If you've spent any time looking at French property, you've probably come across the word longère. It's one of those terms that appears time and time again in property listings, but if you're new to buying in France, you may be wondering exactly what it means. A longère is one of France's most traditional and recognisable styles of home. Full of character and history, these charming properties are particularly popular with buyers looking for a rural lifestyle. What Is a Longè

When people dream about moving to France, they usually picture the highlights. The morning coffee at a local café. The fresh bread from the boulangerie. The beautiful countryside. Taking long lunches. A slower pace of life. And while all of those things certainly exist, there is another side to moving abroad that people rarely talk about. It is not negative. It is simply real. If you're planning a new life in France, here are a few things that nobody tells you. You Never Real

Buying a property in France can be an exciting prospect for American buyers. Whether you are looking for a holiday home, a retirement property, or somewhere to start a new life, it is important to understand that owning a French property comes with its own tax obligations. The French tax system can feel complicated, particularly when you are also dealing with US tax rules, so it is always sensible to seek professional advice based on your individual circumstances. Taxe Fonciè

Buying a property in France can be an incredibly exciting experience. Perhaps you have found a beautiful stone house in the countryside, a village home with shutters and character, or a renovation project with the potential to become your dream French home. But while it is easy to fall in love with a property, it is important to take a step back and look beyond the pretty façade. Some issues may be relatively simple to resolve, while others could turn your dream purchase into

Finding your dream home in France is exciting, but if you are travelling from another country to view properties, it pays to plan your trip carefully. A little preparation can help you make the most of your time and avoid rushing into a decision. Start With Your Location Before booking flights or accommodation, narrow down the area where you want to buy. France is a big country, and viewing properties spread across several regions can quickly become exhausting. Try to focus o

If you are buying a property in France, you will probably come across the term compromis de vente fairly early in the process. For international buyers, particularly those coming from the UK or the US, this can be one of the more confusing parts of buying a French property. What exactly is it? Is it the same as exchanging contracts? When do you pay a deposit? Can you change your mind? And what happens if something goes wrong? The compromis de vente is a very important documen

One of the most exciting parts of planning a move to France is imagining where you might live. Perhaps you picture yourself sitting outside a stone farmhouse in the countryside, surrounded by sunflowers and rolling fields. Maybe you dream of a little house by the Atlantic coast, where you can walk along the beach every morning. Or perhaps you see yourself in a bustling French town, with a boulangerie around the corner and a weekly market just a short walk away. The good news

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