Selling up – the legal process
As in other countries, people selling a house in France have certain obligations and duties. Here we examine the selling process in detail…
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Termites in French Houses
Termites – the underground menace eating your house from the inside out When buying a house in France, the vendor is obliged to have a termite report carried out. If you live in a termite-infested area in France, you must,…
Lead in your French home
When do you need a mandatory inspection? Throughout France, an inspection for the presence of lead in paintwork is mandatory when any building built before January 1949 is sold (both common areas and/or areas for private use). The inspection must…
Do I need a building survey?
There is no requirement in France to have a pre-purchase ‘building survey’ done. There are laws requiring a vendor to provide diagnostiques including: termites, asbestos, lead paint, energy efficiency, electrical and gas installations, plus environmental risks such…
Everyone’s Cup of Tea
Three years ago, Tina Sharpe fell in love with a quirky teapot-shaped shed and embarked on the barmy mission to ship it from Scotland to rural France and turn it into a successful café. Alice Phillpott meets the plucky entrepreneur…
Celebrating Provence
Voice-over artist and wedding celebrant Celia Ford Drummond relocated with her American husband, Trent, to the Provençal village of Roquebrune-sur-Argens in 2004 Why did you choose your village? We already had a holiday home near the Provençal coast,…
New Life, New Jardin! Growing Tea
Since putting own roots in the village of Puycelsi in the Tarn, garden designer Helen Medlycott has embraced the French way of life. Here she reveals her ambitious plan to diversify and grow tea… There’s nothing I like more than…
Where to Buy Now – Montbron, Poitou-Charentes
Montbron in Charente offers a range of classically French properties, with price tags to suit all budgets. Montbron Poitou-Charentes Situated in the south east of Charente, at the edge of the Parc Naturel Régional Périgord Limousin and bordering the…
Peach and Goat’s Cheese Puffs
The Berry region is renowned for the quality of its goat’s cheese, some of which has the AOC award normally given to wine. Crottin de Chavignol, Selles-sur-Cher, Saint Maure de Touraine and Valencay are…
Where to Buy in France Now – Gouarec, Côtes-d’Armore, Brittany
In the heart of the Côtes-d’Armor, Gouarec is a picturesque Breton village with oodles of charm and amenities. Gouarec Côtes-d’Armor, Brittany This idyllic town lies in the Côtes-d’Armor department, in central Brittany, and has a lot to offer buyers…
Top 10 tips to buy property in Paris
Thinking of buying of property in Paris? Read our top 10 tips for a well-informed decision.
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…
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…
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
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.
Property Showdown – Hérault vs Var
We assess the benefits of buying in two areas of south-central France… ~ Hérault ~ The Hérault département lies at the centre of Languedoc-Roussillon, which has recently been incorporated into the new Occitanie ‘super region’. It’s long attracted buyers…
Dordogne countryside under threat
World-famous Baroque musician joins campaign to prevent destruction of Dordogne countryside Local environment and economy are under threat from “polluting and noisy race track” Plans to build a 53-acre (21.5 hectare) racetrack in the middle of peaceful Dordogne countryside have…
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…
Utilities in France – Water, Electricity and Gas Supplies
Before you can truly enjoy your French home, you’ll need to have your utilities connected and set up any automatic debit payments. When you buy your home, your estate agent will usually help you with the firts vital services. There…
Wedding Venue near Carcassonne – Domaine Gayda
Gourmet cuisine, award winning wines and luxurious accommodation If you are looking for an exceptional location for your wedding reception in the Languedoc Roussillon then Domaine Gayda’s winery and restaurant is the place to make your dreams come to. Set amidst…
Running Gîtes and Chambre d’Hôtes in France
Rental Income and Caretaking A popular way to make extra income is to provide holiday accommodation in the way of gîtes or chambre d’hôtes, which can run from one or two rooms in a house to full-on tourist businesses. Firstly,…
My French Garden in the Lot
Steve Jarratt reveals how formal English gardens inspired the design of Sue and John Herring’s plot in the Lot… Sue and John Herring left England in 2006 for the vert et agréable land of Lot, 30 minutes north…
Narbonne Property Guide
For many the ancient city of Narbonne and its surrounds is the ideal property location in the Aude department – right at the crossroads of the two main motorways, easily accessed from 4 airports, close enough to the beach for day- tripping, and steeped in history and culture. “Narbonne Property Guide”
French Insurance Basics – 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 will necessarily…
12th-Century Château in the Limousin Rescued From Ruin
Property developer Fiona Jones on her four-year restoration of the Chateau du Masgelier, a 12th-century Limousin gem… Situated on a hilltop, with 360° views over the Creuse countryside, and set within its own parkland, the Chateau du Masgelier dates from…
Employment in France – Odd Jobs, Contract and Permanent Work
You might think that searching for a job in France isn’t too dissimilar to looking for employment in the UK. However, there are some significant differences, not only in terms of language and culture but also in the resources available…
Le Camus Gîtes in Brittany
Since 2006 we have been providing high quality self-catering accommodation in the four gites we renovated in two tiny hamlets in Cotes d’Armor. Enjoy the local markets, eat at auberges, watch the bird life, sketch the scenery, stroll along country…
Public Holidays in France – 2017
Some dates for your diary.
Buying a holiday home in France …?
A holiday home in France is a great idea but like all good things, it takes some planning and a little effort to make it work. Here are a few practical tips to help you get the most out of your maison secondaire
To Vouvoyer or to Tutoyer?
When you’re talking French in France, many Brits are confused which version of ‘you’ to use – the polite ‘vous’ or the more familiar ‘tu’ – it’s a socio-political minefield! On paper, the rules appear steadfast. You should…
Le Manoir Reborn
Justin Postlethwaite talks to the owner of a gîte in Poitou-Charentes, Le Manoir des Couts, about restoring the 16th-century manor house… FrenchEntrée Magazine: Can you tell us what drew you to Poitou-Charents? Francine Dunkley/ We used to live in…
Buying Hotspots – Ruffec
WHERE TO BUY IN FRANCE NOW! The FrenchEntrée Property Services team reveal their top areas in which to begin your property search – including tips from our local partner agencies The Château de Verteuil on the Charente River, just…
Buying Hotspots – SAINT ANTONIN NOBLE VAL
WHERE TO BUY IN FRANCE NOW! The FrenchEntrée Property Services team reveal their top areas in which to begin your property search – including tips from our local partner agencies The Medieval origins of Saint-Antonin are still much in evidence,…
Buying Hotspots – Sourdeval, Lower Normandy
WHERE TO BUY IN FRANCE NOW! The FrenchEntrée Property Services team reveal their top areas in which to begin your property search – including tips from our local partner agencies Sourdeval is a welcoming, amenity-rich town packed with activities…
South of France Canal Holidays
Minervois Cruisers has a fleet of British built steel boats, both narrowboats and wide beam to give you a great French Touring Holiday in the beautiful South of France.
Healthcare in France: the Basics
France has a very high standard of healthcare and is frequently voted at the top of the world’s best systems. Healthcare in France is based on a dual system, comprising the state health insurance, l’Assurance Maladie, and a private insurance ‘top up’ which is provided by private companies and mutual bodies.
Limousin vs Dordogne: A Regional Property Guide
PROPERTY SHOWDOWN In this edition we move down towards the Southwest of France to compare the benefits of buying in two areas of Nouvelle-Aquitaine ~Limousin~ This bucolic area at the heart of France boasts a contrasting landscape of verdant…
Recipes for a French Christmas dinner
Christmas dinner in France is usually a traditional affair, the highlights of which are a starter of oysters, a delicious stuffed roast goose or turkey,and a yummy Bûche de Noël (Christmas Yule Log) for dessert.
How to feed the little guests in your French garden in winter
Find out how to help your local flock of birds in France thrive this winter. And with the right food, you may even be able to tempt in a new visitor or two
A fabulous Christmas menu à la Franglaise
A full menu of delicious seasonal recipes. Chef Chris Lacey does Christmas, combining both French and British traditions.
Christmas Markets in France
Traditionally, housewives in France would spend the weeks leading up to Christmas preparing a festive feast and Christmas markets developed to supply them with the ingredients and products they needed.
Kiwi Adventurers | Living in the Dordogne
Kiwi Adventurers – Living in the Dordogne Susannah Hickling meets a couple from New Zealand who fell in love with an ailing historic house in the ancient village of Lalinde. Many people would be worried about taking on a…
Buying a Mobile Home in France
As with any property purchase, buying a mobile home can seem daunting, and there are a number of things that you need to consider carefully. However, don’t worry, as a growing number of people have taken the leap and become…
Gardening in France | Jardins Ouverts
MY FRENCH GARDEN Steve Jarratt discovers how Julie and Jason Agha brought elements of traditional British gardens to their Limousin home Clockwise from top : British-style borders and beds; the overgrown plot before work started; “the biggest rockery in…
South-east Vendee property: a town-by-town guide
Extensive details of Fontenay le Comte and surrounding area The south-east Vendee has been a popular destination for house-hunters for many years. The climate, excellent transport links and affordable property make the area ideal for those dreaming of a new…
How to Sell Your Home in France
Susannah Hickling provides a step-by-step guide to a successful, stress-free sale… DO YOUR HOMEWORK Research the property market in your area of France. Look at the asking prices of similar properties and ask several property agents to give you an…
Château For Sale Indre-et-Loire
PICTURE PERFECT The Chateau La Perriere is a perfectly proportioned slice of the French good life, which is already being run as a successful holiday let, overlooking the historic Royal Fortress of Chinon in the Indre-et-Loire… The Chateau La Perriere…
The Pick of Paris
Paris the ‘City of Light’ continues to draw an international buying and renting set, who are attracted by its world-class lifestyle…….
Large neo-Breton house for sale in a very peaceful setting
Situated in the countryside of central Brittany, this beautiful property stands on around 3 500sqm of matured garden: €239,625 (Incl. agency fees) Downstairs: entrance with large fitted cupboards, brand new fitted kitchen, utility room, living/dining room with a rare fireplace…