France Made Simple

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.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

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 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

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 Studentscontact@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