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Paris in Lights: Christmas Windows and Champs-Élysées Magic
When autumn disappears, Paris starts to shine again. The air becomes colder, cafés smell like roasted chestnuts, and the City of Light turns into a real Christmas dream. Every year, two big moments announce…
Truffles: France’s Underground Prima Donnas
Few foods generate more drama than truffles, those coveted, earthy gems from the terroir that fascinate passionate chefs and empty wallets. But Beth, our Southwest resident based in Occitanie , brings a refreshing…
Paris Celebrates 100 Years of Art Deco
If you are in Paris or the region this winter, or planning to come in the next few months, there’s a new exhibition you should not miss. The Museum of Decorative Arts (MAD), situated inside one of the long…
What is a Lettre Recommandée LRAR in France?
If you own property, buy a home, or are an expat living in France , you’ll find French bureaucracy relies heavily on official paperwork, including the Lettre Recommandée avec Accusé de Réception…
How We Accidentally Bought a Castle in Southwest France
Welcome to a new chapter in our château series, where real-life fairy tales unfold in surprising ways. Meet Julien and Charlie, a couple whose love story took a magical turn when they married in an 11th-century castle…
Why is November 11 a Bank Holiday in France?
Each year on 11 November, France observes a bank holiday to commemorate the end of World War I, a conflict that reshaped the nation and the world. The significance of this date goes back to November 11, 1918, in a railway…
My Château Fantasy: A €1.8M Tarn Escape
It started as a playful "what if?", the kind of daydream that sneaks in when you stumble upon a property too beautiful to ignore . Don’t get me wrong, we’re very happy in our sanctuary and aren't planning…
The Famous Cemetery Parisians Love to Visit
If you are visiting France this fall and coming to Paris, autumn is, without a doubt, the best time to visit the Père Lachaise Cemetery, the most-visited necropolis in the world. The light turns golden, the trees…
Exciting Rail News for Travellers and Homeowners
The way we travel between the UK and France is evolving, bringing excellent news for explorers, second homeowners, and international property investors. Eurostar’s upcoming Celestia trains, scheduled for 2031,…
French Property Gifts and Inheritance Tax Allowance
The donation of a French property is subject to gift tax in France. The applicable tax rate depends on the relationship between the donor and the recipient. Lifetime gifts between spouses and civil partners…
What Is a Plan Cadastral or de Cadastre?
A plan cadastral is a graphical document that maps all land properties and buildings within a commune (municipality), and is a very useful tool to understand the surroundings of a specific property when house…
The Joy of Supermarket Shopping in France
If you’ve ever thought of grocery shopping as a chore, endless aisles and the same snacks, then you haven’t experienced a French hypermarché. Food shopping when you’re living in France isn’t…
5 Unexpected Ways Buying a Château Changed My Life
Welcome back to "An American in the Pyrénées", real-life stories from France! Ever wondered what happens when you impulsively buy a French château ? Trish shares five unexpected ways her life transformed,…
What is a Dossier de Diagnostic Technique (DDT) in France?
If you’re preparing to sell, rent, or buy a property in France , you will need to provide or receive the Dossier de Diagnostic Technique (DDT). This set of mandatory reports plays a vital role in every transaction,…
Mont-Saint-Michel: France’s Iconic Island of Legends
Few places in France capture the imagination like Mont-Saint-Michel, a medieval abbey perched on a rocky island in the French region of Normandy, surrounded by dramatic tides that transform the landscape twice a day.…
La Nuit des Châteaux: A Unique French Castle Experience
This October, France’s castles will sparkle under the moonlight as La Nuit des Châteaux returns for its 7th edition. From today to 19 October, nearly a hundred historic estates across the country…
How to Know if a French Property is in a Flood Zone
When buying property in France , one of the key questions to ask is: Is this land or house in a flood zone? Flooding is the leading natural hazard in France, affecting millions of residents and properties annually. Knowing…
The Most Beautiful Villages in Southwest France
In this month’s blog, our resident friend in SW France, Beth, highlights some of the most stunning towns and villages in her beautiful region . From medieval hamlets on sunny hillsides to flower-draped squares filled…
Our Guide to EES, ETIAS & the New EU Border Rules
The big news this autumn is that the way we travel to Europe is undergoing changes. From October 2025, two new systems, EES (Entry/Exit System) and ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System), will reshape…
Guide to Making an Offer on a Property in France
You’ve found the perfect property in France , that’s wonderful news, and only the start of the buying process. Whether it’s a cosy ski apartment in the Alps, a sun-drenched villa in Provence or a…
Can You Buy French Real Estate with Cryptocurrency?
We aim to stay current and keep you informed about the latest trends in the fast-moving French property market . It's about having "a finger on the pulse" and staying ahead of the competition. That's what we do; we get copied…
French Property Market Analysis – Summer 2025
French property sales and the market are showing signs of revival this summer, with transaction volumes up and buyer confidence returning. While national prices remain stable, important regional contrasts create opportunities…
Summer Barbecues in France
When I asked Beth about summer barbecue parties in her corner of the Occitanie region , I wasn't expecting tales of roasted boars on a spit! Everyone's idea of a barbecue is unique, but the essential ingredients always remain…
Buying A Rural Property? Know Your Access Rights
Considering buying a rural property in the French countryside? Whether you’re eyeing a secluded farmhouse in the Dordogne , a country mas in Provence or a holiday home in Occitanie , one key legal issue to understand…
Le Tour de Provence – Discover the True Heart of the South
Provence isn’t just the sunniest region of France ; it’s an experience designed to awaken all your senses. With rolling lavender fields, charming markets and a rhythm of life steeped in authenticity, Provence…
A Taste of Rural France: Trish’s Delicious Discovery
Welcome back to our series, " An American in the Pyrénées "! We're excited to have you with us again. This time, Trish invites you to explore one of her favourite aspects of living in beautiful France : the…
Choosing the Right Mandat to Sell your French Property
Selling your flat or property in France through a real estate agency involves signing a contract called a " mandat de vente ." This contract authorises the “ agent immobilier ” (French real estate agent)…
Tax Reporting Obligations for Americans Living in France
The US imposes taxes on all its US citizens, irrespective of their country of residence. Therefore, US citizens living in France are subject to US taxes. In contrast to the US, France bases its taxation…
Our Guide to Barbezieux-Saint-Hilaire in Charente
Situated in the rolling hills of southwestern France, Barbezieux-Saint-Hilaire is a small town that effortlessly blends history, culture and the warm hospitality of the Charente region . Whether you’re planning a visit…
La Fête de la Musique Means Summer is Here
For this month's article, Beth spills the beans on the popular 'Fête de la Musique', a day dedicated to celebrating music throughout the country, and now, the world. But don't worry, it's not another sneaky French…
Where is Le Midi? Is it in Provence or Occitanie?
In France, " le Midi " is a term that generally refers to the southern regions of the country , where locals have that beautiful “singing accent” and where the game of pétanque originated. To visualise…
Finding my Paradise in the French Countryside
Welcome to our brand-new château series, "An American in the Pyrénées," featuring Trish, a former corporate professional from the United States who discovered her corner of paradise in the French countryside.…
Ponts, Viaducts, French Bank Holidays and Cheese
This month, our resident writer, Beth, tells us about May in France, affectionately called "le mois du gruyère" by some, a delightful French expression that captures the essence of the month. Literally, it translates…
Decipher the Real Estate Code: Agent 004 is on a Mission
Glamour, intrigue, and the ever-elusive dream home ... This isn’t your typical property guide. As the world turns its gaze to Cannes for the film festival, and while former Bond girl Halle Berry finishes a mojito in…
What Is a Real Estate Bon de Visite Certificate in France?
If you're searching for property in France , you may be asked to sign a ' bon de visite ', also known as a visit certificate. It may seem like a routine formality, but it plays an important role in how real estate transactions…
