Author Profile - My-French-House

My-French-House

Sharing decades of insider knowledge, real-life stories, market reports, and expert guidance to help you find or create your ideal French property and lifestyle.

Read article: 2026 Outlook: Euro Exchange Rates & French Real Estate
2026 Outlook: Euro Exchange Rates & French Real Estate

2026 Outlook: Euro Exchange Rates & French Real Estate

The European economic landscape is rapidly evolving as we enter 2026, presenting both opportunities and challenges for international property investors and enterprises engaged in cross-border trade within the Eurozone. For…

Read article: Why Neighbour Nuisances Could Be Costly
Why Neighbour Nuisances Could Be Costly

Why Neighbour Nuisances Could Be Costly

Selling a property in France , or elsewhere, presents its own challenges, especially when persistent neighbour issues threaten to derail the sale. Whether it’s disturbances at night, odours from industry, or ongoing…

Read article: French Property Annual Market Report: Winter 2025
French Property Annual Market Report: Winter 2025

French Property Annual Market Report: Winter 2025

The Notaires de France have published their annual market report for 2025, focusing on residential sales. This year will be remembered as a period of recovery and cautious optimism, with transaction volumes increasing and…

Read article: France’s Civics Exam: A Guide for Foreign Residents
France’s Civics Exam: A Guide for Foreign Residents

France’s Civics Exam: A Guide for Foreign Residents

From 1 January 2026, France will introduce a compulsory civics examination for foreign nationals applying for a multi-year residence permit, a permanent residence card, or French citizenship via naturalisation.  This…

Read article: Why Raclette Is France’s Winter Comfort Food?
Why Raclette Is France’s Winter Comfort Food?

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…

Read article: What is a Lettre Recommandée LRAR in France?
What is a Lettre Recommandée LRAR in France?

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…

Read article: Why is November 11 a Bank Holiday in France?
Why is November 11 a Bank Holiday in France?

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…

Read article: Exciting Rail News for Travellers and Homeowners
Exciting Rail News for Travellers and Homeowners

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, will…

Read article: What Is a Plan Cadastral or de Cadastre?
What Is a Plan Cadastral or de Cadastre?

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…

Read article: What is a Dossier de Diagnostic Technique (DDT) in France?
What is a Dossier de Diagnostic Technique (DDT) in France?

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,…

Read article: Mont-Saint-Michel: France’s Iconic Island of Legends
Mont-Saint-Michel: France’s Iconic Island of Legends

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…

Read article: La Nuit des Châteaux: A Unique French Castle Experience
La Nuit des Châteaux: A Unique French Castle Experience

La Nuit des Châteaux: A Unique French Castle Experience

In October, France’s castles sparkle under the moonlight as La Nuit des Châteaux returns. For its 7th edition, nearly a hundred historic estates across the country  and Europe opened their doors after dark,…

Read article: How to Know if a French Property is in a Flood Zone
How to Know if a French Property is in a Flood Zone

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…

Read article: Our Guide to EES, ETIAS & the New EU Border Rules
Our Guide to EES, ETIAS & the New EU Border Rules

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,…

Read article: Guide to Making an Offer on a Property in France
Guide to Making an Offer on a Property in 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 ski apartment in the Alps, a sunny villa in  Provence or a character…

Read article: French Property Market Analysis – Summer 2025
French Property Market Analysis – Summer 2025

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…

Read article: Buying A Rural Property? Know Your Access Rights
Buying A Rural Property? Know Your Access Rights

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…

Read article: Le Tour de Provence – Discover the True Heart of the South
Le Tour de Provence – Discover the True Heart of the South

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…

Read article: Choosing the Right Mandat to Sell your French Property
Choosing the Right Mandat to Sell your French Property

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)…

Read article: Our Guide to Barbezieux-Saint-Hilaire in Charente
Our Guide to Barbezieux-Saint-Hilaire in Charente

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 .  It’s easy to see why many families…

Read article: Where is Le Midi? Is it in Provence or Occitanie?
Where is Le Midi? Is it in Provence or Occitanie?

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…

Read article: Decipher the Real Estate Code: Agent 004 is on a Mission
Decipher the Real Estate Code: Agent 004 is on a Mission

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…

Read article: What Is a Real Estate Bon de Visite Certificate in France?
What Is a Real Estate Bon de Visite Certificate in France?

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…

Read article: 10 Reasons to Buy in Hérault, the Heart of Languedoc
10 Reasons to Buy in Hérault, the Heart of Languedoc

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 holiday home investment, the Hérault in southern France ticks every box. This lively corner of Occitanie , formerly known as Languedoc,…

Read article: Lights, Camera, Cannes: A Love Letter to France Through Film
Lights, Camera, Cannes: A Love Letter to France Through Film

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…

Read article: The Ultimate French Cheese and Wine Pairing Guide
The Ultimate French Cheese and Wine Pairing Guide

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…

Read article: Gold Mine Discovered in Farmer’s Field in France
Gold Mine Discovered in Farmer’s Field in France

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 farmer in…

Read article: Guide to the Carte Vitale Health Insurance Card in France
Guide to the Carte Vitale Health Insurance Card in France

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…

Read article: What Does it Mean to Buy French Property in Indivision?
What Does it Mean to Buy French Property in Indivision?

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…

Read article: Over 100 Interesting and Unusual French Facts
Over 100 Interesting and Unusual French Facts

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…

Read article: Affordable New Build Homes and Villas in Western France
Affordable New Build Homes and Villas in Western France

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, you're investing in some of the country’s…

Read article: Local Planning in France – What is a PLU?
Local Planning in France – What is a PLU?

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…

Read article: Why Rugby and France Are a Perfect Match
Why Rugby and France Are a Perfect Match

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…

Read article: Find your Dream Dordogne Home near a Fairway
Find your Dream Dordogne Home near a Fairway

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…

Read article: Restoring Listed Castles and Monuments Historiques
Restoring Listed Castles and Monuments Historiques

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…

Read article: A to Z: 25 French Words You May Have Never Heard Of
A to Z: 25 French Words You May Have Never Heard Of

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…