Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast France Made Simple

Need a French bank account but already stuck on the proof-of-address problem? Welcome to France.

In this episode of France Made Simple, I explain what new arrivals need to know about French banking, from opening an account and gathering the paperwork to understanding your RIB, direct debits and the difference between immediate and deferred debit cards.

We’ll look at traditional banks versus online options, fees to watch out for, moving money from overseas and why opening a French account doesn’t sort out your tax residence. And yes, we’ll talk about cheques. They’re still a thing here.

A practical, jargon-free guide to getting your banking organised, without assuming that what worked for somebody on Facebook will necessarily work for you.

That gorgeous French house might tick every box. But will you actually enjoy living there?

In this episode of France Made Simple, I’m joined by Ben, who helps people moving to France find long-term rentals. We discuss why renting before buying can give you valuable breathing space, why securing a rental can be surprisingly difficult for newcomers, and how to look beyond the holiday dream to find somewhere that suits your everyday life.

From choosing between rural tranquillity and town convenience to understanding your lease and making a personal connection with potential landlords, we explore what helps a move work. I also share some of my own less-than-brilliant property decisions. Yes, there have been a few!

If you’re planning a move to France, this is a practical, honest conversation about finding your feet before putting down roots.

Ben’s contact details are here :

+44 203 376 5117 (UK)

+33 7 56 28 09 20 (France)

bensmall@ibanista.com

With thanks to our sponsors, Fab French Insurance.

French home insurance is not quite as straightforward as you might expect, especially if you’re coming from the UK or another country with a different insurance system.

In this episode of France Made Simple, Cat is joined by Fabien from Fab French Insurance to debunk some of the biggest myths surrounding French home and contents insurance.

We look at what is legally required depending on whether you’re a tenant, homeowner, second-home owner or landlord, and why French insurance doesn’t work in quite the same way as UK buildings and contents insurance.

We also cover some of the areas that regularly catch people out, including:

• Why buildings-only and contents-only policies aren’t generally how French home insurance works
• What happens if you have a swimming pool, garage, shed or other outbuilding
• Why your valuable possessions in a shed may not be covered simply because you’ve declared the shed
• How the “new for old” principle actually works; and why it doesn’t necessarily mean getting back what you originally paid
• Why photographing your possessions and keeping receipts, valuations and certificates of authenticity can make a huge difference when making a claim
• Chimney sweeping, maintenance and what insurers may expect
• How “catastrophe naturelle” claims work in France
• Why natural-disaster cover is different from ordinary claims
• The surprising issue of underground water pipes and where responsibility for leaks begins and ends
• And perhaps the biggest culture shock of all: accidental damage to your own possessions is generally NOT included in a standard French home insurance policy.

As always, the aim isn’t to scare you into buying more insurance, it’s to understand what you actually have, what you don’t have, and where the potential gaps might be.

Because when it comes to French insurance, as Fabien puts it: you don’t know what you don’t know until you find out you don’t know it!

Moving to France can be an exciting new chapter but there are a few mistakes that can make the transition considerably harder than it needs to be.

In this episode of France Made Simple, I run through five of the most common mistakes people make when they move to France and, as usual, I’ve made plenty of them myself so you don’t have to!

We look at why you really do need to learn French (and why “I’ll pick it up when I get there” probably isn’t going to work), why you should start thinking about your garden much earlier than you might expect, and why it’s surprisingly easy for a move, renovation and French admin to take over your entire life and even your relationship.

I also talk about the culture shock of moving to France, including the little social rules that can catch newcomers out, from saying bonjour and doing la bise to understanding why French people interrupt, wag their fingers and don’t necessarily mean to be rude.

And finally, we get to one of the biggest lessons of all: patience. French opening hours, August holidays, bank-holiday weekends, builders, paperwork and the general French approach to work-life balance can test even the most laid-back newcomer.

The good news? Most of these things can be anticipated, planned for and, eventually, laughed about.

If you’re planning a move to France or you’ve already made the move and are wondering why nobody warned you about some of this, this episode is for you.

And thank you, as always, to our long-term sponsors Fab French Insurance for supporting France Made Simple.

And as promised - here’s the link to my fabulous hairdresser!

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580217764838

French Car Insurance: What You Really Need to Know

Car insurance in France is one of those subjects surrounded by endless urban myths, conflicting advice and the inevitable “my friend down the road does it this way” stories.

In this episode, I’m joined once again by Fabien from Fab French Insurance to cut through some of the confusion and explain how French car insurance actually works.

We talk about the bonus-malus system and how your no-claims history is transferred from another country, why French insurers can be particularly demanding when it comes to proving your insurance history, and what can happen if the information on your application doesn’t match your previous insurance record.

We also look at foreign-registered vehicles, including UK cars being driven in France while their owners are waiting for the import process to be completed, temporary French registration plates and the increasingly strict approach to cars that remain permanently on foreign plates.

Another big difference is that in France the insurance generally follows the vehicle rather than being based solely around named drivers. So what happens if you lend your car to a friend, neighbour or family member? And what happens to your excess, your no-claims discount and your cover if they have an accident?

We also get into the thorny subject of foreign driving licences…Including British licences after Brexit, EU licences and the different rules that can apply depending on where you originally obtained your licence.

The main message? Don’t assume that because something was perfectly normal in the UK, US or elsewhere, it works the same way in France. And perhaps most importantly: don’t rely on Steve from Facebook.

As Fabien says, “You don’t know what you don’t know.” Sometimes paying for the right advice at the beginning can save you a lot of money and headaches later.

Fabien has been working with expats in France for many years, and we’ve worked together for more than a decade, so this is a particularly useful episode if you are moving to France, have recently arrived, are importing a vehicle, or simply want to make sure your existing French car insurance is doing what you think it is.

France Made Simple — demystifying life in France and telling it like it is!

Buying a property in France can be exciting, romantic and, occasionally, a spectacularly expensive mistake…

In this episode, I go back to one of the earliest topics I tackled on France Made Simple, finding a property in France, but with a rather different approach. After nearly 30 years of looking at French properties (and buying quite a few!) , I look at the five things you really shouldn’t do when choosing a French property, based largely on mistakes I’ve made myself.

From getting carried away by how much house you can get for your money, to ignoring the realities of rural life, underestimating renovation costs, falling in love with a staircase and buying the wrong property out of sheer desperation, there are plenty of lessons to be learned.

I also talk about how Survive France started back in 2009, the early criticism of its rather tongue-in-cheek name, why feedback from listeners is changing how I approach the podcast, and my recent discovery that an all-inclusive holiday involving sun loungers, swimming pools and absolutely no exploration whatsoever can actually be rather wonderful.

As always, I’ve made the mistakes so you don’t have to!

French health insurance can leave you facing a maze of unfamiliar terms, confusing reimbursement percentages and potentially expensive gaps in cover. Choose the wrong policy or misunderstand what it pays, and a hospital stay, dental treatment or even a pair of glasses could cost far more than you expected.

So what exactly is a mutuelle? Is it private health insurance, or something different? What does “top-up” cover really pay for? And when a policy promises 100%, 200% or even 300% reimbursement, what does that actually mean in euros?

In this episode of France Made Simple, I’m joined by Fabien from Fab French Insurance to take a deep dive into the French healthcare system and, in particular, the sometimes baffling world of complementary health insurance.

We discuss how French public healthcare works alongside a mutuelle, why this is very different from the private health insurance systems many of us are used to in the UK and US, and one particularly important point: why existing medical conditions generally don’t prevent you from taking out complementary cover.

We also talk about hospitalisation, glasses, dentistry, physiotherapy, osteopathy, alternative treatments and some of the things you might be surprised to discover your policy covers.

Fabien explains what those confusing reimbursement percentages actually mean, why the cheapest or most expensive policy isn’t necessarily the right one, and why understanding your own needs is far more important than simply choosing the policy with the biggest numbers attached to it.

We also look at the French parcours de soins — the healthcare pathway — and why knowing how the system works can make a real difference to what you pay and what gets reimbursed.

And, perhaps reassuringly, if you still find French healthcare and insurance confusing after all this… you’re not alone. As Fabien points out, plenty of French people don’t fully understand it either.

If you’re moving to France, newly arrived, or have lived here for years and still find yourself staring blankly at your mutuelle documents, this episode should help make sense of one of the most important, and misunderstood, aspects of life in France.

From playing Little House on the Prairie in a London garden to fishing for mullet in the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel… how exactly did that happen?

In this rather more personal episode of France Made Simple, I tell the story of how a little girl growing up in Streatham, dreaming of ponies, vegetable gardens, chickens and a cottage in the countryside, eventually ended up living in rural France and, somewhat accidentally, creating the very life she had been fantasising about for decades.

There are childhood memories, Escape to the Country fantasies, derelict French houses, vegetable gardens, an alarming quantity of green beans, homemade preserves, dehydrated courgette crisps, fishing nets, tidal rivers, seals, and one slightly terrifying adventure in the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel.

It turns out that becoming self-sufficient is actually much harder work than it looks on television. But there is something incredibly satisfying about sitting down to a meal made almost entirely from things you’ve grown or caught yourself.

And perhaps that’s the real point of this episode: sometimes the life you dream about when you’re young really isn’t as impossible as it seems.

Moving to France isn’t always easy. There are frustrations, tears, bureaucracy, homesickness and plenty of moments when you wonder what on earth you’ve done.

But it is an adventure. And after more than 20 years here, I still wouldn’t change it.

So grab a cup of tea, coffee, glass of wine or something stronger, and join me for a slightly chaotic trip from Streatham High Street to Green Bean Hell!

If you’re moving to France with children, already living here, or simply trying to understand what happens when the long summer holidays finally come to an end… this episode is for you.

In this 30-minute episode of France Made Simple, I’m taking a proper look at La Rentrée — how the French school year actually works, when children go back, what happens in those first few days, and all the things that can catch English-speaking families out.

We’re talking schools, dates, paperwork, supplies, lunches, uniforms (or rather, the lack of them!), school transport, after-school activities and the wonderfully French admin that comes with getting your children back into the system.

And because this is France Made Simple, I’m also covering the things you might not discover until you’re already in the middle of it!

And here are the promised links that might.…make your shopping experience slightly less painful!

https://www.cultura.com/papeterie/fournitures-scolaires.html

https://www.rentreediscount.com/

This one’s a straight-up, no-filter Q&A. No polishing, no “France is perfect” fantasy, just me keeping it real!

I’m answering your questions about what it’s actually like living here: financial woes, the weird social codes, the small-town dynamics, and the stuff people usually dodge because it’s awkward or not very Instagram friendly.

I’m talking about the reality of certain expat pockets, the cliques, the odd behaviour that can show up when people stay too long in their own bubble and yeah, some of it’s blunt. That’s the point.

If you’re here for a dreamy “quit your job, move to France and live happily ever after” vibe, this isn’t that. This is the messy, contradictory, occasionally uncomfortable version, the one people talk about in private but rarely say out loud.

But I do!

In this episode, I’m chatting with Julia a therapist who made the move to France three years ago—and hasn’t looked back, despite the inevitable challenges along the way…!

This is a really honest insight into what it’s really like to rebuild both your life and career in a new country.

Julia shares her personal journey of relocating to France including the realities of settling in, and how expectations compared with day-to-day life. From navigating bureaucracy (and we all know about that!), and the cultural differences to managing isolation and building a new professional identity, this episode explores the sometimes less-visible aspects of expatriate life.

We also look closely at what it means to work as a therapist across borders. She explains how she supports clients online as well as face to face, the types of issues people might encounter, and why mental health can become more complex when you’re living outside your home country. We’re talking identity shifts, relationship strain, loneliness, and the psychological impact of starting over.

And most importantly, Julia explains the services she offers, including how she works and what people can expect from engaging with therapy in an online format. Whether you’re already living in France, planning a move, or simply curious about the potential impact on mental health when relocating, this episode will give you a a really practical perspective grounded in real life experience.

This is a really interesting discussion of the ups and downs, with some very useful insight for anyone navigating life abroad. Give it a listen; you won’t regret it!

And you can get in touch with Julia here via email Julia@safetherapy.co.uk 

Or via her site - link below!

http://safetherapy.co.uk/

Moving to France sounds straightforward—until your visa gets rejected!

In this episode, I’m chatting to immigration guru (!), or immigration GP as he prefers to be known, Fabien from FAB FRENCH INSURANCE and we’re going through the most common mistakes that cause refusals, and more importantly, how to avoid them. From incomplete documentation to weak financial justification, small errors can have major consequences.

If you’re applying for a French visa (or thinking about it), this episode will help you approach the process with clarity and confidence.

And if you’ve already applied for a French visa please feel free to share your experience - good or bad!



Every year, people move to France looking for a better lifestyle.

Some absolutely love it. Others quietly (or sometimes, not so quietly!) regret the decision.

So what makes the difference?

In this episode, I break down the 5 small (but critical) mistakes that can completely shape your experience of living in France—from finances and paperwork to language and choosing the right place to live.

Because it’s rarely one big thing that goes wrong… it’s the small details that catch people out.

If you’re planning a move—or already here and wondering why it feels harder than expected—this one will give you some clarity. And most of all, you’ll realise that you’re not alone! 

🎧 Listen now

#LifeInFrance #MovingToFrance #ExpatLife #FranceLiving #StartOver #Relocation #ExpatAdvice

Moving to France after 50 can feel like the start of something wonderful… until it doesn’t.

Behind the dream, there can be quieter challenges—loneliness, loss of routine, language barriers, and the unsettling feeling of having to rebuild a life from scratch.

In this episode — Your Best Life in France After 50: Staying Active, Social and Sane — I take a clear-eyed look at what it really takes to stay mentally and physically well when you’re living abroad later in life.

No fluff, no clichés—just practical ways to:• stay active (even when motivation is low)• rebuild a social life from zero• manage the mental load of living in another country• and create a life that actually works for you here

If you’re already in France and finding it harder than expected—or planning the move and want to go in with your eyes open—this one’s for you.

🎧 Listen now and start making France work for you, not the other way around.

#LifeInFrance #ExpatLife #Over50 #MovingToFrance #HealthyLiving #MentalWellbeing #StartAgain #FrenchLife

And here’s my playlist https://music.apple.com/fr/playlist/running/pl.u-4Joma4DTaM0pNzm?l=en

What does it take to turn a simple idea into a product people genuinely rely on for recovery?

In this week’s episode, I sit down with Ameline, the co-founder of Baume de Mont, a locally crafted cooling massage gel born near Mont-Saint-Michel. We talk about building a business from the ground up, the realities of launching in rural France, and how lifestyle, landscape, and love all shaped their journey.

We talk about where the idea came from, the science behind how it works, and what it really takes to bring a product like this to market — from concept to something people trust on their bodies.

If you’re into fitness, recovery, or just curious about how startups actually get built, this one’s worth a listen.

🎧 Listen now and discover the story behind the balm.

Find out more here https://baumedumont.com/en

And use my code CAT10 to get 10% off your order!

#FrenchBusiness #NormandyLife #StartupStory #Entrepreneurship #MadeInFrance

Moving to France is often sold as a lifestyle upgrade—long lunches, beautiful villages, and a slower pace of life. And while all of that exists, the reality of building a life here is a bit more complex...

In this episode, we’re taking off the rose (or should that be rosé !) tinted spectacles and looking at what it really takes to make a success of living in France long-term. Not just the logistics, but the underlying values and personal qualities that separate those who thrive from those who struggle.

We're talking about patience in the face of mind boggling bureaucracy, resilience when things don’t go to plan, humility when navigating a different culture, and the importance of adapting without losing yourself. Because ultimately, making a go of life in France isn’t about changing the country, it’s about changing how you approach it.

If you’re planning a move, already here, or wondering why it feels harder than expected, this episode will give you a more grounded, realistic framework for making it work.

Grab a glass of rosé and enjoy!

In this episode, we explore practical and realistic ways to make your French home more environmentally friendly, without losing its character or charm!

From improving insulation in older properties to choosing sustainable materials, reducing energy consumption, and navigating eco-friendly upgrades in France, this episode breaks down what actually works. And of course, as ever I’m approaching this from a totally down to earth and lets not break the bank point of view !

Whether you’re renovating an ancient French farmhouse or updating a newer home, you’ll get some ideas to lower your footprint and your bills, while creating a healthier living space.

Taking down internal walls in a French property can transform your space—but it’s rarely straightforward. In this episode, we look at what’s really involved, from structural considerations to cleaning up the mess afterwards. And yes, that’s the worst part!

A concise, practical reality check to help you plan smarter before you start swinging the hammer.

Designing a dream kitchen in a French home sounds idyllic—until you run into the realities of old stone walls, uneven floors, and workmen that move ant their own pace. In this episode, we break down what it actually takes to create a kitchen that works for modern life while respecting the character of a French property.

From planning layouts and choosing materials to navigating French suppliers, artisans, and timelines, this is a practical look at the decisions that matter. We cover budgeting in a market where costs can escalate quickly, the trade-offs between bespoke and off-the-shelf solutions, and how to avoid common (and expensive) mistakes.

Whether you’re renovating a farmhouse, updating a village house, or starting from scratch, this episode will help you approach your kitchen project with clarity—and fewer (nasty!) surprises.

In this episode, I’m chatting to Ellen Hilton, a young American mum, who has made the leap across the Atlantic to start a completely new life in France. We talk candidly about the realities behind the Instagram version of expat life.

She shares what surprised her most about raising a child in France, from cultural differences in pre-school and parenting styles to the practical challenges of healthcare, administration, and everyday routines. We also get into the emotional side: identity shifts, isolation, and the small wins that make it all worthwhile.

If you’re thinking about moving to France with children - or you’re already here and wondering if everyone else is finding it just as complicated - this conversation is just what you need to hear!

And you can catch up with Ellen’s various social channels including here blog here : https://www.americaineinfrance.com

Navigating life in France is easier when you’ve got the right tools in your pocket. In this episode, we break down the most useful apps to have on your phone—from transport and banking to food delivery, healthcare, and everyday admin. Whether you’re a newcomer trying to decode the system or a long-term resident looking to streamline daily life, these apps can save you time, money, and frustration.

We’re talking essential services like getting around with ease, managing bills, finding the best local spots, and staying connected to French bureaucracy without the headache. Expect practical recommendations, insider tips, and a few lesser-known gems that even seasoned expats might not be using yet.

If you want to simplify your day-to-day life in France, this episode gives you a curated digital toolkit to get started.

And here’s a link to the CROWDFARMING app - https://cfarm.co/mgm?lc=LC3BCK8P

What is daily life really like in France? In this episode, we unpack the small but constant frictions of living in France—from confusing bureaucracy and slow administration to shop opening hours, strikes, customer service differences, and language barriers.

If you’re an expat, planning a move to France, or already living here and wondering why everything feels just slightly harder than expected, this episode breaks down the hidden realities behind French life.

A practical, honest look at expat life in France, French culture, and the everyday challenges that don’t make it into the dream—but shape your experience once you’re here.

When it comes to importing and registering vehicles in France, urban myths abound. And if you listen to ‘Mike’ down the Dog & Duck or rather, le Chien & Canard, you are likely to come a cropper.But never fear, we’ve put together an episode all about just that. Listen in and make sure you are road legal in France.Enjoy!

If you’re thinking about moving to France and wondering about the cost of living here, then this episode is a must. I’m chatting through the true cost of living here, from the obvious expenses and outgoings to the hidden ones that quietly drain your budget. Let me know what you have found to be more or less expensive than back home as well as those things you’d never budgeted for!

“100% covered” doesn’t always mean what you think in France. In this episode, we unpack the realities of top-up health insurance—how the system works alongside state healthcare, where gaps can catch you out, and how to choose cover that actually protects you. Straightforward, practical, and jargon-free.

In this episode I’m taking a look at some of the highs and lows involved in building on an isolated plot. Lots of practical advice and some useful links and resources, plus, as always my “tell it like it is” approach to living and working here in France!

Useful Vocabulary :

Un terrain à bâtir - building plot

Un terrain isolé - isolated plot

Les règles de construction - rules determining what, in what form and where building can take place

Un terrain non viabilisé - plot without any services present

Un terrain viabilisé - plot with services present

Un bornage - the marking of the plot boundaries by a professional 

Une borne - boundary marker

La zone constructible - constructible area

Le Permis de construire - planning permission

Le certificat d’urbanisme - outline planning permission

Une risque d’innondation - flood risk

Risk Zones

Since 2006, every plot sold has to come with a declaration stating whether or not the plot is situated in a natural, seismic or man made risk zone. Natural risks are said to include flooding, avalanches, subsidence and cracking and the declarations must be dated less than six months previously.

Find plots for sale on

www.pap.fr

www.journaldesparticuliers.com

www.leboncoin.fr

Understanding an ad!

Terrain plat à bâtir (flat building plot) viabilisé (services present) 1.927 m2 (size) hors lotissement (non estate) près forêt et centre ville (near to the forest and town centre). Certificat d'urbanisme et permis de construire acceptés (Planning permissions and consents in place). 59.000 E (price).

In this episode I’m looking at ways to get your property working for you and making some extra money; yes, we’re talking holiday rentals!There are numerous reasons why you might be thinking about renting out your French property and in this episode I run through some of the things you need to take into account before going down this road.Plus, there’s a whole load of practical advice on how to get your property rental ready!Give it a listen and let me know what I have forgotten to mention!

In this episode I’m chatting about my first ever time at an auction in France, and covering what to do (and what not to do!) when you go to an auction in France.

Buying at auction is a fabulous way to bag a bargain and find some unique decorative pieces for your house in France. It’s also a lot of fun! I hope you enjoy this episode and don’t forget to make sure you follow the France Made Simple podcast and never miss an episode.

And here’s the link to the online auction site I refer to - happy bidding! https://www.interencheres.com/

In this second part, I continue chatting with Paul who is not only an accountant but also runs five gites here in France.

We’re chatting about the financial, tax and practical aspects of running gites.

With increasing numbers of people looking at gites as a way of generating or topping up income here in France, this episode is a must listen.It’s in two parts - “Can you run a gite?” And “Should you run a gite?” - partly because we felt that this is an important subject and there’s a lot to take onboard.

And partly because we had a massive technical issue - a power outage on his end - so please excuse my (not terribly good) editing skills!But the information is all there and hopefully it will prove useful - enjoy!

You can get in touch with Paul directly via email advice@houxservices.fr or take a look at his site www.houxservices.eu and if you contact him within the next 30 days and mention the podcast, you’ll get a 10% discount off the first set of any fees should you go ahead and use his services!

In this episode I catch up with Paul who is not only an accountant but also runs five gites here in France.We’re chatting about the financial, tax and practical aspects of running gites. With increasing numbers of people looking at gites as a way of generating or topping up income here in France, this episode is a must listen.

It’s in two parts - “Can you run a gite?” And “Should you run a gite?” - partly because we felt that this is an important subject and there’s a lot to take onboard. And partly because we had a massive technical issue - a power outage on his end - so please excuse my (not terribly good) editing skills!But the information is all there and hopefully it will prove useful - enjoy!

You can get in touch with Paul directly via email advice@houxservices.fr or take a look at his site www.houxservices.eu and if you contact him within the next 30 days and mention the podcast, you’ll get a 10% discount off the first set of any fees should you go ahead and use his services!

There’s a new episode out and it’s not an Easter special! Sorry - I didn’t think of that in time but I will be doing one about Easter in France - however right now, I’m about to sit down to a rather special Easter Sunday lunch, so you’ll have to wait for that one!In the meantime, here are my answers to some of the questions sent in by you lovely lot. Please keep sending your questions - I love answering them and it’s always thought provoking.Happy Easter everyone!Cat xx

Unlock the secrets to buying property in France without falling into common pitfalls!

Paul Simper, a seasoned property finder, reveals why the French real estate market is so different—and how you can navigate it like a pro.

Most buyers rely on UK or US-style expectations, but in France, the process is more structured and less familiar—yet far more predictable once you understand the rules. From slower market pace and agent conflicts to the significance of legal deposits and diagnostic reports, Paul uncovers the hidden traps that could cost you thousands or even your dream home.

You'll discover:- Why French agents are often less proactive—and how to overcome their slow response times- The critical role of proper surveys and why the standard diagnostic report isn’t enough- The true costs beyond the purchase price, including stamp duty and notary fees (often 7-8%)- The importance of clear timelines, from promesse de vente to act de vente, for certainty and peace of mind- How cultural differences and local laws can trip up international buyers and what to do about them- Practical tips to avoid pushy agents, misinformed expectations, and costly surprises!

Whether you're considering a holiday retreat, a full relocation, or an investment property, understanding French buying procedures is crucial—especially if you want to avoid costly delays or legal pitfalls. This episode is essential listening for anyone dreaming of owning a home in France, particularly through an international lens.

Paul Simper is a property finder with deep expertise in the French market, passionate about guiding buyers through the nuances and complexities. His insights could save you months of frustration and thousands of euros.

Don't buy in France without knowing these insider secrets. Hit play now and start your journey with confidence—because buying property here isn’t just different, it’s better when you know how it works.

If you’d like to know more you can get in touch directly : www.luxurybuyersagentfrance.com

M: +33 (0)7 69 40 01 20    O: +33 (0)5 47 66 21 81UK: +44 (0)77 99 07 28 02

paul@luxurybuyersagentfrance.com

Whether you’re travelling to and from France for business or pleasure, taking the train is a great way to get there. And back!

People often think that flying is going to be the cheapest and quickest option but this isn’t necessarily so. And going by train is a much nicer and less stressful experience.

In this episode we chat through all the things you need to know when taking the Eurostar and travelling onwards in France or Europe. And of course, there’s the usual handy hints from yours truly 😉 I really hope this is helpful and do let me know if there’s anything I’ve missed. There usually is…

One of the best things about moving to France is having more time. And more outside space. Plus of course better weather…Put those three together and you’ll see why eating alfresco is such a big part of the French lifestyle. So in this episode I’m talking you through what you need to factor in when you are planning an outside cooking and eating space.Enjoy!

Having spent a week ranting about living in France and having then spent a week in the UK(!), in this episode I’m sharing my thoughts on why you SHOULD move to France. If you want a clue, it’s because it is basically just quite a lot nicer here…Do you agree? Give it a listen and let me know what you think!

Having spent the last week talking about all the things that wind me up about life in France (and yes, there are a few…), I thought it was time to redress the balance.

Because the reality is, people don’t move to France by accident. There are some very specific reasons they choose it, and stick with it.

In this episode, I’m sharing five of the real reasons people come to France, whether that’s for a holiday… or a permanent move.

Meanwhile, the sun is out, the raspberry and gooseberry bushes are in, and the bulbs are starting to show! So life in deepest, darkest La Manche isn’t looking too bad at all.

If you’re already here, or thinking about it, I’d be interested to hear your top reasons too.

And yes—one of them may well involve the exhilaration of trying to get to Lidl before the cut-price plants disappear.

Enjoy,

Cat x

Every year thousands of people make the decision to move abroad and start a new life - hopefully in the sun! Although if you are actively looking to move somewhere wet and windy, that’s cool too😉And nine times out of ten that move involves a property purchase too.So how do you go about buying abroad?There are numerous ways to do this but one of the easiest and best is to visit an overseas property exhibition. You won’t just be looking at houses for sale. There’ll be a plethora of expert advice available from everything to currency transfer, legal requirements and removal firms.In this episode I’m explaining why you should consider attending one and chatting you through how to go about getting the most out of the visit.Enjoy!

Finding a job in France is never simple.

You can have qualifications up the ying yang, speak fluent French and still get passed over time and time again. Even the French find it tricky so chuck in being an “étrangère” and you’ve got a perfect storm.

As a result huge numbers of expats decide to start their own business. But this isn’t for everyone.

There’s another option though. How about if you could continue to work for your existing employer but be based in France? Sounds good right?!

And of course, this is France so there will be numerous bits of paperwork to be completed but it is doable. If you know how…

Listen in to this episode and find out if this might be an option for you.

Enjoy!

Cat x

One of the things that comes up over and over again is people sharing their experiences of working with agents or realtors when they are buying a property in France.

And as you can imagine, there’s no general consensus…

People seem to either have really great or really bad experiences!

In this episode I’m running through all the stuff you can do to ensure that you have a really good working relationship with your agent.

Working on the premise that if you put some effort in they will too, I explain what you can do to help them to help you!

I hope this is useful and please let me know how you got on, whether good or bad?!

In this episode I’m talking about daily life in France and revealing what it is really like. Is it one long round of sipping glasses of crisp white wine by the pool? Or is it one long battle with French administrative demands? Listen in and find out!

Doctor Lib : https://www.doctolib.fr/

You can support me here : buymeacoffee.com/francemadesimple

In this episode I’m chatting to Olivia who is a musician and Gestalt therapist. What’s really interesting here is that she is both French and English and thus, not only totally bilingual but has a unique ‘foot in both camps’ perspective. Moving to and living in, another country isn’t always easy and very often these type of life changes throw up issues that we need to address. Olivia works both online and in person and her background means that she is uniquely placed to help the Anglophone community. Enjoy!You can get in touch with Olivia by email : zulkeolivia@gmail.com or Olivia gestalt.com

There’s an urban myth that the French are a nation of hypochondriacs and compared to us ‘stiff upper lip’ British, there’s certainly an element of truth in that.But is it them? Or is it having a system that actively encourages you to run to the doctor at the first sign of a snotty nose?Having been ill for the last week (and no, I haven’t been to the doctor!), I thought it was time to take a look at the differences between the French and the AngloSaxon world when it comes to being under the weather. And the things that (allegedly) prevent you from getting ill in the first place. Enjoy! And don’t forget to tell me what you’ve found to be different about life in France.

In this episode I’m catching up with my favourite estate agent, Sheelagh co-owner of Agence Newton, an estate agency that specialises in Brittany, Normandy, the Limousin and the Corrèze. Sheelagh covers the Normandy area and luckily she lives close enough for me to pop round and snaffle her chocolate biscuits. Listen in and find out what she’s been up to since we last spoke and what the French property market is up to too!

In this episode I’m looking at all the ways to get rid of your clutter. Whether you have stuff to donate, sell or just recycle, we’ve got the low down on how to go about decluttering in France. And here are some of the useful sites I mention in the podcast :Interencheres - https://www.interencheres.com/ (Be careful - it’s addictive!)Donnons - https://donnons.org/ (Ditto!)Vide greniers etc - https://vide-greniers.org/ Brocantes solidaires - https://www.secourspopulaire.fr/les-braderies-du-secours-populaire-pres-de-chez-vous/

And here’s part two ! I’m continuing the conversation with superstar chef Lucy about the challenge of cooking French recipes for a French clientele. I loved recording this episode and hope you enjoy it as much as I did! You can get in touch with Lucy via her website http://www.simperskitchen.co.uk/ and follow her on instagram - @simperskitchen

In this first episode which is part of a two part interview, I catch up with British chef Lucy Simper who is managing to wow the French with her cooking. No mean achievement I think you’ll agree!Lucy caters for groups, weddings, dinner parties and just about anything else you can think of. You can check out her website here http://www.simperskitchen.co.uk/ or find her on instagram where she’s @simperskitchen. 

One of the things that comes up time and time again when I’m chatting to people about moving to France or even just visiting, is speaking the language.

You can’t really make the most of everything that France has to offer unless you speak French but becoming fluent can be a challenge. Immersion is one of the best ways to develop your confidence and your vocabulary - fast!

But finding well run and interesting courses isn’t easy. So I’m delighted to be chatting to Patricia who has come up with a great solution.

The all inclusive three week program is a very reasonably priced and for a limited time she’s offering a promotional rate of just 1850€.

There’s even an extra 10% discount if you mention the podcast- valid for 30 days! Enjoy or as we say here, Profitez bien!

3-weeks-program-2026Bienvenue à Rennes – Support for International Students

contact@bienvenuearennes.com

+33 07 74 18 17 02

In this episode I’m talking about 5 reasons why you need to move to France. Although I actually ended up with seven - without even trying too hard!If you are thinking about moving to France or even just planning a holiday here, hopefully, this short episode will enthuse and inspire you.As always please keep your suggestions and comments coming. I love getting your feedback!

In this episode I’m talking to Paul Robson, a France based UK chartered accountant who understands both systems. And…can explain what to do and not what to do in an idiot proof manner. Which is exactly what I need when it comes to anything related to money and finances!Hopefully it will prove helpful to lots of you lot too.

You can get in touch with Paul directly via email advice@houxservices.fr or take a look at his site www.houxservices.eu and if you contact him within the next 30 days and mention the podcast, you’ll get a 10% discount off the first set of any fees should you go ahead and use his services!

I hope you enjoy this short episode. It’s by popular request so to speak…!Plus, I thought it was probably about time that I gave you, my lovely listeners, a bit of background and explain why I podcast about life in France.I really hope that you all enjoy listening and do keep sending your questions in. I absolutely love getting them.Have a lovely weekend everybody!Cat x