French verb focus: aller, ‘to go’
Aller is a common but irregular French verb. We will look at its use in some of the different tenses here.
summer
French School Holidays – Dates for Your Calendar
There are three terms in the school year, starting in September. Dates of French school holidays vary according to the “zone” you live in.
Characteristics of Corrèze
Corrèze has a rich medieval past with evidence of these times to be found throughout Correze’s towns and villages.
Renovating Your French Property in Winter: Tips and Tricks
“Be prepared”. The motto is not just for the boy scouts, it particularly applies to French property renovations.
Highlights of Haute Vienne
Haute Vienne derives its name from the river that runs though the department. As the river is also the main waterway through Vienne, the “Haute” was added as the department …
Starting School in France – From Dorset to Mayenne
Holly was 12 when her family moved from Beaminster in Dorset to the Mayenne in France and had to go to a French school. Find out how she got on…
Chalabre Property
Why buying property in and around Chalabre, with nearby lakes, castles and stunning views of the Pyrenees, makes for a great investment!
Aveyron Property Overview
The department of Aveyron has not always been known for its property appeal but it has recently become much more popular.
Rodez Property Guide
Rodez, the departmental capital of Aveyron, is an attractive city in a pleasant natural environment. Its historic centre is perched on top of a hill overlooking the Aveyron River.
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…
A property guide to Burgundy
When you hear the name Burgundy it conjures up most of all the fabulous wines that make the area so famous: Chablis, Nuits St George, Meursault and the list goes on….. But Burgundy has much to offer beyond the…
The War Against Pool Algae and How to Enlist
Swimming Pool algae is one thing you don’t want in your pool, find out how you can deal with this invader and protect your pool.
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
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.
MGM French Properties Offers its Top Summer Picks
It’s heating up in the French Alps! Leading Alpine developer MGM French Properties is bracing itself for an influx of property investors this summer season as holiday-goers look for more action packed adventure from their sunny season break. Specialising in…
Learning French: Let’s talk about the weather
The British may have a reputation for talking about the weather, but the French are equally obsessed! Here’s what to say when you want to join in…
French flavours in the kitchen: cooking with cognac
Using a star French ingredient, a chef rustles up a long summer cocktail and one à la carte dish with cognac …
Caretaking a Gîte: A Week in the Life of a French Property Manager
Most of you will have some contact with holidaymakers in France during the summer, but in case you didn’t realise what effort goes into making sure their holidays are successful, ‘a week in the life’ of a caretaker of holiday homes makes entertaining reading…
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 …
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.
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.
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.
Living in harmony with wildlife in France
One of the many reasons given for moving to France is the beautiful countryside and abundant wildlife. Long-term Limousin resident Kathleen shares some tips on living peacefully alongside wildlife in France.
So what do you do when you find an owl in the bathroom?……….
A Property Guide to Provence, Alps, and the Côte D’azur
Looking for a property in the sun? This article is an introductory guide to Provence and the Côte d’Azur region covering information on climate, landscape, access, property styles and prices.
How to Present Your CV in France
The French are particular about their CVs so here’s how to make sure yours looks good and reads well. Made it to the interview? Great! Read out tips to give yourself the best chance of success
Market day in the Dordogne
Market day is important in rural Dordogne – an opportunity to buy fresh food from local producers and catch up on news from friends and neighbours in the area. If you are used to supermarket fruits and vegetables, be prepared to change your shopping habits forever.
Gardening Observations: Your French Garden in May
May must be just about the busiest month in the French garden. Now is the time for planting out all the summer vegetables and salads, the tender annuals and putting out the hanging baskets.
Gîtes in France – What Returns Can You Expect?
The gîte market in France is ultra-competitive – but this doesn’t mean it is impossible to earn an income. However, to make it work you have to be committed and focused…
A backroad serendipity in Provence
My cousin and I exited the A51 shortly after Manosque onto the D82, faithfully following the GPS mounted on my windshield. We were excited to be on the last leg to our vacation rental, chattering like magpies, wondering if we’d…
French Alps property buyers get on their bikes and stay for the summer
As the snow melts on the ski slopes a record numbers of bikes are being kept in the storage areas ready for summer in many of the new French Alpine residential developments.
The Game of Pétanque, a French Institution
Pétanque is one of the most popular pastimes in France and can trace its origins to Provence, where it goes hand in had with animated conversation and an apéritif. The goal is to throw steel balls as close as possible to a small wooden ball called the cochonnet in an attempt to knock the opponent’s boules out of the way.
Sailing in France: the beautiful bays of Brittany
Le Golfe du Morbihan is officially one of the most beautiful bays in the world, and the headquarters of “Les plus belles baies du monde” is now in Vannes. And the most popular time to visit? La Semaine du Golfe,…
Water Supply in France
Some useful facts and tips about water supplies in France and how to get your home connected.
French revolutions: cycling in France
The French have not had a Tour de France winner since 1985 when Bernard “The Badger” Hinault claimed their last malliot jaune but that quirk of history does not stop every French man on a bike from thinking – and…
Entente cordiale: making friends in France
We have been very fortunate to have developed a friendship with a French family which has lasted some 25 plus years. This has afforded us the opportunity to see and at times be part of French family life not usually…
French Riviera Gem: A Snapshot of St-tropez
David Shoestring heads to the prestigious Riviera village to see how the other half live. A visit to St-Tropez last year managed both to confound and to exceed expectations. The boats in the harbour may be somewhat grander than of old,…
En Vacances: The Great August Hiatus in France
Go anywhere in France in August and it’s hard to miss; the entire country is en fête. Blue, white and red bunting draped above the roads, geraniums bursting with colour on windowsills, posters on every lamp post heralding upcoming…
French flavour of the season – courgettes
The abundant and popular vegetable makes its way to many a french menu in the summer. Here’s our recipe suggestion…
Shopping and Sailing on Your Doorstep with These New Homes in Lake Annecy
Villa Méïa, which is planned by leading local developer MGM, will comprise just four apartments within the town’s so-called Golden Triangle, the peaceful pedestrianised heart of Annecy with its cobbled streets and ‘Little Venice’ canal network. The development will be…
French flavour of summer – Charentais melon
French flavour of the month – melons
Top Property Spots in South Dordogne Revealed
I have now been a buyer’s agent in Southern Dordogne close to 4 years and this means of course that I have visited many, many properties …
Permission to Build for New Lakeside Holiday Homes in France Hailed as “Landmark Achievement”
Properties with sailing and skiing on the doorstep
will appeal to British buyers, predicts developer. New holiday homes approved in four locations around Lake Annecy, in the foothills of the Alps…
Le Voyage à Nantes: Summer 2014
Each summer the city of Nantes invites artists and designers to participate in an urban art trail, Le Voyage à Nantes.
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New Guide Explains the Leaseback System for Property in France
A new eight-page guide to the purchase of a French property on a leaseback basis has been published in English by one of the country’s leading developers, MGM French Properties.
Healthcare Rights for Early Retirees
If you quality as an early retiree, make sure you stay ahead of the rules and regulations in order to receive the same healthcare rights as French nationals.
Lessons from the Landscape
Award-winning designer James Besson takes clues from nature to perfect a man-made landscape.
Plan Your Move to Provincial France
Join the thousands of Brits living out their relaxing dream deep in the French countryside, but protect your money …
Au revoir France? Make a Smart Move When You Decide to Go Back Home
Working and living in France holds a powerful appeal, as the fact that there are 250,000 British residents but what happens when it’s time to say au revoir and return home?
The food and drink of Franche-Comté
The region is well-known for its Comté cheese and ‘yellow wine’, but other local specialities like smoked ham and cherry jam help make any trip to Franche-Comté a real voyage of gastronomic discovery.
A life in Provençe that suits three generations
Having moved to France in 2004 with husband, son and mum, Maria created a life in Provençe to suit the three generations…
