My French House Blog - Advice, Tips, Stories and News

Image for "Making Sense of Home Insurance in France" blog post
Welcome to our comprehensive guide to home and content insurance in France . If you're a homeowner or renting in France, protecting your property and liability with the right insurance coverage is absolutely essential, and…
  • 20th Apr 2024
Image for "Enjoying Spring and Outdoor Living in Southwest France" blog post
Here is the latest read from Beth, Jack and friends enjoying French living and spring in the heart of Occitanie in southwest France. "April Fool’s Day, celebrated on the first day of the month, is brilliant for practical…
  • 11th Apr 2024
Image for "Olympics and Paralympic Games Return to Paris" blog post
Paris, also known as the City of Lights marked a historic moment as the Games returned to their place of origin. The city played a pivotal role in reigniting the Olympic flame in 1900, thanks to the visionary leadership…
  • 6th Apr 2024
Image for "Iconic French Palace Goes Up for Sale, Could Fetch 50 Billion" blog post
In a surprising turn of events, and in the wake of the high levels of national debt, the French government has announced that the iconic Versailles Palace is being put up for sale. The historic palace, which has served as…
  • 31st Mar 2024
Image for "Property Hunting near World Heritage UNESCO Sites" blog post
France is home to no less than forty-five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, making it one of the countries with the most sites in the world! From ancient monuments to amazing landscapes, France's World Heritage Sites offer a…
  • 16th Mar 2024
Image for "Spring Flowers, Fruit and Fantasy on the Riviera" blog post
Beth's article for this month highlights the most popular events and festivals on the French Riviera during the early part of the year. This region is quite different from her estate and animal sanctuary in Occitanie . Interestingly,…
  • 11th Mar 2024
Image for "Dancing with the Winds of Provence in southern France" blog post
France's beauty is deeply connected to the sea, and its winds play an essential role in shaping its soul and character. The legendary Tramontane and the Mistral stand out among these winds for their ferocity and mischievousness.…
  • 2nd Mar 2024
Image for "Is Pet Insurance a Must-Have for Animal Owners in France?" blog post
There seems to be a lack of information regarding insuring pets in France. As a rule, all cats and dogs require to be IDed and vaccinated. While it is possible to purchase pet insurance, this is less commonly used in France…
  • 25th Feb 2024
Image for "A Journey Through the French GR Hiking Trail Network" blog post
For more than seventy years, the white and red painted marks that symbolise the long-distance hiking routes, known as "GR", have been a symbol of unity for all long-distance adventure enthusiasts. GR stand for Grande Randonnée…
  • 23rd Feb 2024
Image for "Guide to Home Staging in Style" blog post
Are you planning to sell your property in France in today's uncertain and competitive market? Despite the continued strong intereest in France, it can be challenging to stand out among similar listings. However, there is…
  • 21st Feb 2024
Image for "French Passport Ranked World's Most Powerful" blog post
The history behind the term "passport" dates to the 15th century when it was first introduced in France. The word "passport" has its roots in the French language, where it is referred to as "passeport", which literally translates…
  • 19th Feb 2024
Image for "Our Essential Guide to Finding and Buying a Car in France" blog post
So, you're ready to hit the open road and explore France in style – French style! However, buying a car as a foreigner or expat in France can be challenging, especially if you’ve recently arrived and it’s…
  • 17th Feb 2024
Image for "France's Diverse Landscape of Sporting Excellence" blog post
As we gear up for a busy summer sports season, we serve you something different, potentially controversial! This blog post is a comprehensive guide to French sports and can be a valuable resource for sports enthusiasts in…
  • 15th Feb 2024
Image for "Twenty Years of Realising French Property Dreams" blog post
For two decades, our property portal proudly served as your one-stop gateway to owning a piece of paradise in France. Our sole aim as an independent limited company is to make your journey towards purchasing your dream French…
  • 9th Feb 2024
Image for "Digital Cohesion Broadband Internet Cable Support" blog post
When potential and future buyers enquire about a property, one of the most common questions we receive is about the quality and type of internet service available. Nowadays, fast and reliable internet access is necessary…
  • 31st Jan 2024
Image for "Buying Property and Real Estate in France in 2024" blog post
Here's your comprehensive guide to successfully finding and buying your French property this year, designed to help second-home buyers and investors this year. As you embark on your journey , staying abreast of the latest…
  • 31st Jan 2024
Image for "Ski Holidays and Family Winter Fun in the Pyrénées" blog post
Thank you, Beth, for your New Year wishes and your latest contribution, this time all about ski fun and winter activities in the Pyrénées in glorious southwest France.     "I hope you’ve enjoyed…
  • 29th Jan 2024
Image for "Guide to Buying a French Gîte" blog post
For many, the idea of running a French gîte evokes visions of idyllic countryside, trips to local markets to provide for paying guests, and a peaceful new life with the possibility to pursue other activities out of…
  • 27th Jan 2024
Image for "Do I Need to Have a DPE to Sell my Home or Property?" blog post
If you are planning to sell your French house , there are certain legal obligations that you must fulfil before listing the property for potential buyers. One of these obligations is to organise and conduct various Diagnostic…
  • 7th Jan 2024
Image for "Do I Need to Charge VAT on Rental Income in France?" blog post
If you wish to recover the VAT on acquisition, construction, reconstruction and improvement costs, you must charge VAT on rents and the sale of the real estate. In principle, a rental business provides a ‘service’…
  • 2nd Jan 2024
Image for "French Property Market Report 2023 and Trends for 2024" blog post
As the end-of-year celebrations commence and we prepare to say goodbye to 2023, we review the French Property Market Report for the past twelve months and explore real estate trends and opportunities for 2024. About the…
  • 20th Dec 2023
Image for "Introducing Xe’s International Money Transfer Service" blog post
25 Years of Currency Experience Xe offers a comprehensive range of services and products, including secure and fast currency transfers through their website or on the phone. They are currently offering up to $/£/€…
  • 15th Dec 2023
Image for "The Alpine Enigma of the Dahu" blog post
With the holiday season approaching, parents and families are on the lookout for new stories to entertain their kids and guests during their travels, stays, or long winter evenings. Once upon a time, there lived a legendary…
  • 11th Dec 2023
Image for "Fête des Lumières: Lyon’s Greatest Celebration Awaits" blog post
The Fête des Lumière s (Festival of Lights) is a magnificent spectacle that transforms the city of Lyon into a mesmerising urban landscape of illumination. Held annually, the festival celebrates the city's history…
  • 8th Dec 2023
Image for "Discover the Beauty of the French Alps (enjoy the video)" blog post
Tucked away in the heart of Europe, surrounded by the beauty of snow-capped mountains and green valleys, lies the stunning Alpine region. This vast and picturesque area, comprising Savoie , Haute-Savoie , Isere and Hautes-Alpes,…
  • 7th Dec 2023
Image for "Exploring Celtic Roots in Brittany and Across France" blog post
This month Beth explores Celtic Heritage and roots in Brittany in France, Britain and across Europe. Beth knows a thing or two on the subject, her most recent book is aptly called, Fat Dogs and Welsh Estates. When we first…
  • 4th Dec 2023
Image for "Discovering France: Our Guide to Planning your Holiday" blog post
Days are getting shorter and the heating is back on, indicating that it's time to start planning your next summer holiday in France. With numerous French regions to choose from and so much historical and cultural heritage,…
  • 26th Nov 2023
Image for "The Empire Style: How Napoleon Influenced Architecture and Paris" blog post
With the release of the new film about Napoleon Bonaparte, it's an ideal moment to explore the influence he had on French architecture and the transformation of Paris. Growing up in France, every child and student learns…
  • 25th Nov 2023
Image for "Winter Driving - Compulsory Equipment in Mountain Areas" blog post
As winter approaches, the freshly snow-covered Alps become a popular destination for skiing enthusiasts. Ski resorts in some areas have decided to open earlier this year, offering visitors an extended winter season. However,…
  • 19th Nov 2023
Image for "Harvest Season Delights: Indulge in Flavours of Occitanie" blog post
Here is the latest write-up from Beth in Occitanie who shares a few heart-warming autumnal dishes and traditions, with a couple of secret tips from her yoga friends, Martine and Arlette. At this time of the year, it's all…
  • 16th Nov 2023
Image for "How Purchasing a French Chateau is Investing in a Legacy" blog post
France boasts more than 40,000 châteaux and fortresses built between the 9th and 21st centuries. These exceptional residences have stood the test of time as historical landmarks, having witnessed many historic events…
  • 24th Oct 2023
Image for "Do Children Celebrate Halloween in France?" blog post
This month, Beth shares her scary Halloween stories, but do children really celebrate Halloween in France? Or is it just a great opportunity reserved for American teenagers, the young at heart and naughty adults to have…
  • 20th Oct 2023
Image for "Guide to Health Care Insurance for Long Stay Visas" blog post
Starting a new life in France is an exciting prospect but many aspects require careful consideration for families and foreigners wanting to make the move and enjoy the good life in this wonderful country. In this short guide,…
  • 12th Oct 2023
Image for "Complete Guide to the Taxation of Rental Income in France" blog post
As part of our guide on buying a rental property in France, this article focuses on the taxation of rental income for those owning a property in their own name or via French transparent real estate company ( a société…
  • 6th Oct 2023
Image for "Considerations when Importing a Car from America" blog post
The tax system for car and vehicle purchases in the US varies from state to state and differs from that in France and Europe. Importing a car from the USA or another non-European Union (EU) country for driving in France…
  • 24th Sep 2023
Image for "Unwind and Indulge by the Ocean in Stunning Capbreton" blog post
This month, Beth and her furry friends go on a late holiday and relax by the waves of the ocean in stunning Capbreton, the Jewel of the Landes, in the Nouvelle Aquitaine region in southwest France. “ Les grandes vacances…
  • 23rd Sep 2023