What do SIREN, SIRET, APE, NAF, RCS and CFE mean? They are commonly used in France, particularly during business registrations. Let me explain.

Firstly, if you wish to carry out business in France you are obliged to register your business. It does not matter if you already own a company in another country. Failing to do so will render your business illegal and, if caught, Government sanctions will be levied.

When registering as a company or a self-employed entrepreneur with your CFE (Centre for Business Formalities), you would have to ask for your company’s identification number.

The CFE that you need to contact is based on your business activity and geographical situation. Your CFE office is the one that is local to your head office or to the location where you conduct the majority of your operations.

You must register with the correct CFE office within eight days of starting your business operations.

The CFE’s purpose is to simplify your administrative procedures when you establish, modify, or close your business operations.

They are mainly classified into the following groups:

If you are a craftsman / artisan, your CFE would be the “Chambre de Métiers et de l’artisanart”.

If you are a “commerçant” (in sales and imports/exports), your CFE would be the Chambre de Commerce et de l’industrie (Chamber of Commerce and Industry).

For the profession libérale (liberal professions such as doctors, lawyers, consultants, translators and teachers for example), your CFE would be URSSAF (acronym for “L’Union de Recouvrement des cotisations de Sécurité Sociale et d’Allocations Familiales”).

For the “agent commercial” (eg. Property agents), it would be the Greffe du Tribunal de Commerce (Commercial Court).

For people in the agricultural business, it would be the Chambre d’Agriculture

For other types of business, it is your nearest tax centre.

Ever wondered what these numbers and letters stand for? Well, I did and found the following information which I would like to share with you.

SIRENE Directory (the National Identification System and the Directory of Businesses and their Establishments):

SIRENE is an acronym for “Système national d’identification et du répertoire des entreprises et de leurs établissements”.

It is the French directory managed by INSEE which assigns a SIREN number to businesses, organisations and associations and a SIRET to establishments/ branches of these same companies, organisations and associations.

The SIREN and SIRET numbers are given irrespective of their legal forms and sector of activity. Foreign companies that have a representation or activity in France are also listed.

Associations are not obliged to register in the SIRENE Directory unless:

SIREN (Business Directory Identification System):

It is an acronym for « système d’identification du répertoire des entreprises ».

It comprises of 9 digits, a unique identification number for each company that is used by public and private organisations.

Issuing body: INSEE (National institute of statistics and economic studies) via the CFE. INSEE is an acronym that stands for Institut national de la statistique et des études économiques.

SIRET (Business Directory Identification system for establishments /branches):

Acronym for « Système d’Identification du répertoire des établissements ».

It comprises of : 14 digits = 9 digits of the SIREN + 5 digits specific to each establishment

It identifies each establishment/branch of the same company and is used by social and tax entities.

The SIRET number must appear on employee pay slips, invoices, quotations, letter heads etc.

Issuing body: INSEE via the CFE

APE (main activity carried out) or NAF (classification of activities):

The APE code is an initialism for “activité principale exercée”, whereas the NAF code is an acronym for « nomenclature d’activités française”). They are one and the same. Each professional activity is governed by a code issued by INSEE called the APE code.

Comprises of: 4 digits + 1 letter which refers to the French national statistical classification of activities (NAF Revision 2, since 2008).

They identify the main branch of activity of a company or of a self-employed person.

APE – French business classification:

If a business has more than one activity, the breakdown of turnover or the workforce by industry is used as a criterion for determining the main activity.

Its main function is for statistical purposes.

The APE number determines the applicable trade agreement to which the company is subject to.

This number must appear on employee pay slips.

Issuing body: INSEE via the CFE.

You can make changes to your APE code. Link here.

RCS (Trade and Company Register):

RCS is an abbreviation for « Registre de Commerce et des Sociétés).

For registration of traders and commercial companies.

The RCS number comprises of: RCS + City of Registry + SIREN No.

Document issued: extrait (extract) K and Kbis.

Extrait K (for a sole trader) or extrait Kbis (for companies)

confirms the business registration and allows an entrepreneur or a company to prove their legal status and registration in the Trade and Company Register (RCS). This document can be obtained free of charge via the internet by the owner of the company.

It can also be requested for by anyone seeking information about a company. Obtaining a K or a K-bis from the Commercial Court (“Greffe du Tribunal”) is payable.

What is mentioned in the K or Kbis? How do I obtain such a document? Link here.

Issuing body: Registry of the Commercial Court (Greffe du Tribunal de Commerce) via the CFE.

The document may be best described as your official business identity card but its use is being phased out from November 2021, when the use of the SIREN identification certificate from INSEE will be used.

LEI or Legal Entity Identifier:

Identities of the legal persons involved in financial markets.

Comprises of: 20-character alphanumeric code

Online procedure : link.

Issuing body: INSEE

RM (Business Directory):

RM stands for “répertoire des métiers”.

It comprises of : SIREN number + RM + numbers indicating the competent CMA (Chambre des métiers et de l’artisanart).

Craft companies employing less than 10 employees are obliged to register in the Chamber of Crafts Business Directory.

Artisans obtain a D1 certificate in lieu of the Kbis.

Issuing body: CMA via the CFE

TVA (VAT):

TVA is an bbreviation for « Taxe sur la valeur ajoutée » or VAT – value added tax.

It comprises of: FR (country code) + 2 digits + SIREN number and is a tax identification for any company liable for Value Added Tax (VAT).

The number becomes mandatory when the amount of acquisitions made in the European Union exceeds €10,000 per year or if it sells or purchases services from companies established in the EU.

However, applying for a VAT number does not mean that you will lose your VAT exempt status.

The VAT number must appear on invoices and VAT returns.

Issuing body: Corporate Tax Office (Service des Impôts des Entreprises) via the CFE.

How do you apply for a VAT number. Read here.

Decoding the Social Security Number:

Self-employed persons would use their social security numbers in the course of their business (eg. Declarating their income).

Did you know that they follow some specific rules?

The social security number corresponds to the registration number in the RNIPP (répertoire national d’identification des personnes physiques“ or national personal identification directory).

It is made up of the 13-digit NIR (“numéro d’inscription” or registration number) and a 2-digit control key.

The NIR, created from your personal civil status, is composed as follows:

1st number: gender. 1 = male 2 = female

Next 2 numbers: year of birth (eg. 90 for 1990)

Next 2 numbers: month of birth (eg. 06 for June)

Next 2 numbers: the French department where you were born or 99 if born outside France

Next 3 numbers: official INSEE code for your commune. For those born outside France, it is the country code, eg. United Kingdom is 132.

Next 3 numbers: Serial number for people born in the same place during the same period

Social security numbers are managed by INSEE.

Don’t forget your Tax Returns for 2021 income:

From 7^th April onwards it is possible to submit your tax returns online or on paper format. Should you need any assistance in this field, I would be pleased to help you with this administrative formality.

However, please keep in mind that I shall be very busy from 18th April onwards and shall not take any requests after 7th April. I apologise for the inconvenience caused this year and hope that you will understand why when you shall read about the event next month or the month after. Nothing to worry about, it’s good news!

Sources:

Cover photo sourced from pexels.com (by Pixabay) – CCO

https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F33078

https://www.urssaf.fr/portail/home/welcome-to-foreign-companies/other-services-available-to-you/setting-up-your-business-in-fran/registering-your-operations-and.html

https://www.french-property.com/guides/france/working-in-france/starting-a-business/registration

https://entreprendre.service-public.fr/vosdroits/F31190?lang=en

https://entreprendre.service-public.fr/vosdroits/F31190

https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2406147

https://entreprendre.service-public.fr/vosdroits/F33050?lang=en

https://entreprendre.service-public.fr/vosdroits/F21000?lang=en

https://entreprendre.service-public.fr/vosdroits/R53017?lang=en

https://entreprendre.service-public.fr/vosdroits/F23570?lang=en

Acronyms and initialisms are abbreviations, but not all abbreviations are acronyms or initialisms. Here is a video that explains all these terms clearly.

An acronym is a special kind of abbreviation that uses the first letter of each word that it represents to form an all-letters-capitalised abbreviation. A true acronym can be pronounced as a word such as NASA, UNICEF and ASAP.

An initialism is like an acronym, but it cannot be pronounced as a word. You would have to pronounce each and every letter such as WHO, USA and DIY.

Abbreviations are words that have been shortened to form shorter words. They usually have a few letters of a single word removed; the remaining letters are combined and replace that longer word such as “etc.” (ETCetera) and “tbsp.” (TaBleSPoon). We use them in writing but say the whole word when we speak.

You may find them boring, but a translator is obliged to keep up with the various linguistic trends by learning new words and abbreviations constantly and using them in the right context, that is, by keeping the reader in mind. The learning process is never over for a translator, but that is also what makes my work varied and interesting. For more information, visit my Translation-Interpreting page.

Abbreviations and Acronyms you should know.

In order to be in the know, I have collected a few of them which I am sharing with you below. You may be pleased to find some familiar and funny ones!

I believe that we all know what LOL means.

However, did you know that the French have their equivalent as in MDR (mort de rire = to kill oneself laughing)?

Let me start alphabetically.

ADSL = Asymetric Digital Subscriber Line

Did you know what your ADSL internet line meant? Yes, we in the countryside still painfully use ADSL and are looking forward to fibre which, according to my Mayor, said that those located in the countryside will finally get it by next year. Can’t wait!!

AFAWK = As Far As We Know

AIDS = Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

In French, SIDA = Syndrome d’Immunodéficience Acquise

b/c, bc = Because

B2B = Business-to-Business (Companies that focus on selling goods and services to other companies).

B4 = Before

BAE = Before Anyone Else (Used as a term of endearment for someone you care about).

BFF = Best Friends Forever

BRB = Be Right Back

BTW = By The Way

CAPTCHA = Completely Automated Public Turing test to Tell Computers and Humans Apart. It is also used in French.

CC – Carbon copy

On social media, CC has the same usage as the CC on your emails. Carbon copy actually came from the 1870s. It relates to making a copy of documents (hand-written or typed) through the use of inserting carbon paper (or tissue) between the document one was composing and a blank sheet of paper.

CSS = Cascading stylesheet

This code language gives websites their look. The layout, colours, fonts, borders, spacing, and all other visual elements of a website occur because of the styles declared in CSS.

DM = Direct Message

DnD = Drag and Drop (Also adopted by the French).

F2F = Face to face

FB = Facebook

FBF = Flashback Friday (popular on social media where you share an old picture or status as a memory. Similar to Throwback Thursday)

FAQ = frequently asked questions (In French, Foire Aux Questions = FAQ [fak]

FYI = For your information

FOMO = Fear of Missing Out

FOMO describes a type of social anxiety where you feel that if you miss an opportunity you might miss out on something great. FOMO comes into play quite often with social media where some people are compelled to stay connected so they never miss a big moment.

I thought that this picture speaks volumes!

GDP = Gross Domestic Product. In French : Produit Intérieur Brut = P.I.B. [péibé]

GMO = Genetially Modified Organism. In French : Organisme Génétiquement Modifié = O.G.M. [oZéèm]

Gr8 = Great

HTML – Hyper Text Markup Language

HTML is the coding language used for building webpages and any other information that one views on the web. It is the foundation and the frame of every website. CSS (Cascading Style Sheet) adds colour and layout to the page.

ILY = I Love You

Knowing this could be useful to you. A just in case someone sends this to you, you would know how to reply !

IMF = International Monetary Fund

In French, Fonds Monétaire International = F.M.I. [èfèmi]

IMHO = In my humble opinion

ISBN = International Standard Book Number

L8 – Late

LMAO – Laughing my a** off

LMK = Let me know

LOL = Laughing out loud

LOLz = Laughing out loud (plural/sarcastic) Lolz is the plural of LOL, but instead of having an “s,” people write it with a “z”. Some say that LOLz means you’re laughing out loud sarcastically.

MTFBWY – May The Force Be With You A reference to the Star Wars movies, this abbreviation is used when someone is sending words of encouragement or motivation to another user.

NATO = North Atlantic Treaty

In French, Organization du Traité de l’Atlantique Nord = OTAN [òtâ]

NM = Not Much

NVM = Never Mind

OMG = Oh my God

OMW = On my way

ORLY = Oh really?! (nothing to do with the airport near Paris! Like LOLz, this abbreviation can be used sarcastically as well as seriously.

P2P = Person to person, or peer to peer

Similar to F2F, this abbreviation can refer to an in-person meeting, as opposed to an online get together. Also, P2P can come up in a business arena as a way of distinguishing a type of network, tool, meeting, or event.

PPL = People

RIP = Rest In Peace.

In Latin: Requiescat In Pace

In French: Rester en Paix

SEO = Search engine optimisation. SEO refers to the practice of optimizing a website so that it ranks highly in search engine result pages. Some key elements of SEO are content, keywords, headlines, meta information, backlinks, and site structure/speed.

SERP = Search Engine Results Page. This is the page you see when you perform a search.

SM = Social Media

SMB = Small Business

SMM = Social Media Marketing

SMO = Social Media Optimisation. Often used synonymously, these two terms refer to the process of getting the most out of social media for your business or brand.

SSHF = Société Sherlock Holmes de France (the French Sherlock Holmes Company= in France!)

SWAG = Secretly We Are Gay

TGIF = Thanks God It’s Friday

TL;DR = Too Long; Didn’t Read This abbreviation may appear in a comment, post, or tweet, where the user is mentioning they weren’t able to completely read an article because of its length. Also, some articles or notes may include this abbreviation in lieu of a summary heading.

TMI = Too much information

TYSM = Thank you so much. (The French use this).

XOXOXO = Kisses and Hugs

Yuppie = Young Urban Professional or Young Upwardly-mobile Professional

In French, a Yuppie is a Bobo. It comesfrom “bourgeois bohème” but is frequently associated with the young elite, often cultured and well learned, who leads an urban lifestyle.

We must not be too liberal with abbreviations when we speak and write. We must use them sparingly.

I would like to share with you my translation of what the Académie Française, the watchdog of the French language, has to say about the usage of abbreviations and acronyms. :

Abbreviations and acronyms save time and space because they are shorter than the forms they abbreviate. Remember that an acronym is an abbreviation that is pronounced like an ordinary word (UN, CAPES, UNESCO). You can therefore use it legitimately, but in this case, as in many others, it is good to moderate its usage as its abuse could be dangerous.

Above all, before using them, you should ask yourself if the people you are talking to are aware of their meanings, knowing that the same abbreviation or acronym can have several meanings. The very valuable “Dictionnaire des Sigles” (Dictionary of Acronyms) teaches us that the acronym UNI can designate both the National Inter-university Union and the International Naturist Union, but also the National Union of Independents (in Burkina-Faso), the National Union for Independence (in Djibouti) or the Union of Indigenous Nations (in Brazil).

For reasons of clarity, it is therefore preferable to first mention what the abbreviation or the acronym that you are using stands for. We must also remember that we speak and write to be heard, read and understood; and that these abbreviated forms sometimes act as screens by veiling the meanings of the sentences.

https://www.antidote.info/fr/blogue/enquetes/pour-les-cingles-des-sigles-et-les-accros-des-acronymes

https://meltingmots.com/

https://www.academie-francaise.fr/sigles-et-acronymes

More abbreviations: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2689655/Social-media-speak-The-30-new-abbreviations-dominating-way-young-people-communicate-one-another.html

https://buffer.com/library/social-media-acronyms-abbreviations/

Gourmets love the culinary delights of Brittany, be they from land or sea. Let me tempt you with my gastronomic tour of Breton cuisine. Recipes included!

Brittany’s contribution to French cuisine is undeniable. Who has not heard of crepes, cider, salted butter caramels or galettes (buckwheat pancakes) to mention just a few? Located in France’s north western region, its long coastline also makes it a haven for seafood lovers!

I love what the official website of tourism in Brittany (a gem of a website!) wrote about Breton cuisine (see photograph below). It encompasses all that I love about Breton produce and its cuisine.

Above text : courtesy of Brittany Tourism website (with many thanks!)

Top Food & Drinks in Brittany, France from Crêpes to Cider

List of contents

Brittany’s long coastline from north to south makes it a paradise for seafood lovers. We are truly spoilt for choice in Brittany.

Fish:

Here is an illustrated list of the various types of fish that one can find in Brittany during the four seasons.

In winter (hiver), there are 21 types of fish available.

In spring (printemps) – 18 types of fish available.

In summer (été) – 19 types of fish available.

In autumn (automne) – 21 types of fish available.

Skate (aile de raie), potatoes, capers in butter sauce & salad

Cotriade:

This is a traditional French fish stew from Southern Brittany. It is made with different types of fish such as mackerel, hake, red mullet, conger eel, sprats and herring, along with onions, garlic, potatoes, leek, oil, vinegar and herbs (bouquet garni). See photo and recipe here.

When served, the broth is eaten first, followed by the fish and vegetables. It is sometimes poured over toasted bread. The more fish there is in the stew, the better the cotriade. In the past, it was a regular staple dish for local fishermen and their families.

Oysters:

Think of the sea and Brittany and oysters naturally come to mind. Oysters can be found in 12 regions of Brittany, the most famous being Cancale (Northern Brittany) and Riec-sur-Bélon (Southern Brittany). Since 2019, oysters from Cancale are mentioned in UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

One of the many joys of living in Brittany is the possibility of eating oysters almost all year round. However, they are best eaten during the months that end in “r”. In summer, they could be rather milky or cloudy in appearance but some like them that way too.

What’s not to love – dining near oyster beds, the beautiful Gulf of Morbihan in Southern Brittany!

Mussels:

Mussels mainly come from Northern Brittany (Bay of Mount St Michel and Bay of St-Brieuc), although they are also found around Pénestin in Southern Brittany. They are eaten from July to January.

Breton Moules Marinières are renowned as this seafood dish is made with cultivated mussels that grow directly on the seabed, on ropes or on stakes (“bouchots”). Typical of Brittany, these mussels are quite small, but tasty and fleshy.

Moules marinières (with cream) and chips

My daughter enjoying her cider with mussels!

To fully enjoy their flavour, shellfishes are cooked in French white wine with parsley and shallots. Modern versions of moules marinières include cream, garlic, peppers, chorizo etc. and come with “frites” (chips) of course!

Learn how to cook Moules Marinières. However, if you only want the recipe, I would suggest clicking on this link here.

Most foreigners are aware that crepes are from France, but many do not realise that they originated in Brittany.

Whilst crepes are made with wheat flour and used for desserts, galettes are made from buckwheat (“sarrasin” or “blé noir”) and are mostly savoury. Galettes originate from the Gallo region of upper Brittany, whereas crepes, made from wheat or buckwheat flour, are from lower Brittany. I have noticed that galettes from the Finistère department of Brittany are much darker to the ones found in the Morbihan due to a different quality of buckwheat flour used.

Making a perfect crepe or galette requires mastery and a set of tools such as:

The above video is just to show you how the professionals make them. The video below will show you how most of us make them at home!

Fun fact:

On 2 February, 40 days after Christmas, all of France celebrate Candlemas or “chandeleur” or the festival of “chandelles” (candles/lights). To mark this Christian festival, the French eat crepes as they symbolise the sun and the return of spring.

galette complete (ham, cheese & egg)

savoury galette

Galette with roquefort cheese, pears and walnuts

Crêpe with salted caramel butter sauce and ice cream

Brittany being a pig rearing region of France, it goes without saying that pork is often on the menu in homes and restaurants. Apart from having pork in main dishes, they are widely used in “charcuterie” such as patés, terrines, “rillettes” (potted pork) to name a few.

Galette saucisse :

This classic street food item hails from Rennes in Ille-et-Vilaine departement. Usually sold at food trucks and during Breton fêtes, galette saucisse consists of a buckwheat crêpe wrapped around a grilled pork sausage with a choice of condiments such as mustard, mayonnaise, etc. It is believed that this dish goes back to the 15th century when the original snack was prepared with pork offal.

Andouille de Guéméné:

You either love or hate this! The Andouille de Guémené is a typical Breton sausage made from pork chitterlings, pepper, onions and seasonings which is served hot or cold.

The Breton “andouille” is a meat dish that dates back to the 18th century. However, the celebrated “andouille de Guéméné” only appeared in the 20th century. The latter is made from tripe rolled up from the pig’s large intestine. Some 20 to 25 guts are required to make an andouille de Guéméné, hence its recognisable concentric circles when sliced.

Boudin noir:

A boudins noir is a black pudding which is usually eaten with stewed apples and mashed potatoes. It is not only a Breton speciality, but also Norman. The spicy version of this boudin comes from the French Antilles.

Kigh Ha Farz:

Kigh ha farz is a traditional peasant’s dish and comes from Finistère. The cheapest cuts of pork and/or beef are slowly simmered with vegetables (like carrots, onions, celery, leeks, turnips etc.) in a broth together with a buckwheat flour dumpling. In the olden days, this dish would be prepared in the morning, left to cook all day, and eaten at night.

Fishermen would normally make this dish using the unsold fish from their catch, known as the “pesk ha farz”. It is the Breton version of the French “pot au feu”. Check out Finistère Brittany’s website for the recipe in English.

Fun fact:

Brittany was one of the first French regions to gain access to curry powder and exotic spices, thanks to the spice trade carried out by the French East India Company based in Lorient (name derived from The Orient). To this day there is a unique curry blend called “Kari Gosse” only sold in pharmacies in Auray. Apparently, it is a secret blend of aromatic spices with an accent on fiery and hot!

Cheeses in Brittany are abundant due to the numerous green pastures dotted with cows and goats. There are many artisanal cheeses made on small farms which shall be the topic here. I shall therefore skip the industrially made cheeses.

Mark Greenfield, ex Head Chef of Le Végétarium restaurant , currently hosts culinary workshops at the newly opened La Bergerie , both part of the of Yves Rocher Group in La Gacilly. He has kindly shared with us his selection of local, organic cheeses that he highly recommends.

Interesting links for organic local cheeses and their addresses:

A portrait of an atypical Chef in Brittany:

If you have a sweet tooth, you will love what I am going to reveal to you. I know, I was tempted myself to skip the main course and even the cheeses to get to the desserts, but that wouldn’t have been fair on the others!

Kouign Amann:

Kouign-Amann is a classic Breton speciality that was accidentally created around 1860 in the coastal town of Douarnenez. It all started when a busy baker ran out of pastries to sell and decided to quickly combine bread dough, butter and sugar.

Made of 30% sugar and 30% butter, the Kouign Amann has got to be the fattiest pastry in all of Europe. The authentic Breton recipe consists of multiple layers of alternating brioche dough, butter, and sugar. Its name is derived from the Breton words for cake (kouign) and butter (amann).

A pleasure to watch how the dough is combined, but if you just want the recipe without the video, here it is.

Due to its success, there are many industrial variations. The bakers in Douarnenez therefore decided to form an association in 1999 in order to protect their invention and expertise. As a result, their produce is labelled as being the “authentic kouign amanns from Dournenez – traditional artisan produce invented in 1860 in Dournenez.”

Far Breton:

The authentic Far Breton (“Farz Fourn”) is a savoury flan with onions and lardons served with traditional meat dishes in the 18th century. From the 19th century onwards, the sweet version gained wide appreciation.

This Breton speciality rapidly became a traditional dessert for family meals and religious celebrations. The recipe has evolved with the times. It is now common to add vanilla sugar, warm tea, rum or plum liqueur in the far dough mixture. Here is a bilingual recipe for you to try.

Did you know that there are 60 types of far breton? The far breton or the farz fourn in Breton, the farz pitilig, the far buan etc.

Breton biscuits – galettes and palets:

They are rich and crunchy butter biscuits. Galettes are thinner, whereas palets are thicker. They are also known as Traou-Mad which means “good things” in Breton.

Want to try making palets? Here’s a good recipe courtesy of Brittany Tourism.

Palet biscuit, Breton whisky crème brûlée

Thank you @mybluebreizh

Gateau Breton and Quatre Quarts:

Gateau Breton is a shortcake because of its high butter content. Why not try this recipe!

Quatre Quarts is a Breton pound cake and is a big favourite in my family. It is known as such (four quarters) as its four ingredients, namely flour, butter, sugar and eggs, are of the same weight. Tip: you weigh the eggs to measure the other ingredients. Here’s a mouth-watering picture and recipe.

Salted butter caramel:

Butter in Brittany has to be salted, even for cakes. I, personally, love salted butter because it enhances the sweetness. Brittany is also a salt producer. The famous salt marshes of the Guérande region is worth visiting for its scenic views of the salt pans.

It, therefore, comes as no surprise that we have salted butter caramel (in sweet and sauce forms) in Brittany. I read years ago how President Obama loved this delicacy. Who does not love “Caramel au beurre salé”!

Soft caramel sweets were created by a Quiberon-based Breton chocolate maker, Henri Le Roux, in 1977.

However, a delicious salted butter caramel sauce, known as “le Salidou” was created by Alain Audebert back in 1966. Natural and simple ingredients, like milk, butter, fresh cream, fine sea salt from Guérande, are cooked to make this delicious sauce that are used for crêpes, desserts and other dishes.

When I first moved to Brittany some 20 years ago, my impression was that Brittany made cider, spirits from cider and beers. How wrong I was! In time I learned that Brittany produces a wide selection of drinks from non-alcoholic to spirits.

Non-alcoholic Drinks:

It is not for want of patriotism that many Bretons (my children included!) prefer the Breton cola, known as the Cola from the “Far West” (Phare Ouest, also the name of the company). A clever pun!

Delicious apple and pear juices are also produced and sold locally.

The all-important Cider:

Breton cider is the main drink that accompanies most Breton meals, such as a “bolée” or bowl of cider with a crêpe or galette. In 2000, Breton cider earned its protected geographical status (IGP: Indication Géographique Protégée) which means that only cider produced in Brittany (including parts of Loire Atlantique, Maine et Loire and Mayenne departements) can be sold as “Breton cider”. Click here to see a delightful map of Brittany where cider is produced.

A jug of cider and 2 “bolées” (they look like tea cups without saucers).

Breton cider contains 2% to 7% of alcohol content and is classified as “doux” (mild), “demi-sec” (medium dry) to “brut” (dry). Cider is also the base for making “pommeau de Bretagne” and “lambig Breton” which I shall mention further on.

Craft beers from local and micro-breweries:

There are numerous breweries (including micro-breweries) all over Brittany. For this article, I shall mention “La Brasserie Lancelot” in Le Roc-St-André (56) because I lived in that part of Brittany (Lizio and Sérent) for 12 years. Besides, I am a big fan of Arthurian legends.

The Lancelot brewery has many types of beers which are named after Arthurian and Breton legends such as Lancelot, Blanche Hermine (White Ermine), Bonnets Rouges, Morgane, Duchesse Anne etc.

The brewery was founded in 1989 by Bernard Lancelot, and was taken over by Stéphane Kerdodé and Eric Ollive in 2005. On 1st January 2021, it was sold to the cooperative Agrial that owns brands such as Breizh Cola, Kerizac and Loic Raison cider, Danao (yoghurt based fruit drinks) etc.

Breton wines:

Brittany, a wine-growing region? Well, it was so in the past with some 800 hectares of vineyards in 1848. However, it was particularly under Louis XIV and XV that Breton farmers were asked to grow cereals instead to feed Paris (who were getting their wines from the south). It is good to know that wine making has not dried out.

Until 1st January 2016, the creation of new vineyards was banned until the European Union relaxed the rules (+1% per year). As of May 2021, 18 vineyards have been registered in Brittany. The dominant varieties are Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Chenin.

The largest white wine growing region in Europe is in the Loire-Atlantique around Nantes, which was historically a part of Brittany. The desire to annex Loire-Atlantique back to Brittany is growing! The Muscadet is perhaps one of the most well-known wines from that region and go very well with seafood.

For maps of past and present wine growing areas in Brittany, do look at these maps here.

For more information in English, click on this link.

Pommeau de Bretagne AOC, Chouchen and Lambig:

Pommeau de Bretagne is an aperitif (17% alcohol) made from unfermented apple juice and cider brandy.

Chouchen (apple mead) is made from unfermented honey and is drunk as an aperitif or a digestif. It is also used in Breton cuisine.

Lambig or Fine de Bretagne is apple brandy. Apple cider is distilled to produce a 70% alcohol-content brandy which is watered down to the authorised 40% content. If stored in oak barrels, the cider brandy can become a “Fine de Bretagne” with an AOP classification.

Fun fact:

A member of every Breton family used to have the licence (until his death) to make apple brandy, colloquially known as the “goutte” (the drop) due to the distillation process. If you receive such a bottle, consider yourself very lucky indeed as these licences are extremely rare these days.

Breton whisky:

in 2015, Breton whisky was awarded its protected geographical status. To be considered as a Breton whisky, it must be brewed (with water from Brittany), fermented, distilled and aged in Brittany. It should have a minimum of 40% alcohol content and aged for at least 3 years in oak barrels. Malted barley, buckwheat, spelt wheat, corn, rye or wheat could be used to make Breton whisky.

Conclusion:

I hope you enjoyed my gastronomic tour of Brittany. There is so much to say and I have tried to keep the guide brief and informative (even though this must be my longest newsletter)! I have added many links with additional information should you wish to learn more.

Other Sources:

This can be a daunting task in France. Which documents do you keep and for how long? It is baffling to many people, even to the French.

I have researched, obtained comprehensive information and compiled a guide on how long we should keep the various documents that we accumulate in France (thanks to French bureaucracy). Although applicable to French residents, secondary homeowners, who live abroad, will also find this guide useful.

The recommendations mentioned in this guide cover various aspects of your private life such as insurance, banking, family matters, taxes, housing, employment, vehicles and health.

There is also a list for companies regarding the type of documents and their recommended retention periods which I shall post another time.

Laws governing minimum file retention periods:

The law of 15^th July 2008 mentions that archiving is a legal obligation. It defines what paperwork must be stored, but does not define the retention periods, except in certain specific cases.

The Civil Code (Common Law) defines the prescription periods which constitute, de facto, the minimum file retention periods.

Housing matters such as:

Employment paperwork

Deceased person’s papers:

I would like to bring to your attention that retention periods for documents continue to apply after the demise of a person.

This is because some documents can prove debts or claims and are therefore transmitted to the rightful heirs.

Moreover, authorities could also demand the reimbursement of certain social benefits up to a period of 5 years after the demise of the beneficiary.

Electronic documents are becoming widely used in France, although some of the older generations seem to struggle with this. In France, we have online accounts for utilities, banking services, taxes, business matters for example, which allow you to access your documents and even correspond.

However, I have noted that some have problems creating an online account due to the language barrier or due to technical issues such as requiring a French mobile phone number. I must admit that many administrative procedures are available online, and some procedures can only be done online.

Generally speaking, hard copies are still available. You may have to ask for invoices or documents to be posted to you as they are automatically made available when you create online accounts.

Legalisation of electronic documents:

The law of 13th March 2000, which transposes the European Directive No. 93 of 1999, modifies the Civil Code to legalise electronic documents. This means that files and emails in your computer hold the same value as the document in paper form provided that:

Types of electronic signatures:

A distinction is made between the two types of signatures by the Council of State’s Decree dated 30^th March 2001 that is, a simple signature and a secured signature. The latter is particularly used in the legal profession by notaries and bailiffs. Some property agents also use secured signatures for signing mandates and preliminary sales agreements. Its implementation is complex and costly.

Some of my clients have told me that they do not know how to organise their paperwork as they have always had someone to do it in the past. Here are two videos showing you how: the first is short and precise, the second gives you many useful tips.

Short and precise. 1. Sort paperwork into 3 categories (keep permanently, keep temporarily, shred). 2. Clearly label the folders. 3. Store files in a box or cabinet. 3. Shred documents with sensitive data instead of putting them in the bin (I burn them in the wood burner in winter!).

How to organise papers and documents at home: useful tips

Conclusion:

Now that you know all about organising and storing your paperwork in France, you may still feel submerged by the administrative procedures in France. Have no fears.

I am perfectly qualified and have the required experience to handle all your administrative tasks. Just give me a call or email me for a free, customised quotation. I would be pleased to assist you.

Sources:

This article has been compiled thanks to the following main sources:

– The Government website service-public.fr

– Consultancy company srconseil.fr

– Voice of Information: Legal requirements for document management in Europe (pdf)

Photographs: Creative Commons images and mine.

Did you know that some words and sayings that we use on a daily basis were written by none other than William Shakespeare himself more than 400 years ago? His quotes on life, love and insults, to name a few, are still highly relevant today. So cherished are The Bard’s quotes that they rank second after the Bible.

Shakespeare’s writings can inspire deep thought, strong feelings or they could brighten your day with their biting wit and humour. My newsletter for this month aims at humouring you, so Shakespeare’s insults it shall be!

Shakespeare was a master in language and literature and played a major role in moulding the English language. When Shakespeare was writing in 1590, modern English language was barely 100 years old with no existing dictionaries. Many documents at the time were still written in Latin.

As a result, he contributed some 1,700 words to the English language. He also used existing words differently, such as using “friend” and “unfriended” (Twelfth Night) as verbs, and “gloomy” (Titus Andronicus) was invented from “gloom”.

Some of Shakespeare’s words commonly used in modern day are as follows:

Have you ever really wanted to insult someone? If so, how many of us have reverted to the usual “swear words” like “idiot,” “fool,” or other less polite terms, and then regretted not having used more appropriate words? Shakespeare, on the other hand, knew how to craft the perfect insult for every occasion.

YouTube video: 24 Ultimate Shakespeare insults and put downs

Shakespearean insults have a three-fold purpose. They help to set the mood, atmosphere and relationships between characters. They helped to unify the entire audience by their brutal, biting or elegant wit.

YouTube video: Insults by Shakespeare – TED Ed

Here are a few categories of insults below that portray his creativity with such elegance.

This reminds me of Winston Churchill’s quote: “Tact is the ability to tell someone to go to hell in such a way that they look forward to the trip.”

Tact and wit are the essence of some of Shakespeare’s insults. They are clever, witty and even polite until you scratch the surface to discover their true meanings!

Insults about Intelligence:

Shakespeare’s characters knew how to call someone a “moron” or an “idiot” eloquently!

Insult better. Quote Shakespeare @Grammarly

Insults about Character:

Many Shakespearean insults attack a person’s virtue or character in an entirely different way.

Insults about Honesty:

Calling someone a “liar” is always an insult. Shakespeare took the insult to new heights with the following attacks on one’s honesty.

Insults that include Animals:

Animals are used in almost every culture to make an insult really sting. Shakespeare’s insults in this field include all sorts of animals as you will read below.

(A Midsummer Night’s Dream)

Insults about Physical Traits:

Shakespeare’s characters did not call each other “ugly” to their face, but they did it with remarkable cleverness.

(A Midsummer Night’s Dream)

Insults with Threats:

An insult can come in the form of a threat. These insults deface personal character and threaten one’s well-being.

Insults on Gender:

Insulting one’s masculinity, one’s mother, or one’s gender was common in Shakespeare’s time, and is still the case today.

When You Want to Give Someone a Mouthful:

Have you ever been so angry and so frustrated at someone that ranting a load of foul words helped to empty your chest and therefore calmed you?!

And the ultimate insult:

Shakespeare’s most vicious and well-worded replies. The quote is from King Lear, Act 2, Scene 2, in which a disguised Kent verbally abuses the chief steward of Goneril’s household.

Want to read and understand some more insults? Read this article “7 Shakespearean Insults to Make Life More Interesting” here.

Learn more about Shakespeare in an amusing way.

Insult Generators:

The humour behind Shakespeare’s insults have led to a vast number of insult resources available online. Here are some of the most popular insult generators.

Resources:

I thoroughly enjoyed compiling this selection of sayings and insults and hope that you enjoyed reading them. In the course of my research on this theme, I came across a myriad of interesting information on The Bard. I was also transported to my schooldays when I read excerpts of a few of his plays.

There is so much that we can say about Shakespeare. One of these days I may just write a newsletter on another aspect of Shakespeare!

Sources:

https://www.litcharts.com/blog/shakespeare/top-shakespeare-insults-of-all-time/

https://www.shakespeare.org.uk/explore-shakespeare/shakespedia/shakespeares-phrases/

https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/shakespeare-insults/i-find-the-ass-in-compound-with-the-major-part-of-your-syllables

https://reference.yourdictionary.com/reference/books-literature/39-famous-and-funny-shakespeare-insults.html

Photos: Some are mine and others are under the Creative Commons licence.

The forest of Broceliande is Brittany’s most popular and spectacular forest spanning 11,000 hectares. When I first came to live in Brittany in 2002, I was pleasantly surprised by its culture, traditions and folklore. Then when I learned that most of King Arthur’s adventures took place in Brocéliande, I was excited. After all, which child has not been enchanted by the Arthurian legends of King Arthur, the Knights of the Round Table and Merlin!

English literary heritage in Brittany

So how did English literary heritage reach Brittany? As you may be aware, Brittany’s history and its Celtic culture are a stark contrast to the other French regions. According to the medieval poet, Chrétien de Troyes, Arthurian legends came about after the fall of the Roman Empire when Brittany (Little Brittany) and Great Britain were part of the same continent.

The truths behind these legends are since buried in the sands of time.

For the Bretons, one of the most important personalities is Merlin who was supposed to have been the offspring of the devil and a pious woman. Merlin fell terribly in love with Viviane, a fairy and also known as the Lady of the Lake. She was the daughter of Lord Dymas and was born in the Chateau of Comper located in the heart of Broceliande. Merlin ignored his role as Arthur’s advisor and revealed all his magical secrets to Viviane. He also built a crystal palace in honour of her beautiful eyes. The palace is reputed to be hidden in the Comper lake.

The legend goes on to say that after having used Merlin for this purpose, Viviane placed him into a deep slumber and imprisoned him in this forest. Viviane raised Lancelot, son of King Ban, in the crystal palace. Moreover, Lancelot’s sword, Excalibur, was forged in Comper. When Lancelot left to serve King Arthur as a Knight, Viviane returned to Merlin. It is believed that their magic still lingers in this forest.

The 13^th century Chateau de Comper, located near Concoret, houses the Arthurian Centre which is devoted to its legends. It organises an annual exhibition on Arthurian legends, as well as holds a cultural season with events such as the “Pentecost of King Arthur”, “Encounters with the Imaginary of Broceliande” and the “Dragon Week”. The Centre has won public recognition through the promotion of Arthurian art, culture and history.

For more information on the Chateau of Comper, do visit their website here.

This is one of my favourite castles in Brittany. It was built in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries by the Trécesson family and sits on a lake. Although it is privately owned, it is a national historic monument.

It is believed that the castle is haunted by the White Lady. According to the legend, when the castle was in the hands of the Trécesson family, poachers saw a carriage pull up. Two men came out, dug a grave on the banks of the lake and buried a young bride alive. Ever since that fateful day, her spirit haunts the castle during a full moon night. There are also stories of playing cards moving mysteriously in a bedroom as if the spirits were continuing to live their lives.

On a lighter note, the Chateau was for sale on the market and apparently, there will shortly be a new owner. Have a look at the advertisement here to see rare pictures of the property inside!

Due to the change in ownership, I am not sure if the castle grounds and chapel can still be visited.

Paimpont is a small town that lies in the heart of the Broceliande forest. It is a very popular tourist spot and one of the starting points for visits to the forest and neighbouring sights.

Abbey of Paimpont:

This immense building lies alongside the lake of Paimpont. Its origin as a priory goes back to the 7^th Century. However, nothing remains of this priory and the edifice that one sees today is a result of lengthy transformations over the centuries dating from the 13^th Century onwards. It now houses the abbey, the presbytery and the town hall.

La Porte des Secrets:

If you are looking for information on Brocéliande and its legends, look no further! It is situated in the former outbuildings of the Abbey and is an experience that cannot be missed. For those who wish to eat and drink, there are many restaurants and cafés in the vicinity.

In 1656, Les Forges de Paimpont (foundry) was set up in the Paimpont / Brocéliande forest. There were then substantial iron ore deposits, a hydraulic system and charcoal to run the blast furnace and the refinery. It appears that some orders were even sent to supply the American War of Independence!

During the early 19^th century, two blast furnaces, a rolling mill and a coke-fired foundry were built. Some 250 people worked there during its peak production. However, the two blast furnaces closed down in 1884 due to foreign competition, but the foundry business continued until 1954.

In 2001, the Forges was listed as a national historic monument. It is privately owned and has undergone extensive restorations.

You will notice many workers’ cottages and a chapel a few metres away from the foundry.

There is a beautiful lake opposite the foundry. Beyond that you will notice an impressive manor house.

Do click on this link to watch a beautiful video and to obtain more information on visits.

This natural site, bursting with rich biodiversity, is located near to the pretty village of Tréhorenteuc, to the west of the forest. It is an ideal place for hiking to places like Fairy Morgane’s Domain (Domaine de la Fée Morgane) and the legend of the Fairies’ Mirror (Etang du miroir aux fees) which is the first of many lakes in the area. It is said that the Fairies’ Mirror was the home of seven fairy sisters, including Viviane.

In 1990, the Val sans Retour, where Fairy Morgane is said to have imprisoned unfaithful lovers, was ravaged by a fire. Extensive reforestation work was undertaken and to mark this effort, the sculptor, François Davin, created the Golden Tree. The charred trunk of a chestnut tree was covered with 5000 gold leaves to symbolise the vitality of nature.

For those who love walking, there is a megalithic monument which is Fairy Viviane’s house (Hotié de Viviane), previously known as a Druid’s tomb.

In the 19th Century, this site was initially a megalithic burial ground: a 12-metre long red shale covered gallery dating back to the Neolithic era. This monument is located to the north of the Broceliande forest and now comprises of two upright stones set against each other.

There used to be a majestic fountain nearby surrounded by large stones. It was a place of worship for the Druids who used to count and wash the newborns of the year during the summer solstice. All that remains today is a stream which is fabled to have brought eternal youth to whoever drank from it.

Not far off, you can find a 3 metre tall standing stone cut out like a seat for Merlin.

In the village of Folle Pensée (village of mad thought) lies the fountain of Barenton which bubbles even though its water is icy. The name of Folle Pensée was given to this village as the water from the fountain is said to cure madness and bring love to fair maidens who drop a hairpin in the fountain.

For more information, do visit this link on its remarkable trees and nature. The photographs are breathtaking!

The property market in France is currently buoyant where demand exceeds supply. This is particularly so in Brittany which remains one of the most popular destinations for both British and French buyers seeking an unspoilt French region.

Due to the Covid-19 crisis, properties for sale in certain regions of France, including Brittany, are becoming scarce. Real estate agents are busy searching for properties. Brexit has induced some British expats to return to the UK due to family ties, whereas others are moving to France with their family with a view to start anew.

If you are thinking of selling your property it makes sense to do so now.

The selling procedure is somewhat similar to the buying process with a few differences. Here is a guide to help you understand how to go about taking the big step.

WHERE TO START?

As in the buying process, you have a choice between contacting:

GET A PROPERTY VALUATION

Before selling your property get an estate/ property agent and/or Notaire to give you a valuation of your property. They would need to visit your property in order to obtain the technical details. However, do note that there could be sizeable differences in the valuations given by property agents and Notaries (“Notaires” in French). Do not forget to ask if the valuations are free as some can be payable!

In general, they take into account the following factors:

DECIDING ON THE SELLING PRICE

Some valuations could be considerably lower with a view to make a quick sale. However, a lower price could be quoted for properties suffering from damp or having an outdated septic tank system as the buyer would be required to undertake work to eradicate the problem and update to the norms. Do not rush into making a hasty decision. Be aware that buyers will invariably offer a lower price, so do not start selling using your lowest acceptable price. Your aim is after all to make some profit.

It would be wise to take into account not only the purchase price of your property, but also all costs related to the renovations or improvements, or even the capital gains tax involved if it is your secondary home. On the other hand, if the calculated amount is way above the market price for similar properties, you would most likely have to bear a loss if you wish your house to be sold within a reasonable period of time.

There are cases where owners have overvalued their properties, waited years for a buyer and finally sold at considerably less. As a property agent quite rightly told me, owners are always subjective when it comes to valuing their property. “They tend to see their property as being the best”.

Do remember that prospective buyers who regularly check advertisements do not look favourably on properties that are on the market for a long period of time. The question often arises as to why it is still on the market even after regular price cuts. Some even keep track of the reduced prices and wait until the prices go down before manifesting their interest. This is why choosing an appropriate starting price for your property is very important!

NOTICE TO YOUR TENANT

As a landlord, you have the right to sell your property even if it is leased. However, there are certain rules to follow as tenants also have rights and cannot be evicted without prior notice.

As a start, the landlord would have to inform his tenant of his intent to sell, via a registered letter with recorded delivery, at least 6 months prior to the end of the lease period. The letter would have to mention the reason why notice is given, as well as the selling price of the property and the conditions of the sale. The tenant therefore has a preferential right to purchase the property and has 2 months to accept the proposal. This timescale is extended to 4 months if the tenant requires financing via a mortage/ bank loan. If he does not have the means or does not want to purchase it, he is obliged to vacate the premises at the end of the lease term.

It is important to note that if the landlord does not abide by this formality, he is unable to market his property for sale and the lease shall be renewed.

This preferential right to purchase, however, is not systematic. For example, if the seller decides to transfer his property to his close family members, the tenant shall not be given this right.

CHOOSING ONE OR MORE PROPERTY AGENTS

Going through an estate agent is highly recommended when you want to sell your property. They will lessen the burden of you having to undertake various formalities and besides, as a seller, you will not be paying them commission. The property agent’s commission and the Notaire’s fees, unlike in the United Kingdom, are entirely paid by the buyer.

Apart from property agents, you could also ask your Notaire to undertake this task.

This is on condition that you have not signed an exclusive mandate with an estate agent. The initial term of a mandate is generally for 3 months, after which it is automatically renewed. However, mandates can also be cancelled at any time after the initial term.

TYPES OF MANDATES

Non-exclusive mandate:

You can sign a non-exclusive mandate with one or more estate agents for an initial period of 3 months, renewed automatically thereafter but it cannot exceed 24 months. After the initial period, you are allowed to cancel the mandate at any time. This type of mandate allows you to sell your property through your own means.

In general, agencies do not particularly go out of their way to sell your property under this mandate due to the competition. I have noticed that some accept these mandates but shelve the properties. They prefer focussing on exclusive mandates as they are sure to obtain their commission in the event of a sale. Of course, there are some reliable agencies which offer great services. However, you should note that properties under this mandate take time to sell.

If you find a buyer through your own means, you are obliged to inform the identity of the purchaser to the agencies. The terms are mentioned in their mandates and this applies to any sale that occurs up to 24 months after cancelling the mandates. This is to ensure that the purchaser has not avoided the agency (with which he had previously signed an agreement) by not paying the commission which is due.

Exclusive mandate:

By signing an exclusive mandate with an estate agent, you are not permitted to sell or to sign mandates with other agents. The duration of the mandate and its cancellation terms are approximately the same as for a simple, non-exclusive mandate. Please note, however, that the duration and their commission could be negotiated.

In spite of the constraints, properties marketed via this mandate are sold quicker. The agency does their utmost to sell the property by showcasing your property in their agencies, on their websites and in many other websites with whom they have partnerships. Some even advertise in reputable British property websites. It is estimated that it takes about 3 months to sell a property under this mandate, but we must remember that this duration relates to cities or big towns; it could take longer in the countryside.

Another good reason to sign an exclusive mandate is because some agencies reimburse you the sums paid towards the diagnostic reports (compulsory property surveys) during the signing of the Title Deed at the Notaire’s office. Do not forget to ask the agency about this as it could save you quite a bit of money!

Semi-exclusive mandate:

This mandate is a mixture of the above two in the sense that you sign a mandate with one agency but you also have the possibility to search for a buyer. If you do find a buyer, you are obliged to inform the agency which will then prepare a pre-sales agreement or commonly known in France as a “compromis de vente” . The buyer pays a reduced commission to the agency during the signing of the Title Deed at the Notaire’s office.

Co-exclusive mandate:

The semi-exclusive and the co-exclusive mandates are relatively rare. For example, at the end of an exclusive mandate you wish to add one or more agencies to market your property. You can do so via a co-exclusive mandate whereby all the participating agencies are listed. You, as an owner, are not allowed to sell the property directly. However, this type of mandate is very rare.

PREPARING THE MANDATE

Prior to drafting the mandate, the agency or its accredited representative will visit your property. He or she will ask you numerous questions including the following:

You can sign the mandate electronically or on paper. Once signed, you are obliged to accept visits by potential clients and the agency to your property. Remember that appearances and first impressions of the property help to sell a property much easier. In this light, I recommend you to read my article on the subject.

PROPERTY DIAGNOSTIC/ SURVEY REPORTS

Energy performance report:

The main report is the DPE or the energy performance diagnostic which gives a rating from A (best) to G (worst). It takes into account the insulation materials used in the property and the type of heating system among other factors. In the past it was common to find no rating for holiday homes due to the lack of electric, gas and heating bills on an annual basis.

New energy performance regulations from 1st July 2021

With an aim to lower carbon emissions and to preserve our planet, the French Government has put forth new regulations with a view to incite owners (or even tenants) to undertake work (for which grants are given) to make their properties more energy efficient.

They are :

Legal action can be taken if the diagnostic is found to be incorrect or fraudulent.

Diagnostic companies can be sued by the owner or the tenant of a property. The company in question is obliged to undertake another diagnostic to prove their findings.

Sellers could also be sued. For example, a property was purchased on the basis of a C rating but was later found to have an F rating. The new owner could therefore sue the seller for having fraudulently obtained a better rating, and therefore a better selling price.

The consequences of a fraudulent or incorrect diagnostic could lead the party at fault to undertake the energy renovation work at his own expense.

Other diagnostics:

The other checks made are for the presence of lead, asbestos, wood boring insects like termites, electrical and gas installations etc. It must be said that inland Brittany does not have a termite infestation problem compared to the coast or in the Parisian region. However, most old Breton stone houses have traces of wood worm (“vrillettes”), be they big or small. A technician recently told me that they could nest in the woodwork for over 50 years. However, wood rot is a serious matter to check for. Most of these wood boring insects proliferate when houses are not heated in winter, are damp and not aired on a regular basis.

CONTENTS FOR SALE

You may wish to leave some furniture behind in the property. A potential buyer may or may not want them. In the affirmative, an inventory of the contents and their prices must be drawn up and given to the property agent and to the Notaire. Alternatively, the furniture could be sold directly to the purchaser as second hand furniture.

The prices must take into account the age and condition of the contents and the total amount should not be over 2 to 5% of the value of the property. Bear in mind that the prices should be reasonable or else you may be liable for a tax audit.

There is a fiscal advantage of having a list of furniture added to the selling price in the Title Deed made by the Notaire. This is because the prices of the contents are not included for calculating the Notaire’s fees due by the buyer.

What can be added to the list?

– movable furniture, that is, any furniture which is not a structural part of the property and which can be removed, even if it means light work like blocking holes on the walls.

– electric radiators, if they are just screwed and do not damage the wall if removed

– garden furniture

On the other hand, the following are considered as part and parcel of the property as their removal could physically or aesthetically damage the property if removed:

– fireplaces

– sanitary fittings

– mirrors which cannot be removed

– shutters, if they cannot be removed without spoiling the wall

– fitted shelves and wardrobes

PRIVATE SEPTIC TANK SYSTEM

The private septic tank system, or in French the “assainissement autonome”, needs to be inspected prior to a sale. You would therefore have to contact your governing authority (eg. SPANC) and fix an appointment. Do contact them in advance as they are very busy. They will check your system and send you a report of their findings which is payable. If your system is not to the norms and an update or a new system is required, be warned that the purchaser could offer a lower price to offset the cost.

AN OFFER!

After a number of visits, you have finally found an interested buyer. Agencies often require a written letter from the interested buyer stating his offer. If the price is not suitable, you could suggest a higher price. The property agent’s job here is to negotiate the price between you and the buyer.

PRE-SALES AGREEMENT OR THE “COMPROMIS DE VENTE”

When an agreement has been reached, the property agent or the Notary prepares a pre-sales agreement, known as the “compromis de vente”, mentioning your personal details, details about the property, the selling price, the agency’s fees and all the conditional terms and conditions of the sale, including a 10% (or less upon mutual agreement) deposit of the purchase price.

The usual conditional conditions that would delay the conclusion of the sale are the obtention of the following documents:

– mortage/bank loan if the buyer requires financing for all or for a portion of the purchase.

– pre-operational planning certificate or planning permission for your renovation or building project.

– relinquishment of pre-emptive rights from the related authorities if your property is within the perimeter of a historical monument, in the centre of town, in an agricultural zone etc.

This is an important document as it sets the terms and conditions for finalising the sale.

For more information on the pre-sales agreement and the cooling off period, please refer to my previous newsletter Guide to buying a property in France.

TITLE DEED (ACTE DE VENTE)

When all the contractual conditions and documents have been obtained, the sale shall be finalised at the Notary’s office where the Title Deed will be signed by both parties in principle. This used to be the normal procedure until Covid restrictions were enforced. It is now quite common for a Notary to prepare a proxy / power of attorney (“procuration” in French) to buy or to sell (depending on the concerned party). By signing it, you would give him and/or his clerks the authority to sign on your behalf, as well as to undertake all the required formalities leading to the sale.

The power of attorney is generally a summarised version of the Title Deed. However, it is highly recommended to obtain a draft copy of the Title Deed so as to be fully aware of all the terms and conditions.

Do note that if you are not fluent in French, the Notaire would normally ask for an English translation of the Power of Attorney and both documents (in French and in English) would have to be signed and certified. I am a qualified translator and have been working for Notaires for over 17 years. If you are in France, the Mayor of your town or your Notaire can certify your identities and signatures.

If you are not in France, you would need to sign the French and the English documents in the presence of a UK Notary Public or Solicitor before it is sent to the appropriate authority for the “apostille”. It is a form of authentication accepted by all countries that are members of the Hague Convention of 1961 for cross border transactions.

CAPITAL GAINS TAX (“Impôt sur les plus values”)

This tax is due if you are selling your secondary residence/ holiday home and the percentage is calculated on the number of years you have owned the property. The Notaire will calculate the tax based on the profit made (purchase price minus selling price minus any construction or renovation bills less than 10 years). You will have to sign the form during the signing of the Title Deed after which the Notaire shall submit it to your tax centre. For non-residents the tax centre is located in the Parisian region (Noisy Le Grand).

When all the registration formalities have been completed and the Title Deed signed by the Land Registry, the Notary shall send you a copy. On the other hand, if you have lost a copy, you could always ask the Notary for one as he is obliged to keep a copy for 75 years.

ON THE DAY OF SIGNING THE TITLE DEED

The buyer and the seller take meter readings of all the utilities. As a Seller, it is up to you to cancel your subscriptions and eventually convey the name of the buyer.

You must also contact your Insurance company to cancel your home and contents policy on the day. The Buyer is obliged to subscribe to an insurance policy on the day of ownership and he has the choice of using another insurance company. And last but not least, give the Buyer all the keys to the property!

Should you require any assistance during the buying or selling process, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Guide to buying a property in France

Buying and selling a property in France can be quite daunting if you are not familiar with the French administrative procedures. They are rather lengthy and time consuming, hence my decision to expand on this subject with a view to help you understand the steps involved. I am well versed in this field as I bought a property in Brittany in 2000 and have also been assisting Anglophones in the buying and selling process since I started my business in 2004.

You have finally decided to take the leap and purchase a property either as your main residence or as your holiday home. But where and how do I find that perfect house?

How to find your dream property:

There are various ways to search for properties in France. They are:

I would like to stress on the importance of going through a good agency registered with the national real-estate organisation FNAIM . However, I recently had a problem with a branch of a reputable agency. The said branch, which I shall not mention for ethical reasons, presented a mandate to my client who wished to sell his property. I noted several irregular clauses potentially costing tens of thousands of Euros to my client. The said branch mentioned that it would not be the case even if stated otherwise in black and white!

My client therefore decided not to work with them, proving that is is important to seek professional help before signing such documents.

If you are keen on visiting a property but are unable to do so:

I am in a position to visit it on your behalf, take photographs and send you a report of my findings, including the pros and cons and possibly the type of work required to make it habitable or to upgrade it to the norms. I am not a surveyor but having project managed many renovations and new builds, my team of experienced and local tradesmen have shared their knowledge of the various problems that properties in Brittany could encounter. This is particularly helpful if you do not have the time and would like to ensure that it is the right property for you before visiting the shortlisted properties.

Mandates to visit properties:

Prior to visiting properties with an estate agent or with a Notary’s property agent, you would be obliged to sign a document whereby, should you wish to purchase the property, you promise to go through them and not negotiate directly with the owners.

There is no mandate if the property you wish to visit is being sold by an individual. Leboncoin, for example, is a very popular website in France for buying and selling all kinds of things but I would advise you to take extra precautions if you are dealing with individuals as not all sellers are honest!

You have shortlisted a few properties:

If you are dealing with a property agent, you will receive all the important information and diagnostic reports relating to the property.

The main report is the DPE or the energy performance diagnostic which gives a rating from A (best) to G based on the presence or absence of insulation materials and heating systems used in the property. For holiday homes, it is common to find no ratings due to the lack of electric bills on a full time basis. However, this will shortly change as diagnostic companies are obliged to give a rating from July 2021 onwards. This new report shall be valid for 10 years.

The other diagnostics checks are for the presence of lead, asbestos, wood boring insects like termites, electrical and gas installations (required for installations older than 15 years) etc.

It must be said that inland Brittany does not have a termite infestation problem compared to the coast. However, most old Breton stone houses have traces of wood worm (“vrillettes”), be they big or small. A specialist informed me that they could nest in the woodwork for over 50 years. However, wood rot is a serious matter to check for and if detected, I would advise clients not to purchase the property. Most of these wood boring insects proliferate under damp conditions due to the house not being heated in winter, absence of ventilation and drainage systems and no regular airing.

To cite an example, one of my clients purchased his dream home, a fully renovated stone house, but when I visited it for the first time I had noticed a few flaws. I returned on site with my carpenter and mason and was told that there was wood rot everywhere in the old beams and lintels, but there also seemed to be an absence of drainage around the house.

Example of wood rot

Example of saltpetre

To pursue this issue, the client hired the services of a French surveyor who added that the electric installation was dangerous with no earthing, the plumbing was not to the norms and much more. His conclusion was that the house was dangerous to live in. After a long drawn Court battle against all the parties involved in the sale, my client managed to get the sale annulled.

You therefore can not solely rely on the diagnostic reports.

Example of damp on walls and floor

In Brittany, for example, many old stone houses, especially those that are not lived in, have damp problems.

It is therefore necessary to check that the land surrounding the house is well drained, and that the guttering system is in order or else in time you will see damp patches and saltpetre on the internal walls.

For all the reasons given above, it helps to also have a knowledgeable third party to check that the property, documents and procedures are in order.

You have found your dream property:

Apart from verbally informing the property agent of your offer to purchase the property, you may also be obliged to submit a written document to the property agent stating that you would like to offer EUR ______ . It is quite common for purchasers to offer a reduced price for negotiations to ensue. It would be wise to give reasons as to why you consider the property to be worth less, eg. work and costs involved to render the property habitable or to upgrade to the norms.

“Compromis de vente” or Preliminary Sales Agreement:

Once the price has been decided, the property agent or the Notary drafts a “compromis de vente” or a “promesse de vente”. A “compromis de vente” can be made by property agents and notaries and is therefore widely used. The document mentions your personal details, details about the property, the selling price, the agency’s fees and all the conditional terms of the sale, including a 10% (or less upon mutual agreement) deposit of the price. This deposit amount shall be deposited in an escrow account and shall be deducted from the amount due on the day of signing the Title Deed.

The usual conditional clauses would be the following:

The above two are detailed further on.

The following documents are attached:

– technical diagnostics of the property depending on the construction/ renovation date and its geographical situation such as pollution risks, presence of lead, asbestos, termites or wood boring insects, gas or electric installation (more than 15 years old) and energy performance (or the DPE as mentioned earlier).

The “compromis de vente” is therefore a very important document which would be worth translating if you do not understand technical French.

It is worth noting that if the sale is to be held 18 months after signing the “compromis de vente”, the Notary is obliged to handle this procedure and not the property agent. On the contrary, the agreement shall not be valid.

Notary’s and Property Agent’s Fees:

Sign outside Notary’s office

Again, it is good to keep in mind that apart from the property agent’s commission, the legal fees and taxes could considerably increase the purchase price.  Notarial fees are all quite up front but it would be good to check or negotiate your property agent’s fees as they vary from one agency to another.

Please note that you have the right to choose your own Notary, in which case if there are two Notaries handling the sale, that is, one for the buyer and another for the seller, they will work together and share the commission and expenses.

Another type of sign outside a Notary’s office

Withdrawal or cooling off period:

When the parties have signed this agreement, the buyer has a 10 day period to withdraw from the sale as per the French consumer law which came into effect on 8^th August 2015. Should the 10^th day fall on a public holiday, the period shall be extended until the following Monday. To withdraw from the sale, you would need to send a registered letter to the agent or to the Notary, depending on who undertook the “compromis de vente”. Your paid-in deposit shall be reimbursed within a maximum period of 21 days from receiving the notice and no penalities shall be incurred.

Could the buyer still withdraw from the sale after this withdrawal period?

Yes, but on condition that one or more of the conditional clauses mentioned in the “compromis de vente” or preliminary sales agreement have not been met during the stipulated period.

After the Withdrawal Period:

If the buyer does not exercise his right of withdrawal, the sale becomes binding and the Notary would thereafter have the task of checking with the land registry and other Government offices, as well as obtaining all the documents relating to the sale. This normally takes about 2 to 4 months depending on the procedures involved and the conditional clauses mentioned in the “compromis de vente”.

Conditional clauses to the Preliminary Sales Agreement:

Here are a few examples of conditional clauses which protect buyers. If any of these conditions are not met, the Buyer can withdraw from the sale without incurring any indemnities and his deposit will be refunded within 21 days.

Draft Title Deed given to me for translation or for interpreting purposes.

Title Deed:

When all the contractual conditions and documents are obtained, the sale shall be finalised at the Notary’s office where the Title Deed will be signed by both parties.

This used to be the normal procedure until Covid restrictions were enforced. It is now quite common for a Notary to prepare a proxy / power of attorney to buy or to sell (depending on the concerned party). By signing it, you would give him or his clerk the authority to sign on your behalf, as well as to undertake all the required formalities leading to the sale. The power of attorney is generally a summarised version of the title deed.

However, it is highly recommended to obtain a draft copy of the Title Deed so as to be aware of all the terms and conditions. This document is given to the Translator or the Interpreter prior to the signing of the Deed. As this is an important document, I would not recommend using an online translation tool due to the specific legal terms applicable under French law.

It is also true that most Notaries prefer to have a Translator or Interpreter present during the signing of the Title Deed as they need to be certain that all parties have clearly understood the various terms and conditions. It is not unusual for a bilingual estate agent to undertake this task. However, caution is needed here because they are acting on behalf of the seller. Notaries therefore ask their non-French speaking clients (or those not fluent in French) to hire a Translator (in other words, a neutral party) to assist them. Do refer to my article on the subject.

Documents required by the Notary:

Apart from a copy of your passport and a copy of your birth and marriage certificates (they may need to be translated), the Notary also asks the Seller for his latest land tax or “taxe foncière” bill. Property agencies also ask for this document as potential buyers are keen to know how much tax they would be paying for the property. On the day of signing the Title Deed, the Notary asks the buyer to reimburse a portion of this tax to the seller. The Notary calculates the amount based on a pro rata temporis basis, that is, from the date of ownership until the end of December of the current year. It is only the year after that the tax authorities shall send the bill to the new owner.

If the property was renovated less than 10 years ago, the Notary asks the seller to supply him with the planning permission documents, as well as professional builders’ invoices. Professionals in the building trade are obliged to subscribe to a 10 year building policy guaranteeing their workmanship. A recent certificate of conformity for the sewerage system (if not mains drainage) is required. If the system is not in conformity, the buyer is obliged to upgrade the system within a year of purchase. If the property has a fireplace, the seller is obliged to submit a recent chimney sweeping invoice.

The Notary shall send you your Title Deed approximately 6 months later – when all the registration formalities have been completed and the Title Deed signed by the Land Registry.

However, it is to be noted that after signing the Title Deed, the Notary will give the Buyer and the Seller two certificates each confirming the purchase or the sale with details of the property. One certificate comprises of the the selling price, whereas the other does not. This certificate is particularly useful as it would be required by utility and insurance companies for your subscriptions.

Please note that you are required to insure the property on the day or purchase and to open accounts with the utility companies. For the latter, you would need to obtain the meter readings which are normally carried out between the buyer and the seller on the day of signing the Title Deed.

If at any time you lose a copy of your Title Deed, it is good to keep in mind that the Notary is obliged to keep copies of all Deeds for up to 75 years.

Watch out for my forthcoming article on the selling process!

Appeal To The Senses

An appealing and saleable interior can be staged for surprisingly little cost. Bear in mind that your tastes may not suit others. You have to think of depersonalising your house slightly. Remember, people are often buying into a lifestyle as much as a property. Flaunt the attractive side of your lifestyle. I highly recommend that you consider the following factors.

Lighting:

It is well known that lighting plays an important role in the presentation of your property. Use appropriate lighting to highlight and enhance certain features such as a stone wall, beams or fireplaces. Dim certain areas in order to render a cosy ambiance.

Judicious placing of mirrors can give the impression of space and light. Curtains and blinds should be opened to maximise available natural light. Make sure that the windows have blinds or curtains as undressed windows make a place feel unfinished and cold.

Colour schemes:

Use pastel shades and neutral colours for the exterior. Certain French towns which are listed, like the “petite cité de caractère” label in Brittany, have a set of colours that are permitted for external walls, as well as for doors and windows.

For the interior, shades of white, off-white and very light pastels give rooms a light and airy atmosphere. Use bright colours sparingly on soft furnishings to contrast with the walls.

Aromas:

Smell is an important element to look into. It can work for or against you. Air the house as much as you can.

A fresh smell is important, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms. The use of furniture polish or better still, the smell of cake or bread baking in the oven can also improve in staging the right atmosphere. Fresh flowers, pot pourri and fresh coffee smells can also help. Avoid unpleasant smells such as damp, cigarettes, pet and cooking odours. On the other hand, use air fresheners sparingly!

Noise:

It is important for the visitor to enter into a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.

Ensure that the kitchen and mechanical appliances, such as dishwashers, washing machines and spin dryers, are not being used during the visit in order to keep noise to a minimum. Remember that constantly barking dogs are off putting. Make sure that your children are peacefully occupied.

Staging Your Interior

Entrance Hall:

Your entrance hall is the first view of the interior of your property. Make it welcoming to the buyer by having it well lit and tidy.

Living space:

A spacious and uncluttered living room creates an elegant area for entertaining guests.

Ensure that your furniture and rugs are placed in the right areas to maximise space. Highlight features such as fireplaces and beams that add character. Use mirrors where necessary to make your room seem larger and brighter.

In the colder months, a lit fireplace or wood burner makes the room feel inviting. In the spring and summer months it may be appropriate to decorate the fireplace with interesting objects and healthy plants.

Ensure that the carpets are clean and that any cosmetic plaster cracks are repaired. The latter applies to any room in the house. Fresh flowers are always attractive.

Kitchen:

The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the house.

Make sure that the kitchen units are in good condition as they have a direct effect on the value of your property.

It goes without saying that the kitchen too should be spotlessly clean and smelling fresh. Declutter work surfaces by removing any small appliances. You have to create the illusion of space. It may be appropriate to give the kitchen cabinets a facelift by installing new doors, hardware or by simply painting them if in wood.

Do not forget to tidy the contents of your cupboards as some buyers may wish to check the storage space!

Bathrooms:

Bathrooms are important too. Again, declutter personal toiletries to give the impression of space.

Air well prior to the visit and add air freshener. Remove any mould from showers and baths and freshen the silicon joints where necessary. A heated towel rail radiator is an added bonus.

Bedrooms:

Bedrooms are very important. They need to be clean and tidy and not over furnished.

It is imperative for the rooms to smell fresh. Consider coordinating bedspreads, curtains and rugs. Bedside lamps brighten a room and add a cosy ambiance. Think of placing mirrors or mirrored wardrobe doors to make the rooms feel spacious.

Viewing Etiquette

Conclusion

Potential buyers need to be able to visualise themselves living in your house. You are not only selling a home, but also a lifestyle.

I hope that some of the tips presented here will help you prepare your home for the market. Bonne chance!

Should you wish to sell or buy a property in Brittany, France, I would be pleased to assist you during the process. My services include visiting properties you are interested in, putting you in touch with efficient real-estate agencies and Notaries, liaising with them on your behalf, as well as my translation and interpreting services. It always helps to have an experienced professional like me to ensure that progress is being made and to check that the transaction is completed as per your terms and conditions. For more details, please visit this link.

(c) Conseil régional des notaires

Covid has changed the property market. People are now seeking spacious apartments and houses for their main residences and holiday homes. A good broadband connection is also a big criterion.

General Trends

Average Prices of Older Properties in Brittany

(c) Conseil régional des notaires

Cities like Rennes, Nantes or Brest, as well as coastal areas are the most sought after. Prices there have soared over the year. It is not rare to note price hikes over 10 or even 15%:

10 % in La Baule, + 12 % in Roscoff, +13% in Pléneuf-Val-André, +15% in Concarneau and on the Presqu’Ile de Quiberon, +17 % in Crozon, +18 % in Trégastel, Pornic and Saint-Malo.

« The ideal product for numerous buyers is a property that is not too far from Paris and which enables people to work from home for two days during the week. Apartments in the centre of Rennes are in high demand”, according to Mr Damien Rauaud, Notary in Blain, in the Loire-Atlantique departement.

Who are these buyers?

Due to the Covid epidemic and the economic crisis, properties are now considered as security investments. “Parisians scrambling to purchase properties in Brittany is a stereotype”, according to Mr Damien Rauaud. “It is true that their budgets are much higher, but they only represent a third of home owners in Brittany’s coastal regions. Most property purchases are being undertaken by the locals.

According to Les Echos, a French financial newspaper, the number of Parisians buying properties in Brittany has increased by 7% in 2020.

Prices of Older Houses in Breton Cities

Average budgets per type of clients:

(c) Conseil régional des notaires

Buyers in the 30s to 50s age group, essentially executives, are seeking to purchase their main residence or holiday home for the first time. It is a good time for them due to the exceptionally low interest rates.

This is where rural areas and Central Brittany are benefiting from a buoyant property market as can be seen in the chart below.

According to Les Echos, 17% of the buyers are top ranking executives who own properties in Brittany for 11 years and 9 months on the average.

Price Increases for Older Houses in Medium-Sized Towns and Rural Areas:

(c) Conseil régional des notaires

To conclude, the President of the Regional Notarial Council stated that « Brittany remains very attractive price-wise compared to other regions. The property market is very diverse and inspires confidence for the years to come”.

Interested in purchasing a property in Brittany? Properties for sale are getting scarce. Contact me for advice, administrative assistance and translation services during the purchasing process.

Sources: France-3 Bretagne article dated 16/04/21, Airbnb article dated 14/4/21, Tweet by AMRF dated 14/4/21, FranceInfo dated 17/4/21, Les Echos article dated 20/04/21.