Alexis Stratfold

Alexis Goldberg

Alexis loved visiting France as a child and always dreamed of living there one day. Fortunately she met a man who had the same dream! So they married, then bought a beautiful 300-year-old character house in a pretty village in the Languedoc Roussillon. Alexis has been writing about France for a decade, inspiring and helping hundreds of British people to move there. She says: "Our only regret is that we did not move to France earlier! The lifestyle is tranquil, the summers are long and hot and the sun shines almost every day (or seems like it does!). We’ve made friends of many nationalities here."

Where are the best country homes in France?

With a Welshman winning the Tour de France, will more of Geraint Thomas’s countrymen be keen to swap the valleys of Wales for the fields of France? The British have enjoyed a long love affair with France’s bucolic beauty, and especially the affordable homes to be found there. So, let’s have a look at moving to the countryside in France, from where to go to what to keep in mind before you move.

Opportunities in the French property market in 2018

As we reach the mid-point of the year, it’s clear that the property market in France in 2018 is a buyer’s one. Property prices have remained stable; figures from statistics agency Insee show house prices increased just 1.5% so far this year.

Sport in France

With the Football World Cup now at the knockout stage, and as I write this both France and England still strong contenders for the title, it is hard to ignore football fever here in France. Almost every bar, café and restaurant shows the matches and the French are a fiercely patriotic nation. Everywhere you look these days you see the French flag and signs of “Allez les bleus!”.

Our love affair with the Dordogne

The Dordogne is a truly beautiful department located in the Nouvelle Aquitaine in the south west of France. It has long been one of the most popular areas for many British people to visit and settle in as it has so much to offer: beautiful countryside, stunning towns and villages, medieval castles, prehistoric caves, a great climate, rich and varied food, pretty timber houses. The list goes on and on!

Could you tackle a French property renovation?

Most of us have gazed at a French cottage on the verge of collapse, a chateau that’s gone to seed or an apartment on a boulevard that’s seen better days, and wondered how beautiful we could make it. We’ve imagined the joy of rescuing a ruin and creating something wonderful. We’ve considered the profit! But could you handle a French property renovation?

How to find voluntary work in France

You will doubtless want to sit back and enjoy your new life in France when you have found your new French home. After all, there is plenty to enjoy in this beautiful country! However, whatever age you are, and no matter how wealthy or busy, it’s always good to feel you’re doing some good in the world. A shared endeavour is a great way to give you more purpose in life. That’s why we suggest that after settling in, finding some voluntary work in France will make your life there even happier.