France Made Simple

France Made Simple

By Catharine HigginsonEducationHow To
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France Made Simple episodes

  • Bon Appétit

    In this episode we’re looking at all the different options you have when eating out in France. From the humble ‘menu du jour’ to Michelin starred restaurants, France has something for everyone and every budget!Listen in and make sure you get the most out of your French dining experience.Here are the sites I mention in the podcast:Les Routiers https://www.relais-routiers.com/Flunch https://www.flunch.fr/Crescendo https://www.crescendo-restauration.fr/Michelin https://guide.michelin.com/fr/enAnd don’t forget you can get your free tickets for the French property show here :

    https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-french-property-exhibition-london-2026-tickets-1590912625489?aff=survivefrance

    17 min
  • How To Make The Most Of 2026

    I thought it would be nice to start the New Year with a bit of positivity! This mini episode is my personal take on what you need to do to get the most out of your time in France.The advice applies whether you’ve been here for ages, have recently landed or are simply toying with the idea. And actually it applies even if you have no intention of moving to France! 😂And… I’m also talking about the amazing French Property exhibition held in London at the end of January.You can get your get your FREE tickets here :https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-french-property-exhibition-london-2026-tickets-1590912625489

    12 min
  • The Christmas Quiz!

    To get you into the Christmas spirit I’ve devised a little Christmas quiz, so that you can see just how French you have become!

    Enjoy and bonnes fêtes to one and all!

    16 min
  • What Do The French Really Talk About?!

    The French are well known for their love of debate and discussion!

    And in this episode I’m talking about the subjects they love to discuss. And no, it’s not just food - although obviously that is a major topic1

    Give it a listen and tell me which are the ‘hot topics’ that you’ve noticed coming up time and time again?





    14 min
  • Renovation Checklist

    In this episode we run through everything that you need to put onto your “Renovation Checklist”!


    Making a list like this when you’re viewing a property and before you sign on the dotted line, will help avoid making an expensive mistake. Or at least, give you an informed idea of what you’re letting yourself in for!


    I’m also talking about the French Property Exhibition being held in London at the end of January 2026. It is a ‘must’ for anyone considering buying in France and you can get FREE tickets here :


    https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-french-property-exhibition-london-2026-tickets-1590912625489?aff=survivefrance

    18 min
  • Keep Your Renovation Costs Under Comtrol!

    Renovating in France can be super stressful and spiralling costs only add to that stress.In this episode we look at ways to keep a handle on your budget and make sure that you know what you are in for (in terms of cost at least!) before work begins.Joking aside, making sure that you don’t blow the budget simply because you have forgotten about a key element (and it can happen, trust me…), is something that happens all too often. This episode will reveal everything you need to consider when calculating your budget for a renovation project in France.And if you need to move money around to fund it, don’t forget our recommended currency exchange partners Lumon. They might not be able to help with the actual renovating but at least your currency transfers will be stress free!https://www.lumonpay.com/partners/survive-france/?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=Regional%20Associate&utm_campaign=Survive%20France

    22 min
  • Who To Avoid When You Move To France…

    The episode is a short one but I’m covering an important subject for anyone thinking about moving to France. And if you’re already here you will know EXACTLY what I’m talking about!

    I’m talking about, for want of a better word, charlatans. That group of people who move over here and try to make a living from exploiting others - listen in so you know what, or who (!) to avoid.

    18 min
  • Clipperty Clop!

    This one is by popular request and I was delighted to be asked to talk about one of my favourite subjects - horses!Now I know not everyone moving to France will be planning to keep horses but a lot of people might be planning some type of small scale (or otherwise) agricultural activity and lots of the stuff I cover will apply.As I mention in the podcast - this is very much an overview (as always!) as it’s a huge subject - so if you have any specific questions, please do get in touch. And I will do my very best to answer them.Useful links:Equine import regulations - https://www.ifce.fr/ifce/sire-demarches/au-cours-de-la-vie-du-cheval/importation/Find a riding club / get a licence / find out all you need to know about competing in France - https://www.ffe.com/Declare keeping your equines - https://www.ifce.fr/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/SIRE-Fiche-Detenteur.pdf

    And if you want my farrier’s number - ping me a message!

    35 min
  • Passing Through

    In this episode I’m chatting to writer and film director Dave Hall about his first feature film, Passing Through;  an English-language family drama shot in and around the town of Agde in Languedoc. It tells the story of an Australian couple who have just moved there to start a new life together. It's just been released on Prime Video in the UK, after winning awards at various festivals and is due to be released soon in France and the US, on Prime Video and Disney+, dates TBC.

    You can watch here - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FR4YPZJ4/

    There is a press release at www.davidwalterhall.com/press-release/amazon-prime-uk or you can watch the trailer at www.passingthroughmovie.com.



    32 min

About France Made Simple

From the publisher's feed

Thinking about moving to France, retiring in France, or already living here? France Made Simple is the practical podcast for English speakers navigating life in France.

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