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France’s Civics Exam: A Guide for Foreign Residents
From 1 January 2026, France will introduce a compulsory civics examination for foreign nationals applying for a multi-year residence permit, a permanent residence card, or French citizenship via naturalisation. This…
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,…
Guide to Making an Offer on a Property in France
You’ve found the perfect property in France , that’s fantastic news, and only the start of the buying process. Whether it’s a ski apartment in the Alps, a sunny villa in Provence or a character…
Our Guide to Barbezieux-Saint-Hilaire in Charente
Situated in the rolling hills of southwestern France, Barbezieux-Saint-Hilaire is a small town that effortlessly blends history, culture and the warm hospitality of the Charente . It’s easy to see why many families…
The Ultimate French Cheese and Wine Pairing Guide
Bonjour, cheese and wine enthusiasts, and lovers of wonderful France ! Today, we're taking you on a different culinary journey, exploring the harmony of fromages and vins from the same regions and departments . Emily…
Guide to the Carte Vitale Health Insurance Card in France
Moving to France is an exciting adventure, but understanding the healthcare system can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to the important Carte Vitale . This little green card is your key to accessing healthcare…
The Carnet de Santé: Our Guide for Expat Families in France
If you’re an expat family moving to France with young children or planning to have kids there later, you may want to learn about the “ carnet de santé ”, a unique French health record booklet. This…
Guide to Buying a Property Using Power of Attorney
In France, you can grant power of attorney ( procuration ) to a Notaire , allowing someone to act on your behalf in property transactions or legal matters if you are not physically present. You can also sign a power…
How to Play Pétanque: Our Comprehensive Guide
If you love France as we do , chances are you have been introduced to pétanque or witnessed locals playing boules under trees in the square of a beau village or an improvised boulodrome on a summer barbecue…
Beginners Guide to French Property and Real Estate
When clients contact us for advice on buying a home in France , we always start by asking about their primary goal. Are they looking to move permanently or retire , find a second home for family holidays and occasional…
Our Comprehensive Guide to Auto Insurance in France
Welcome to our comprehensive guide to car insurance in France . If you're a car owner driving in France, it's essential to protect your vehicle and liability with the right insurance coverage, which is legally required.…
Guide to Home Staging in Style
Are you planning to sell your property in France in today's uncertain and competitive market? Despite the continued strong interest in France, it can be challenging to stand out among similar listings. Aiming to improve…
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…
Guide to Buying a French Gîte
For many, the idea of running a gîte in France evokes visions of idyllic countryside, trips to local markets to cater for paying guests, and a peaceful new life with the possibility of pursuing other activities…
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,…
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…
Complete Guide to the Taxation of Rental Income in France
As part of our guide on buying a rental property in France, this article focuses on the taxation of rental income for those owning a property in their own name or via French transparent real estate company ( a société…
Our Guide to French Terroir: Where Flavour meets Land
Terroir is a crucial concept in French culture, especially in the wine and food industries. The idea of terroir is intricate and multifaceted, varying from region to region . This article aims to cover and hopefully…
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…
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…
Brexit Guide for British Buyers
Now that the UK is out of the European Union, retiring, working, studying and travelling to France has become more complicated, and the same applies to buying property . To help you understand the main points post-Brexit,…
Guide to the French Tax Foncieres and Taxe d'Habitation
Here are a few Q&As to learn about how Taxes Foncières and Taxes d'Habitation work for owners of property and real estate in France . If you own, rent, or have the right to occupy a property in France, you…
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…
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…
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…
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…
A Foodies Guide to France
French cuisine is renowned worldwide for its enticing, classic dishes and sophisticated Michelin-starred fine dining. Many regions boast an abundance of locally grown, fresh produce, including distinctive cheeses , baguettes,…
Our Guide to Buying a Property in the Loire Valley
With easy access, delicious local cuisine, plenty of wine and more than enough attractions on the doorstep, it’s easy to see why more and more people are opting to buy a holiday home in the Loire Valley – or…
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…
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 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 couples,…
Our Guide to Chamonix in Savoie
When the mercury dips, our thoughts invariably turn to the slopes and the opportunity to indulge our cravings for some French Alps-based winter skiing. As usual, the first choice destination for ski-mad Brits will be Chamonix…
Our Guide to Fine French Wine
When you mention France , people automatically start thinking about food, wine, usually red, and Champagne. This is a country with the highest per capita wine consumption rates of any other and landscapes characterised by…
Our Guide to the Different Currency Contracts
When transferring money to buy a property in France or abroad, many people find foreign currency exchange costly, confusing and tiresome. Using your own bank may seem like a good idea, but it is rarely the best option. In…