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Expat Guides
Use the filters below to explore by topic or category which are Business Tips; Expat Guides; Regions of France
Expat Guides
Blog posts designed to help expats and international residents settle in to French life


The Expat Reality Check: 10 Things Nobody Tells You About Living in France
Because moving to France isn’t all sunshine, wine, croissants and long lunches. Although, to be fair, those bits aren’t bad.
4 days ago4 min read


One Place for Every Stage of Your Life in France
France means something different to everyone. For some, it's the dream of moving to the countryside; for others, it's buying a holiday home, starting a business, retiring in the sunshine or simply making the most of life in a beautiful part of the world.
Oct 264 min read


Getting Married in France
Dreaming of getting married in France?
Whether you imagine a countryside château, rustic vineyard, elegant manor house, beach ceremony or intimate village wedding, France offers some of the most beautiful wedding locations in the world.
But planning a wedding abroad can also feel complicated.
Oct 264 min read


Living in Rural France
Dreaming of life in rural France — or already living it? Country life is wonderful… but it comes with its own challenges too.
Rolling countryside.
Beautiful villages.
Space.
Slower living.
Community.
For many people, moving to rural France is the dream.
But once the excitement settles, reality kicks in.
Oct 263 min read


Setting Up a Business in France
Starting a business in France? You don’t have to figure it all out alone.
Whether you’re launching a new business, becoming self-employed, opening a gîte, buying an existing business or relocating your company to France, starting out can feel exciting — and overwhelming at the same time.
Because alongside the dream comes a long list of questions.
How do you register a business?
What insurance do you need?
Who helps with tax?
How do you market yourself?
Oct 263 min read


Owning a Second Home in France
Do you own — or are you thinking about buying — a second home in France?
Keeping everything running smoothly from another country isn’t always easy.
A place in France should feel like freedom.
Long weekends.
Summer stays.
Family time.
A peaceful escape.
Oct 264 min read


Retiring to France
Dreaming of retiring to France? Let’s make it feel exciting — not overwhelming.
For many people, retiring to France is the dream.
A slower pace of life.
Beautiful countryside.
Better weather.
Long lunches, local markets and time to enjoy life.
Oct 264 min read


Moving to France
Suddenly you’re navigating paperwork, insurance, utilities, language barriers, healthcare, banking, internet setup, local services and figuring out how everyday life actually works.
Oct 264 min read


Running a Gite in France
Running a gite in France? You don’t have to do it alone. Owning a gîte, holiday cottage, chambre d’hôte or short-term rental in France can be incredibly rewarding. But behind every beautiful guest experience is a long list of moving parts. And finding reliable people in France — especially English-speaking businesses who understand the expectations of international guests — isn’t always easy. That’s where Biz Où? and its trusted local support comes in. We’re building a ca
Oct 263 min read


Buying a Home in France: A Guide for Expats
Whether you're dreaming of a village house, a countryside farmhouse, a renovation project or a property with business potential, it's a great place to start exploring. And because buying a property in France is about more than finding the right house
Oct 263 min read


Handholding Services in France
In France a Hand Holder is a personal assistant who guides expats and newcomers through complex french bureaucracy, acting as a translater and fulfilling admin support taks. They alleviate stress by managing official processes for those unfamiliar with the French system or language, from simple form-filling to co
Oct 203 min read


When Tourist Businesses Close for Winter: The Tourist, the Resident and the Business-owner
You arrive in a picturesque village in summer and everything is alive: cafés buzzing, terraces full, shops open, flowers in window boxes. Return in winter and the same place feels quieter, slower, even romantic. Wooden shutters are closed. Signs on restaurant doors politely announce: “Reopening in spring.”
Oct 203 min read


How to Sell Your House Privately in France
Thinking about selling your house in France without using an estate agent? Yes — you can. But private sale doesn’t mean doing everything yourself. There are still diagnostics, legal documents, contracts, tax considerations and a notaire involved. The difference is that you take responsibility for marketing the property and dealing directly with potential buyers rather than giving an estate agent a mandate to do it for you. And there are some genuine advantages to doing that —
Sep 279 min read


How to Buy a House in France: A Practical Guide for English Speakers
Buying a house in France can be an exciting adventure — whether you’re looking for a permanent home, a holiday house, a property to renovate
Sep 258 min read


Why Not Spend Winter in France?
What if this winter could be different?
Instead of dark mornings, crowded commutes and the same four walls…
Imagine waking up in France.
Sep 155 min read


Looking After Yourself in France: It's More Than Just Good Food and Sunshine
One of the reasons so many of us choose to live in France is the promise of a better lifestyle. Slower mornings, beautiful countryside, fresh food and a chance to escape the constant rush that many of us left behind.
But looking after yourself isn't just about where you live. It's about making time for your health, your wellbeing and the little things that help you feel your best.
Jul 255 min read


Choosing the Right Financial Adviser: Why Regulation, Expertise and Trust Matter
When it comes to international financial planning, choosing the right adviser isn't just important it can be one of the most significant dec
Jul 135 min read


50 Little Things That Make Living in a French Village So Special
People ask what it’s really like to live in a French village.The truth is, it’s not one big thing that makes it special. It’s 50 little ones
Jul 42 min read


Top 10 Mistakes People Make When Choosing a Builder in France (And How to Avoid Them)
France has many excellent tradespeople, but like anywhere, there are also those who overpromise, underdeliver or simply aren’t the right fit
Jun 233 min read


French Paperwork Giving You a Headache? This Is Where Admin Services Help
The right administration support service helps you navigate French systems with confidence — while making sure regulated advice comes from the right qualified professional.
Jun 133 min read
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