According to Christine Lagarde, France’s Finance Minister, the French government does not believe that taxing bank bonuses will cause traders and financial operations to leave Paris.

In an interview published by Le Figaro today, Mme Lagarde is quoted as saying that France will enact a law as early as the end of March levying a 50 percent tax on bonuses above €27,500,  regardless of whether they are paid in cash or shares; affecting some 2,500 bankers.

After ordering many more shots than it actually needed, France is looking to sell millions of excess vaccines for the H1N1 flu virus, officials said on Sunday.

The very first TGV (Train à grande vitesse) departed on its journey between Paris and Lyon in 1981, since when, living in France has sped ahead of the rest of Europe in the race to build a fully functioning high speed rail network.

Currently having almost 1,250 miles of specially built lines linking many of its major cities in service, France is looking for new ways to extend its lead.

Known for their mistrust of banks, the French are not just stuffing money into mattresses in these anxious days of recession and minuscule interest rates, they are also putting their hard cash into cows.

For Pierre Marguerit, cows make a safe, secure investment, allowing for long-term growth from a renewable resource. Cow contracts are hardly new, but go back to Richard Cœur de Lion (Richard I).  The French word for livestock, “cheptel,” is the root for “capital.”

These are not literally cash cows. However, Mr. Marguerit says his investment in Holsteins will bring a 4 to 5 percent return a year after taxes, based on natural growth, i.e. the sale of their offspring. That compares to the present interest rate of 0.75% on the basic French bank account.

Mr. Marguerit says that last year his business went up by 40 percent, and so far this year, it has practically doubled.  He is the managing director of Élevage et Patrimoine, a cattle investment firm in eastern France, and president of Gestel, which works with farmers and investors.

The current financial climate has left may people looking for a personal financial rescue plan.  Particularly, those people who have decided to leave the rat-race and live their dream in France, are finding that their financial resources cannot accommodate the recent changes in currency values, investment returns and interest rates.  As a result, many are coming to the conclusion that it is necessary to return to the hurly burly of work if they are to survive.

But does that mean giving up their dreams?

For some the answer is “yes” – but in my view it doesn’t have to be so.

I have been involved in several different businesses throughout my “working” career and have long held the view that, in order to survive financially, it is important to generate income from several different sources and in different currencies.

In other words, I don’t believe in putting all my “eggs” in one “basket”.

You may have noticed on this web log (blog) that there is a significant lack of advertising.  Simply put, I publish the blog because I enjoy writing, I like to share my experience with other individuals and it seems that others like to read.  So this present post is the nearest thing to an advertisement that I have written.

If you are considering giving up on your dreams, read on…

At any one time, thousands of property owners throughout France are anxiously awaiting the arrival of a mason, plumber, carpenter, gardener or pool builder, to start the east wing, rectify the shower, build the terrace, lay the lawn or dig the pool.

Later this year one or more of you will end up considering legal action against your artisan.  This article – by providing some basic tips for how to legally protect yourself when undertaking building works – could possibly save you thousands of euros in legal fees and untold emotional stress. (Contractors will also find it valuable.)

Many banks in France have regional English language websites with English speaking staff.  Banking services and facilities in English may also be found at some branches.  Doy you need a French Bank Account? Read French Bank Account

Opening an Account

A foreigner may open a bank account if they are (or are going to be) resident in France for at least three months.

The following documents are required to open an account:

• EU citizens: Proof of identification (a valid passport or ID card)
• Non-EU citizens: Proof of residence (Carte de séjour)
• Proof of a French address: a utility bill (Electricity, Telephone etc.), rental agreement or property deeds
• Proof of earnings or status: Contract of employment or proof of earnings or proof of status (e.g a student card)
• Reference from another bank where accounts are held (this is usually only required when applying for loans and overdrafts)
• In some instances, a birth certificate.

Opening an account can be done in a day and means of making payments (cash cards and cheque book) will normally arrive within a week, or so, of the account being opened.

French bank Societe Generale has seen net profits crash by 84% for the third quarter, hit by the credit crisis.

Net profits in the 3 months to the end of September fell to €183m  ($235m; £145m) from €1.12bn  in the same period last year.

The bank has been hit hard by the chaos in the finance sector with the collapse of Lehman Brothers alone prompting a €447m write down.

Despite the results the bank said it was positioned to deal with the downturn.

The French plan to rescue the financial industry do not disrupt competition, says EU Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes .

The European Commission on Thursday cleared French and Dutch plans to preserve their lenders from the global credit squeeze.

Both were judged to be in line with EU rules on community aid and with guidelines reported by the European Union’s executive arm on 13 October.

These say that any rescue package should be limited in time and range and must not discriminate against foreign-based banks operating in that country.

The following should be considered if you wish to register a car in France.

You will also need a degree of patience and good humour (as with most things bureaucratic in France).

Following directives from Brussels, insurance companies will no longer insure cars with foreign registration plates and it is illegal to keep a foreign registered car in France for more than 6 months without changing to French  registration, i.e. obtaining a Carte Gris.  There will no doubt be a rush to register, (Immatriculation), cars by many expats who have been doing this for years.