France Made Simple

 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. Bec...

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 st...

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 jou...

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 logistic...

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...

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, a...

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 health...

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....

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, t...

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 w...

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 g...

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 po...

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 yo...

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?”...

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 an...

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 s...

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 trav...

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...

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 prope...