France Made Simple

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.

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!

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 plotUn terrain isolé - isolated plotLes règles de construction - rules determining what, in what form and where building can take placeUn terrain non viabilisé - plot without any services presentUn terrain viabilisé - plot with services presentUn bornage - the marking of the plot boundaries by a professional Une borne - boundary markerLa zone constructible - constructible areaLe Permis de construire - planning permissionLe certificat d’urbanisme - outline planning permissionUne risque d’innondation - flood risk Risk ZonesSince 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 onwww.pap.frwww.journaldesparticuliers.comwww.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 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 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!

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.comM: +33 (0)7 69 40 01 20 O: +33 (0)5 47 66 21 81UK: +44 (0)77 99 07 28 02paul@luxurybuyersagentfrance.com

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 the last week posting on social media about all the things that wind me up on France (believe it or not there are a few…), I thought I’d better counterbalance that with a bit of positivity.Plus, the sun is shining, I have planted my raspberry and gooseberry bushes and the bulbs are popping up. So all is good with the world here in deepest darkest La Manche.I hope you enjoy this and I’d love you to comment with your five top reasons to come on holiday here. Or even move here permanently. That way you too can experience the exhilaration of trying to get to Lidl before the cut-price raspberry bushes are sold out…Enjoy!Cat x

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

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

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 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/

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.