One of the most common questions people ask when planning a move is: “Where should we live in France?” It sounds simple — but in reality, it’s one of the hardest questions to answer. France is incredibly diverse. From coastal villages to bustling cities, mountain regions to peaceful countryside, there are countless beautiful places to choose from. The truth is, there is no single “best” place — only what is right for you. So instead of trying to find the perfect location stra

What you need to know about exchange rates and currency transactions when making a property viewing trip to France. Booking your first property viewing trip is when planning your new life in France suddenly feels very serious. If you’re booking your first trip, one crucial aspect that many buyers underestimate is the role of currency and foreign exchange. As anyone knows who has tried to change money on a ferry or at an airport kiosk, exchange rates differ widely. Fine for s

Taking on a renovation project in France can be incredibly exciting—but as many quickly discover, it also comes with unexpected challenges, steep learning curves, and a fair amount of problem-solving. In this episode, we hear the real story behind transforming a property—from ambitious beginnings to navigating regulations, structural surprises, and long-term expansion plans. Starting With Big Ideas (and Reality Checks) Like many buyers, the journey began with enthusiasm and c

France is roughly the size of Texas — yet the differences between its regions are so profound that choosing 'France' as a destination is really only the beginning of the decision. From the sun-baked villages of the south to the dramatic Atlantic coastline and the gentle rolling hills of the centre, where you settle will shape every dimension of your daily life. Here's a framework for thinking it through. The Key Questions to Ask Yourself Do you want warmth and sunshine, or ar

France is blessed with an extraordinary coastline — nearly 2,000 miles of it. From dramatic Atlantic waves to Mediterranean glamour, from rugged Brittany cliffs to vast sandy beaches in the north, there truly is something for everyone. If you are considering living in France and the coast plays a part in your dream, it is important to understand what each coastal region offers — and how that might influence your property search. Having explored all three of France’s coastline

It’s easy to fall in love with a property and immediately start imagining changes. You might be thinking about adding a pool, changing windows, updating shutters, or creating additional living space. But in France, it’s essential to understand what is actually allowed before you sign on the dotted line. The Golden Rule: External Changes Need Permission In France, there is one simple rule to keep in mind. If you are making changes to the exterior appearance of a property, you

December often brings reflection. As the days grow shorter and a new year approaches, many people begin seriously thinking about what the future might hold. For some, that future includes making the move to France. Perhaps the idea first took shape during the summer holidays. Perhaps it has been quietly growing for years. But as 2026 approaches, you may now be asking yourself: Is this the year we finally make our move? If you are considering living in France — whether buying

When planning a move to France, most people focus on finding the right property, choosing the perfect location and understanding the legal process. But there is one crucial factor that often gets overlooked: Currency exchange. It may not feel important at first. After all, when you go on holiday, you simply use your card or exchange a small amount of money at the airport. You rarely give exchange rates much thought. However, when you are buying a home in France, currency can

Property. It's often what sparks the dream of moving to France in the first place — a stone farmhouse in the Dordogne, a village house in Provence, a flat near a market square in Brittany. But buying property in France is a process that rewards patience and penalises rushing. Here's how it actually works. The French Buying Process: An Overview The French property purchase process is legally structured and involves multiple stages, each with specific protections and obligation

If you’re planning a move to France, one of the first questions you’ll face is simple — but incredibly important: Where do you actually start looking for a property? It’s easy to jump straight into browsing listings, but before you do, it’s essential to understand both where to look and what you’re looking for. Getting these foundations right will save you time, reduce overwhelm, and help you make better decisions. Start With the Internet — But Be Strategic For most people se

Hands up anyone who enjoys paying more than they need to on household bills. No-one? I thought as much. If you are embarking on the search for a place in France it may well be that you want to consider the energy efficiency of properties or the potential to improve that in the future. Walking around a French village have you ever wondered where everyone is? Why every house is tightly shuttered up? A level of energy efficiency is built into the culture in France and peop

Many of you house hunting in Brittany will have seen a neo-Bretagne house. They are, to me, the marmite house, love it or hate it but their history is born from loss and hope so this month it’s back to school with a quick blog on the Neo-Bretonne house. When we think about the Second World War, we often picture soldiers, battles, and politics — but the war also left deep scars on the landscape of France. Cities were destroyed, villages vanished, and entire regions had to be r

When people think about moving to France, the same destinations tend to come up time and time again. Provence, the French Riviera, and Paris often top the list. And while these places are undeniably beautiful, they also come with higher property prices, more competition, and in some cases, a lifestyle that feels more tourist-driven than truly French. The good news is that France is full of lesser-known regions that offer incredible value, authentic living, and just as much ch

So, you’ve found the perfect piece of land in France. The views are exactly what you imagined, you can already picture your dream home, and the idea of building something from scratch is incredibly exciting. But what actually comes next? Building a new home in France is absolutely achievable, but it is not as simple as buying land and starting construction. There are several important steps, regulations, and potential pitfalls to understand before you begin. Here’s a clear, p

How can I sell my property in France? For some practical advice on the best way to sell your property follow these top 5 tips: 1. Property presentation Now is the time to make sure your property is clean and tidy, and well maintained. Think about decluttering to make your property feel more spacious, and where possible keep colours neutral so that potential new owners can picture themselves in your property. 2. Choose the right estate agent Make sure you choose an estate age

Let’s be honest: buying property in France isn’t just about bricks and mortar. It’s about daydreaming, sipping wine on a sunny terrace, and wandering cobbled streets that look straight out of a storybook. If you’re hunting for that perfect fairytale village vibe, we’ve rounded up 10 enchanting spots where owning a home feels like living in a postcard. 1. Riquewihr, Alsace Picture colourful half-timbered houses, vineyards everywhere you look, and a Christmas market that feels

If you're planning to buy your dream home in France in 2026, it’s easy to get excited about the viewing trip and picturing your new life on the continent—but the financial details need just as much attention. A crucial factor that is often overlooked is currency exchange. The exchange rate between the pound and euro can fluctuate wildly, and without proper planning, these changes could derail your dreams of purchasing property in France. You can take steps today to keep you

Do you love the idea of owning a riverside property? These are the benefits of waterside living and a look at what you need to consider when buying on the waterfront Living in a riverside property is often the dream for many people. Whether it’s for the rhythmic sound of water flowing, the abundance of wildlife nestled into the river banks, or the stunning views, there’s something very calming about living next to water. About ten years ago, I was lucky enough to live in a ho

It starts with imagination, a bit of inspiration that grows into a vision of a home filled with light, history, and the essence of what we think French living is to us. France has a diverse architectural heritage, offers countless influences to draw upon — from the rustic farmhouses of Provence and Brittany to the elegance of a Parisian apartment. To create a home that feels both authentic and personal requires some thought, firstly you need to gather inspiration, then shape

🇫🇷 What if your French home could help fund your new life? This week, we’re exploring the beautiful Tarn, one of southwest France’s most sought-after regions for those looking to combine lifestyle, character, and income potential. Known for its rolling vineyards, medieval villages, sunflower-filled landscapes, and warm southern climate, the Tarn attracts visitors throughout the year. Popular destinations such as Cordes-sur-Ciel and Albi make it an attractive location for an