How the French government works
With many different layers, French government and administration is complicated. Here’s an explanation of how it works and who is responsible for what.
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French income tax requirements – 2017
As French residents, French income tax will apply to worldwide income, subject to the terms of any relevant double tax treaty (DTT). French income tax is assessed on a ‘foyer fiscal’ basis, which means that married couples file joint tax…
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On a nippy winter day, the French word for happiness is a hearty “cassoulet”.
The exact specifications of the true original cassoulet are difficult to make out, because there are as many stories about it’s origins as there are versions of the recipe. The name comes from the cassole, the earthenware pot that is traditionally used to cook it in.
Working in France: Top Tips & Advice
‘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.
Moving house? A handy removal countdown checklist
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.
Importing a UK vehicle and registering it in France
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…
30 Wildlife Friendly Plants for Your French Garden
Want to invite more birds, butterflies, and bees into your garden? Here are the plants and flowers that will encourage biodiversity …
Planning your move to France: A Checklist
You have made the decision to move to France and are gradually ticking off your checklist of things to do. But if they are not on your list already, you need to consider your finances
Be covered: An introduction to insurance in France
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
How to set up a new phone line and broadband in France
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.
Learn French: your essential vocabulary lists
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…
Tips for your property inspection trip to France
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
Grow your own vegetables in France
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.
Carbon Footprint Calculator
Want to know what your carbon footprint is? Measure how green your lifestyle is the impact it’s having on the environment.
EU resident selling your French home? Say goodbye to the fiscal representative
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.
Pet passport procedure
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.
EU Citizen Voting Rights in France
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.
Learning how to taste wine
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.
Advertise your business
FrenchEntrée offers a flexible and proven range of online and print marketing solutions to suit every type of company and every pocket. Our advertisement packages are highly effective for all kinds of businesses in successfully achieving a wide range of…
Top tips for buying overseas
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…
Home buyers: avoid these 4 legal pitfalls
Look out for these four definite legal”no-no’s” when buying in France.
10 tips: selling your French property
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…
Between a rock and a hard place
Award-winning designer James Besson shows us how a garden can thrive in an unlikely setting in the south of France.
Tips to sell your French home faster
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.
Diagnostic surveys
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 Winter
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…
What are the differences between French and UK mortgages?
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…
Buying a property to renovate in France
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.
Buying in France – avoid the common pitfalls
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?
10 Reasons to Visit: Cap d’Agde
Just a short flight to the South of France leads you to a magical little resort packed with charm, fun family ideas and some of France’s best seafood. Eleanor Fullalove reveals all.
Healthcare in France – An Introduction
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.…
School Insurance in France
When you register your child for school you will be asked for an attestation d’assurance scolaire (certificate of School Insurance). This confirms that your child is covered for damage caused by them to school property or other people. To be…
Pool security in France – it’s the law!
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.
Choosing a pool in France
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 – an introduction
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…
Renewable energy suppliers in France
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…
Legal Considerations When Installing a Pool
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.
Growing herbs indoors this winter
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 – Confusion for Expats…
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…
Insuring your house in France
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
Starting a Wine Cellar
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.
Swimming Pool D.I.Y. in 10 Easy Stages
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.
Gardening Glossary
A handy list of common terms in French on gardening, plants, and tools.
French national anthem: La Marseillaise
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.
An Introduction to Wine
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 …
La France : un état laïque
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?
Need some more plants?
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 …
Where to Buy in France Now – Céret, Languedoc-Roussillon
Ready to make the move? The FrenchEntrée Property Services team reveal their top Search areas – on and off the beaten track.. Céret Languedoc-Roussillon This pretty town is set in the Tech Valley in the Pyrénées-Orientales department, the…
Property Showdown – Vendée vs Loire-Atlantique
We weigh up the benefits of buying in two distinct départements of the Pays de la Loire… ~ Vendée ~ The Vendée is a coastal département, part of the Pays de la Loire region. It’s notable for its…
Mortgage Choices in France
Simon Smallwood of International Private Finance Compares capital repayment and interest-only mortgages in France… Despite the current political climate and a weak pound sterling. British buyers are still actively investing in second and investment homes within Europe, with…
A beginner’s guide to buying French property
This Guide has been written to give you a general step-by-step overview of the property buying process. Please use the references and links within this article and at the end to find more detail about stages of the process. The…
EU Puts an End to Mobile Roaming Charges
Today is a fine day for regular visitors to France and the EU Since the first mobile phones came into circulation, network companies have charged extortionate prices on mobile roaming. When smartphones with internet access became the norm these charges…
Beekeeping in the Charente – June
More than ever I find myself obsessed with the weather since I moved to France; every day I check the forecast to see what we are likely to be getting. In May it seemed that it was a month of…
Should I buy my French property in my sole name or in joint names?
What does en-indivision, en-tontine, joint tenancy and tenancy in common really mean? Charlotte Macdonald, a specialist solicitor in Stone King LLP’s international and cross-border team, explains all. Property ownership in England & Wales If you own a property…
Property Management – A Business Opportunity for Expats in France
Nowadays, property management for absentee home owners in France is properly recognized as a viable business opportunity and rightly so. There are in excess of 200,000 UK owned holiday homes in France, before you start to count Americans (who are…
Make the most of your viewing trip
If you’re looking for houses in France, it pays to be prepared. Follow our handy bullet-point guide to making the most of your viewing trip. * Make sure you have appointments booked with agents – don’t expect to just…
What tax reforms can we expect under President Macron?
Five years ago, when François Hollande was elected President, we knew tax rises were imminent. This time around we are hoping for tax cuts. During his electoral campaign, Emmanuel Macron promised significant tax reductions for both individuals and businesses. …
Fun on Two Wheels in Occitanie: Raising Cancer Awareness in France
Cancer Support France is once again organising a cycle for Life across the beautiful countryside of the Occitanie region. The event will take place over four days from the 22nd to the 25th of June, covering 200km of the Canal…
Business opportunities for expats
If you are planning to relocate to France and are still at the age where you need an income you may be dreaming of setting up your own business. Perhaps you know exactly what it is you want to do, or are looking for a business opportunity in France. Read our Practical Guide
Beekeeping in the Charente – Walking Bees
Last month I wrote about inspecting hives and swarm management techniques, so hopefully, a few weeks later, you know how your colonies are doing, and that you still have them living in your hives! April was an interesting month for…
Lost in Conversion: The Art of Freelancing Abroad
Getting the best exchange rate is vital to offset unpredictable currency fluctuations and should be British freelancers’ number one priority in France. Adam Jordan at moneycorp sheds light on the benefits of using a foreign exchange specialist PAY CUT…
What should you expect?
Renovating and decorating a house in France can be very different from what you’re used to – especially when it comes to methods and materials
Interiors: Renovating an Old Stone Building in Finistère, Brittany
Miranda Ingram talks to Claire Bernard about the journey from renovating her first post-university flat to creating luxury rental properties in Brittany… FRENCHENTRÉE MAGAZINE: What brought you to this part of France? CLAIRE BERNARD: After the arrival of our…
Insurance in France: From House Insurance to Life Cover and Beyond
There are many types of insurance in France, some of which may be familiar or similar to those in the UK. However, even if an insurance type has the same name, you shouldn’t assume that the policy’s conditions…
Benefits of Gym for Pre-schoolers
Pre-schoolers enjoy movement games as well as the opportunity to move freely; gym is one of the favourite classes in their day. A pre-schooler ‘play’ and ability to focus on activities is very different from older children or adults.…
Characteristics of French Schools
Are you thinking of moving to France with your family? If so schooling will be a major pre-occupation for you and your family. As in any other country the French schooling system has its own particularities that will differ from…
How do French Matrimonial Property Régimes Affect Me and my Partner?
French marriage rules could help (or stop) your partner inheriting your overseas property, writes Stone King’s Alexandra Weatherdon. If you’re planning to buy a home in France you may want to ensure that your partner will inherit the property…
Working Out Your Income Tax In France
Since it’s the time of year when we need to submit our French income tax returns, our article this week reviews the basic elements of how income is taxed in France. Residents need to submit their tax return by 17th…
Spring Gardening in France: Top Tips for Getting Your Garden in Shape this Summer
There’s certainly plenty to keep you busy during this month especially with the alternate wet and warm weather we seem to get. The grass seems to need cutting more frequently as do the hedges and the weeds. At this time of year it seems that every time you turn your back there are new ones appearing!
Buying in France – at a Glance
New to the French property market? Our comprehensive guide will help you find your bearings… The process of buying property in France is actually pretty straightforward and well-regulated. Every year, many thousands of overseas buyers purchase new homes in…
What Will Your Money be Worth After Brexit? We Asked an Expert…
With the UK General Election looming, we asked Adam Jordan, foreign exchange dealer at moneycorp, how to mitigate the risk of buying in France and minimise the impact of currency movements on transactions. FE: The pound took a major hit after the referendum, will the upcoming…
5 Reasons to Visit… Bergerac
An endearing half-timbered town and magnet for British ex-pats, Bergerac in the Dordogne offers a quaint slice of history away from the madding crowds. Old-world charm One of Bergerac’s biggest draws is its ‘old town’, a medieval district with cobbled…
6 Tips for Buying a Château
Living a charmed life in a French château is the ultimate dream − and it’s not out of buyers’ reach. France has châteaux of all sizes on the market, many dating back to the early 19th century. Here are the…
Third Time Lucky: Renovating a Little Cottage in Normandy
Sylvia Edwards-Davis talks to Ani Moriarty about experiencing a coup de foudre for a little cottage in Normandy, which became a transatlantic project… When Ani Moriarty set out after her dream, she couldn’t have known that her best-laid plans…
Undaunted by Brexit
Although the ‘Leave’ vote prompted some to put their French property plans on hold, plenty of buyers have refused to let the Referendum kill their dream. Nadia Jordan talks to the individuals, couples and families who are going ahead despite or…
Intimate Chamonix Development Launched by MGM French Properties
Leading French Alps property developer, MGM French Properties, is launching a spectacular new luxury development, Villa de Jade, in the centre of sought-after Chamonix. The collection of four exclusive two-bedroom apartments comprise extensive living space, kitchen, bathroom, shower room and…
4 Ways to Prepare as the Clock Ticks Down to Brexit
Now that Britain’s divorce from the EU has officially begun, will we soon know more about what Brexit means for expatriates in France? Not quite. Triggering Article 50 has just set off the two-year countdown for agreeing the terms of…
Divine Renovation: A Case Study in France
Sylvia Edwards Davis talks to James Linton to find out whether his renovation of La Chapelle was closer to heaven… or hell. James Linton helped finance a friend’s renovation, never expecting to suddenly find himself an owner. After that…
10 Top Tips For Starting a Business in France
1. Choose your location carefully. Don’t isolate yourself. If you do, it will hamper the networking which is an essential part of any new business. To have peace and quiet you don’t have to be miles away from neighbours – the…
The Art of Making Time in France
Nadia Jordan marvels at our French neighbours’ ability to live in the moment and enjoy the things that truly matter: family and food. Anyone who has ever been to France will know that time moves more slowly here. Why is…
10 Reasons to Buy in Normandy
Annaliza Davis revels in a hugely varied area that offers the best of France, from coast to country, city and cuisine, just over the Channel. This ever-popular region justifies its appeal with every visit, offering sandy beaches, perpetually-green fields and…
The Cost of Living in France
The dream of moving to France is often based on a simpler, less costly and more rewarding lifestyle, but is it really a cheaper place to live? We break down the costs for you, so you can make your move with confidence.
16 Ultimate French Buying Tips
Our experts and selected estate agency partners reveal their top French property search tips, to help you find your new home in France. Knowing where you want to buy is very important. France is a huge and varied country and…
Intimate Chamonix Development Launched by MGM French Properties
Leading French Alps property developer, MGM French Properties, is launching a spectacular new luxury development, Villa de Jade, in the centre of sought-after Chamonix. The collection of four exclusive two-bedroom apartments comprise extensive living space, kitchen, bathroom, shower room…
Property Investment in France: What Type of Investment?
Investing in France is common sense – pure and simple. Year after year, the Hexagon continues to be the most visited country in the world, with Paris attracting more tourists than any other destination in Europe. Savvy Britons have…
In the Land of Plenty, Where Should You Invest?
With one of the most regulated property markets in the world, France has always been a great place to invest. Holiday lets are a lucrative business, and buying a second home is perhaps the best, and most assured way to invest…
Off to the Vineyard: Investing in Wine Production
Investing in a vineyard is a common dream and certainly a growing trend. But it can be a risky and ruinous business if not given proper consideration. It is not simply a case of buying a lovely country home,…
Buy-to-Let in Paris and The Île-de-France Region
The Île-de-France region, which includes and encircles Paris, suffers from a shortage of homes, largely owing to the poor rate of housing construction, relative to the size of the market. A strict planning approach, especially in Paris, is mainly…
Château Canet: Vineyard and Wine-making Tours
At Château Canet, we believe that good wine is the result of a combination of good “terroir”, the proper tools and a talented winemaker. Floris and Victoria Lemstra have been at Château Canet for ten years, during which time…
Buy-to-Let in France
Buy-to-let has long been a popular concept and, despite the economic downturn is for many a great way of generating an income. Buy-to-let generally means buying a property to let out on a long-term basis to permanent tenants but it…
The Pros and Cons of New Builds
It is a truth universally acknowledged (on the Hexagon anyway) that the French really do prefer to buy new properties. Across France, in cities, towns and tiny villages, new builds are being snapped up by buyers. However, they now…
RATE ALERT: Pound Rises on UK Election News
Well, here we are again. Once more, a political event has had a big impact on the exchange rates, particularly the pound. Why? This week, UK Prime Minister Theresa May unexpectedly called for a general election in June which she says is necessary to strengthen the upcoming Brexit negotiations.
Common Moving Mistakes (& How to Avoid Them)
There are a number of major moving mistakes which can be made during your relocation process, resulting in problems that make the move unnecessarily complicated. With around three million people at risk a year, we’ve created this guide on common…
Meet a British Couple Who Moved to the Gironde
Susannah Hickling meets a British couple who decided to move to France while en route to an acting job and now call the Gironde home NAMES: Janie Millman and Mickey Wilson WHERE DO YOU LIVE? Castillon-la-Bataille, the Gironde WHEN…
Château Canet: Dreaming of Getting Married in a Vineyard in France?
Weddings are very special occasions and we have no set formula here at Château Canet. We simply offer you the exclusive use of the property so you can celebrate your wedding in your own way and we will be there…
Bel Air Homes: Becoming a Commercial Agent in Real Estate in France
Property prices in many parts of France are down around 30% from their peaks in 2008, and interest rates are at a record low. France still offers incredible value for money, as it is very much a buyers’ market, …