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Living It Up in the Languedoc

Volume IV, Issue 33

This week I put the finishing touches on my new rental apartment, “Le Provençal,” and tonight my first guest will stay in the apartment…even before I’ve had a chance to test it out myself.

If you’ve followed the saga through FPI or Parler Paris, then you know the trials and tribulations I’ve had going through the whole process of purchasing and renovating this small apartment.
Most recently, there was quite a lot of ruckus made by my neighbors about the shades in the three windows, each a different color, and in particular, by my friend, Pascal Fonquernie of Parismarais.com, who was the leader of the complaining pack. In today’s FPI, read about how the issue was resolved and why, from the experts, it happened in the first place.
To see the apartment at this stage, have a look at https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/parlerparis/apartments/rentals/provencal.html. We started taking reservations a few weeks ago and already, it’s booked 60% for the next 26 weeks, starting with September 1! All of November is currently available, but I’m sure it will fill up quickly, if the trend continues as it has.
You might say I’m very pleased — clearly the time, effort and extra expense to make it as accommodating and pleasant as possible is already making a difference. If the guests are happy with the apartment, they will return, so that the rentals become effortless and secure, making way for more investment properties. This is my goal…
On another note, in today’s FPI, we are featuring a part of Languedoc-Roussillon that has an abundance of American residents…the little town of Aubais not far from the Pont du Gar. Have a look at this part of France for great weather and lots of life, not to mention beautiful properties less expensive than the favored Provence.
“En plus,” don’t miss a few additional articles worth reading from some of our other trusted outside sources.

A bientôt…

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

P.S. Now that Parler Paris Apartments is virtually up and running, it is beginning to take on the reservations and bookings for other apartments — particularly those of people who purchased apartments using the FPI services. See https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/parlerparis/apartments for more information.
P.P.S. While we are in San Diego for the Living and Investing in France Conference, my personal two-bedroom apartment is still available in its entirety (Sept. 8 – 18, 2006) at the special rate of 11 nights for 1500€! Click here for more information: https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/parlerparis/apartments/rentals/leeds.html or email mailto:[email protected]/parlerparis

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Volume IV, Issue 33, August 24, 2006

In this issue:
* A Bit About Aubais
* History of the Pont du Gard
* Shades of the French Color Law
* Letting Your Paris Property to Local or Vacationers
* Taxes on French Property
* Louvre Atlanta Tickets Now On Sale
* Living and Investing in France Conference, September 16 & 17, 2006, San Diego
* Free Tickets to Expatica’s Welcome to France Fair, October 15, 2006
* FPI Property Consultation, Search and Relocation Solutions
* New! French Property Consultation Concierge Services
* Today’s Currency Update from Moneycorp
* Next Parler Paris Après-Midi: September 5, 2006
* Hot Property Picks: Around and About Aubais
* Leasebacks: Residence le Domaine des Pins, France, Mediterranean Coast, Cannes La Bocca
* Managing Your FPI Subscription
* Classified Advertising: Parler Paris Apartments, Leeds Marais Apartment, “Le Provençal” Studio: Available Now!

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Out and About in Aubais
(Source Unknown)

Intro by Adrian Leeds

Aubais is one of those little spots on the French map in the region of Languedoc-Roussillon that particularly attracts Americans.
Languedoc-Roussillon has been invaded by those British see
king vacation and retirement ho
mes the past few years, especially as the more now as prices in the Dordogne climbed. They soon realized the region offered a better climate, beautiful landscapes, plenty of great wines and access to the sea as well as more sizzle for their sterling.
Americans have come to discover it, too. In fact, the American Women’s Group has a Languedoc Roussillon branch in Montpellier. (See http://www.awglr.org/index.php for more information.)
Today we bring you a bit of information about Aubais and the surrounding communities in Languedoc-Roussillon…a perfect alternative to living in Provence, with the same warm climate, the same blue Mediterranean sea, but lower housing costs.
Adrian
* Aubais – This is now a popular artist community. The village is distinctive because of the large château that dominates as you approach the village on a hill. The château was built in the seventeenth century by Seigneur de Bacchi, the scholarly marquis, and was called the Versailles of the Languedoc at the time. Now the large area in front of the château is transformed into an arena for bulls for the village festivals and summer jazz and classical concerts.
There are some caves in the Roque d’Aubais which served as shelter for hunters from prehistoric times. There are also some remnants from the Middle Ages, including a little chapel called the prieuré de Saint Nazaire. There are concerts held there in season.
Four times a year, there is Les Quatre Saisons d’Art (Four Seasons of Art) in Aubais walk from gallery to atelier all around the village. Restaurants! You have four very good ones to choose from (three literally just around the corner, less than one minute of walking. The fourth restaurant Villa Vicha is a five minute drive and is owned by English speakers who offer deep sea diving excursions.
* Calvisson – Mas Puech Long is part of the picture postcard village of Calvisson. Calvisson has existed since at least Roman times, and was once known as the capital of the Vaunage. You could spend a day exploring this beautiful plane tree-filled village. There is a small very well done art gallery near the Mairie, the museum for Provençal quilts (boutis) — you can even join in a workshop to learn specific quilt-making techniques, an area where you join in a game of boules, a terrific restaurant (Clair de Lune) where you can enjoy your lunch outside, and a typical bar spilling out onto the sidewalk where you can spend the afternoon drinking your café express or pastis.
There are two different Presse/Tabac in Calvisson where you can buy The Times Sunday edition on Sunday morning.
The Calvisson village market is held every Sunday morning. You won’t be disappointed. You’ll find multiple stalls for everything — fruits and vegetables, saucissons, rotisserie meats, flowers, olives, cheeses, wines, shellfish, Provençal fabrics, artisanal soaps, clothes, even some occasional
antiques. Lots of people buy their fresh oysters at the market and then sit outside at the bar to eat them.

The village is dominated by le Roc de Gachonne, a hill overlooking the village, with the remains of three moulins à vent (windmills) and the ruins of the Château de Guilhem de Nogaret, adviser to King Phillipe le Bel from the fourteenth century. This is a great place for a hike and a picnic.
* Sommières – One of the owners favourite villages, and thought by many to be one of the most charming villages around. Large pedestrian-only area with winding cobblestone streets, some from the days of the Romans. The village is situated along the Vidourle River, with an impressive bridge built by the Romans that still serves as the main bridge of the village.
There is a great market in Sommières every Saturday morning. If you like antiques/brocante and a bit of flea market fair, then head towards the plane trees-bordered esplanade for the weekly Marché aux Puces held there also every Saturday morning.
There are several nice restaurants and lots of cafés and bars all around Sommières. Each Spring during the last weekend of April there is a Medievale Festival. That is a great time to climb the hill overlooking the village to tour the remains of the Château de Sommières, including its dungeon. During the festival practically the whole village dresses in costume. There are strolling minstrels, a pig chase, jousting demonstrations, and lots of special artisanal crafts and foods to buy.
* Uzès – Popular tourist destination in the recent past. Near the Pont du Gard, the tallest Roman aqueduct with three levels. Great for picnics, hikes, and kayaking/canoeing.
Uzès has several markets each week: Wednesday and Saturday mornings for fresh foods, diverse offering, and flea market offerings, and Sunday for brocante. The largest one is the Saturday morning market, which spreads all over the village.
Many tourist shops, restaurants, and the Duke’s Château from the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries — completely restored and furnished from the time. There are lots of sunflower fields on the road to Uzès, so it is a lovely drive.
* Beaches – The beaches are an easy twenty-five minute drive away, and there are several to choose from! The owners can tell you which one to go to for what, like for finding various types of shells, finding polished black marble pieces, families of crabs for the kids to chase, beaches where the water stays shallow for a long ways out so the kids can play safely, where to go for boardwalk fun, beach sports, a beach so wide and deep that you feel like you have it all to yourself no matter what day of the year it is, and even the naturist (nudist) beaches if you are so inclined:
– L’Espiguette

La Grau du Roi
– Sts. Maries de la Mer
– La Grande Motte
– Palavas
– Carnon
– Villeneuve Les Maguelone

* Shopping – It is easy to satisfy your shopping urges here. The owners recommend the markets all over. You could go to a different market (or several) every day if you want. Ask in advance and the owner can tell you where to go for the types of French antiques/brocante that you seek.
* Anduze – The village where the vases de Anduze are made, is a 30 minute drive. They come in all sizes. You can even have them shipped back home. There are quite a few nice brocante shops in Anduze, too. Other common items on the visitor shopping list are:
– Provençal fabrics, tablecloths, sachets, aprons, etc.
– Art
– Brocante
– Artisanal soaps
– Wines
– Olive products
– Lavender products
Other nearby villages and cities that are worthwhile to visit:
* Nîmes – A Roman city with fabulous architecture remaining, including a huge wonderful Roman arena – still in use, and the Maison Carée. Downtown Nîmes is very romantic, with numerous restaurants, cafés, and bars all with shaded terraces.
* Montpellier – A city in perpetual effervescence, with a large pedestrian-only area, some of which dates from the middle ages. Great shopping, movie theaters showing films in their original language (V.O. for version originale), a three-star restaurant (Jardin de Sens), and opera house, new tramway, street performers, over 25% of the population is in their twenties due to the large university crowd. Have a drink at one of the bars or cafés on the Place de la Comedie for an unforgettable moment.
* Junas for the Summer Jazz Festival in the Carriere (Quarry)
* Les Baux de Provence
* St. Remy de Provence
* Isle sur la Sorgue – Great Sunday morning market, and brocante capital of Provence
* Avignon – Palace of the Popes, fortified city, the famous Pont de Avignon
* Arles
* Villevielle – Five minutes away. Visit the olive cooperative and see how they make the olive oil. Sample the various types of olive oils and learn the best use for each. Take time to look around the tasteful gift shop.
* Aix-en-Provence
* Vergèze – The one and only source for Perrier — great tour.
* Carcassone – The owners favorite place to spend Bastille Day (July 14), double-fortified village, very interesting and very picturesque.
* St. Gilhem le Desert
* Beaucaire
* Tarascon – Home of the 15th century Château de Tarascon, and also to the Soleiado of Provençal fabric museum and factory.
* Sète – a port city with wonderful seafood restaurants, and jousting from small boats in the canal during the summer.
* Aigues Mortes – On the Camargue’s western edge, completely walled village established in the mid-13th century. It is worthwhile to take about 30 minutes to walk all the way around the top of the ramparts (1.6 km) for the great views over the marshlands. Visit the Salins du Midi just behind Aigue Mortes to see how they harvest sea salt. You can also take a boat cruise or hydroglisse to explore the Camargues
from here.
* Pont du Gard – A magnificent 2,000 year old aqueduct built by the Romans. It was used to carry water from the springs at Uzès to Nîmes, and was the highest bridge they built. Considered a world treasure, and a site not to be missed.
* Quissac
* Sauvé – beautiful walking tours
* Villeneuve Les Avignon
* Port Camargues
* Cape d’Agde
* Mèze – Real dinosaur fossils here. Nice dinosaur park to spend a few hours exploring with the kids.
* Pezenas
* Marseille – The old port.
* Cavaillon – Famous for the melon crop.
* Gordes
* Lacoste
* Roquefort-sur-Soulzon – Where they make Roquefort cheese — great tour of the caves
* Gorges du Tarn
* Mont Aigoual – Skiing and sledding in the winter, an observatory, just one hour away.
* Villetelle – (5 minutes from Aubais) Enjoy canoeing on the Vidourle River.
* Just three hours south by car, you will find Barcelona, Spain.

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Pont du Gard
From Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pont_du_Gard

The Pont du Gard is an aqueduct in the south of France constructed by the Roman Empire, and located near Remoulins, in the Gard département.
It was long thought that the Pont du Gard was built around the year 19 B.C. Newer excavations, however, suggest the construction took place in the middle of the first century A.D. Its construction is attributed to Augustus’ son-in-law and aide, Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa. Designed to carry the water across the small Gardon river valley, it was part of a nearly 50 km (31 mile) aqueduct that brought water from springs near Uzès to the Roman city of Nemausus (Nîmes). The full aqueduct had a gradient of 34 cm/km (1/3000), descending only 17m vertically in its entire length and delivering 20,000 cubic meters (44 million gallons) of water daily.
It was constructed entirely without the use of mortar. The aqueduct’s stones — some of which weigh up to 6 tons — are held together with iron clamps. The masonry was lifted into place by block and tackle with a massive human-powered treadmill providing the power for the winch. A complex scaffold was erected to support the aqueduct as it was being built. The face of the aqueduct still bears the mark of its construction, in the form of protruding scaffolding supports and ridges on the piers which supported the semicircular wooden frames on which the arches were constructed. It is believed to have taken about three years to build, employing between 800 and 1,000 workers.
From the 4th century onwards, its maintenance was neglected, and deposits filled up to two thirds of the conduit space. By the 9th century, it became unusable, and the people of the area started using its stones for their own purposes. However, the majority of the Pont du Gard remains remarkably intact.
From the Middle Ages to the 18th century, the aqueduct was used as a conventional bridge to facilitate foot traffic across the river. The pillars of the second level were reduced in width to make more room for the traffic, but this jeopardized the stability of the structure. In 1702 the pillars were restored to their original width in order to safeguard the aqueduct. In 1743, a new bridge was built next to the arches of the lower level, so that the road traffic could cross on a purpose-built bridge. The aqueduct was restored in the 18th century, by which time it had become a major tourist sight, and was restored again in the reign of Napoleon III in the mid-19th century.
The outstanding quality of the bridge’s masonry led to it becoming an obligatory stop for French journeymen masons on their traditional tour around the country, many of whom have left their names on the stonework. Markings left by the original builders can also be seen, indicating the positions in which the dressed stones were to be placed: for instance, FRS II (standing for frons sinistra II, or “front left 2”).
The Pont du Gard was added to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites in 1985.
In 1998 the Pont du Gard was hit by major flooding which caused widespread damage in the area. The road leading up to it and the neighboring facilities were badly damaged, although the aqueduct itself was not seriously harmed.
The French Government sponsored a major redevelopment project in conjunction with local sources, UNESCO and the EU which concluded in 2000, pedestrianizing the entire area around the aqueduct and greatly improving the visitor facilities, including establishing a museum on the north bank. The project has been criticized for its cost (€32 million) and for the perceived loss of natural beauty of the surrounding landscape and area. One side-effect is that it is no longer possible to walk through the conduit at the top of the aqueduct. However, the redevelopment has ensured that the area around the Pont du Gard is now much quieter due to the removal of vehicle traffic, and the new museum provides a much improved historical context for visitors.
The Pont du Gard is today one of France’s top 5 tourist attractions, with 1.4 million visitors reported in 2001.
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Legal Flowers Under the Paris Rain
By Adrian Leeds

Parler Paris…
https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/parlerparis/
Excerpt from Monday, August 21, 2006

Instead on the last day of Paris Plage, I went flower shopping…at obviously the wrong time of year. It was virtually the last thing to do to dress up “Le Provençal,” my new little rental apartment — put pretty flowers in the window boxes.
The nurseries along the quai de la Megisserie were not all open and their pickings were a bit sparse. So late in the season, I settled on small yellow flowers on tall stems with long thin leaves that the nice salesperson said would not die over the winter then added rosemary to fill in between each. At least the plants would be green all winter long and the fresh rosemary is there for the picking with which to cook or bringing inside just for their great aroma.
Pascal Fonquernie, of ParisMarais.com, who lives in the same building but on the other side of the courtyard, has been watching over the project since the very beginning. When we installed the window shades in three different colors (one red, one yellow and one green), he was aghast at what he considered a “lack of taste.” He was quick to inform me that not only were the other residents in the building very upset by my tri-color display, but that these particular colors were illegal in Paris to expose to the exterior world!
Whoa, this is one for the Cultural Crossings journal! Every American who has seen the happy hues has smiled…and now I’m discovering the joyful decor is against the law! Can it be true? I tried everything to find the law that prevents me from draping my windows in Provençal colors that only the residents of the building can see. The only official colors I could find were those of the French flag: PANTONE Reflex Blue and PANTONE Red 032.
But who am I to argue with my French neighbors? Would I really want them thinking I’m an uncivilized American who doesn’t respect French law or color culture?
Adamant about fixing the problem, Pascal took it upon himself to purchase white shades with which to line the colored ones, so he wouldn’t have to be subjected to what he considers garish from the outside, leaving the inside still full of color!
After he helped me pot the flowers while the rain came down on our heads, we carried them up and set just one of them in the window with the newly-painted balcony and the new white window shade liner. Then, from his apartment window across the courtyard we admired them both.
Funny thing…the bright yellow flowers with their green leaves is absolutely perfectly within the law, even encouraged, but the window shades don’t comply (or so I am told). For me, the white shades in the windows simply don’t have the same happy look.
Thank goodness for legal flowers and herbs to brighten our rainy day!
——————————–
Commentary on Color…
As a result of the article that ran in Parler Paris regarding colored curtains and blinds, we received a few interesting letters…
From Ruth Mastron, Co-Author of “Au Contraire: Figuring Out the French,” and Vice-President of Sococo Intercultural
Ah, the vagaries of the French legal system! I can’t quote chapter and verse on this one, but I know the Bea
ux Arts se
ts up all kinds of regulations regarding what one can and can’t do to the outside of one’s home, particularly if it’s an old or architecturally notable one. Pierre’s* dad went through all kinds of gyrations when they redid the facade of their home in Condom**.

As far as I remember, the idea is to preserve the “patrimoine” [patrimony] from people who would be crazy enough to put up colorful mismatched window coverings! Just another one of those “Ca ne se fait pas” things that one keeps tripping over in France.
I have no idea what their objection to your particular red/yellow/green color combination might be, but I’d love to hear it! And if it counts for anything, I think it looks great.
* Pierre Mastron, Ruth’s husband.
** Condom, France — a town in Southwest France

Color No-No’s in Paris…Yellow Arches!

From Pascal Fonquernie, Director of Parismarais.com and neighbor in the same building…
It’s not a law but local rules created by the Bâtiments de France depending on the Ministère de la Culture which varies from city to area.
You’re right — you do what you want inside as long as no one can see it*. For example if you have no curtains or blinds and have sex in your flat and your neighbor watches you, you can be taken to court for “attentat a la pudeur!” Of course the neighbor should not watch, but legally you are guilty of not keeping it private and exposing yourself to the public.
For the blinds’ colors, style, etc., each copropropriété can decide its own rules on top of local rules decided by the building or the conseil syndical de l’immeuble. Ours has 6 members, including me.
* It’s stupid in terms of security too: no one cares if your flat is dangerous or if it is dirty, has roaches! It would be funny to write a whole book of stupid laws in France (e.g. if a man pisses in the street he can get a 500 euro fine but if a dog poops on the “trotoir,” it’s only 120 euro! How unfair!).
Its an endless subject’– you know France have 4 times more laws than all other European countries? And sometimes not enough in terms of security. You should understand laws are something national and there are local rules in cities, areas, buildings, flats, rooms which all depend on other decision makers that are not necessarily the French government.
It varies not only from city to city and from area to area. For example:
In Gare Saint-Lazare you have tons of flashy neon advertising on top of buildings — all okay.
In Opéra you have also neon advertising but only white is authorized.
In Le Marais, no advertising at all, what so ever, is authorized as this area is the most strict about respecting the architectural heritage and color style.
The funny thing is that Nôtre Dame in the 13th-century completely painted red, blue, gold, yellow and multicolored outside and inside but the colors disappeared with time, and now they want it immaculately white.
You can’t have a building painted pink, green, or orange, or yellow in Le Marais but in Menton with Italian style architecture, yellow is close to compulsory! Anything white would be a drama and a cultural chock!
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And now the official answer from Legal Advisor, Jean Taquet…
There are 2 regulations that limits the choice of colors and shapes on the street side of the Parisian buildings. The first one is that just about all Paris is near enough of an historical building of some sort that the exterior (streetside) of the building is regulated either by “les momuments de France” or simply by the Paris préfecture. The second is that ALL THE BYLAWS of the Parisian buildings demand that there is a complete uniformity on both sides (street and courtyard) and therefore the co-owners must comply with this provisions and must enforce it on the tenants.
So should you wish to have colored shades, you should get the entire building ownership to approve the new color and then submit the choice to the préfecture (Bd Morland) for final approval. If the “monuments de France” is involved in the decision process then the préfecture will send the request to that authority.
So to be strictly precise answering your question, the laws do not prevent you from changing the color but these authorities do not give you the right to change by applying the guidelines which exist in the laws.
Yours,
Jean Taquet

Editor’s Notes:
Jean Taquet is a French jurist and associate member of the Delaware Bar Association, specializing in civil, criminal and commercial law. He frequently gives courses about the legal system in France and regularly speaks at the Living in France Conferences in the U.S. and Paris.
He is also well known for his informative Q and A columns in past Paris Voice magazines, which can be purchased in one document as “The Insider Guide to Practical Answers for Living in France,” available at http://www.insiderparisguides.com/answers/index.html (Don’t forget, you get a discount as a subscriber!)
To subscribe to his monthly newsletter, email Jean Taquet at mailto:[email protected]
To make an appointment with Jean Taquet for his consultation services:
Phone: Cell: 06.16.81.48.07 or email mailto
:[email protected]

To read this month’s column in it’s entirety, click here:
https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/parlerparis/practicalanswers.html


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Buy Overseas and Let to the Local Market
From Assetz
http://firstrung.co.uk

Most British investors are missing a trick by focusing solely on holiday lets when buying overseas. Assetz research reveals that much more reliable returns with a lot less work can be gained by investing in properties to let to the local market…
To read the article in its entirety, click here:
http://firstrung.co.uk/articles.asp?pageid=NEWS&articlekey=2692

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Don’t Get Too Taxed Over a Holiday Home
The Times Online
August 18, 2006
http://business.timesonline.co.uk

To buy that French idyll, play by their rules, says Paula Hawkins
Returning home from two weeks in an idyllic Provençal farmhouse can be difficult. As autumn draws nearer it is tempting to consider buying a bolthole on the Continent…
To read the article in its entirety, click here:
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,9553-2317479,00.html

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Tickets for the Louvre Atlanta Exhibition On Sale Starting August 15
http://www.high.org/experience/louvre

Louvre Atlanta is an unprecedented partnership between the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, and the Musée du Louvre in Paris. The union brings hundreds of masterpieces from the Louvre’s collections to Atlanta, which will be presented as a series of long-term special exhibitions built around specific themes and periods. The High Museum is devoting 10,000 square feet of gallery space to the Louvre Atlanta exhibition for its tenure from October 2006 to 2009. Tickets go on sale August 15. Reserve your tickets well in advance to ensure ticket availability, especially on weekends.
Exhibition Schedule
Kings as Collectors
October 14, 2006-September 2, 2007
This central exhibition will feature three works assembled during the reigns of Kings Louis XIV and Louis XVI, including two special masterpieces from the Louvre’s collection — Raphael’s Portrait of Baldassare Castiglione and Nicolas Poussin’s Et in Arcadia Ego.

The King’s Drawings
October 14, 2006-January 28, 2007
Two shorter-focus exhibitions featuring drawings and decorative items from the royal collections will complement Kings as Collectors with consecutive presentations throughout the year. On view concurrently with Kings as Collectors through January 28, 2007, The King’s Drawings will bring together approximately 60 works from the Louvre’s extensive holdings to become one of the most significant exhibitions of old master drawings ever presented in the Southeastern United States. More than two thirds of these works have never been exhibited in the United States.

Decorative Arts of the Kings
March 3, 2007-September 2, 2007
This exhibition features decorative arts commissioned for the courts of Kings Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI. It explores works that convey the royal and princely tastes for the decorative arts during the last 100 years of the Ancien Régime. These works also show the talents and excellence of French artisans in the royal factories. On display: furniture, tapestries, ceramics and silver by manufacturers such as Les Gobelins and Sèvres.

Year 2: The Louvre and the Ancient World
October 2007-September 2008
This presentation examines the Louvre’s collection growth and development during the Napoleonic reign and the Enlightenment, when there was an increased interest in ancient art and archaeology. The central exhibition will feature masterpieces from the founding cultures of Western civilization and will include works from the Louvre’s Egyptian, Near Eastern and Greco-Roman antiquities departments. Year two will also include a focus exhibition presenting the work of Jean-Antoine Houdon, whose portraiture included some of the prominent intellectual and political figures of the time, such as Diderot and Voltaire, as well as our founding fathers, George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. A second focus exhibition will assemble Greco-Roman and Egyptian antiquities that the Empress j2999ephine installed at Malmaison, her residence located on the outskirts of Paris.

Year 3: The Louvre of Today and Tomorrow
October 2008-September 2009
The focus of this presentation is the Louvre of today and tomorrow. Exhibitions under development for this year will explore the impact of the Louvre’s collections on the art world today.

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Adrian Leeds, Parler Paris, French Property Insider and John Howell & Co. Present the…
Living and Investing in France Conference
September 16 & 17, 2006
Sheraton Suites San Diego
San Diego, California

If you’ve always dreamed of moving to France, starting a new life in Paris, enjoying
a “pied-à-terre” of your ow
n part of the year or perhaps investing in property in France, this power-packed conference is a MUST. Hosted by Adrian Leeds, Editor of the Parler Paris Nouvellettre® and French Property Insider weekly e-zine and John Howell, lead attorney for John Howell & Co., Law Overseas, London, these two days in San Diego will arm you with all the information you need to make it happen!

The Conference Location
Sheraton Suites San Diego
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton
701 A Street · San Diego, California 92101
Phone: (619) 696-9800

Click here for more details and to reserve your room.
The Conference
There is nothing else you can do in less time and as inexpensively to learn all you need to learn to make your dream to live in France come true than take advantage of this 2-Day power-packed conference with expert speakers from France, Europe and the U.S…
Hosted by Adrian Leeds, Editor of Parler Paris and French Property Insider, director of French Property Consultation, author of the Leeds Good Value Guide to Paris Restaurants and co-coordinator of the Parler Parlor French-English Conversation Group!…
You will learn how to…
* Obtain the Right to Be in France!
* Earn a Living in France and Start a Business!
* Buy and Own Property in France!
* Profit from the Leaseback Program, Corporate Housing in Paris (CHIP) and Other Investment Property Programs!
* Find Your Dream Apartment in Paris or Home in the Country!
* Get a Mortgage!
* Minimize Your Tax and Maximize the Benefits!
* Rent Your French Property for Profit!
* Renovate Your French Property!
* Reduce Your Currency Exchange Risk!
* Learn the Language!
* Cross the Cultural Divide!
* Plus, answer all the rest of your questions during a Q and A panel with the presenters.

You’ll have an opportunity to ask questions and learn all you’ll need to know to make your dream to live in France come true or how to take part in the profits of owning property there.
The Presenters

• John Howell, Europe Law Solicitors and International Attorneys
• Adrian Leeds, Editor of Parler Paris and French Property Insider
• Ruth Mastron, Co-Author of Au Contraire, Figuring Out the French and Vice-President of SoCoCo Intercultural
• Douglas Johnson, Moneycorp Currency Brokers

More to come…Get to Know the Conference Presenters…Click Here
Also Included:
• Coffee Breaks Mid-Morning and Mid-Afternoon
• Cocktail Reception
• Workbook and Reference Materials
• Parler Paris Canvas Tote Bag with Free Gifts from Paris

Click here for the complete full-day schedule…
Earn $100 When You Refer Your Friends!
Refer your friends, as many as you like, to attend the Living and Investing in France Conference. For each one that registers at the full price of $797, you will receive $100 off your registration*!! Refer 8 friends and you will be able to attend virtually free of charge!!
Conference Fees
FIRST PERSON CONFERENCE
Yes, sign me up NOW for the Living and Investing in France Conference in San Diego for one person at $997!
Early Bird Registrations and Subscribers of Parler Paris, French Property Insider and Clients of John Howell & Co. — Save $200! First Person Pays Only $797
SECOND PERSON CONFERENCE
Yes, add my spouse, partner or friend NOW to attend the Living and Investing in France Conference in San Diego at an additional $847!
Early Bird Registrations and Subscribers of Parler Paris, French Property Insider and Clients of John Howell & Co. — Save $200! Second Person Pays Only $647
EARN $100 WHEN YOU REFER YOUR FRIENDS!
Refer your friends, as many as you like, to attend the Living and Investing in France Conference. For each one that registers at the discounted price of $797, you will receive $100 off your registration*!! Sign Up Your Friends and Earn $100!

*A credit will appear on your credit card account from the Adrian Leeds Group, LLC, for each of your friends who regsiters with us at the conference at full price!

================================
Welcome to France Fair
http://www.expatica.com/welcometofrance/

New to France or just looking to make the most of expatriate life?
At the Expatica Welcome to France fair you will get the information you need from companies and agencies specialised in expatriate services.
You’ll find information on house hunting, finding a job, immigration and permits, staying long-term, and much more.
Meet the people who make expat life great, including the top clubs and associations,
travel agents and event organisations.
</p >
Welcome to France
October 15, 2006
Carrousel de Louvre
Paris, France

Tickets are FREE if you sign-up online before September 15th. For more information visit www.expatica.com/welcometofrance
To sign up for your FREE tickets, click here!
http://www.expatica.com/welcometofrance/event_form.asp

*** See the French Property Insider Consultation and John Howell of International Law Partnership booth number 55/56 next to the entertainment area and stay for our presentation, “Getting ready to find your dream home in France…” with John Howell and Adrian Leeds
at 3:45 p.m.

===============================
Property Consultation, Search and Relocation Solutions
https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/frenchproperty/consultation

Let French Property Insider expert property consultants find your dream home in France for you. We consult with you to help you make the best decisions, ferret out the finest properties to meet your criteria, schedule the visits and accompany you, negotiate with the agencies and owners, recommend the Notaires and other professionals, schedule the signings and oversee the purchase with you from start to finish! You could never do it so easily on your own. Let us take the time and effort off your hands.
FPI Offers More Relocation Solutions!
Moving to Paris? Our experienced relocation expert will make your move easy and hassle-free. We offer complete property and relocation services normally only provided by employer hired relocation firms…but at a price much more affordable for individuals.
Download Complete Brochure
https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/frenchproperty/consultation/fpibrochure.pdf

NEW! Concierge Services
French Property Insider Consultation now offers a range of Concierge Services. You can trust our team of professionals to help you take care of your Paris property investment when you’re not in France. https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/frenchproperty/consultation/concierge.html
===============================
       

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.
===============================

Parler Paris Après-Midi
https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/parlerparis/apresmidi.html

PLEASE NOTE: THERE IS NO MEETING IN AUGUST
NEXT MEETING: September 5, 2006 AND EVERY SECOND TUESDAY OF THE MONTH, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
This is your opportunity to meet every month, often with local
professionals who can answer your Working and Living in France questions. You are invited to come for drinks and share your questions and comments about what it takes to create a life here, own property and enjoy what France has to offer. It is also an opportunity to network with other Parler Paris readers.

Upstairs at La Pierre du Marais
96, rue des Archives at the corner of rue de Bretagne, 75003 Paris
Métro Lines 9, 3 et 11, stations Temple, République or Arts et Métiers

===============================
HOT PROPERTY PICKS: Around and About Aubais
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 reade
rs seriously interested in finding propert
y 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

*** Sommières, Villa, 6 rooms, approx. 175m²
Beautiful villa on treed grounds of 2100m², with pool and terrace. Renovated with 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, large living room with fireplace, bay windows, gas heating.
Asking Price: 378,000 € + 2.5% Finder’s Fee
 
 
*** Aubais, House, 6 rooms, approx. 200m²
Between Nîmes and Montpellier, such charm for a magnificent artist’s house with 4 bedrooms and a bathroom. Quiet, on a treed lot of 1500m² with a view on the vineyards.
Asking Price: 498,000 € + 2.5% Finder’s Fee
 
 

*** Aubais, Villa, 4 rooms, approx. 150m²
Superb, traditional villa with beautiful features. Separate fully equipped kitchen, large living room that opens on the garden, 3 bedrooms, bathroom, toilet.
Asking Price: 514,500 € + 2.5% Finder’s Fee
 
 
*** Aubais, House, 12 rooms, approx. 500m²
Charming house in the heart of the village. 8 bedrooms, each with access to a bathroom or toilet, fully equipped kitchen, terrace.
Asking Price: 1,050,000 € + 2.5% Finder’s Fee
 
 
 

 
===============================
LEASEBACK NEWS FROM IMOINVEST
https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/frenchproperty/insider/sales/leasebacks/lb_list.php
RESIDENCE LE DOMAINE DES PINS
France, Mediterranean Coast, Cannes La Bocca

PREVIEW
One Bedroom €174,000
INSURED RENTAL INCOME UP TO: 4.09%
 
 

Not to be missed luxury apartments priced from 174,000 euros including tax and parking! This is a rare commodity in a top rated location only 7km from the Mediterranean Ocean, 16km from the renowned business park of Sophie-Antipolis, 14km from Grasse, 17km from Antibes and 33km from Nice. Fantastic residence in the heart of Cannes La Bocca located West of La Croisette and just after Le Suquet. Great value for your money in Cannes, with an excellent rental yield for the area. Just a pleasant walk to the beach or even a short bus ride into the centre of Cannes. Within close proximity to shopping centre, the stadium and tennis courts. The resort offers a heated outdoor swimming pool and Nice Côte d’Azur International Airport is only 27km away.
You can invest in Robien Law under the current fiscal advantages with an amortization rate of 50% of the apartment’s purchase price. If you are single or a couple wishing to reduce your taxes and have a capital and additional income with a minimal effort, this law is for you. 100% rental guarantee, against lack of and unpaid rents with security aspects covered and good tenant policy. Completion of this residence is due in the fourth quarter of 2007. Official pricing and availability will be released shortly, please take advantage of this exclusive preview as units will sell out quickly!
=============================
SEEKING A MORTGAGE IN FRANCE?
Let us help you secure a mortgage in France with interest rates as low as 3%. Visit https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/frenchproperty/loan for more information.
=============================

SEEKING A MORTGAGE IN FRANCE?

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]
================================
INSIDER PARIS GUIDES DISCOUNT FOR FPI SUBSCRIBERS
Remember, as an FPI Subscriber you can take advantage of a special discount on the popular Insider Paris Guides, plus get an extra 15% discount when ordering two or more guides. Choose from:
* Leeds Good Value Guide to Paris Restaurants by Adrian Leeds
* Insider Guide to Practical Answers for Living in France by Jean Taquet
* Writers Insider Guide to Paris by Elizabeth Reichart
* Insider Guide to Black Paris by Melinda Herron

Just visit http://www.insiderparisguides.com. When you order, a box will pop up allowing you to enter the special FPI Subscribers discount code:
Username: fpi
Password: subscriber

You’ll receive download instructions, then just save the guides to your computer. Happy reading!

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

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

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

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

Parler Paris Apartments is finally up and running! It’s just the beginning…as we put the finishing touches this Summer on a collection of vacation rental apartments in Paris that have our “seal of approval.” Keep your eye out for new additions to the site and new ways of making it more and more user friendly, as well as adding properties you will love calling your home in Paris.
* Available in its entirety September 8 – 18, 2006
Special Rate – 11 nights for 1500€!

Located in a 17th century Le Marais Hôtel Particulier, this 70 square meter two-bedroom apartment with lots of light is nicely furnished and is perfect for up to 4 people when she’s traveling. Includes high speed Internet access, free international calling, housekeeping one time per week and all linens.
Pictures and more details available here: https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/parlerparis/apartments/rentals/leeds.html
Email [email protected]/parlerparis

* “Le Provençal” Studio: Available Now!
Located in a very charming and quiet 18th-century building in the heart of Le Marais, this sunny studio is perfect for one or two seeking ultimate Parisian calm, flavored with the beautiful colors of Provence.
Pictures and more details available here: https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/parlerparis/apartments/rentals/provencal.html

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

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

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

Copyright
2006, Adrian Leeds®
Adrian Leeds Group, LLC, http://www.adrianleeds.com

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