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.
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
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
Flying to France?
Visit the FrenchEntrée Flights to France map to view the airlines flying from the UK airports to France.
Win VIP rugby tickets!
Win two VIP tickets to the Top 14 Rugby Final 2012 including a two night stay in Paris plus all travel!
Moving to France from the UK
Find out who you need to inform and ensure you receive any medical cover that you are entitled to.
Registering as French resident
If you moved any time in 2011, you will soon have the opportunity of registering your residency status.
Survey: Living in France 2011/12
We asked subscribers to our Enjoying Life in France newsletter to give us an overview of their expat experience. Amongst the topics covered: the cost of living, their level of happiness, the biggest adjustment, the highs and the lows.
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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 necessary income to sustain it is a common challenge for those contemplating a move.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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What's everyone talking about?
April 2012
This month, we've browsed the postings on the FrenchEntrée forum to see what the popular topics affecting potential buyers and expats are. Below is our selection of forum highlights.
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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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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...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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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...
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!
English speaking bank in France
A special department staffed with English-speaking customer team in order to facilitate your arrival and help you with your banking services, savings, insurance, loans and investments. Find out more...
Best Services for Expats
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.
Relocation & Admin services
French Insurance in English
All your Insurance requirements from an Independent Broker. Health, Cars, Property, Marine, Commercial, etc. Get a quote from Asttral.
Teach English in France
Train to teach English by distance learning. Enrol at any time. Experienced tutors provide comprehensive support. Find out more.
Ferry routes to France
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!
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.
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.
PAYG SIM card to surf internet in France!
Get your French PAYG SIM card and get unlimited validity data bundles to surf on internet and call UK & France at the same cheap rate. All services in English.
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!
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.....
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