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

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 Insurance for Long Stay Visas in France" 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
Image for "Our Guide to French Terroir: Where Flavour meets Land" blog post
Terroir is a crucial concept in French culture, especially in the wine and food industries. The idea of terroir is intricate and has many facets. This article aims to cover and hopefully demystify the concept of terroir…
  • 20th Sep 2023
Image for "Buying New-Build Property, Off-Plan or a French VEFA?" blog post
New-built villas, off-plan properties and developments are and have always been popular in France. Here are some key numbers to understand the market of new properties . There were 222,000 such properties sold to private…
  • 17th Sep 2023
Image for "Harvest, Moissons and Vendanges in Occitanie" blog post
Here is the latest contribution from Beth in Occitanie who’ll be very soon be preparing her secateurs for what is one of the most exciting (and tiresome) time of the year in all corners of France. We often talk about…
  • 29th Aug 2023
Image for "Are you Looking for a Property Renovation Project in France?" blog post
Are you looking for a property renovation project in France? If it's a recent idea, there will be hundreds of questions especially if you have a young family. As a starting point for those who are just dipping their toes…
  • 18th Aug 2023
Image for "Guide to School and Public Bank Holiday Dates in France" blog post
As the summer draws to a close, families and professionals are preparing to return to school and work. This usually means one thing, it's time to start planning the next holiday, particularly if you had a miserable weather…
  • 13th Aug 2023
Image for "Zoom on the Rugby World Cup" blog post
France is fortunate to have hosted several of the world’s most prestigious global events. As the Tour de France ends in style and the country gears up towards the Olympic Games 2024 , while supporting Les Bleues at…
  • 3rd Aug 2023
Image for "Following the Camino de Santiago and Compostelle" blog post
Here is the latest article from Beth in heart of southwest France, suggesting new ideas and iconic walks if you’re travelling in this historically rich area of southwest France . “Some of my favourite dog walks…
  • 2nd Aug 2023
Image for "Our Refreshing Tips to Deal with the Hot Weather" blog post
Heat waves are becoming longer, earlier and more frequent in recent years due to global warming. Families and businesses are having to adapt to this new trend which is predicted to become the new normal. In this article…
  • 22nd Jul 2023
Image for "French Property Declaration : Tax Deadline Extended - Again" blog post
If you own a property in France, whether it is a main residence or a second home, you are required to complete an extra tax declaration detailing the state of occupancy of your property. This applies even when the property…
  • 5th Jul 2023
Image for "Bird Watching and their Names" blog post
Here is the latest contribution from Beth in heart of south west France. This month she explores the local wildlife, and more specifically watches the many different birds at this active time of the year, and learning some…
  • 28th Jun 2023
Image for "Three Click Cancellation of a French Insurance Policy" blog post
From 1er June 2023, online termination of French insurance contracts that can be concluded electronically will be possible in just 3 clicks. This new regulation aims to promote competition and facilitate the termination/cancellation…
  • 2nd Jun 2023
Image for "May the Revolution Be with You" blog post
Here is the latest contribution from Beth, a mix of living in France experience and history, all into one. This May, she explores the 'infamous' strikes, the Revolutions and how 'les Français' love the seasonal demonstrations,…
  • 31st May 2023
Image for "Your Escape to Bright Sunshine" blog post
Our Guide to Buying a Home in the Sun The South of France has long been a dream destination for people seeking a beautiful place to call home. With its picturesque landscapes, charming villages, and warm climate, it's no…
  • 26th May 2023
Image for "France Admin Services" blog post
We recently wrote about French bureaucracy and the various government offices for different services in France. Beth in rural southwest in Occitanie admitted that tackling the administrative system can be baffling for expats.…
  • 11th May 2023
Image for "Income Tax Return for 2022" blog post
Do you live in France and need to declare your income in France for last year? If you were residing in France in 2022, you must complete and submit your annual tax return for income and gains made in that financial year.…
  • 2nd May 2023
Image for "Best Resorts to Buy Ski Property in the French Alps" blog post
France is the leading ski destination for Brits, around 10 million British tourists visit France every year. The Alps are known for their stunning natural beauty, world-class ski resorts and a vast range of outdoor activities,…
  • 27th Apr 2023
Image for "April Antics in the Southwest" blog post
Here is the latest piece from Beth in heart of south west France, dealing with a typical April so far with a wet and cooler spring this year, and a few ideas of events if you’re travelling or already live in this glorious…
  • 18th Apr 2023
Image for "French Income Tax" blog post
French rental income is always taxable in France, even if the landlord lives outside of France. To calculate the taxable income actual property expenses are deducted from the total rental income. Deductible expenses include…
  • 7th Apr 2023
Image for "Reasons to Visit and Buy Property in Avignon" blog post
Avignon, once the Capital of the Christian world, still boasts an impressive architectural heritage that is now part of UNESCO World Heritage. Visitors flock from far and wide to discover the Palace of the Popes, the Pont…
  • 6th Apr 2023
Image for "The Love of Irish Tradition, Pubs, Folk Music and Ireland" blog post
This new blog post is all about Saint Patrick’s Day in France, and why the French love a pint a Guinness in a traditional pub with good music and company. Being a Patrick myself, I asked our reliable (and neutral)…
  • 17th Mar 2023
Image for "Bureaucracy and Prefectures, Merci France Services" blog post
We've recently posted about overdue improvements made by the French government services and online systems, which prompted us to think about those who are not online or live in rural areas of France. Most people will know…
  • 28th Feb 2023
Image for "How to Change Name or Surname In France?" blog post
If you’re wondering how to change your name in France, you’re not alone. This is a frequently asked question for owners of British passports and expats living in France . There are several reasons why someone…
  • 26th Feb 2023
Image for "Provençal Living in Vaucluse" blog post
Why you should consider buying a property in Vaucluse ? Considered the beating heart of Provence, Vaucluse is a French region known for its world-class heritage sites, natural beauty, food and culture. Capturing some of…
  • 25th Feb 2023
Image for "Paris à la Carte Service" blog post
Paris à la Carte is a dedicated property finder service for professionals and families wanting to purchase real estate in one of the most iconic and dynamic capital cities in the world. In 2022 Paris retained the…
  • 18th Feb 2023
Image for "Lyon à la Carte" blog post
Lyon has a population of 516,000 residents with an average age of just 37 years. It is the second university town in France counting 140,000 students learning in 37 different Universities and Campuses including 20,000 from…
  • 16th Feb 2023
Image for "Avignon à la Carte" blog post
Located in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region , the city of Avignon counts more than 91,700 residents. With it's gorgeous cobblestone lanes bordered by plane trees, it's numerous cultural…
  • 15th Feb 2023
Image for "How to Apply for French Citizenship with NATALI" blog post
There's more and more settled expats who have been living in France for a while wanting to become French and are applying for ' la Nationalité Française ', especially post Brexit. This can be a daunting and…
  • 14th Feb 2023
Image for "Bordeaux à la Carte" blog post
If rental investment in Bordeaux is so interesting, it is largely thanks to its economic dynamism and diversity. Thanks to the excellent demographic development of the capital city of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region , Bordeaux's…
  • 13th Feb 2023
Image for "Tax Declaration for All Homeowners in France" blog post
Why all French property owners including those with second homes must complete a new form on the French tax website this year? And why it could be good news in the future. Anyone who owns a property in France - either a…
  • 11th Feb 2023
Image for "Follow the Steps of Emily in Paris, the City of Love" blog post
Following the release of the much-acclaimed Netflix TV series Emily in Paris , we have witnessed an increase in enquiries from Americans asking about the City of Love and where to buy a home here. Valentine’s Day is…
  • 10th Feb 2023