New to France | Auvergne
Discussion
Hello fellow PH French forum users - as a result of a promotion at work (start Monday) - I’m now based in France!
After a week without a house it feels great to have several hundred boxes to empty...I think...
I’ve worked for a French company for 15 years and my family (Mum, Dad & Sister) moved here in 1998 when I started at University - so I’ve been lucky to have a lot of help from my family settling in (sister is still in the Auvergne, mum and dad now near Cognac).
Just wanted to make a quick post to say ‘hello’ and see if anyone had any advice to offer / useful car related info!
Thanks in advance!
After a week without a house it feels great to have several hundred boxes to empty...I think...
I’ve worked for a French company for 15 years and my family (Mum, Dad & Sister) moved here in 1998 when I started at University - so I’ve been lucky to have a lot of help from my family settling in (sister is still in the Auvergne, mum and dad now near Cognac).
Just wanted to make a quick post to say ‘hello’ and see if anyone had any advice to offer / useful car related info!
Thanks in advance!
you lucky man I have wanted to move to France for over 20 years but not allowed to, we travel twice a year on classic runs and attended Angouleme Circuit de Remparts, we leave on Sunday for a 2 week classic run as we are members of a French motor club and its their 4 day meeting in Orleans this year great food and wine and company, 
RONV said:
you lucky man I have wanted to move to France for over 20 years but not allowed to, we travel twice a year on classic runs and attended Angouleme Circuit de Remparts, we leave on Sunday for a 2 week classic run as we are members of a French motor club and its their 4 day meeting in Orleans this year great food and wine and company,
Excellent! As a big fan of French red wine I’m looking forward to learning and experiencing more of it!With regard to the rest of the experience, I’ll let you know in 6mths or so!
I spent an hour today at the local Audi garage trying to acquire a ‘certificate of conformity’ resulting in me finding it easier to order one from the U.K...
[quote
I spent an hour today at the local Audi garage trying to acquire a ‘certificate of conformity’ resulting in me finding it easier to order one from the U.K...
[/quote]
Unless the CoC is free don’t bother it’s not necessarily needed any more.
You can turn up without it and if the matching record is on the system them it’s ok. If it’s not then you will need one but if the same model has been registered then it’s not needed.
I spent an hour today at the local Audi garage trying to acquire a ‘certificate of conformity’ resulting in me finding it easier to order one from the U.K...
[/quote]
Unless the CoC is free don’t bother it’s not necessarily needed any more.
You can turn up without it and if the matching record is on the system them it’s ok. If it’s not then you will need one but if the same model has been registered then it’s not needed.
leyorkie said:
I spent an hour today at the local Audi garage trying to acquire a ‘certificate of conformity’ resulting in me finding it easier to order one from the U.K...
Unless the CoC is free don’t bother it’s not necessarily needed any more.
You can turn up without it and if the matching record is on the system them it’s ok. If it’s not then you will need one but if the same model has been registered then it’s not needed.
Thanks leyorkie - already ordered from Audi U.K...doh! Unless the CoC is free don’t bother it’s not necessarily needed any more.
You can turn up without it and if the matching record is on the system them it’s ok. If it’s not then you will need one but if the same model has been registered then it’s not needed.
Edited by j44esd on Saturday 5th May 08:41
Edited by j44esd on Saturday 5th May 08:41
leyorkie said:
Double doh!
If it’s a official Audi you should be able to argue that the car should have one and get it foc
Mercedes do this. Apparently new cars should be issued with one but nobody bothers
Yeah - someone else said this....but it’s a 2011 plate (diesel estate If it’s a official Audi you should be able to argue that the car should have one and get it foc
Mercedes do this. Apparently new cars should be issued with one but nobody bothers
needs must in the short term...) - so I figured I was a little late for grace and favour... rdjohn said:
Are you with Michelin?
When you get back to your Porsche you may be able to take it to Charade. Got to be the prettiest /most challenging circuit in France.
I guess the location gives it away... When you get back to your Porsche you may be able to take it to Charade. Got to be the prettiest /most challenging circuit in France.
You’re correct of course - though I normally try and separate ‘work’ and ‘hobby’ Cars IYSWIM?How about yourself?
I have had the pleasure of an open pit lane track day at the Charade circuit ,it is just fantastic. What spoils it is all the nimby's in the area that have now got the decibel level so low that it's A big risk to pay up front. Down to about 85 I think.
The track was there before all the houses that have been built around the area. So frustrating!
Also a lovely area to live.
The track was there before all the houses that have been built around the area. So frustrating!
Also a lovely area to live.
magooagain said:
I have had the pleasure of an open pit lane track day at the Charade circuit ,it is just fantastic. What spoils it is all the nimby's in the area that have now got the decibel level so low that it's A big risk to pay up front. Down to about 85 I think.
The track was there before all the houses that have been built around the area. So frustrating!
Also a lovely area to live.
It is a lovely area - the nice weather even came out specially for my arrival! The track was there before all the houses that have been built around the area. So frustrating!
Also a lovely area to live.
j44esd said:
I guess the location gives it away... You’re correct of course - though I normally try and separate ‘work’ and ‘hobby’ Cars IYSWIM?
How about yourself?
I think I drove there on the very last open track day in about 2010. That evening there was a meeting at the Mairie where the circuit was fined several €1000s for infringing noise limits, but it seemed pretty clear that no one had a clear understanding of peak and average noise limits. You’re correct of course - though I normally try and separate ‘work’ and ‘hobby’ Cars IYSWIM?How about yourself?
The hard track limits did make it a bit scary.
It would now make a great venue for a Formula E race
rdjohn said:
j44esd said:
I guess the location gives it away... You’re correct of course - though I normally try and separate ‘work’ and ‘hobby’ Cars IYSWIM?
How about yourself?
I think I drove there on the very last open track day in about 2010. That evening there was a meeting at the Mairie where the circuit was fined several €1000s for infringing noise limits, but it seemed pretty clear that no one had a clear understanding of peak and average noise limits. You’re correct of course - though I normally try and separate ‘work’ and ‘hobby’ Cars IYSWIM?How about yourself?
The hard track limits did make it a bit scary.
It would now make a great venue for a Formula E race
J44
Few pearls from my experience....
Supermarkets
After the initial novelty wears off you might yearn for a Waitrose/ M&S Foodhall type store... The closest to this is 'Grand Frais' huge difference in meat and vegetable quality. In my humble opinion.
Every supermarket closes at 1930-2000 during weekdays and at 1230 on Sundays. Caught us out a few times.
Lunchtime
You will have no doubt got into the swing of the two hour lunch, the roads are most treacherous, just prior to lunch!
Note many stores close... including DIY can be a pain at weekends.
Boulangerie
When you enter, actually for all small shops,it is good manners to say hello to other customers.
Speak to your colleagues about the best boulangeries as there are huge differences in bread quality and taste. If you find one selling 'Parisse' baguettes buy one and try one... delicious.
Tail-Gating
There is something in the French driving psyche that makes them do this... it isn't aggression, I think its something to do with slip streaming in the olden days. It takes a while to get used to it.. I think, and I may be wrong, you have to give way to faster traffic on motorways.
Restaurants
Appearances can be deceptive, sometimes the most awful looking places do the most amazing food.
You will often find ridiculous value, recently we had a 6 course lunch...Soup, Charcuterie, Salad, Main, Cheese, Dessert and 'limitless' house wine for 16Euros...
Its true, if they are full they are good. Sometimes you have to get there really early.. say 1155 to even get a table.
Artisans
For this I mean any kind of trade Electricians, Plumbers etc... Good ones can be booked up for a year in advance and you have to get in the queue. Invariably the chaps I have hired have been hardworking with good quality, not like the typical stereo type. They are comparatively expensive...
Hunting
Is huge.. and predominantly a working class thing.. watch out when you're out for a walk in the country, get familiar with local hunting seasons etc. Hunters do have to wear high viz hats and jackets... so you can spot them.
They like us really
Of course you will come across some haughtiness from the French, if you start talking in English...however just a few words or sentences in French and they open up...and then they won’t stop trying their English on you...
déchèterie or tip
Will be very well organised..make sure you fold all your cardboard flat....make friends with the workers there. Depending on locality you may need to get a tip card, you need some kind of proof of address, normally your Taxe d’Habitation demand and they’ll issue you a tip card there and then ...
Arrêté municipal
As you will have gathered the local mayor runs your area...every Mairie has some flexibility to create some little local laws. These can be banal, e.g. no fishing on full moon ...worth checking out ..so you don’t get into trouble accidentally. Often to do with river use, bonfires, noise etc.
Appero
You might get invited by your neighbours for an appero, a simple drink before dinner..normally this is just a half hour, 40 minutes engagement. If they like you, you’ll be offered a second drink, if they really like you Appero turns into dinner and wine and invariably some eau de vie their grandad made out of twigs and mushrooms...
Anyway just a few things... If I think of anymore I'll post again.
Few pearls from my experience....
Supermarkets
After the initial novelty wears off you might yearn for a Waitrose/ M&S Foodhall type store... The closest to this is 'Grand Frais' huge difference in meat and vegetable quality. In my humble opinion.
Every supermarket closes at 1930-2000 during weekdays and at 1230 on Sundays. Caught us out a few times.
Lunchtime
You will have no doubt got into the swing of the two hour lunch, the roads are most treacherous, just prior to lunch!
Note many stores close... including DIY can be a pain at weekends.
Boulangerie
When you enter, actually for all small shops,it is good manners to say hello to other customers.
Speak to your colleagues about the best boulangeries as there are huge differences in bread quality and taste. If you find one selling 'Parisse' baguettes buy one and try one... delicious.
Tail-Gating
There is something in the French driving psyche that makes them do this... it isn't aggression, I think its something to do with slip streaming in the olden days. It takes a while to get used to it.. I think, and I may be wrong, you have to give way to faster traffic on motorways.
Restaurants
Appearances can be deceptive, sometimes the most awful looking places do the most amazing food.
You will often find ridiculous value, recently we had a 6 course lunch...Soup, Charcuterie, Salad, Main, Cheese, Dessert and 'limitless' house wine for 16Euros...
Its true, if they are full they are good. Sometimes you have to get there really early.. say 1155 to even get a table.
Artisans
For this I mean any kind of trade Electricians, Plumbers etc... Good ones can be booked up for a year in advance and you have to get in the queue. Invariably the chaps I have hired have been hardworking with good quality, not like the typical stereo type. They are comparatively expensive...
Hunting
Is huge.. and predominantly a working class thing.. watch out when you're out for a walk in the country, get familiar with local hunting seasons etc. Hunters do have to wear high viz hats and jackets... so you can spot them.
They like us really
Of course you will come across some haughtiness from the French, if you start talking in English...however just a few words or sentences in French and they open up...and then they won’t stop trying their English on you...
déchèterie or tip
Will be very well organised..make sure you fold all your cardboard flat....make friends with the workers there. Depending on locality you may need to get a tip card, you need some kind of proof of address, normally your Taxe d’Habitation demand and they’ll issue you a tip card there and then ...
Arrêté municipal
As you will have gathered the local mayor runs your area...every Mairie has some flexibility to create some little local laws. These can be banal, e.g. no fishing on full moon ...worth checking out ..so you don’t get into trouble accidentally. Often to do with river use, bonfires, noise etc.
Appero
You might get invited by your neighbours for an appero, a simple drink before dinner..normally this is just a half hour, 40 minutes engagement. If they like you, you’ll be offered a second drink, if they really like you Appero turns into dinner and wine and invariably some eau de vie their grandad made out of twigs and mushrooms...
Anyway just a few things... If I think of anymore I'll post again.
Edited by AndrewCrown on Wednesday 23 May 20:09
AndrewCrown said:
J44
Few pearls from my experience....
Supermarkets
After the initial novelty wears off you might yearn for a Waitrose/ M&S Foodhall type store... The closest to this is 'Grand Frais' huge difference in meat and vegetable quality. In my humble opinion.
Every supermarket closes at 1930-2000 during weekdays and at 1230 on Sundays. Caught us out a few times.
Lunchtime
You will have no doubt got into the swing of the two hour lunch, the roads are most treacherous, just prior to lunch!
Note many stores close... including DIY can be a pain at weekends.
Boulangerie
When you enter, actually for all small shops,it is good manners to say hello to other customers.
Speak to your colleagues about the best boulangeries as there are huge differences in bread quality and taste. If you find one selling 'Parisse' baguettes buy one and try one... delicious.
Tail-Gating
There is something in the French driving psyche that makes them do this... it isn't aggression, I think its something to do with slip streaming in the olden days. It takes a while to get used to it.. I think, and I may be wrong, you have to give way to faster traffic on motorways.
Restaurants
Appearances can be deceptive, sometimes the most awful looking places do the most amazing food.
You will often find ridiculous value, recently we had a 6 course lunch...Soup, Charcuterie, Salad, Main, Cheese, Dessert and 'limitless' house wine for 16Euros...
Its true, if they are full they are good. Sometimes you have to get there really early.. say 1155 to even get a table.
Artisans
For this I mean any kind of trade Electricians, Plumbers etc... Good ones can be booked up for a year in advance and you have to get in the queue. Invariably the chaps I have hired have been hardworking with good quality, not like the typical stereo type. They are comparatively expensive...
Hunting
Is huge.. and predominantly a working class thing.. watch out when you're out for a walk in the country, get familiar with local hunting seasons etc. Hunters do have to wear high viz hats and jackets... so you can spot them.
They like us really
Of course you will come across some haughtiness from the French, if you start talking in English...however just a few words or sentences in French and they open up...and then they won’t stop trying their English on you...
déchèterie or tip
Will be very well organised..make sure you fold all your cardboard flat....make friends with the workers there. Depending on locality you may need to get a tip card, you need some kind of proof of address, normally your Taxe d’Habitation demand and they’ll issue you a tip card there and then ...
Arrêté municipal
As you will have gathered the local mayor runs your area...every Mairie has some flexibility to create some little local laws. These can be banal, e.g. no fishing on full moon ...worth checking out ..so you don’t get into trouble accidentally. Often to do with river use, bonfires, noise etc.
Appero
You might get invited by your neighbours for an appero, a simple drink before dinner..normally this is just a half hour, 40 minutes engagement. If they like you, you’ll be offered a second drink, if they really like you Appero turns into dinner and wine and invariably some eau de vie their grandad made out of twigs and mushrooms...
Anyway just a few things... If I think of anymore I'll post again.
Sums it up nicely. Mirrors my thoughts and experiences exactlyFew pearls from my experience....
Supermarkets
After the initial novelty wears off you might yearn for a Waitrose/ M&S Foodhall type store... The closest to this is 'Grand Frais' huge difference in meat and vegetable quality. In my humble opinion.
Every supermarket closes at 1930-2000 during weekdays and at 1230 on Sundays. Caught us out a few times.
Lunchtime
You will have no doubt got into the swing of the two hour lunch, the roads are most treacherous, just prior to lunch!
Note many stores close... including DIY can be a pain at weekends.
Boulangerie
When you enter, actually for all small shops,it is good manners to say hello to other customers.
Speak to your colleagues about the best boulangeries as there are huge differences in bread quality and taste. If you find one selling 'Parisse' baguettes buy one and try one... delicious.
Tail-Gating
There is something in the French driving psyche that makes them do this... it isn't aggression, I think its something to do with slip streaming in the olden days. It takes a while to get used to it.. I think, and I may be wrong, you have to give way to faster traffic on motorways.
Restaurants
Appearances can be deceptive, sometimes the most awful looking places do the most amazing food.
You will often find ridiculous value, recently we had a 6 course lunch...Soup, Charcuterie, Salad, Main, Cheese, Dessert and 'limitless' house wine for 16Euros...
Its true, if they are full they are good. Sometimes you have to get there really early.. say 1155 to even get a table.
Artisans
For this I mean any kind of trade Electricians, Plumbers etc... Good ones can be booked up for a year in advance and you have to get in the queue. Invariably the chaps I have hired have been hardworking with good quality, not like the typical stereo type. They are comparatively expensive...
Hunting
Is huge.. and predominantly a working class thing.. watch out when you're out for a walk in the country, get familiar with local hunting seasons etc. Hunters do have to wear high viz hats and jackets... so you can spot them.
They like us really
Of course you will come across some haughtiness from the French, if you start talking in English...however just a few words or sentences in French and they open up...and then they won’t stop trying their English on you...
déchèterie or tip
Will be very well organised..make sure you fold all your cardboard flat....make friends with the workers there. Depending on locality you may need to get a tip card, you need some kind of proof of address, normally your Taxe d’Habitation demand and they’ll issue you a tip card there and then ...
Arrêté municipal
As you will have gathered the local mayor runs your area...every Mairie has some flexibility to create some little local laws. These can be banal, e.g. no fishing on full moon ...worth checking out ..so you don’t get into trouble accidentally. Often to do with river use, bonfires, noise etc.
Appero
You might get invited by your neighbours for an appero, a simple drink before dinner..normally this is just a half hour, 40 minutes engagement. If they like you, you’ll be offered a second drink, if they really like you Appero turns into dinner and wine and invariably some eau de vie their grandad made out of twigs and mushrooms...
Anyway just a few things... If I think of anymore I'll post again.
Edited by AndrewCrown on Wednesday 23 May 20:09
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