Episodi
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Moving to France sounds straightforwardâuntil your visa gets rejected!
In this episode, Iâm chatting to immigration guru (!), or immigration GP as he prefers to be known, Fabien from FAB FRENCH INSURANCE and weâre going through the most common mistakes that cause refusals, and more importantly, how to avoid them. From incomplete documentation to weak financial justification, small errors can have major consequences.
If youâre applying for a French visa (or thinking about it), this episode will help you approach the process with clarity and confidence.
And if youâve already applied for a French visa please feel free to share your experience - good or bad!
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Every year, people move to France looking for a better lifestyle.
Some absolutely love it. Others quietly (or sometimes, not so quietly!) regret the decision.
So what makes the difference?
In this episode, I break down the 5 small (but critical) mistakes that can completely shape your experience of living in Franceâfrom finances and paperwork to language and choosing the right place to live.
Because itâs rarely one big thing that goes wrong⊠itâs the small details that catch people out.
If youâre planning a moveâor already here and wondering why it feels harder than expectedâthis one will give you some clarity. And most of all, youâll realise that youâre not alone!
đ§ Listen now
#LifeInFrance #MovingToFrance #ExpatLife #FranceLiving #StartOver #Relocation #ExpatAdvice
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Episodi mancanti?
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Moving to France after 50 can feel like the start of something wonderful⊠until it doesnât.
Behind the dream, there can be quieter challengesâloneliness, loss of routine, language barriers, and the unsettling feeling of having to rebuild a life from scratch.
In this episode â Your Best Life in France After 50: Staying Active, Social and Sane â I take a clear-eyed look at what it really takes to stay mentally and physically well when youâre living abroad later in life.
No fluff, no clichĂ©sâjust practical ways to:âą stay active (even when motivation is low)âą rebuild a social life from zeroâą manage the mental load of living in another countryâą and create a life that actually works for you here
If youâre already in France and finding it harder than expectedâor planning the move and want to go in with your eyes openâthis oneâs for you.
đ§ Listen now and start making France work for you, not the other way around.
#LifeInFrance #ExpatLife #Over50 #MovingToFrance #HealthyLiving #MentalWellbeing #StartAgain #FrenchLife
And hereâs my playlist https://music.apple.com/fr/playlist/running/pl.u-4Joma4DTaM0pNzm?l=en
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What does it take to turn a simple idea into a product people genuinely rely on for recovery?
In this weekâs episode, I sit down with Ameline, the co-founder of Baume de Mont, a locally crafted cooling massage gel born near Mont-Saint-Michel. We talk about building a business from the ground up, the realities of launching in rural France, and how lifestyle, landscape, and love all shaped their journey.
We talk about where the idea came from, the science behind how it works, and what it really takes to bring a product like this to market â from concept to something people trust on their bodies.
If youâre into fitness, recovery, or just curious about how startups actually get built, this oneâs worth a listen.
đ§ Listen now and discover the story behind the balm.
Find out more here https://baumedumont.com/en
And use my code CAT10 to get 10% off your order!
#FrenchBusiness #NormandyLife #StartupStory #Entrepreneurship #MadeInFrance
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Moving to France is often sold as a lifestyle upgradeâlong lunches, beautiful villages, and a slower pace of life. And while all of that exists, the reality of building a life here is a bit more complex...
In this episode, weâre taking off the rose (or should that be rosĂ© !) tinted spectacles and looking at what it really takes to make a success of living in France long-term. Not just the logistics, but the underlying values and personal qualities that separate those who thrive from those who struggle.
We're talking about patience in the face of mind boggling bureaucracy, resilience when things donât go to plan, humility when navigating a different culture, and the importance of adapting without losing yourself. Because ultimately, making a go of life in France isnât about changing the country, itâs about changing how you approach it.
If youâre planning a move, already here, or wondering why it feels harder than expected, this episode will give you a more grounded, realistic framework for making it work.
Grab a glass of rosé and enjoy!
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In this episode, we explore practical and realistic ways to make your French home more environmentally friendly, without losing its character or charm!
From improving insulation in older properties to choosing sustainable materials, reducing energy consumption, and navigating eco-friendly upgrades in France, this episode breaks down what actually works. And of course, as ever Iâm approaching this from a totally down to earth and lets not break the bank point of view !
Whether youâre renovating an ancient French farmhouse or updating a newer home, youâll get some ideas to lower your footprint and your bills, while creating a healthier living space.
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Taking down internal walls in a French property can transform your spaceâbut itâs rarely straightforward. In this episode, we look at whatâs really involved, from structural considerations to cleaning up the mess afterwards. And yes, thatâs the worst part!
A concise, practical reality check to help you plan smarter before you start swinging the hammer.
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Designing a dream kitchen in a French home sounds idyllicâuntil you run into the realities of old stone walls, uneven floors, and workmen that move ant their own pace. In this episode, we break down what it actually takes to create a kitchen that works for modern life while respecting the character of a French property.
From planning layouts and choosing materials to navigating French suppliers, artisans, and timelines, this is a practical look at the decisions that matter. We cover budgeting in a market where costs can escalate quickly, the trade-offs between bespoke and off-the-shelf solutions, and how to avoid common (and expensive) mistakes.
Whether youâre renovating a farmhouse, updating a village house, or starting from scratch, this episode will help you approach your kitchen project with clarityâand fewer (nasty!) surprises.
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In this episode, Iâm chatting to Ellen Hilton, a young American mum, who has made the leap across the Atlantic to start a completely new life in France. We talk candidly about the realities behind the Instagram version of expat life.
She shares what surprised her most about raising a child in France, from cultural differences in pre-school and parenting styles to the practical challenges of healthcare, administration, and everyday routines. We also get into the emotional side: identity shifts, isolation, and the small wins that make it all worthwhile.
If youâre thinking about moving to France with children - or youâre already here and wondering if everyone else is finding it just as complicated - this conversation is just what you need to hear!
And you can catch up with Ellenâs various social channels including here blog here : https://www.americaineinfrance.com
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Navigating life in France is easier when youâve got the right tools in your pocket. In this episode, we break down the most useful apps to have on your phoneâfrom transport and banking to food delivery, healthcare, and everyday admin. Whether youâre a newcomer trying to decode the system or a long-term resident looking to streamline daily life, these apps can save you time, money, and frustration.
Weâre talking essential services like getting around with ease, managing bills, finding the best local spots, and staying connected to French bureaucracy without the headache. Expect practical recommendations, insider tips, and a few lesser-known gems that even seasoned expats might not be using yet.
If you want to simplify your day-to-day life in France, this episode gives you a curated digital toolkit to get started.
And hereâs a link to the CROWDFARMING app - https://cfarm.co/mgm?lc=LC3BCK8P
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What is daily life really like in France? In this episode, we unpack the small but constant frictions of living in Franceâfrom confusing bureaucracy and slow administration to shop opening hours, strikes, customer service differences, and language barriers.
If youâre an expat, planning a move to France, or already living here and wondering why everything feels just slightly harder than expected, this episode breaks down the hidden realities behind French life.
A practical, honest look at expat life in France, French culture, and the everyday challenges that donât make it into the dreamâbut shape your experience once youâre here.
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When it comes to importing and registering vehicles in France, urban myths abound. And if you listen to âMikeâ down the Dog & Duck or rather, le Chien & Canard, you are likely to come a cropper.But never fear, weâve put together an episode all about just that. Listen in and make sure you are road legal in France.Enjoy!
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If youâre thinking about moving to France and wondering about the cost of living here, then this episode is a must. Iâm chatting through the true cost of living here, from the obvious expenses and outgoings to the hidden ones that quietly drain your budget. Let me know what you have found to be more or less expensive than back home as well as those things youâd never budgeted for!
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â100% coveredâ doesnât always mean what you think in France. In this episode, we unpack the realities of top-up health insuranceâhow the system works alongside state healthcare, where gaps can catch you out, and how to choose cover that actually protects you. Straightforward, practical, and jargon-free.
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In this episode Iâm taking a look at some of the highs and lows involved in building on an isolated plot. Lots of practical advice and some useful links and resources, plus, as always my âtell it like it isâ approach to living and working here in France!
Useful Vocabulary :
Un terrain Ă bĂątir - building plot
Un terrain isolé - isolated plot
Les rĂšgles de construction - rules determining what, in what form and where building can take place
Un terrain non viabilisé - plot without any services present
Un terrain viabilisé - plot with services present
Un bornage - the marking of the plot boundaries by a professional
Une borne - boundary marker
La zone constructible - constructible area
Le Permis de construire - planning permission
Le certificat dâurbanisme - outline planning permission
Une risque dâinnondation - flood risk
Risk Zones
Since 2006, every plot sold has to come with a declaration stating whether or not the plot is situated in a natural, seismic or man made risk zone. Natural risks are said to include flooding, avalanches, subsidence and cracking and the declarations must be dated less than six months previously.
Find plots for sale on
www.pap.fr
www.journaldesparticuliers.com
www.leboncoin.fr
Understanding an ad!
Terrain plat Ă bĂątir (flat building plot) viabilisĂ© (services present) 1.927 m2 (size) hors lotissement (non estate) prĂšs forĂȘt et centre ville (near to the forest and town centre). Certificat d'urbanisme et permis de construire acceptĂ©s (Planning permissions and consents in place). 59.000 E (price).
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In this episode Iâm looking at ways to get your property working for you and making some extra money; yes, weâre talking holiday rentals!There are numerous reasons why you might be thinking about renting out your French property and in this episode I run through some of the things you need to take into account before going down this road.Plus, thereâs a whole load of practical advice on how to get your property rental ready!Give it a listen and let me know what I have forgotten to mention!
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In this episode Iâm chatting about my first ever time at an auction in France, and covering what to do (and what not to do!) when you go to an auction in France.
Buying at auction is a fabulous way to bag a bargain and find some unique decorative pieces for your house in France. Itâs also a lot of fun! I hope you enjoy this episode and donât forget to make sure you follow the France Made Simple podcast and never miss an episode.
And hereâs the link to the online auction site I refer to - happy bidding! https://www.interencheres.com/
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In this second part, I continue chatting with Paul who is not only an accountant but also runs five gites here in France.
Weâre chatting about the financial, tax and practical aspects of running gites.
With increasing numbers of people looking at gites as a way of generating or topping up income here in France, this episode is a must listen.Itâs in two parts - âCan you run a gite?â And âShould you run a gite?â - partly because we felt that this is an important subject and thereâs a lot to take onboard.
And partly because we had a massive technical issue - a power outage on his end - so please excuse my (not terribly good) editing skills!But the information is all there and hopefully it will prove useful - enjoy!
You can get in touch with Paul directly via email [email protected] or take a look at his site www.houxservices.eu and if you contact him within the next 30 days and mention the podcast, youâll get a 10% discount off the first set of any fees should you go ahead and use his services!
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In this episode I catch up with Paul who is not only an accountant but also runs five gites here in France.Weâre chatting about the financial, tax and practical aspects of running gites. With increasing numbers of people looking at gites as a way of generating or topping up income here in France, this episode is a must listen.
Itâs in two parts - âCan you run a gite?â And âShould you run a gite?â - partly because we felt that this is an important subject and thereâs a lot to take onboard. And partly because we had a massive technical issue - a power outage on his end - so please excuse my (not terribly good) editing skills!But the information is all there and hopefully it will prove useful - enjoy!
You can get in touch with Paul directly via email [email protected] or take a look at his site www.houxservices.eu and if you contact him within the next 30 days and mention the podcast, youâll get a 10% discount off the first set of any fees should you go ahead and use his services!
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Thereâs a new episode out and itâs not an Easter special! Sorry - I didnât think of that in time but I will be doing one about Easter in France - however right now, Iâm about to sit down to a rather special Easter Sunday lunch, so youâll have to wait for that one!In the meantime, here are my answers to some of the questions sent in by you lovely lot. Please keep sending your questions - I love answering them and itâs always thought provoking.Happy Easter everyone!Cat xx
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