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20th July 2008
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Living in France

Whether you live in France or have a second home, FrenchEntrée Living is for you. It is the guide on life in La Belle France, whether you're after information on heavy duty issues such as the health system or simply want to indulge in the good French things in life (for a more detailed explanation of our content see below).
But we would also love to hear from you – so whether you have a story to tell about life in France, or ideas for new topics please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

ALSO: make sure you also take a look at FrenchEntrée
French Property and
Holidays in France

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 self-employed, including advice on starting up a business in France.

In 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 and getting a French mortgage or loan; 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 and French culture.

If you're renovating your house, then make sure you take a look at Renovate & Decorate in France, and for advice and tips for when you're in your garden see Gardening in France. For those of you wanting to raise a few animals, A Smallholding in France is a must-read.

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!

Enjoying Life in France

Poppies and lavender
Click here for your FREE newsletter - a monthly hit of French culture, real lives, language tips, food ....

Book of the Month

White Stone Black Wine

White Stone Black Wine
This beautifully written book is both informative and enchanting. The author shares what it is like to live life among the ancient vineyards of the Quercy Blanc. more...

Real Life Stories

Real Life
Do you have a story about living, holidaying or buying property in France? If so, we would love to hear from you! Please email us: editor@frenchentree.com.

Flying to France?

Flights to France Map

Visit the FrenchEntrée Flights to France map to view the airlines flying from the UK airports to France.

Public Holidays in France

sleeping in a hammock

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...

Weather & Climate in France

French climate & weatherWant to know the current weather in France or get a forecast? Or find out about historic rainfall or sunshine hours for different regions? It's all here... more...

Just moved or about to?

house by water
Let us help you get started on your new French life. Find out how to open a French bank account or join the health system. Check out our easy-to-follow guides on gas, electricity and water. For French insurance see insurance in France. We also have a complete guide to the French education system. If you plan to have your own business read self-employment in France first. And for those of you en retraite, see retiring to France.

'Phew! We've made it!'

couple seat
To find out what it is really like to live in France read Real Lives in La Belle Vie. We also have first-hand accounts in Work & Income, Education and Health, so whatever your situation, there's a story for you.

Loving your French life...

picnic large
La Belle Vie is your passport to a fabulous French life. Enjoy stories on food and wine, and Gallic culture. We can also help you learn French and give you a hand with everyday French phrases. We have all you need to know about UK satellite and French TV plus info on mobiles and cheap phone calls to France and computers including ADSL.Check out Renovate & Decorate and Gardening. Be self-sufficient with our smallholding zone.

Let's get together!

seagulls wire
Have you got a question or something you would like to say? Then join our Discussion Forum or contact one of our topic hosts. Have you taken a lovely picture of France? Then send it in and we'll publish it!

Latest articles

Retiring to France still makes financial sense

Retiring in FranceThe gloomy headlines and the strong Euro may be making some people planning to retire abroad think twice. New figures by Siddalls, specialist independent financial advisers, show that household costs are less than a 1/3 of those in the UK and your money still goes a lot further than you might think in France...more...

Health care changes in France

How changes in French health law are affecting expatriates

MedicineThe changes apply to all residents of France of whatever nationality including French nationals who suffer the same reductions in healthcare support as, for instance, a person holding an E121 etc...more...

Choosing a pool in France

Image supplied by Piscine-PlusThe choice of pools nowadays is unbelievable. That choice may depend on various criteria such as your budget, use of the pool, available space, number of pool users, filter type, sanitation and security...more...

Property Finder network launched across France

Graham DownieSummer 2008 sees the launch of France’s first ever national network of property finders. FrenchEntrée Property Finders are looking for property finder partners in over 50 locations throughout France and have already sent out formal contracts to agents in the Alps, Dordogne, Deux Sevres, Brittany, Lot and Languedoc. Further details...

What is it like to work in France? Read our survey results

working in franceIf you need to work when you come to France how easy will it be to find a job? If you want to self-employed can you make a living? FrenchEntrée asked its working readers to fill in a survey on what it is like to work in France. Here are the resultsmore...

Legal advice when hiring an artisan in France

toolsIf 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...

Bad smells from your Fosse-Septique?

A Promotional Feature from Humm-Busters

Humm Busters HeroesThe Humm-Busters have now been “Saving the World from Obnoxious Odours” for almost three years and, in that time, we have received hundreds of enquiries from concerned property owners who are getting nasty niffs from their drainage system and don’t know what to do about it. Fortunately for them, we at Humm-Busters do know what to do... more...

'The French love English roses!'

crimson roseDespite no professional horticultural experience, Charles and Charlotte Liddell moved to France and opened a nursery selling David Austin roses. Here, Charlotte tells the story of their first year - and gives their tips for growing roses successfullymore...

'Learning to live in France - and together!'

david and frances wilkinson Frances and David Wilkinson retired to France in 2006 and love their new life which is full of new things as well as more time, less stress and good friends - French and British. Read their inspiring stories...more...

Making your French life a success

van on roadFor some the dream of a new life in France doesn't work out and they leave bitter and resentful. 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....more...

Major new laws and regulations affecting life in France

people marketOver the past months there have been some significant changes to rules and regulations in France, from health and education to renovation of homes and registration of cars. Find out more....more...

How to get the French Country Look

french kitchen tableYou dream of big farmhouse tables, grand armoires and gorgeous chandeliers? Here's how to put it all together to achieve the French Country Look ....more...

Healthcare cover changes in France - what you need to know

carte vitaleThe rules governing access to the French healthcare system for EU expats have changed. To find out whether you're affected take a look at our Q&A guidemore...

What is life in France really like? Read our survey results

outdoor cafeTake a look at our survey results that answer questions on everything from why people move to France, the cost of living, what is considered the best and worst of the country and more...more...

The Top 10 mistakes made when moving to and living in France

help!Mark and Janice Gilmartin run a help service for English-speakers in France. In a week they can receive up to 100 requests for help. FrenchEntrée asked them to fill us in on the 10 most common mistakes made by those moving to and living in France more...
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Your new home in France
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Financial advice & solutions for people relocating to France
Siddalls Download Siddalls booklet "Help with living in France" by clicking here.
Need French healthcare?
Essential HealthcareTop 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
Get French TV at home 24/7 with TV5MONDE
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Broadband with FREE Technical Support
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Home Security in France
See it all 24-7Camera system to monitor your home wherever you are 24/7 for peace of mind. Simple to Set-up, an affordable and effective solution to securing your French home. Learn More.
International Law Partnership - THE specialists in international law
International Law PartnershipOur UK based team of English & French qualified lawyers take pride in providing cost-effective solutions to our clients' French legal problems.
France for the over 50’s
Senioriales French PropertyClubhouse, pool, minibus, gym. 26 locations, off-plan & resales. 2 bed from 159,000 euros. Tel: 00 44 (0)2392 637 710. Learn More.
Moving to France?
boxes for moving home Hunts operate 3-4 removal lorries to France every week. For further information, get in touch today



Moving home need not be a drama
White and Company - Removals to FranceWhen you’re moving your possessions you need the confidence of a well established company and a safe pair of hands. Trained staff, full UK coverage and superb service. Learn more


Swimming pools at affordable prices
Shaped PoolWe have been selling and installing pools in France for over 17 years. Let us give you a free quotation for your pool project.
French Property Owners Club
Club 95Club 95 offers a fully bi-lingual service to make your life in France more enjoyable, including a free taxation service and general advice. Learn more.
Stop unwanted Fosse-Septique odours, fast!
Humm Busters Heroes SmallFit the STUDOR® MAXI-FILTRA™. Cost effective and easy to install. Replaceable active carbon filter lasts up to two years. Learn More.
Low Fares to France
Brittany Ferries BoatTake advantage of special limited fares on all routes to France from Brittany Ferries. Prices from £70 each way for a standard car and two adults.
Explore France Map from FrenchEntrée

Books on Living in France

Living in France book

Are you moving to France and needing more information on living in France?

The FrenchEntrée bookshop features a wide range of books covering the living in France, holidays in France, buying process, French law and the regions of France. Visit the FrenchEntrée Bookshop to make your purchase.
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