Author Profile - My-French-House
Why Raclette Is France’s Winter Comfort Food?
When winter’s crisp air sweeps across beautiful France , there is a tradition that brings warmth to both homes and hearts: “la raclette”. More than a meal, raclette is an Alpine ritual, an indulgent homage…
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…
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…
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,…
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 for understanding the surroundings of a specific property when house hunting…
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. Nicknamed…
La Nuit des Châteaux: A Unique French Castle Experience
In October, France’s castles sparkle under the moonlight as La Nuit des Châteaux returns. In 2025, for its 7th edition, nearly a hundred historic estates across the country and Europe opened…
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…
Our Guide to EES, ETIAS & the New EU Border Rules
Two new systems, EES (Entry/Exit System) and ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System), are reshaping border controls for UK citizens and non-EU visitors entering the Schengen Zone, including to France,…
Guide to Making an Offer on a Property in France
You’ve found the perfect property in France , that’s fantastic 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…
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, significant regional contrasts create opportunities…
Buying A Rural Property? Know Your Access Rights
Considering buying a 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 rural 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…
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)…
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 . It’s easy to see why…
Where is Le Midi? Is it in Provence or Occitanie?
In France, " le Midi " generally refers to the southern regions of the country , where locals have that beautiful “singing accent” and where pétanque originated. To visualise it in your mind, you…
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 essential role in how real estate transactions…
10 Reasons to Buy in Hérault, the Heart of Languedoc
Whether you're dreaming of a quiet life under the Mediterranean sun or looking for a smart holiday home investment, the Hérault department in southern France ticks every box. This lively corner of the Occitanie…
Lights, Camera, Cannes: A Love Letter to France Through Film
As the Cannes Film Festival once again draws the world’s gaze to the Riviera , it feels like the perfect moment to celebrate the unique bond between France and cinema . Whether you’re strolling through a Provençal…
The Ultimate French Cheese and Wine Pairing Guide
Bonjour, cheese and wine enthusiasts, and lovers of wonderful France ! Today, we're taking you on a different culinary journey, exploring the harmony of fromages and vins from the same regions and departments . Emily…
Gold Mine Discovered in Farmer’s Field in France
This case would have suited secret property agent 004 to the ground... Imagine stumbling upon a fortune so vast it could change your life forever! That is precisely what happened to Michel Dupont, a 52-year-old…
Guide to the Carte Vitale Health Insurance Card in France
Moving to France is an exciting adventure, but understanding the healthcare system can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to the important Carte Vitale . This little green card is your key to accessing healthcare…
What Does it Mean to Buy French Property in Indivision?
In French property and real estate, " indivision " refers to a form of co-ownership in which multiple individuals share ownership of a property without dividing it into distinct portions. This means each co-owner has an…
Over 100 Interesting and Unusual French Facts
France is filled with charm and intrigue, from the busy streets of Paris to the scenic Bordeaux vineyards and the bee-filled lavender fields in Provence . In this article, we invite you to explore over 100 fascinating…
Affordable New Build Homes and Villas in Western France
If you're considering purchasing a new build villa or off-plan property in Western France , particularly in Brittany, Normandy, or the department of Vendée in the Pays-de-Loire region, you're investing in some of…
Local Planning in France – What is a PLU?
Understanding the Plan Local d'Urbanisme (PLU) is essential when developing real estate or buying property in France . The PLU is a local plan that sets the rules for development in a commune, determining what can be built…
Why Rugby and France Are a Perfect Match
Ah, le rugby, where grit meets grace, and passion fills the air! In France, rugby is more than a sport; it’s a way of life, deeply embedded in the culture of its cities, especially in the south and southwest of the…
Find your Dream Dordogne Home near a Fairway
The Dordogne region in southwest France is a golfer's paradise, offering a beautiful mix of amazing landscapes, challenging courses, quality greens, cultural heritage and superb facilities. If you’re a keen golfer…
Restoring Listed Castles and Monuments Historiques
In 2024, France had 45,080 protected historic monuments (buildings), of which 30,763 were registered and 14,317 classified. But what is the difference between a Château Classé and a Château Inscrit…
A to Z: 25 French Words You May Have Never Heard Of
When people think of France , and the French language, words like " bonjour ," " amour ," and " croissant " often come to mind: simple, charming and familiar terms. However, beyond these commonly known words lies a wealth…
Tartiflette Recipe: Food for Keeping Warm in Winter
If you are an expat living in beautiful France , you may have tasted or heard of Tartiflette and other traditional seasonal dishes such as Pot-au-Feu, Bouillabaisse, Cassoulet or Boeuf Bourguignon . And you’ll also…
What is the Acte Authentique or Acte de Vente in France?
Selling or buying a property in France is an exciting but complex process. One of the most important steps is signing the acte de vente, a legally binding document drafted by a notary to complete the sale and acquisition.…
Celebrating Saint Nicholas: A Traditional Christmas Treat
In the northeastern regions of France , particularly in Alsace, Lorraine and parts of Franche-Comté, the celebration of Saint Nicholas is deeply cherished by locals. This festive occasion occurs on December…
What is Usufruct (Usufruit) in French Real Estate?
Usufruct ( usufruit in French property law) is a civil law term that refers to the right to use and enjoy the benefits and fruits of someone else's property without damaging or altering it, as long as it is used for its…