Le French Blog - Expert Advice, Guides and Tips
Search the Blog by Category
Lights, Camera, Cannes: A Love Letter to France Through Film
As the Cannes Film Festival once again draws the world’s gaze to the Riviera , it feels like the perfect moment to celebrate the unique bond between France and cinema . Whether you’re strolling through a Provençal…
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…
Spring Estate Maintenance Routine
When I asked Beth to share her spring maintenance routine on her estate in the heart of the Occitanie region , I hadn't fully grasped the scale of her property! Her domaine spans an impressive 415 acres, featuring a diverse…
Gold Mine Discovered in Farmer’s Field in France
This case would have suited secret property agent 004 to the ground... Imagine stumbling upon a fortune so vast it could change your life forever! That is precisely what happened to Michel Dupont, a 52-year-old…
Changes in French Real Estate Tax Legislation
In this tax-related article for owners of property in France , we outline the main changes in French tax legislation regarding real estate since the passing of the new Finance Law in February 2025. Crackdown on Short-Term…
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…
What Does it Mean to Buy French Property in Indivision?
In French property and real estate, " indivision " refers to a form of co-ownership in which multiple individuals share ownership of a property without dividing it into distinct portions. This means each co-owner has an…
Takeaway Heaven in France
The days are slowly getting longer, the sun is warmer, and spring is on the way. Until the weather warms up and permits lighter dishes and al-fresco summer barbecues , there’s nothing like enjoying an evening takeaway…
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 a hundred fascinating…
Affordable New Build Homes and Villas in Western France
If you're considering purchasing a new build villa or off-plan property in Western France , particularly in Brittany, Normandy, or the department of Vendée in the Pays-de-Loire region, you're investing in some of…
Local Planning in France – What is a PLU?
Understanding the Plan Local d'Urbanisme (PLU) is essential when developing real estate or buying property in France . The PLU is a local plan that sets the rules for development in a commune, determining what can be built…
Healthcare in France: I Love our Pharmacies
Beth, our resident expert and storyteller from the picturesque Tarn-et-Garonne , invites us to explore the essential role of pharmacies in everyday French life. With France’s abundance of well-qualified and knowledgeable…
Why Rugby and France Are a Perfect Match
As every year, with winter and the new year comes the promise of an explosive sports season. This year is no different, with the Six Nations tournaments kicking off at the end of January, when the iconic Stade de France…
Discover La Galette des Rois: A Royal Treat for January
The Galette des Rois is eaten in France to celebrate Epiphany in early January, it's another tradition to celebrate around Christmas time. However, it is common for the festivities to extend throughout the month. When we…
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…
Restoring Listed Castles and Monuments Historiques
In 2024, France had 45,080 protected historic monuments (buildings), of which 30,763 were registered and 14,317 classified. But what is the difference between a Château Classé and a Château Inscrit…
A to Z: 25 French Words You May Have Never Heard Of
When people think of France , and the French language, words like " bonjour ," " amour ," and " croissant " often come to mind: simple, charming and familiar terms. However, beyond these commonly known words lies a wealth…
Tartiflette Recipe: Food for Keeping Warm in Winter
If you are an expat living in beautiful France , you may have tasted or heard of Tartiflette and other traditional seasonal dishes such as Pot-au-Feu, Bouillabaisse, Cassoulet or Boeuf Bourguignon . And you’ll also…
Christmas Quirks in France
Beth, our resident expert and storyteller from the picturesque Tarn-et-Garonne, takes us on a festive journey through some of the delightful Christmas traditions in SW France . From unexpected culinary customs to regional…
What is the Acte Authentique or Acte de Vente in France?
Embarking on selling or buying a property in France is an exciting but complex process. One of the most important steps is signing the acte de vente, a legally binding document drafted by a notary to complete the sale and…
Celebrating Saint Nicholas: A Traditional Christmas Treat
In the northeastern regions of France , particularly in Alsace, Lorraine and parts of Franche-Comté, the celebration of Saint Nicholas is deeply cherished by locals. This festive occasion occurs on December 6th, the…
The Season of Remembrance and Cheer
We’re a bit late posting this article, intended to be published last week, in November, désolé, it’s been a busy autumn here at my-french-house, particularly with American buyers . In this blog,…
What is Usufruct (Usufruit) in French Real Estate?
Usufruct ( usufruit in French property law) is a civil law term that refers to the right to use and enjoy the benefits and fruits of someone else's property without damaging or altering it, as long as it is used for its…
Invest in Ski Property Ahead of the Winter Games in France
The French Alps are set to host the 2030 Winter Olympic Games, scheduled for February 1 to 17, 2030. This Alpine region of France will once again be the epicentre of world-class winter sports, drawing in athletes, spectators,…
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…
What is the Loi Carrez in French Property Law?
In our latest article about buying property in France , we look into the Carrez Law, a crucial regulation that ensures the accuracy of measurements for an apartment's main rooms and living areas. This law plays a vital role…
What Are Clauses Suspensives in a French Sales Contract?
In a recent article posted on our French property blog , we explain the importance of understanding what a " compromis de vente " is, or a pre-contract. This is the first step to mapping out the buying process , after your…
Discovering the Canal Du Midi
This month, Beth invites us on a leisurely stroll along the Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the heart of southwest France. Join her and her four-legged friends as she explores the enchanting waterways…
Estimate the Value of your French Property Online
Here at My-French-House.com, we often receive requests from property owners in France asking if we provide a valuation service, advertise on our website , or can recommend an estate agent in the area to come around and "have…
Fête Fever in Rural Occitanie
In her latest article, Beth shares a fun-filled real-life experience at a local end-of-summer and post-harvest party in her peaceful corner of the Occitanie region . These traditional village parties are attended by many…
Optimise your Tax Situation with a Mortgage
Acquiring a French property with a mortgage offers several tax benefits, including income tax and succession tax. This article outlines the main advantages of financing the purchase of your dream house in France . Whether…
Information and Advice for Returning French Expats
Les Français résidents à l’étranger ont souvent une autre perspective sur l’ Héxagone , et c’est naturel de ressentir de l’émotion, ou de la nostalgie, surtout…
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 during property transactions or legal matters if you cannot be there physically. You can also sign a power…
Staying Cool During the Heatwave, called Canicule
Last summer, we published an article with tips and advice on dealing with the hot weather in Southern France. As expats in this region know, heat waves are becoming more frequent due to global warming. To gain real-life…
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…
A Titanic Tour de Force: Reflecting on the Olympics
As the curtain falls on the Paris Olympics, the world is left with indelible memories of a spectacular event that seamlessly blended France's cultural heritage with incredible athletic performances. The opening ceremony…