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The Charming and Lucky French Tradition of Muguet
May 1st is a special bank holiday day in France; it's Labour Day " La Fête du Travail " and the traditional " La Fête du Muguet " or the Lily of the Valley Day. This charming French tradition dates back to the…
Understanding SCI Taxes
A Société Civile Immobilière ( SCI ) is a French company created by at least two individuals acquiring one or more real estate assets together. Its purpose is to hold and administer real estate assets…
Making Sense of House and Liability Insurance in France
Welcome to our comprehensive guide to home insurance in France. If you're a homeowner or renting in France, protecting your property and liability with the right multirisque habitation insurance policy is essential. Owning…
Enjoying Spring and Outdoor Living in Southwest France
Here is the latest read from Beth, Jack and friends enjoying living and spring in the heart of Occitanie , southwest France. "April Fool’s Day, celebrated on the first day of the month, is brilliant for practical jokers.…
Olympics and Paralympic Games Return to Paris
Paris, also known as the City of Lights, marked a historic moment as the Games returned to their birthplace. The city played a pivotal role in reigniting the Olympic flame in 1900, thanks to the visionary leadership of Pierre…
Iconic French Palace Goes Up for Sale, Could Fetch 50 Billion
In a surprising turn of events, in the wake of the high national debt, the French government has announced that the iconic Versailles Palace is being put up for sale. The historic palace, which has served as a symbol of…
French Property Hunting near Heritage UNESCO Sites
France is home to no less than forty-five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, making it one of the countries with the most sites in the world! From ancient monuments to breathtaking landscapes, France's World Heritage Sites offer…
Spring Flowers, Fruit and Fantasy on the Riviera
Beth's article for this month highlights the most popular events and festivals on the French Riviera during the early part of the year. This region is quite different from her estate and animal sanctuary in Occitanie…
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.…
Is French Pet Insurance a Must-Have for Animal Owners?
There seems to be a lack of information about insuring pets for owners living in France . As a rule, all cats and dogs require ID and vaccination. While pet insurance is available, it is less common in France than…
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.…
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…
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…
France's Diverse Landscape of Sporting Excellence
As we gear up for a busy summer sports season, we serve you something different, potentially controversial! This blog post is a comprehensive guide to French sports and can be a valuable resource for sports enthusiasts in …
Twenty Years of Realising French Property Dreams
For two decades, our property portal proudly served as your one-stop gateway to owning a piece of paradise in France. Our sole aim as an independent limited company is to make your journey towards purchasing your dream French…
Buying Property and Real Estate in France this Year
Here's your comprehensive guide to buying your dream property in France this year, designed to help second-home buyers. As you begin your journey, staying informed about the French property market, news, trends and…
Digital Cohesion Broadband Internet Cable Support
When potential and future buyers enquire about a property, some of the most common questions we receive are about mobile phone plans and the type of internet service available. Nowadays, fast and reliable internet access…
Ski Holidays and Family Winter Fun in the French Pyrénées
Thank you, Beth, for your New Year wishes and your latest contribution, this time all about ski fun and winter activities in the Pyrénées in this glorious corner of beautiful France . "I hope you’ve…
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…
Do I Need to Have a DPE to Sell a Home or Property in France?
If you plan to sell your French house , there are certain legal obligations that you must fulfil before listing the property for potential buyers. One of these obligations is to organise and conduct various Diagnostic Tests…
Do I Need to Charge VAT on Rental Income in France?
If you wish to recover VAT on acquisition, construction, reconstruction and improvement costs, you must charge VAT on rents and the sale of the real estate. In principle, a rental business provides a ‘service’…
French Property Market Report 2023 and Trends for 2024
As the end-of-year celebrations commence and we prepare to say goodbye to 2023, we review the French Property Market Report for the past twelve months and explore real estate trends and opportunities for 2024. About the…
Introducing Xe’s International Money Transfer Service
Xe offers a comprehensive range of services and products, including secure and fast currency transfers online or by phone. They are currently offering up to $/£/€ 300 in retailer vouchers to our clients…
The Alpine Enigma of the Dahu
With the holiday season approaching, parents and families are on the lookout for new stories to entertain their kids and guests during their travels, stays, or long winter evenings. Once upon a time, there lived a legendary…
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…
Exploring Celtic Roots in Brittany and Across France
This month, Beth explores Celtic Heritage and roots in Brittany in France, Britain and across Europe. Beth knows a thing or two about the subject; her most recent book is aptly called Fat Dogs and Welsh Estates. When…
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,…
The Empire Style: How Napoleon Influenced Architecture and Paris
With the release of the new film about Napoleon Bonaparte, it's an ideal moment to explore his influence on French architecture and the transformation of Paris. I grew up in France , where every child and student learns…
Advice and Equipment for Winter Driving in France
With winter in full swing, the freshly snow-covered Alps become a popular destination for skiing enthusiasts. Ski resorts in certain areas decided to open earlier this season, offering visitors an extended winter.…
Harvest Season Delights: Indulge in Flavours of Occitanie
Here is the latest write-up from Beth in Occitanie , who shares a few heart-warming autumnal dishes and traditions, with a couple of secret tips from her yoga friends, Martine and Arlette. “It’s November,…
How Purchasing a French Chateau is Investing in a Legacy
France boasts more than 40,000 châteaux and fortresses built between the 9th and 21st centuries. These exceptional residences have stood the test of time as historical landmarks, having witnessed many historic events…
Do Children Celebrate Halloween in France?
This month, Beth shares her scary Halloween stories, but do children really celebrate Halloween in France? Or is it just a great opportunity reserved for Americans , the young at heart, and naughty adults to have a…
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…