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21st November 2008

Welcome to Poitou Charentes Real Lives

Welcome to Real Lives, Here's where people who have realised their dream of living in the Poitou Charentes share their stories with you. We’re always looking for more contributors so if you've a story to tell of your experiences of living in either the Charente, Charente Maritime, Deux Sevres or Vienne departements of Poitou Charentes, then we'd be delighted to hear from you.

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If you're looking for general information on moving, living and life in France, you'll be sure to find it here!


Contribute

FrenchEntrée-Poitou Charentes.com welcomes contributions from people with an interest in the Poitou Charentes. If you have a tale to tell or some useful and interesting information to share we'd love to hear from you!
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We've prepared some brief notes for contributors.

Poitou Charentes Real Lives

Why not learn French and enjoy your holiday too?

French for all at Manoir La Betoulle

Dining at tableAfter two successful years at Manoir La Betoulle, John and Penny Hitchings are adding a new service to their list of comforts for their guests – English & French language courses for families and corporate groups ... more...

Opening a new restaurant & hotel in St Claud

Join Luke Oatham & Michael Walsh for an Irish fry-up!

Hotel ImageAfter being closed for two years Hotel Les Platanes in the centre of St Claud has been re-opened by the new owners Luke Oatham and Michael Walsh. Bringing the hotel and restaurant up to date and with the introduction of new events and cuisine, Luke and Michael are already developing a loyal Anglo French clientele. Catriona went to meet the new Charente hoteliers ...
more...

Running a Hotel Restaurant business

Gill & Neil Elsom reveal all…

La Paloma Hotel InsideI went to speak to Gill & Neil Elsom about their life as Hotel Restaurant owners in the Charente. They bought La Paloma as an existing business although it wasn’t a successful one when they bought it! ... more...

AVF - Help when moving to your new town

French organisation welcomes English members

AVF logo SmallAVF (Acceuil des Villes Francaises) is a national association (registered under French law) with 350 local branches throughout France including 3 in Deux-Sevres. It is a non-political organisation, run by trained volunteers. There are plenty of events and also French conversation groups. more...

Hunting for French Passion

How one couple were welcomed into the hunting community

Horses and HoundsRead how Eleasha and Andrew turned their passion for hunting into a business in France, and how they have been welcomed into, not only the hunting community, but have been given full support for providing a hunting experience for holidaymakers to Deux-Sevres. more...

Gardening Advice

Welcome to the gardening section of FrenchEntrée-Charente

(Picture 13696l)We asked Mike Curtis from An English Nursery in France, to give us his expert advice on how to make the most of our gardens in the Charente. Here's his monthly tips: January 06, February 06, March 06, April 06, May 06, June 06, July 06, August 06, September 06, October 06, November 06, December 06, January 07.

Wheels in Charente

By Fiona Shaw

Fiona ShawIn July 2003 we began our search for a place in France. After several months of looking for a holiday cottage we changed our minds and decided to look for a permenant home ... more...

Open Door – Living With Illness

Support for families & individuals facing the challenge of living with long term illness

Lynn Beaumont & Tony Webster started ‘Open Door’ in Civray – or Association La Porte Ouverte to give it its official name – almost two years ago as a Drop-in Centre to support people affected by long-term illness, either as a sufferer or carer ... more...

Starting a Gite Business

We talk to Gite owners, Sharon & Aaron Vogel…

Hotels HostsIf you’ve ever wondered whether it’s feasible to start a gite business in France, you’re not alone. Many people now say that the industry is ‘saturated’ and that it ... more...

Education in the Charente

Quick reference guide, points to note, hints and tips

Acadamie Poitiers We've put together some key points on the education system, lists of schools in the Charente, what information you need to prepare, what you'll need to buy, etc. This is not a definite list but is a good starting point. more...

What is Bulletin 16/24?

Anne Archibald and Wynford Hicks explain…

Bulletin 16 -24Integrating into local communities is a difficult and time-consuming business; getting to know your neighbours, making friends, understanding cultural differences ... more...

My first year as a caretaker

A learning experience

Booking Calendar ImageAfter a year in which I stopped taking bookings due to the poor standard of caretaking, I moved to France to manage my own property and that of a friend who had also had unsatisfactory help. Fortunately our changeovers were on different days, as the houses are 25kms apart. more...

In for a penny, in for two pounds

Chapter One: Dog Days

Bruce Rushin, Main HouseIt’s August 2003, and, along with millions of others, we are sweltering in the hottest temperatures ever recorded. We’re in central France near Poitiers and the T. V. news is is full of scenes of victims of the heat-wave being carried off to hospital. We have another reason for sweating; we have just made the phone-call that commits us to buying a French cottage... more...
Swimming Pools for Everyone
InstallapoolInstallapool offer full installations, diy kits, renovation and upgrade services and a wide range of associated products. Specialising in saltwater Permalife pools.
Business and investment in western France
france pays de la loire business western investment ukEssential information for investing in and relocating to western France. If you're thinking of starting a company here, finding a commercial partner or opening a new enterprise in Europe, then our new business section for the Pays de la Loire and Poitou-Charentes is for you.
Need Professional Help?
MilkingRapid answers to all your farming problems from our 100 professional advisors. Purchase consultations to solve short term problems or, for longer term assistance, subscribe to our annual, unlimited consultation service. Learn more.
Wood burning Stoves & Cookers
Stove SellersSales and installations of quality woodburners, boiler stoves, cookers including Rayburn, chimney systems and parts throughout France. Shop on-line or visit our showroom
Thomas Green's British grocery stores
Thomas Green LogoThomas Green’s, the major international retail franchise business is looking for entrepreneurs who want to run their own British grocery store in France selling to the British and the French. Find out more.
Classic Car Hire in Poitou-Charentes
Jason Court - Classic CarsTouring holidays with recommended accommodation and routes. Airport collection, discount for club members. E-Type Jaguar, Mark 2 Jaguar, Triumph Stag, MGB and more

Poitou-Charentes Book Store

Poitou-Charentes Guide book

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