Summer edition 2021


In this edition, we return to our roots in Burgundy and spend time exploring the Morvan Regional Nature Park, which for fifty years has been free of any industrialisation due to its protected status. Rolling countryside, rivers, lakes and streams, cycling and hiking trails, and picturesque medieval villages - it has it all, and most important of all… you’ll find the right ambience to relax and soak up the sun!

We meet a Dutch couple who gave up their jobs in Holland and moved to the Morvan area, and they don’t regret a minute of it (they have an interesting tale to tell). We also take a trip to two of the region’s popular stop-offs at Autun and Saulieu, which is renowned for its selection of good restaurants. With food on our mind, we also have a recommendation for something quick and simple that complements a nice bottle of Burgundy white wine.

Welcome to the Summer edition of ‘For You’
The future is getting brighter
In the Spring 2021 edition of our newsletter, we talked about optimism and the gradual exit from the restrictions of the global pandemic. These shoots of optimism continue to grow as the vaccine programme gains momentum across Europe, and we can begin to look forward to getting some semblance of our lives back together.

30 June 2021 is a big day in France. That is when things begin to return to how they once were, although those who enjoy nightclubbing will have to wait a little longer!

Things of course will be different, and we will all have to continue to ensure our own safety as well as those around us. Borders will begin to open and travel restrictions across Europe will be relaxed.

However, travelling around the European Union will require some extra certification. In the UK, it is referred to as a COVID vaccine passport; in the EU it is the green pass/certificate, which requires either proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before travelling, or proof of vaccination (both jabs) and that 14 days has elapsed since the second jab. And for those who have tested positive for COVID, evidence to prove that you are now clear and that a minimum of 14 days has passed since you tested positive and that you are no longer showing any symptoms.

EU citizens and those living or staying legitimately in the EU who hold this digital green certificate will be allowed free movement throughout the European Union without the need to go into quarantine upon returning home… it is expected that this EU resolution will be accepted and adopted very soon by all the member states. Separately, the French government has also announced that PCR testing will be free to non-nationals wanting to visit the country to boost tourism.

The last 15 months have shown us that restrictions and safety precautions change all the time and we will endeavour to keep you up to date on any amendments to these guidelines – you will find these updates on the home page of our website.

The good news is that interest in owning a home in France has continued at a pace with lots of enthusiasm for trading a crowded urban location for a more sedate and quiet locale and, of course, living in one of the most beautiful parts of France.
And, even more encouraging is that it is getting easier to secure a loan with a low interest rate (1% - 1.8%); with almost universal highspeed broadband access across France, even working from a rural location is possible especially as more and more businesses are encouraging their employees to work from home (WFH) - no matter where that might be!

It would be fair to say that right now there are more buyers than property stock available, so be clear on what you want but always flexible as there are some great buys out there. We’ve got a good stock of property to suit every taste, but we can always do with more, so if you know of someone who is looking to sell their home, point them in our direction and we’ll ensure that they get the full-service treatment that is synonymous with working with France4U.

And the good news just keeps on coming! We are planning our annual event for clients. Last year, we had to cancel this popular wine tasting event (dégustation) where people can get together and meet others who have bought and now live in the Burgundy region.
So, mark 17 July 2021 on your calendar. This year’s get together will be at Maison André Delorme winery in Rully, renowned for its great wines from the Côte Chalonnaise, and the sparkling Crémants de Bourgogne.

Understandably, attendance is limited, so get in touch with us quickly if you would like to attend. You will need an invite to attend this special occasion. Send us an email here.

Our community of France4U customers, those who have contacted us and are looking to buy, and those that have already bought through continues to grow steadily – you are important to us, and we hope you value receiving this newsletter that gives further insight as to what it is like to own and live in this beautiful part of France.

We hope to see some of you at our event in July, and also to meet even more of you on your next visit to the region.

Be safe and be well.