My French Blog - Read our Articles, Tips & News from France

If you are looking for information and advice about buying property in France, our popular blog features many tips, guides and news... With hundreds of articles published, you can easily search for a subject or topic. For example type: American, Dordogne, Paris, SCI, visaliving, driving, kids, insurance, banking, Alps, siret, tax, Notaire, money transfers, chateau, health, gite, ski ...
Image for "Tartiflette Recipe: Food for Keeping Warm in Winter" blog post
If you are an expat living in France, you may have tasted or heard of Tartiflette and other traditional seasonal dishes such as Pot au Feu, Bouillabaisse, Cassoulet or Boeuf Bourguignon. And you’ll also be aware of…
  • 20th Dec 2024
Image for "Christmas Quirks in France" blog post
Beth, our resident expert and storyteller from the picturesque Tarn-et-Garonne, takes us on a festive journey through some of the delightful Christmas traditions in France. From unexpected culinary customs to regional variations…
  • 12th Dec 2024
Image for "What is the Acte Authentique or Acte de Vente in France?" blog post
Embarking on selling or buying a property in France is an exciting but complex process. One of the most important steps is signing the acte de vente, a legally binding document drafted by a notary to complete the sale and…
  • 8th Dec 2024
Image for "Celebrating Saint Nicholas: A Traditional Christmas Treat" blog post
In the northeastern regions of France, particularly in Alsace, Lorraine and parts of Franche-Comté, the celebration of Saint Nicholas is deeply cherished by locals. This festive occasion occurs on December 6th, the…
  • 6th Dec 2024
Image for "The Season of Remembrance and Cheer" blog post
We’re a bit late posting this article, intended to be published last week, in November, désolé, it’s been a busy autumn here at my-french-house, particularly with American buyers . In this blog,…
  • 3rd Dec 2024
Image for "What is Usufruct (Usufruit) in French Real Estate?" blog post
Usufruct ( usufruit in French) is a civil law term that refers to the right to use and enjoy the benefits and fruits of someone else's property without damaging or altering it as long as it is used for its intended purpose.…
  • 30th Nov 2024
Image for "Invest in Ski Property Ahead of the Winter Games in France" blog post
The French Alps are set to host the 2030 Winter Olympic Games, which will run from February 1 to February 17, 2030. Les Alpes Françaises will again be the epicentre of world-class winter sports, drawing in athletes,…
  • 20th Nov 2024
Image for "The Carnet de Santé: Our Guide for Expat Families in France" blog post
If you’re an expat family moving to France with young children or planning to have kids there later, you may want to learn about the “ carnet de santé ”, a unique French health record booklet. This…
  • 12th Nov 2024
Image for "What is the Loi Carrez in French Property Law?" blog post
In our latest article about buying property in France , we look into the Carrez Law, a crucial regulation that ensures the accuracy of measurements for an apartment's main rooms and living areas. This law plays a vital role…
  • 3rd Nov 2024
Image for "What Are Clauses Suspensives in a French Sales Contract?" blog post
In a recent article posted on our French blog, we explain the importance of understanding what a " compromis de vente " is, or pre-contract, as this is the first step to mapping out the property buying process in France…
  • 29th Oct 2024
Image for "Discovering the Canal Du Midi" blog post
This month, Beth invites us on a leisurely stroll along the Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the heart of southwest France. Join her and her four-legged friends as she explores the enchanting waterways…
  • 26th Oct 2024
Image for "Estimate the Value of your French Property Online" blog post
Here at My-French-House.com, we often receive requests from property owners in France asking if we provide a valuation service or can recommend an estate agent in the area to come around and "have a look", some because they…
  • 18th Oct 2024
Image for "Fête Fever in Rural Occitanie" blog post
In her latest article, Beth shares a fun-filled real-life experience at a local end-of-summer and post-harvest party in her peaceful corner of the Occitanie region . These traditional village parties are attended by many…
  • 2nd Oct 2024
Image for "Optimise your Tax Situation with a Mortgage" blog post
Acquiring a French property with a mortgage offers several tax benefits, including income tax and succession tax. This article outlines the main advantages of financing the purchase of your dream house in France . Whether…
  • 26th Sep 2024
Image for "Information and Advice for Returning French Expats" blog post
Avez-vous suivi les différents évènements en France ces derniers mois? Du Tour de France au finish sur la Côte d’Azur aux inoubliables Jeux Olympiques et Para-Olympiques en passant par Roland…
  • 21st Sep 2024
Image for "Guide to Buying a Property Using Power of Attorney" blog post
In France, you can grant power of attorney ( procuration ) to a Notaire, allowing someone to act on your behalf during property transactions or legal matters if you cannot be there physically. You can also sign a power of…
  • 13th Sep 2024
Image for "Staying Cool During the Heatwave, called Canicule" blog post
While it's been announced that the UK has experienced it's coldest summer since 2015, the weather has been hot in most of Europe. Last summer, we published an article with tips and advice on dealing with the hot weather…
  • 1st Sep 2024
Image for "How to Play Pétanque: Our Comprehensive Guide" blog post
If you love France like we do, chances are you have been introduced to pétanque or witnessed locals playing boules under plane trees in a village square or an improvised boulodrome . Pétanque , a timeless French…
  • 25th Aug 2024
Image for "A Titanic Tour de Force: Reflecting on the Olympics" blog post
As the curtain falls on the Paris Olympics, the world is left with indelible memories of a spectacular event that seamlessly blended France's cultural heritage with incredible athletic performances. The opening ceremony…
  • 17th Aug 2024
Image for "Our Top Seven Properties this Summer" blog post
Whether you dream of a country retreat, a historic mansion with modern comforts, or a coastal townhouse with marina views, our selection offers something for every taste and lifestyle. From the rolling fields of Dordogne…
  • 13th Aug 2024
Image for "Province vs Provence, What is the Difference?" blog post
When discussing French geography and administrative divisions, it's essential to differentiate between " province " and " Provence ." The term " province " refers to historical regions before the French Revolution, whereas…
  • 1st Aug 2024
Image for "Sunflowers Fields Forever" blog post
In her latest article, Beth shares insight and information about the beautiful sunflower fields in the southwest areas of France. You might be familiar with the images of sun-drenched yellow countryside filled with large,…
  • 31st Jul 2024
Image for "Beginners Guide to French Property and Real Estate" blog post
When clients contact us for advice on buying a home in France, we always start by asking about their primary goal. Are they looking to move permanently or retire, find a second home for family holidays and occasional rentals,…
  • 16th Jul 2024
Image for "The Country of 1000 Cheeses" blog post
Few countries can compete with France's sheer diversity and depth of tradition when it comes to cheese, or should we say “ fromage ”. Often referred to as "the country of a thousand cheeses," France boasts an…
  • 11th Jul 2024
Image for "What is a Compromis de Vente in French Real Estate?" blog post
Once your offer has been accepted and you’re ready to commit to the purchase of your dream property in France, several steps are involved, including the signing of a " compromis de vente " and the " acte authentique…
  • 29th Jun 2024
Image for "Coastal Treasures of the Gouf" blog post
Welcome back to our guest blog series! In this article, we're excited to follow Beth, Jack, and their furry friends as they embark on an early pre-summer adventure exploring Gouf de Capbreton on the Atlantic coast. The group…
  • 25th Jun 2024
Image for "Our Top Ten Reasons Why You Should Make Aude your Home" blog post
The Aude is a beautiful department of the Occitanie region in southwest France, named after the river running through its heart. It is known for its diverse landscapes, great food, tasty wines, and amazing history, including…
  • 11th Jun 2024
Image for "Expresso vs Espresso: The French Love for Coffee" blog post
Coffee culture in France is a tradition woven into most people's social fabric and daily routines. From the paved streets of Paris to the quaint villages and offices around the various French regions , the aroma of coffee…
  • 4th Jun 2024
Image for "D-Day 80th Anniversary and the Battle of Normandy" blog post
The region of Normandy will always be remembered for the D-Day Landings and the Battle of Normandy, pivotal events that led to the liberation of France and Europe during World War II. In 2024, we will celebrate the 80th…
  • 1st Jun 2024
Image for "La Fête des Voisins is Back!" blog post
The 25th season of La Fête des Voisins will start on Friday, May 31, 2024, all over France. This annual event is the perfect remedy for the current gloom and the simplest solution to rebuild social connections: get…
  • 30th May 2024
Image for "Going Medieval in a Beau Village of Tarn and Garonne" blog post
Here is the monthly story from Beth and friends enjoying living and exploring the many beaux villages de France in the heart of Occitanie. This week we follow her adventures in the medieval village of Lauzerte in the Tarn…
  • 28th May 2024
Image for "Navigating Currency Amidst the 2024 US and UK Elections" blog post
As the United States navigates the outcome of its national elections, property buyers and investors are closely watching the resulting impact on global currency rates. Election results can cause significant volatility in…
  • 24th May 2024
Image for "Is your Property a Maison Principale or a Second Home?" blog post
The French occupancy tax ( taxe d’habitation ) was abolished for all main residences on 1 January 2023, but it continues to be payable on other premises, such as second homes. A new reporting system has been introduced…
  • 23rd May 2024
Image for "Our Comprehensive Guide to Auto Insurance in France" blog post
Welcome to our comprehensive guide to car insurance in France . If you're a car owner driving in France, protecting your vehicle and liability with the right insurance coverage is essential and mandatory by law. Driving…
  • 22nd May 2024
Image for "Wildlife Domaine and Mansion in the heart of Occitanie" blog post
Are you seeking an unparalleled retreat that blends luxury with nature? Look no further than this remarkable 33-hectare wildlife domaine in the peaceful heart of Aude, in the Occitanie region . This exquisite property, listed…
  • 22nd May 2024
Image for "The Oldest Chateaux in France" blog post
France has a vibrant past and history, and its chateaux are a testament to that past. Among the 40,000 or so chateaux scattered throughout the country, two stand out as the oldest of them all; Chateau de Langeais and Château…
  • 17th May 2024