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@Provananne

Thanks for sharing.

My wife and I and two Golden retrievers are moving to Beziers in a few months.

What red tape did you encounter when buying a house?

We'll be doing similar when we arrive.

Bill

Hi Bill,

Good luck with your move to Beziers, I take it you are relocating  and for the first time? We have a second home so we have a long stay visa Titre de Sejour/residents card as a visitor, so we have to apply for it annually.

we do not speak or read French and most communications are in French so we have to translate everything and respond in French or it is ignored, there are long delays in receiving acceptance of the residents card or being able to gain an appointment at the prefecture.  We have found it very frustrating but still feel it is all worth it as France is a lovely country and a nice way of life. We are in the heart of the Dordogne valley unfortunately we do have to sell this year due to health problems, so learn some French and have some patience! All the very best,

Ann

Thanks Ann.

Yes first time relocating away from the US. My wife is Dutch and she is looking forwards to living in Europe again.

We need to sell our US home to afford to buy in Beziers.

I have to try and speak with someone at the French consulate today, to clear up what i'll need to do for my Visa.

One is supposed to apply 3 months ahead of relocating, with . My issue that, if we put our home up for sale, one never knows how long it will take to sell.

Closings are usually within 30 days. Soo..I won't know when i'll need the Visa but for 30 days in advance before leaving?

Maybe I can start the Visa and update it once we are in Beziers?

The French consulate should know what i'll need to do.

I've heard about the bureaucracy, but I am looking forward to healthcare that covers dental and eyes.

I am 6 months into Duolingo and will prolly take lessons once there.

My wife used to be fluent, soo i'm hoping she'll pick up her French again pretty quick

Our biggest issue is getting our two golden retrievers ready for 9 hours i crates, in cargo holds, for their big flight.

Best,

Bill

Hi Bill, it sounds like you will be fine as our biggest issues have been our lack of speaking French, I’m sure you will receive the best advice from the consulate, I do know that there is a significant delay in all  types of visa applications, so may be worth waiting until you have a date to move. I do hope your lovely golden retrievers will travel well, maybe a light sedation for the journey. If I can be of any help let me know, good luck.

regards

Ann

I recommend watching the Video on bringing pets made by Baguette Bound, an American couple who moved to the area East of Bordeaux. They will walk you through the visa process in one video ( although it's pretty fast for note taking) and will do hand holding for a little over five hundred. In their pet transport video they report that the airlines recommend NOT giving a sedative and they state the reasons for that. You can also go with your pets on a cargo ship. I read about someone who did this. Takes awhile, not sure how basic the accommodations are, but you can walk your dogs on deck during the journey. I'm guessing  the weather is a big factor as well as predisposition toward seasickness. I'm sure you are check recs by airlines.

@hanvenwey

I've watched their video and many many more about flying with cargo held dogs.

Good thing is that all i've watched had positive results.

Sedatives are not allowed. Supposedly the darkness, cabin pressure helps them sleep.

We'll have to train our pups in Crate/kennels which i've priced at almost $600 for both! One bigger than the other.

We will bring the pups to the airport and I believe they will be in their crates for nine hours !!

One we arrive, I hope they let us make a needed run to the nearest tree or pole in Chas DeGaul airport

i'll be bringing wipes and paper towels in case they had accidents.

Crazy thing is...once we arrive in Paris, we'll have no further need for the crates ! Soo..either we abandon them in the airport or try and figure out how to transport them on the 5 hour train from the airport south to Beziers.

Either all of this or spend $8000 per dog to fly unrestrained on 'PetJet'

Oh well..One time trip.

Obviously you are superb pet parents! I'm flying alone with one cat at my feet  Safly my other baby will need rehoming here. She dislikes travel.

Yes, the darkness, the hum of engines, etc  Which airline? I'm hoping AircFrance has good footroom.

I only know only air France, KLM, Luftwanza and Brit Air allow crated dogs in their holds.

airlines like Delta, Iberia, ect..no longer do.

@Provananne

Your post stirs the Francophile in me

If home really where the heart is then I my ticker is  in France.

Sadly my other half does not share my love for the country or I’d still be living there.i can hardly describe the longing.

Enjoy your time in La Belle France and raise a glass to this absent friend.

Mog