Sterling had a rough start to this week After a challenging time the week before losing two and a quarter cents against the euro and UK equities falling 12%, sterling had a rough start to this week. Even last Friday’s…
This fact sheet explains the procedure for importing and registering a UK registered motor vehicle or trailer/caravan in France. (The procedure is more or less the same for importing a vehicle from any EU country.) It applies to anyone living…
As in other countries, people selling a house in France have certain obligations and duties. Here we examine the selling process in detail…
In the run up to Brexit, national law firm Stone King has launched a service to support clients from start to finish in the sale or purchase of property in France. Usually people looking to buy or sell will…
From 2018 French residents no longer need to pay wealth tax on savings and investments, and investment income benefits from a new tax rate. The French tax reforms which were first announced in September came into effect on 1st January…
Private sales are becoming an increasingly popular trend in the French property market. Here, we talk you through the advantages and potential pitfalls of choosing to go it alone in L’Hexagone without an agent… Value Your Property Realistically Without an…
‘A common error made by a lot of foreign business owners who moved to my area was to think that France was basically the same as back home, except for the language and this just isn’t the case,’. See what people working in France are saying.
This is a comprehensive list of things to do at various points during the removal process. Following this checklist will take away some of the pressure of thinking of too many things at once, or having to make last minute changes for forgotten necessities.
Want to invite more birds, butterflies, and bees into your garden? Here are the plants and flowers that will encourage biodiversity …
While you will be familiar with home and car insurance, in France you also have to know about civil liability and other policies that may be new
High up on everyone’s list when setting up a new home in France is getting a telephone line and broadband service ahead of time so it will be ready for the day they move in.
For anyone trying to learn French or hoping to communicate better in France, this page is the place to search our many useful French glossaries on a wide range of topics, from living in France to what to say at the hotel on…
Mar Bonnin-Palmer runs down the basics of planning a trip to check out likely French dream homes and explains the advantages of getting your budget sorted out beforehand
There’s nothing like the pleasure of eating vegetables fresh from your own garden. The flavour and texture far exceed anything you can buy in a shop. Growing vegetables is also a natural incentive to to spend time outdoors. It is not necessary to have a large space to begin a vegetable garden, you can start one with just a few pots.
Want to know what your carbon footprint is? Measure how green your lifestyle is the impact it’s having on the environment.
French law no longer requires non-resident sellers domiciled in the EU to appoint a fiscal representative on the sale of property in France, an experience that could be quite costly and verging on the surreal.
A pet passport means that your much-loved animal can easily travel with you to France, but getting your pet ready for travel can take weeks or months. Vet Diana James takes you through the process, step-by-step.
If you are a EU citizen residing in France (primary residents only), you have the right to vote in both European elections and local communal elections. You will need to register before December 31.
Wine is a complex beverage, or at least it should be, and to understand a wine’s complexity and depth you need to analyze it.
Reach more than 330,000 Francophiles, expats, property buyers and investors through FrenchEntrée’s leading portfolio of magazines, newsletters, and website. FrenchEntrée offers a flexible and proven range of online and print marketing solutions to suit every type of company and every…
If you’re buying property in France then you will need to make an international money transfer to move your money from the UK to France. The traditional way of doing this is with a high street bank; however you could…
Look out for these four definite legal”no-no’s” when buying in France.
If this is the year to sell your French property, here are some top tips to help you which we have collated from estate agents and property experts across France…
Award-winning designer James Besson shows us how a garden can thrive in an unlikely setting in the south of France.
What is the best approach if you’re planning to put your house on the market, or if it has lingered on the market for a while? Three ways savvy sellers can make their property stand out from the competition.
The role that Diagnostic surveys play in the purchase of a house in France is very different from what you may be used to.
Preparing your pool for the winter is an essential task that will keep the pool and equipment in good condition ready for quickly re-opening the pool in the spring. Here is a guide to the procedure that should be followed…
The process of borrowing money to fund a property purchase is broadly similar on both sides of the Channel, but there are certain differences between French and UK mortgages which buyers need to bear in mind. Overview The first thing…
Many of the properties for sale come with that key caveat. they ‘need work’. Our expert contributor shares tips for buying a property to renovate in France.
The French conveyancing system is very well organised and secure. There is no equivalent of reported problems with non existent title deeds (such as in Cyprus) or invalid planning permissions (such as in Spain). So what should those preparing to buy a property in France be wary of?
Introduction: Although being expensive to maintain – the World Health Organisation has stated that France spends 11% of GDP on healthcare and outranks major countries on this basis – France offers a wide choice of general practitioners and healthcare specialists.…
If you’re from the USA, UK or Australia the concept of School Insurance may seem a little strange. What is it for? When you register your child for school you will be asked for an attestation d’assurance scolaire (certificate of…
Pool security is a legal must in France. There are four government approved methods – here is an explanation of the pros and cons of fencing, alarms, covers and abris.
There is an unbelievable choice of swimming pools available nowadays. Here, Chris Harrison of Piscine-Plus runs through how they differ in terms of price, space, number of pool users, filter type, sanitation and security.
French state education is well-organised, well-funded and with generally average to high standards in comparison to other European countries. The state system is also complemented by a comprehensive network of Private Schools including international schools…
If you would like to choose an alternative or greener supplier of electricity in France, there are providers who can supply energy produced only from renewable sources such as hydropower, wind power and biomass…
All in ground swimming pools in France require planning permission. Abris or pool houses also require planning permission, but above ground pools that are not built as a permanent structure do not.
Another way to start a winter herb garden indoors is to move plants from your garden into your kitchen, says gardening topic host Elaine Jarvis.
Insurance broker Aon conducted an online survey. It was sent to five-hundred English speakers in France (66% of which are British). There was some interesting feedback concerning confusion with French insurance…
In France, insuring your main place of residence against fire, theft and natural causes is not obligatory but it is advisable. However, you do have to insure yourself against damage you could accidently cause your French neighbours
Do you love wine and dream of having a wine cellar of your own instead of just buying a bottle when needed? This simple guide to starting a wine cellar will show you how to go about it.
Installing your own swimming pool can be very rewarding and certainly save you a packet. Follow these 10 easy stages and you won’t go far wrong.
A handy list of common terms in French on gardening, plants, and tools.
The french national anthem “La Marseillaise” got its name during the French revolution because it was sung by troops from Marseille upon arriving in Paris. Here are the words in French and English.
A brief introduction to wine, its components and how it is made. Wine is produced from the fermented juice of the grapes of the Vitis Vinifera, a species of vine known to man for millennia. A number of natural factors are important …
The separation of church and state has an impact on school and public administration. France is a secular state, but what are the implications of “laïcité” in everyday life?
Image not found.One of the joys of gardening is seeing your garden grow in sheer numbers of plants that you have produced yourself. Obviously there is always the time and …
Valerie Marsden-Holmes tells Sylvia Edwards Davis how she and husband Richard fell head over heels for an 18th-century Gascon farmhouse with breathtaking views of the Pyrénées. Meet the Movers NAMES: Valerie and Richard Marsden- Holmes BOUGHT IN: 2011 MOVED FROM: Lincolnshire MOVED TO: Gers…
France is deferring the dates for income tax return submissions and suspending most tax controls due to the coronavirus crisis.
There has been a great deal of volatility in the currency markets in the last couple of weeks. The situation is changing by the hour and if you’re looking to send funds back to France or elsewhere in the world,…
Dear FrenchEntrée Clients, Members and Readers, In these unprecedented times, with Coronavirus impacting on all of our personal and professional lives, we hope that you and your loved ones are healthy and safe. We also wanted to let you know…
Wondering about how solicitors draft up wills without leaving the comfort of their home? This video from Stone King should answer your questions!
Finding a qualified chartered surveyor in France doesn’t have to be a wild goose chase says John Snell Q. How do I find a good surveyor in France? A. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has a global presence and…
There is a lot of misinformation and confusion surrounding Covid-19. Please find below some useful links and videos from the British Government. Return to your homes This video details the most recent travel advice, requesting all UK nationals not resident…
We would like to share this message from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office. The Foreign & Commonwealth Office announced on 23 March that all UK nationals travelling in France should return to the UK without delay, whilst commercial options are still available. We now…
In the heart of Burgundy’s wine country, this sun-dappled département boasts some of the most achingly pretty towns and villages in the region – all knitted together by gorgeous vineyards, says Dominic Bliss They are some of the greatest names…
Unsurprisingly, the international news cycle has been full of Covid-19 developments over the past couple of weeks. What stories have hit the French headlines in the past week? Health Emergency Following an emergency meeting, France has declared a state of…
The dollar was by far the week’s strongest performer, rising an average of 4.8% against the other major currencies To a great extent the rush for the dollar is a reflection of the huge uncertainty posed by the pandemic. Despite…
The euro started the week relatively well as investors considered it might be a safe haven, but retreated as the days passed. EU finance ministers pledged to take action, but the meeting did not yield any concrete steps and the…
The FrenchEntrée Property Team answers your questions Q. I am looking at properties in Paris and my agent is recommending I sign a ‘Search Mandate’. What is this, and what are the pros/cons of such an arrangement? A. In some markets,…
In these uncertain times it can be difficult to separate the facts from the fake news. We’re on hand to answer your questions about how coronavirus affects France, and your plans. I own a holiday home in France and pay…
At the time of writing, France has had 674 confirmed coronavirus fatalities. How worried should you really be about coronavirus or, more specifically, the novel coronavirus Covid-19? Let’s look at some of the common rumours and myths. Covid-19 is the…
Aller is a common but irregular French verb. We will look at its use in some of the different tenses here.
In partnership with online rental specialist French Connections, we’re offering a lucky reader the chance to win a week for two in a self-catered holiday cottage in the green heart of the Dordogne Valley.
Covid-19 has been declared a pandemic, with many of us under quarantine or practising social distancing. If you haven’t had a chance to go outside and pick up a newspaper, don’t worry, we’re catching up with the latest French news.…
Every month the UK government hosts a Facebook Q&A for British nationals living in France, or planning to do so, to ask questions about what will happen with their rights, access to healthcare, money and family lives after Brexit. Here…
Animalcouriers are licensed animal hauliers with a UK State Veterinary Service Licence to carry animals by road throughout Europe. They also provide shipping solutions to places further afield. As members of the International Pet Animal Transport Association, they have high standards in their management of the animals they transport…
Every month the UK government hosts a Facebook Q&A for British nationals living in France, or planning to do so, to ask questions about what will happen with their rights, access to healthcare, money and family lives after Brexit. Here…
Every month the UK government hosts a Facebook Q&A for British nationals living in France, or planning to do so, to ask questions about what will happen with their rights, access to healthcare, money and family lives after Brexit. Here…
Brexit seemed to come and go without much ceremony or change, but what is going to happen to the value of the pound over the next 11 months? We asked Adam Jordan, a senior currency broker at moneycorp, what the…
Every month the UK government hosts a Facebook Q&A, letting British nationals living in France, or planning to do so, ask questions about what will happen with their rights, access to healthcare, money and family lives after Brexit. Here are…
Charlotte Macdonald is an associate solicitor in Stone King’s international and cross border team. Over a new 12-part series of articles Charlotte answers legal and practical questions that are often asked by her clients in relation to France; whether that…
As Covid-19 dominates the news cycle for yet another week, we’re taking a look at the stories that mattered in France over the last seven days. Politics Eleven teams started tackling different elements of the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement. While some…
France is a popular place to go for entrepreneurs and businesspeople. If you’re going to start a business, why not do it in a dreamy location? With recent reports claiming that French people tend to be wealthier than in the…
Last Thursday saw the collapse of UK-based airline Flybe, ending 2,000 jobs and threatening many more businesses that rely on its routes. The struggling company gained a reprieve in January thanks to a government loan, but coronavirus’ impact on the…
The UK government has announced an exciting new measure to provide practical support to UK citizens living in the EU. What have they said, and what does this mean for you and your family? The British government is to allocate…
If you are a British expat living in France, you should be working with an international Conseil en Gestion de Patrimoine (CGP) – read on to learn how a CGP can transform your financial and legal affairs. More and more…
With Covid-19 dominating worldwide headlines, you’d be forgiven for missing some of the other news that has come out of France in the past week. Don’t worry, we’ve trawled the papers and internet to bring you the key stories you…
Retirement can be tricky to navigate in any country, and France is no exception. We spoke to Rosemary Sheppard, International Financial Adviser at Blacktower Financial Management Ltd. After the introduction of pension freedoms in 2015, financial advisers found that in…
If you’re considering selling your holiday property or French home, you probably have a lot of questions. In this guide we’re going to take a quick look at some of the most common queries and provide some links to more…
While last week’s storms were literal, this week’s were more political in nature. We’re catching up with the latest French headlines. Politics President Macron’s rival, Marine Le Pen, has boasted that she will “crush” the sitting president in the upcoming…
Fibreglass pools fall into the bracket of “one piece pools” and, more commonly in France, “monobloc”. That is to say they arrive at your property all in one piece! Fibreglass pools are a great option for a property in France. They…
First things first, the French social security system is considered as one of the best in the world. Since January 2016, everybody working or living in France regularly and stably is entitled to social security coverage. If you work in…
Here is a brief summary of the main fees you will be expected to pay during your visit to the doctor in France, and the applicable reimbursements from the health insurance system and your top-up insurance.
If you’ve made your dream of relocating to France a reality, you’ve doubtless had to navigate all sorts of lifestyle changes. Between the new language, the improved climate and typical new house admin, there are plenty of exciting challenges on…
Any readers in western Europe have likely has a slightly windswept week, courtesy of Ciara, Inès and Dennis. How have the storms affected France, and what other news should you know about? We’re taking our weekly look at the French…
After one of the mildest Januaries on record you might be considering opening your swimming pool early this year. How can you make sure your pool is ready for a brisk spring dip? Please note this guide pertains to chlorinated…
As winter slowly retreats and makes way for spring, you may find yourself looking into your frost-ravaged garden and wondering where on earth to start. If you want your flowerbeds to be the talk of the town by summer, you…
Armed with fabulous antiques, and tenacity, Rosemary and Richard Conquest turned a dilapidated 15th-century manor into a wedding venue fit for royalty. Greg Cook has a nose around. You know you’ve created something special when visitors to your new home…
Charlotte Macdonald is an associate solicitor in Stone King’s international and cross border team. Over a new 12-part series of articles Charlotte answers legal and practical questions that are often asked by her clients in relation to France; whether that…
Are you worried about rising energy costs and the long-term effects of powering your home with climate-harming fossil fuels? Energy companies are constantly hiking their prices while the climate emergency is dominating headlines around the world. Conversely, the French government…
As many of us in western Europe are battening down the hatches from Storm Ciara, we’re taking a look at the news in France. How has the winter storm affected our friends across the channel? And what’s the latest news…
When the Chapmans stayed at their favourite Dordogne guesthouse on a house-hunting foray and fortuitously found it was for sale, they snapped up the pretty manor, says Nicola Venning. When Christopher and Sarah Chapman visited the Dordogne in 1990, their…
Ready to (re)build your dream home from the ground up? From planning permission to septic tanks, Stephen Davies gets down to brass tacks Q. We’ve been told we need to apply for a Certificat d’Urbanisme in order to get planning…
First lured to Gironde by friends, Brooklyn-based journalist Yolanda Edwards was seduced by Saint-Yzans-de-Médoc’s moreish fare, wine and relaxed pace of life… Why did you choose Saint-Yzans-de-Médoc? We live permanently in Brooklyn, New York, but our second home is in…
