You Get What You Pay For
France would never feature on a list of the world's bargain destinations; still, outside Paris, this country can be much more affordable than you might imagine...and even Paris doesn't have to be hyper-expensive. Plus, you have to remember what you're buying. Paris is, in our opinion, the most beautiful and romantic place on earth. And Paris is only the beginning of this story. There's a reason, after all, why more tourists seek out France each year than any other country on earth.
Furthermore, Paris is also a lifestyle play that can double as a solid investment, as apartment values in some arrondissements continue steadily up...and as the euro continues ever-stronger. A piece of Paris real estate is a hard asset worth holding.
In addition, beyond Paris, it can be possible still to indulge your French farmhouse renovation fantasies for less than $100,000.
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France at a Glance
| Population | 63.7 million (July 2007) |
| Gross Domestic Product (GDP) | $2.067 trillion (2007) |
| GDP Per Capita | $33,800 (2007) |
| Inflation Rate | 1.5% (2007) |
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Exchange Rate Versus U.S. Dollar | 0.735 euro = 1 U.S. dollar (March 2008) |
| Language | French |
| Capital | Paris |
| Population of Capital City | 2.2 million (2005) |
| Time Zone | GMT plus 1 |
| Seasons | Inland: hot, wet summers; cold, dry winters South: hot, dry summers; cool, wet summers West: wet, mild winters; wet, cool summers |
| International Dialing Code | 33 |
| Electricity | 230V / 50 Hz; Plug Type: E, C |
| Republic | |
| Name and Party Affiliation of Current Leader |
Nicolas Sarkozy, Union for a Popular Movement |
| Income Tax Rate for Residents | 10% to 48.09% |
| Property Tax | Variable |
| Capital Gains Tax | 0% to 16% resident or European Union citizen; 0% to 33% non-EU citizen and non-resident |
| Inheritance Tax | 0% to 60% |
| Rental Income Tax | 7% for residents; 7-25% for non-residents |
| Transfer Tax | 4.89%; less than 1% on new properties |
| Sales Tax | 19.6% |
| Restrictions on Foreign Ownership of Property |
None |
| Local Chamber of Commerce | www.acfci.cci.fr 45 Avenue d'Iéna BP 3003 75773 Paris Tel: 33 (0)1 4069 3700 |
| American Chamber of Commerce | www.amchamfrance.org 156 boulevard Haussmann 75008 Paris Tel: 33 (0) 1 5643 4567 |
| Primary Exports | Machinery and transportation equipment, aircraft, plastics, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, iron, steel, beverages |
| Residency and Visa Requirements | Tourist Visa: automatic 90 days upon entry Residency: visitor, student, employee, self-employed, trader, scientific, cultural/artistic, temporary employee, private/family visas Citizenship: fixed residence for 5 continuous years |
| Special Benefits for Foreign Residents or Retirees | None |
| National Airline | Air France www.airfrance.com |
| Preferred Contact |
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