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I only just noticed this thread and was wondering how you were going with finding out answers to your questions, Sean?
I will also echo the sentiments of a previous poster regarding language difficulties. If I were attemtpting to operate out of France or Italy, I would want to speak the native language reasonably fluently - not so much for communication with your clients, because I'm guessing that the bulk of your clients will probably not be local people, but for dealing with local tradespeople, government officials, shops, port officials etc.
The French, in particular are infamous for their resentment of having to speak english. They have a particular gallic pride, and will often feign incomprehension even if they speak good english. If you at least make an attempt to speak their native language, they are far more inclined to speak to you in english, and you will almost certainly meet with a warmer and friendlier response even if your french is rather bad. I spent quite a lot of time in france & Corsica, and my high-school french was good enough to get by and I always got better treatment than others around me who didn't speak french at all.
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