Get Ready. Get Set. Go!

 

France is beckoning, yet again.  Karl and I will be there from August 5 to October 8 this year, on our sixth extended stay.  For us, an extended stay ranges from 1 to 3 months, so this two-month stay is very typical. 

I get asked time and time again what I do to get ready and if I have any secrets to share. They may not be secrets, but I am certainly willing to share with you what I do.  Basically, there’s not much difference between a short trip and a longer one:  I need to find accommodation, plan transportation to and within the country, and go through packing check-lists to ensure I don’t forget anything.

 

Accommodation

Home Away from Home

The internet offers a multitude of sites that advertise accommodation: hotels, gîtes, agri-tourism, private rooms.  Many of them are for vacation rentals that are short term, and they tend to be more expensive.  I search for accommodation that advertises monthly rates.  My two go-to sites over the years have been: www.rentaplaceinfrance.com and www.sabbaticalhomes.com.   

Karl and I avoid renting in large cities.  They have wonderful museums and art galleries and cultural events, but we prefer the small towns where there’s a better opportunity to really blend into the French way of life.  Day trips into the big cities suit us just fine since we can only take so much of the hustle and bustle before wanting to return to a more peaceful environment.  We prefer finding accommodation in a small village with easy access to a bakery.  After all, you don’t want to walk too far, or worse - have to drive, to buy those fresh croissants in the morning! 

Bakery in Céaucé 2014

 Our criteria are simple: a comfortable bed for Karl who tends to have back aches, and I appreciate cleanliness.  Standards vary, but it’s amazing what you can find out by looking at the photos and by talking with the owner and asking appropriate questions. Find out how recent the photos are and if they have any new ones.

Master Bedroom in Thouars 2010

Discuss what there is to see in the vicinity, the number of restaurants, whether there’s a pharmacy, a weekly market, interesting sites.  When checking the list of what’s available in the home, I look for Wi-Fi connection, French and English TV, a well-appointed kitchen with appropriate cooking pans and crockery, a washer (no dryer required), and some outdoor space to eat al fresco.  All the homes we’ve rented have had 3 or more bedrooms in case friends or family decide to drop in for a visit!  Some boasted incredible gardens and others a pool. 

Pool in Ginestas 2013

I always start my query by identifying that we are a retired Canadian couple, what dates we have in mind, our expectations, and that we’ve done this numerous times and have excellent references.

How much?

Price is an important consideration.  The rates have gone up since that first trip in 2009, but there are still good deals to be found.  The time of year and the location are major factors.  Provence in mid-summer means beaucoup d’Euros.  Flexibility to travel during the shoulder months and a willingness to explore parts of France that are perhaps less touristy will lead you to great houses for excellent prices.  Some owners are willing to negotiate reduced rates for longer stays.  After all, a tenant who stays for months at a time needs less maintenance and less administration.

It is always a concern to commit to a rental and having to send your bank draft to an unknown person.  One hears of scams that can make the hair on your neck prickle.  The two sites I mentioned do not vet every single home they advertise, but they know a lot about the landlord, the number of years he/she has been renting, and any negative feedback or problems encountered.  There are also owner profiles that are helpful.  By writing several emails, phoning and hearing a live voice, and asking lots of questions, it becomes evident that the landlord is legit.  I know it allays my fear.