Expat Guides
- Best Places to Buy a Home in France - Joe Laredo
The Best Places to Buy a Home in France is essential reading for anyone planning to buy property in France, and is designed to help you avoid costly mistakes and save endless hours researching local property prices and availability. It is the most comprehensive and up to date source of information available for anyone wishing to explore the property market in France before buying a home, and also includes important information about local amenities and services.
- Build Your Dream House in France - David Murray
There are currently 100,000 Britons living in France, and several factors make it the preferred location for them, such as its geographical proximity to the UK, the availability of health, education and transport services, a lower population density than the UK, and climatic and cultural factors. When looking to purchase a property, often only two options are considered: buying a finished property or one which needs renovating. There is, however, a third option which is extremely popular in France, namely to select one of the fully insured house builders who will take full responsibility for building a property to your design on a piece of land in the location that you have chosen.
David Murray has overseen the building of several houses in the south of France, where he now lives and works. Fluent in French and with experience of contract law, he wishes to share his experiences with others, and help them to profit from this extremely flexible solution to owning a property in France - a solution that provides maximum choice and a full guarantee.
- Buying a Home in France - David Hampshire
Buying a Home in France is required reading for anyone planning to buy property in France. It contains a wealth of priceless information and insider tips to help guide you through the French property jungle, and save you time, trouble and money.
David Hampshire was born in England and after serving in the Royal Air Force he was employed for many years in the computer industry, before taking up writing full-time in the ’80s. His work has taken him around the world and he has lived and worked in many countries, including Australia, France, Germany, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Panama, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland and the USA. David is an authority on living, working, retiring and buying property abroad, and is the author, co-author or editor of over 20 titles, including the best-selling Living and Working in America, Australia, Britain, Canada, France, London, New Zealand, Spain and Switzerland. David lives in Bath, England with his partner Alexandria.
- Buying a House in France - Andre de Vries
The only annually updated guide to buying property in France, Buying a House in France 2009 gives inside information on the up-and-coming areas in France, where the bargains are to be found as well as full coverage of the regions already popular with British buyers. Many Brits dream of buying property in France and thanks to Eurostar and budget airlines the country is now closer than ever. This guide provides everything you need to know buy a house whether for use as a second home, weekend retreat, base while working abroad, investment or retirement home.
André was born in Ghent Belgium, but grew up in the UK and went to university in Cambridge, where he studied Indian languages and linguistics. After university his first job was teaching English to the Iranian army in Isfahan; subsequently he taught English in Germany and at a Zen temple and local high schools in Japan. He has also picked fruit in France, been a cook in Belgium and worked in a data processing office in Cologne, Germany. Since 2003 André has been a full-time translator from Dutch, French and German into English, concentrating on legal translation. He makes regular trips to Belgium and France to do research and to keep up with the latest developments in legislation and the world of business.
- Buying a Property: France - Mark Igoe
"This comprehensive guide to buying property in France is written by local experts and packed with essential information on every step of the process: dealing with estate agents, surveys, insurance, letting for income, building from scratch and renovation. The guide gives reassuring help with settling in; and there's all the specialist legal advice you need: on money transfer, ownership, mortgages, contracts, taxes, visas, wills, permits and fees. For a new start, a business project, a second home or a dream retirement, this book will prove indispensable." This book uncovers the best places for you to buy, from Brittany to the Cote d'Azur. It gives the lowdown on visas, work permits and education.
- Culture Wise France - Joe Laredo
Travellers often underestimate the depth of cultural isolation they can face abroad, particularly in a country with a different language. To some people, France may seem an ‘easy’ option, with its millions of annual visitors and hundreds of thousands of foreign residents. However, sooner or later, most newcomers find many aspects of French life alien – bureaucracy, food and language, for example – and some come unstuck as a result.
- Dictionary of French Building Terms - Richard Wiles
This essential dictionary and phrase book includes every term you need to know when buying, maintaining, renovating or building a home in France. Accessible and comprehensive, it includes the technical words you won’t find in an ordinary dictionary for tools and equipment and every aspect of painting, carpentry, roofing, plumbing and drainage.
Currently living in France, Richard Wiles is the author of the bestselling books Bon Courage! and Bon Chance! He was previously a journalist and is also the author of several DIY manuals.
- Earning Money From Your French Home - Jo Taylor
Earning Money From Your French Home is essential reading for anyone planning to invest in property in France and the most up-to-date source of practical information available. It is packed with vital information and tips on running property-related businesses, including bed & breakfast (chambres d'hôte), gîtes, long-term letting (including buy-to-let), leaseback and running a business from home. Earning Money From Your French Home is the most comprehensive book available for property owners wishing to profit from their home in France, containing priceless tips from other foreigners who have already made money from their French homes.
- Essential Questions to Ask When Buying a House in France - Mark Samson
You’re planning to take the plunge and invest in your dream: a property and a life in France. How can you be sure to avoid mistakes? This book will take you step by step through all the questions you need to ask, such as: • Has thi...
- France - Culture Smart - Barry Tomalin
Culture Smart! provides essential information on attitudes, beliefs and behavior in different countries, ensuring that you arrive at your destination aware of basic manners, common courtesies, and sensitive issues. These concise guides tell you what to expect, how to behave, and how to establish a rapport with your hosts. This inside knowledge will enable you to steer clear of embarrassing gaffes and mistakes, feel confident in unfamiliar situations, and develop trust, friendships, and successful business relationships. Culture Smart! offers illuminating insights into the culture and society of a particular country. It will help you to turn your visit-whether on business or for pleasure-into a memorable and enriching experience.
- French or Foe - Polly Platt
In French or Foe?, Platt takes you, step by step - peppered with funny real-life anecdotes - through the things you have to know in order to interact comfortably with French people and to do business effectively with them, from explanations of the Six Politeness Codes to buying bread and dealing with the bureaucracy to, finally, what happens in French companies and why it happens, and why... ... why French meetings don't end in decisions ... why you're better off not saying "tu" at the office French or Foe? explores the cultural hurdles to understanding French people...
Polly Platt's love affair with France started when, at eight, her parents dumped her in a château with no one to talk to but the servants and a donkey. Later she would say that the sweetness of the servants and the orneriness of the donkey were the daily tug of war that was the French genius, which she would study more closely when, breaking off a career in journalism, she moved there with her family in 1967. In 1989, distressed at the French-bashing parties of Americans in Paris, she founded Culture Crossings and began giving cultural adaptation seminars for foreigners, executives from companies such as General Motors, 3M, Coca Cola, Microsoft and JP Morgan.
- How to Renovate a House in France - David Ackers
This book is designed for anyone who has bought (or is thinking of buying) a place in France whether it is a dilapidated manor house in need of total restoration, or a charming little cottage that would benefit from a bit of freshening up. With more than 170 full colour illustrations, this is a book packed with ideas, inspiration and know-how, aimed at all kinds of people renovating in France. Some readers may want to do most of the work themselves, while others may intend to hand the whole project over to the professionals. Whichever route is taken, How to Renovate aims to show whats involved in renovating traditional homes in France, from the initial planning, through to choosing the right materials, and how to put it all together.
- Live and Work in France - Andre de Vries
Live & Work in France is the definitive book to living and working in France and is full of personal case histories from people who have made the move there. Giving essential information on French customs, laws and regulations and way of life, Live & Work in France offers expert advice on: securing a residence permit, getting the best health care, making friends with the locals, opening the right bank account, finding your ideal home, obtaining a competitive mortgage, dealing with surveys and conveyancing and making the most of French culture.
André was born in Ghent Belgium, but grew up in the UK and went to university in Cambridge, where he studied Indian languages and linguistics. After university his first job was teaching English to the Iranian army in Isfahan; subsequently he taught English in Germany and at a Zen temple and local high schools in Japan. He has also picked fruit in France, been a cook in Belgium and worked in a data processing office in Cologne, Germany. Since 2003 André has been a full-time translator from Dutch, French and German into English, concentrating on legal translation. He makes regular trips to Belgium and France to do research and to keep up with the latest developments in legislation and the world of business.
- Living and Working in France - David Hampshire
Living and Working in France, first published in 1993 and now in its 9th edition, is the most accurate, comprehensive and up-to-date book available about daily life – and is essential reading for newcomers. What's it really like Living and Working in France?
David Hampshire was born in England and after serving in the Royal Air Force he was employed for many years in the computer industry, before taking up writing full-time in the '80s. His work has taken him around the world and he has lived and worked in many countries, including Australia, France, Germany, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Panama, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland and the USA. David is an authority on living, working, retiring and buying property abroad, and is the author, co-author or editor of over 20 titles, including the best-selling Living and Working in America, Australia, Britain, Canada, France, London, New Zealand, Spain and Switzerland. David lives in Bath, England with his partner Alexandria.
- Living and Working in France - Genevieve Brame
Whether you are going to France for work, study or pleasure, Living and Working in France: Chez vous en France will be your trusted companion. Genevieve Brame’s book, first published in 1993, shines a practical, political and cultural spotlight on French values and customs. The author gives you the keys to unlock the mysteries of the country she knows best – her own.
Geneviéve Brame was born in Normandy. At the University of Caen, she took a degree in humanities and then a Master's in international human resources management. Since 1996, Geneviéve has worked as a consultant in the International Mobility Department (Global Employment Solutions) at HSD Ernst & Young in Paris.
- Love a la Francaise - Polly Platt
Sex and the City with a French accent. France-based Platt, former New York Post journalist turned intercultural consultant, puts her investigative skills to work, and Love à la française sparkles with bona fide reports from the trenches. ...
- Making a Living in France - Joe Laredo
Making a Living in France is a practical, down-to-earth guide for those who want their new life in France to be as profitable as possible (who doesn't?). It contains detailed, straightforward advice about looking for a job, the pros and cons of being self-employed, and how to fulfil the dream of starting your own business. Whether you're a builder, a teacher, a health professional or an IT specialist, or you wish to open a shop or restaurant, Making a Living in France will help you to make a success of it.
- Renovating and Maintaining you French Home - Joe Laredo
Renovating & Maintaining Your French Home is essential reading for anyone owning or planning to buy property in France, and the most up-to-date source of practical information available. It is guaranteed to take the headache out of modernising, extending or maintaining your French home – and, most importantly – will save you time trouble and money! Renovating & Maintaining Your French Home is the most comprehensive and up to date book about improving and looking after French property, and contains a wealth of valuable information that is not found in other publications.
- Retiring in France - David Hampshire
As with all life-changing decisions, the key to a successful retirement in France is planning ahead and doing as much research as possible before you go. This is where this book will prove invaluable. Written specifically for retirees (and prospective retirees) in France, Retiring in France is worth its weight in sunshine.
David Hampshire was born in England and after serving in the Royal Air Force he was employed for many years in the computer industry, before taking up writing full-time in the ’80s. His work has taken him around the world and he has lived and worked in many countries, including Australia, France, Germany, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Panama, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland and the USA. David is an authority on living, working, retiring and buying property abroad, and is the author, co-author or editor of over 20 titles, including the best-selling Living and Working in America, Australia, Britain, Canada, France, London, New Zealand, Spain and Switzerland. David lives in Bath, England with his partner Alexandria.
- Running Gîtes & B&Bs in France - Jo Taylor
France's beautiful and varied landscape and relaxed lifestyle have wide appeal, and over the last few decades hundreds of thousands of foreigners have purchased property there. Buying a home in France continues to be at the top of many people's wish-list, but, increasingly, property owners want to make the most of their investment and use it to supplement their income or pension. One of the best ways to do this is by providing gîte or bed and breakfast accommodation. Running Gîtes & B&Bs in France is essential reading for prospective `landlords' and provides readers with a step-by-step guide to establishing and running a successful gîte or bed and breakfast business. Whether you plan to do this from abroad, using a local agent or manager, or as a full- or part-time resident in France, this book will prove invaluable.
- Rural Living in France - Jeremy Hobson
Many people dream of moving to rural France - somewhere warm and sunny where days can be spent al fresco basking in the shade of a tree. In their mind's eye they see themselves relaxing over a leisurely lunch of newly-baked baguettes from the...
- Savoir Flair - Polly Platt
Think of France as a new game, with rules that you need to know, just the same as if you wanted to learn how to play tennis or chess. Savoir-Flair is for travelers who are curious about the customs of a very old culture of warriors and artists...
- Starting a Business in France - Andre de Vries
A title for all those people who dream of starting or buying and running a business in France but don't know where to begin. It gives all the information and advice needed on the practicalities and legalities of setting up or buying a business and explores the possibilities for running businesses such as guest-houses, shops and farms as well as the potential for setting yourself up as a professional craftsman.
André was born in Ghent Belgium, but grew up in the UK and went to university in Cambridge, where he studied Indian languages and linguistics. After university his first job was teaching English to the Iranian army in Isfahan; subsequently he taught English in Germany and at a Zen temple and local high schools in Japan. He has also picked fruit in France, been a cook in Belgium and worked in a data processing office in Cologne, Germany. Since 2003 André has been a full-time translator from Dutch, French and German into English, concentrating on legal translation. He makes regular trips to Belgium and France to do research and to keep up with the latest developments in legislation and the world of business.
- The Complete Guide to Buying Property in France - Charles Davey
This fully revised fourth edition of The Complete Guide to Buying Property in France is packed with expert advice on all aspects of purchasing and maintaining a property in France, including finance, taxation, inheritance and property rental. This new edition of a popular book deals with the details of buying or renting a home in France in a practical, straightforward style. It will help you to avoid the pitfalls and turn the dream of a home in France into reality.
Charles Davey graduated from Oriel College, Oxford. He studied Law at Nottingham Law College and is a practising barrister.
- The French Property Buyer's Handbook - Natalie Avella
This essential new book takes you through all the stages of buying a house and moving to France, covering everything a non-French person needs to know about: buying a house in France; choosing the right area; the different property styles; looking for the right property; dealing with property agents; building your own house; arranging finance for the purchase; negotiating the property transaction; moving to France; moving into your new house; getting all the paperwork right; opening bank accounts and tax; health and the French social security system; running a gite business; finding a job or starting a business in France; plus hundreds of tips and lots of advice on all those small matters that are key to making your purchase in France a success.
Natalie Avella is a part-time design writer and full-time francophile. She lives in London, fortunately close to Waterloo and an easy hop to the south of France.
- Using Tradesmen in France - Duncan Webster
Properties in France, like properties everywhere, need maintenance and modernization. Periodically things go wrong and their owners face plumbing, electrical and other problems, some minor and others that could be classified as emergencies. If you do not speak French, or have only a rudimentary grasp of the language, then it can prove difficult to deal with these domestic situations.
Duncan and Lesley Webster have over fifty years' experience of marketing research, planning, strategy and management. For fifteen years they ran ran their own UK marketing services agency. The success of this enterprise allowed them to fulfil their long-term goal of moving to France which they did in 2003. With few, if any, DIY skills, they soon discovered the unknown world of the French artisan. This book is a result of their experiences. Resident - France
All the best
