INFOrmation Pages Index: 184 resources

Building & Renovation

· Building Construction in France: Responsibility, Regulations & Insurance (The AngloFILE: Building & Renovation)
Building plans, permissions, regulations, responsibility and builders insurance: information on contractual terms for contractors, architects or engineers. What you need to

· Building in France: French Planning, Forms & Permits (The AngloFILE: Building & Renovation)
Information on French building permits and planning forms introduced in October 2007. With explanations on each permit (Certificat d'urbanisme, Permis de construire, Declaration prealable, etc.) when building, renovating or altering property on France.

· Building in France: French Process for Building & Renovations (The AngloFILE: Building & Renovation)
The processes, permits and organisations you need when planning to build, renovate or alter a house in France. With explanations on the Code de l'Urbanisme, Plan Local d'Urbanisme (PLU), Carte Communale, understanding COS and calculating SHON.

· French Building Jargon Guide (The AngloFILE: Building & Renovation)
The words you need to know in French - and their English equivalents when engaged in building or renovating a property in France.

· Installing and Using Gas Heating and Appliances in France (The AngloFILE: Building & Renovation)
Information on the process of installing gas water heaters, cookers, home heating and other bottle gas appliances in France. Find out about gas piping, ventilation, the fitters' qualifications, Certificates of Conformity and other French gas regulations

· Plumbing & Domestic Water Supply in France (The AngloFILE: Building & Renovation)
An introduction to the plumbing and water supply systems in France. What you need to know about the high calcium content of the water, the water pressure, copper and PVC pipes and joints and common plumbing problems in France.

· Septic Tanks & Wastewater in France (The AngloFILE: Building & Renovation)
Information on the regulations, workings, installation and maintenance of a wastewater system - the fosse septiques - in France.

· The French Domestic Electrical System (The AngloFILE: Electricians & Plumbers)
The basics on French house wiring and how it compares to home electrics in the United Kingdom.

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Business Services

· Auto-Entrepreneur (The AngloFILE: Business Services)
Information on how to set up as a sole trader or start a small business in France re-selling goods or materials, or offering services. With an explanation on the taxes due, invoicing and book-keeping obligations.

· Business News (The AngloFILE: Business Services)
The very latest European and World business news, available online from the AngloINFO Newsroom - updated every 15 minutes.

· Contracting in France - Working Through a Portage Salarial (The AngloFILE: Business Services)
Contract workers resident in France must be correctly registered to receive payments. Portage Salarial organisations act as "agents" and provide a service through which a worker can legally invoice clients and receive social security

· French Job Contracts (The AngloFILE: Business Services)
Information on the various types of job contract used for a person at work in France. Details for employers and employees on the fixed term contract (CDD), long-term contract (CDI), part-time and temporary job contracts and the new CNE.

· Online Translation (The AngloFILE: Translators & Interpreters)
Use the power of the Internet to get from French to English, and back again. Translate words, phrases, sentences - even entire Web pages!

· Starting a Business in France (The AngloFILE: Business Services)
Information on how to set up a French business: details on the self-employed sole trader (EI), limited liability single operator (EURL) and the SARL (company). Plus: documents needed to register at the CFE, and tax regimes BIC, BNC and Micro-entreprise.

· Unemployment in France (The AngloFILE: Business Services)
Unemployed? Retrenched? Information on Assedic and ANPE, the French national organisations dealing with issues relating to unempolyment benefits and job seekers.

· Working in France (The AngloFILE: Business Services)
All you need to know about working in France - you and the Law. Information direct from the EU.

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Cars, Bikes & Driving

· Buying & Selling a Car in France: Carte Grise Vehicle Registration (The AngloFILE: Cars, Bikes & Driving)
Buying or selling a used car? The details on the vehicle registration documents and other paperwork needed when buying, selling or scrapping a car, moving house or needing to replace a lost or stolen Carte Grise.

· Car Accidents in France (The AngloFILE: Cars, Bikes & Driving)
Information on what to do when you have a road traffic accident on French roads: who to call and how to fill in the accident report document - the constat amiable d'accident given you by your insurer, after a car crash.

· Cars & Driving Discussion Forum (The AngloFILE: Cars, Bikes & Driving)
Getting around Poitou-Charentes on two wheels or four: talk about motoring, motorbikes, classic cars and local rallies. Ask questions and get opinions on all automobile subjects on The AngloINFO Forum.

· Cars for Sale / Wanted Discussion Forum (The AngloFILE: Cars, Bikes & Driving)
Moving? Moving up? Sell your used car or motorbike on the AngloINFO Forum. Needing wheels? A dream auto experience? Buy the car, or bike you need on the AngloINFO Forums.

· Controle Technique (The AngloFILE: Cars, Bikes & Driving)
The compulsory roadworthiness test for your car or other motor vehicle in France: why, when, where and how to get it done.

· Driving in France (The AngloFILE: Cars, Bikes & Driving)
Motoring notes on the driving laws and you. An introduction to what you must (and must not) do when driving in France: licences, speeding, driving and alcohol.

· EU Information: Driving in France (The AngloFILE: Cars, Bikes & Driving)
The definitive word on licences, insurance and more. Information coming straight from the EU, with all the authority you could want.

· Exchanging a Foreign Driving Licence in France (The AngloFILE: Cars, Bikes & Driving)
Information on how to exchange your foreign driver's licence for a French licence. Information applies to European Union citizens (UK, EU etc) as well as people with American, Australian, Canadian or South African driving licences.

· French Driving Licences (The AngloFILE: Cars, Bikes & Driving)
The information you need on how to apply for a French driving licence, learn the Code de la Route, the role of the driving instructor, applying for a learner's licence and taking the oral examination and driving test to get a driving licence in France.

· Glossary of Car Mechanical & Breakdown Terms (The AngloFILE: Cars, Bikes & Driving)
Comprehensive list of French terms and phrases useful if the car has broken down, has a flat tyre or if the keys are locked inside. Also a list of mechanical terminology and car parts in English and French for dealing with auto repairs and mechanics.

· Importing a Caravan, Camping Car or Trailer in France (The AngloFILE: Cars, Bikes & Driving)
Information on how to register a foreign caravan, trailer or camper van in France: getting the vehicle to conform to French requirements, where to go to and how to arrange for the vehicle to be check and what paperwork to take to get the registration.

· Motorsport news (The AngloFILE: Cars, Bikes & Driving)
Formula 1, CART, rallies and more - all the latest motorsport news from around the world, from the AngloINFO Newsroom - updated every 15 minutes.

· Registering a Foreign Vehicle in France (The AngloFILE: Cars, Bikes & Driving)
The information you need if importing a new or used car or motorcycle to France. Where to get the certificate of conformity (proof of homologation), where to take the vehicle (the DRIRE) and how to get a UK or mainland EU or US car onto French plates.

· The Green Card (The AngloFILE: Cars, Bikes & Driving)
Also known as the International Motor Insurance Certificate, this is an internationally recognised document (in countries in which the Green Card is valid) and acts as recognisable proof of third party car insurance in case of road accident while abroad

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Community Life: Poitou-Charentes

· Alcoholics Anonymous (The AngloFILE: Support Groups)
AA meetings for the twelve-steps - in French or English - in Poitou-Charentes for those needing help to overcome a drinking problem.

· Bringing up Toddlers and Children in France (The AngloFILE: Family Life: Parents & Children)
Information for parents with young children moving to or living in France: infant and child health matters (the carnet de sante), private and state facilities for out of school activities, child benefits and financial aid, and school traditions.

· Consular Services for Foreign Residents in France (The AngloFILE: Consulates & Embassies)
UK and US consulates provide services for citizens in need, including replacement of lost or stolen passports and help and advice in difficult situations.

· Creating an Association Loi 1901 in France (The AngloFILE: Community Life: Poitou-Charentes)
Information on how to form a non-profit association in France. This simple, legal organisation is appropriate for sports clubs, national groups, community and social organisations.

· Daylight Savings Time (The AngloFILE: Practical Information)
The clocks change twice a year moving from winter (standard) time to summer time and back. Find out when, and how Poitou-Charentes' time relates to the rest of the world.

· Death & Dying in France (The AngloFILE: Community Life: Poitou-Charentes)
Information on what to do if someone dies in France and how and where to report the death. Also how to arrange a burial in a French cemetery; a cremation, and where you may scatter ashes. Plus how to repatriate the body of the deceased to their home.

· English-Language Media (The AngloFILE: News & Weather)
A world of information, both local and global - in English. The international English-language print and broadcast media that is available to you if you live in Poitou-Charentes.

· Factsheets on France (The AngloFILE: Community Life: Poitou-Charentes)
All you need to know about You, the Law - and Living, Working, Driving, Travelling, Shopping and Learning in France. Information directly from the EU.

· French Administration - National (The AngloFILE: Practical Information)
Contact information for the Prefectures and Sous-Prefectures in the Poitou-Charentes region of West France. The place to go for residency papers (titre de sejour), vehicle registration papers (carte grise), driving licences and more in France.

· Gay & Lesbian (The AngloFILE: Community Life: Poitou-Charentes)
Poitou-Charentes links for gay men and women.

· Getting Married in France (The AngloFILE: Community Life: Poitou-Charentes)
The French marriage process can seem complicated and confusing to foreigners. Here, we explain all you need to know about having your wedding in France.

· Helplines (The AngloFILE: Support Groups)
Child abuse, drug problems, HIV/AIDS, Red Cross, info for the homeless - your contacts in France.

· Living in France (The AngloFILE: Community Life: Poitou-Charentes)
The low-down on Right of Residence, Rights and Obligations of Residents and Tax in France.

· Living with Teenagers in France (The AngloFILE: Family Life: Parents & Children)
Information the facilities available for out-of-school activities for young people and teens in France. This includes details on holiday jobs, volunteer work and exchange programmes, drugs, alcohol, scooters and driving, and teenage pregnancy.

· Lost/Stolen Bank/Credit Cards, Cheques & Mobile Telephones (The AngloFILE: Practical Information)
Personal effects lost or stolen? Here are notes on who to call and what to do.

· PACS: the Pacte Civil de Solidarite (The AngloFILE: Community Life: Poitou-Charentes)
Everything you need to know about a legal alternative to marriage in France, PACS, which affords couples many of the legal rights of a traditionally married couple. It is also recognsied for same-sex couples. Also called: to pacser.

· Parents and Children in France (The AngloFILE: Family Life: Parents & Children)
From birth to young adulthood: a guide to activities and facilities available to families in France.

· Post in France: Codes, Addresses and Mailing a Letter (The AngloFILE: Practical Information)
Posting a letter in France? Use the French postal/zip code finder; find out how to address a letter and the tariffs available when posting a letter or parcel. Find out about sending a letter "recommandee AR", mail forwarding and mail holding.

· Public Holidays France (The AngloFILE: Practical Information)
A calendar of the national vacation days when businesses, schools and banks close and people get the day off in France. With links to holidays in the UK and US.

· The AngloINFO Newsroom (The AngloFILE: News & Weather)
The latest French, European and World news. Also Technology, Business, Sport and Entertainment news

· The AVF (The AngloFILE: Support Groups)
The AVF - Accueil des Villes Francaise - is a French organisation established to help newcomers to an area find the information and social integration they may need.

· Utilities - Service Numbers (The AngloFILE: Practical Information)
Problems with your telephone, water, electricity or gas? Find the contact number for EDF, GDF, France Telecom or your water company in Poitou-Charentesdepartements of Western France(79) (86) (16)and (17).

· Voting in France (The AngloFILE: Community Life: Poitou-Charentes)
If you're an EU citizen you can vote in some French elections. This page tells you how.

· Voting in the Australian Federal Elections (The AngloFILE: Consulates & Embassies)
The absentee ballot: How to register and make your vote from overseas in the Australian Federal Election.

· Voting in the UK General Elections (The AngloFILE: Consulates & Embassies)
Everything the expatriate UK citizen needs to know about voting in the General Elections - the key facts and contact details are all here...

· Voting in the US Presidential Elections (The AngloFILE: Consulates & Embassies)
The absentee ballot: How to register and make your vote from overseas in the US Presidential election.

· Weather (The AngloFILE: News & Weather)
The current local weather conditions, extended local forecasts, and additional weather information for the departements of Charente, Charente-Maritime, Deux-Sevres and Vienne.

· What's On - Across Poitou-Charentes (The AngloFILE: Community Life: Poitou-Charentes)
AngloINFO Poitou-Charentes's comprehensive English-language guide to What's On throughout the region, with events, music, sport and more…

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Computers & Telecoms

· AngloINFO Anywhere (The AngloFILE: AngloINFO)
Specially designed for iPhones, SmartPhones and PDAs, you can have key elements of AngloINFO literally in the palm of your hand. Wherever you are, you can find the local INFOrmation you need most.

· AngloINFO Classifieds & Discussions (The AngloFILE: AngloINFO)
The place for you to buy and sell, find employment or a new car, ask and answer questions, and exchange useful, local information with other members of AngloINFO.

· AngloINFO Postcards (The AngloFILE: AngloINFO)
Send digital AngloINFO Postcards for free! These Web-based Poitou-Charentes greetings cards are ideal for all occasions - and you can send them to anyone with an e-mail address.

· AngloINFO Update (The AngloFILE: AngloINFO)
AngloINFO's weekly e-Mailed newsletter - sign up now!

· Classified Advertisements (The AngloFILE: AngloINFO)
Do you have something to buy or sell? Are you offering or looking for property and real estate? Or seeking staff, or a job? AngloINFO's Classified Advertisements offer you two great options.

· France Telecom: Key Information (The AngloFILE: Internet, Telephone, VOIP & WiFi)
France Telecom the country's telecoms network for land lines, mobile/cellular phones and internet. Handy telephone numbers for installation, complaints, directory enquiries and more.

· Getting Online in France (The AngloFILE: Computers & Telecoms)
Information on the many companies offering Internet access in France with details on the services available and contact information for the service provider.

· INFOrmation Index (The AngloFILE: AngloINFO)
The alphabetical list of AngloINFO's INFOrmation pages - the essential facts about life in the Poitou-Charentes.

· Linking to AngloINFO (The AngloFILE: AngloINFO)
How to get us on to your site - for free. Linking code, logos, and even a search box you can build into your website or blog.

· Technology News (The AngloFILE: Computers & Telecoms)
The latest Internet and Information Technology news stories, available from AngloINFO's Newsroom - updated every 15 minutes.

· Telephone Directories (The AngloFILE: Internet, Telephone, VOIP & WiFi)
Online phone books for France, the UK, the USA, Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, the Scandinavian countries and others of relevance to AngloINFO's users.

· The AngloFILE Business Directory (The AngloFILE: AngloINFO)
The AngloFILE is AngloINFO's comprehensive directory of businesses and services available, in English, throughout the French Riviera and Monaco. Whatever you're looking for, you should find it here - in English!

· What's New on AngloINFO (The AngloFILE: AngloINFO)
What's new on AngloINFO - where we list the recent additions to the site.

· WiFi Internet Access in Poitou-Charentes (The AngloFILE: Computers & Telecoms)
How to find a public-access wireless Internet (802.11) hotspot in the Poitou-Charentes, elsewhere in France or throughout the world.

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Education & Training

· Education & Training in France (The AngloFILE: Education & Training)
The facts about schooling, studying and research in France - essential information direct from the EU headquarters.

· School Holidays in Poitou-Charentes (The AngloFILE: Education & Training)
The school calendar for Western France: when schools of Poitou-Charentes close for vacations and the children are on holiday. The calendar includes the dates of summer holidays, half-term, the spring break and the Christmas break.

· Schooling in France (The AngloFILE: Education & Training)
The basics of the education system in France for children in the school system in Poitou-Charentes. Information includes all the stages from creche (maternelle) to pre-primary, primary and secondary education and international schooling.

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Entertainment & Arts

· English-Language Cinema (The AngloFILE: Movies, Cinemas & Films)
What's on at the movies today, and in the near future: in English! Cinemas across Poitou-Charentes, with full listings

· Entertainment News (The AngloFILE: Entertainment & Arts)
The latest entertainment news from around the world, available online from AngloINFO.

· Literature (The AngloFILE: Entertainment & Arts)
The top titles set in France, from the AngloINFO Bookshop - order online!

· PAL, SECAM & NTSC (The AngloFILE: Satellite & Cable TV Installers)
Getting to grips with TV standards in France and elsewhere.

· Satellite TV Highlights (The AngloFILE: Movies, Cinemas & Films)
Make the most of your French satellite television system from Canal Satellite or TPS with our guide to VO TV.

· What's On: Classical Music (The AngloFILE: Musicians & Entertainers)
Forthcoming classical music events in the Poitou-Charentes, from AngloINFO's What's On guide.

· What's On: Exhibitions & Art (The AngloFILE: Galleries, Art Exhibitions & Sales)
Forthcoming Art events and exhibitions in the Poitou-Charentes, from AngloINFO's What's On guide.

· What's On: Jazz (The AngloFILE: Musicians & Entertainers)
Forthcoming Jazz events in Poitou-Charentes, from AngloINFO's What's On guide.

· What's On: Rock & Pop (The AngloFILE: Musicians & Entertainers)
Forthcoming rock and pop music events in Poitou-Charentes, from AngloINFO's What's On guide.

· What's On: World Music (The AngloFILE: Musicians & Entertainers)
Forthcoming world music events in Poitou-Charentes, from AngloINFO's What's On guide.

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Financial & Legal

· Banking, Cheques & the Carte Bleue in France (The AngloFILE: Banks & Banking)
Information on opening a French bank account (what documents to provide), the debit card and setting up debit orders. Information includes a sample of how to write a French check and an explanation of the RIB and TIP. Also: banking jargon guide.

· Carte de Sejour, French Residency Permit (The AngloFILE: Financial & Legal)
If you stay in France for over three months and you are not an EU citizen - if you are American, Canadian, Australian, South African or from elsewhere outside the EU - you will you need a titre de sejour residency permit. Here's how.

· Divorce in France (The AngloFILE: Financial & Legal)
Information on the stages of the process involved in a married couple separating an ending a marriage in France and the types of non-contested French divorce available. With details on the possible financial consequences of each type.

· Employing Casual Labour in France (The AngloFILE: Accountants & Auditors)
The Cheque Emploi Service Universel (CESU) method of paying for domestic workers. How to register and use it (both employers and employees). Also information on Cheque Emploi Tres Petites Entreprises (CETPE) staff payment system for small business owners

· Equal Opportunities (The AngloFILE: Financial & Legal)
What EU law says must happen to protect human rights in the area of equal opportunities for all. Even in France.

· Exchange Rates (The AngloFILE: Financial & Legal)
Real-time currency conversion between the world's currencies - here at AngloINFO.

· Financial & Legal Discussion Forum (The AngloFILE: Financial & Legal)
This is the place to ask questions and share information on banking, tax, mortgages, insurance and other matters relating to law and money.

· Foreign Exchange & Property Purchase in France (The AngloFILE: Foreign Exchange & Currency Transfers)
Information on how best to make your money work for you when buying overseas property in a foreign currency: how market fluctuations can affect the price you pay, and how to protect your finances during the currency transfer.

· Foreign Exchange Options (The AngloFILE: Financial & Legal)
A guide to how the money markets works with information on various currency transfer options available if you need to exchange US Dollars, Pound Sterling, or any other currency to Euros - whether in a single transfer or on a regular basis.

· French Income Tax: Being Tax Resident in France (The AngloFILE: Financial & Legal)
Information on becoming a taxpayer in France, when and how submit your return and details on the tax bands applied to your income. Also find out how other incomes may be taxed (pensions, rental income, interest, dividends), social charges and benefits.

· French Tax Payment Deadlines (The AngloFILE: Financial & Legal)
Brief explanation of French taxes, with information on the payment dates of: income tax (impot sur le revenue), occupiers tax (taxe d'habitation), audiovisual tax (redevance audiovisuelle ) and land tax (taxe fonciere).

· French Taxes: Wealth, Inheritance, Gift and Property Tax (The AngloFILE: Financial & Legal)
Information on general taxation in France: wealth tax, inheritance/succession taxes, gift tax, and property tax payments due by residents of France and non-residents with assets in France. Includes tables of tax rates, deductions and allowances.

· Glossary of Foreign Exchange Terminology (The AngloFILE: Financial & Legal)
Jargon guide to the various terms used in currency conversion market; the meaning of terms such as: Stop loss order, Rollover, Floating exchange rate. If you don't understand your bank or broker, perhaps the answer is here.

· Inheritance Law in France (The AngloFILE: Lawyers, Law Firms & Legal Advice)
Information on the system of heirship for residents and those with fixed assets in France. The rules of reserved and unreserved allocations and how to make it work for you. Information includes details on legal changes introduced January 2007.

· Insurance & Insuring a Vehicle in France (The AngloFILE: French Insurance: Car, Home, Life)
General information on taking out and cancelling a French insurance policy, with comprehensive details on insuring a vehicle (options from third party to all risks) and making a claim. Page includes a glossary of terminology used by insurance agents.

· Making regular international money transfers to France (The AngloFILE: Foreign Exchange & Currency Transfers)
An introduction to the options available to you if you need to make regular payments in Euros, in France, from an account in a different currency (such as Dollars, Pounds Sterling, Rand, Yen and so on) elsewhere in the world.

· Pensions for Britons Retiring in France (The AngloFILE: Financial & Legal)
Information for British citizens resident in France on how to manage and make the most of the various pensions schemes that may be available. With information on private pensions, using a UK pension fund, a QROPS and transferring a pension abroad.

· Succession and Inheritance Tax in France (The AngloFILE: Financial & Legal)
A person resident in France or owning property in France could be affected by French succession and inheritance taxes. Whether you are an heir of assets or whether you are planning your estate, you should understand French tax rules. Find out more here.

· Wills in France (The AngloFILE: Lawyers, Law Firms & Legal Advice)
The key information you need regarding inheritance law and will-making in France.

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Food & Drink

· Beers of Poitou-Charentes (The AngloFILE: Food & Drink)
The produce and producers of the microbreweries of Poitou-Charentes.

· Food & Drink (The AngloFILE: Food & Drink)
Books on the best of French food and wine from the AngloINFO Bookshop.

· Mushroom Picking in France (The AngloFILE: Food & Drink)
France's fields and forests have a wide variety of edible mushrooms. But before heading out to pick them it is essential to know if permission is required. Find out where to go and how to find out if a mushroom is edible.

· Oysters of the Charente-Maritime (The AngloFILE: Food & Drink)
The special production process of the distinctive flavoured Marennes-Oléron oysters of the Atlantic west coast of France.

· The Production of Cognac (The AngloFILE: Food & Drink)
An introduction to the growing, distilling and aging process of the French Brandy - Cognac - which is produced in the Charente, Charente-Maritimes and Deux-Sevres departements. Includes links to further information.

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Health, Fitness & Beauty

· E112 Form: Obtaining Medical Treatment in Other EU Countries (The AngloFILE: Health, Fitness & Beauty)
Information on the E112 form for EU residents seeking medical treatment in another EU country. Where to obtain the form, when it's required, how it's different from a European Health Insurance Card and what kind of care is covered.

· Emergency Telephone Numbers (The AngloFILE: Health, Fitness & Beauty)
Emergency services: the numbers to call for Fire, Police and Ambulance. Also sea rescue, drug help, poisons and emergency doctors and hospitals.

· English-speaking Doctors (The AngloFILE: Pharmacies, Medical Supplies & Services)
Where or how to find a physician: general practitioner, paediatrician, gynaecologist, dentist or orthodontist in Poitou-Charentes who speaks your language.

· European Health Insurance Card (The AngloFILE: Health, Fitness & Beauty)
Launched June 2004, the "Health Card" is for EU residents to use to access medical resourses when travelling outside of their EU country of residence.

· Flu Pandemics (Swine flu A/H1N1, Avian flu H5N1 bird flu) in France (The AngloFILE: Health, Fitness & Beauty)
Information on the health and risk situation in France with links to government sources of information (in French), the Info Grippe hotline and further English-language links.

· French Health Insurance (The AngloFILE: Health, Fitness & Beauty)
Information on the French medical insurance system, the CMU and top-up insurance (or mutuel) and the purpose of a carte vitale: how, where and why to register in the system

· French Medical Terminology Glossary (The AngloFILE: Health, Fitness & Beauty)
Comprehensive list of English terms for everything from parts of the body to common sicknesses, aches and ailments - and their French equivalents. Also a dictionery of terminology for a visit to the dentist.

· French Social Security Organisations (The AngloFILE: Health, Fitness & Beauty)
A simple guide the various Social Security organisations in France - their responsibilities and what they do for you in sickness, unemployment, maternity and pregnancy, retirement and other times of financial need.

· Heat Wave & Water Restrictions in France (The AngloFILE: Health, Fitness & Beauty)
Information and links to daily French government information on the heat warnings and water restrictions for the summer season.

· Medecin Traitant or Attending Medical Practitioner (The AngloFILE: Health, Fitness & Beauty)
The role of the referring doctor in France: how to select and nominate a general practitioner or other specialist to be your family doctor.

· Notes for the Disabled (The AngloFILE: Health, Fitness & Beauty)
Resources - mostly in French - for disabled: wheelchair bound, physically disabled, hearing or sight-impaired members of the community. Information on government aid and social security organisations, non-profit organisations and parking facilities.

· Pregnancy & Birth: Having a Baby in France (The AngloFILE: Health, Fitness & Beauty)
The administrative details you need to know if you are giving birth in France. Who to contact and what to expect from the French system throughout the pregnancy and the post-natal period: maternity leave, midwives, vaccinations and the Livret de Famille.

· Psychiatrists, Psychologists & Psychotherapists in France (The AngloFILE: Health, Fitness & Beauty)
Explanation on the qualifications and training disciplines you can expect from psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists and psychoanalysts practising in France.

· Qualifying for French Disability Benefits (The AngloFILE: Health, Fitness & Beauty)
Find out who qualifies for disability benefits in France, called Allocation aux adultes handicapes (AAH), and how a legal French resident can apply for assessment and financial aid from CAF (Caisse d'Allocations Familiales).

· Smokers & Smoking in France (The AngloFILE: Health, Fitness & Beauty)
Information on the laws of February 2007 and January 2008 concerning the banning of smoking in public places in France: schools, public transport, hospitals, administrative buildings, office buildings and youth recreation areas. Find out more.

· Social Security in France: Terminology (The AngloFILE: Health, Fitness & Beauty)
This page provides a very useful alphabetical guide explaining terminology used in the French Social Security health insurance system. Find out what is meant by Forfait journalier, Frais de soins or Mutuelle.

· Termination of Pregnancy/Abortion in France (The AngloFILE: Health, Fitness & Beauty)
Information on IVG and legal, safe abortion in France. Find out when and where it may be performed, who qualifies for this procedure and how to arrange it. With details of the French family planning organisation, hospitals and health centres for IVG.

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Home & Garden

· Essential Animal Information for Pet Owners (The AngloFILE: Dogs, Cats, Pets & Livestock)
Details relevant to a pet dog or cat owner in France. With information on buying and selling a pet, what to do when an animal is lost or found, the law on dangerous dogs, refuges and shelters, what to do when you find an abused animal and more.

· Home & Garden (The AngloFILE: Garden Services & Landscape Design)
A selection of relevant titles for indoors and out - from the AngloINFO Bookshop. You can even order online!

· Home & Garden Discussion Forum (The AngloFILE: Home & Garden)
This is the place to ask questions and share information on anything to do with your house, renovations, building projects, swimming pools, furniture and interior design ideas.

· Leaving France & Moving On (The AngloFILE: Home & Garden)
Information on what to do when moving from France; including notifying schools and residency officials, closing bank accounts, ending contracts for utilities and insurance, exporting cars and moving pets.

· Lost Pet in France: What To Do (The AngloFILE: Dogs, Cats, Pets & Livestock)
Lost or found a dog or cat in the Poitou-Charentes area? Here is information on who to call and what to do. Found a dog or cat?

· Pet Threats & Animal Dangers (The AngloFILE: Dogs, Cats, Pets & Livestock)
Insects, snakes and other things that may threaten the health and safety of dogs living in or on holiday in France, with information on what to do about the dangers of processionary caterpillars and leishmaniasis.

· Pet Travel and Moving with Animals to France (The AngloFILE: Dogs, Cats, Pets & Livestock)
Information on the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS), the European Pet Passport and travelling with your pet to or from Spain. Information includes moving pets to or from the UK and Ireland, the USA and Canada and other EU and non-EU countries.

· Sheep & Goat Identification in France (The AngloFILE: Dogs, Cats, Pets & Livestock)
Owners of sheep and goats (even if they have just one) are responsible for the identification of the animal and will be fined if their animal is not properly registered and identified. Here you will find information on registering your animals.

· Swimming Pool Law (The AngloFILE: Swimming Pool Installation)
Information for swimming pool owners on the legal obligations and new regulations for pool security systems to help prevent drowning accidents.

· The Poitou Donkey or le Baudet de Poitou (The AngloFILE: Dogs, Cats, Pets & Livestock)
The history of Poitou-Charentes' famous long, shaggy-haired donkeys and the hard working mule, the "Ane".

· Water Restrictions (The AngloFILE: Home & Garden)
Information on steps taken in the region when rainfall has been poor and water restrictions are imposed (sometimes called the "hosepipe ban").

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Property & Real Estate

· Buying a House or Property in France (The AngloFILE: Property & Real Estate)
If you are looking to buy property in Western France whether as your main residence, a second home or as an investment property, AngloINFO has a great deal of information available to help you.

· Diagnostic Survey Reports when Selling Property in France (The AngloFILE: Property & Real Estate)
Detailed information on the obligatory and recommended survey reports needed before you can sell a house or property in France: Energy Performance (DPE), asbestos, lead, gas, termites, foul water drainage; and the Diagnostic Immobilier who can help.

· French Capital Gains Tax on Property, Shares & Goods (The AngloFILE: Property & Real Estate)
Information on capital gains tax in France, on how it is applied to properties, shares and movable goods belonging to foreign residents and non-residents. Find out what it is, the method of calculation, the exemptions and the process for payment.

· French Leasebacks: Buying Off-Plan (The AngloFILE: Property & Real Estate)
Information on the property investment opportunity presented by buying apartments in development complexes in France, with explanations on what a leaseback is, the benefits and disadvantages to a buyer, methods of financing and how to exit from the plan.

· French Property Capital Gains Tax FAQ (The AngloFILE: Property & Real Estate)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and the answers on the the new rules for captail gains tax introduced in January 2004 and the effect they could have on your purchase of property in France.

· French Property Taxes (The AngloFILE: Property & Real Estate)
An explanation of the annual property taxes charged to a home owner and a tenant in France: the occupier's tax (taxe d'habitation) and the owner's tax (taxe fonciere bati and non-bati). Find out when payment is due and where and how to pay.

· Mortgages in France: The Cost and Procedure (The AngloFILE: Property & Real Estate)
A step-by-step guide to the practical process involved in getting a mortgage to cover the purchase of a property in France and the types of mortgage funding that may be available depending on your circumstances.

· Moving House in France (The AngloFILE: Property & Real Estate)
Moving house is complicated: changing address, notifying EDF, GDF, the water and telephone companies, your satellite provider, tax office, bank. This list of essential "to-do" items should simplify your Poitou-Charentes move as much as possible.

· Property Purchase Transaction, Buying a House in France (The AngloFILE: Property & Real Estate)
French real estate is a complex area, so before you get in contact with local realtors or real estate agents who have property for sale in Poitou-Charentes you may find it helpful to get to grips with what's involved in purchasing property in France.

· Real Estate Jargon (The AngloFILE: Property & Real Estate)
When reading the property classifieds looking for a house or apartment to buy or to rent, some terms may be unfamiliar - here are translations of the key French real estate words and phrases, in English.

· Renting a House or Apartment in France (The AngloFILE: Property & Real Estate)
Information on finding a house or apartment to let. Details on the lease agreement (bail a loyer), deposit requirements and the condition report, insurance, the landlord and tenant's obligations and terminating a lease agreement, and the annual taxes.

· SCI and Property Purchase (The AngloFILE: Property & Real Estate)
Explanation on the benefits and purpose of an SCI or Société Civile Immobilière when buying property in France

· Selling Property in France (The AngloFILE: Property & Real Estate)
A general overview of the process and points to bear in mind when selling a house, apartment or land in France.

· Syndics and Co-Propriétaires (The AngloFILE: Property & Real Estate)
Explanation on the rights and responsiblities of the owner of an apartment; the Co-Propriétaire; the Syndic and the Conseil Syndical.

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Shopping & Style

· Bring & Buy (Or Sell...) (The AngloFILE: Shopping & Style)
FREE classified ads for the Poitou-Charentes - got something spare or something you want? Tell everyone here, in the AngloINFO discussion forums.

· Buying Goods & Services (The AngloFILE: Shopping & Style)
You, the EU, France - and the Law. This is the essential information, brought to you straight from EU headquarters by AngloINFO.

· Conversion Tables (The AngloFILE: Shopping & Style)
Imperial/American to Metric (Fahrenheit to Celsius/centigrade) conversions for length and area, air, body and oven temperatures, and US to UK to Euro clothing conversion tables.

· Furniture, Hardware & Appliance Shopping (The AngloFILE: Shopping & Style)
French chain stores that supply the basic furniture, home furnishings (curtains, carpets, cushions) white goods and electrical appliances (fridges, stoves, kettles, washing machines and tumble dryers, dishwashers, TVs and computers) and DIY for your home

· Markets in the Poitou-Charentes (The AngloFILE: Shopping & Style)
When the countryside comes to you. Find out when and where you can enjoy the pleasures of browsing through an outdoor market in the Poitou-Charentes for local produce, fresh fruit and vegetables and organic food from the bio-food producers.

· Toys & Games: e-Shopping (The AngloFILE: Toys, Games & Hobbies)
Where to buy English-language fun, online. An essential guide to e-shopping for your kids.

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Sport & Leisure

· Beach Safety (The AngloFILE: Water Sports)
Stay safe (and clean) on the beach - what those coloured flags mean.

· Boat Permits (The AngloFILE: Sailing & Boats)
Driving in the wet? You may need a new licence for your ship, jet-ski or yacht.

· Boating on Canals and Navigable Waterways of France (The AngloFILE: Sport & Leisure)
What you need to know for owning a barge or for a holiday or trip on French canals, rivers and waterways. How to operate locks, what times can you sail and types of boat licences and permits that may be required.

· Golf in France (The AngloFILE: Sport & Leisure)
Information for the golfer on golfing in France: the clubs, facilities and golf organisations. With information on the French licence, transferring a handicap and the Carte Verte.

· Hunting & Licences to Hunt in France (The AngloFILE: Sport & Leisure)
Gun hunting is tightly controlled in France in terms of the species that may be hunted and the people who may hunt. A person must undergo exams and evaluations in order to get a permit. Here is information on shooting seasons and how to get a licence.

· Petanque (The AngloFILE: Sport & Leisure)
Petanque: the great game of boules - pointers to all the information you could want about the South of France's favourite sport.

· Ports & Harbours (The AngloFILE: Sailing & Boats)
The facts you need to know about all the ports and harbours along the Poitou-Charentes coastline. Berths, visitor facilities and contact details included.

· Sport & Leisure Discussion Forum (The AngloFILE: Sport & Leisure)
The place to talk about the world of sports, games, exercise and leisure activities.

· Sports News (The AngloFILE: Sport & Leisure)
The latest sports news from around the world, courtesy of The AngloINFO Newsroom - from cricket and (various kinds of) football to motor racing and athletics.

· The Great Outdoors (The AngloFILE: Sport & Leisure)
Information on hiking, biking, canoeing and horse riding in the hills and valleys of western France. With contact details of regional sport and activity associations.

· Tour de France (The AngloFILE: Sport & Leisure)
This international cycle race takes place each year in France, over three weeks in July. Find out more about the race and its history, how the teams work and the meaning of the various jerseys (yellow, white, polka dot) and the route map for this year.

· Water Sports in Poitou-Charentes (The AngloFILE: Water Sports)
Who to contact and where to find out more information on sailing, diving, motor boating or windsurfing off the Poitou-Charentes coastline.

· What's On: Yachting (The AngloFILE: Sailing & Boats)
Forthcoming yachting events in Poitou-Charentes, from AngloINFO's What's On guide.

· Yachting News (The AngloFILE: Sailing & Boats)
The latest happenings in the world of yachting, from AngloINFO's Newsroom.

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Travel & Tourism

· Airport Hand Baggage Security Rules (The AngloFILE: Airlines, Scheduled Flights & Charter)
Since 2006 airport security rules have been tightened with regard to passengers' handbaggage and items (liquids and electronic equipment) that may be taken onboard. See this page for the current restrictions on flights in the EU, UK, US, and more.

· Animals & Wildlife of Poitou-Charentes (The AngloFILE: Days Out: Trips & Tours)
The Poitou-Charentes have a vast number of nature parks and wildlife sanctuaries where you can see and learn about animals: birds, reptiles, monkeys and sheep and even the "big five". Here is an introduction to these places.

· Bus Services in Poitou-Charentes (The AngloFILE: Public Transport: Trains & Buses)
Details and contact information on the regional and city bus, tram and metro transport systems in Poitou-Charentes.

· France - Facts & Figures (The AngloFILE: Travel & Tourism)
The core information on the people and their history, geography, politics, military, economy and statistics everyone needs to know about France, supplied by the CIA.

· French Tourist Offices Overseas (The AngloFILE: Tourist Offices & Information)
Tourist offices telling people in other countries about France.

· Holiday Accommodation Options (The AngloFILE: Hotels & Holiday Accommodation)
Taking a holiday in Western France? Going on vacation to Poitou-Charentes? Information on finding the right place to stay: self-catering accommodation, bed and breakfast, rural gite or cottage or budget hotel or backpacker accommodation, find out more.

· Islands of Charente-Maritimes (The AngloFILE: Travel & Tourism)
Information on access to - and activities on - the four islands which lie off the coast of Charente-Maritimes: the Ile de Re, Ile d'Oleron, Ile d'Aix and Ile Madame.

· Local Tourism Notes (The AngloFILE: Tourist Offices & Information)
Information and links to local tourism and vacation websites and tourist organisations to help you plan your holiday in the Poitou-Charentes region of western France.

· Owning & Running Holiday Accommodation (The AngloFILE: Cottages & Gites to Rent)
Information on the legal obligations of gite and chambre d'hote owners in France. If you run self-catering accommodation or provide Bed & Breakfast hospitality there are certain obligations to fulfill.

· Poitou-Charentes Airport Contacts (The AngloFILE: Airlines, Scheduled Flights & Charter)
How to get in touch with the local West France Airports. Up-to-the minute flight information links to taxis, lost property and airport information.

· Poitou-Charentes Maps (The AngloFILE: Travel & Tourism)
Access to interactive maps of the region that let you get right down to the level of individual street addresses!

· Trains & Railways (The AngloFILE: Public Transport: Trains & Buses)
All you need to know about trains running in (or to and from) the Poitou-Charentes.

· Travel Guides - France (The AngloFILE: Travel & Tourism)
Printed guides to the country in the AngloINFO Bookshop - buy online!

· Travel Guides - Poitou-Charentes (The AngloFILE: Travel & Tourism)
Printed guides to the area in the AngloINFO Bookshop - buy online!