The Purpose of Permissions at Place des Vosges
By Adrian Leeds

It was a long-awaited "Assemblée Générale" -- the annual meeting of the 9 Place des Vosges "copropriété" (homeowners association). We had been preparing for it for months, knowing full well that the outcome of the meeting would determine the future for the renovation plans of "Le Palace des Vosges," the Fractional Ownership property designed for 13 lucky owners.

From the outset, we had decided to change the windows and doors of the apartment, as well as the doors of the garages. Making any exterior change requires not only the approval of the Architects des Bâtiments de France (ABF, www.archi.fr/ANABF/), but also of the Direction de l'Urbanisme de Mairie de Paris (DU). This is largely due to the nature of the property as historic.

An architect came to survey the property and made recommendations. Our OWN architect made drawings to reflect their recommendations for further approval by the Mairie. The style they suggested was "atelier," similar in design to what already existed in the building.

Although it may seem very simple and straightforward, the whole process took many months to accomplish and the 'hitch' when all was done is that the city does not issue a 'permis de construire," but in fact, does the opposite -- nothing, so that if you hear nothing from them, then you have their approval!

It's a bit backwards way of looking at the permit required to present to the copropriété, which in actuality has the final approval. Without the accord of the other owners, nothing could be accomplished, and even the work to get the approval of the ABF or the DU would have been for naught.

We did NOT feel comfortable ordering the production of the massive glass and aluminum structures without this approval, nor did we want to go the assemblée without something in writing from the DU. Getting an "Attestation" from the City Hall was no easy task, but it was accomplished, just the morning of the assemblée!

We had other issues to request -- the ability to add a lantern over the entry door along with a switch so that leaving and entering the apartment would always be well lit, and the approval to add planters along with an outdoor table and chairs.

Interior Architect Martine di Matteo attended the meeting with me to ensure success in getting all the necessary approvals. It was held in the conference room of the Académie d’Architecture (www.archi.fr)on the first floor at 9 Place des Vosges. The large windows overlooked the Place des Vosges, outfitted with an enormous table and chairs around the table. The Place was sunny and the linden trees full with bright green leaves.

As the owners filed in, they greeted one another and took a seat. It seemed like a normal meeting, just like the many I've attended over the years, but it wasn't. It was a cast of characters, and as Martine remarked, much like a Fellini movie.

There was the American woman who owns the Gallery Nikki Diana Marquardt, which has an entrance both on rue de Turenne and Place des Vosges as well as about 20 owners ranging from elderly well-suited French men (one wearing an ascot) to young women in jeans and all those in between. The meeting was led by the owner of Dauchez Copropriétés, the managing agency known as the "Syndic," and the woman who handles the account, with whom we have had direct dealings.

I will tell you that it was the most charged-up meeting I have ever experienced, lasting almost five hours. There were 34 items to discuss on the agenda and ours was added to the end, meaning we must stay till the end to see it through. The owners were clearly disgruntled with the service they were getting from the agency, and because of their lack of management skills, one of the owners virtually took over the running of the procedures in order to move it along more quickly.

Several really productive things came out of the meeting however. First, we got the approval to renovate the windows and doors of the apartment and garages! Secondly, we made friends with the owners in our building (building I) who were thrilled to hear of our plans to add a lantern and plants in the courtyard...they will surely be of assistance to get it approved. And thirdly, we were able to maintain the existing cellar as owned by the copropriété, but with access to it only via our apartment with permission...in essence, free ownership.

Luckily these meetings only transpire one time a year. And hopefully next year, we will need no further permissions! But we felt very privileged to be a part of the co-ownership of such an illustrious group of residents...as in the Place des Vosges, and to have gotten so much accomplished!

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Living and Investing in France Real Estate Conference Coming Up!

If you've always dreamed of spending more time in France, enjoying a pied-à-terre of your own in Paris that you can profitably rent when you like, or just make a smart investment in the strong Euro by owning property in France...then this power-packed one-day conference is a MUST. There is no doubt, from the hundreds of others who have attended conferences of this kind and fulfilled their dreams...this Sunday in Paris will point you in the right direction to really make it happen!

Reserve your seat now!!

 

Paris Sunday, May 31, 2009 Chez Jenny 3, Boulevard du Temple 75003 Paris. For more information go to www.adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/conference/liveinfrance/LIF_Paris_May_2009 or email info@adrianleeds.com.

 

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Sarkozy to Unveil Designs for Paris of the Future
By Elizabeth Pineau

www.reuters.com
Tuesday April 28, 2009

PARIS (Reuters) - Futuristic glass towers, monorails high above the traffic or an artificial island in the Seine are among 10 projects that could transform Paris in the decades ahead.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy is due to outline on Wednesday what is billed as one of the biggest redevelopments of the French capital since Baron Haussmann carved grand boulevards out of the city in the 19th century.

The projects included in an initial selection go on display in the Cite de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine, the Paris architectural museum where Sarkozy first called for a "bold" design overhaul in September 2007.

Britain's Richard Rogers, who designed the 1970s landmark Pompidou Center, Antoine Grumbach, a French architect who wants to link Paris with Le Havre on the Atlantic coast, or Roland Castro, who envisions a new business center built on an artificial island in the Seine have presented designs.

The projects could enable Sarkozy to leave Paris with the kind of "Grands Travaux" (Major Projects) beloved of past presidents such as Francois Mitterrand, patron of monuments such as the new National Library or the glass pyramid at the Louvre.

But pressing economic, environmental and demographic constraints facing Paris and the surrounding Isle de France region are driving the plans...

...The redevelopment is seen as a chance to create a greener city with local power generation and recycling stations buried beneath parkland and tight-knit tram and light rail networks.

Among the plans on the table is an unmanned underground rail link between future business centers and central train stations and airports and a new metro network binding what is now the city of Paris with the suburbs by 2020...

To read the entire article go to www.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUSTRE53R4SC20090428

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House Hunters International "Vacation Home in Paris"
By Adrian Leeds

www.hgtv.com/house-hunters-international/vacation-home-in-paris/index.html

Vacation Home in Paris

Episode HHINT-1A05

Tune In:
June 15, 2009 10:00 P.M. e/p
June 15, 2009 2:00 A.M. e/p

New Yorkers Jeff Ballinger and Mary Schiller recently began the first steps toward making their dream together a reality. After honeymooning in Paris, they knew they wanted their own vacation property in France. Now, they've moved out of their house and into a smaller condo in the Bronx, NY, and have begun their search for a pied-a-terre in Paris.

Guests:
Adrian Leeds, Property Consultant, Adrian Leeds Group

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French Property Exhibition in Harrogate 15-17 May 2009

French Property News magazine celebrates its 20th anniversary with another market-leading French Property Exhibition.

Archant Life France, the market leading publisher within the Francophile market in the UK, is organizing its annual French property exhibition in Harrogate. The three-day event will be held in the Yorkshire Event Centre. Doors will open at 10am every day and entrance is free. Free tickets can be obtained from www.fpeharrogate.com

Show visitors will be able to meet the market professionals such as estate agents, tax advisors, mortgage lenders, and removal and currency exchange companies. Free seminars led by experts will run throughout the show, offering househunters a unique opportunity to have their questions answered face to face.

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London Invaded by Real Estate Enthusiasts

www.prweb.com

The Hottest New Trend in Lifestyle Property is Fractional Ownership. A world forum in London attracted hundreds of real estate agents, developers and service professionals to see the future of real estate through this two day event. World Class Group CEO, Michael J. Tolan, gives his reaction to the forum

A World Forum on Fractional Ownership in London, England, was sold out do to the overwhelming popularity of the hottest new trend in real estate.

Delegates from Dubai to Delhi, USA to Mexico swarmed to take hot market tips from fractional ownership gurus who were hand picked by Fractional Life, the organizer, to share experiences and provide guidance to the delegates...

...Fractional Ownership, unlike its predecessor vacation timeshare, offers the investor a real equity stake in the asset. In most cases the assets are vacation properties or unique residences in idealistic locations.

Fractional Ownership is a concept that developed in the US and is clearly being looked at closely by dozens of investor developers who realize its potential long term benefits as a business model. In simple terms, it allows the participants to co-own an asset and to share the costs and to benefit from maximum utilization...

...Consumers will enjoy co-owning an apartment in Paris or a castle in France but will only pay a fraction of the cost, and in most cases share in the deed registration or beneficial ownership rights. Typically a 1/8 interest would allow the fractional owner six weeks usage a year.

"Most of all delegates agree that Fractional Ownership will become a household word in Europe and in the Middle East within the next five years because it's the most sensible method to acquire amazing experiences without shelling out all the capital," said Michael J. Tolan, CEO World Class Group...

..."Fractional Ownership is an up-market product with integrity and taste and will heavily impact the revitalization of real estate sales now and in the future," added Tolan. "This product and its various forms of conveyance and structure defy the economic situation due to its consumer friendly value proposition and in fact, will thrive in these conditions," he said...

To read the entire article go to www.prweb.com/releases/2009/04/prweb2357884.htm.

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Fractional Property Offerings from French Property Fractional

www.adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/fractional

If you are interested in traditional fractional ownership properties currently offered by our Fractional Ownership partners, see below:

Paris: LE PALACE DES VOSGES	Paris: CHEZ LA TOUR
Paris: La Résidence Luxembourg	Paris: LE PETIT TRESOR
Languedoc-Roussillon: MAISON BLEUE

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TODAY'S CURRENCY UPDATE

www.Moneycorp.com

Visit the FPI Web site and click on the link on the left panel or click here for Currency Currency Convertor by Moneycorp Global Money Services/Currency Online by Moneycorp: Moneycorp Currency Conversion Tool for up to the minute conversions of all major currencies.

Compare currency values easily and quickly by visiting:
www.Moneycorp.com/agent/parlerparis/Currency Convertor by Moneycorp Global Money Services/Currency Online.asp

Charts: www.Moneycorp.co.uk/members/charts.asp The charts are updated every ten seconds.

The prices shown are "inter bank" exchange rates and are not the rates that you will be offered by Moneycorp. Your rate will be determined by the amount of currency that you are buying. Please speak with an Moneycorp dealer or your consultant for a live quotation.

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PARLER PARIS APARTMENTS

Parler Paris Apartments

Welcome to your home in Paris. Home is how you will feel in a private apartment in Paris that has the "seal of approval" from Parler Paris Apartments and me, Adrian Leeds.

Parler Paris Apartments offers high quality accommodations to make your stay in the City of Light as enjoyable and memorable as possible.

We at Parler Paris know each and every apartment owner or manager personally, and stand behind the quality of those we represent. We understand your needs and desires, all the small details that make a rental apartment a warm and welcoming home ­ and a much better alternative to an impersonal hotel!

Parler Paris Apartments is administered and serviced by the same great team as Parler Paris, French Property Insider and French Property Consultation. You can trust that Parler Paris Apartments and all those with whom it is associated will do their best for your 100% guaranteed satisfaction.

SPOTLIGHT APARTMENT(S): Le Déco

Rue Saint-Sébastien, 11th Arrondissement
One-bedroom, Sleeps Up to 4

From the quiet, residential rue Saint-Sébastien, walk up a mere dozen steps into this beautiful, newly renovated one-bedroom apartment. No effort has been spared to create a sophisticated, comfortable environment that provides you with all the modern conveniences, and the opportunity to experience romantic Paris to the fullest, whether as first time tourists, or as seasoned visitors who prefer to live like Parisians. Le Déco’s stylish interior combines contemporary design with Art Deco flourishes, while retaining elements of its 19th-century French heritage in its original wood beamed ceiling and marble fireplace. Its three large French windows with wrought iron railings provide a pleasant view of the rue Saint-Sébastien neighborhood.

The living room features Art Deco decor, including a large elegant mirror adorning the fireplace, custom drapery, de Lempicka artwork, and mirrored tables. The very comfortable high-quality sofa converts to a cozy double bed if needed. A writing desk equipped with wireless high-speed Internet access and plush armchair are provided for reading, leisure and/or working.

The bedroom is a marvel of comfort, taste, and convenience. Custom wood and frosted glass sliding doors allow the bedroom to be isolated for total privacy, or to be seamlessly joined to the dining and living room areas to create a single “en suite” living space. The luxurious queen-size bed can be divided into twin beds, if preferred. A spacious mirrored closet, and marble top antique Art Deco night tables and designer lamps provide elegant accents. Illumination from the unique wall sconces can be adjusted for the perfect ambiance. A flat-screen LCD TV and DVD player on a swivel mount allow movie and television viewing from the bed in total comfort.

The dining area features a stunning crystal globe chandelier and comfortable, chic barstools that will enhance any dining occasion. A handsome birch counter has been customized for maximum storage, with a top that cleverly expands to form a generous surface for work, dining or entertaining.

www.adrianleeds.com/parlerparis/apartments/rentals/deco.html.

Reserve now! Visit www.adrianleeds.com/parlerparis/apartments or email: Apartments@AdrianLeeds.com

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For sale: Des Res with Burial Chamber
By Jon Bryant

www.guardian.co.uk

Jon Bryant visits a property in the Loire Valley with its own 5,000-year-old tourist attraction in the garden

Sylviane Normand and her husband, Pascal, have been trying to sell their property in Saumur on the Loire for three years, but it's proving a challenge. The reason? What the French call a "nuisance", like living next door to an abattoir. Yet their nuisance is probably one of France's most extraordinary monuments which would make any new-age druid go weak at the knees.

Looking out of their kitchen window is a 23-metre long, three-metre high, 5,000-year-old stone dolmen - a prehistoric burial chamber.

"It's the largest in France and it's in our garden," says Normand. "We are looking to sell it because it's not financially viable. My husband has had to go to Paris to find work and so I'm stuck here with the dolmen."

Forcing apart chestnut trees and the backyard tulip beds, the burial chamber is a remarkable - yet wholly incongruous - addition to an elegant, bourgeois town better known for its cavalry academy, sparkling wine and as the birthplace of Coco Chanel.

A decade of looking after the monument has ground down the Normand family's enthusiasm for their view. "The problem is, we can't come up with a price. The 'professionals' don't know what it's worth and so if someone shows an interest we can discuss a figure."

They have about 2,000 visitors a year and charge €3.50 (£3.15) for adults and €2 for children...

"The English love it. I think it's more in the Anglo-Saxon nature to like things like that," Sylviane says. "Here, it's all about the chateaux and French culture."

...To satisfy the curiosity of the dolmen's visitors, the Normands have a small museum in what would be their sitting room. Many ancient sites were looted for quarry, and farm owners would try to bury menhirs so they could use the land without restrictions. But the Great Dolmen of Bagneux is simply too big to touch. "They reckon it was put there about the same time as the first pyramids in Egypt," she says...

...The Normands are selling the dolmen with the bar-brasserie they run next door and two neighbouring apartments. Average house prices in Saumur are around €1,500-2,000 per sq metre, but Normand says the dolmen has been an obstacle for potential buyers...

To read the entire article go to www.guardian.co.uk/money/2009/apr/26/loire-property-burial-chamber

Editor's Note: Anyone interested in buying Europe's second-largest dolmen can visit the monument's Web site at www.saumur-dolmen.com.

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HOT PROPERTY PICKS: Present Future Perfect

Each week French Property Insider features a range of properties which we believe are on the market at the time of writing. These properties are featured in order to give readers a sample of what is currently available and a working example of prices being asked in various regions of France and districts of Paris.

As we are not a real estate agency. These properties do not constitute a sales listing. For those readers seriously interested in finding property in Paris or France, you can retain our services to do the whole thing for you. For more information, visit http://www.adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/consultation

This week our focus is on new properties in Paris, with one modern looking and one future property for good measure.

the area with the highest property price increase.

	***Paris, 3rd Arrond.: 2-Bedroom, approx. 87m² This New York style loft apartment comes with a 12m2 cellar and an interior courtyard with a possibility of creating a private garden. The property offers 87m2 of living space, comprising: 2 bedrooms, living room, fully fitted kitchen, dressing room, bathroom and wc. It has a top quality fittings and many character features. Located on the 1st floor of a building with a lift, in the heart of the Marais. Asking Price: € 853 385 + 2.5% Finder's Fee
	***Paris, 13th Arrond.: Studios to 4-Bedrooms, approx. 00m² This new-build development: 13 Rive Gauche, ideally located in the 13th district of Paris next to the famous Bibliotheque François Mitterrand. It comprises 57 apartments ranging from studios to four bedrooms. The apartments are heat insulated and soundproof (double glazing windows) and have individual electric heating. Each apartment offers either a terrace or a balcony (depending on the size of the unit). The residence offers an elevator, video doorphone and secured entrance. Private underground garage with a door that opens automatically thanks to a remote control. Asking Price: starting at € 266 000 + 2.5% Finder's Fee
	***Paris, 19th Arrond.: 1 to 4-Bedrooms, approx. 00m² This high standard development ideally located in the 19th district of Paris and comprises 48 apartments ranging from one to four bedrooms. The apartments are heat insulated and soundproof (double glazing windows) and have individual electric heating. The windows have electric sliding shutters. Each apartment offers either a terrace or a balcony (depending on the size of the unit). The residence offers an elevator, video door phone and secured entrance. You will benefit from cellars and designated area in the private underground garage. Asking Price: starting at € 294 000 + 2.5% Finder's Fee
	***Paris, 20th Arrond.: 1 to 3-Bedroom, approx. 00m² This is a high standard development in Paris' 20th district: Loft Square comprises 12 apartments from one to three bedrooms. The residence is made of light and modern front walls, with large openings. The apartments offer wide loggias, balconies and open terraces, separated by vegetable hedges. They are close to the Menilmontant Square, with nice views over green areas. The residence has a security system, elevators and private garages. Asking Price: starting at € 282 000 + 2.5% Finder's Fee
	***Paris, 17th Arrond.: 2-Bedroom, approx. 66m² This beautiful new built apartment comes with a balcony and a 21.4m2 terrace and is situated close to four metro stations on the boarder of the 16th. The property offers 100m2 of living space: three bedrooms. Solid oak parquet in the entrance, living room, bedrooms and corridor. The apartment is finished to a very high standard including and electric heating via gentle heat radiators. Isophonic partitions are in place for optimal acoustic insulation. Layout for toilets and bathrooms with marble or granite finish fitted toilets and a vitreous china fitted or free-standing basin with mirror and light strip. The residence benefits from a beautiful neo thirties style facade, lobby protected by a double-entrance security door accessed by a door code, then a videophone system, video surveillance on the elevators 24/7, and remote controlled doors leading into the garage. Asking Price: € 1 220 000 + 2.5% Finder's Fee
	***Paris, 16th Arrond.: 3-Bedroom, approx. 210m² [FUTURE] Designed by one of Paris' most famous architectural firms and only footsteps away from shops and transport, is this cutting edge project, ready to break ground for a modern day version of a private townhouse. Located near all amenities yet calm, in the 16th district of Paris. The design, and project of this offer entails a three level luxurious townhouse with a total living space of 210M², plus a 30M²cave . Maximum use of light and space, with the entire facade to be constructed in glass. All permits have been accepted, and free of third party opposition to the design and permit concerning the construction of this townhouse. Asking Price: € 3 750 000 + 2.5% Finder's Fee

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Results of the Latest Notaires' Property Auction

Notaires de Paris
Place du Châtelet
12 avenue Victoria
Paris 1st

 

Additional information on Les Ventes aux Enchères des Notaires can be found on the Web site at www.encheres-Paris.com. Though the site has a button for an English version, it isn't necessarily reliable.

To read Schuyler Hoffman's article about the property auctions in Paris, click on:
www.adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/insider/members/content/articles/auctions1.html

On April 28, 2009 the following properties were auctioned off:

 

2009-06-01
3 Rooms 72m²
113 boulevard Voltaire
75011 - PARIS 11eme
Starting Bid: 170 500,00 €
Sold For: 260 000,00 €

 

2009-06-02
2 Rooms 36m²
113 boulevard Voltaire
75011 - PARIS 11eme
Starting Bid: 110 500,00 €
Sold For: 147 000,00 €

 

2009-06-03
3 Rooms 43m²
113 boulevard Voltaire
75011 - PARIS 11eme
Starting Bid: 100 500,00 €
Sold For: 125 000,00 €

 

2009-06-04
7 Rooms 115m²
115 boulevard Voltaire
75011 - PARIS 11eme
Starting Bid: 295 000,00 €
Sold For: 355 000,00 €

 

2009-06-05
2/3 Rooms 52m²
115 boulevard Voltaire
75011 - PARIS 11eme
Starting Bid: 145 500,00 €
Sold For: 210 000,00 €

 

2009-06-06
2 Rooms 36m²
115 boulevard Voltaire
75011 - PARIS 11eme
Starting Bid: 120 500,00 €
Sold For: 145 000,00 €

 

2009-06-07
2 Rooms 33m²
115 boulevard Voltaire
75011 - PARIS 11eme
Starting Bid: 130 500,00 €
Sold For: 172 00,00 €

 

2009-06-08
2 Rooms 32m²
115 boulevard Voltaire
75011 - PARIS 11eme
Starting Bid: 130 000,00 €
Sold For: 165 000,00 €

 

2009-06-16
3 Rooms 62m²
83 rue Bobillot
75013 - PARIS 13eme
Starting Bid: 217 000,00 €
Sold For: 219 000,00 €

 

2009-06--27
2/3 Rooms 75m²
50 rue Vaneau
75007 - PARIS 7eme
Starting Bid: 495 000,00 €
Sold For: did not sell (no bids)

 

 

 

 

Auctions for May begin next month on May 12, 2009!

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SEEKING A MORTGAGE IN FRANCE?

When you make a purchase as important as a piece of real estate in a foreign country, you ant to know that you can trust the people you are dealing with. Adrian Leeds has developed a network of professionals that meet only the highest of standards. With the expertise and experience of Adrian and her team, you can depend on getting the best advice and support to feel completely confident that you are making an informed investment decision.

Let us help you secure a mortgage in France at a competitive interest rate. Visit www.adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/loan for more information or contact Loan@AdrianLeeds.com

HELPFUL CONVERSIONS FOR REAL ESTATE

1 square meter = 10.7639104 square feet

1 hectare = 2.4710538 acres

For more conversions, refer to: www.onlineconversion.com/

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Parler Paris Après Midi

 

www.adrianleeds.com/parlerparis/apresmidi.html

Come for a drink and to meet and chat with other readers in Paris...

The next gathering is May 12, 2009 and every second Tuesday of the month (except August).

 

 

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Managing Your French Property Insider Subscription is Easy!

We receive many emails from French Property Insider Subscribers who want to change their email address, or update personal information. But did you know that you can make these changes yourself?

It's easy...

1. Go to adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/insider

2. Click on "Manage Subscription." You'll find it under the "Subscribers Only" section in the sidebar.

3. Enter your username and password.

4. On the Welcome Page, go to "Manage Your Account" and click on "Change Password/Edit Profile"

5. Once you've made the changes, scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on "Save Profile."

Simple!

Of course, we're always happy to help, so if you do need assistance, send an email to members@fpinsider.com

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THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

To access password protected pages: click on any of the links on the left panel of the home page of FrenchPropertyInsider.com under "Subscriber's Only," then type in your personal username and password.

Past issues of FPI are available on the Web site. You will find the
"Past Issues" link on the left under "Subscribers Only" or by going to
www.adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/insider/members

To receive your free French Leaseback Report or the Paris Property
Report, click on
www.adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/insider/members

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We wanted better guides, So we wrote them!

Insider Paris Guides are written for people who love the City of Light. You'll get a Paris insider perspective on Restaurants... Making a Life... Black Culture... Expat Writers...and the newest guide, Practical Paris!

French Property Insider subscribers receive a discount of 10% off any guide and up to 25% off the entire purchase (if two or more guides are purchased at the same time). Here's how it works:

1. Click on special Web link we give you just for FPI subscribers.

2. Then order one or more guide(s) and use the promotion
code "ED762." This promotion code gives you 10% off your total
order.

3. If you order two or more guides, then an additional 15% will be
taken off automatically. There is no promotion code needed.

Here is the special "coupon" Web link just for you:
www.insiderparisguides.com/offer

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SUBSCRIBE TO PARLER PARIS

If you're not a regular reader of the Parler Paris daily e-letter, and would like to be, simply enter your e-mail address here (it's free!): www.adrianleeds.com/parlerparis

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Copyright 2011, Adrian Leeds®
Adrian Leeds Group, LLC, www.adrianleeds.com