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.
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…
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…
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…
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…
What's a RIB in France? How Can I Get One?
"RIB" is the abbreviation for Relevé d’Identité Bancaire, which means "Banking ID Details" in English. These details are necessary when you open a bank account with a French bank or purchase a property…
Bartering Bric-a-Brac at Brocantes in SW France
This month's article is light and funny, and possibly useful for those not trained in the art of dealing with those passionate 'brocantiers' and 'amateurs antiquaires' or to find a present for a friend who's moving into…
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…
Poisson d’Avril and Fishy Jokes
Here is the latest piece from Beth in Occitanie , all about April fools and its origins, and food, naturellement... just in time for Easter. "Did you fall for an April Fool’s Day prank this year? It’s that month…
Spring Pests and Pets in France
Here are the latest of Beth's adventures and friendly advice from rural southwest France . In springtime, when nature is blossoming and animals are free to roam again, she explains how pet owners need to be aware of local…
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…
What is a Réveillon or La Saint-Sylvestre in France?
Here is the latest news from Beth, from her dream country house in rural France after discovering the exhausting expérience of "Les Fêtes de Fin d'Année". I wonder if Beth knows how early some of…
November Is Always Très Busy
Here are 'les dernieres aventures de Beth' in her dream country estate in rural southwest France . This month, she discovers how November is traditionally an eventful month, with two bank holidays , 1st and 11th, every year.…
Confusing French Phrases, Words and Expressions
Here are the latest musings from Beth in her dream country house , somewhere in rural southwest France, where plenty of mushrooms have been spotted this season. This month, she discovers some strange, often confusing…
Discovering Marmande’s Tomatoes and Cafés
Here are the latest adventures from Beth and friends, still finding amazing places in the heart of southwest France. This month, and her sister Di, discover the market town of Marmande, as they’ve heard there are some…
A Hidden Treasure in Occitanie
Here are the latest discoveries and adventures from Beth and friends, finding beautiful villages and amazing places right in the heart of southwest France. This week, they discover the popular market town of Saint Antonin.…
The Best Croissants and Chocolatines in Occitanie
French people tend not to snack much between meals, instead conserving their appetite for 'les repas', but ocassionally it's easy to get tempted by an invitingly fresh pain aux raisins, or a shiny croissant, almost straight…
Spring, Plants and Cadeaux
Are you still missing France and the warm sunshine while waiting to hear about travelling there this summer? The good news is we have a new lovely read from Beth in southwest France , just in time for the weekend,…
Easter Magic in SW France
Missing France, the warm sunshine, early strawberries and blue skies? Here are some Easter and chocolate goodies from the lovely Beth and friends in southwest France . For Christian folks, Easter, which signifies a period…
Springtime Packs a Punch
Missing France , the warm sunshine and spring flowers, it’s not long to go ... Here’s a slice of French printemps, straight from the heart of Occitanie , from the lovely Beth and her many friends and animals.…
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 are required to pay…
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…
Fine Bubbles and Champignons for a French Reveillon
I hope you managed to enjoy a happy Christmas and New Year. Ours was as quiet as we expected, brightened up no end by virtual visits from family and friends. A Festive Invitation After finishing our Christmas dinde plus…
Joyeux Noel from their Estate
A big thank you to Patrick at my-french-house.com blog for inviting me to share snippets about our lives here in southwest France . For this issue, I guess I’d better introduce myself...my name is Beth Haslam. A few…
What is the PUMA System?
The PUMA system ( Protection Universelle Maladie ) was created to simplify access to health care and prevent people living in France without health cover. This measure is also helpful for the self-employed who want…
Our Guide to Insurance Cancellation in France
With the cost of products and insurance services increasing year after year, homeowners, expats and families in France are taking time to scrutinise their insurance arrangements and policies, especially for health insurance…
How to Join the French Healthcare System
We’ve previously written about how families and seniors can get started with the CPAM registration process. With winter around the corner, we wanted to revisit this essential part for any family or person arriving…
Apply for Post Brexit Residency
The online system for Brits to apply for residency permits to stay in France after Brexit is now live after months and months of delays and much frustration from British expats living in France . The Application Process…
What is an Extrait de Kbis in France? How Do I Get One?
In France, the KBIS extract represents an accurate and up-to-date "identity card" for a business registered in the Trade and Companies Register (RCS). What is a KBIS or a K-Bis in France? This KBIS document is the updated…
La Rentrée est Enfin ... Arrivée
It’s the end of summer and time for the August bank holiday weekend (UK), usually wet and often spent preparing to return to work and school. In France, we call it ‘la rentrée’, and French media…
Living the Life in a Chateau Vineyard near Bergerac
Anyone who has watched TV programmes about escaping to a Château in France to follow their heart for a new life will be fascinated by the Feely family’s story. They were one of our very first clients and moved…
Guide to International Schools
If you are moving with your family, where you decide to live in France, may be influenced by the proximity of a good international school. Most international schools cater for many different nationalities and, although…
An Insider’s Guide to Living in the Sunny South of France
There is a reason why so many expats are drawn to the South of France and it isn’t just because the weather is good - although with 300 days a year of sunshine, blue skies are almost taken for granted. The main motivating…
French Climate, there’s Something for Everyone
Whether you’re a sun seeker or prefer cooler weather, love the snow or enjoy the verdant landscape of wetter climes, France has something for everyone. If you’re thinking of buying a holiday home or …
Living by the Coast in France
One of the big attractions when it comes to living by the extensive coast is, of course, the weather. The decadent Riviera on the Mediterranean coast and Vendée (or Brittany) on the Atlantic have a blissful climate…
Wheels and Waves: for those Looking for a Faster Pace
There can be no finer sight for motor-sport enthusiasts than those charismatic vintage beauties gathered together each Autumn at the enigmatic 'Circuit des Ramparts' in the Charente . These angels of Angoulême have…