Travel Information
Smart travel transforms a trip. This section offers itineraries, transport tips and local secrets to explore France like an insider. Whether by train, car, or foot, we help you navigate with ease and discover the detours that make journeys unforgettable.
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 the French region of Normandy, surrounded by dramatic tides that transform the landscape twice a day. Nicknamed…
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 the country and Europe opened their doors after dark,…
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 the sunniest region of France ; 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…
Where is Le Midi? Is it in Provence or Occitanie?
In France, " le Midi " generally refers to the southern regions of the country , where locals have that beautiful “singing accent” and where pétanque originated. To visualise it in your mind, you…
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 100 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…
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…
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 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…
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 away in the heart of Europe, surrounded by the beauty of snow-capped mountains and green valleys, lies the stunning Alpine region. This vast and picturesque area, comprising Savoie , Haute-Savoie , Isère…
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,…
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,…
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 individuals and families wanting to make the move and enjoy the good life in the country. In this guide, we provide…
Considerations when Importing a Car from America
Importing a car from the USA or another non-European Union (EU) country for driving in France involves several steps and considerations, including taxes, import duties, vehicle compliance, and car insurance . Importing foreign…
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…
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…
Best Resorts to Buy Ski Property in the French Alps
France is the leading ski destination for Brits, with around 10 million British tourists visiting the French Alps each year. The Alps are renowned for their breathtaking beauty, world-class ski resorts, and a…
Reasons to Visit and Buy Property in Avignon
Avignon, once the Capital of the Christian world, still boasts an impressive architectural heritage that is now part of UNESCO World Heritage. Visitors flock from far and wide to discover the Palace of the Popes, the Pont…
Follow the Steps of Emily in Paris, the City of Love
Following the release of the much-acclaimed Netflix TV series Emily in Paris , we have witnessed an increase in enquiries from Americans asking about the City of Love (and Light), and where to buy a home here. Valentine’s…
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…
Guide for Australian Citizens Buying Property in France
This is our essential Guide for Australian buyers looking to purchase property or invest in real estate in France's major cities. We have witnessed increased interest from Australians looking to buy property in beautiful…
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…
International Travel Insurance Service for Expats in France
If you are an expat in France preparing to travel to your next dream holiday destination, you should ensure that you, your family and your belongings are suitably covered before you hop on the plane or the ferry. Have you…
Magical Carcassonne in Cathar Country
This month's article is all about the famous UNESCO-listed walled fortress city of Carcassonne in the heart of the Cathar Country in Occitanie . You may have heard Rick Stein talking about it on one of his TV series along…
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…
Interesting and Fun Paris Facts
Paris, the capital city of France and recent host of the Olympic Games, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. In 2024, Paris welcomed 22.6 million foreign tourists, representing a 2% increase…
Our Guide to the Departments of Metropolitan France
France is a vast country divided into 13 regions , which are then subdivided into administrative departments or locally known " départements ". Overall, there are 96 administrative départements…
Advice for American Citizens Buying Real Estate in France
Did you know that each year, many American citizens are amongst the 100,000 or so individuals, families and seniors from all corners of the world who choose to make France their new home ? This influx of foreign nationals…
Fact : Paris Is the Most Romantic City for Valentine's
As some of us put ‘dry January’ behind us, here comes the month of February with its usual mix of longer days, lazy Six Nations rugby afternoons, cold evenings, snowdrops popping up in the garden and of course,…