with free international calling and answering machine in main rooms
* Fire extinguisher
* Grocery cart
* Guestbook
* Iron and ironing board
* Laundry hamper
* Sponge mop
* Vacuum cleaner (bag-less preferred)
* Washer/dryer
* Watering can
Workspace
* Basic office supplies (scissors, scotch tape, stapler, etc.)
* Computer with English operating system (if possible) recommended for luxury rentals
* Desk
* High speed wired and wireless Internet access
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How to Purchase in France
http://www.notaires.fr/
When an non-resident person purchases a real estate in France, he worries about what will happen to it after his death.
Considering, French as well as foreign private international inheritance laws, the real estate is submitted to the law of the location of the property.
Thus, at the death of the owner of a real estate purchased in France, this immoveable asset will be submitted to French inheritance law. But French law, contrary to English law, has rules which guarantee a reserved share in the estate to some heirs (children, or failing that, the father and the mother). To avoid this rule and to allow for example the surviving spouse to dispose of the real estate located in France, different methods exist such ad the “tontine”, the change of marital scheme, and, with reserves, the purchase by a civil company (SCI: Société Civile Immobilière), or, the capital contribution of the real estate to an SCI On the other hand, the “indivision” ownership can generate some difficulties.
What is a “tontine” agreement ?
“Tontine” is a creation of French law comparable to “joint tenancy”. With a “tontine” agreement, the purchasers of a same real estate agree that the survivor will become the sole owner of the jointly held property. With this agreement, the surviving owner can’t be worried by the privileged heirs of the deceased (heirs with a reserved share). A “tontine” clause can be inserted in a purchase contract when the real estate is located in France and when French law is the law applicable to the contract. That will be the case, when, in pursuance of article 3 of the Rome Convention of 19th June 1980, the parties of the sale choose to submit the contract to French law. In pursuance of article 4 a) of the same Convention, a “tontine” clause can also be inserted when the real estate is located in France (in default of choice of the applicable law in the deed of sale).
Civil aspects of “tontine”
To be valid, “tontine” must not interfere with the marital scheme of spouses. In this respect, English spouses, married under the English legal marital scheme of separate estates can validly include a “tontine” clause in the purchase contract. In other respects, to be valid, “tontine” clause must be inserted at the moment of the purchase. This is the first difference with the joint tenancy which can be included after the purchase. After the death of one of the owners, the real estate is subject to a particular status. It’s not an undivided property. The owners cannot put an end to “tontine”, except by mutual agreement. This is a second difference with the joint tenancy, which can be stopped unilaterally. In the same way, the real estate purchased with a “tontine” clause can’t be seized by the personal creditor of one of the owners, in fact, before the death of the other purchaser ; this debtor has no right of property on this real asset. Finally if the “joint tenant” surviving spouse is not taxed, the insertion of a “tontine” agreement in the deed of purchase will submit to inheritance tax or to ad valorem duties (“droits de mutation à titre onéreux”).
Tax aspects of “tontine”
In principle, in pursuance of 1st line of article 754 A of Code Général des Impôts (general tax Code), the real estate inherited in pursuance of a “tontine” clause inserted in a deed of purchase is submitted to the inheritance tax. If the purchasers are not relatives, the survivor may be subject to 60% inheritance tax. This rule applies even if the purchasers are foreign, and, from a tax point of view, resident outside of France. In fact, in pursuance of article 4 a) of the Anglo-French Agreement of 21st June 1963, France can tax a real estate located in France.
The chan
ge of marital scheme
Often, following a solicitor’s advice, English spouses, married under the separate estates marital scheme (separate ownership of property marital scheme), consider purchasing an immoveable property in France after a change of their marital scheme. They wish to adopt the French marital scheme of communal estate (joint estate of husband and wife comprising all property, present and future) with a clause awarding the joint ownership to the surviving spouse.
In this settlement, the property is not individually owned by one of spouses. It is a joint ownership property and the couple manages this communal estate. After the death of one of the spouses, the clause awarding the joint ownership to the survivor will be effective and the property will be owned by the surviving spouse.
The change of law applicable to the marital scheme
In application of article 6 of The Hague Convention of 14th March 1978 on applicable law of the marital scheme, a married couple under the legal English marital scheme can adopt the French marital scheme of communal estate.
Article 6 provides that a married couple can change the law applicable to the marital scheme during the marriage and adopt, within some limits, the law of their choice.
The married couple’s choice
First, a married couple can choose the law of a state which one of them has the nationality. If one of the spouses is French, they can choose any French marital scheme, and, in particular, the communal estate with a clause awarding the joint ownership to the surviving spouse.
Then, if one of them has a customary residence in a specific state, they can choose the law of this state. So, if one of the spouses has a customary residence in France, they will be able to choose a French marital scheme. Finally, the spouses can choose, for immoveable properties, or some of them, the law where these real estates are located. They can also prescribe that the real estates acquired later will be submitted to law where they’re located.
Thus, if a married couple owns an immoveable asset in France, or on the point of purchasing, they can choose the marital scheme with a clause awarding the joint ownership to the surviving spouse.
Effects of marital scheme changing
In the two first cases, that is to say when one of the spouses has the French nationality or has his residence in France, the change of law is effective on the spouses entire assets, wherever their location.In the third case, only the real estates are affected by the change of law. So, when the real estates are located in France and when the spouses choose the marital scheme of community estates with a clause awarding the joint ownership to the surviving spouse, the latter will be the owner of the real assets and will dispose of it as he wishes. In this last case, if the applicable law of the estate is the French law, the common children of the couple (privileged heirs) will receive their reserved share at the death of the second spouse. But, always if French law is applicable to the estate, and if there are children who are not common in the couple, the privileged heirs of the deceased will can ask their reserved share immediately after the first decease. The SCI
An SCI (Société Civile Immobilière) is a kind of company of French Law. It has the advantage to be distinct from its members. The asset acquired by the SCI belongs to the company and not to its members. And the departure of one of them doesn’t lead to any kind of changes.
Interests to form an SCI
To avoid the French inheritance rules of the reserved share, one could suggest to British persons, domiciled in Great Britain to form an SCI in France. Either the real estate will be purchased by the SCI or brought to the SCI in exchange of shares. In that case the real estate is not a part of the heritage of the members. The estates of the members of the company will be composed by shares in the capital of the SCI which are personal estate. But, in pursuance of French private international law, inheritance transmission of personal estate is subject to the law where the deceased was resident. If the deceased was domiciled, for example, in England, English law will be applicable. If he left a will with provisions in this way, his shares will be passed to the person of his choice: the French rule of the reserved share will not be applicable anymore.
Be careful to the law fraud
The use of a structure such as an SCI must not be damageable to the privileged heirs. If the intention of the deceased was to avoid the application of French law, it could be considered as fraudulent and sanctioned by French courts.
Tax aspects of an SCI The Anglo-French agreements govern the fiscal rules applicable to the SCI The immoveable assets located in France and owned by an SCI are subject to French tax laws (income from real property tax, capital gain tax, rental tax, inheritance tax). An SCI is submitted to the tax transparency. Each member of the company must pay the tax in proportion of his shares in the SCI.
The risks of “indivision” ownership: When an asset was acquired in “indivision” ownership, at the death of one of the spouses or more generally speaking, of one of the tenants in common, his share will be transferred to his heirs and not to his co-owners. Therefore, the “indivision” ownership can cause great difficulties. Particularly when there is a dispute between children and parents, when the parents have children from a previous marriage, or worst, when they have children who are still minors.
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Transferring an Estate / Advantages of Gifts
http://www.notaires.fr/
Gifts offer
excepti
onal advantages
A gift or donation is, first and foremost, an act of generosity. You make gifts only to those you love – members of your family and others as well. You can also give to a charity, an association or a congregation that you support. A donation is always a serious step because, with a few exceptions, you cannot take it back. Donors must be fully aware of the consequences of their gift. The law protects the interests of the family and lays down precise rules to ensure that the gift has the intended consequences.
Giving can also reflect proper management of your family assets. Perhaps your house has become too large now that your children have left home, and maintaining it is too expensive. You have the option of giving the house to one of your children while you continue to live in it. A provision in the deed of gift will give you the right to live in or rent the house. Unless you agree otherwise, your child will be responsible for major renovation work and property taxes. You will be responsible only for routine maintenance, certain tasks that do not involve major construction, and the council tax on your residence. A gift can also be made in return for an annuity. This can provide an invaluable supplement to your retirement income.
Gifts can simplify your plans for the future. When you transfer an asset while you’re still alive, you eliminate the inheritance taxes that otherwise must be paid after your death. This helps you avoid problems that could arise when your estate has to be divided. By mutual agreement with your children, you can conduct an early distribution of all or just a portion of your assets. We call this division by inter vivos gift.
Gifts can also bring significant tax savings, especially if you are transferring a business, a farm or real property. It’s a good way to transfer one or more assets under favorable conditions: the costs of the transfer will be smaller, and you can choose when to pay them. Specifically, in order to expedite the transfer of assets from one generation to the next, France’s current tax law provides for a reduced tax (50% or 30% lower) depending on the donor’s age (under 65 or 75 years of age respectively). In addition, this tax is reduced by 50% for gifts in fee simple that are approved up until 30 June 2005, regardless of the age of the donor. Finally, new tax measures are making it easier to transfer businesses.
Let’s take the example of a man aged 68 with one child, owning a home valued at €130,000. Upon his death, his child would theoretically pay €15,100 in estate tax. With a donation of bare ownership that allows that parent to live in the house or even to rent the house and collect the rental payments, the tax burden would be only €6,930, and there would be no estate tax to pay. That’s a difference of more than €8,170 on the same asset! Moreover, since the value of the home is likely to increase before the death of the parents, the estate tax would be calculated on the basis of a sum greater than €130,000, which would increase the tax bill still further.
Don’t hesitate to contact your notaire. He or she will work with you to find the solution best suited to your wishes and your resources.
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Islands of France
By Adrian Leeds
You probably don’t think about islands when you think of France, but France has plenty!
One of my favorites is the island of Corsica in the Mediterranean. It’s a perfect vacation spot if not a great place to own a retreat or vacation rental. It’s of course, famous at Napoleon’s birthplace, and it’s easy to get to by ferry or flight. Corsica is a perfect blend of French and Italian culture and in spite of its political unrest, is a little spot of heaven cropped up in blue, blue waters.
On the Atlantic coast are the islands of oysters…at least, that’s how I think of them. Both Ile de Ré and the Ile d’Oléron have wonderful oyster industries and supply France with some of its finest mollusks. Go there to eat if nothing else! You’ll find Ile de Ré a bit more refined and touristed then Oléron which takes on a more rustic ambiance. Either way, they are wonderful vacation home spots to really get away from it all.
Today we offer you these three to discover and contemplate as your next home or home-away-from-home in France.
Corsica
Corsica is the fourth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea (after Sicily, Sardinia, and Cyprus). It is located west of Italy, southeast of France, and north of the island of Sardinia.
Corsica is considered one of the 26 régions of France, although strictly speaking Corsica is designated as a “territorial collectivity” (collectivité territoriale) by law. As a territorial collectivity, it enjoys greater powers than other French régions, but for the most part its status is quite similar. Corsica is referred to as a “région” in common speech, and is almost always listed among the other régions of France. Although the island is separated from the continental mainland by the Ligurian Sea and is much closer to the Italian than to the French mainland, politically Corsica is considered part of Metropolitan France.
Corsica is famed as the birthplace of Napoléon Bonaparte. His ancestral home, Casa Buonaparte, is located there still.
History
Coastal boulevard in Ajaccio, the island’s capital and Napoleon’s birthplace.Corsica has been occupied continuously since the Mesolithic. It acquired an indigenous population that was influential in the Mediterranean during its long prehistory. After a brief colonization by the ancient Greeks and an only sligh
tl
y longer occupation by the Etruscans it was preempted by the Roman Republic and became with Sardinia a province of the Roman Empire. After the fall of the empire it was invaded by number of short-lived powers before being rescued by the March of Tuscany. As a medieval state speaking a Romance language it became an object of contention between the Republic of Pisa and the Republic of Genoa. The Genoese again took possession of the island in 1347, and governed it until 1729 – interrupted only by a brief intervention of the French in 1553.
In 1729 the Corsican Revolution for independence began. After 26 years of struggle the independent Corsican Republic was formed in 1755 under the leadership of Pasquale Paoli and remained sovereign until 1768. The first Corsican Constitution was written in Italian (the language of culture in Corsica until the end of 19th century) by Paoli. He proclaimed that Italian was the official language of Corsica.
The Corsican Republic was unable to eject the Genoese from the major coastal cities. In 1764 Corsica was purchased secretly by France from the Republic of Genoa. After an announcement and brief civil war in 1768-69, Corsica was incorporated into France in 1770, marking the end of Corsican sovereignty. However, national feelings still run high.
Economy
Corsica’s spectacular coastline is a major drive for tourism (here by the town of Propriano).Tourism plays a major role in the Corsican economy. The island’s pleasant climate, beautiful mountains and breathtaking coastlines make it a popular destination among the French and other Western Europeans. However, the island has not had the same level of intensive development as other parts of the Mediterranean and is thus relatively unspoiled. Tourism is particularly concentrated in the area around Porto Vecchio and Bonifacio in the south of the island and Calvi in the northwest.
Corsica produces gourmet cheese, wine, sausages, and honey for sale in mainland France and for export. Corsican honey, of which there are six official varietals, is certified as to its origin (Appellation d’origine contrôlée) by the French National Institute of Origin and Quality (INAO).
Île de Ré
Île de Ré (formerly also Île de Rhé; in English Isle of Rhé) is an island off the west coast of France near La Rochelle, on the northern side of the Pertuis d’Antioche strait.
The island is 30 km long, 5 km wide, and a 2.9 km bridge, completed in 1988, connects it to La Rochelle on the mainland.
The area is a popular tourist destination. It has approximately the same number of hours of sunshine as the famous southern coast of France. The island is noted to have a constant light breeze, and the water temperature is generally cool. The island is surrounded with gently sloping, sandy beaches, which are a real treat for families and tourists.
The quays at Saint Martin en Ré.The island has a resident winter population of approximately 16,000 residents and a resident summer population of about 160,000. Since the local population is distributed all over the island, it never gets too crowded. The island is covered by bicycle tracks, with many residents rarely using cars for transportation. Camping grounds and hotels abound on the island, as well as large supermarkets and all modern amenities. Most families stay on the island for the duration of their vacations.
Night life consists of going to Saint Martin, the main port, or to La Flotte, to walk along the quays and to potter around the shops, which are open very late. Restaurants abound. At night, visitors can also watch the buskers, have a drink and enjoy the island’s delicious artisanal ice cream, all set in a family-friendly atmosphere.
The island has its fair share of celebrities, including Lionel j2999pin, who was Prime Minister of France from 1997 to 2002 and who is known to go there regularly for his holidays. Johnny Depp has also been spotted there.
Sea salt harvest in Ile de Ré.Oysters and fresh fish are always available. There is also a tradition in which the fishermen, upon return from the sea, sell a small quantity of their catch directly on the quays, enabling themselves to buy a drink. Markets are open on a daily basis in the main towns and are a popular place to shop, taste and chat. Even the vendors in the markets come to the island on their holidays. Generally, they work only in the mornings, enabling themselves to enjoy the remainder of the day. Shopping affords a large variety of items, such as comics, books, African articles, ceramics, clothes, artifacts, food, local specialities, tools and souvenirs.
Oléron
Île d’Oléron (English: Island of Oleron) is an island off the Atlantic coast of France (due west of Rochefort), on the southern side of the Pertuis d’Antioche strait. It is the second largest French island after Corsica (not counting French overseas possessions).
In the seventh and eighth century the island, along with Ré, formed the Vacetae Insulae or Vacetian Islands, according to the Cosmographia.[1] Vaceti being another name for the Vascones, the reference is evidence to Basque (Gascon) settlement or control of the islands by that date.
It was at Oléron in about 1152 to 1160 that Eleanor of Aquitaine introduced the first “maritime” or “admiralty” laws in that part of the world: the Rolls of Oleron. In 1306, Edward I of England granted the island to his son, Edward II, as part of the duchy of Aquitaine.

On March 20, 1586, the Island is taken by Agrippa d’Aubigne.
The island has an area of about 175km2. It is a fertile and well cultivated island on the Atlantic coast of France, that is on the bay of Biscay. The climate is generally mild (maritime temperate) with sufficient but not excessive rainfall, but with probably from 3 to 15 days of intense heat in the summer months of July and August, mostly grouped.
 
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French Islanders Fear a No-toll Bridge
By Geraldine Baum, Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com
The way of life on France’s Ile de Re has weathered having a span to the mainland, but now the prospect is free passage — and unwanted hordes.
For decades this Atlantic island of whitewashed villages and healing salt air was a paradise that only the French, and a certain type of French at that, seemed to know about.
French guidebooks hardly mentioned this scrap of tranquillity off France’s west coast, as if part of a conspiracy to preserve the island’s endless supply of oysters fresh out of the beds and rosé des dunes wine for the locals and for the chic Parisians who turned up on weekends to ride rusty bikes and dig for crabs…
To read the entire article visit http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-island14-2008jul14,0,4802658.story
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Overseas: Le Cheap C’est Chic
By Laura Latham
http://www.independent.co.uk
Buying in the UK and Spain has become a nightmare — but you can still find dream homes in France, says Laura Latham.
Property markets in the UK and Spain may be akin to a roller- coaster ride right now, but France has stayed firm through it all. Prices have risen substantially in many areas but, thanks to the conservative nature of French financial institutions and a less speculative market, there hasn’t been the extraordinary highs and lows seen elsewhere.
To read the entire article visit http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/house-and-home/property/overseas-le-cheap-cest-chic-874462.html
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Itineraries and Maps
http://itineraire.voila.fr/itineraire.html
Traveling by car in France? This new web site offers maps, personalized itineraries, even traffic reports for roads in Paris and throughout the country.
You can type in your starting point and destination and receive step by step instructions on how to get there, including the actual distance and an estimate on how much gas you will need.
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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:</ font>
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]
Fractional Property Offerings
If you are interested in traditional fractional ownership properties currently offered by our Fractional Ownership partners, see below:

Paris: LE PETIT TRESOR https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/frenchproperty/fractional

Paris: CHEZ LA TOUR https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/frenchproperty/consultation	Languedoc-Roussillon: MAISON BLEUE https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/frenchproperty/consultation

Meaux: CHÂTEAU LIVING FRANCE http://www.adrianleeds .com/frenchproperty/fractional	Nice: ON THE COURS SALEYA For more details and pricing information, contact [email protected]

 
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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:
It’s this Saturday! There’s still time to register for the…
Living and Investing in France Real Estate Conference
San Francisco
Date: July 26-27, 2008
An Alliance Française of San Francisco Special Event!
Don’t miss our 22nd Living and Investing in France Real Estate Conference! Learn how to live and invest in France…profitably.
Parler Paris Readers, FPI Subscribers, Alliance Française Members can save $50 per person!
To learn more about the conference and this special offer and to reserve your place, click here: https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/frenchproperty/conference/LIF_SF_2008/index.html
For more information, email [email protected]
Living and Investing in France Real Estate Conference
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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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 Global Money Services: 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 for a drink and to meet and chat with other readers in Paris…
The next gathering is September 9, 2008, and every second Tuesday of the month.
Note: There is no meeting in August.
 
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HOT PROPERTY PICKS: French Island Living
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
***Ile de Oléron, Saint Pierre d’Oléron, Fisherman’s House
Only 300m to
the beach, this typical Ol&eacu
te;ronaise fisherman’s house was renovated in 2007. Includes a living room, kitchen, bedroom with terrace, large bathroom with Italian style shower, toilet and two additional bedrooms on the second floor, enclosed courtyard. Quiet, yet close to the port and shopping.
Asking Price: 332,000€ + 2.5% Finder’s Fee

***Ile de Ré, St Martin De Ré, House with 3 bedrooms
Located near the beach, this beautiful renovated house offers a swimming pool, wooden terrace, landscaped garden, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, equipped kitchen, garage and has a totally unobstructed view.
Asking Price: 730,000€ + 2.5% Finder’s Fee

***Corsica, La Piazza Ronda, Propriano, 8 bedroom converted wine tower
The most unique and intriguing houses in Corsica, La Piazza Ronda was originally an old wine tower that has been renovated to create an unusual and interesting home. Fourteen metres in diameter, the house is built over four floors. The ground floor opens onto a round hallway with seating and a huge fireplace. From here, a few steps lead up to a circular walkway with access to the main kitchen, an open plan living/dining room with doors to a large terrace, two double bedrooms, a shower room, toilet and the lift to the second floor. Stairs lead to the first floor where there is a large double bedroom with en-suite bathroom, a twin bedroom and a separate toilet. There are also lower floors, including a library and three additional bedrooms. There is a swimming pool, plus spectacular views.
Asking Price: 1,052,650€ + 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
RESIDENCE DE LA TOUR DE MARE
France, Mediterranean Coast, Frejus
NEW LISTING
Studio 20m² to 30m² €92,000 to €130,000
One Bedroom 30m² to 43m² €140,000 to €197,000
Two Bedrooms 49m² to 65m² €228,000 to €302,000
GUARANTEED RENTAL INCOME UP TO: 4.10%

Four star residence on the French Riviera only 5km from the Mediterranean Sea! Excellent location in coastal town of Frejus planted in the popular Var department, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of southern France. Frejus is a medieval city as well as a popular seaside resort attracting many tourists because of its history, cultural and artistic qualities, its well kept beaches, and the many sea and sporting facilities. Frejus is a residential area only 3 kms away from the city center. It neighbors Saint-Raphael, Var, effectively forming one town. There are numerous places of interest in the area; all are reasonably accessible from Frejus because of its good location on the map.
The residence will be of four star standing and will offer top of the line facilities including heated swimming pool, Sauna and fitness center! The residence will be nestled within an enclosed garden area with certain apartments boasting a balcony or terrace. Residents will be able to catch the bus right in front of the residence to be whisked off to the beach in under 15 minutes. The residence will be located approximately 20 minutes from Saint Tropez and not far from Cannes in the La Tour de Mare district of Frejus.
The residence will be serviced by one of France’s most important management companies, securing rental income for the life of the commercial lease. Owners will benefit from a 15% preferential discount off the public rate for all stays within their property. The official release of this property will be June 2008 meaning a full VAT tax refund by the end of the year!
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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 professionals that meet only the highest of
standards. With the exp
ertise 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

================================

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 administered an
d serviced by the same great tea
m 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 Pinot Noir
Rue Debelleyme, 3rd Arrondissement
One-Bedroom, Sleeps up to 4
“Le Pinot Noir” one-bedroom luxury apartment is a wine connoisseur’s dream and everyone’s dream. Located just steps off the lively rue de Bretagne, but facing the quiet little street of rue Debelleyme across the street from one of Paris’ finest restaurants, Le Pamphlet, it affords views of rue de Bretagne and the adjacent Marais streets from close to rooftop level.
Le Pinot Noir is completely equipped for pure luxury. Newly renovated, it is complete with a queen size bed that converts to twin beds when desired, a comfortable and easy-to-open sofa bed for additional guests, a washer/dryer combination, microwave, four-burner ceramic stove, full size over, large refrigerator with separate freezer, high speed Internet, flat screen TV, DVD player, stereo, and free(!) long distance phone service
For more details and photos visit https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/parlerparis/apartments/rentals/pinot_noir.html
To book, 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