Clé France

Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying Pays de la Loire is one of France's best-kept secrets. After all, the famous River Loire runs its sinuous way through the region and it is home to some of France's most recognisable, not to mention picturesque, châteaux.

However, it is framed by the hugely popular Brittany to the north, and the sun-kissed Poitou-Charentes to the south, so it is little wonder that, when Brits are looking for property along the north-eastern marches of France, their attention is not unreasonably drawn towards Pays de la Loire’s neighbours.

To be fair, Pays de la Loire does borrow more than just a cup of sugar from these neighbours. A relatively recent creation, it incorporates a large chunk of what used to be Brittany and parts of Poitou-Charentes. Occupied by William the Conqueror in 1064, it also includes Norman elements, and is a fascinatingly diverse and disparate region that is pulled together by the Loire river running through it.

Today, the region comprises 32,082km² that are divided between the departments of Loire-Atlantique, Maine-et-Loire, Mayenne, Sarthe and Vendée. And across these five departments are a spectacular array of delights and attractions.

What is your favourite region, department, town, village or part of France?

Blog Submitted by: Alex at Cle France.

If you are looking to move to France from the UK, then you might be surprised at just how simple the whole process of buying a house in France can be.

Many people will be surprised at how uncomplicated it can be to move to France. Many people start out by being 'wary' of buying in France, because the culture is so different but the process of buying a house in France is actually really simple.

It is a simple system and a system that I think gives the buyer considerable support. It is a safe system, a well-tried and tested system and it is quite logical.

Also 'gazumping' is not common in France as the sellers of properties generally stick to their first acceptance.

For more information go to our "The Buying Prcoess" page or better still give me a call or contact me via the website.

Blog Submitted by: Sharon at Cle France.

Back to school or "La Rentrée" has finally arrived, the Calendrier Scolaire helps you see the different term times for this academic year around the different educational zones in France.

There are three distinct geographical zones in the French school system to help spread the holiday periods out across France.

The 2013 - 2014 academic year starts today (Tuesday 3 September for all school children) with the 'Toussaint' and Christmas holidays being taken by all three zones at the same time, the rest are staggered.

And if you want there is a useful calendar you can print off showing the school holiday periods over the coming academic year.

Blog Submitted by: David at Cle France.

While nothing has been officially confirmed, the €19,000 turnover limit on the auto-entrepreneur status looks to have been dropped in proposals set to be put in front of the French cabinet.

Business newspaper, Les Echos, says it has seen a copy of the proposals to be announced on 21 August, and there is no mention of the €19,000 cut off point.

This maximum turnover level caused great anger amongst auto-entrepreneurs when it was first put forward by minister, Sylvia Pinel.

The minister said that businesses would be forced to register on the classic scheme and be provided with training if they hit the maximum turnover level for two consecutive years.

Considering how confused and unclear the government has been over what changes it wants to bring in for the auto-entrepreneur scheme, it is worth waiting until the official announcement and hopefully people will be able able to make an informed decision then.

Blog submitted by: David at Cle France.

Dear Sharon & David,

Can't thank you enough for all your help, patience and kind words over the past year+.

We are delighted with our purchase and you are largely responsible!

Warm regards, Frank & Scott.

Franck and Scott bought a house in Brittany with Cle France - The French Property Network.