Travel Information
Smart travel transforms a trip. This section offers itineraries, transport tips, and local secrets for exploring France like an insider. Whether by train, car, or foot, we help you navigate with ease and discover the detours that make journeys unforgettable.
Two Wheels and the French Way of Life
“September is one of my favourite months in France. After surviving the heat, the holiday traffic and the annual invasion of sunburnt visitors, we can finally breathe again. The mornings are fresh, the afternoons warm,…
Brittany’s Quiberon Peninsula: A Place to Call Home
Some regular readers of our blog will know we’ve always had a soft spot for the Brittany region , having lived, studied, and spent three unforgettable years there, which are sometimes difficult to express in words.…
Zoom into France Like Never Before
It feels as if it wasn’t so long ago that exploring France meant using a paper map, visiting the town hall for a “ plan de cadastre ”, or driving to the nearest “bibliothèque” to photocopy…
Moving to France: Visa for American Homeowners
Over the past few years, American interest in French property has grown significantly, with over 150,000 Americans now living in France. As more people explore making France their home, questions about visas, taxes, and…
Summer in Paris: A Local’s Guide to the French Capital
Summer in Paris is not just about the hot weather. It is a state of mind. You know, life slows down during the day, then becomes very intense when the sun goes down. Good to know: the sun sets very late in Paris in summer;…
Americans Long for Le Charme de Provence
Of all the regions in France , it’s probably Provence that has captivated Americans the most. Why? The reasons may not be as straightforward as one might imagine. The Romance of Escapism Provence represents something…
First Week in France: Our Guide for New Property Owners
We’d like to think we are organised, full of experience, with all angles covered, but how many times have we forgotten that essential item or tool before going away, or worse, when moving into a new house? Do not panic;…
What Is the Current Time in France?
What time is it in the French capital? Right now, precisely? Is it the same time as Cannes in the south? The answer is "oui"! France plays a key role in worldwide travel, commerce, and cultural interactions. Stretching about…
Everyday Words: Improve Your French Language Skills
We've put together a large, diverse selection of over 140 different practical everyday French expressions, words, and verbs to help you build your language skills. So, whether you’re an expat living in France…
France’s Famous Fans: The Stars Who Call It Home
There’s just something special about France - the romance, the delicious cuisine, the culture, and breathtaking landscapes- that easily captures hearts. Did you know that Hollywood stars, musicians, and worldwide icons…
A Night at the French Museum: La Nuit des Musées
This year, the 22nd edition of La Nuit Européenne des Musées took place on May 23rd, across France and Europe, with over 1,300 museums in France alone participating in this annual celebration of its cultural…
Exploring the Medieval Town of Sarlat in the Dordogne
Few regions in France capture the imagination quite like the Dordogne. It’s a landscape of storybook villages, stone castles, and lush river valleys, where the past feels close enough to touch. There are a thousand…
How French Postal Codes Really Work
Postal codes are more than a series of numbers or letters; they are a window into a country’s geography, history, and even its culture. In France, the code postal is a five-digit system that organises mail delivery…
Paris Uncovered: From Lutetia to Paname
If you've recently moved to or travelled to Paris, you probably already know it as the " City of Light " or the romantic "City of Love." To really feel the heartbeat of this beautiful city, take a moment to look beyond the…
The Expat’s Guide to French Mobile Plans
Welcome to France ! If you're moving here, you'll probably find that dealing with French bureaucracy can be quite... challenging, which is expected. And if you’re buying a property or starting a new job, you will need…
Complete Guide to French Residence Permits (2026)
France remains one of the most sought-after destinations for individuals and families from around the world who want to live, work, study, or retire in a country known for its incredible culture and quality of life. Introduction…
Exciting Rail News for Travellers and Homeowners
The way we travel between the UK and France is evolving, bringing excellent news for explorers, second homeowners, and international property investors. Eurostar’s upcoming Celestia trains, scheduled for 2031, will…
Mont-Saint-Michel: France’s Iconic Island of Legends
Few places in France capture the imagination like Mont-Saint-Michel, a medieval abbey perched on a rocky island in Normandy , surrounded by dramatic tides that transform the landscape twice a day. Nicknamed the “Wonder…
La Nuit des Châteaux: A Unique French Castle Experience
In October, France’s castles sparkle under the moonlight as La Nuit des Châteaux returns. For its 7th edition, nearly a hundred historic estates across France and Europe opened their doors after dark, inviting…
Our Guide to EES, ETIAS & the New EU Border Rules
Two new systems, EES (Entry/Exit System) and ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System), are reshaping border controls for UK citizens and non-EU visitors entering the Schengen Zone, including to France,…
Le Tour de Provence – Discover the True Heart of the South
Provence isn’t just France's sunniest region ; it’s an experience designed to awaken all your senses. With rolling lavender fields, charming markets and a rhythm of life steeped in authenticity, Provence invites…
Where is Le Midi? Is it in Provence or Occitanie?
In France, " le Midi " generally refers to the country's southern regions , where locals have that beautiful “singing accent” and where pétanque originated. To visualise it, you could draw an imaginary…
Ponts, Viaducts, French Bank Holidays and Cheese
This month, our resident writer, Beth, tells us about May in France, affectionately called "le mois du gruyère" by some, a delightful French expression that captures the essence of the month. Literally, it translates…
10 Reasons to Buy in Hérault, the Heart of Languedoc
Whether you're dreaming of a quiet life under the Mediterranean sun or looking for a holiday home investment, the Hérault in southern France ticks every box. This lively corner of Occitanie , formerly known as Languedoc,…
Over 100 Interesting and Unusual French Facts
France is filled with charm and intrigue, from the busy streets of Paris to the scenic Bordeaux vineyards and the bee-filled lavender fields in Provence . In this article, we invite you to explore over 140 fascinating…
Find your Dream Dordogne Home near a Fairway
The Dordogne region in southwest France is a golfer's paradise, offering a beautiful mix of amazing landscapes, challenging courses, quality greens, cultural heritage and superb facilities. If you’re a keen golfer…
Our Top Ten Reasons Why You Should Make Aude your Home
The Aude is a beautiful department in Occitanie , named after the river running through its heart. It is known for its diverse landscapes, great food, tasty wines, and fantastic history. Our family has personal roots…
Information about Talent Passports and Tech Visas
France has long been a popular destination for skilled and creative individuals from the four corners of the world. As a global leader across various sectors, the country actively seeks experienced professionals and entrepreneurs…
French Property Hunting near Heritage UNESCO Sites
France is home to no fewer than 55 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, making it one of the countries with the most in the world! From ancient monuments to breathtaking landscapes, France's World Heritage Sites offer a glimpse…
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.…
A Journey Through the French GR Hiking Trail Network
For more than seventy years, the white-and-red-painted marks that symbolise the long-distance hiking routes in beautiful France , known as "GR", have been a symbol of unity for all long-distance adventure enthusiasts.…
French Passport Ranked World's Most Powerful
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 translates…
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…
Fête des Lumières: Lyon’s Greatest Celebration Awaits
The Fête des Lumière s (Festival of Lights) is a magnificent spectacle that transforms Lyon into a mesmerising urban landscape of illumination. Held annually, the festival celebrates the city's history and culture…
Discover the Beauty of the French Alps (enjoy the video)
Tucked in the heart of Europe, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and green valleys, lies the stunning Alpine region. This vast, picturesque area, comprising Savoie , Haute-Savoie , Isère and Hautes-Alpes,…
Discovering France: Our Guide to Planning your Holiday
Days are getting shorter, and the heating is back on, indicating that it's time to start planning your next summer holiday in beautiful France . With a wide choice of diverse regions and a rich historical and cultural heritage,…