Le French Blog - Property, Lifestyle, Culture, News & Stories
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 who want to make the move and enjoy the good life there. In this guide, we provide an overview…
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 a French transparent real estate company ( a société…
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…
Unwind and Indulge by the Ocean in Stunning Capbreton
This month, Beth and her furry friends go on a late holiday and relax by the waves of the ocean in stunning Capbreton, the Jewel of the Landes, in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, in southwest France. “ Les grandes vacances are…
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…
Buying New-Build Property, Off-Plan or a French VEFA?
New-built villas, off-plan properties, and developments have always been popular in France. Here are some key numbers to understand the new property market . In France, buying an Off-plan property is called a VEFA, which…
Harvest, Moissons and Vendanges in Occitanie
Here is the latest contribution from Beth in Occitanie , who will soon be preparing her secateurs for what is one of the most exciting (and tiresome) times of the year in all corners of France. We often talk about…
Are you Looking for a Property Renovation Project in France?
Are you looking for a property renovation project in beautiful France ? If it's a recent idea, there will be hundreds of questions, especially if you have a young family. As a starting point for those just dipping their…
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 in early July, with children back in school in September pour "la rentrée des…
Following the Camino de Santiago and Compostelle
Here is a new article from Beth in heart of rural France, suggesting new ideas and iconic walks if you’re travelling in this historically rich area of southwest France . “Some of my favourite dog walks are along…
Our Refreshing Tips to Deal with the Hot Weather
Heatwaves are becoming longer, earlier and more frequent in recent years due to global warming. French families, expats and businesses are having to adapt to these new weather patterns, which are predicted to become the…
French Property Declaration : Tax Deadline Extended - Again
If you own a property in France, whether it is a main residence or a second home, you are required to complete an extra tax declaration detailing the state of occupancy of your property. This applies even when the property…
Bird Watching and their Names
Here is the latest contribution from Beth in the heart of rural France . This month, she explores the local wildlife, specifically watching the many different birds at this active time of year and learning some of their…
Three Click Cancellation of a French Insurance Policy
Since June 2023, online termination of French insurance contracts that can be concluded electronically will be possible in just 3 clicks. This regulation aims to promote competition and facilitate the termination/cancellation…
May the Revolution Be with You
Here is the latest contribution from Beth, a mix of living in France experience and history, all into one. This May, she explores the 'infamous' strikes, the Revolutions and how 'les Français' love the seasonal demonstrations,…
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…
France Admin Services
We recently wrote about French bureaucracy and the various government offices for different services in France . Beth, in rural southwest Occitanie, admitted that tackling the administrative system can be baffling for expats.…
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…
April Antics in the Southwest
Here is the latest piece from Beth in the heart of rural France , dealing with a typical April so far, with a wet and cooler spring this year, and a few ideas of events if you’re travelling or already live in this…
French Income Tax
French rental income is always taxable in France, even if the landlord lives outside of France. To calculate the taxable income, actual property expenses are deducted from the total rental income. Deductible expenses include…
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…
The Love of Irish Tradition, Pubs, Folk Music and Ireland
This new blog post is all about Saint Patrick’s Day in France, and why the French love a pint of Guinness in a traditional pub with good music and company. Being a Patrick myself, I asked our reliable (and neutral)…
Bureaucracy and Prefectures, Merci France Services
We've recently posted about overdue improvements to French government services and online systems, which prompted us to think about those who are not online or live in rural areas of France . Most people will know what a…
How to Change Name or Surname In France?
If you’re wondering how to change your name in France, you’re not alone. This is a frequently asked question for British passport holders and expats living in France . There are several reasons someone may need…
Provençal Living in Vaucluse
Why you should consider buying a property in Vaucluse ? Considered the beating heart of Provence, Vaucluse is a French region known for its world-class heritage sites, beauty, food and culture. Capturing some of the most…
Paris à la Carte Service
Paris à la Carte is a property-finding service for professionals and families looking to purchase real estate in one of the world's most iconic capital cities. In 2025, Paris retained the title of the world's favourite…
Lyon à la Carte
Lyon has a population of 516,000 residents, with an average age of just 37. It is the second university town in France, with 140,000 students studying across 37 universities and Campuses, including 20,000 from overseas.…
Avignon à la Carte
Located in the Vaucluse department in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur , the city of Avignon counts more than 91,700 residents. With its gorgeous cobblestone lanes bordered by plane trees, its numerous cultural events, its…
How to Apply for French Citizenship with NATALI
There are more and more settled expats who have been living in France for a while, wanting to become French citizens and are applying for ' la Nationalité Française '. This can be a daunting and lengthy process;…
Bordeaux à la Carte
If rental investment in Bordeaux is so interesting, it is largely thanks to its economic dynamism and diversity. Thanks to the excellent demographic development of the capital city of Nouvelle-Aquitaine , Bordeaux's labour…
Tax Declaration for All Homeowners in France
Why must all French property owners, including those with second homes, complete a new form on the French tax website? And why it could be good news in the future. Anyone who owns a property in France - either a primary…
Follow the Steps of Emily in Paris, the City of Love
Following the success 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…
What is a Livret A Saving Account in France?
Livret A is a simple savings account with instant withdrawal access that's historically been very popular in France . It is a kind of on-demand , tax-free savings account similar to a UK ISA. In November 2025, 58 million…
Top-Class Currency Transfer Service for France
At MFH, we believe in teamwork and transparency; we enjoy keeping our clients happy and protecting their privacy. We fully appreciate that we are in business thanks to them and to our valued partners. Long Term Partnerships…
Buy à la Carte in Toulouse
Capital of Occitanie , Toulouse is home to more than 485,000 residents (intra-muros) and more than a million overall, making it the fourth-most-populated city in France. Les Toulousains - the people of Toulouse - are…
Occitanie is the New Provence
If you are looking for a region brimming with culture, easy to reach, and beautiful beyond measure, Occitanie delivers in spades. Situated in the south of France, " Le Midi ", between the Mediterranean Sea and the…