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A to Z to Buying Property and Real Estate in France
Here’s our A to Z guide to buying your dream property in France ; we tried to make it as relevant and informative as possible to help you navigate some of the common terms you will hear during your property visits.…
French Wealth Tax 2022
French Wealth Tax news for this (presidential) year, the deadline to file the 2022 wealth tax return will be revealed next month, so keep an eye on our French blog . The French tax authorities will reveal the 2022 real estate…
Spring Pests and Pets in France
Here are the latest of Beth's adventures and friendly advice from rural southwest France . In springtime, when nature is blossoming and animals are free to roam again, she explains how pet owners need to be aware of local…
Convert to the Metric System, and Fahrenheit to Celsius
Once you start house hunting in France , you soon realise there's a whole new range of words, property types, legal terms, French terminology and metric-based measurements to get accustomed to. Some people find this a steep…
Castles and Cliffhangers
Here are the latest instalments of Beth's adventures "live" from southwest France, this time heading for a historic château in the Tarn-et-Garonne department in Occitanie . We regularly post articles about buying châteaux…
Lush and Dramatic Normandy
North of Brittany, the lush and dramatic landscape of Normandy lies. From naturally sculpted white rock coastlines to serene rolling countryside, the region offers a range of properties to suit all budgets and…
What is a Réveillon or La Saint-Sylvestre in France?
Here is the latest news from Beth, from her dream country house in rural France after discovering the exhausting expérience of "Les Fêtes de Fin d'Année". I wonder if Beth knows how early some of…
2022 It's Champagne Time
It’s been another challenging one but again, this year seems to have flown by quickly, probably due to the fact we’ve been so incredibly busy on all fronts, all year. The very last vine leaf has fallen, pruning’s…
November Is Always Très Busy
Here are 'les dernieres aventures de Beth' in her dream country estate in rural southwest France . This month, she discovers how November is traditionally an eventful month, with two bank holidays , 1st and 11th, every year.…
Confusing French Phrases, Words and Expressions
Here are the latest musings from Beth in her dream country house , somewhere in rural southwest France, where plenty of mushrooms have been spotted this season. This month, she discovers some strange, often confusing…
Apartments and Chalets in the Best Ski Resorts in the Alps
Autumn is well underway, and many families are turning their attention to winter holidays, particularly those who enjoy the cold and ski activities . One of the most popular winter destinations is the French Alps,…
Discovering Marmande’s Tomatoes and Cafés
Here are the latest adventures from Beth and friends, still finding amazing places in the heart of southwest France. This month, and her sister Di, discover the market town of Marmande, as they’ve heard there are some…
September Is All About Timing
It’s that wonderful time again, we’ve written before about September and house hunting in France; “la rentrée ” for kids and parents, the amazing autumn colours, delicious mushrooms, fireplaces…
A Hidden Treasure in Occitanie
Here are the latest discoveries and adventures from Beth and friends, finding beautiful villages and amazing places right in the heart of southwest France. This week, they discover the popular market town of Saint Antonin.…
Going, Going, Gone! French Chateau Auction Success
After generating thousands of page views, dozens of enquiries and double-digit bidders, this château opportunity in the glorious Loire Valley is now gone with the deposit secured via our currency exchange partners.…
The Best Croissants and Chocolatines in Occitanie
French people tend not to snack much between meals, instead conserving their appetite for 'les repas', but ocassionally it's easy to get tempted by an invitingly fresh pain aux raisins, or a shiny croissant, almost straight…
The Life of an Award-Winning Artisan Boulanger
Fresh bread is an essential ingredient to everyday life, and delivering consistent, delicious baguettes is an art most people undervalue. Here’s the latest instalment and early morning adventures from Beth, discovering…
Spring, Plants and Cadeaux
Are you still missing France and the warm sunshine while waiting to hear about travelling there this summer? The good news is we have a new lovely read from Beth in southwest France , just in time for the weekend,…
Easter Magic in SW France
Missing France, the warm sunshine, early strawberries and blue skies? Here are some Easter and chocolate goodies from the lovely Beth and friends in southwest France . For Christian folks, Easter, which signifies a period…
Interesting and Fun Paris Facts
Paris, the capital city of France and recent host of the Olympic Games, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. In 2024, Paris welcomed 22.6 million foreign tourists, representing a 2% increase…
Springtime Packs a Punch
Missing France , the warm sunshine and spring flowers, it’s not long to go ... Here’s a slice of French printemps, straight from the heart of Occitanie , from the lovely Beth and her many friends and animals.…
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…
Is La Fête de Saint-Valentin a French Celebration?
We’re all familiar with the traditional French welcome... A subtle peck on each cheek, sometimes more, or perhaps an air-brushed equivalent. It’s a complex interaction. It led me to wonder how the French react…
Find the Ideal Paris District
According to Euromonitor, Paris has regained popularity to once again claim the title of the world’s top city in 2022, ahead of Dubai, which retains 2nd place. The rankings confirm the dominance of European destinations,…
Brexit, EHIC, GHIC, Medical Support and Healthcare
Starting a new life in France is a dream many people and families have, but when you start making it a reality, there are many eventualities to consider, especially after the United Kingdom decided to leave the EU. This…
Granit Houses and Character Properties in Brittany
Brittany , or Bretagne as it is known locally, has remained a favoured holiday hotspot for Brits and French alike. Situated in the northwest corner, jutting into the Atlantic, the area offers access to some of the most beautiful…
Why Buy Property in Paris?
The French capital is a prime location for buyers looking for a dynamic city that combines the advantages of a modern metropolis with the charm of peaceful villages. And it is the ideal place to invest for rental income,…
Fine Bubbles and Champignons for a French Reveillon
I hope you managed to enjoy a happy Christmas and New Year. Ours was as quiet as we expected, brightened up no end by virtual visits from family and friends. A Festive Invitation After finishing our Christmas dinde plus…
Why Invest in Luxury Real Estate in Cannes?
A world-renowned seaside resort on the Riviera in southern France, Cannes benefits from an exceptional setting, between the sea and the Mediterranean sun. This amazing city is home to many luxury retail outlets, gourmet…
Is it Difficult to Buy Property or Real Estate in Paris?
The Paris property market is well known to be extremely busy, with most properties snapped up before they even hit the market. French estate agents in Paris have lengthy waiting lists from buyers and investors hoping to…
Joyeux Noel from their Estate
A big thank you to Patrick at my-french-house.com blog for inviting me to share snippets about our lives here in southwest France . For this issue, I guess I’d better introduce myself...my name is Beth Haslam. A few…
House Hunters - Bespoke Property Finder Service
Discover our bespoke ' à la Carte ' property hunting service for busy families and professionals looking for real estate in fast-moving cities across France . Think of this service as having a private chef ,…
Advice for American Citizens Buying Real Estate in France
Did you know that each year, many American citizens are amongst the 100,000 or so individuals, families and seniors from all corners of the world who choose to make France their new home ? This influx of foreign nationals…
Paris Real Estate Market Report - 2nd Qrtr 2020
Paris property sales are down, but prices are still climbing, according to a recent report by the Chambre de Notaires de Paris. The ongoing pandemic continues to weigh on the French real estate market, but overall prices…
French Inheritance Laws : What is a Tontine Clause?
Here's some inheritance-related information about buying property and real estate "en tontine", or with a tontine pact. But first, just what is a tontine clause? The tontine clause (also called 'tontine pacte') may be an…