| Contributing Editor
Sylvia is a freelance journalist based in France, focusing on business and culture. A member of the France Media editorial team, Sylvia is a regular contributor and looks after social media across our publications.
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…
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.
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.
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…
There are three terms in the school year, starting in September. Dates of French school holidays vary according to the “zone” you live in.
As British residents in France face a post-Brexit reality, we look at the impact concerning residence rights and the formalities for applying for permanent residence in France after Brexit Existing British residents in France will be able to continue…
France is constantly updating its healthcare system in an effort to keep up with the evolving needs of its population. Here’s a look at some of the most recent changes.
When Erin Choa and Jean-Baptiste Gois clapped eyes on the Château de Bourneau, it was love at first sight. Sylvia Edwards Davis takes a tour of the romantic folly that stole the châtelains’ hearts
Elizabeth and Jonathan Adey left the Cotswolds to set up a gîte in a medieval granary in the Tarn. They share the joys – and pitfalls – of finding the perfect property with Sylvia Edwards Davis Meet the Movers NAME:…
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched a new “France Alumni” social network for former foreign students to keep in touch with each other and keep their connection with France alive.
The allocation rentrée scolaire is a grant to assist households under a certain income level, aimed to help offset the cost of school supplies.
Graham and Cheryl first fell in love with France in the 70’s and several decades later they decided to call Paris home …
What happens when you have a people who are fiercely proud of their culture and a person who is fiercely proud of their individuality? …
In France, the school day is long and children spend much of their time sitting behind a desk. They do, however, have a day off from school mid-week, providing an opportunity to practise sport or take on other hobbies.
Proud guesthouse owners Gail and Christian Bodiguel tell Sylvia Edwards Davis about the extensive property search that eventually brought them to L’Atelier du Renard Argenté in Vaucluse Meet The Movers Name: Gail and Christian Bodiguel Bought in: 2013 Live in:…
Andrea knew she wanted to live in France ever since her first day of French class when she was 13 years old…
Peter Clark and Vincent Caplier created their award-winning eco-guest house in Somme from scratch, where sustainable living is key – inside and out, says Sylvia Edwards Davis. Meet the Movers FrenchEntée Magazine: Why did you settle on France? Peter Clark:…
When Stephen Davies pulled up outside a rickety barn in Airvault, he knew he’d found his future home. Nearly 20 years on, he’s still living the expat dream…
Kay and Mark Williams did their homework when they came to buy in France, but it was when things went pear-shaped that they discovered their dream home in Hérault
Claire and Peter Jackson were over the moon to find their dream house in sunny Languedoc. They’ve lavished love and attention on it and have exciting plans for its – and their – future
The first time Donna Critcher clapped eyes on Château Saint Michel, she knew she had to have it. Two years on, she has turned this old wreck into a thriving events venue… FRENCHENTRÉE MAGAZINE: What brought you to…
With bills going up and the exchange rate to consider, buying a property in France that can double as a business premises is a popular way to make the move and keep some money coming in.
The Sills have had many adventures in the old farmhouse they bought in deepest Charente back in 2000. Their love affair with France is still going strong
As if we really needed an excuse to indulge in crêpes, the Fête de la Chandeleur (or Fête des Chandelles) rolls around. Get together with family and friends and join this ancient tradition…
Ignoring her agent’s warnings, Karin Twijnstra fell head over heels with a 16th-century château in Normandy. She tells Sylvia Edwards Davis about her decades-long bid to convert it into a cosy B&B FRENCHENTRÉE MAGAZINE: What brought you to…
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…
Sylvia Edwards Davis chats to South African couple Almarie and Dan Hugo about their bold move to buy two period flats in Haute-Garonne – within the same building… FRENCHENTRÉE MAGAZINE: What brought you to France? ALMARIE HUGO: We love it.…
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…
With many different layers, French government and administration is complicated. Here’s an explanation of how it works and who is responsible for what.
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
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 would…
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 property…
Sylvia Edwards Davis talks to Jonathan Cooke about the extensive restoration undertaken on the Château de Jalesnes at Vernantes in the Loire. When Jonathan Cooke set out to chase his dream, of a bed and breakfast in a converted Provençal…
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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.
RETIRING TO FRANCESylvia Edwards Davis provides a rundown of the main practical issues Moving to another country can offer many very stimulating experiences, but some aspects can prove to be a little overwhelming. French paperwork falls into the second category.…
Escape to the Château. An interview with Channel 4 documentary stars Dick and Angel Strawbridge about renovating their Pays de la Loire château.
The Compromis de Vente is the first formal and legally binding stage in the property purchase process in France.
Thinking of buying a property in Brittany? This article is an introductory guide to the region covering climate, landscape, attractions, access, property styles and prices.
It’s a done deal. Britain has voted to leave the EU. Without indulging in speculation, we take a look at the effects of Brexit on your home and life in France. We’ll keep this post updated with the latest information…
Following the announcement of the vote for the UK to leave the EU, we look at the impact on British nationals who live or own property in France.
Thinking of buying a property in Normandy? This article is an introductory guide to the region covering climate, landscape, access, property styles and prices. Start your search today!
A number of museum in France stay open until midnight and offer special events to nocturnal visitors.
A cycling group of ‘rosbeefs’ in France organises a gruelling bike race in aid of World Bicycle Relief. See why Cyclist magazine calls the south of France Pyrénées a ‘magnet for cyclists’.
One of the most sought-after property spots in the word, a home in the Côte d’Azur represents the epitome of the sunshine lifestyle.
An increasingly popular spot for foreign buyers looking for great value, the Limousin is quite the place if you are looking for tranquil country living.
Once again France comes out on top as the number one most visited tourist destination in the world.
Mortgage rates in France have hit a new historical low – the lowest ever in 70 years.
Thinking of buying a property in Gascony? We’ve prepared an introductory guide to the region covering climate, landscape, attractions, access, property styles and prices.
Lifelong Francophile Amanda Walsh tells us about her family’s hard-won new life in the southwestern idyll of the Charente-Maritime…
