First for French Property Blog

France's Public Holidays

France’s Public Holidays

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 […]

France's Glorious Gardens

France’s Glorious Gardens

There is little more uplifting than visiting a beautiful garden, especially after a long, dull winter. France has a well established history for formal chateau style gardens around Paris and the Loire Valley, but is full of other surprises, too, such as a bamboo garden in Provence and some stunning hanging gardens in the Dordogne. […]

France’s Incredible Lakes

France’s Incredible Lakes

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 […]

Moving To France – A Personal Experience

Moving To France – A Personal Experience

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 […]

International Schools vs French State School

International Schools vs French State School

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 […]

Struggling with French Tax Declarations?  Let French Tax Online Help You

Struggling with French Tax Declarations? Let French Tax Online Help You

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 […]

Living In The Dordogne

Living In The Dordogne

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 of France

National Parks of France

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 […]

The Best Walks and Hikes in France

The Best Walks and Hikes in France

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 […]