Author Profile - Patrick Joseph
Our Guide to Telephone Numbers and Area Codes
This article covers phone numbers and area codes in beautiful France , including how to use them. Discover France's Regional Phone Codes France uses a 10-digit system, with the first two digits indicating…
Buy à la Carte in Montpellier
Montpellier is a young and vibrant city that attracts many people from various backgrounds. It is often called the "Paris of the South". A modern metropolis located in the Hérault department, it attracts investors…
Occitanie is the New Provence
If you are looking for a region brimming with culture, easy to reach, and beautiful beyond measure, Occitanie delivers in spades. Situated in the south of France, " Le Midi ", between the Mediterranean Sea and the…
Buy à la Carte in Nice
Are you looking for a home in Nice or an investment property on the Côte d'Azur, but you are unable to be there or don't have the knowledge to carry out your project yourself? Don't panic, whether for your second or…
Guide for Australian Citizens Buying Property in France
This is our essential Guide for Australian buyers looking to purchase property or invest in real estate in France's major cities. We have witnessed increased interest from Australians looking to buy property in beautiful…
Angers à la Carte
Elected " best city to invest " by real estate specialist SeLoger in 2019, Angers is not lacking in assets. Angers stands out for the quality of its inner-city public transport system, with trams and a large number…
Learn about Ameli, the French Online Health Service
Ameli is an online platform for the Assurance Maladie , France's national health insurance system. The name Ameli is an acronym for 'assurance maladie en ligne ', meaning 'health insurance online'. This Digital service…
Buy à la Carte in Rennes
Rennes, a city that feels just right ... the capital of Brittany with more than 200,000 residents, is famous for its lively atmosphere while preserving old Breton traditions. If the Rennes real estate market is experiencing…
Brexit Guide for British Buyers
With the UK out of the European Union, retiring, working, studying and travelling to France has become more complicated, and the same applies to buying property . To help you understand the main points post-Brexit and guide…
Our French Chateau Escape from Everyday American Life
Following on from Sharon's château story , this week's article features a couple of happy France-loving American clients who secured their dream château in France. Their love of France, its culture, and…
Compulsory Boiler Service and Thermostat Check
Here's some property news concerning all owners of French property, expats living in France and future buyers. There are new rules coming into place to improve boiler efficiency, this is part of the winter's energy saving…
Emergency Telephone Numbers and Helplines in France
In an emergency in France, here are the main telephone numbers to use if you live there, or you are holidaying there, even from your mobile/cell phone. First, make sure it is safe to call; if unsure whether it's a…
International Travel Insurance Service for Expats in France
If you are an expat in France preparing to travel to your next dream holiday destination, you should ensure that you, your family and your belongings are suitably covered before you hop on the plane or the ferry. Have you…
Award-Winning French Portal
The International Property Awards celebrate the highest levels of achievement by businesses from all sectors of the property and real estate industry. Notably, the awards are presented based on a scoring system, with the…
Happy Family in their Dream French Chateau
It's always great to receive feedback from satisfied buyers , especially after a very long time spent searching for that dream historic property in France. Their Dream Château This special property is a restored 19th-century…
What's a RIB in France? How Can I Get One?
"RIB" is the abbreviation for Relevé d’Identité Bancaire, which means "Bank Account Details" in English. You need these details when you open a bank account with a French bank or buy property in…
Property Succession Laws: Tontine and Unmarried Couples
When planning to buy French real estate , navigating inheritance laws can be complex. In France, the system of forced heirship significantly impacts estate planning. Under this system, certain family members, particularly…
Invest in a Villa in France or Spain, which is Best?
Moving abroad can be all sunshine (literally) and rainbows, exciting adventures, and the opening of doors to new possibilities. Still, such a move carries significant implications and a lot of information to take in along…
Moving To France with Horses
Owners of horses must ensure that their animals have: pre-travel residency or isolation, blood tests, export health certificates (EHC), and customs declarations or carnets . British Equestrian has compiled a helpful checklist…
Rebates for UK Owners
Before Brexit, UK taxpayers liable to the French social charge paid a reduced rate of 7.5% (usually 17.2%) on their French real estate income and capital gains. This arose under the EU Directive on the coordination of social…
A to Z to Buying Property and Real Estate in France
Here’s our A to Z guide to buying your dream property in France ; we tried to make it as relevant and informative as possible to help you navigate common terms you will hear during property visits. Our A to Z…
Convert to the Metric System, and Fahrenheit to Celsius
Once you start house hunting in France , you soon realise there's a whole new range of words, property types, legal terms, French terminology and metric-based measurements to get accustomed to. Some people find this a steep…
Lush and Dramatic Normandy
North of Brittany, the lush and dramatic landscape of Normandy lies. From naturally sculpted white rock coastlines to serene rolling countryside, the region offers a range of properties to suit all budgets and…
2022 It's Champagne Time
It’s been another challenging one, but again, this year seems to have flown by quickly, probably due to the fact that we’ve been so incredibly busy on all fronts, all year. The very last vine leaf has fallen,…
Apartments and Chalets in the Best Ski Resorts in the Alps
Autumn is well underway, and many families are turning their attention to winter holidays, particularly those who enjoy the cold and ski activities . One of the most popular winter destinations is the French Alps,…
September Is All About Timing
It’s that wonderful time again, we’ve written before about September and house hunting in France; “la rentrée ” for kids and parents, the amazing autumn colours, delicious mushrooms, fireplaces…
Going, Going, Gone! French Chateau Auction Success
After generating thousands of page views, dozens of enquiries and double-digit bidders, this château opportunity in the glorious Loire Valley is now gone with the deposit secured via our currency exchange partners.…
Interesting and Fun Paris Facts
Paris, the capital of France and recent host of the Olympic Games, is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. In 2025, Paris welcomed 18.3 million foreign tourists. The city exudes romance, beauty and history,…
Our Guide to Doctors, Dentists and Healthcare in France
France boasts a healthcare system that is highly acclaimed throughout Europe. Patients can access the country's exceptional medical services, which the government partially funds. However, individuals must pay the difference…
Our Guide to the Departments of Metropolitan France
France is a vast country divided into 13 regions , which are then subdivided into administrative departments, locally known as " départements ". Overall, there are 96 administrative départements in…
Find the Ideal Paris District
According to Euromonitor, Paris has regained popularity to once again claim the title of the world’s top city in 2022, ahead of Dubai, which retains 2nd place. The rankings confirm the dominance of European destinations,…
Brexit, EHIC, GHIC, Medical Support and Healthcare
Starting a new life in France is a dream many people and families have, but when you start making it a reality, there are many eventualities to consider, especially after the United Kingdom decided to leave the EU. This…
Granit Houses and Character Properties in Brittany
Brittany , or Bretagne as it is known locally, has remained a favoured holiday hotspot for Brits and French alike. Situated in the northwest corner, jutting into the Atlantic, the area offers access to some of the most beautiful…
Why Buy Property in Paris?
The French capital is a prime location for buyers looking for a dynamic city that combines the advantages of a modern metropolis with the charm of peaceful villages. It is also an ideal place to invest for rental income,…
Why Invest in Luxury Real Estate in Cannes?
A world-renowned seaside resort on the Riviera in southern France, Cannes benefits from an exceptional setting, between the sea and the Mediterranean sun. This amazing city is home to many luxury retail outlets, gourmet…
House Hunters - Bespoke Property Finder Service
Discover our bespoke ' à la Carte ' property hunting service for busy families and professionals looking for real estate in fast-moving cities across France . Think of this service as having a private chef ,…