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 always!) as it’s a huge subject - so if you have any specific questions, please do get in touch. And I will do my very best to answer them.Useful links:Equine import regulations - https://www.ifce.fr/ifce/sire-demarches/au-cours-de-la-vie-du-cheval/importation/Find a riding club / get a licence / find out all you need to know about competing in France - https://www.ffe.com/Declare keeping your equines - https://www.ifce.fr/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/SIRE-Fiche-Detenteur.pdf
And if you want my farrier’s number - ping me a message!
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 is due to be released soon in France and the US, on Prime Video and Disney+, dates TBC.
You can watch here - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FR4YPZJ4/
There is a press release at www.davidwalterhall.com/press-release/amazon-prime-uk or you can watch the trailer at www.passingthroughmovie.com.
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 anything isn’t clear, please do message me on Insta / Facebook or just leave a comment on the podcast. Enjoy!And here are the useful links as promised!Cerfa form 10070 https://www.formulaires.service-public.fr/gf/showFormulaireSignaletiqueConsulter.do?numCerfa=10070And useful info from the French customs official site:https://www.douane.gouv.fr/dossier/trouble-free-travel-french-customs
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 more miserable than worrying about every last centime. equally there’s nothing more stressful than wondering how you are going to pay the bills.In this episode I run through some of my tried and trusted money saving hacks for life in France.
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 we run through some of the things you can do to live a more sustainable lifestyle and explain how to go about it when you move to France.
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 France, this episode is essential listening.Estate planning isn’t a particularly sexy subject but it’s vitally important!If you’ve got questions after listening to the podcast, you can get in touch with Tom via email : thomas.marron@blevinsfranks.com or Whatsapp : 0614246129
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 what has worked (and hasn’t worked!) for me. Listen in and as always, please do feel free to comment and share your thoughts.
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 think. And please do keep the suggestions for future podcast ideas coming in; I am working my way through them!
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
Looking back on my first trip to a French déchèterie or le dump (j’adore le franglais) - it was apocalyptic. Think smouldering fires and piles of rubbish. Thankfully, things have moved on! This episode looks at all you need to know when going to le dump!
And here’s a useful link from the French government site to find out more : https://www.notre-environnement.gouv.fr/
This week I catch up with George Symes from SJB - my tame pensions and investments advisor- who answers all your questions about pensions and investments in France. Not only does he really know his onions when it comes to all things pensions and savings, but he also explains stuff in an idiot prof manner..Which is what this idiot needs. Listen in to find out why an assurance vie is like a Taco…
You can book a FREE consultation with George here : https://calendly.com/george-symes-sjb-global/sjb-global-cross-border-financial-adviser-spa-clone
In this episode of the France Made Simple podcast, we tackle the age-old question: Are the French rude? Join us as we explore cultural differences and perceptions, from the importance of saying bonjour to the nuances of French social etiquette. Discover why what might seem rude to some is simply a cultural norm in France. Whether you're living in France or considering a move, this episode offers insights into embracing and understanding these cultural quirks. Tune in for a “thoughtful discussion that challenges stereotypes and encourages cultural appreciation” - alternatively, it might just make you laugh!
The French have long had a love affair with “Taking The Waters” and in this episode we look at what going for ‘La cure’ involves. And more importantly, how you can access this wonderfully relaxing and restorative health break at minimal or even no cost. You can find out about all the requirements and the illnesses covered here https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F751 - make sure you listen in and hopefully it will inspire you to go for a ‘cure’ too!
In this episode of the France Made Simple podcast, we dive into the complexities of living expenses in France. From the rising costs of everyday essentials to the surprising affordability of insurance and childcare, we explore how to navigate the financial landscape. Whether you're considering a move or simply curious, join us for insights and tips on managing your budget effectively in France.
Useful links:
https://www.hellowatt.fr/comparateur-fournisseurs-electricite-gaz/https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/R43794https://comparateur.energie-info.fr/compte/profil
This week I’m on holiday in Brittany - which is STUNNING and well worth a visit btw - and it’s very wild and windy this week! The latest episode is just a short one (due to the lack of wifi in our gite!) but it’s heartfelt. If you’re thinking about moving here or have already done so, this one will resonate because it’s all about how to get the most out of your life in France. Sometimes this is easier said than done and there’s no magic solution but hopefully my thoughts on the subject will help. You can also laugh at my mad windswept hairdo…
Whether it’s better to move to the seaside or a bit further inland can be a tricky question to answer when you’re thinking about buying a property in France! In this episode we look at the pros and cons of both and get insider info from people who have bought in both places.
Listen in and make sure you make the right choice for you!
In this episode we look at how you can reduce your outgoings and expenditure in France. If you’re like me and reel in shock at the almost daily price increases when you go shopping, you’re probably looking at ways to trim your expenses. Well, look no further! Listen in for some money saving tips and learn how to free up some cash and make your hard earned euros go a little bit further.
Today I’m talking about (or rather, banging on about…!) the cultural differences between the British and the French when it comes to talking about food.
It’s virtually a religion here. And I’m a bit of an atheist…
Listen in and prepare yourself for what life in France really entails!
In this episode we look at all the benefits available to people of working age in France - from RSA (unemployment benefit equivalent) to top up healthcare assistance. Listen in and see what might apply to your personal circumstances.