that's interesting about the car lease - wouldn't have thought of it and will definitely look into it.
My DH has an EU passport and because of that we can get one for the girls. Have to look into whether or not I qualify for one as his spouse, or if he's one step too removed ITMS. Did you look for the property when you get there Zazou, or did you arrange it from home?
I arranged it from Australia and paid for 5 months upfront.
If you want to save some money you could rent a place in the Alps over the summer. Lots of ski accommodation is empty over summer so they let it at a discount.
For France try googling immobilier and the town of your choice. In Italian it is immobiliare.
Lots of companies will have an English version of their site especially if they are in a touristed town/area.
Do you speak a European language? If not my advice is to enroll yourself ASAP in a language class or at least buy a learn from the CD course/book.
I lived in Europe on and off for 6 years pre DS. However I would advise if you are planning on doing extended weekends that you get a base centrally. Somewhere close to an airport that has flights to destinations you are interested in. Switzerland was my favourite place to be based as English is widely spoken if you don't have a second language, Geneva and Zurich airports are great and its an 'easy' drive to east and west Europe. The public transport is also amazing and you get 4 cultures in one country.
I would also check with the visas, while most places were fine with me popping in and out for a weekend, some places you need to plan a bit in advance.
We have done 6-8 week European stints with the kids and each time we have leased a car also - through Peugot and Renault. Much cheaper option then hiring, the car is brand new straight off the show room floor so the chances of having mechanical issues are almost nil. We were also able to organise car seats through them as well which at the end you had to purchase.
From memory their car seat requirements were slightly different to ours, but mind you this was a couple of years ago. Their car seats look completely different and ours are not compatible with their cars - they are installed differently so you can't simply take yours over.
Last time we went to Europe the kids were 1, 4 and 6. They were all easily amused and travelled well. DVD player for the car is essential.
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