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Uzes in Gard: Historic Sites and Dramatic Landscapes
Named after the River Gardon, the Gard is a department in Occitanie . The area is known for its abundance of historic sites and dramatic landscapes, and the Gard follows suit with its proud Roman architecture and National…
Take a Road Trip from La Rochelle to Bordeaux
The west coast of France is regularly visited and written about, but we have a guide to our favourite towns that zig-zag from La Rochelle in Charente-Maritime down to Bordeaux. This area of France is renowned…
France's Secret, from Toulouse to the Pyrénées
There’s so much that the Haute-Garonne has to offer, we’re not sure where to start. We could tell you about its contrasting landscapes, its historical heritage, or its lively atmosphere; this remarkable place…
French Property Update - Cooling Off Period Extended
With the Law "Macron" passed in France on August 8th, 2015, the cooling-off period for buyers of property in France, known as 'délai de rétractation', has changed from 7 to 10 days. The entitlement to a cooling-off…
Discovering Hidden and Secret Places in the Var
Situated between some of France’s most famous coastlines, right up to where the Alps meet the clouds, is the Var. Although most of the Var’s visitors are allured to the popular coastal towns of Saint Tropez…
Burgundy, More than Wine
What words come to mind when we talk about the Burgundy region ? Wine, cuisine, scenery? Delve a little further into the heart of Burgundy, and you will find so much more that might just convert you from being a visiting…
La Magie De Monaco
Monaco, the beautiful sovereign city-state situated on the French Riviera , is bordered by France and located near the Italian border . Locked against the coast by soaring French mountains, Monaco has a climate of…
They Say an Englishman's Home is his Chateau and Estate
Not that customary in other countries, châteaux are relatively easy to find in France . If you have a generous budget and you are perhaps seeking a project, a château could be just what you’re looking for...…
Experience the Sights and Delights of Magical Provence
The French speak of Provence as if it were Paradise. They are justified in their thinking. As large as France is, history has been generous to all four corners of this beautiful country. And the province of Provence…
La Fete du Citron, One of the Zestiest Events on the Riviera
‘Beneath the zest of oranges and lemons lies one of the World’s Greatest Festivals’. France is known for its wealth of delicious wines, delectable champagnes and fragrant cheeses, but did you know…
France is Offically the Most Romantic Country in the World
France is one of the most visited countries in the world, and with good reason: it caters to young couples looking to celebrate their love. So, for people who dislike romance and candlelit dinners, grit your teeth.…
Discover the Drome - the New Provence
When you are tired of rushing about, tired of trying to find somewhere to park your car before the market packs up and goes home, of endless queueing from motorway to restaurant...come and see us in the Drôme... remembering…
Discover the Mesmerising Pyrénées Mountain Range
Hello from southwest France , as we get in the mood for the ski season , we want to tell you about a recent trip to Saint Lary, or Saint-Lary-Soulan as it’s officially called. We love Saint Lary, both in summer and…
Postcard from Vouvant and Fontenay-le-Comte
We’ve come to the Vendée to catch up with two sets of friends: a couple based in Vouvant and a family we’ve been close to for years in Fontenay-le-Comte. Vendée is part of the Pays-de-la-Loire…
Discover what Christmas in France is Really Like ...
The way Christmas is celebrated in France is not too dissimilar from that in other countries: decorating the house, presents, and good food are all part of the festivities and traditions. The religious significance…
A Slice of Loire Valley Heaven
After many years of holidaying in France, Noelle and Michael Keating decided to start looking for their dream home. They now live in the pretty village of Bourgueil in the heart of the Loire Valley , best known for…
Our Postcard from Eymet
For this week’s postcard, we’re back in southwest France . We’re on the road again for an extended celebration weekend with our friend in Eymet, and then we’ll visit a few properties in Duras. We…
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…
Our Postcard from Perpignan
We’re not too sure why, but shortly after the clocks changed and the nights start drawing in, we’re still full of energy. We’ve come to Perpignan for the weekend, and we can’t seem to sit still! We’ve…
Our Postcard from Béziers
This postcard comes from the town of Béziers in the Hérault, in Occitanie . A town with a population of around 70,000, it lies snuggled between the Mediterranean and the mountains. This is a stunning…
Our Postcard from Normandy
This postcard comes to you from Avranches, right next to Mont Saint-Michel in the Manche department of lower Normandy . Avranches is a small town steeped in history and situated just a stone’s throw from the stunning…
Warm Indian Summer in Southwest France
I think it’s fair to say that in the UK we’ve had a superb summer, for a change! It kind of took us by surprise, but we have certainly enjoyed it, and most of us seem to have made the most of it. In fact, going…
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…
A Postcard from the Valley of the Kings
The Loire Valley is a region of France that abounds in châteaux, impressive manor houses , cathedrals and superb landscapes. The Loire River, of course, is the element that brings this whole region together…
What is the Role of a Notaire in French Property & Real Estate?
Notaires in France are important people. While their role is steeped in legal matters, they differ from a solicitor. Commonly charged with drawing up contracts between parties, you may find yourself in need to visit a Notaire…
Our Postcard from Burgundy
This week, our postcard comes from the Burgundy region , once better known as the Valley of the Kings. A part of France renowned around the globe for its wines, Burgundy is steeped in history and a foodie’s paradise.…
Euro to Sterling Exchange Rate and Why It's Important
Moving to France, or investing in a holiday home in France , means that you’ll be venturing into a whole new world. In that new world, the vast majority of people you meet will speak a different language, they have…
Our Postcard from the Riviera in the Glorious South
Although we’re lovers of everything simple at heart, there is something special about the French Riviera that fills us with excitement and pleasure every time we visit. It’s easy to see why this has been…
A Postcard from the Charente
The Charente is part of the former Poitou-Charente, now part of the much larger Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. It is one of four departments that make up this now popular and beautiful region. The Rise of Charente The…
Social Contributions in France - What is the URSSAF?
If you’re planning a new life in France and you still need to work, the chances are you’ll be thinking about setting up your own business. Setting up a business in France isn’t as complicated as people…
Our Postcard from Carcassonne
Today we’re sending our postcard from Carcassonne, a fortified, hilltop city in the Aude department of the Occitanie region, formerly known as Languedoc. Carcassonne is the capital of Aude and has held an important…
Places to Seek Advice in France
When you first move to France, it can be unclear to know where to go for advice and who handles what. Even taking the language barrier out of the equation, who deals with what in France differs from the UK or America , and…
Our Postcard from the Dordogne
Often referred to as Little England', the Dordogne is a culturally rich and historically interesting corner of France. Our Postcard comes from Périgueux, which is the capital of this department. Set in the Southwest…
Advice and Tips for Renovating a Property in France
If you’re house hunting in France, you’ll no doubt have noticed that there are a whole host of different styles of property that are ripe for renovation. There are many reasons for this. One is that the French…
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 essential facts to know to ensure a relaxing holiday and a fantastic…