While many flock to France’s beautiful coasts for holidays of sun, sea and sand, their very popularity has also made them expensive and busy. For all the beauty of a water view without the bustle, lakes make for a stunning alternative. Unlike Italy or Switzerland, France isn’t particularly known for its lakes, but there are […]

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 […]

If the time has come to sell your second or holiday home in France, British owners, as non-EU citizens, must now engage a Tax Representative to handle the calculation and payment of their Impôt sur les Plus Values, or Capital Gains Tax (CGT). Who pays CGT? In France, CGT is payable on the sale of […]

Following all the recent confinements and travel restrictions, many have taken up walking for the benefits of fresh air, healthy exercise and the chance to admire some wonderful scenery. With such amazing diversity of landscapes, it’s little wonder that France is fantastic for walking, with thousands of kilometres of well-maintained and signposted trails suited to […]

As the full ramifications of Brexit are beginning to set in, let’s take a look at some basics for anyone looking to buy property in France, either to live in full time or as a second home. In this second part of a two-part article, we’ll explore issues around driving licences, pet passports, health care, […]

After four long years, Brexit has finally happened, and we are becoming increasingly aware of how it is going to change all our lives, from holidaymakers who love to visit France, to homeowners who love to stay for months at a time. In this, the first of a two-part guide, we’ll look at visiting France […]