This French Life

Author: Craig McGinty

  • French mortgage tips

    Coins1803_11I RECENTLY received am email from a reader of the site asking about arranging a mortgage for a French property.

    Although their circumstance were quite particular, whilst I was looking around the internet I spotted some useful sites and web pages.

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  • Chatting on the radio

    I AM set to chat with Allan Beswick on BBC Radio Manchester on Wednesday afternoon at around 1pm; you can listen online if near a computer.

    I will be talking about blogs and how representatives of charitable groups, business owners and individuals can use them to publish their words, video and experiences.

    And I’ve told myself not to get too animated about it all and gas on endlessly, like I do to most people when I get onto this subject.

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  • Maisons Paysannes de France

    Paysannes120906WITH the resurgence of property renovation by French and foreign homebuyers throughout France, René Fontaine recognised the necessity to safeguard the traditional rural houses and further their upkeep and restoration in accordance with the techniques and know-how of the various regions, writes Coral Luke.

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  • Tips and advice on French health system

    Francheville050906QUESTIONS about the health system are most probably high on anyone’s list when they start a fresh in France.

    Whether you are retiring to savour the French life or moving over with your family making sure that all the paperwork is correct is very important.

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  • The seasons in France



    AFTER the lovely comment I received from Kathy I thought I’d stitch together some of the photographs I have on my laptop and overlay a short example of the music of Pauline Croze.

  • The music of Pauline Croze


    I AM listening to the songs of Pauline Croze at the moment and thought you might want to share in her gorgeous voice.

    The video clip features her in performance on French television, unfortunately this song isn’t on her album, but if you take a look around YouTube you will be able to hear her on stage and in the video for T’es Beau, plus other songs from her eponymous album.

    Beautiful.

  • Contacting France Telecom’s English helpline

    Redfrenchlifeblock03040_9I HAD an email yesterday from a reader of the site asking if I could help with tracking down the telephone number for the English-language service offered by France Telecom.

    After a search around the internet I was able to find a Contact Us page that provided details of the freephone number you can call in France, as well as the numbers you can use if you are outside the country.

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  • Advice on decorating your French home

    Interiorfrance040806WHEN renovating a home in France it is always best to start by getting a professional survey of the property.

    This will give you a clearer idea of what work needs to be done to the property and should stop any nasty surprises later on in the project.

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  • Tips when travelling with tots

    Totsfrance310706THE thought of taking one small child away on holiday, let alone two or perhaps even three, can cast fear into the minds of even the most organised parents.

    So what can we do to make the process less stressful and more like the holiday that we all so badly need?

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  • Lessons of property renovation

    Voice_frnt1910WHEN Phil and Donna Voice moved to France in 2004 the plan, on paper at least, seemed simple.

    They knew they wanted to experience renovating an old French property and at the same time enjoy the social life that went with renting out their home for holidays.

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