Buying Case Study – Heaven in Hérault
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
Sylvia Davis
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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.
Articles by Sylvia Edwards Davis
Buying Case Study – Walking on sunshine in Languedoc
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
Real Life Case Study – Queen of the Castle
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…
10 Tips to buy a property with a business in France
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.
Buying Case Study – Uncharted Charente
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
Need an excuse for Crêpes? It’s la Chandeleur in France!
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…
Renovation Case Study – Content in Cotentin
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…
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…
Seeing Double in Luchon, Haute Garonne
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…
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…
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.
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
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…
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…
Healthcare Changes in France
In 2016, France introduced the Protection Universal Maladie healthcare system, PUMa for short. The goal of the new structure is to improve interaction between the different healthcare entities and streamline procedures. One of the entities that was discontinued was the former…
A Magnificent Obsession: Château Restoration in The Loire
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…
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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.
Retiring To France
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.…
Lifestyle Case Study – A Château in France
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 and the Promesse de Vente
The Compromis de Vente is the first formal and legally binding stage in the property purchase process in France.
A property guide to Brittany
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.
Brexit information: what are the repercussions of the UK’s vote to leave the EU?
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…
A look at the effects of ‘Brexit’ in France
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.
A property guide to Normandy
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 night at the museum: see your favourites under a different light
A number of museum in France stay open until midnight and offer special events to nocturnal visitors.
A chat with Graham Weeks, founder of the F8 cycling sportive in the south of France
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’.
A property guide to the Côte d’Azur
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.
A property guide to the Limousin
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.
France crowned world’s top tourist destination
Once again France comes out on top as the number one most visited tourist destination in the world.
Update: Mortgage rates in France reach epic low
Mortgage rates in France have hit a new historical low – the lowest ever in 70 years.
French school holidays 2017/2018 – Update!
There are three terms in the school year, starting in September. Dates of French school holidays vary according to the “zone” you live in.
A property guide to Gascony
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.
Moving to France: A new life in the Charente-Maritime
Lifelong Francophile Amanda Walsh tells us about her family’s hard-won new life in the southwestern idyll of the Charente-Maritime…
French Land Registry Plans Online
The tax authorities make available online the French land registry plans known as the “cadastre” …
Valentine’s Day in France
It’s the day to say “je t’aime”… or maybe to go out have fun with your friends or stay in with a good book by Simone de Beauvoir. Comme Une Française explains Valentine’s Day in France
Brand new Cordon Bleu cuisine school in Paris
Le Cordon Bleu, the world’s leading network of Culinary Arts and Hotel Management institutes, opens its new Paris school in June
Property guide to the Charente
Thinking of buying a property in Poitou-Charentes? This article is an introductory guide to the area covering climate, landscape, attractions, access, property styles and prices.
Small business in France: the former auto-entrepreneur becomes ‘micro-entrepreneur’
The structure is aimed at simplifying administrative formalities for the self-employed in France.
Magic French moments: At home in Gascony
We talk to Amanda Garnham, Press Attaché for the Armagnac bureau, who’s lived with her family in Gascony since 1997
Say cheese! The authentic French tartiflette with reblochon
This rich potato gratin (designed to show off the mighty Reblochon) is ever popular with skiers looking for a warming, filling lunch. It makes an ideal winter dish, whether you’re on the French Alps or snuggling in front of the TV.
What will buying your French house cost you?
Having found your bargain dream house, it can come as a bit of a shock that the buyer pays the agency fees and the legal fees…
Hidden problems after a house purchase in France: vices cachés
Do you have a right of action against the seller of your house in France if what you bought has a major defect which wasn’t apparent to you before you signed?
French heart and heritage: Renovating a medieval abbey in Burgundy
Clive and his family have been on quite a journey, from hoteliers in England to their magnificent Relais & Châteaux hotel and Michelin-star restaurant in a 12th century Cistercian abbey…
New map of France reduces regions to 13
France has adopted a new map reducing the number of regions from 22 down to 13. The move is aimed to simplify bureaucracy and save costs and is not without controversy.
Editor’s pick: a handful of choice properties for sale in France
A hand-picked selection of properties for sale in France chosen from the database to give you an idea of the wide range of options available in different styles, budgets and areas …
A property guide to Provence
Thinking of buying a property in Provence? This guide provides you with useful information on the region covering climate, landscape, access, property styles and price guidelines.
Languedoc Roussillon property guide
Start your property search here: An overview of the most important aspects of purchasing a property in the Languedoc Roussillon region of southwest France.
Dordogne property guide
The Dordogne has been popular with house-buyers from outside the Hexagon. But there are many things to consider before you buy, so here’s a guide to the different attractions of the Dordogne and points to ponder before you sign on the dotted line.
Vin chaud, a classic French winter warmer
Christmas in a glass! A classic recipe for vin chaud, the traditional French winter warmer, with red wine, orange and spices. It’s so easy to make at home…
Bredele, the traditional Christmas biscuits from Alsace
The first recipes of bredele in Strasbourg date back to the 14th century. These delicious bite-size biscuits come in many different shapes and flavours.
