The Guide
Buying, renovating & living in France
Practical, up-to-date guides for Americans buying, renovating and settling into property in France — city by city, from the notaire process to the cost of living.
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Is Paris Safe? A Grounded Look at Living in the City Today
Picture this: you close your laptop after another long day, and the daydream returns. A wrought-iron balcony above…
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The European Parliament in Strasbourg: What It Means for the City
Twelve times a year, a modest neighborhood along the Ill River fills with translators, journalists, security convoys, and…
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Strasbourg Noel Market: Europe’s Oldest Christmas Tradition
Picture a city where the scent of cinnamon, orange peel, and mulled wine drifts through cobblestone streets, where…
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Adderall in France: What you Need to Know Before Settling In
Roughly 16 million Americans have an active prescription for stimulant medication, and a significant share of them travel…
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Vyvanse in France: What Expats Need to Know Before the Move
Roughly 1 in 25 American adults takes a prescription stimulant for ADHD, and Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is one of…
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France Notary Fees Calculator: How Notary Fees Works
Here’s a number that surprises almost every American buyer looking at property in France: on an existing home…
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Buying a Mill in France: Advices for Restoring a Piece of French Heritage
Roughly 30,000 mills still stand across the French countryside, quiet witnesses to centuries of rural life, of flour…
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Buying a Chateau in France: What You Need to Know Before You Fall in Love
There are roughly 45,000 chateaux standing in France today, and only a fraction ever reach the open market…
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Gun ownership in France for Americans: the rules
Picture this: you have just signed the compromis de vente on a stone farmhouse in the Dordogne, and…
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French mortgage rates: How does it works ?
One basis point. That is sometimes all that stands between a French home project that pencils out and…
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France PPL: How it is Working to be a Pilote Privé
Ever dreamed of lifting off from a small airfield in Provence, banking gently over lavender fields, and landing…
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Properties for Sale in France: Tips & Pitfalls, before Buying
Every year, thousands of international buyers begin searching for a home in France, and a striking share of…
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French Departments: A Complete Guide for International Buyers
Metropolitan France counts 96 departments, plus five overseas, and each one carries its own accent, climate, cuisine and…
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Do You Tip in France? A Clear Guide for Americans Settling In
Here is a number that surprises most Americans arriving in France: waiters and servers earn a full minimum…
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Map of Southern France: Where to Travel or Visit
Close your eyes and picture southern France. You probably see a terracotta rooftop, a plane tree shading a…