Living in France
CONTENTS
Guides for everyday life in France
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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.
The 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
How to use chèques d'emplois
Flying to France?
Visit the FrenchEntrée Flights to France map to view the airlines flying from the UK airports to France.
Living in France newsletter
Keep up to date with all the latest stories from the Living in France zone. Sign-up for our free newsletter or visit our newsletter archive.
Healthcare made simple
Let the sun shine in...
No green fingers? No problem.
Tips from lansdcaping expert James Basson
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. Elaine Douglas gives advice on what to expect and how to deal with it.more...
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 income to sustain it is a common challenge for those contemplating a move. more...
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. more... 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...
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...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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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 expats in France and properties with features like original wooden shutters are some of the most sought after - give them the attention they deserve and they’ll reward you for 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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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...
16 Crossings a Day
British Corner Shop
We are the online supermarket for British Expats, selling over 8,000 of your most loved British products delivered to your door. Visit our website to begin your British Food Shopping.
Insure Your Holiday Home – In English
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.
Innovation in Wealth Management
Fiscal, legal, mortgage, pension, investment and financial advice and services to French residents, those relocating here or those with assets in the hexagon, whatever their nationality. Qualified as Conseillers en Gestion de Patrimoine Indépendent, and with UK financial and IFA qualifications too. Find our more.
French property and succession law
We help UK Nationals with buying and selling French property and French succession law problems including making wills. View our website to find out more.
International school of Cote D'Azur
EBICA offers students a complete double French-English curriculum from Preschool to High School. Visit EbicaSchool.com.
Need French healthcare?
Exclusive Healthcare offer Top Up health insurance to residents and home owners in France. Private health cover is also available. Learn More
Financial advice & solutions for people relocating to France
Download Siddalls help sheets for "your new life in France" by clicking here.
Sail to Le Havre
Moving to France for LESS!
Anyvan is a part load and removal specialist moving anything and everything to/from France – saving up to 75%. Visit AnyVan.com.
UKtelecom Special Offer
40% off your broadband & FREE CALLS to French and UK mobiles. Management of new line installations, unlimited call packages and much more. Save money here.
The most famous cabaret in the world!
Over 620,000 spectators a year come to admire the most beautiful girls in the world. The Moulin Rouge, for a friends’ gathering, night out with the family or a romantic rendez-vous, always makes for an unforgettable night out! Visit Moulin Rouge!
Lettings, Project management & Building services
Breakdown Direct 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.
Baggage delivery from ONLY £69*
www.LOPA.co.uk
French Property Services
Looking for your perfect French property or have already found it but need help with its upkeep? Let us help.
French Insurance in English
All your Insurance requirements from an Independent Broker. Health, Cars, Property, Marine, Commercial, etc. Get a quote from Asttral.
Mobile homes for sale in France from £5,995
New sited mobile homes from £16,995 and resale sited mobile homes from £5,995. Sites open for 12 months of the year. Aquitaine, Brittany, Dordogne, Languedoc, Pas-de-Calais and the Vendee.
Fed up of high UK taxation?
Tax planning is essential if you are to avoid paying on to Caesar more than is due to him. Blevins Franks mini-site explains 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
Search thousands of properties for sale throughout France...
National French Businesses
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...
Click here to add an "entry"
Click here to view a map of listings
