Living in France
CONTENTS
Guides for everyday life
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This section is packed with information on everyday life in France, advice to help you establish new routines and run your life whether you are buying a holiday home or making a more permanent move. Start by checking out our articles on the most common issues (see right), including driving in France, getting set-up with utilities in France, installing a pool in France, French weather, computers and TV and having pets in France. If you would like to make a contribution to the zone, please get in touch.
What's in FrenchEntrée Living?
What's FrenchEntrée Living all about? Well, here you can discover how to join the French health system, facts on French education or being employed in France, including advice on running a business in FranceIn Retiring to France we have information from the practical including looking after your investments, to the emotional issues of moving away from friends and family.
We also can steer you through day-to-day practicalities, from personal finance including opening a French bank account; to insuring your car; registering for gas and electricity; and sorting out your French driving licence. For all you need to know about French insurance go to Insurance in France
For technical information take a look at one of three different zones - for everything to do with television in France see UK TV in France, satellite including Sky, and information on French TV.
Find out about getting cheap phone calls in France at Telephone, mobiles, Skype and VOIP
To go on-line in France, with information on connecting to the internet, ADSL Broadband and staying safe, see Computers and internet in France
For help with the French language, we have vocabulary for everyday situations plus information on French courses and learning aids.
To help you enjoy your new life, we have the inside track on French food and wine, French culture and Shopping in France in our La Belle Vie zone.
If you're renovating your house, then make sure you take a look at Renovate & Decorate in France. If you looking to install a pool, visit our Swimming Pool in France zone. For advice and tips for when you're in your garden see Gardening in France, while for those of you wanting to raise a few animals, A Smallholding in France is a must-read.
Have you got a question or something you would like to say? Then join our Discussion Forum or contact one of our topic hosts.
Finally, if you’re in need of inspiration read our many Real Life stories - amusing, interesting and uplifting tales from those who are already here. Enjoy!
Hot Topics on life in France
What our Topic Hosts have got in store... Renovation & Decoration
What to think about when doing up your homeEducation
Advice for parents and children going to school in FranceHealthcare in France
Helping you navigate the French health systemLe Gastrozone
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Your guide to buying & preparing good French foodGite Business
Can you make a living from holiday accommodation?Vegetarian France
Help and advice for those who want to enjoy a meat-free diet in FranceThe Post Office
The French Post Office (La Poste) is a state-owned company, and post offices (bureau de poste or simply poste) in France are always staffed by post office employees, who are French civil servants (fonctionnaires). Read our article on *Postal charges to find out more...
Practical Tips
Last Call Return in France
Finding cheap car fuel
Buying firewood
Public Holidays in France
The way public holidays are taken in France is very French! Here's a list of the days plus what else you need to watch out for. more...
How to use chèques d'emplois
Want to become a French citizen? Here's how...
Flying to France?
Visit the FrenchEntrée Flights to France map to view the airlines flying from the UK airports to France.
Editor's picks
Got a garden or window box to maintain? This glossary is designed to help you find your way around la jardinerie. more...
France - the best place to live in Europe
Quality of Life Index
The Quality of Life Index as calculated by uSwitch.com shows France at the top of the leader board for the third time running. The UK found itself in last place for the first time.
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France boasts highest quality of life
The results of a survey published this month by the price comparison website uSwitch.com named France as the best European country to live in. The UK fared less well, in ninth position, out of 10 countries surveyed. It finished behind Spain, Germany and Italy.
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Expat hotspots in France
The French home office have reported the main areas where foreign buyers have second homes or live in France. The report highlighted some interesting results including that the British own more second homes than any other nation in France.more...
What's everyone talking about?
December 2011
This month, we've browsed the postings on our sister site TotalFrance.com to see what the popular topics affecting potential buyers and expats are. Below is our selection of forum highlights.
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Living in France, working in the UK
French culture is very family-orientated and so it is not surprising that moving to France has an increasing appeal to families with young children. But how to adopt a French lifestyle and maintain the necessary income to sustain it is a common challenge for those contemplating a move.more...
Are you prepared for driving abroad?
Unfortunately breakdowns are an everyday motoring risk. The safety of you and your passengers together with other road users is a top priority, so here are some tips on what to do if your vehicle breaks down when driving abroad.
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Is everyone returning to the UK?
With all the negative press around at the moment, you'd be forgiven for thinking that all the expats in France had returned or were going to return to the UK as result of the economic slowdown and weak pound. We decided to find out if there really are significantly more expats returning to the UK this year than last, and if so, why...
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Working from home in Brittany
Nicky Whenman moved from Essex to Malestroit in Brittany six years ago. Here, she tells FrenchEntrée why she chose to settle in the region and how she found a way to work from home so she could be there for her children.more...
Running an online shop from Alsace
Hayley Flurer from South Africa moved to Strasbourg in 2009 and discovered a novel way of earning a living (and meeting new people) even before she had mastered the language. The best bit is that anyone can join in, anywhere in France.more... Earn Money in France by teaching English
Would you like to earn money teaching English in France, either full or part-time to supplement a retirement or other income? Many native English speakers are doing just that, teaching the hours they want to, by phone, 1-1, in small groups or classes - fitting their teaching around their lifestyle in France.
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Here at Caravans in the Sun...
“We believe we have something for everyone”
Here in France, Caravans in the Sun has a wide range of pre-owned and brand new homes on a variety of sites, at extremely competitive prices. Main distributors for Willerby, Swift, ABI, Pemberton, Delta, BK, Regal and Tingdene.
read more...
Recent taxes, laws and regulations affecting life in France
In recent months there have been some changes in France, affecting those already here, and those planning to move in the near future. Here’s some of the things you need to know about...
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Save time and money on French motorways
The cost of using toll roads in France can soon add up. Signing up for télépéage could work out more economical on many levels, offering discounts and allowing you to avoid the queues.more...
A guide to residency in France for Americans
There are a number of steps which American, and other non-EU nationals will need to take in order to live in France, starting with the application of the visa de séjour temporaire.
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Getting your pet ready for travel
Advice from Animalcouriers
Animalcouriers are licensed animal hauliers with an UK State Veterinary Service Licence to carry animals by road throughout Europe. We also provide shipping solutions to places further afield. As members of IPATA, International Pet Animal Transport Association, we have high, ethical standards in our management of the animals we transport...more...
Texting in French
Understanding the ki, kwa, kan, pk (who, what, when and why)
There was a time when it was enough to be able to converse in the boulangerie and skim read the local journal to get by in France. But what should you do when a friend sends you a message like ‘mrci pr le kfe’? The answer is to text them back...more...
Further Cautionary Words...
...on the Process of Purchasing a Property in France So you have found the house of your dreams and you now need to think of the practicalities and legalities of the transaction. What follows is a brief synopsis of what you need to know. more...Making the most of your Sterling in France
Managing your finances in another country presents a number of potential pitfalls. Local tax systems and finance regulations are some of the biggest hurdles to overcome; but getting the basics right can be relatively easy with the correct know-how and support.more...
Restoring traditional wooden shutters
Renovating a farmhouse is a labour of love for many expatriates in France and properties with character features like original wooden shutters are some of the most sought after - give them the attention they deserve and they’ll reward you for many years to come.more...
Making your French life a success
For some, the dream of a new life in France doesn't work out. For others it is hugely successful. How do you make sure you fall into the latter category? We take a look at the common problems cited by those who give up on French life.
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Legal advice when hiring an artisan in France
If you're hiring an artisan or builder in France do as the French do and keep it official. Anne-Marie Gordon of Anglo-French Lawyers advises on what to do - and not do - to ensure you're legally protected when getting work done on your French homemore...
French television channels
This short guide will help you get to know what each of the main French television channels has to offer and also provides an introduction to some of the most popular programmes currently shown in France.more...
Points on your French driving licence?
Had a ticket recently and not sure how many points are left on your licence? Or perhaps you're unclear about whether points lost years ago have been returned? Now there's an easy way to find out
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The stress of living the dream
Sally Stone offers some advice
Having lived here for three years, I'd forgotten what a shock it can be coming to live in France. But I’m witnessing at close hand a friend who has just made the move and how hard it is for them to adjust. Any suggestions how I can help?
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'I don't belong here!' What it's like for children moving to France
How does it feel to move to France when you're a child? To leave behind all that is familiar for a country you may know little about, and where you don't speak the language? Plus! What to do - and not do - to help your child adjust more...
Retiring to France?
What you need to know
Moving to France is a big step whatever age you are. But there are some issues that are more like to affect those retiring or planning to retire. Psychologist Elaine Douglas gives advice on what to expect and how to deal with it.more...
Watching films in French
Make language learning fun
Watching films in French is a great way to familiarise yourself with the language, wherever you are in the world. Settle down with a DVD at home and just allow the words to wash over you. This simple exercise will help your ear to 'tune in'.more...
The emotional impact of moving to France
Psychologist Elaine Douglas looks at the issues of re-locating, from what to do before you leave to the issues of living in a new country, in particular the impact on relationships and family.more...
At the gym (la salle de sport)
Essential vocab
The gym (la salle de sport / le club de remise en forme) is full of special equipment and requires some particular kit for the various classes on offer. Find your way around in French with this handy list of vocabulary. more...
Travel to France from £44 - Eurotunnel
Folkestone to Calais in just 35 minutes.
Take the fastest route to France by car. Our best fares are going fast. Book now!
Fluent in French Legal Affairs
Excited about buying or selling property in France, worried about the legal issues? Want to learn more about how we can help? Find out more or fill out an enquiry form.
French Insurance in English
All your Insurance requirements from an Independent Broker. Health, Cars, Property, Marine, Commercial, etc. Get a quote from Asttral.
Need French healthcare?
Top ups to French "NHS" medical cover for both expatriate residents and short to medium term EHIC holders visiting France, ideal for holiday home owners. Learn More
UK Telecom Special Offer
40% off Broadband in France & free calls to French & UK Mobiles with English support.
Mobile Homes For Sale - France
New sited mobile homes from £19,995 and resale sited mobile homes from £5,995. Sites open for 12 months of the year. Aquitaine, Brittany, Dordogne, Languedoc-Roussillon and the Vendee.
Financial advice & solutions for people relocating to France
Download Siddalls help sheets for "your new life in France" by clicking here.
StaySure Overseas
Provides an extensive range of insurance for over 50s expats living in Europe. Staysure is currently the only company that provides specialist over 50s insurance for expats living in Europe.
Find out more.
British Corner Shop – British Food Online
We are your one stop shop for all things British, with over 8,000 supermarket products including fresh foods. Online shopping delivered to your door worldwide. Order your British food shopping now!
Weekly removals to France
Weekly service to all areas of France, Part loads, Full loads get a Free online quote. Just a few Boxes? We can ship boxes door to door ONLY £24.95 each in 3 days! Get your free quote!
The best of France: the classiest food, culture, choicest properties and the most inspiring holiday and travel features. Subscribe from only £23 a year.
Earn money in France
If you speak English, can you teach English? Find out whether TEFL is for you and get our free guide to teaching English in France.
European Breakdown Cover
Breakdown Direct offers you great value European breakdown cover and first class service, with 24/7 emergency support from AXA Assistance, one of the world’s leading emergency assistance companies.
Insure your holiday home
Insurance for your French holiday home when it's unoccupied or holiday let. Simple to understand French home insurance in plain English - Get a quote
Fed up of high UK taxation?
Speak to the tax experts at Blevins Franks to explore your tax saving options in France.Free International Money Transfers for Life
A great rate and no transfer fee for the life of your account! Make a no obligation enquiry to Moneycorp, FrenchEntrée’s currency partner and see how we can save you money.
France for Australians
Visit our mini-site for Australians interested in visiting or living in France. more...
Save a Fortune on Currency Exchange
Whether you need advice or an international money transfer quote, FrenchEntree's currency partner - Moneycorp - can help. Visit the France currency exchange zone.
French Property Database Search
Over 12,000 properties for sale throughout France.....
French Property Products & Services
Search over one thousand suppliers to the French property market...
Text Search
Local Services in France
Search for your local suppliers of products and services in France...
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