Friend In France
simplifying life in France
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Welcome
Friend-in-France is an affordable and reliable support service for English speaking visitors and home owners.
Whether you are on holiday, on a business trip or managing your holiday home we can make your French life easier, by saving you time, money and misunderstanding.
We have built up a network of trustworthy professional partners whose services we can recommend. Whatever your requirements or budget, through our knowledge of the local culture and community we will know someone who can help you.
We make long-lasting relationships with our clients and partners based upon trust and confidence.
Wherever possible we make sure that the person you first contact will remain your co-ordinating agent.
Mira Guchan-Mclean
Company Director
Tel: +33 (0)6 99 16 22 33
Email: friend-in-france_hotmail.co.uk
After Sales Support
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Most people dream of buying a place in the sun, however the reality of ownership in a foreign country is often a far cry from the idyllic dream first inspired by a sun drenched - holiday.
Let us help to keep the dream alive by taking the pain out of French bureaucracy and freeing you from time consuming paperwork.
We can keep you informed and up to date with your:
For as little as 400€/year
Documentation & Paperwork
Tax and accountancy
French tax regulations can be complicated. Our partnership with a well established accountancy firm enables us to prepare and process your tax documents in an easy to follow, hassle-free and tax efficient way.
We handle:
Telephone support
We are available to answer your queries
8am - 8pm, Monday to Saturday.
Airport transfers
Ask us before you fly to book your airport pick-up at the best local rates.
Airport Transfers
Telephone Support
Tax & Accountancy
Tours: Full Day
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Grand Tour of
The Riviera
Eze, Monaco &
Beach Time
St Tropez &
Boat Trip
Provencal Villages
& Vineyard
Business Trip Coordination
Accommodation
Catering
Transport
Send us your flight details and we'll arrange your airport pick-up.
You will be welcomed by a friendly English speaking driver who will ensure that your arrival is as stress free as possible.
Transport throughout the duration of your stay in France can be included in the package price. Service will be adapted to your specific requirements and billed at preferential rates.
We offer you a wide range of beautiful and well equipped rental accommodation ranging from studios to 4 bedroom luxury apartments.
We can recommend several small and charming hotels offering warm welcomes and peaceful environments.
We can suggest and will be happy to negotiate a deal for you with good local restaurants. Just tell us your culinary tastes.
We work with several in-home chefs who cater to all tastes and budgets from gastronomic dinning to more rustic local cooking.
If you dont fancy eating out we can organise delivery of beautifully cooked fresh meals to your rental apartment or hotel.
Send us your shopping list and we will get it delivered to you within 24 hours.
We are available to answer your queries in advance of and throughout your stay.
Contact us to discuss your needs, so that we can design a package tailor-made to your requirements.
Are you a real estate or tourism professional currently working with British clients, or interested in doing so?
Read on to find out how collaborating with Friend in France could help you...
Friend-in-France evolved in order to service the needs of English speaking visitors to France. We have created a supportive network of reliable partners who enable us to offer a comprehensive range of services to our clients built upon solid working relationships and mutual confidence.We work with:
Estate agents and property developers:
The work of an estate agent rarely ends when an overseas sale is completed. In order to maintain good will and possible future sales they often feel pressured to provide unpaid services ranging from simple local information to the organisation of building and maintenance work.
By offering clients the Friend in France after-sales service agents can free themselves from obligation and preserve a good and continuing business relationship with their clients
Managers of leaseback residences or independent rental properties:
Managing rental property can be made particularly onerous by the need to communicate with owners who don't speak French.
Friend-in-France provides a wide range of services specially adapted to the needs of English speaking owners, including translation, tax declarations, writing letters in French, etc
Local service providers:
Through our Meet & Greet service, Friend-in-France has become the first contact for hundreds of holiday-makers each year. Many tourists are eager for advice about local activities, places to dine or have a drink as well as sites to see, etc...They are looking for exceptional experiences, all thats authentic and traditional, and the best value for money.
If you think that you can offer something that falls into any of the above categories, feel free to contact us so that we can meet to discuss a possible partnership.
UK wedding and event planners:
The Côte d'Azur epitomises the dream of sun, sea, glitz and glamour
Where better to hold an important event or a fairytale wedding?
Nice is just a short and inexpensive plane trip away from all main airports making it just as accessible as Manchester is to London.
Our knowledge of the local networks, language and culture, make us the ideal French partner. Through using us you can confidently offer to organise your clients events on the French Riviera.
Don't hesitate to contact us to find out more about our services and discuss your needs.
Contact Us
Mira GUCHAN-MCLEAN
Born in Cambridge, as a child I lived in the Charente region of France for five years and have now been settled in Nice for the past seven years, after falling in love with the city while on holiday. In July 2009 I married a Frenchman on the beautiful island of Corsica.
Since 2002 I've been working in sales and administration for estate agencies specialising in services for English speaking clients. Along side of this, for the past five years, I've managed my own holiday rental apartment and four others that belong to my family.
My experience with visitors and foreign home owners in France led me to create Friend-in-France to better share the wide ranging local and ex-pat knowledge that I have gained through my social and professional networks.
We offer an ever evolving range of services based on the continuing needs and feedback of our clients past and present. Please let us know if you don't find what you need on this website.
SARL Friend-in-France
1, Av de la République
06300 Nice
Mob : +33 (0)6 99 16 22 33
Tel : +33 (0)9 52 11 72 76
Web: www.friend-in-france.com
Grand Tour Of The Riviera
See Nice from a different perspective!
From the heights of the city there are spectacular sea and mountain views.
Eze
This charming medieval village benefits from an exceptional cliff-top location.
Its panoramic views of the coast are hard to beat.
Take a free guided visit of the Fragonard perfume factory.
Monaco-Monte Carlo
The principality and its Palace is a must see.
Discover the famous Casino Square and enjoy a drive around the Grand Prix race track.
St Paul de Vence
Said to be the most visited village in France,
St Paul is medieval, picturesque and popular with artists.
Antibes
This ancient town with cobble stoned streets has plenty to offer including a Provencal market, a port full of luxury yachts, impressive fortifications and numerous cafes and restaurants.
Cannes
Take a walk in the footsteps of the rich and famous at the Palais des Festival, on the Croisette or while admiring the luxury yachts on the port.
Eze Village
Click here to go back to FullDay Tours
Eze, Monaco & Beach Time
This charming medieval village has a cliff-top location with panoramic
views of the coast that are very hard to beat.
The principality and its Palace is a must see when visiting the area.
Enjoy a drive around the Grand Prix race track and discover the
famous Casino Square.
Then visit the Beach
Relax, enjoy the sun and let us handle the rest.
We offer a complete beach service with towels, umbrellas,
beach mats and an ice box with soft drinks included.
Monaco by Nuight
Monaco Beach
St Tropez & Boat Trip
St Tropez
This small town celebrated for its fashion boutiques, cafe-terraces and
luxury yachts has managed to preserve a sense of authenticity.
It is one of the best locations in Europe for 'people watching' as all
types of visitors from jet-setting celebrities and millionaires, to humble
back-packers and day tourists visit all the year round.
Port Grimaud
This modern "Venice" was built in 1998 by the architect François Spoerry.
It is located at the western end of the Golfe de Saint Tropez just 5 km from
the perched village of Grimaud. Each house has been rigorously and beautifully
designed in authentic Provencal style.
This is a highly successful marina-village where owners can moor their boat at their door!
Nicely done and very popular, it is a real architectural success.
St Tropez Beach
Provencal Villages & Vineyard
Grasse
This town renowned for its flower and aromatic plant production is now the French perfume capital. You will have the opportunity to visit the Molinard perfume factory to view the traditional production process. visit: www.molinard.com
Gourdon
Just a stone's throw from the hustle and bustle and glitz and glamour of the Côte dAzur, this village perched at the top of a hill appears suspended in mid-air. One of the rare places in the area that seems little changed, its stone walls and cobbled streets ooze with history and stories to be told.
Tourrettes/Loup
Is Located between the sea and the mountains and known as the "City of Violets" because of to its cultivation of the delicate flower. It's numerous workshops and galleries make it a place of high standing for arts and crafts on the French Riviera.
St Jeannet
Is a picturesque village perched on a hill overhanging the Mediterranean Sea. Its privileged south-facing position is perfect for growing olive trees, vines and flowers and its vineyard is the only one in the region to preserve the thousand-year-old tradition of the famous dry and perfumed maderised wine of St. Jeannet.
This lovely medieval village is popular with artists and claims to be the most visited village in France.
Provence
Tours: Half Day
Nice,Eze
& Monaco
St Paul, Antibes
& Cannes
Biot & Grasse
Perfume Factory
A tour of
Nice
Monaco by
Night
Conciergerie For Holiday Makers
As our client you will benefit from the quality services and special advantages we negotiate for you through our network of partners.
From preparing a romantic boat trip or balloon ride to suggesting and reserving a good restaurant or simply taking care of your dry cleaning our services can be adapted to your needs and are only limited by your imagination.
Shopping
Email us your shopping list at least 48 hours before your arrival and we will make sure that the essentials you need will be there when you arrive at your holiday property
Send us your flight details and we'll arrange your airport pick-up at the best local rates.
Child care services
Whether you need a babysitter or full time child care, we can recommend a trust worthy and competent professional to look after your children.
Reservations and recommendations
Although restaurants and bars are plentiful on the Côte dAzur its easy to fall into tourist traps. We are happy to share our local knowledge to help you find the best service and value for money.
Directions and travel advice
It's not always easy to find your way around a new city, especially when you don't speak the language! We can help you plan your itineray in advance and rescue you if you get lost.
Activites and day trips
Treat yourself to a special day out.
Chose from a selection of quality activities ranging from hot air ballooning to creating your own perfume, a day on a sailing boat to a trek on horseback.
Fee: 35€/week
Conciergerie For Property Owners
Handling mail
We can arrange for your French mail and utility bills to be sent to us for translation, scanning and forwarding on to you.
Free airport pick-ups (3 per year)
Send us your flight details and we'll arrange your complimentary airport pick-ups.
Correspondence
We will write up to12 official letters a year for you.
We are available for information and queries 8am - 8pm Monday to Saturday.
Shopping (12 times a year)
Send us your shopping list and we will have it delivered within 24 hours.
Builder, plumber, electrician, babysitter, etc
We can recommend the services of our professional and trustworthy partners.
Restaurants, bars and sporting activities. We are happy to share our knowledge of local networks to help you find the best value for money.
Chose from a large selection of quality activities ranging from hot air ballooning to creating your own perfume, a day on a sailing boat to a trek on horseback.
Fee: 50€/month
Wedding Coordination
Services for Wedding
Parties
Planning The Big Day
Services designed to help you plan the big day itself.
Before the Event
We will look after all the day to day things that you just wont have time to think about.
Services For Wedding Parties
Send us your flight details and well arrange a special airport pick-up.
With a friendly English speaking driver
Whether you want a top of the range car for a day or transport throughout the duration of your stay in France we can organise it for you at preferential rates.
We can recommend several charming hotels (traditional or modern) offering a warm welcome in tranquil surroundings.
During the lead up to the main event we can take care of the everyday catering needs of your family & friends.
Tell us your culinary preference and we will be happy to negotiate a good deal for you at excellent local restaurants.
(catering to all tastes and budgets from gastronomic dinning to local or rustic cooking).
We can recommend excellent chefs who will be delighted to come and cook for you.
We are available to answer your queries before and throughout your stay.
From simply exquisite to daringly extravagant, let us make your dreams come true
Venues
We can show you a wide selection of exceptional locations to suit a variety of budgets.
We can also seek out and negotiate something special for your specific requirements.
Tell us your culinary preferences and we will find the perfect caterer for you, from French gastronomic to traditional Mediterranean or North African.
Flowers
Our florists have great artistic talent and taste. They are receptive to new ideas and can be relied upon to produce original and stunning bouquets and arrangements at affordable prices.
Music
Nice is brimming with talent and whether you want live musicians or a DJ, we can introduce you to the best in the area.
Lighting
Achieve the perfect ambiance with quality lighting: spots, fairy lights, hanging lanterns, large natural oil lamps, etc
Equipment
We arrange the rental of quality tables, chairs, crockery, cutlery and table linen.
We can organise the rental of luxury vehicles and or chauffeur sevices for the big day.
Hair and Beauty
Let us recommend the best professionals in the area.
We can arrange a champagne booking for make-up, manicure and hairstyling. (up to 10 people)
Weddings in France
French bureaucracy is well known to be a nightmare and the preliminary paperwork relating to a wedding is no exception. We can ensure that everything runs smoothly by assisting you every step of the way.
Contact us to discuss your needs, and we will design a wedding tailor-made to your requirements.
Meet & Greet
Send us your flight details and we'll arrange for you to be met by one of our friendly English speaking drivers.
A supplement of 10€ is required for reservations between 10pm and 7am.
Sightseeing Tours
Click here for half day tours
Sightseeing can be exhausting especially if you need to negotiate directions, look for parking or juggle public transport timetables.
Let us make it easy for you!
We offer a comprehensive selection of day trips in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles at unbeatable rates. (from 34€/pers)
English spoken
Click here for full day tours
Nice, Eze & Monaco
See Nice from the heights of the city and enjoy spectacular views of sea
and mountains.
This charming medieval village benefits from a truly exceptional cliff-top
location offering panoramic views of the coast that are hard to beat.
A free guided visit of the Fragonard perfume factory.
Views over Nice
Click here to go back to Half Day Tours
St Paul, Antibes & Cannes
After this visit you will understand why St Paul is the most visited village
in France. A picturesque medieval village popular with artists.
This ancient town with cobble stoned streets has plenty to offer
including a Provencal market, a port full of luxury yachts, impressive
fortifications, numerous cafes and restaurants.
The most glitzy and glamorous city on the Côte d'Azur. Take a walk in the
footsteps of the rich and famous at the Palais des Festival, on the Croisette
and alongside the luxury yachts in the port.
St Paul
Cannes at dusk
Biot & Grasse Perfume Factory
Biot
This charming village located just a few kilometers from the sea is
famous for its glass production. Dont miss the visit to the workshop
to see the talented glass-blowers.
This town long renowned for its flower and aromatic plant production
is now the French perfume capital. You will have the opportunity to visit
the Molinard perfume factory to see the traditional production in process.
www.molinard.com
Grasse lavender field
Nice Tour
Setting off from the Promenade des Anglais towards the port the
first stop will be the flower market on Cours Saleya where you can
take in the animated ambiance of a Provencal market with all its
colourful fruit, vegetable and flower stalls.
This will be followed by a visit to the Colline du Château where you
will discover breathtaking views of the city
Back down at sea level you will find the picturesque port and the
Florian sweet factory where you are welcome to view the processing
of the candied fruits and flowers that are a speciality of the region.
www.confiserieflorian.co.uk
Nice beach at night
Monaco By Night
Take the famous scenic drive along the Moyenne Corniche
costal road to the Principality.
Once in Monaco we will take you along the seafront and
give you a glimpse of some of the luxury hotels and nightclubs
before dropping you off in the famous Casino Square where
you can explore Monte Carlo at your leisure.
Monaco
Activities
Large groups & corporate team building
Small groups &
individuals
Small groups and individuals
Create your
own perfume
Paragliding
Hot Air Balloon
Ride
Piloting a
Helicopter
Sailing
Kayaking
Canyoning
Horse Riding
Via Ferrata
Large groups & Corporate team building
Wine & Truffles
White water sports
Team building workshop
Just a hop skip and jump and then you are flying like a bird up to
350 metres over the stunning French countryside and coastline.
Your instructor will teach you the basics before you take off in
tandem for about 15 minutes and then together make a gentle
descent. This activity is open to all and a 3 day intensive course
is also available for those who wish to paraglide solo.
Prices:
15 minute tandem glide: 69€
3 day course ending with a solo glide: 279€
Click here to go back to activities
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Give yourself a once in a lifetime experience!
Take to the skies for a 60 - 90 minute hot air balloon ride over
beautiful countryside.
Then celebrate with a glass of champagne and a
gastronomic meal in the evening.
A private balloon ride can be arranged as a romantic surprise.
Group balloon ride: 279€
Romantic private balloon ride: 399€
Piloting A Helicopter
Where better to learn to fly a helicopter than on the Côte dAzur,
playground of the rich and famous?
An unforgettable experience for you to share with 2 passengers
of your choice. Before lift off your instructor will show you the flight
controls and teach you some of the basic aerodynamics
and mechanics.
You will have joint control of the helicopter as you fly over the
bay of Cannes, its famous Croisette, the Iles de Lérins and
the beautiful Mediterranean Sea.
Piloting + 2 passengers: 279€
25 minute trip for 5 people: 399€
12 minute trip for 2-3 people: 189€
Piloting a helicopter
Get away from the hustle and bustle of the French Riviera and set
sail for the beautiful Iles de Lérins, St Jean Cap Ferrat or Cap dAntibes
for a day of relaxation and fun.
Lunch will be served on board and equipment for diving,
snorkeling, or kayaking will be provided.
Departure from the port of Nice is at 9am with a return estimated at
6pm.
Day trips are available on a catamaran and sailing boat regattas
can be arranged for large groups.
Sailing boat day trip: 69€
Catamaran day trip: 95€
You can explore the coast line with state trained guides who know the
area like the back of their hand.
Chose the area that you would like to go to from the list below:
Antibes, its cap and Juan-les-Pins
Cannes and the Iles de Lérins
Nice and the Baie des Anges
Beaulieu and Cap d'Ail
Mandelieu
Théoule and the Corniche d'Or
The Golf of St Tropez and the Massif des Maures
Bring your own picnic as there will be some time to relax and eat
in stunning surroundings. Embarkation is at 9am and the day will
end with a complimentary drink at about 4:30pm - 5pm.
For all age groups and levels of experience.
The hinterland of southern France boasts many canyons making
it the ideal place to enjoy natural tobogganing, jumping, walking,
swimming and rappelling.
For those who want to take it easy whilst enjoying the landscape,
it is possible to follow the river at a leisurely pace before enjoying
a massage in one of the many natural Jacuzzis that nestle in the rocks.
Prices: 69€
Take the scenic route around the Riviera on horseback and discover
more of this stunning region.
You can immerse yourself at a relaxed pace in the natural
environment, for a day trip or a weekend.
Meals are included in the price and are prepared with home-grown
produce.
Day trip on horseback + lunch: 69€
Day trip walking with a donkey: 69€
Weekend at the farm, 2 hours on horseback, evening meal,
bed + breakfast: 189€
Weekend on horseback, camping, picnic and evening meal: 189€
A fun way to explore a beautiful natural environment,
as long as you're not scared of heights!
Thrills and excitement guaranteed during this natural
obstacle course which combines climbing, suspended
bridges and cable slides.
This activity is very physical.
Create Your Own Perfume
The Côte dAzur and Grasse in particular is the perfume
capital of Europe.
Where better to learn how to create your own perfume?
During this workshop a professional will guide you
through the selection process helping you to find the
perfect combination of essences for you.
Once you are happy with your perfume it will be
presented to you in a personalised 100ml bottle.
Prices: 95€
Grasse Village
Airport Meet & Greet
Conciergerie
Business Trip
Coordination
Wedding
Whether you want a competitive regatta, a more technical treasure hunt or a relaxing day out, we can help you get whatever you want from your day at sea.
A small fleet of sail boats can be provided to enable your group to race in teams.
You can choose to race from a variety of locations, including the Iles de Lérins islands near Cannes.
Aboard a small fleet of sail boats teams of 6 8 sailors will compete to find a hidden treasure.
The treasure hunt can take place in the location of your choice and an experienced skipper will be available to assist and coach you.
The itinerary will be tailor made to your wishes and you can simply sit back and enjoy the sun and sea while a team of professionals take care of the sailing.
Those who wish to learn the basics of sailing will be more than welcome to do so, with the help of the skipper.
For all of the above options lunch will be provided and served either on board or on land.
You will also have the opportunity to swim, snorkel or kayak if you wish to.
A nocturnal trip with an evening meal served on board can also be arranged.
Take a well earned break to find out more about the finer things in life!
Meet a specialist in truffles who will explain the origins, production and
harvesting techniques of this sought after mushroom.
You will, of course, be able to taste the final product during the visit.
A guided tour of a vineyard to learn the basics of Oenology before
tasting a selection of wines and other local produce.
This activity can be tailor made to fit in with your personal timetable.
White Water Sports
Treat yourselves to an action packed day of water sports.
The Côte dAzur can offer almost any water sport you can imagine:
rafting, canyoning, hydrospeed, adventure courses, caving
All activities are with state trained instructors and adapted to the fitness
level and experience of each group.
Just chose your activity and we will organise the rest.
Team Building Workshop
This activity takes place in woodland surrounding a beautiful lake.
The participants are divided into groups of 8/9 which will then work together in an orienteering exercise around various control points.
Each team will be given a map and will have to decide on their itinerary while bearing in mind that the value of each control point will vary depending upon its distance and accessibility from the base.
To add to the difficulty, extra will be attached to control points, these can include:
Radio Control: The team will be split into two groups. One group will be given a map indicating the position of new control points and the other group will be given a walky-talky. Those with the map must guide the team with the walky-talky to the control points. Clear communication and teamwork is essential in order to successfully carry out this challenge.
Teamwork: The team must use ropes, hooks, pulleys and other climbing equipment to guide one of their team members to pick up an object placed in an otherwise inaccessible location. Strength and logical thinking is the key to this challenge.
Kayak Relay: Stranded in the middle of the lake the team has to make their way back to dry land.
Upper body strength is useful for this rowing challenge.
Rescue Knots: In this timed challenge a makeshift stretcher is to be built, on which each member of the team must then be transported from a point A to B. Speed and efficiency are crucial.
The Octopus: Tied together by their feet and hands, the participants of this challenge have to find their way along a set course.
Coordination and communication are the keys here!
Obstacle Course: One person guided by the rest of his team must find his way through an obstacle course. Although only one person is actively tackling the obstacles, various handicaps make the help of team mates essential.
Raft Building: The team must build a raft using the basic materials provided: wood, rubber rings, rope. Then test it on the water!
This challenge is guaranteed to evoke childhood memories!
