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Christmas markets in France 6 Dec 2021 1:07 AM (3 years ago)

France is known for its wonderful markets, but one of the best times of year to visit is during the Santa season. There are several Christmas markets throughout France, with wonderful handcrafted ornaments, gifts and food items.

Every year, when Christmas comes, Strasbourg, in Alsace, enlightens. Lights sparkle throughout the city and the atmosphere is one of meeting friends and sharing the festive spirit. Mulled wine is sampled in front of the opera or the cathedral, arms are laden with hundreds of gifts and children are the centre of the celebrations. Strasbourg is seen as the undisputed capital of Christmas the world over.

At this time the city also shows its true face: that of a city that is both anchored in tradition, with a Christmas Market that is almost five centuries old, and a modern city capable of offering a wealth of activities, partly due to its concentrated network of associations; concerts, events for children and adults, guided tours, exhibitions, sporting or cultural events, etc.

Paris also features several Christmas markets, with most starting sometime between late November and early December. There, you can get an original taste of the City of Light in the Santa season. The Christmassy atmosphere is just wonderful in this city!

In the South of France, the city of Aubagne holds its traditional “Village des santons”, as the speciality of the city is the “santon”, understand Christmas crib figure. It is open from the 21 Novembre to the 31 Decembre. There, you will find poteries, decoration items, jewels and… Christmas crib figures! Everything for a warm and very Christmassy Christmas! With sweets, colours, music, lights and mulled wine. Probably only the snow will be missing…

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Best Summer Attractions in Paris 15 Dec 2020 1:25 AM (4 years ago)

The sun has finally arrived in France and though summer time sometimes rhyme with empty city, we’ll prove you that it’s not with these top Parisian summer attractions. Indeed, the Paris City Council has planned lots of great activities for those spending the summer in the city, the tourists and those looking for fresh air during these hot days !

• Paris Plages (now until August 18)

Bring the beach in the City of Lights. For 12 years, this extravagant thought becomes a reality during the months of July and August, totally free of charge. Opened every day from 9 a.m until midnight, this major summer event comprises three key locations : the most famous one is at the heart of Paris, a stone’s throw away from the Notre-Dame cathedral and on the banks of the Seine River, making the scene extremely scenic ; the second one is right behind this first location on the esplanade of the Paris City Hall and the third one is situated in the 19th district where the Villette artificial river basin is situated. Every location is divided into three types of activities : sports, culture and children. Sand, water fountains, petanque strips, tai-chi and dance classes, a temporary library along with exhibitions and electric go-karts for the kids, everything has been designed so as to have as much fun as possible !

• Fête des Loges (now until August 18)

One of the biggest fun fairs in Europe (8 hectares) and the oldest one in France (361st edition this year) counts 200 rides for all the family and adrenaline lovers ! 3 millions of visitors are expected this year and not only is the Fete des Loges the unmissable place to have fun, it is also the place to be if you’re getting hungry and fancy a different kind of ride. Indeed, the Kitchen Alley is a ride around the world ; you get the traditional candy apples, churros and roasted suckling pig but also Brazilian food ! Around 20 restaurants and grill rooms are here to satisfy your palate so stop waiting, have fun and indulge in some fun fair sweetness !  Located 20 minutes away from Paris.

• The biggest firework in Europe (September 7)

Get ready to be blown away with the biggest firework in Europe ! Every year in the Saint-Cloud Park, west of Paris, a magnificent firework lights up the night. It is shot opposite the Great Waterfall, gathers more than 23,000 people and lasts for two hours so don’t forget your ear buds. The Saint-Cloud Park is a very pleasant and elegant one, with fountains and sculptures and has been designed by André le Nôtre, the famous gardener of Louis XIV, who also designed the garden of Versailles and Vaux-le-Vicomte and Chantilly.

• Titanic, the exhibition (now until September 15)

More than 100 years after the tragic sinking and after 25 millions of visitors woldwide, Titanic the exhibition drops the anchor in Paris until mid-September. Everything has been made so that the visitors feel like they’ve boarded on the famous boat. Upon entrance, they are given a replica of the original boarding pass and thanks to a handset, they can walk through the exhibition at their own pace. The exhibition focuses on the stories of those who boarded the tragically famous boat thanks to the display of more than 280 items ; perfume made by a craftman going to New York in order to sell his samples , a cook’s hat or a bag belonging to a passenger . It also comprises reconstructions of the cabins, the story of the boat from its conception through videos and pictures and an ice cube reminding the iceberg the boat hit. Located in Paris Expo, Porte de Versailles.

• The tropical agronomy garden (all year round)

In the south-east of Paris, a strange, wild and well-hidden garden contains monuments and remains from the colonial era most of the times covered with greenery : tropical greehouses, ancient buildings from the colonial exhibition of 1907. Back then, five different villages are set up in the garden and present the supposed life in the five colonies of the French Empire with natives from some of the different colonies (Madagascar, Indochina, Congo, Sudan and North Africa). Researches in tropical agronomy also took place there but everything has been transferred in Montpellier in 1976 and the buildings are now abandoned hence the greenery on them but this is what makes this garden very special and mysterious as well. Enjoy the shaded paths during the hot summer days !

• Outdoor Cinema (now until August 28)

With almost one movie every night during one month, this outdoor cinema will satisfy movie lovers by offering a varied mix of movies, from comedies to dramas and animated movies for the children. (Re)discover Soul Kitchen by Fatih Akin, Rio Bravo by Howard Hawks, The Last Show by Robert Altman or Les Plages d’Agnès by Agnès Varda and many more. On a deck-chair, on the grass, on a blanket, whatever you choose, don’t forget to bring a cardigan for the movie starts at dusk ! You’ll never know what the night holds for you.

• la Villette Jazz Festival (from September 3 until September 15)

In the Cité de la Musique, this festival emphasises the sound testings and alliances because the artists mix jazz with hip-hop, rock and funk. Stroll through the city and enter the many venues taking part in the festival (the Cabaret Sauvage, the Trabendo, or the MK2 Cinemas) and fill your ears with the sound of the music, with concerts including Jamie Cullum, Gregory Porter and Bryan Ferry. If you haven’t had enough, this festival also offers movie projections such as Martin Scorsese presents… The Blues and concerts for kids !

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10 Hot Tub Ideas for your French Property 15 Dec 2020 1:25 AM (4 years ago)

There are many places at home to install your hot tub. You can install it in the garden, on the terrace, in the pool or inside the house;

there are countless choices depending on the type of hot tub you wish to install..

Indeed, the first step to realize the installation at home is choosing the right place. The size and weight of the hot tub also needs to be taken into consideration when deciding where to install it.

Indoor or outdoor?

For an indoor hot tub, the floor must be very solid, but also waterproof, non-slip, water resistant and chemical products resistant. The room where your hot tub will be installed must have an efficient ventilation system.

 

If installing the hot tub in an outdoor setting makes sure you avoid the wind and/or rain as it may bring dirt with it. If you are thinking about installing a hot tub and are not sure which option to choose, the following ideas will be helpful:

10 Hot Tub ideas

1 – Inflatable Hot Tub

If you don’t want to spend a lot of money and do major installation work, you can always go with an inflatable hot tub.

2 – Built-In Hot Tub

A built-in hot tub looks great but requires major renovation of your property. It is also more expensive and is permanent in nature so you need to be careful about where you install it.

3 – Wooden Hot Tub

A wooden hot tub fits well into any environment. These hot tubs are very comfortable as well.

4 – Hot Tub Adjacent to the Pool

Hot tubs adjacent to the pool not only look great but present you with a choice to swim or relax. By installing this type of hot tub, you will also save a lot of space.

5 – Hot Tub Spa

The hot tub spa is a better solution if you have a taste for the finer things in life. However, it is a costly option.

6 – The “Natural” Hot Tub

This type of a hot tub looks natural and can really add value to your property. You can get the feeling of being one with nature in your own backyard.

7 – The Multimedia Hot Tub

This hot tub is for the tech savvy individuals who like internet connection and audio and video entertainment while relaxing. This is a costly product and is suited for indoor settings.

8 – The Hot Tub Bath

This combines the practicality of a bath tub with the luxury of a hot tub. It is also very compact and can be used in most settings.

9 – The Hot Tub Boat

For a price of 32,000£ you too can enjoy hot tubbing while your ship shaped hot tub floats around in the ocean.

10 – The Hot Tub Car

The hot tub car is another amazing idea that can be used if you like to relax while on the road.

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FRENCH BRANDING 15 Dec 2020 1:25 AM (4 years ago)

France will implement a strategy of “French branding” to promote French manufactured products and French culture throughout the world. The “France brand” or the “marque France” is a tool to support exports and tourism. The government has already launched an online platform to gather the views of the general public and branding professionals.

Why France Brand?

The brand image of France, in economic terms, lacks clear strategy and suffers from misconceptions. The French Government started taking care of this area in January 2013, and has since then made it a priority to improve France’s international image. How the international community perceives France is directly related to trade and tourism. French branding will help improve the economy by promoting tourism and supporting exports.
Promoting French Excellence Outside France

France must provide a unifying tool encouraging competitiveness amongst businesses allowing French companies to promote made-in-France products. France has a diverse range of industries and territories, and French products can compete at an international level if promoted properly. By promoting French excellence outside France, the French branding initiative by the government will serve as a tool and an asset to the economy and tourism of France.

The emergence of the French brand will benefit France in many ways. It will serve internationally as a means to introduce the people of the world to French people and territories.

Strategically Marketing a Country

While branding is usually limited to products, companies, and people, it can be applied to countries as well. The main idea behind French branding is to build an image of France, recognized and shared by all. Just like Germany and the United States have perceptions and images related to them, France too shall acquire its own image in the years to come. The country has a rich history with strengths and achievements clearly present in the minds of French and foreign people. However, its founding myths are mainly political or coming from social order, the French Revolution, and human rights issues etc. The objective is to update France’s economic story, highlighting its positioning and added value.

The Role of Citizens and Forces of the Country

The citizens have a great role to play when it comes to French Branding. The French must spread a common economic story to the rest of the world.

An online space has been specially designed to collect opinions and suggestions from the general public and professionals, economic actors and forces in the country. Until the end of September, this will allow a broad consultation phase of sharing, approval, and application of these proposals. The France brand should be launched in 2014.

Are You Planning to Buy a Property in France?

If so, Sextant Properties would be glad to help you buy your French home.

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How Safe is France Compared to the UK? 15 Dec 2020 1:25 AM (4 years ago)

Many people perceive France as a very safe country, where there are few crimes. That is one of the main reasons why foreigners choose to move to France or to buy a holiday home here, so that they may get the feeling of security and tranquillity.

 

Even if some urban fights can sometimes burst in the great city suburbs, France is still perceived as a civilised and safe country. Compared to the UK (Scotland and Ireland included) where there were 4.5 million recorded crimes in 2011, there were 3.3 million recorded crimes in France during the same year. Obviously, it still is a large number, but it is approximately a third lower than that in the UK.

 

The British government opened a website (www.police.uk) on the 1^st February 2011, where you can find crime maps with all the recently recorded crimes in England and Wales.

The nature of the crimes and their severity is a bit different when UK is compared with France. Let us highlight these differences and explain them.

 

The following figures include data from England and Wales, but Scotland and Ireland are not included.

• Violence against Individuals and Sexual Offences

This category includes both violent and non-violent assaults, such as sexual and racial offences and child abuse. The difference between France and the UK for these types of crimes is very significant since France recorded 468,000 such offences while England and Wales recorded a number nearly twice as high at 822,000.

 

If we measure it compared to the level of population, France has a crime rate for assaults of 7.5/1000, while for England and Wales it is 15/1000. The difference in the total number of assaults is even greater when the real bodily harm crimes are taken into account. In France, the number is 192,000 whereas in England and Wales it is 328,000, which makes a difference of over 70%.

 

It is evident that crimes and violence against individuals are above all an urban phenomenon, and the population density in the UK (England is the most crowded country in Europe) seems to explain the number of crimes that take place there.

Violence committed by less than 25 year olds has increased by more than 3% since 2010. And the most worrying thing is the 8% rise of crimes with bladed weapon.

 

Yet, between 2009 and 2010, UK has recorded a 10% decrease of armed crimes, 6% for the crimes with wound, 11% for racial crimes, 5% for domestic violence and 5% for the homosexual violence.

 

• Property crimes

The most important types of crime recorded for both countries are burglary and theft. In France there were 2.1 million last year, while in the England and Wales the number was 2.8 million. The number of residential burglaries was about 258,000 in England and Wales compared to 216,000 in France with a difference of 16%.

Regarding vehicle thefts, 552,000 French were concerned by such offences as compared to 450,000 citizens in England and Wales. To compare on miscellaneous thefts, there were over 1 million such offences in England and Wales, and around 600,000 in France.

 

According to the level of population, these figures state a property crime rate of 34 per 1000 population in France, while for England and Wales the rate is 52/1000.

 

• French Regional Crime levels

It is clear that there are some disparities between the different French regions in terms of criminality. As well as in the UK, the most violent regions are also the most populated regions: for instance, the Ile de France, including capital Paris, has a 12/1000 crime rate, followed by Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur with (11/1000), and Nord-Pas-de-Calais (9/1000).

 

By contrast, the more rural regions have considerable lower crime rates. The lowest is in the Limousin (3.7/1000), followed by Auvergne (3.9/1000) and Burgundy (4.5/1000).

 

Concerning burglaries and thefts (including vehicle thefts), the observation is similar, with a crime rate of 49.6/1000 in Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur, followed by the Ile-de-France with 47.6/1000. Lowest rates are in Limousin (19/1000), Auvergne (20/1000) and Lower Normandy (22/1000).

If your relocation choice is based on crime levels, Creuse in the Limousin seems to be the safest area in France! You can easily find the selection of Sextant Properties in this area, like this superb renovated former tannery in sale for €265.000 or this charming property to renovate in sale for €88.000.

 

Source: http://www.numbeo.com/crime/country_result.jsp?country=France

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Now or Never to Invest in Property at a Low Rate 15 Dec 2020 1:25 AM (4 years ago)

After having applied some exceptional reductions on the mortgage rates in May and after a stabilisation in June, banks are now increasing the rates in July. What could explain such a rise after a 19-month period of continuous decrease?

 

The main reason is very simple: in July, further to the rise of the French treasury bonds, like a domino effect, many banks have put up their fixed mortgage rates by an average of 0.15%. This increase would actually be very progressive, which is why the average rates stay unchanged for the moment, at a historically low level.

 

From the end of June, several banks proceeded to raise their rates. But 16% of the rating scale received in July report that there is certain stability. Other banks state some increases from 0.10% to 0.30%, on all terms or only on certain ones like the lower than 20-year terms.

 

Nevertheless, for the moment, these rises in rates are relatively painless for borrowers and have no effects on the average rates which stay at a low floor:

• 2.50% for a 10-year term
• 2.90% for a 15-year term
• 3.25% for a 20-year term
• 3.50% for a 25-year term

 

Thus, the mortgage rates are still at their historical low: it is now possible to borrow at less than 3% for any duration, which has never been seen since 1947!

 

Reimbursing a same €1000 monthly payment on a 20-years term, you can obtain €16,000 more now as compared to January 2012. And even if some signs of a rise can be noticed, banks want to be extremely competitive and they always grant some good reductions for their favourite clients.

 

Rate Increase: Good or Bad News?

Nobody thinks that the increase in rates will cause a decrease in property prices. It is true that traditionally a rise of the mortgage rates automatically knocks the real estate prices down. Yet, for a couple of years, rates and property prices seem disconnected. The decrease in rates started in 2012, and is usually linked to a decrease in real estate prices, which is not the usual phenomenon.

If you are interested in purchasing a property in France, Sextant Properties would be very happy to help you find the residence of your dreams and guide you through the acquisition process.

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Attractive prices in the Grand Ouest 15 Dec 2020 1:25 AM (4 years ago)

Owning a second home in France has always been a lifetime dream for many expatriates. However the second home market has been badly affected by the situation in real estate over the last months. Many buyers give up their dreams and postpone their purchase as they fear they will not be able to make the most of their holiday home.

Notwithstanding, the prices in real estate are globally kept on a declining trend, especially by the sea in both new and resale markets.

 

The « Grand Ouest » in particular, which brings together most regions of the French West Coast, from Britanny to Aquitaine, has many interesting prices to offer. The Grand Ouest covers a large area which enjoys mild climate with warm summers during which holidaymakers and full-time residents get refreshed with a little dip in the Atlantic ocean. The housing market in these regions offer great opportunities for buyers willing to invest in a second home residence by the sea for a reasonable price. According to Notaires de l’Ouest, over the last year, new apartments prices have declined by some 2,5%, and house’s prices in resale market have fallen by 2,2%. Less popular than the Mediterranean cost, the Grand Ouest has however many exceptional destinations to offer. To name but a few : La Baule, Pornic, Dinard, or Benodet.

Although prices for properties by the sea remain quite high compared to the estate market in general, margin for negotiation have trully increased. The table below sums up the evolution of prices in the most popular seaside resorts in the Grand Ouest.

 

 

EVOLUTION OF HOUSING MARKET IN MAIN FRENCH SEASIDE RESORTS
Cities	Average prices in new home market			Average prices in resale market
	Price per sqm	Evolution in 1 year	Evolution in 5 years	Price per sqm	Evolution in 1 year	Evolution in 5 years
Deauville	5 628 €	+0.4 %	NA	4 681 €	+1.0 %	+ 11.5 %
Cabourg	3 899 €	NA	NA	3 300 €	– 3.7 %	+ 4.2 %
Saint-Malo	3 973 €	+ 0.9 %	– 13.4 %	2 838 €	+ 4.6 %	– 6.7 %
La Baule-Escoubiac	NA	NA	NA	4 630 €	+ 1.4 %	-1.6 %
Les Sables-d’Olonne	3 908 €	– 8.8 %	+ 17.7 %	3 576 €	+ 4.3 %	+ 6.6 %
La Rochelle	4 311 €	NA	+ 56.3 %	3 780 €	+ 7.4 %	+ 10.5 %
Royan	3 624 €	+ 1.6 %	+ 6.9 %	2 919 €	+ 0 %	– 0.8 %
Capbreton	3 725 €	– 4.5 %	-15.9 %	3 982 €	+ 12.3 %	– 1 %
Anglet	3 813 €	– 1.1 %	– 3.9 %	3 819 €	+ 5.1 %	+ 1.8 %
Biarritz	NA	+ 1 %	NA	4 306 €	+ 1 %	NA
Saint-Jean-de-Luz	3 803 €	+ 5.3 %	NA	4 309 €	– 2.7 %	– 3.5 %

 

 

 

If you feel like buying a house in the Grand Ouest or simply by the sea, have a look at our property portfolio. You might find something to live the dream !

 

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Great West: A Coastline that is Still Dreaming 15 Dec 2020 1:25 AM (4 years ago)

The second home market experienced turmoil earlier, but it now seems to have regained footing as a drop in prices offers real opportunities for buyers.

With the crisis in the real estate industry, the market for second homes is still  affected by the decline in the number of buyers. Buying an apartment or a house by the sea is a luxury; due to the lack of confidence in the future, the French seem to have postponed their luxury purchase projects. In short, the second home market has grown weaker.

Only a few years ago, buying a second home was the dream of many French people. But the buying trends have changed over time. It’s been a long time since the houses were open from July 1 to September 15, and there are several explanations for this development. Women work and are no longer willing to maintain two houses, the economy does not allow people to afford two houses, and the French are spending more on travel leaving them with lesser amounts to make luxury purchases.

The only positive out of this news is that the decrease in number of buyers for second homes has resulted in a decrease in second home prices. There are plenty of opportunities for buyers everywhere close to the sea in the newly built as in the old property market.

The Overall Decrease in Prices
According to the West notaries, which recently conducted a study on the market for second homes in the Great West, prices of new apartments had lost 2.5% over the year at the end of December 2012, meaning an average price of €3,595/m2.

In the market for old houses, prices remain relatively stable for apartments (-0.1%), but more flexible for houses with an average value of around €220,000 (-2.2%). The prices for land continue to rise (+1.3%).

These are averages and do not necessarily reflect the reality of certain high demand markets. Nevertheless, opportunities arise even in very popular places such as La Baule, Dinard, Brest, Erqy, and Carnac etc.

Certainly, price reductions on the coast will never be spectacular, but trading margins increase. Now is the time to realize the dream of buying a second home by the sea. Especially because lending rates have never been as low as they are now.

Investing in a second home is like a gift we offer ourselves after having already bought a main residence. So why not take advantage of the low prices and low lending rates this summer?

Are You Planning to Buy a Property in France?

If so, Sextant Properties would be glad to help you buy your French home.

EVOLUTION OF HOUSE PRICES IN KEY RESORTS

                                                Average prices in the New Built                        Average prices in the Old Property

Sqm price

Evolution on 1 year

Evolution on 5 years

Sqm price

Evolution on 1 year

Evolution on 5 years

Deauville

€5,628

+0.4%

N/A

€4,681

+1.0%

+11.5%

Cabourg

€3,899

N/A

N/A

€3,300

-3.7%

+4.2%

Saint-Malo

€3,973

+0.9%

-13.4%

€2,838

+4.6%

-6.7%

La Baule-Escoubiac

N/A

N/A

N/A

€4,630

+1.4%

-1.6%

Les Sables-d’Olonne

€3,908

-8.8%

+17.7%

€3,576

+4.3%

+6.6%

La Rochelle

€4,311

N/A

+56.3%

€3,780

+7.4%

+10.5%

Royan

€3,624

+1.6%

+6.9%

€2,919

+0%

-0.8%

Capbreton

€3,725

-4.5%

-15.9%

€3,982

+12.3%

-1%

Anglet

€3,813

-1.1%

-3.9 %

€3,819

+5.1%

+1.8%

Biarritz

N/A

+1%

N/A

€4,306

+1%

N/A

Saint-Jean-de-Luz

€3,803

+5.%

N/A

€4,309

-2.7%

-3.5%

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Retiring in France 15 Dec 2020 1:25 AM (4 years ago)

Within 10 years, around 12% of the British population will retire. As shown by a study dating back to 2012, around 70% of prospective overseas buyers are aged 50 (or over) and 59% of them have already considered retirement as the purpose for their overseas property purchase.

France remains one of the most popular destinations. The country of wine and cheese has much to offer, especially for those who wish to clearly mark a turning point after years of hard work. France is also a great place for a person to retire to, for at least the 3 reasons we will list below.

Still before making the final jump, many questions might come to mind : How is the local healthcare system? Is it easy to stay in touch with your relatives and friends back home? Is it easy to make friends over there ?

In December 2012, France has been officially classified as the 14^th best destination to retire in the world, and 4^th destination in Europe. To help you through the whole process of deciding whether or not to retiring in France, we have listed below what might be the main concerns you have.

Real estate

First, as you might have noticed if you keep on looking for a French property: prices have decreased over the last few years on the French housing market (since 2008). This is obviously linked to the crisis that the real estate market is currently undergoing; nonetheless this situation also leaves great margins for negotiations! Especially if you consider carry on a renovation project in France, which might require extra costs.

Cost of living

Compared to United Kingdom, the cost of living in France is relatively cheap, even though it obviously depends on the area you live in. This recap will give you a clear idea of the real cost of living in France. http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=France

State pension

Many systems are available to make sure you can still benefit from a state pension, even if you move abroad. Make sure you contact the IPC at least 4 months before moving to France as you need to take care of it before leaving. Expats living in France can transfer their pension to a Qualifying Registered Overseas Pension Scheme (QROPS) or a Qualifying Non-UK Pension Scheme (QNUPS).

 

Ease of integration

As we can imagine, this is probably one of a question for most prospective expats. Simple question such as  « Is it easy to meet new people and make friends? » can sometimes be sufficient to make people back away from the idea of leaving their home country. However, there are 2 things that can make the difference once you are in France. First learning French is probably one of the most important things to do. Then, many British already live in France and you will find local expats and communities with no difficulties. Have a look for Expat forums on the internet, you will surely find answers to most of your concerns/questions and some advice that will reassure you.

Retirement infrastructures

Talking about « integration », you might as well consider moving into retirement communities if you would like to develop a rich social life. You can find plenty of retirement homes in France. The most popular ones are « The Villages » , which are active retirement communities for people of 50 and older. The Villages provide activites such as gym classes, and amenities such as tennis courts and swimming-pools.

Health care

Last but not least, the healthcare system also is a main concern for people moving or retiring to France. Luckily the French system is one of the best healthcare systems in the world. In 2000, France was ranked as first position by the World Health Organization. Most of the time, there is no cost for healthcare coverage in France or if there is, it is often highly subsidized. France’s healthcare system is managed through the «sécurité social » (social security). One of the best thing is probably that everyone is entitled to quality healthcare despite their income level or any other discriminating factors. If you live in France, you will access both public and private facilities for healthcare. Also, waiting lists for surgeries are quite short. The quality of the French healthcare systemp is a very important fact. Especially if you require medical attention, as you should consider your condition of health and how it will evolve over the years.

If you have always dreamed about retiring in France, then why not reward yourself after many years of dedication and hard work ?

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Paris Plage 15 Dec 2020 1:25 AM (4 years ago)

Paris Plage 2013 Open From July 20th to August 18^th (8am to Midnight)

This year, Paris Plage takes place from 20th July to 18th August 2013. After previous year’s success, this summer the artificial beaches will be more festive than ever. Sports, concerts, workshops, relaxation…Paris Plage is back on the Seine for its 12th edition, and this time around it will be bigger and better than all previous versions.

We encourage you to visit the Georges Pompidou (1st and 4th), the Bassin de la Villette (19th) and the front of the City Hall (4th) from July 20th to August 18th 2013. The work done during the summer of 2012, between the square of the Hotel de Ville and the Bassin de l’Arsenal helped make the site a more pleasant place and created a walkway accessible all year long. Discover the 2013 program combining sporting events, cultural activities and games. If you are interested in cities other than Paris, city beaches are also found in Lyon, Lille, and Toulouse.

 

Sports

There are plenty of sports and leisure activities waiting for you on the right bank of the Seine along the beach in Paris. Sports activities include fitness classes, beach volleyball, and table football for fans. The Bassin de la Villette will be used for real water sports, supplying various types of boats: pedal boats, rowing, Kayaking, and sailing.

Leisure activities include eight live performances (concerts, opera, and dance etc.) that will be broadcast on a giant screen in front of Town Hall on Fridays and Saturdays, from 26th July to 18th August. Other sports and leisure events include Petanque and Tai Chi. Deck chairs are also available for those who like to relax and enjoy lazy evenings.

 

Music

Fnac Live Festival greets you at the Town Hall from 18th to 21st July 2013, for four days of free concerts. After the success of its first edition (more than 60,000 spectators in 2011), the festival is back again this year with Olivia Ruiz, Alex Beaupain, Fefe, Concrete Knives, Granville, Oxmo Puccino, Miles Kanes, Keziah Jones, Winston Mcanuff and Still Cali.

For the first time, more intimate concerts will be performed at the Salon des Arcades de l’Hotel de Ville. Following Fnac Live festival, other musical events will take place on the steps of the City Hall. No less than eight shows will be broadcast on Fridays and Saturdays, from July 26th to August 18th. The shows will be in the following order:

1. Kassav (zouk) July 26^th
2. Turandot in Verona (opera) July 27^th
3. Suresnes City Dance (hip-hop) 2^nd of August and August 16^th
4. Marcus Miller (jazz) 3^rd of August
5. Written on Skin by George Benjamin (opera) 9^th of August
6. Selah Sue (Soul) 10^th of August
7. Pop’pea the Theatre du Chatelet (opera rock fusion) 17^th of August

 

Children

Paris Plage also has activities for children. Numerous events are specifically for young Parisians: Edutainment beach, scientific workshops, trampoline, storytelling, giant puzzle, adventure, and ukulele etc. have all been arranged especially for the children this summer.

 

Photographs

After having been presented in front of more than one million people on the Champs-Elysees and Paris Plage in 2010, the Little Nature exhibition is back this year in Paris Plage from 20th July to 18th August 2013. Along the Bassin de la Villette, the exhibition will present its very artistic portraits of insects to the public to make them aware of the essential role of these small beings who live with the man in a frenetic urban environment.

Surprisingly, after great success in 2011 and 2012 the Fnac Marathon Photo does not seem to have been renewed in 2013. The marathon photo challenged participants to browse Paris with a camera in their hands while trying to capture the capital on film from a new perspective. The 30 most successful pictures were displayed at the City Hall of Paris. Although the event is not being included this year, you can always grab your camera and explore Paris on your own this summer.

 

Food and Beverage

Only 5 refreshment stalls and 3 glaciers are allowed to operate on the way to Georges Pompidou. The snack bars are assigned to breweries located on the banks of the 1st and 4th districts exclusively. Only “artisanal” ice cream is authorized for sale.

 

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