Thinking of moving to France? Or perhaps you're already there. Either way these articles can give you the benefit of experience - from those who have gone before you.  Written by contributors who are currently or recently based in France. Some relate to practical issues and others focus on pleasant distractions. Many are real life experiences. Whether it's a question of the French education system, what French hospitals are like or how many times to kiss a French person on the cheek - these articles provide both a reminder that relocating to France is a realistic option and also some light-hearted relief.

NEW 12/2/2008
Featured Article: OWNING A CHATEAU IN FRANCE
If you thought that owning a chateau in France would only be for the immensely rich, think again. This article discusses the origins of chateaux in France, how they are used now, and who buys them. It also offers advice from previous and current chateau owners.

NEW 17/1/2008
Featured Article: RUNNING AN AUBERGE IN FRANCE
For those thinking about moving to France and running a business, it may help to read this article to see if running an auberge may be the business for you. It offers advice from a couple of ex-pats, who are currently operating a successful auberge in the Midi-Pyrénées, and gives you an idea of what you need to be prepared for, should you go down this route.

Featured Article: BEST THINGS ABOUT LIVING IN FRANCE - TOP 10
If you still need convincing that living in France is for you, then perhaps this article will help you make up your mind. It lists the ten best things about living in France, from an ex-pat's point of view.

Featured Article: BRITS IN FRANCE
This article, written by a British ex-pat, gives you an insider's account of what it's like to be a Brit in France. It discusses what sort of people tend to go to live in France or buy property there, what the French think of the Brits, how easy it is to fit in, and also where in France many Brits seem to congregate.

Featured Article: CHRISTMAS IN FRANCE
If you've ever wondered what Christmas might be like in France, then this article is for you. It outlines the small differences between the British way of doing things and the French way, and suggests places that you may like to visit for the festive season.

Featured Article: SECOND HAND FRANCE
Buying or selling second hand items is a popular past-time, especially in France. There are many alternative ways to do this, and so for the newcomer to France, this article may make things a little clearer. It explains the differences between "Broccante",  "Vide Grenier" and "Depot Vente", and even includes information on selling cars in France.

Featured Article: LIVING IN FRANCE
If you've ever wondered what it's actually like living in France, then reading this article is a must. Written by an ex-pat who moved to France in 2004, it not only gives you the low down on what you may miss living there, but also examines the benefits you can enjoy living across the channel. 

Featured Article: A FRENCH KISS
An account of the various ways of greeting people in France. Should you kiss, kiss once, kiss twice or not at all? The anomalies of French etiquette are examined, and advice is offered to those unsure of the correct procedure to follow! 

Featured Article: FRENCH SCHOOL - EXPERIENCES OF A FOURTEEN-YEAR-OLD
A first-hand account of going to school in Normandy in France, knowing little of the French language or culture. The article offers an insight into the problems encountered when starting at a French school, and how they can perhaps be overcome.

Featured Article: RETIREMENT IN FRANCE
Are you planning your retirement and thinking about going to live in France permanently? This article may be of interest. It is an amusing account of a routine visit to a French doctor, and includes seven steps you can take to stay fit and healthy in your seventies. 

Featured Article: HEALTH CARE IN FRANCE: FRENCH HOSPITAL EXPERIENCE
This article gives a first hand account of a visit to a French hospital, describing how things are done in France and what sort of treatment you can expect. It also details how health care costs are met, what forms are needed and what measures you need to take with regard to health care when you move to France. 

Featured Article: OWNING GÎTES AND CHAMBRES D'HOTES (B&BS) IN FRANCE
Thinking of moving to France to set up a gîte or B&B business? This article may help. The experiences of two families are outlined, together with top tips from an expert - highlighting what you should look out for before you buy. 

Featured Article: HOW TO INSTALL A SWIMMING POOL
For those of you who have bought your dream house and are thinking of installing a swimming pool, you may want to read on. This article gives you the ins and outs of the various types of pools available to you in France, and includes tips and advice from one who has been through the process. 

Featured Article: REGISTERING COMPETITION HORSES IN FRANCE
Although this an article primarily of interest to those who are thinking of taking their horses to France in order to compete, others may also appreciate hearing of the experiences of Angela Allen and family. From horse passport issues to obtaining export licences and to the eventual registration of their horses, this has been a long-haul struggle which is still on-going.

Featured Article: STARTING SCHOOL IN FRANCE
Joanna Simm's article about her experience of finding suitable schools for her children  makes very interesting reading and offers hope to would-be ex-pats whose offspring might initially struggle to make the transition. 

Featured Article: BUYING AND COOKING FRENCH FOOD
Almost everyone who moves to France loves French food. But doing the French food thing on a daily basis can be a bit of a shock to the system for expats. A real life look at what to expect and how to cope.

Featured Article: TRAVELLING TO FRANCE WITH PETS
If you've got pets or animals in your life and you've made your mind up to move to France then you should read this article. It covers many of the points that you should consider carefully before jumping in the car . Clear practical advice covering legal, comfort and health points of view from someone who has been through it themselves.

Featured Article: LEARNING TO SPEAK FRENCH
One of the biggest challenges when moving to France is to learn the language. For most this is quite an ordeal and one that is best approached with a sense of humour. If you need advice or encouragement then read these real life experiences from Joanna Simm who recently moved over to France with her family.