Visit France

France > Living in France

This section is about the challenges and realities of moving to France, either to retire or to setup in business. All the common problems are examined - from getting a mortgage to buy a French property to learning the language and putting your children into a French school. Each section has several parts.

Buying a property in France

1. An introduction: Buy property in France
2. How to choose a region to move to: Where to live in France
3. How to actually Find a property to buy
4. How to finance the deal: Finances of buying a house in France
5. Completing on your purchase: Close the deal

French mortgages

1. mortgages introduction: French mortgages (part 1)
2. types of mortgage and detail: French mortgages (part 2)

General French information

1. Special article: getting married in France

Moving to France - what to expect during the first few months:

1. An introduction: Living in France
2. Finding the best removal companies between the UK and France
3. Financial considerations: Finances of moving to France
4. Moving on a limited budget / how little money can you move with: Relocating on a budget
5. Language considerations: problems with learning French: Language problems for expats
6. Meeting people and becoming established: living in a French community
7. Schools and education: expat children in French schools
8. Driving: see driving in France

Property Renovation in France

Renovating a ruin or converting a barn in France? see Property renovation in France

Running a gite or gite business in France

We have several articles to cover this popular topic, essential reading if you are thinking of moving to France to run gites or holiday rentals:

1. Why run gites in France
2. How much to pay for your holiday rental business
3. Day-to-day practicalities of running a holiday business
4. Why might it fail
5. Marketing gites

Finances of Retiring to France

Concerned about the financial aspects of moving to France? see our guest articles:

1. Introduction to Expat finances in France
2. Inheritance tax in France
3. Assurance Vie (life insurance) in France
4. UK - France-double taxation treaty changes 2008
5. Expat health care France looks at the healthcare situation for expats in France, following the changes finalised at 23 November 2007 and the situation with healthcare in France for people planning to move to France

If you live in France and have experiences of French life to share, or you would like to live in France, please send us an article about yourself or your business. We would like to establish a series of 'real-life' stories for our site visitors. As well as the prestige (!) of seeing your article in print you will also gain a little publicity for your business!

Many of the topics on this page are also covered informally in our French life blog where descriptions of our day to day experiences are enhanced by comments from other experienced French expats.

See also the Expat Guide for lots more useful information to help make the transition to your expat life go as smoothly as possible.

Information within this section (and all the france this way site) is provided for guidance only and francethisway can in no circumstances be held liable for the information, which is supplied in good faith but should be verified with an appropriate legal adviser.

Other sites of interest: moving to France