Well we were told it would be time consuming and difficult with false starts and issues along the way. That's France, bureaucratic and difficult, requiring patience especially if you're not a French speaker. Oh and the people are unfriendly and rude, especially when you're an English speaker attempting their language. So very not true on any account, well except for the mobile phone sign up. More on that later.
The signing of docs for our new digs took place on 8 August and we picked up the keys on 21 October. We did this from home and attended the meeting electronically. The process is said to take 3-6 months, ours was clearly a simple transaction so took much less. We have a great Notaire. He lives in our neighbourhood so is keen to catch up for a wine once we're there. It was helpful to have his expertise about our area as well, insider information and recommendations.
While we waited Jules finally got to see the place and we met with the builder to get her impressions. One of the best things I've noticed this early in is how people are supportive of each other. There's a great FB page for English speakers in Carcassonne where people new to the area are welcomed, all sorts of information shared and help provided. The agents we dealt with also had recommendations. That's how we connected with Mark who completed an independent survey for us and connected us with the builder and the other trades we need to renovate.
Fast forward to our trip last week to do the final signing. Greeted like old friends by the Notaire and Laura our lovely agent. Signing was done, keys delivered and it was ours. Staying in the same Airbnb across the road we had free access to wander, measure, plan and dream in our new home. Thursday arrived and we met with Mark, Andrea and Laurent to make firm plans for the renovations. The big jobs are rewiring and insulation. Attic is next with the bathroom revamp, painting and tidying up. Level 1 is more simple, just painting and tiling bedroom floors. The kitchen is serviceable and large, the living fine as is. More decisions to be made about these areas.
I'm very much looking forward to being the labourer on the job. I'm quite handy and can do things like strip the horrible wallpaper in one room and remove lino. It will be good to be there for decision making and to take the before during and after pics. The spreadsheet I put together is with Mark and Andrea, the wait is on for an estimate and start dates.
Back to the phones. To get a bank account and insurance, which one much have when buying a house, one needs a French phone number. Actually both of us need a French phone number. Easy, I'll sign up online and activate when we're there the following week. Lets get started. Chatbot, French chat only, finally referred me to a person. Non parles vous Englise. Okay, out comes Google Translate.
Circular discussion: Madam to activate your French mobile number you need a French number. I don't have a French number. There's a number on your application. That's my UK number. I will send a code to that number (it didn't work because it's my UK number). That's my UK number. You need a French number to activate your phone. I don't have a French phone number. Do you have a friend with a French number? No I don't know anyone here yet. And so on for over an hour until the suggestion we go to the Orange shop to see if someone there can use their number. Google translate is definitely my friend!
So off we went next day to the Orange shop. The first person couldn't help. Our Frenglish was inadequate. The second person was a gem. Once he understood the issue voila he fixed it and my phone was active. This did take some time. Next job was to activate Jules' phone. Easy. Jump online pretend I'm him, change the UK number for my French one (luckily he has a friend with a French number) and, bonus, a person who speaks English on the chat. A 10 minute job and we're both set up.
Activating the bank account came next and with the help of the lovely South African agent it was easy. A bit circular and dependent on Google translate, and with a delay, but done.
So next trip its turn on the Esim to have a French phone and no roaming charges. My new bank card should be in my letterbox too. Bonus.
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| Our go to spot for a drink and people watching |
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| Sunset from La Cite |
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| Pano of our neighbourhood at sunset |
