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Digital Cohesion Broadband Internet Cable Support
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…
Ski Holidays and Family Winter Fun in the French Pyrénées
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 this glorious corner of beautiful France . "I hope you’ve…
Guide to Buying a French Gîte
For many, the idea of running a gîte in France evokes visions of idyllic countryside, trips to local markets to cater for paying guests, and a peaceful new life with the possibility of pursuing other activities…
Do I Need to Have a DPE to Sell a Home or Property in France?
If you plan 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 Tests…
Do I Need to Charge VAT on Rental Income in France?
If you wish to recover 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’…
French Property Market Report 2023 and Trends for 2024
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…
Introducing Xe’s International Money Transfer Service
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 $/£/€…
The Alpine Enigma of the Dahu
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…
Fête des Lumières: Lyon’s Greatest Celebration Awaits
The Fête des Lumière s (Festival of Lights) is a magnificent spectacle that transforms Lyon into a mesmerising urban landscape of illumination. Held annually, the festival celebrates the city's history and culture…
Discover the Beauty of the French Alps (enjoy the video)
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 , Isère…
Exploring Celtic Roots in Brittany and Across France
This month, Beth explores Celtic Heritage and roots in Brittany in France, Britain and across Europe. Beth knows a thing or two about the subject; her most recent book is aptly called, Fat Dogs and Welsh Estates. When we…
Discovering France: Our Guide to Planning your Holiday
Days are getting shorter and the heating is back on, indicating that it's time to start planning your next summer holiday in beautiful France . With a large choice of diverse regions and a rich historical and cultural heritage,…
The Empire Style: How Napoleon Influenced Architecture and Paris
With the release of the new film about Napoleon Bonaparte, it's an ideal moment to explore his influence on French architecture and the transformation of Paris. I grew up in France , where every child and student learns…
Advice and Equipment for Winter Driving in France
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,…
Harvest Season Delights: Indulge in Flavours of Occitanie
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,…
How Purchasing a French Chateau is Investing in a Legacy
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…
Do Children Celebrate Halloween in France?
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 Americans , the young at heart, and naughty adults to have a…
Guide to Health Insurance for Long Stay Visas in France
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 guide,…
Complete Guide to the Taxation of Rental Income in France
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…
Considerations when Importing a Car from America
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…
Unwind and Indulge by the Ocean in Stunning Capbreton
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…
Our Guide to French Terroir: Where Flavour meets Land
Terroir is a crucial concept in French culture, especially in the wine and food industries . The idea of terroir is intricate and multifaceted, varying from region to region . This article aims to cover and hopefully demystify…
Buying New-Build Property, Off-Plan or a French VEFA?
New-built villas, off-plan properties, and developments have always been popular in France. Here are some key numbers to understand the new property market . There were 222,000 such properties sold to private buyers in the…
Harvest, Moissons and Vendanges in Occitanie
Here is the latest contribution from Beth in Occitanie , who will soon be preparing her secateurs for what is one of the most exciting (and tiresome) times of the year in all corners of France. We often talk about…
Are you Looking for a Property Renovation Project in France?
Are you looking for a property renovation project in beautiful 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 just dipping their…
Guide to School and Public Bank Holiday Dates in France
French schools have five holidays during the year: All Saints' autumn break, Christmas , winter break, spring holiday (Easter), and the summer holiday. These breaks are usually two weeks long, except for summer holidays,…
Zoom on the Rugby World Cup
France is fortunate to have hosted several of the world’s most prestigious global events . As the Tour de France ended in style and the country geared up for the Olympic Games 2024 , while supporting Les Bleues at…
Following the Camino de Santiago and Compostelle
Here is the latest article from Beth in heart of rural 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 are…
Our Refreshing Tips to Deal with the Hot Weather
Heatwaves are becoming longer, earlier and more frequent in recent years due to global warming. French families, expats and businesses are having to adapt to this new trend which is predicted to become the new normal. In…
French Property Declaration : Tax Deadline Extended - Again
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…
Bird Watching and their Names
Here is the latest contribution from Beth in the heart of rural France . This month, she explores the local wildlife, specifically watching the many different birds at this active time of year and learning some of their…
Three Click Cancellation of a French Insurance Policy
From 1st 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…
May the Revolution Be with You
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,…
Your Escape to Bright Sunshine
Southern 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 wonder that so many people aspire to own…
France Admin Services
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.…
Income Tax Return for 2022
Do you live in France and need to declare your income in France for the 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.…