Is La bise really necessary when in France? Les bises, les bisous, les bequest, les pouts…so many words to translate to that so very French way of greeting called ” la bise”. The reality is if you have spent or intend to spend time in France, with French people, ” la bise” might simply be […]
With its reputation for picture-perfect medieval villages, stunning lavender fields and a healthier, slower pace of life, Provence seems to capture the essence of Mediterranean summers. From its sleepy inland villages to the shimmering Mediterranean sea with its glamorous Riviera resorts, Provence has something to cater to all tastes and budgets. So what is it […]
Invariably, when people visit France from the UK, they do so by car, crossing the Channel by ferry and then taking to the French roads for their annual summer holidays. Other than the obvious difference of driving on the right, what specific issues, from the permitted alcohol limit to mobile phone use, need to be […]
France offers such a wealth of history, culture and cuisines, it’s hardly surprising to find there are all kinds of fascinating festivals held throughout the country all year. While some invoke historic periods, from Roman times to Medieval, many focus on food, and are a celebration of local produce and livestock. Let’s take a look […]
If you are moving to France or plan to travel to the country for a spot of house-hunting, it’s a good idea to get on top of France’s public holidays, of which there are eleven each year. Indeed, for a country that’s proudly secular, France celebrates several Christian holidays that go largely neglected in the […]
by 1st for French Property writer Alex Sutcliffe Call it my millennial midlife crisis, but in January 2000 I sold my London flat, put my belongings into storage and arrived at a ramshackle French cottage with one suitcase, two cats and a dream of becoming a full-time writer. The village was St Jeannet, about a […]
One of the most important factors for any family in the decision to move to France has to be the children’s education. How will they fare in a new school, in a new country, using a different language? It’s a daunting thought, and obviously one that is much easier if the children involved are still […]
1st for French Property are delighted to have partnered with French Tax Online, a Certified Chartered Accountancy firm based in Marseilles, whose bilingual team is dedicated to providing a full accounting, taxation and company management service, in particular aimed at international clients who have assets in France, or who are planning to do so. Whether […]
Of all of France, the one area the British have a special affection for is the Dordogne, thanks to its quintessential French lifestyle, with beautiful rolling countryside, great sense of history and heritage, beautiful villages and excellent food. Formerly known as Perigord, Dordogne is made up of four distinct areas. To the north lies the […]
National parks are a great source of pride among the French, with millions visiting them every year for their holidays. This makes them ideal locations for anyone thinking about setting up a gite or holiday rental business, or, of course, for anyone who just loves to be out in nature. So what is a national […]