Q & AMoving/Living/WorkingOpening a B & B in France

Question: I would like to relocate to Capbreton from Florida and open a chambre d'hote. How difficult would it be to obtain a visa de long sejour and how long does the process take? Has it been difficult for Americans since the Iraq situation? Would France refuse me since I am an American? Also can you recommend a moving company? I need a 20' container and my quotes are around 9,000USD. I need someone reputable since I am moving a baby grand piano. Your help is appreciated. Barbara.

Answer:

Getting your visa will not be that hard. Just make sure you have ALL the paper work that is asked for. The process should not take more than a few weeks.
Starting a Gîte/ chambre d'hote seems to be very popular these days. There is a book, in French, Ouvrez un gîte rural! published by the APCE - http://www.apce.com/. I also have a summary in English of Guide du Créateur published by Gîtes de France, it can be found at http://www.americansinfrance.net/Documents/Creating_a_Gite.cfm. Jeff

Follow-up. I did not recommend a moving company because I cannot remember the one we used to move from Boston to France. You're on your own. The answer to the question about the 'Iraq situation,' as you put, is that you should have no problems as an American in France, either from the French government or people. That has been my experance.