French Living
Living in France is about more than scenery; it’s about finding a rhythm. This section covers daily life, from chats at the boulangerie to going to the mairie. We share stories about the joy of settling in beautiful France.
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.…
Dancing with the Winds of Provence in southern France
France's beauty is deeply connected to the sea, and its winds play an essential role in shaping its soul and character. The legendary Tramontane and the Mistral stand out among these winds for their ferocity and mischievousness.…
Is French Pet Insurance a Must-Have for Animal Owners?
There seems to be a lack of information about insuring pets for owners living in France . As a rule, all cats and dogs require ID and vaccination. While it is possible to purchase pet insurance, it is less common in…
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 interest in France, it can be challenging to stand out among similar listings. However, there is…
French Passport Ranked World's Most Powerful
The history of the term "passport" dates back 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 are…
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 hope you’ve…
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) times of the year in all corners of France. We often talk about…
Guide to School and Public Bank Holiday Dates in France
French schools have five holidays during the year: All Saints' Day, Christmas, winter break, Easter (spring holiday), and summer holiday. These breaks are usually two weeks long, except for summer holidays, which last eight…
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 the heart of rural France . This month, she explores the local wildlife, specifically watching the many different birds at this active time of year and learning some of their…
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
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 that so many people aspire to own…
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 the 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…
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 to 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 what a…
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 British passport holders and expats living in France . There are several reasons someone may need…
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 '. This can be a daunting and lengthy process; the…
Tax Declaration for All Homeowners in France
Why must all French property owners, including those with second homes, complete a new form on the French tax website? And why it could be good news in the future. Anyone who owns a property in France - either a primary…
What is a Livret A Saving Account in France?
Livret A is a simple savings account with instant withdrawal access that's historically been very popular in France . It is a kind of on-demand , tax-free savings account similar to an ISA account in the UK. In September…
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…
Christmas Carols French Style
This month, Beth shares a strange post-Christmas holiday story and an unusual tradition to kick-start la nouvelle année on a high note. "Christmas carol singing in January? Unusual timing. Then again, all sorts of…
Learn about Ameli, the French Online Health Service
Ameli is an online platform for the Assurance Maladie , France's health insurance system. The name Ameli is an acronym for 'assurance maladie en ligne ', meaning 'health insurance online'. This Digital service makes it easier…
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…
Our French Chateau Escape from Everyday American Life
Following on from Sharon's chateau story , this week's article is from a couple of happy France-loving American customers who secured their dream chateau in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes this year. Their love…
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 Manage your Paris Apartment from Abroad?
In our previous post, we spoke about the challenges of finding reliable service providers for the renovation of your property in France . This is made more difficult if you are not there day to day and need to manage everything…
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 , and how to find the right artisans and build a team for the long term. "Do you enjoy property restoration work? Many people who buy…
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…