French Living
Living in France is about more than scenery; it’s about finding your rhythm. This section covers daily life, from cats at the boulangerie to dealing with the mairie. We share real-life stories and the joy of settling in, whether in a village or a rural cottage.
Enjoying Spring and Outdoor Living in Southwest France
Here is the latest read from Beth, Jack and friends enjoying living and spring in the heart of Occitanie , southwest France. "April Fool’s Day, celebrated on the first day of the month, is brilliant for practical jokers.…
Is French Pet Insurance a Must-Have for Animal Owners?
There seems to be a lack of information regarding insuring pets for owners living in France . As a rule, all cats and dogs require to be IDed and vaccinated. While it is possible to purchase pet insurance, this is…
Guide to Home Staging in Style
Are you planning to sell your property in France in today's uncertain and competitive market? Despite the continued strong intereest in France, it can be challenging to stand out among similar listings. However, there is…
French Passport Ranked World's Most Powerful
The history behind the term "passport" dates to the 15th century when it was first introduced in France . The word "passport" has its roots in the French language, where it is referred to as " passeport ", which literally…
Our Essential Guide to Finding and Buying a Car in France
So, you're ready to hit the open road and explore France in style – French style! However, buying a car as a foreigner or expat living in France can be challenging, especially if you’ve recently arrived and it’s…
Digital Cohesion Broadband Internet Cable Support
When potential and future buyers enquire about a property, one of the most common questions we receive is about the quality and type of internet service available. Nowadays, fast and reliable internet access is necessary…
Ski Holidays and Family Winter Fun in the French Pyrénées
Thank you, Beth, for your New Year wishes and your latest contribution, this time all about ski fun and winter activities in the Pyrénées in this glorious corner of beautiful France . "I…
Advice and Equipment for Winter Driving in France
As winter approaches, the freshly snow-covered Alps become a popular destination for skiing enthusiasts. Ski resorts in some areas have decided to open earlier this year, offering visitors an extended winter season. However,…
Harvest Season Delights: Indulge in Flavours of Occitanie
Here is the latest write-up from Beth in Occitanie , who shares a few heart-warming autumnal dishes and traditions, with a couple of secret tips from her yoga friends, Martine and Arlette. At this time of the year,…
Do Children Celebrate Halloween in France?
This month, Beth shares her scary Halloween stories, but do children really celebrate Halloween in France? Or is it just a great opportunity reserved for Americans , the young at heart, and naughty adults to have a…
Guide to Health Insurance for Long Stay Visas in France
Starting a new life in France is an exciting prospect, but many aspects require careful consideration for families and foreigners wanting to make the move and enjoy the good life in this wonderful country. In this guide,…
Unwind and Indulge by the Ocean in Stunning Capbreton
This month, Beth and her furry friends go on a late holiday and relax by the waves of the ocean in stunning Capbreton, the Jewel of the Landes, in the Nouvelle Aquitaine region in southwest France. “ Les grandes vacances…
Harvest, Moissons and Vendanges in Occitanie
Here is the latest contribution from Beth in Occitanie , who will soon be preparing her secateurs for what is one of the most exciting (and tiresome) time of the year in all corners of France. We often talk about nature…
Guide to School and Public Bank Holiday Dates in France
French schools have five holidays during the year: All Saints' autumn break, Christmas , winter break, spring holiday (Easter), and the summer holiday. These breaks are usually two weeks long, except for summer holidays,…
Our Refreshing Tips to Deal with the Hot Weather
Heatwaves are becoming longer, earlier and more frequent in recent years due to global warming. French families, expats and businesses are having to adapt to this new trend which is predicted to become the new normal. In…
Bird Watching and their Names
Here is the latest contribution from Beth in heart of rural France . This month she explores the local wildlife, and more specifically watches the many different birds at this active time of the year, and learning some of…
Three Click Cancellation of a French Insurance Policy
From 1st June 2023, online termination of French insurance contracts that can be concluded electronically will be possible in just 3 clicks. This new regulation aims to promote competition and facilitate the termination/cancellation…
Your Escape to Bright Sunshine
Our Guide to Buying a Home in the Sun Southern France has long been a dream destination for people seeking a beautiful place to call home. With its picturesque landscapes, charming villages, and warm climate , it's no wonder…
France Admin Services
We recently wrote about French bureaucracy and the various government offices for different services in France . Beth in rural southwest in Occitanie admitted that tackling the administrative system can be baffling for expats.…
April Antics in the Southwest
Here is the latest piece from Beth in heart of rural France , dealing with a typical April so far with a wet and cooler spring this year, and a few ideas of events if you’re travelling or already live in this glorious…
The Love of Irish Tradition, Pubs, Folk Music and Ireland
This new blog post is all about Saint Patrick’s Day in France, and why the French love a pint a Guinness in a traditional pub with good music and company. Being a Patrick myself, I asked our reliable (and neutral)…
Bureaucracy and Prefectures, Merci France Services
We've recently posted about overdue improvements made by the French government services and online systems, which prompted us to think about those who are not online or live in rural areas of France . Most people will know…
How to Change Name or Surname In France?
If you’re wondering how to change your name in France, you’re not alone. This is a frequently asked question for owners of British passports and expats living in France . There are several reasons why someone…
How to Apply for French Citizenship with NATALI
There are more and more settled expats who have been living in France for a while, wanting to become French and are applying for ' la Nationalité Française ', post-Brexit. This can be a daunting and long process;…
Tax Declaration for All Homeowners in France
Why all French property owners including those with second homes must complete a new form on the French tax website this year? And why it could be good news in the future. Anyone who owns a property in France - either a…
Our Guide to Telephone Numbers and Area Codes
This new article is about phone numbers in beautiful France , all telephone numbers and how to use them. France uses a 10-digit system with the first two digits indicating a mobile phone, a non-geographic number or…
Christmas Carols French Style
This month Beth shares a strange post Christmas holiday story and unusual tradition to kick start la nouvelle année on a high note. "Christmas carol singing in January? Unusual timing. Then again, all sorts of strange…
Learn about Ameli, the French Online Health Service
Ameli is an online platform for the Assurance Maladie , the health insurance system in France. The name Ameli is an acronym for 'assurance maladie en ligne ', meaning 'health insurance online'. A digital service has been…
Learning French Language, the Linguistic Dilemma
This month Beth shares her experience of learning and improving her spoken French, but despite all the best intentions and tools available, this is usually not as easy as it should be... It's never too late to learn a language…
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 winters energy saving…
How to Find a Local Artisan to Renovate your French House
This month Beth shares great advice and top tips about renovating a property in France , in particular how find the right artisans and build a team, for the long term. "Do you enjoy property restoration work? Many people…
Autumn is Mushroom Time
One of our favourite French words is 'champignons' (we also like ' pamplemousse '), and autumn is one of our favourite times of the year. We envy the lucky ones who enjoy those long walks chatting while hunting for the perfect…
Emergency Telephone Numbers and Helplines in France
In a case of an emergency in France , here are the main telephone numbers to use if you live, or you are holidaying there, even from your mobile/cell phone. First make sure that it is safe to call, if unsure if it's a medical…
Happy Family in their Dream French Chateau
It's always great to receive feedback from satisfied buyers , this is especially true after a very long time searching for that dream historic property in France. The Dream Château This special property is a restored…
It's Vacances Time in France, but Where do the Locals Go?
This month's article is about holidaying in France, when you already live in France ! Where to go this year? What do the French do especially with a very hot summer? They take a long break, often discovering a new corner…
