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

Image for "Spring Pests and Pets" blog post
Here are the latest of Beth's adventures and friendly advice from south west France. In springtime when nature is blossoming and animals free to roam again, she explains how pet owners need to be aware of some local pests,…
  • 20th Mar 2022
Image for "Convert to the Metric System, and Fahrenheit to Celcius" blog post
Once you start house hunting in France, you soon realise there's a whole new range of words, property types, legal terms, French terminology and metric based measurements to get accustomed to. Some people find this to be…
  • 24th Feb 2022
Image for "Castles and Cliffhangers" blog post
Here are the latest installment of Beth's adventures "live" from southwest France, this time heading for an historic chateau explore somewhere in the Tarn-et-Garonne department in the Occitanie region . We regularly post…
  • 21st Feb 2022
Image for "Lush and Dramatic Normandy" blog post
North of Brittany, sits the lush and dramatic landscape of the Normandy region . From naturally sculpted white rock coastlines, to serene rolling countryside, the region has a range of properties that suit all budgets and…
  • 3rd Feb 2022
Image for "What is a Réveillon or La Saint-Sylvestre in France?" blog post
Here are the latest news from Beth in her dream country house in rural France after discovering the exhausting expérience of "Les Fêtes de Fin d'Année". I wonder if Beth knows how early in advance some…
  • 26th Jan 2022
Image for "2022 It's Champagne Time" blog post
Move over 2021 and good riddance! It’s been another challenging one but again this year seems to have flown by quickly, probably due to the fact we’ve been so incredibly busy on all fronts, all year. The very…
  • 23rd Dec 2021
Image for "November Is Always Très Busy" blog post
Here are 'les dernieres aventures de Beth' in her dream country estate in rural southwest France . This month she discovers how November is traditionally a eventful month, with two bank holidays , 1st and 11th, every year.…
  • 16th Dec 2021
Image for "“Escape” Chateau Project to Finish in SW France" blog post
This lovely and spacious stone chateau with land to be finished renovating is a rare opportunity being offered for sale in the Tarn area in southwest France. The property is well placed strategically being situated close…
  • 17th Nov 2021
Image for "Confusing French Phrases, Words and Expressions" blog post
Here are the latest musings from Beth in her dream French country house somewhere in rural southwest France, which has seen plenty of mushrooms this season. This month she discovers some strange, often confusing old French…
  • 4th Nov 2021
Image for "Apartments and Chalets in the Best Ski Resorts in the Alps" blog post
Autumn is well on the way and many families are turning their attention to winter holidays, particularly those who enjoy the white cold stuff and ski activities . One of the most popular destinations for winter fun are the…
  • 7th Oct 2021
Image for "Discovering Marmande’s Tomatoes and Cafés" blog post
Here are the latest adventures from Beth and friends still finding amazing places in the heart of southwest France. This month and her sister Di discover the market town of Marmande, as they’ve heard they’re…
  • 27th Sep 2021
Image for "September Is All About Timing" blog post
It’s that wonderful time again, we’ve written before about the month of September and house hunting in France; “la rentrée ” for kids and parents, the amazing autumn colors, delicious mushrooms,…
  • 22nd Sep 2021
Image for "A Hidden Treasure in Occitanie" blog post
Here’s the latest discoveries and adventures from Beth and friends still finding new amazing places right in the heart of southwest France, this week they discover the popular market town of Saint Antonin. "Imagine…
  • 14th Aug 2021
Image for "Going, Going, Gone! French Chateau Auction Success" blog post
After generating thousands of page views, dozens of enquiries and double digit bidders, this amazing chateau auction opportunity in the glorious Loire Valley is now gone with the deposit secured via our currency exchange…
  • 22nd Jul 2021
Image for "The Best Croissants and Chocolatines in Occitanie" blog post
French people tend not to snack much between meals, instead conserving their appetite for 'les repas', but ocassionally it's easy to get tempted by an invitingly fresh pain aux raisins, or a shiny croissant, almost straight…
  • 14th Jul 2021
Image for "The Life of an Award-Winning Artisan Boulanger" blog post
Fresh bread is an essential ingredient to everyday life, and delivering consistent delicious baguettes is an art most people undervalue.  Here’s the latest instalment and early morning adventures from Beth, discovering…
  • 22nd Jun 2021
Image for "Spring, Plants and Cadeaux" blog post
Are you still missing France and the warm sunshine, while waiting to hear about traveling to the country this summer? The good news is we have a new lovely read from Beth in southwest France , just in time for the weekend,…
  • 20th May 2021
Image for "Easter Magic in SW France" blog post
Missing France, the warm sunshine, early strawberries and blue skies? Here’s some Easter and chocolate goodies from the lovely Beth and friends in southwest France . For Christian folks, Easter, which signifies a period…
  • 15th Apr 2021
Image for "Interesting and Fun Paris Facts" blog post
Paris, the capital city of France, and recent host for the Olympic Games 2024 , is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. In 2018, almost 19.1 million foreign tourists visited the city. The city exudes…
  • 26th Mar 2021
Image for "Springtime Packs a Punch" blog post
Missing France, the warm sunshine and spring flowers, it’s not long to go ... Here’s a slice of French printemps, straight from the heart of southwest France. From the lovely Beth and her many friends and animals.…
  • 10th Mar 2021
Image for "Our Guide to Doctors, Dentists and Healthcare in France" blog post
France boasts a healthcare system that is highly acclaimed throughout Europe. Patients can avail themselves of the country's exceptional medical services, which are partially funded by the government. However, individuals…
  • 23rd Feb 2021
Image for "FX Currency Update - Sterling Gains Momentum" blog post
The UK sterling, bolstered by vaccine optimism has made convincing gains this week boosted by hopes that a quick reopening of the economy in spring, while UK businesses readjust after Brexit, will see UK GDP rebound in 2021.…
  • 19th Feb 2021
Image for "Our Guide to the Departments of Metropolitan France" blog post
France is a vast country which is divided into thirteen regions – these are then sub-divided into administrative departments or locally known " départements ". Overall, there are 96 administrative  départements…
  • 17th Feb 2021
Image for "Is La Fête de Saint-Valentin a French Celebration?" blog post
We’re all familiar with the French welcome. A subtle peck on each cheek, sometimes more, or perhaps an air-brushed equivalent. It’s a complex interaction. It led me to wonder how the French react when it comes…
  • 13th Feb 2021
Image for "Find the Ideal Paris District" blog post
According to Euromonitor, Paris has increased in popularity to once again claim the title of the world’s top city in 2022, ahead of Dubai which retains its 2nd place. The rankings confirms the dominance of European…
  • 5th Feb 2021
Image for "Brexit, EHIC, GHIC, Medical Support and Healthcare" blog post
Starting a new life in France is a dream that many people have, but when you start to make that dream a reality, there are lots of eventualities that need to be considered, especially now that the UK has left the EU. This…
  • 3rd Feb 2021
Image for "Period Granit Houses and Character Homes in Brittany" blog post
Brittany, or Bretagne as it is known locally, has remained a favoured holiday hotspot for Brits and French alike. Situated in the North-West corner, jutting into the Atlantic, the area offers access to some of the most beautiful…
  • 23rd Jan 2021
Image for "Why Buy Property in Paris, France’s Most Dynamic City" blog post
The French capital is a prime location for buyers looking for a dynamic city that combines the advantages of a modern metropolis with the charm of peaceful villages. And it is also the ideal place to invest for rental, actually…
  • 22nd Jan 2021
Image for "Fine Bubbles and Champignons for a French Reveillon" blog post
I hope you managed to enjoy a happy Christmas and New Year despite the current restrictions. Ours was as quiet as we expected, brightened-up no end by virtual visits from family and friends. After finishing our Christmas…
  • 15th Jan 2021
Image for "Why Invest in Luxury Real Estate in Cannes?" blog post
A world renowned seaside resort on the Riviera in the south of France,  Cannes benefits from an exceptional setting, between sea and sun. This amazing city is home to many luxury retail outlets, gourmet restaurants,…
  • 14th Jan 2021
Image for "House Hunters - Bespoke Property Finder Service" blog post
Discover our bespoke ' à la Carte ' property hunting service for busy families and professionals looking for real estate in fast moving cities across France. Think of this service as having a private chef , someone…
  • 14th Dec 2020
Image for "Joyeux Noel from their Estate" blog post
A big thank you to Patrick at my-french-house.com blog for inviting me to share snippets about our lives here in southwest France . For this issue, I guess I’d better introduce myself...my name is Beth Haslam. A few…
  • 14th Dec 2020
Image for "Is it Difficult to Buy Property or Real Estate in Paris?" blog post
The Paris property market is well known to be extremely busy with most properties snapped up before making it to the market. French estate agents in Paris have long waiting lists from buyers and investors hoping to snap-up…
  • 14th Dec 2020
Image for "Advice for Americans Buying Real Estate in France" blog post
Did you know that each year, over 100,000 individuals from different corners of the world choose to make France their new home? This influx of foreign nationals accounts for roughly 10% of all French real estate transactions.…
  • 11th Dec 2020
Image for "Paris Real Estate Market Report - 2nd Qrtr 2020" blog post
Paris property sales are down but prices are still climbing according to a recent report published last month by the Chambre de Notaires de Paris. The ongoing pandemic continues to weigh on the French real estate market…
  • 10th Dec 2020
Image for "French Inheritance Laws : What is a Tontine Clause?" blog post
Here's some inheritance related information about buying property and real estate en tontine or with a tontine pact, but first, just what is a tontine clause? The tontine clause (also called 'tontine pacte') may be an option…
  • 6th Dec 2020