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.
Our Tips to Avoid Getting in a Knot over French Etiquette
Every country has their own code of what constitutes good manners; what is accepted in one country, even in one region , may not be so in another. Well, it's the same in France. The Basics of French Etiquette…
Add Treats to your Christmas with a 'French Réveillon'
You might be dreaming of living in France during the approaching festive period. Although venturing across the channel for Christmas and end-of-year celebrations this year may not be possible, you could bring Noel…
Staying in the EU is Easy, Simply Buy a House in France
Britain’s vote to leave the European Union was almost nine years and although there has been a massive uproar amongst its politicians and public the outcome remains the same, but what does this mean for those of you…
How France adds a Little Luxury to Everyday Life
France is renowned for its luxury, from designer brands to glamorous coastlines, but beyond the landmarks, the tourist hotspots, the breathtaking scenery, and mouth-watering cuisine lies a land where you can experience the…
Mediterranean Living Lifestyle in the Occitanie Region
In 2016, the French region of Languedoc-Roussillon underwent a change as it merged with its neighbour, Midi-Pyrénées, to form a sort of super-region now called Occitanie . Covering much of the South of France…
How to Have French Style no Matter Where you Live
There’s so much to love about France : the weather, the people, and the food, but what about its style? A touch of French country style can transform any space, providing your home with that Provencal charm or…
Creating a New Life in Deux-Sevres
There are many reasons why you will have thought about, dreamt of, or even considered moving to France; the culture, the food, the climate and the cost, but what has stopped you from making the move and deciding to …
'Crémaillère', a French Tradition to Celebrate a New Home
We recently congratulated our friends on moving into their new home in France . In the UK, we often send a card or a close friend, maybe a gift. In France, when someone moves home, we send a bottle of champagne and wish…
Jingle all the Way to Nöel
As you head towards the Christmas season , there are many traditions that you will uphold without even thinking twice, such as a customary conifer, delicately wrapped presents and copious amounts of mulled wine. Before you…
Discover what Christmas in France is Really Like ...
The way Christmas is celebrated in France is not too dissimilar to the UK festivities and traditions: decorating the house, presents, and good food are all involved. The religious significance of the occasion…
Enjoy Neighbourly Spirit
Things work differently in France ; there’s no getting away from that. I suspect that differences are more pronounced in the countryside than in the cities, but there are significant differences. I was aware…
Is Social Media Key to Success in your Property Empire?
France is still among the most popular overseas destinations for buy-to-let investors. But in this new social world, how much does ‘being social’ play in the success of your buy-to-let business? Real-Life Success…
Tips for Getting Integrated when Living in France
In this week’s article, we’d like to share with you 10 things you can do to make sure you integrate well into your new life in France . No matter your age or family situation, there are plenty of things you can…
Social Contributions in France - What is the URSSAF?
If you’re planning a new life in France and you’re not in a situation where you don’t need to work, the chances are you’ll be thinking about setting up a business. Setting up a business in France…
Places to Seek Advice in France
When you first move to France it can be confusing knowing where you need to go to seek advice and knowing who deals with what. Even taking the language barrier out of the equation, who deals with what in France is different…
Our Guide to Driving in France
Driving in France is a delightful way to explore the country's diverse regions , their beautiful landscapes and many historic sites. However, there are some important facts to know to ensure a relaxing holiday and an amazing…
Getting the Right Insurance Protection in France
When you make the move to France , one of the first things you’re likely to need to get sorted out is insurance. When you sign with the Notaire to take ownership of your French property, you must have your house insurance…
Teaching English, Translating or Interpreting in France
Although France is a large country , globally, there are only an estimated 300 million French speakers worldwide. What this means is that most switched-on French parents want their offspring to speak another language,…
Becoming A 'Mine Host'
When it comes to earning a living in France , your choices may be limited by your general skills and proficiency in French. However, one career choice that is open to anyone who is sociable, good with people, and has an…
Freelance Your Way to Freedom
Freelancing is a great way to secure an income for your new life in France . If you’re thinking of moving to France with a young family or ahead of retirement, then the chances are that you’ll need to find a…
Choosing Top-Up Healthcare Insurance and a Mutuelle
In recent weeks, our blog has focused on the French healthcare system . In this article, we explore how to choose your Top-Up Insurance . While this isn’t the most glamorous part of your new life, it’s really…
Our Beginners Guide to Banking in France
When you decide to buy your dream home and start a new life in France , one of the first things you’ll need to do is open a bank account. When it comes to banks in France, like in the UK and the USA, there’s…
Our Tips to Getting Started with the French CPAM
As we mentioned in our previous article , the organisation in France that manages the healthcare system is called the Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie (CPAM) . While most villages and small towns will…
An Introduction to the Healthcare System in France
The healthcare system in France is recognised as one of the best in the world. While it is not complicated for French people, it can be a bit confusing at first for expats living in France . In this article, we aim…
Introduction to Further and Higher Education in France
If you’re thinking of moving and living in France with kids of any age, the likelihood is that you’ll have further education in your sights in some shape or form. While some kids who move to France with their…
Moving to France with Babies and Toddlers
One of the main attractions of moving and living in France with kids is the fact that it’s a country that embraces the whole notion of ‘ les enfants ’ with open arms. In the UK, we’re accustomed to…
What Makes the French Lifestyle so Appealing?
At My-French-house.com, we don’t need persuading about the benefits of French living, but we’re always intrigued to know what has inspired our clients to look for their own dream home in France . Lifestyle is…
Moving to France with Children
Although tracking down accurate figures is nigh on impossible, we and our confrères are coming across more and more couples with kids who are thinking of moving to France, lock stock and barrel to start a new life…
France's Four Fabulous Seasons
With so little differentiation between the seasons in England in recent years, it’s reassuring to know that just across the channel, it’s still possible to experience the joys of a colourful spring, the long…
French Lifestyle Strengthens its Hold on British Expats
Recent research highlights a significant trend among expatriates living in France ; they report the highest levels of satisfaction with their new lives compared to those residing in other countries. This growing contentment…
Our Guide to Moving to France with Small Kids
Last week we wrote about moving to France with babies and toddlers, and this week’s subject, a natural follow-up, is aimed at those of you seeking a new life in France and have primary school-age kids. For many…
Luxury Living on the Glamourous Riviera
The French Riviera is a highly attractive holiday destination in the Provence-Côte-d'Azur region that offers year-round appeal. There is a growing demand for luxury properties and prime real estate along its…
Buying Property in France Compared to Spain
WHILST no longer offering the guaranteed returns on investment of previous years, the idea of purchasing a French holiday home should not be dismissed right now, but viewed as a long-term investment rather than a get-rich-quick…
Playing Golf in France
From the revered Arnaud Massy, the hapless Jean Van de Velde, to the Ladies European Player and Olympian, Céline Boutier, France has, despite the bemusement of many, contributed much to the history of golf, yet surprisingly…
Bac to the Future? From College to Lycée
Are you an expat family living in France with kids in school age? The French system is very different to what you are used to back in the UK, and this why we wonder... With record numbers of UK pupils passing…
French Weather and Climate
Before you book your trip to France , why not learn about the likely weather conditions? Some areas of France enjoy excellent summer weather, but its winters can be cold, especially in northern and eastern France.…