If you're moving to France (or even if you've already moved), this section offers practical advice to prepare you for all aspects of your new life "en France". From sorting out your utilities to understanding how the French education system works, these articles aim to help you on your way. Helpful hints to make your move as smooth as possible and eliminate any nasty surprises. And if you can't find what you're looking for let us know and we'll see what we can do. We might even write an article for you!

NEW 21/5/2009
Featured Article: DRIVING IN FRANCE
This article discusses all things to do with driving in France. It includes information on the driving rules and regulations that currently exist in France, speed limits, drink driving laws and also discusses that confusing issue of who gives way to who at junctions and roundabouts.

Featured Article: FISHING IN FRANCE
For those anglers amongst you, this article may be of interest. It is a guide to fishing and fishing holidays in France, and includes information on what types of fishing are available and where in the country you can do the different types of fishing. It also discusses property available in France with fishing on the premises.

Featured Article: MOVING TO FRANCE - HOW TO GO ABOUT IT
Moving to France is a big step, and there are numerous things to think about and take care of, both before you leave the UK and also once you've arrived in France. This article discusses how might you go about it, offering advice along the way.

Featured Article: HOLIDAYS IN FRANCE
If you need help deciding what to do on holiday in France, then this article might be of interest. With a wonderful climate and magnificent scenery, France caters for all. From pursuing activities whilst on holiday such as cycling, skiing or walking, to those more gentle past-times of sun-bathing, wine-tasting and cooking, there is sure to be something for you.   

Featured Article: BRITTANY FERRIES
This is a guide to the French company, Brittany Ferries, who was voted the best ferry operator in 2007 in the Telegraph Travel Awards. Find out why they might be the service to use, especially for those people with property or looking for property in western France. Routes are discussed, as are facilities and accommodation onboard its vessels. 

Featured Article: WORKING IN FRANCE
For those thinking about moving to France and needing to find work once there, this article may be of interest. It discusses the differences between the British and and the French way of doing things, and includes information on the need for qualifications, holidays and the 35-hour week.   

Featured Article: BUILDERS IN FRANCE
This article outlines how you go about finding a builder in France, what to look out for and check once you've found one, and how builders are normally paid. It also includes advice on whether French builders or English builders might be more suitable for you.  

Featured Article: TAXE FONCIÈRE AND TAXE D'HABITATION - PROPERTY TAX IN FRANCE
If you are thinking of buying a property in France, or even renting a property in France, you may or may not be aware of the taxes that will be incurred. This article discusses the two property taxes in France, Taxe Foncière and Taxe d'Habitation, and gives you an idea, prior to your move, of what you can expect to pay once in France. 

Featured Article: BRIVE AIRPORT
The building of a new airport in France is big news, with the new airport development at Brive being no exception. Now not expected to open until 2009, this article discusses the effect that this airport will have on the Limousin region of France and the areas close by, and also how it might affect those thinking of buying or already owning property there. 

Featured Article: INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS IN FRANCE
This article briefly discusses the education options available to those children living in France, and in particular explores International Schools. It explains how International Schools operate, suggests the advantages and disadvantages of going to an International School, and also advises where these schools can be found.

Featured Article: INTERNET ACCESS IN FRANCE
Internet access is a necessity for most people living in France. This article includes information on how you go about getting Internet access in the first place, the differences to look out for between internet access in the UK and that in France, and how to overcome problems that you may encounter along the way.   

Featured Article: CYCLING AND MOTORCYCLING IN FRANCE
If you've ever considered cycling or motorcycling in France, but haven't yet managed to summon the energy, this article will spur you into action. Advice is offered from experienced cyclists and bikers, which includes information on road safety in France, travelling with bikes, and suggestions as to where to cycle.   

Featured Article: PLUMBING IN FRANCE
This article guides you through the differences between plumbing in France and plumbing in the UK, and explains how plumbing systems operate in France. It also advises which jobs may be suitable for a competent DIY enthusiast, and which must be left for the professionals.  

Featured Article: ELECTRICS IN FRANCE - WIRING YOUR HOUSE
Moving from the UK to live in France will involve quite a few changes for most people. Getting to grips with the electrics once there will probably not be at the top of your list of things to do, but it is certainly worth understanding the system in France at some point. And for those with renovation projects on the go, this will no doubt be necessary sooner rather than later. This article outlines the differences in electrics between the two countries, and includes information on sockets, plugs, wiring and power supply.  

Featured Article: SAVINGS AND INVESTMENTS IN FRANCE
Protecting savings and investments and earning the most from them, is of utmost importance to most people. It takes careful monitoring, even in the UK. And for those of you who have decided to move, it will mean further work, as existing plans may not offer the same benefits if you are now living in France. This article offers advice on the best saving and investment options that are currently available in France, and outlines who they might suit.  

Featured Article: HEALTH CARE IN FRANCE
Sorting out health care in France can be confusing for some, as there are different rules for people in different situations. This article guides you through the options and the steps involved, for those who are intending to become French residents as well as for those who are remaining UK nationals. You'll find information on EHICs, E106 forms, E121 forms and that sought after carte vitale, as well as advice on how to find doctors and how the health care system in France actually works. 

Featured Article: SEPTIC TANKS IN FRANCE
Waste disposal is not the nicest of topics to discuss, but it is one which is essential if you are thinking of buying a property and living in France. This article discusses which properties in France might need a septic tank or fosse septique installed, or indeed have one already there, how it works and how you should care for it. Of course being in France, there are also rules and regulations which need to be adhered to, and these are outlined.

Featured Article: SARKOZY AND FRENCH PROPERTY OWNERS
French politics may not be everyone's cup of tea, but if you are thinking of buying a property in France or indeed you already do, then this article may be of interest to you. It outlines the changes that the new French president Nicholas Sarkozy is due to make or has already made, and advises how these changes may affect you and your life in France.

Featured Article: PROPERTY GRANTS AVAILABLE IN FRANCE
For those thinking of buying a property in France which needs work, and who would like financial assistance with this, there may be a French grant for you. This article outlines the grants that are currently available and lets you know where you can find out more information about them.

Featured Article: TAKING A CAR TO FRANCE AND REGISTERING IT IN FRANCE
This articles explains how to go about registering a car in France, whether it be one that you have brought from the UK, or one that you have bought in France. It advises on the paperwork you need to gather, and goes through the procedures involved step by step.

Featured Article: GETTING YOUR UK PENSION PAID IN FRANCE
Sorting out finances is an important issue for those about to retire to France. This article explains how you go about claiming your UK pension in France, how this might be paid, and the tax implications involved. It also discusses how you might be able to claim a French pension and how pensioners can register for health care in France.

Featured Article: SURVEYORS IN FRANCE
To use a surveyor and have a survey carried out on your prospective property in France, or not to use a surveyor? This is an important decision for all and a difficult decision for many. Possibly already financially stretched, it may seem like an unnecessary expense. This article guides you through your options and explains the French way of doing things. It also offers advice from professionals.

Featured Article: FERRIES TO FRANCE
Travelling by ferry is a popular way of getting to France, though with the vast number of ports and ferry companies to choose from, it can sometimes be a confusing business. This article outlines which ferry companies serve which port, and which ferry company may be more suitable for whom. Fares, disabled access and travelling with pets are other topics also discussed. 

Featured Article: TRAVEL FRANCE
If you have a property in France or are thinking of buying one in the near future, it may be worth reading this article about how to get around France once in the country, whether you've arrived by ferry, aeroplane or train. It not only outlines the various methods of transport available to you, but it also explains how the road system works in France and the costs involved, as well as discussing the ins and outs of taking pets and bicycles on trains. 

Featured Article: HOUSE INSURANCE IN FRANCE
This article explains the ins and outs of house insurance in France. It includes advice on how using an English-speaking company might make things easier should your French not be up to scratch, how a French policy might differ from a UK policy, and how renting out a property can affect your premium and cover.

Featured Article: REMOVALS AND MOVING TO FRANCE
Organising a move to France can be stressful business. This article examines the advantages and disadvantages of doing this yourself, or hiring a removal company to do it for you. It offers advice on what you should consider when choosing a removal company, should this be the way you want to go, and how you can make things easier for all concerned prior to the actual move.  

Featured Article: LEARNING FRENCH
Whether you're thinking of moving to France to live or perhaps thinking of buying a holiday home there, being able to speak and understand French can only be of benefit to you. This article outlines how to go about learning French and the options open to you, both in this country before you leave and what you can do once in France.  

Featured Article: TELEVISION IN FRANCE AND FRENCH TV
If you're wondering whether to get rid of your television set before moving to France, thinking that it won't work there or perhaps that you may not need a TV in France, then this article may change your mind. It covers all aspects of French TV, including TV Licences, equipment and the channels available in France. It even offers an insight into the types of programmes broadcast on French TV. 

Featured Service: FRENCH LEGAL SERVICES
Sometimes you need advice that you can rely on. Use this link to get the help of an English bilingual solicitor specialising in French law. And contrary to many lawyers, any work that is required can often be done on a fixed price basis.

Featured Article: TAX IN FRANCE
Tax can be confusing at the best of times, so maybe this guide can help. It gives you an idea of all those taxes you should be prepared for, if you are thinking of moving to live in France or even just thinking of buying property in France. It outlines some of the differences to expect between paying tax in the UK and paying tax in France, and includes information on taxe foncière, taxe d'habitation, income tax, inheritance tax and wealth tax. 

Featured Article: PETS AND ANIMALS IN FRANCE
This article outlines some of the things you should be prepared for, if you are considering keeping pets or animals in France. It describes common ailments found in France, reports on the French bureaucracy involved in owning animals, and advises on certain French veterinary procedures and practices. 

Featured Article: HORSES IN FRANCE
Should you be planning to keep horses in France, then this article will be worth reading. Advice is offered on land and stabling issues, livery in France and how it differs from the UK, insurance, French vets and even where to buy your feed. The article also discusses how you can best protect your horses from those annoying pests such as ticks and flies. 

Featured Article: CAR INSURANCE IN FRANCE
It's worth spending some time considering your car insurance options when wanting to drive in France. This article covers the different things you need to think about before you go, whether hiring a car might be the best option for you, or if perhaps leaving a car in France might be a good idea. It also outlines how you go about sorting out car insurance with a French car insurance company, and whether getting French plates is mandatory or not. 

Featured Article: LIFE IN FRANCE
If you're considering a life in France, you'll know that many things need to be taken into consideration. This article not only offers advice on what you should think about before making the move, but also deals with many issues such as learning the language, French etiquette and cultural differences. The benefits of living near British ex-pat communities are also examined, and advice is given on where these communities can be found.    

Featured Article: JOBS IN FRANCE
Finding a job can be hard wherever you live. This article aims to help those who want or need to find jobs in France, whether they are still in the planning stages of moving to France or whether they are already settled in France. It offers advice on the sort of work available, whether learning the language is absolutely necessary, and where the British expatriate communities are. It even briefly explains who to contact in France with regard to the possible benefits you may be able to receive, should you not be able to find work.   

Featured Article: BANKING IN FRANCE
An article offering advice on the various options available to you when banking in France, including how you go about setting up a French bank account, and what penalties are awarded for bouncing a cheque in France!

Featured Article: SPORT IN FRANCE
France is not only the most visited country in the world for holidays - it also has some of the best locations for a wide variety of sports. For the more sporty house buyers, this may effect where you buy your property, as distance and time taken to get to these areas will be important factors to consider.  

Featured Article: CONNECTING UTILITIES IN FRANCE (WATER, GAS, ELECTRIC, TELEPHONE AND SEWAGE)
For many people buying property in France, connecting utilities is somewhat of an afterthought, to be done once all the dust has settled. But it does pay to be informed. This article outlines what you should look out for with regard to utilities when buying a property and how you go about connecting utilities once in France.  

Featured Article: INTRODUCTION TO FRANCE
An introduction to France. From the landscape to the people, this article provides you with a quick tour of the regions and an overview of many aspects of France and French life.

Featured Article: FRENCH EDUCATION SYSTEM - SCHOOLS IN FRANCE
Discover what makes the French school system different to the UK education system, the different types of school available and how you can help your children overcome language difficulties.

Featured Article: FRENCH PUBLIC HOLIDAYS / BANK HOLIDAYS
Yet another advantage of relocating to France is that the French get three more public holidays every year than we do in the UK (five more in certain departments!). Make sure you know when things are shutting down by consulting out complete list of French public holidays.

Featured Article: WEATHER IN FRANCE
Fed up of the rain in the UK? Learn where you should be looking in France if you want to enjoy the sunshine and avoid the showers. A comprehensive overview of the climate in different areas of France which is essential reading for anyone wishing to escape grey skies for good in favour of sunnier climes.