If you are in need of removals to France to settle in the country, it is easy to see why this nation is so appealing. France attracts nearly 82 million tourists a year for a variety of reasons, not least because of its art and culture, as well as a wide range of sporting activities which are enjoyed by tourists and French nationals alike.
Hamiltons are specialists in removals to France and we have compiled a brief guide to some of the country’s most popular sporting activities. Hamiltons offer high quality domestic and commercial removals to France and are proud to be members of the British Association of Removers (BAR).
Removals to France - click here for full information on our removals to France service or click here for a free European removals quote.
Removals to France: Ten of the Most Popular Sports
If you are considering removals to France and want to know more about sport in the country, here is our pick of some of the best sporting activities this great nation has to offer.
Skiing and Snowboarding - If you enjoy winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding, France has it all. The most popular place for skiing in the country is the world famous ski resort, Chamonix in the Rhone-Alpes region. It is one of the oldest ski resorts in France and in the summer it becomes a haven for mountain biking, mountaineering, hiking and trekking.
Petanque - This is a type of boules where the players throw three metal balls as close as they can towards a jack. The game can be played on grass, soil, sand and gravel and is so popular, there are around 17 million enthusiasts in France. The flat areas designated to play petanque are called terrains and these can be found all over the country.
Cycling - Think of cycling in France and one of the first things that springs to mind is the Tour de France. France has a worldwide reputation for the sport and although you may not want to compete at international level, there are plenty of places to go for a leisurely cycle, including one of the many cycle friendly town and city routes. Alternatively, head out to the countryside and take one of the picturesque country or woodland trails or journey by the scenic riverside. If you want to cycle further afield, you can take your two wheelers free of charge on many of the country’s trains.
Sailing and Windsurfing - You will find several coastal areas suitable for either sailing or windsurfing in France. There are many marinas dotted around the French coast where you can charter a yacht, or join one of the sailing courses. If you want to take up windsurfing, why not head to the south France, which has some of the best windsurfing conditions?
Football - Football is certainly the most popular sport in France and if you are a lover of the beautiful game, you will no doubt want to support your local football team, or perhaps play for a local team. The most successful football team in the First Division in France is Olympic Lyonnais, which achieved an incredible nine titles in the ten years from 1991-2011.
Golf - Golf is a popular sport in France and there are plenty of outstanding clubs to tee off in all over the country. In fact there are more than 550 golf courses in France and among the most beautiful are Chantilly, which has a stunning forest setting in the Ille-de-France. Champ de Bataille can be found between Evreux and Rouen in Normandy and surrounds a picturesque castle. Another great course is Pont Royal which is close to Aix-en-Provence and has views over mountains and streams.
Tennis - This is a very popular sport in the country and there are more than a million registered members. You can either have a game at your local sports or leisure centre or become a member of a private tennis club. If you are moving to France for an improved life style, it may be that you are lucky enough to have your own private tennis court in the grounds of your new home.
Horseback Riding - If you love seeing the countryside on horseback, there are plenty of riding schools dotted all over the country. Just drop into your local tourist information centre or browse the internet to find out where your nearest riding school is.
Hiking - France is such a beautiful country that it is likely that you will want to explore some of the most scenic areas on foot. From the challenging trails in the Alps, to more leisurely walks in the open countryside, you can find many popular hiking trails in France suitable for different levels of ability.
Swimming - You will find lots of opportunities for swimming in France including visiting your local sport and leisure centre, swimming in the lakes, sea or rivers, or taking a trip out to your nearest water park. If you are moving here and require removals to France, it may be that you are lucky enough to have your own swimming pool!
About Hamiltons
We have 20 years’ experience in international removals and can provide removals to France to or from the UK or from most other European or global destinations.
Removals to France - click here for full information on our removals to France service or click here for a free European removals quote.
Wednesday, 12 December 2012
Monday, 10 December 2012
Removals to France: Top Tourist Attractions in France
France is the most visited country in the world, so if you require removals to France, you will never be short of things to do once you have settled here. From art galleries to museums, theme parks, ancient buildings and interesting natural phenomenons, the country has it all. Here we shall look at some of the best tourist attractions and how you can benefit from Hamiltons for removals to France.
Hamiltons has 20 years’ experience in domestic and European removals including removals to France. We carry out top quality removals for households and corporate clients and are committed to high standards of customer service. Our removals to France service includes weekly collection and delivery dates, although we also offer a special service so you can set the dates of your removal.
We tailor our removals to France services to suit your individual requirements. Hamiltons are also proud to be registered with the British Association of Removers (BAR) which means that we comply with their strict standards for removals to France and other international destinations.
Removals to France - click here for full information on our removals to France service or click here for a free European removals quote.
Here is Hamilton’s pick of just a few of the best tourist attractions in France.
Art Museums
Any reference to France’s best tourist attractions would not be complete without mentioning the Louvre in Paris. This is one of the most visited art museums in the world, attracting an incredible 9 million visitors a year. It houses many famous works of art including the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, which was in fact stolen from the Louvre in 1911, before it was eventually returned to the gallery.
Another major tourist draw in Paris is the Pompidou Centre, a modern art museum which attracts three and a half million visitors a year and is the eighth most visited art museum in the world. The area in front of the contemporary art museum attracts a range of street performers including jugglers, mime acts, skateboarders, as well as sketchers and caricature artists.
If you would like to see paintings by the impressionists at first hand, Musée D’Orsay, also in Paris, is the place to head. It is the tenth most visited art museum in France and in addition to impressionist paintings it also includes a whole spectrum of works encompassing neoclassicism, romanticism, and expressionism. Here you can view masterpieces by Degas, Manet, Toulouse-Lautrec, Monet and Van Gogh, as well as works by many other world famous names.
Buildings
As the symbol of France, the Eiffel Tower is a must see and is in fact the most visited paid monument in the world, attracting just over 7 million visitors a year. It was built in 1889 as the entrance arch to the then World Fair, and was only intended as a temporary structure. Now it is one of the most recognised towers in the world.
Also in Paris, the opulent Palais of Versailles and is well worth seeing and is one of the most visited attractions in France. Versailles is one of the world’s largest palaces and has been on the world heritage list for three decades. After visiting the magnificent palace, you have the chance to take a stroll in the beautiful grounds.
Away from Paris, in the Loire Valley, is the stunning Chateau de Chambord which was built in the early 16th century as a hunting lodge for Francois I. The castle plays host to around three quarters of million visitors a year and was the inspiration for the beast’s castle in the film animation Beauty and the Beast, 1991.
Natural Features
The highest sand dune in Europe is the Dune of Pyla in Arcachon Bay, Aquitane, south west France (60 km from Bordeaux). This incredible sand dune stands 108m above sea level and is 2.7km long.
Another spectacular site is the Gorge du Verdon which is the known as one of the most picturesque river canyon in Europe and you can find it in the Provence Verte region. You can take part in a host of activities here including horseback riding, hiking, kayaking, sailing and water skiing.
The island of Mont Saint Michel in Normandy attracts over three million visitors a year and is listed as a World Heritage Site. It is dominated an impressive Benedictine Abbey which is lit up at night. The island was used as a prison during the French revolution.
Theme Parks
Disneyland is located just 20 miles from the centre of Paris and is the most visited theme park in Europe. The 19 km sq site attracts around 15 million visitors a year to the Disneyland Park and the Walt Disney Studios Park.
Parc Asterix is a theme park based on the stories of the cartoon character Asterix and can be found just over 20 miles from Paris. It counts roller coasters, bob sleighs and log fumes among its many rides.
Another great attraction is FutureScope, a multi-media theme park with outstanding 3D and 4D effects. FutureScope can be found 10 km from Poitiers and attracts around 2 million visitors a year.
About Hamiltons
Hamiltons offers removals to France tailored suit your requirements. We provide unpacking, packing, storage as well as removals of vehicles and other specialist items including antiques, artwork and musical instruments.
Removals to France - click here for full information on our removals to France service
Hamiltons has 20 years’ experience in domestic and European removals including removals to France. We carry out top quality removals for households and corporate clients and are committed to high standards of customer service. Our removals to France service includes weekly collection and delivery dates, although we also offer a special service so you can set the dates of your removal.
We tailor our removals to France services to suit your individual requirements. Hamiltons are also proud to be registered with the British Association of Removers (BAR) which means that we comply with their strict standards for removals to France and other international destinations.
Removals to France - click here for full information on our removals to France service or click here for a free European removals quote.
Here is Hamilton’s pick of just a few of the best tourist attractions in France.
Art Museums
Any reference to France’s best tourist attractions would not be complete without mentioning the Louvre in Paris. This is one of the most visited art museums in the world, attracting an incredible 9 million visitors a year. It houses many famous works of art including the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, which was in fact stolen from the Louvre in 1911, before it was eventually returned to the gallery.
Another major tourist draw in Paris is the Pompidou Centre, a modern art museum which attracts three and a half million visitors a year and is the eighth most visited art museum in the world. The area in front of the contemporary art museum attracts a range of street performers including jugglers, mime acts, skateboarders, as well as sketchers and caricature artists.
If you would like to see paintings by the impressionists at first hand, Musée D’Orsay, also in Paris, is the place to head. It is the tenth most visited art museum in France and in addition to impressionist paintings it also includes a whole spectrum of works encompassing neoclassicism, romanticism, and expressionism. Here you can view masterpieces by Degas, Manet, Toulouse-Lautrec, Monet and Van Gogh, as well as works by many other world famous names.
Buildings
As the symbol of France, the Eiffel Tower is a must see and is in fact the most visited paid monument in the world, attracting just over 7 million visitors a year. It was built in 1889 as the entrance arch to the then World Fair, and was only intended as a temporary structure. Now it is one of the most recognised towers in the world.
Also in Paris, the opulent Palais of Versailles and is well worth seeing and is one of the most visited attractions in France. Versailles is one of the world’s largest palaces and has been on the world heritage list for three decades. After visiting the magnificent palace, you have the chance to take a stroll in the beautiful grounds.
Away from Paris, in the Loire Valley, is the stunning Chateau de Chambord which was built in the early 16th century as a hunting lodge for Francois I. The castle plays host to around three quarters of million visitors a year and was the inspiration for the beast’s castle in the film animation Beauty and the Beast, 1991.
Natural Features
The highest sand dune in Europe is the Dune of Pyla in Arcachon Bay, Aquitane, south west France (60 km from Bordeaux). This incredible sand dune stands 108m above sea level and is 2.7km long.
Another spectacular site is the Gorge du Verdon which is the known as one of the most picturesque river canyon in Europe and you can find it in the Provence Verte region. You can take part in a host of activities here including horseback riding, hiking, kayaking, sailing and water skiing.
The island of Mont Saint Michel in Normandy attracts over three million visitors a year and is listed as a World Heritage Site. It is dominated an impressive Benedictine Abbey which is lit up at night. The island was used as a prison during the French revolution.
Theme Parks
Disneyland is located just 20 miles from the centre of Paris and is the most visited theme park in Europe. The 19 km sq site attracts around 15 million visitors a year to the Disneyland Park and the Walt Disney Studios Park.
Parc Asterix is a theme park based on the stories of the cartoon character Asterix and can be found just over 20 miles from Paris. It counts roller coasters, bob sleighs and log fumes among its many rides.
Another great attraction is FutureScope, a multi-media theme park with outstanding 3D and 4D effects. FutureScope can be found 10 km from Poitiers and attracts around 2 million visitors a year.
About Hamiltons
Hamiltons offers removals to France tailored suit your requirements. We provide unpacking, packing, storage as well as removals of vehicles and other specialist items including antiques, artwork and musical instruments.
Removals to France - click here for full information on our removals to France service
Saturday, 8 December 2012
Removals to France: Living and Working in Rennes
Hamiltons has 20 years’ experience in the removals industry and is dedicated to providing high standards of customer service for removals to France. We provide domestic and commercial removals to France including to all the major towns and cities as well as many rural, off the beaten track settings.
France is one of the most popular European destinations to move to from the UK and Hamiltons has moved many expats here over the years. We provide removals to France from the UK, from France to the UK, and most other global destinations.
Whether you require business or household removals, we will tailor our services to suit your requirements. You can rest assured that our team will offer you the best possible service for removals to France as we adhere to the strict standards set by the British Association of Removers (BAR).
Removals to France - click here for full information on our removals to France service or click here for a free European removals quote.
Removals to France: About Rennes
Half a million people live in the Metropolitan area of Rennes, which is seen as the the capital of the Bretagne region. It is also known as a gastronomic region in France, praised for the quality of its food and the creativity of its chefs.
It is a vibrant student city in the east of Brittany, based where the rivers Ille and Vilaine meet. Among its inhabitants are 60,000 students from the city’s two universities and as a result Rennes has a lively night life. Rue Saint Michele, for instance, has bars on both sides and has been dubbed by the locals as ‘the street of thirst.’
Out and about in the city you will find many beautiful buildings including fascinating examples of traditional timber framed houses which can be found off the city centre in streets such as Saint-Georges, Rue de Saint-Malo and Saint Sauveur. The Parliament of Brittany which can be found in the Place du Parlement is a landmark 17th century building in Rennes and tours of the building are available.
Rennes has a number of attractions including Les Champs Libres. Here you will find the Brittany Museum where you can discover more about the history of Rennes. Other attractions include the Fine Art Museum and also Thabor Park which is a tranquil botanical garden with hundreds of species of roses, as well as many tropical and rare plants.
If you enjoy shopping there is a Saturday morning market in the Place des Lices. Les Galleries La Fayette at the Quay is also worthwhile heading to, or visit Rue d’Orleans and Rue le Bastard to check out the city centre stores.
What is it Like to Live and Work in Rennes?
The city’s biggest employer is Peugeot Citroen at Rennes La Janais, which has been operating in Rennes for more than 50 years. Other big employers include France Telecom and Technicolor, which both employ more than 1000 people. Rennes also has the highest number of Information Communication Technology (ICT firms) in France outside Paris.
Rennes is a centre for art and culture and there are a large number of festivals in the city including Les Tombees de la Nuit which takes place the first week of July and includes art and street performances.
Other festivals include the cinematic festival, Travelling, held the end of January and beginning of February. Rennes also plays host to several music festivals including Rock & Solex in May which is the city’s oldest student festival.
If you are heading for a meal out there are many interesting specialities in the region including Galettes Saucisses (which is a sausage wrapped in a pancake) and for the sweet toothed: Galettes et Palets Bretons, which are small, circular biscuits. Also try Kouing Amann, a butter sugar cake.
Public Transport in Rennes
Rennes has good road, rail and air transport links and offers an excellent public transport system called ‘Star’. The city has dozens of different bus routes and there are 15 underground metro stations.
For travel further afield you can get to Paris via train (TTGV) in just over two hours. Rennes also has its own airport, which connects to the UK and Ireland, so it is easy to make a trip to see friends and relatives.
About Hamiltons
Hamiltons has an excellent reputation for removals and offers weekly domestic and commercial services for removals to France. We can help with packing, unpacking and even offer cleaning services so you can leave your former home in tip top condition.
Contact us to find out about our removals to France services including our special service, which allows you to set your collection and delivery dates.
Removals to France - click here for full information or click here for a free European removals quote.
France is one of the most popular European destinations to move to from the UK and Hamiltons has moved many expats here over the years. We provide removals to France from the UK, from France to the UK, and most other global destinations.
Whether you require business or household removals, we will tailor our services to suit your requirements. You can rest assured that our team will offer you the best possible service for removals to France as we adhere to the strict standards set by the British Association of Removers (BAR).
Removals to France - click here for full information on our removals to France service or click here for a free European removals quote.
Removals to France: About Rennes
Half a million people live in the Metropolitan area of Rennes, which is seen as the the capital of the Bretagne region. It is also known as a gastronomic region in France, praised for the quality of its food and the creativity of its chefs.
It is a vibrant student city in the east of Brittany, based where the rivers Ille and Vilaine meet. Among its inhabitants are 60,000 students from the city’s two universities and as a result Rennes has a lively night life. Rue Saint Michele, for instance, has bars on both sides and has been dubbed by the locals as ‘the street of thirst.’
Out and about in the city you will find many beautiful buildings including fascinating examples of traditional timber framed houses which can be found off the city centre in streets such as Saint-Georges, Rue de Saint-Malo and Saint Sauveur. The Parliament of Brittany which can be found in the Place du Parlement is a landmark 17th century building in Rennes and tours of the building are available.
Rennes has a number of attractions including Les Champs Libres. Here you will find the Brittany Museum where you can discover more about the history of Rennes. Other attractions include the Fine Art Museum and also Thabor Park which is a tranquil botanical garden with hundreds of species of roses, as well as many tropical and rare plants.
If you enjoy shopping there is a Saturday morning market in the Place des Lices. Les Galleries La Fayette at the Quay is also worthwhile heading to, or visit Rue d’Orleans and Rue le Bastard to check out the city centre stores.
What is it Like to Live and Work in Rennes?
The city’s biggest employer is Peugeot Citroen at Rennes La Janais, which has been operating in Rennes for more than 50 years. Other big employers include France Telecom and Technicolor, which both employ more than 1000 people. Rennes also has the highest number of Information Communication Technology (ICT firms) in France outside Paris.
Rennes is a centre for art and culture and there are a large number of festivals in the city including Les Tombees de la Nuit which takes place the first week of July and includes art and street performances.
Other festivals include the cinematic festival, Travelling, held the end of January and beginning of February. Rennes also plays host to several music festivals including Rock & Solex in May which is the city’s oldest student festival.
If you are heading for a meal out there are many interesting specialities in the region including Galettes Saucisses (which is a sausage wrapped in a pancake) and for the sweet toothed: Galettes et Palets Bretons, which are small, circular biscuits. Also try Kouing Amann, a butter sugar cake.
Public Transport in Rennes
Rennes has good road, rail and air transport links and offers an excellent public transport system called ‘Star’. The city has dozens of different bus routes and there are 15 underground metro stations.
For travel further afield you can get to Paris via train (TTGV) in just over two hours. Rennes also has its own airport, which connects to the UK and Ireland, so it is easy to make a trip to see friends and relatives.
About Hamiltons
Hamiltons has an excellent reputation for removals and offers weekly domestic and commercial services for removals to France. We can help with packing, unpacking and even offer cleaning services so you can leave your former home in tip top condition.
Contact us to find out about our removals to France services including our special service, which allows you to set your collection and delivery dates.
Removals to France - click here for full information or click here for a free European removals quote.
Thursday, 6 December 2012
Removals to France - A Stunning Country with Diverse Landscape
France is a beautiful, picturesque country, with a diverse landscape and if you require removals to France, Hamiltons are experienced in providing high quality removals to all regions.
The scenery in France is so varied that each region can easily feel like a different country. From miles of lush green countryside to unspoilt forests, tranquil rivers, dramatic mountains and stunning coastland, it is easy to see why more people in Britain are choosing removals to France to settle here permanently.
While some people require removals to France as part of a job move, or choose to retire here, others are seeking to start a new life in the country with their French partner, or to relocate their whole family and start a new business here.
Whatever your reasons for moving, Hamiltons are experienced in providing removals to France and we tailor our services to suit your requirements. Here we shall look at the attractions of moving to France and the beauty of the countryside, one of the many reasons why France is so popular.
Removals to France - click here for full information on our removals to France service or click here for a free European removals quote.
Removals to France: The Alps
The dramatic landscape of the snow capped Alps is appealing to many people choosing to settle in France.
It may be that you are moving here to work in the tourist industry, such as popular resorts such as Chamonix, or have a job that involves freelance work (on the web for instance) and want to settle here to enjoy a slower pace of life.
The Alps is a popular place to move to for those who enjoy winter sports activities such as skiing and snowboarding in the winter, or hiking and mountaineering in the summer. The French Alps lie in the Rhone-Alpes and the Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azure regions and the main city is Grenoble which has a population of 660,000 in the metropolitan area. Although the winters in the Alps are cold, the summers can be quite pleasant.
Removals to France: Vineyards
France is famous for its wines and produces between 7-8 billion bottles of wine a year, so there is plenty of opportunity to try out the local wines once you have moved here. There are several wine producing regions in France, including the world famous Bordeaux which is known for the quality of its wines and Burgundy, which produces two types of grapes: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
France has about 27,000 wineries and for some expats the idea of owning or running their own vineyard is a dream come true. But while owning a pretty vineyard may sound idyllic, it also involves a great deal of commitment.
If you don’t fancy the hard graft, however, another way of getting involved in the wine industry is to buy part of a French vineyard, such as a few rows of vines. This means all the work is carried out on your behalf and you receive bottles of wine in return.
Removals to France: Countryside
Many people who require removals to France do so because they want to escape the madding crowd and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the countryside. France is known for its stunning landscape and there are many picturesque areas in which to settle to escape the hustle and bustle of the town or city.
Some British people choose to move to the French countryside with plans to renovate an old farmhouse and provide holiday rentals, while others dream of a chateau to do up and live in so they can enjoy a better quality of life.
If you are looking to move to the country, France’s greenest region is Franche-Comte, situated in eastern France bordering Switzerland. It is known for its rolling countryside, mountains and forests. The region is also famous for its cheeses and produces 40 million tonnes of cheese a year.
Removals to France: The Coast
The south of France is a popular with expats and tourists alike. Offering 300 days of sunshine a year, it is easy to see why people are drawn to this area of France. If you are moving to the south of France, however, be warned, the Cote d’Azure is one of the most expensive places to live outside Paris!
Another popular coastal area for British people to settle in is Poitou Charentes, in the south west of France. It has a wonderful coastline and one of the most pleasant climates in France. It is also possible to pick up a property to renovate here for as little as EUR 70,000.
Other well liked coastal regions include Brittany, situated on the west coast of France, bordered by the English Channel. Normandy is another attractive coastal region benefitting from its close proximity to the UK. It is also a cheaper area to move to compared to many other parts of France.
Removals to France: Riverside
France has some beautiful riverside areas such as the Lot Valley in the country’s south west. This is situated south of the Dordogne near the rivers Dordogne, Lot, Garonne and Tarn and is delightfully scenic.
The River Lot is the seventh longest river in France and if you are moving here, you will find plenty to do here for the whole family to enjoy. The river offers a wide variety of sporting activities including cycling along the riverside, canoeing, fishing and swimming.
About Hamiltons
Hamiltons has 20 years’ experience of carrying out removals to France and we offer competitively priced removals to most destinations in Europe and worldwide.
Removals to France - click here for full information on our removals to France service or click here for a free European removals quote.
The scenery in France is so varied that each region can easily feel like a different country. From miles of lush green countryside to unspoilt forests, tranquil rivers, dramatic mountains and stunning coastland, it is easy to see why more people in Britain are choosing removals to France to settle here permanently.
While some people require removals to France as part of a job move, or choose to retire here, others are seeking to start a new life in the country with their French partner, or to relocate their whole family and start a new business here.
Whatever your reasons for moving, Hamiltons are experienced in providing removals to France and we tailor our services to suit your requirements. Here we shall look at the attractions of moving to France and the beauty of the countryside, one of the many reasons why France is so popular.
Removals to France - click here for full information on our removals to France service or click here for a free European removals quote.
Removals to France: The Alps
The dramatic landscape of the snow capped Alps is appealing to many people choosing to settle in France.
It may be that you are moving here to work in the tourist industry, such as popular resorts such as Chamonix, or have a job that involves freelance work (on the web for instance) and want to settle here to enjoy a slower pace of life.
The Alps is a popular place to move to for those who enjoy winter sports activities such as skiing and snowboarding in the winter, or hiking and mountaineering in the summer. The French Alps lie in the Rhone-Alpes and the Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azure regions and the main city is Grenoble which has a population of 660,000 in the metropolitan area. Although the winters in the Alps are cold, the summers can be quite pleasant.
Removals to France: Vineyards
France is famous for its wines and produces between 7-8 billion bottles of wine a year, so there is plenty of opportunity to try out the local wines once you have moved here. There are several wine producing regions in France, including the world famous Bordeaux which is known for the quality of its wines and Burgundy, which produces two types of grapes: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
France has about 27,000 wineries and for some expats the idea of owning or running their own vineyard is a dream come true. But while owning a pretty vineyard may sound idyllic, it also involves a great deal of commitment.
If you don’t fancy the hard graft, however, another way of getting involved in the wine industry is to buy part of a French vineyard, such as a few rows of vines. This means all the work is carried out on your behalf and you receive bottles of wine in return.
Removals to France: Countryside
Many people who require removals to France do so because they want to escape the madding crowd and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the countryside. France is known for its stunning landscape and there are many picturesque areas in which to settle to escape the hustle and bustle of the town or city.
Some British people choose to move to the French countryside with plans to renovate an old farmhouse and provide holiday rentals, while others dream of a chateau to do up and live in so they can enjoy a better quality of life.
If you are looking to move to the country, France’s greenest region is Franche-Comte, situated in eastern France bordering Switzerland. It is known for its rolling countryside, mountains and forests. The region is also famous for its cheeses and produces 40 million tonnes of cheese a year.
Removals to France: The Coast
The south of France is a popular with expats and tourists alike. Offering 300 days of sunshine a year, it is easy to see why people are drawn to this area of France. If you are moving to the south of France, however, be warned, the Cote d’Azure is one of the most expensive places to live outside Paris!
Another popular coastal area for British people to settle in is Poitou Charentes, in the south west of France. It has a wonderful coastline and one of the most pleasant climates in France. It is also possible to pick up a property to renovate here for as little as EUR 70,000.
Other well liked coastal regions include Brittany, situated on the west coast of France, bordered by the English Channel. Normandy is another attractive coastal region benefitting from its close proximity to the UK. It is also a cheaper area to move to compared to many other parts of France.
Removals to France: Riverside
France has some beautiful riverside areas such as the Lot Valley in the country’s south west. This is situated south of the Dordogne near the rivers Dordogne, Lot, Garonne and Tarn and is delightfully scenic.
The River Lot is the seventh longest river in France and if you are moving here, you will find plenty to do here for the whole family to enjoy. The river offers a wide variety of sporting activities including cycling along the riverside, canoeing, fishing and swimming.
About Hamiltons
Hamiltons has 20 years’ experience of carrying out removals to France and we offer competitively priced removals to most destinations in Europe and worldwide.
Removals to France - click here for full information on our removals to France service or click here for a free European removals quote.
Tuesday, 4 December 2012
Removals to France - Why France is a Popular Place to Move to
France is the most popular European destination to move to, so if you are considering removals to France, you will be joining the many thousands of expats who have already chosen to settle here.
In 2010, around 18,000 British people chose to settle in France, opting for the better weather, a healthier lifestyle and considering it a great place to raise a family. Hamiltons offer high quality international removals including removals to France and have 20 years experience in the industry.
Hamiltons know that moving abroad can feel like a challenging or difficult time, so our aim is to make sure that the entire process from start to finish for removals to France runs smoothly for you. We are British Association of Removers (BAR) registered, so you know you are in good hands, as we comply with their strict guidelines to give you the best possible service for removals to France.
If you would like to find out more about removals to France, please feel free to contact our experienced removals team.
Removals to France - click here to find out more about our removals to France service.
Here we shall look at why France is a popular destination for expats and the benefits the country has to offer.
Ten Reasons Why France is A Popular Destination to Relocate To from the UK
1. Job - The number one reason for moving abroad is as part of a job move. Among some of the jobs people take up in France include building and decorating, teaching, tourism, finance, IT, and running their own business. A recent study by the INSEE, the French statistical office, show that the most popular French department for the British to settle in is Paris and 20,500 UK residents have bought property within or near the city. The second most popular place for British people to live is Dordogne, followed by Alpes-Maritime and Charente.
2. Weather - The weather is a huge draw for British people who want to settle abroad. Southern France, such as Nice on the Côte d’Azur, for example, enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and an average of 300 days of sunshine a year, so it is easy to see why British people are so keen to settle here. North and northwest France has a similar climate to Britain with changeable weather. Central and eastern France, such as Paris, enjoys a continental climate with warmer summers and colder winters than in the west of the country.
3. Property - Property wise, you can get more for your money in some parts of the country, although other areas are hugely expensive, such as Paris. Some people also like the idea of buying a château or farm and to do it up, either for their own use or to create a holiday rental business. Some properties for sale also have the added bonus of extras that you wouldn’t necessarily get for the same money back in the UK such as large, secluded gardens or a swimming pool.
4. Lifestyle - While many people move overseas for a job move, others decide to uproot to create a better life for themselves and their family. It may be that you want to start a business in France, such as a bed and breakfast, or run a villa rental, or work in the yachting industry. Some may also want to live on a small farm and enjoy a sustainable life-style, such as keeping your own livestock or growing your own vegetables.
5. Language - A move to France is also attractive because, while you may (or may not) be fluent in the language, many British people who relocate here have at least some knowledge of the language. Even if this is just a basic grasp of French to O’Level or GCSE standard, it all helps towards integration and the basics will also help with your day to day activities such as buying items from shops, asking for directions or reading signs and information.
6. Romance - Another reason why people move overseas is because they have met their partner either in the UK, on holiday, or while working abroad and have chosen to build their future life together in France. It may be they have chosen to settle in France to be closer to their partner’s family and the UK national is happy to make that compromise, rather than maintain a long-distance relationship.
7. Close to Home - In comparison to other European destinations a move to France is much closer to home. It is not that far to go to pop back home and see friends and family. You can get from Paris to London, for instance, via the Channel Tunnel in just 2 hours and 15 minutes.
8. Retirement - Retirees may decide to move to France take up a new life-style in what they feel is a safe and healthier environment with a better climate than the UK. The country also has an excellent healthcare system to benefit from.
9. Scenery - France benefits from varied and breathtaking scenery: from dramatic mountainous regions (such as the Alps in the east) to the glamorous coastal areas such as the Côte d’Azur. You can also find rolling countryside, acres of forests (which cover as much as a quarter of the country) and picturesque rivers such as the Loire, Rhone, Seine, Garonne and Dordogne.
10. Food and Wine - For lovers of fine food and wine, a move to France will put you in heaven! From the wonderful restaurants to food festivals, food markets and wine straight from the local vineyard - there is much to stimulate the senses in France!
Removals to France - click here to find out more about our removals to France service.
In 2010, around 18,000 British people chose to settle in France, opting for the better weather, a healthier lifestyle and considering it a great place to raise a family. Hamiltons offer high quality international removals including removals to France and have 20 years experience in the industry.
Hamiltons know that moving abroad can feel like a challenging or difficult time, so our aim is to make sure that the entire process from start to finish for removals to France runs smoothly for you. We are British Association of Removers (BAR) registered, so you know you are in good hands, as we comply with their strict guidelines to give you the best possible service for removals to France.
If you would like to find out more about removals to France, please feel free to contact our experienced removals team.
Removals to France - click here to find out more about our removals to France service.
Here we shall look at why France is a popular destination for expats and the benefits the country has to offer.
Ten Reasons Why France is A Popular Destination to Relocate To from the UK
1. Job - The number one reason for moving abroad is as part of a job move. Among some of the jobs people take up in France include building and decorating, teaching, tourism, finance, IT, and running their own business. A recent study by the INSEE, the French statistical office, show that the most popular French department for the British to settle in is Paris and 20,500 UK residents have bought property within or near the city. The second most popular place for British people to live is Dordogne, followed by Alpes-Maritime and Charente.
2. Weather - The weather is a huge draw for British people who want to settle abroad. Southern France, such as Nice on the Côte d’Azur, for example, enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and an average of 300 days of sunshine a year, so it is easy to see why British people are so keen to settle here. North and northwest France has a similar climate to Britain with changeable weather. Central and eastern France, such as Paris, enjoys a continental climate with warmer summers and colder winters than in the west of the country.
3. Property - Property wise, you can get more for your money in some parts of the country, although other areas are hugely expensive, such as Paris. Some people also like the idea of buying a château or farm and to do it up, either for their own use or to create a holiday rental business. Some properties for sale also have the added bonus of extras that you wouldn’t necessarily get for the same money back in the UK such as large, secluded gardens or a swimming pool.
4. Lifestyle - While many people move overseas for a job move, others decide to uproot to create a better life for themselves and their family. It may be that you want to start a business in France, such as a bed and breakfast, or run a villa rental, or work in the yachting industry. Some may also want to live on a small farm and enjoy a sustainable life-style, such as keeping your own livestock or growing your own vegetables.
5. Language - A move to France is also attractive because, while you may (or may not) be fluent in the language, many British people who relocate here have at least some knowledge of the language. Even if this is just a basic grasp of French to O’Level or GCSE standard, it all helps towards integration and the basics will also help with your day to day activities such as buying items from shops, asking for directions or reading signs and information.
6. Romance - Another reason why people move overseas is because they have met their partner either in the UK, on holiday, or while working abroad and have chosen to build their future life together in France. It may be they have chosen to settle in France to be closer to their partner’s family and the UK national is happy to make that compromise, rather than maintain a long-distance relationship.
7. Close to Home - In comparison to other European destinations a move to France is much closer to home. It is not that far to go to pop back home and see friends and family. You can get from Paris to London, for instance, via the Channel Tunnel in just 2 hours and 15 minutes.
8. Retirement - Retirees may decide to move to France take up a new life-style in what they feel is a safe and healthier environment with a better climate than the UK. The country also has an excellent healthcare system to benefit from.
9. Scenery - France benefits from varied and breathtaking scenery: from dramatic mountainous regions (such as the Alps in the east) to the glamorous coastal areas such as the Côte d’Azur. You can also find rolling countryside, acres of forests (which cover as much as a quarter of the country) and picturesque rivers such as the Loire, Rhone, Seine, Garonne and Dordogne.
10. Food and Wine - For lovers of fine food and wine, a move to France will put you in heaven! From the wonderful restaurants to food festivals, food markets and wine straight from the local vineyard - there is much to stimulate the senses in France!
Removals to France - click here to find out more about our removals to France service.
Saturday, 1 December 2012
Removals to France: Living and Working in Nice
Hamiltons is a high quality UK based removals specialist offering removals to France from the UK and most other European and international destinations. We provide removals to all destinations in France including the major towns and cities as well as some of the more off the beaten track locations.
Over the past 20 years, our experienced team of staff have undertaken removals to France for clients for a variety of reasons. Some require removals to France as part of a job relocation, others want to move possessions to a holiday home in France, and several have plans to retire in the country.
Removals to France is a popular choice for relocation from the UK, and we tailor our services to suit your individual or business needs. Whatever your reasons for removals to France, you know that you will get the best possible service as we comply with the strict criteria set by the BAR (British Association of Removers).
Removals to France - click here to find out more about our removals to France service.
Removals to France: About Nice
Offering an incredible 300 days of sunshine a year on average, it is easy to see why people choose to live in Nice.
Along with its wonderful climate, Nice offers a relaxed lifestyle, which attracts many artists and writers. Among the most famous was Victor Hugo (1802 - 1885) who was one of the most well-Known Romantic writers in France.
This vibrant city is the capital of the Côte d’Azur or French Riviera, although it only became part of France in 1860. Before this date, it formed part of the Kingdom of Sardinia. It has a lengthy history and ancient findings revealed there was a settlement here as early as 400,000 BC.
Nice is one of the most established resorts on the French Riviera and an attractive city to settle in. It is well known for its famous 4 mile esplanade, Promenade des Anglais, which dates back two centuries. It is a very alluring destination, particularly the area by the Old Port where many awe-inspiring yachts are moored.
If you are considering removals to France to live in Nice, you won’t be disappointed, as there is plenty to do here. Among its attractions are the old town with its winding streets housing many boutiques, souvenir shops and the daily fruit and flower market. The Colline du Château offers spectacular views over the city and there are several art galleries and museums including the Museum of Fine Art and the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.
What is It Like to Live and Work in Nice?
Nice is a very attractive place to live and work with many expats choosing to retire here, or to work in the tourist or yachting industry. There are also expats based here working in one of the city’s multi-national companies.
The city has several business parks and just outside Nice, northwest of Antibes is Sophia Antipolis, a major science and industrial park.
If you require removals to France to live in Nice, it is a wonderful place to settle, particularly if you love activities and the great outdoors. There is plenty to keep you occupied from beautiful seafront walks to mountain climbing and windsurfing. Monaco is also only a 25 minute drive away and there are some people who live in Nice but commute daily to Monte Carlo to work.
The city is also great for shopping and has several shopping centres and the main shopping street is Avenue Jean Médecin.
Public Transport in Nice
Nice is the most popular tourist destination in France after Paris. Its airport is France’s second busiest passenger airport, attracting 10 million passengers a year, and it offers direct flights to most of the biggest cities in Europe.
There is no underground or metro station in Nice but you can get out and about by bus, or hire bikes - and even rollerblades! For travel further afield, the main railway station is Nice-Ville and from here you can get to Paris in six hours, while a journey to Marseille takes two and a half hours.
Removals to France - click here to find out more about our removals to France service.
Over the past 20 years, our experienced team of staff have undertaken removals to France for clients for a variety of reasons. Some require removals to France as part of a job relocation, others want to move possessions to a holiday home in France, and several have plans to retire in the country.
Removals to France is a popular choice for relocation from the UK, and we tailor our services to suit your individual or business needs. Whatever your reasons for removals to France, you know that you will get the best possible service as we comply with the strict criteria set by the BAR (British Association of Removers).
Removals to France - click here to find out more about our removals to France service.
Removals to France: About Nice
Offering an incredible 300 days of sunshine a year on average, it is easy to see why people choose to live in Nice.
Along with its wonderful climate, Nice offers a relaxed lifestyle, which attracts many artists and writers. Among the most famous was Victor Hugo (1802 - 1885) who was one of the most well-Known Romantic writers in France.
This vibrant city is the capital of the Côte d’Azur or French Riviera, although it only became part of France in 1860. Before this date, it formed part of the Kingdom of Sardinia. It has a lengthy history and ancient findings revealed there was a settlement here as early as 400,000 BC.
Nice is one of the most established resorts on the French Riviera and an attractive city to settle in. It is well known for its famous 4 mile esplanade, Promenade des Anglais, which dates back two centuries. It is a very alluring destination, particularly the area by the Old Port where many awe-inspiring yachts are moored.
If you are considering removals to France to live in Nice, you won’t be disappointed, as there is plenty to do here. Among its attractions are the old town with its winding streets housing many boutiques, souvenir shops and the daily fruit and flower market. The Colline du Château offers spectacular views over the city and there are several art galleries and museums including the Museum of Fine Art and the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.
What is It Like to Live and Work in Nice?
Nice is a very attractive place to live and work with many expats choosing to retire here, or to work in the tourist or yachting industry. There are also expats based here working in one of the city’s multi-national companies.
The city has several business parks and just outside Nice, northwest of Antibes is Sophia Antipolis, a major science and industrial park.
If you require removals to France to live in Nice, it is a wonderful place to settle, particularly if you love activities and the great outdoors. There is plenty to keep you occupied from beautiful seafront walks to mountain climbing and windsurfing. Monaco is also only a 25 minute drive away and there are some people who live in Nice but commute daily to Monte Carlo to work.
The city is also great for shopping and has several shopping centres and the main shopping street is Avenue Jean Médecin.
Public Transport in Nice
Nice is the most popular tourist destination in France after Paris. Its airport is France’s second busiest passenger airport, attracting 10 million passengers a year, and it offers direct flights to most of the biggest cities in Europe.
There is no underground or metro station in Nice but you can get out and about by bus, or hire bikes - and even rollerblades! For travel further afield, the main railway station is Nice-Ville and from here you can get to Paris in six hours, while a journey to Marseille takes two and a half hours.
Removals to France - click here to find out more about our removals to France service.
Wednesday, 28 November 2012
Removals to France - Educating Your Children in France
If you require removals to France, a move abroad generally means exciting times ahead especially when you have been offered a hard-to-miss opportunity in the job market, with a pay rise. However, if you are moving to France with children, the main concern about settling in a foreign country is whether they will adjust to their new lifestyle.
Here we shall look at removals to France and give you a brief outline of schooling and education in France.
Hamiltons Removals provide high quality European house moves and we also offer corporate and commercial removals to France to and from the UK or most other international destinations.
Our removals to France service is tailored to suit your requirements and this includes a full load (dedicated service,) which gives you the entire use of a vehicle, or a part load (groupage service), where the load is grouped together with other customers’ possessions and household goods. We also offer a special service where you have the sole use of a vehicle and can select the delivery or collection dates for removals to France.
Removals to France - click here to find out more about our removals to France service.
Schooling in France
If you are moving to France as a family, many parents worry about their children leaving their friends behind and how their little ones will settle into their new school. However, it is surprising how well children adjust to schooling in a foreign county and how quickly they pick up the language and make friends. Although every child is different, generally the younger the children are when you require removals to France, the sooner they will be able to adjust to their new life.
To make the move easier, it may be that your children will benefit from private French lessons and tutorials well in advance of the move. In fact, you could all take French classes as a family.
Of course, it always helps if one parent is a French national and you have existing family abroad, such as siblings or in-laws with children. However, this is not essential and may not be the case if you have moved there as part of a job move for instance. Whether or not this is the case, it is likely your children will soon adjust to their new life - and usually much quicker than their parents.
If require removals to France to settle in the country permanently, there are some things you can do in advance of the move. This can include arranging your child to have a tour of the school before they start. Another thing you can do is to ask that your child is paired with another pupil for the first few days. This pupil can help introduce your child to the other classmates and help them get familiar with their new environment.
Many children who move to a new school abroad are excited about the prospect of living overseas. It is also not unheard of for a young child to attend school in their country of origin for part of the school year, and attend a French school for the remainder, so they get the best of both worlds.
Nursery Education in France
Although schooling is compulsory from six years upwards, many children attend nursery school in France between the ages of three and five. In the last year of the nursery school they are introduced to reading.
Some children also start at a daycare centre, called pré-maternelle or très petite section, from the age of two years upwards.
State Schooling
If your child is being educated through the state system in France, schooling in the country is of a good to high standard. It is a requirement for youngsters to attend school until the age of 16 years.
The first stage of their state schooling education is primary school, where, just like in the UK, the students have either one or two teachers to instruct them in the complete curriculum.
At the age of 11 years, students will attend college (middle school) until the age of 15, followed by the lycée (high school) for the next three years where they go on to study for the baccalaureat.
Whether or not they attend a lycée really depends on the pupil’s examination results, and some students may study a vocational course instead and this will lead on to a baccalaureat professional.
Other Schools
It is also possible for your child to be taught at an international school so they can follow an English type curriculum. This type of school is usually situated in areas with a high percentage of foreign nationals.
In addition to international schools, there are also independent or private schools, religious schools and boarding schools in France.
Removals to France -click here to find out more about our removals to France service.
Here we shall look at removals to France and give you a brief outline of schooling and education in France.
Hamiltons Removals provide high quality European house moves and we also offer corporate and commercial removals to France to and from the UK or most other international destinations.
Our removals to France service is tailored to suit your requirements and this includes a full load (dedicated service,) which gives you the entire use of a vehicle, or a part load (groupage service), where the load is grouped together with other customers’ possessions and household goods. We also offer a special service where you have the sole use of a vehicle and can select the delivery or collection dates for removals to France.
Removals to France - click here to find out more about our removals to France service.
Schooling in France
If you are moving to France as a family, many parents worry about their children leaving their friends behind and how their little ones will settle into their new school. However, it is surprising how well children adjust to schooling in a foreign county and how quickly they pick up the language and make friends. Although every child is different, generally the younger the children are when you require removals to France, the sooner they will be able to adjust to their new life.
To make the move easier, it may be that your children will benefit from private French lessons and tutorials well in advance of the move. In fact, you could all take French classes as a family.
Of course, it always helps if one parent is a French national and you have existing family abroad, such as siblings or in-laws with children. However, this is not essential and may not be the case if you have moved there as part of a job move for instance. Whether or not this is the case, it is likely your children will soon adjust to their new life - and usually much quicker than their parents.
If require removals to France to settle in the country permanently, there are some things you can do in advance of the move. This can include arranging your child to have a tour of the school before they start. Another thing you can do is to ask that your child is paired with another pupil for the first few days. This pupil can help introduce your child to the other classmates and help them get familiar with their new environment.
Many children who move to a new school abroad are excited about the prospect of living overseas. It is also not unheard of for a young child to attend school in their country of origin for part of the school year, and attend a French school for the remainder, so they get the best of both worlds.
Nursery Education in France
Although schooling is compulsory from six years upwards, many children attend nursery school in France between the ages of three and five. In the last year of the nursery school they are introduced to reading.
Some children also start at a daycare centre, called pré-maternelle or très petite section, from the age of two years upwards.
State Schooling
If your child is being educated through the state system in France, schooling in the country is of a good to high standard. It is a requirement for youngsters to attend school until the age of 16 years.
The first stage of their state schooling education is primary school, where, just like in the UK, the students have either one or two teachers to instruct them in the complete curriculum.
At the age of 11 years, students will attend college (middle school) until the age of 15, followed by the lycée (high school) for the next three years where they go on to study for the baccalaureat.
Whether or not they attend a lycée really depends on the pupil’s examination results, and some students may study a vocational course instead and this will lead on to a baccalaureat professional.
Other Schools
It is also possible for your child to be taught at an international school so they can follow an English type curriculum. This type of school is usually situated in areas with a high percentage of foreign nationals.
In addition to international schools, there are also independent or private schools, religious schools and boarding schools in France.
Removals to France -click here to find out more about our removals to France service.
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