France Made Simple

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 @...

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...

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...

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

In this episode we’re talking about how to go about your French tax return. And honestly, it’s really not that bad! First off - here’s the link to the FREE tickets for the French Property show this weekend Then here are the useful links I mention in the show :Here’s the link that shows WHEN you need to file -  https://www.service-public.gouv.fr/simulateur/calcul/DeclarationImpots Here’s the simul...

Buying a property in France can be a minefield and stressful to boot. Apart from anything else, the system is simply not the same and this can be hugely frustrating. This is especially true if you come to it from a North American perspective and trying to persuade a seller to accept your hard earned cash can seem like an uphill battle. And that’s if you’ve even got past the “incompetent agent” sta...

In this episode we’re looking at all the different options you have when eating out in France. From the humble ‘menu du jour’ to Michelin starred restaurants, France has something for everyone and every budget! Listen in and make sure you get the most out of your French dining experience. Here are the sites I mention in the podcast:Les Routiers  https://www.relais-routiers.com/ Flunch  https://ww...

I thought it would be nice to start the New Year with a bit of positivity! This mini episode is my personal take on what you need to do to get the most out of your time in France. The advice applies whether you’ve been here for ages, have recently landed or are simply toying with the idea. And actually it applies even if you have no intention of moving to France! 😂And… I’m also talking about the...

To get you into the Christmas spirit I’ve devised a little Christmas quiz, so that you can see just how French you have become! Enjoy and bonnes fêtes to one and all!

A very short video where I explain a bit about the Survive France website and reveal what it can do for you!

The French are well known for their love of debate and discussion! And in this episode I’m talking about the subjects they love to discuss. And no, it’s not just food - although obviously that is a major topic1 Give it a listen and tell me which are the ‘hot topics’ that you’ve noticed coming up time and time again?

In this episode we run through everything that you need to put onto your “Renovation Checklist”! Making a list like this when you’re viewing a property and before you sign on the dotted line, will help avoid making an expensive mistake. Or at least, give you an informed idea of what you’re letting yourself in for! I’m also talking about the French Property Exhibition being held in London at the en...

Renovating in France can be super stressful and spiralling costs only add to that stress. In this episode we look at ways to keep a handle on your budget and make sure that you know what you are in for (in terms of cost at least!) before work begins. Joking aside, making sure that you don’t blow the budget simply because you have forgotten about a key element (and it can happen, trust me…), is som...

The episode is a short one but I’m covering an important subject for anyone thinking about moving to France. And if you’re already here you will know EXACTLY what I’m talking about! I’m talking about, for want of a better word, charlatans. That group of people who move over here and try to make a living from exploiting others - listen in so you know what, or who (!) to avoid.

This one is by popular request and I was delighted to be asked to talk about one of my favourite subjects - horses! Now I know not everyone moving to France will be planning to keep horses but a lot of people might be planning some type of small scale (or otherwise) agricultural activity and lots of the stuff I cover will apply. As I mention in the podcast - this is very much an overview (as alway...

In this episode I’m chatting to writer and film director Dave Hall about his first feature film,  Passing Through;   an English-language family drama shot in and around the town of Agde in Languedoc. It tells the story of an Australian couple who have just moved there to start a new life together. It's just been released on Prime Video in the UK, after winning awards at various festivals and i...

The most complicated part of moving your stuff here used to be packing the boxes and making sure they were all labelled correctly. Not any more! Thanks to changing regulations there are all sorts of hoops to jump through. But fear not! Here at France Made Simple we’ve got you covered. Listen in and you’ll find out how Moving To France Made Simple actually works 😉I really hope this is helpful and...

If you’re in France you’ve probably noticed that the cost of living seems to be on a permanent upwards trend 😢And if like me, you’re struggling on a low income, you’re probably always looking for ways to trim your outgoings. Sadly I don’t have a magic wand or even a failsafe solution but, I do have a lot of experience of living cheaply but well. After all, life is for living and there’s nothing m...

These days many of the people who are moving to France do so hoping to make a big lifestyle shift. And very often, this involves some level of sustainable and even, off-grid living. You can do this simply and cheaply and you don’t have to go the whole hog. Making just a few small changes to the way you live and consume can have a big impact on your quality of life. and your budget! In this episode...

In this episode I catch up with Tom Marron from Blevins Franks who explains (in words of one syllable, so perfect for someone like me…!) how French inheritance laws differ. And what you need to know and eventually do, so that you don’t get caught out. And of course, so that no one pays any more tax than they need to! If you’re moving to France, planning to move to France or already living in Franc...

In this short bonus episode I talk about the various places that I’ve lived in during my 23 years in France. The subject of where to live comes up over and over again and there’s no one definitive answer. Everyone’s different and everyone’s needs, wants and requirements are different. But…listening to others and learning from their experiences is a key part of the journey. Here’s my outtake on wha...

The very first episode in a new ‘Behind The Scenes’ bonus series which will be available to subscribers only. But as I’m feeling generous today I’m putting this out here for all of you lovely listeners to enjoy! Please do keep your questions coming. I love getting them and it’s always really fun answering them 😊

In this episode I am taking a (light hearted!) look at that Great British Stereotype - the unwashed French…Joking aside, there are differences and I’m always intrigued by cultural differences. And of course, when it comes to things like politeness, child rearing or let alone, personal hygiene, we always believe that ‘our’ way is the ‘right’ way. Listen in and don’t hesitate to let me know what you...

In this episode I’m talking about all the things you need to do to apply for French nationality. And of course, having made some very rookie errors myself during the process, I’ll also reveal what NOT to do! And here’s the really useful link which tells you exactly what you need to provide in terms of paperwork : https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/N111