Living in France questions

Dogstar

Dogstar

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Been looking 'a bit' on a French equestrian property website and thinking thoughts as the property is so cheap! Does anyone know the best horsey areas in France with a decent (ie better than UK) but not extreme climate? Was thinking Loire/Limousin/Bordeau/Aquitaine? Also, where would have the most 'English' kind of hunting or at least hunting that's accessible to a foreigner? Are there any online maps for viewing the chemins? Is it possible to survive on renting out gites and or running livery? Is it actually a good quality of life? It looks cheaper to live than the UK due to low council tax/heating bills..any insider info appreciated :-)
 
I've lived in Brittany for 6 years. climate is warmer than the uk (I'm in Morbihan-south Brittany) although the other Brittany departments are colder/wetter than here.
There are loads of rural quiet roads, plus tracks woods etc to ride out in.
You don't see many French riding out though round here, they all seem to use the schools at the riding stables which are dotted about. There does exist the 'blue' maps which show details down to each farm etc, you can buy them in any supermarket. or have a look here
http://loisirs.ign.fr/5292357/serie/cartes-de-randonnee-top-25-et-serie-bleue.htm
The best thing to do though, is to research and explore the area you are interested in person. Talk to the locals etc.
A good website you may want to look at is anglo info, they have forums for all areas of France. Go on there, register for the area then put your questions on the forum. (Take some answers though with a pinch of salt, as there are a fair few disgruntled /disillusioned Brits over here-what's right for one person may not necessarily be right for another!)
Have met quite a number of Brits with horses since I've had mine in the last two years, and we have now formed a 'club' well more of a get together every month as we are fairly spaced apart.
I have no idea about hunting (on horseback), never seen it here. There's plenty of shooting going on from la chasse though from oct-feb (just finished last week) where they go out with shotguns dogs etc and shoot anything that moves! lol
I can't advise you about setting up a livery yard, the only Brits I know doing anything similar are breeders. Plenty of French yards here though.
The gite market in Brittany is flooded, plus with the recession it's hard to make a decent living unless you have a fab place offering everything, or have another income to boost it.
Charges (like national insurance) are high here, it goes to pay for health plus the national debt etc!
How"s your French? You will find it extremely hard if you have no French, or aren't willing to try (alot aren't!) If you have kids it does make it easier to integrate.
Having said all that (hope it comes across as positive!) we love it here, and have no plans of moving on!
PM me if you would like any more info etc, only too happy to help!
:)
 
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