Ryanair set to charge to use check-in desk.

THE latest move by Ryanair to charge for every element of a flight you use will see it ask for £2 (€3) for each person using its check-in desks.

The airline already charges a fee to place baggage in the hold, but this move is designed to get as many people as possible to check-in via its website, however it means a family of four on a return flight faces paying up £16.

If you travel with just hand luggage then you won't pay anything extra.

News report taken from This French Life

For alternative low cost airlines check out our links page.

Learning French: What Makes The Language Unique?

“Comment allez-vous?”

Of course you would know right away that the sentence above is the French version for saying “how are you?” in English. Learning the French language can be more challenging compared to other foreign languages that most people find interesting in learning nowadays. The reason that French is challenging compared to Spanish, German and Italian is because it has a completely unique way of pronunciation.

The French language is also tricky with some of the letters, each of which have different functions depending on the position it has on a word or a sentence. You have to be a good observer on this aspect. Not only that, the French language has a certain conversational style that sounds like a slurring sound. This is called liaison. In liaison alone, there are already several conditions which you need to follow and then a few more set of pronunciation rules.

In response to French questions, you will also need to observe your intonation. Most of the time, a rising tone is only applicable for yes/no questions and on other things or simple conversational patterns, intonation goes to the end of the sentence. The only similarity the English and French language have is the number of the letters in the alphabet. Both languages have the complete A-Z alphabet.

The next question is how can you learn and memorize the French language with all the contrasting characteristics the English and French language have? In memorization, there is a technique used to enhance memorization skills. This method can be used perfectly for learning a second language and any language to say the least. An example below shows how the technique works.

Before you get to the other side of the building, you need to cross a long bridge over an extremely wide pond.

The words are bridge and pond. But we used pond only to associate it with the French word pont which means “bridge” because the two words sound alike and the human mind will find it easy to link the two together as one word. The words can be found all in one silly sentence and it’s also great in allowing your brain to exercise, causing it to function and remember things better.

It isn't too late to learn the French language, so make the best of what you can now, visit http://www.letsrentpropertyinfrance.com/LearnFrenchProgram to start your French learning program.

French Property Advice

Many people who consider buying a French property will probably want to rent a place in France first, either while they search for their dream home or as a base while they renovate an uninhabitable property.

We're here for the French long term lets and short term French property rental side of things but what about that next step? Buying...

John Everitt of Globespan Property writes the following:

Depending on the property and even the area of France, the laws on buying and selling Property in France can vary somewhat. Be careful with the capital gains tax, as this is chargeable on all second home sales owned for less than two years at a rate of 33% with a sliding reduction on profit percentages over a 20 years period. France has no restrictions on foreign property ownership. Property Prices in France Guide Properties Range Varies, for example: From £10,000 for rural properties in need of renovation From £30,000 for apartments and studios From £50,000 for suburban properties From £60,000 for Ski apartments and chalets over £100,000 From £150,000 for South of France properties Locations in France France is divided into many regions and has a variable lifestyle. Cost of Living in France Although the general standards of living are quite high in France in areas heavily populated like Paris, Cote d'Azur, Riviera etc. Areas within rural communities tend to be a little cheaper to live in and as such are becoming quite popular with overseas buyers. Buying property in France Freehold residential property. Once an agreement on price is reached by both property buyer and property seller, a solicitor or notary will draw up a legally binding contract which both parties would sign. Normally a 10% deposit would be paid at this point (which would be held in a secure account until the completion). The property would be withdrawn from the market and the legal system would commence its checks etc. At this stage if the purchaser were to back out of the contract you would lose your deposit. Normally the final contract would be signed by both parties at the Notary's office and at this stage the deeds would pass to the buyer and the land registry updated. The balance of the property purchase price would be paid to the Notary who will then pay the vendor. You will need to provide the Notary with a copy of your birth certificate translated into French and, if applicable, a copy of a Marriage Certificate, also translated. Lawyer We recommend that you enlist the services of a French Lawyer or Solicitor in the purchase of your French Property, preferably one who speaks English. This will help to protect your interests in the property purchasing procedure. This will be in addition to needing a Notary who is mandatory for property purchases. Fees Expect to pay around 10-15% over the selling price; The Notary fee is around 3% Transfer tax is 7.5% (less than 1% for new properties) Registration fees around another 6%. The vendor should pay the Real Estate Agents fees. Property Tax in France Property taxes are levied on property plus residential tax for living as an owner - occupier or as a tenant (renting or not). Both are calculated on the average property rental values. Mortgages Normal lending criteria will allow you to borrow up to 80% from French banks or international mortgage brokers and should be declared at the time of the preliminary agreement. The normal repayment term can vary between 15 - 25 years depending on the lender. These guidelines are meant for guidance only and describe a straightforward purchase scenarios. However this information is not meant to replace proper legal advice, which we always insist you take.

Article by John Everitt, consultant to Globespan European property portal. Please visit our estate agents directory and this France buyer's guide