We are planning to move to Avignon for a year starting in September as part of a sabattical/severance time. Any advice on the visa process? How long? What not to say? We are still trying to finalize a lease (the real estate agent seems to have disappeared last week May 8th), but are hopeful. Any advice as to dealimg with the real estate agent? How to get a bank? <BR><BR>All insight information apprecieated.

Hi<BR><BR>my homepage has info and links on living in France<BR><BR>http://tlp.netfirms.com<BR><BR><BR>Peter<BR><BR>

DOn't worry about the real estate agent 'disappearing" - this past week we had two holidays (the 8th and the 9th) so he probably made 'the pont' and won't be back until Monday.<BR><BR>For visa information, it is best to contact the French Embassy - they'll tell you what you'll need to provide to get your resident visa. (Have lots of information ready - proof of health insurance, birth and marriage certificates, etc.)<BR><BR>For a bank, I recommend the Credit Agricole - they have offices in Avignon.<BR>It's fairly easy to open an account - you'll need your passport and a few euro to open the account and that's about it. <BR><BR>I live just south of Avignon - so if I can answer any other questions, feel free to email me.<BR><BR>PB

If you plan on moving in September, I would suggest you get in contact with the French Consulate in you area ASAP. We are going for 3 years in July and we filed for a visa last year. I don't know if you time will be less of because you are not going for the same amount of time. I do know you can drive with a US license for 1 year, and open an account at a larger bank such as Societe General or Barclays that offer a great deal of service

For dealing with the real estate agent in general (don't worry about him disappearing last week - everybody does), get to know a local notaire. This is a good idea in any case, as he/she can be your financial/real estate advisor during your stay. A good notaire is your best ally in France for any business dealings.<BR><BR>Opening a bank account is a piece of cake. Show up with funds (in whatever form - cash, foreign check, travelers'cheques, draft, whatever), bring your passport, fill out a form, and voil&agrave;, you've got an account. I also recommend Cr&eacute;dit Agricole.<BR><BR>I'd advise you to set up your accounts with the bank so that you pay by pr&eacute;l&egrave;vement, which means every month (or two months in the case of France T&eacute;l&eacute;com or three months in the case of Sog&eacute;deau), whatever you owe is automatically deducted from your account. You'll get a statement in advance that tells you what will be deducted from your account and when.