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How Long Can I Stay in France Without a Visa?
If you are planning a trip to France, one of the most important questions is how long you can stay without needing a visa. The answer depends on your nationality, but for most tourists from the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and many other visa-exempt countries, the rules are fairly straightforward. This guide explains exactly how long you can stay, how the rules are calculated, and what you need to watch out for. The 90 Day Rule Explained For most visa-exempt travellers, includi
A New Life
3 hours ago2 min read
Visa Requirements for France 2026
If you are planning a move to France in 2026 or even just considering an extended stay, understanding the visa rules is essential. Since Brexit, the system has become more structured for UK citizens and other non-EU nationals, and there are a few important updates coming into effect. This guide explains what you need to know, depending on how long you plan to stay and what you intend to do in France. Do You Need a Visa for France in 2026? Short Stays (Up to 90 Days) If you ar
A New Life
2 days ago3 min read
Understanding Residency and Taxes When Moving to France
Moving to France is an exciting step, but it also brings important financial considerations. One of the first things to understand is how residency works for tax purposes, and how this will affect your income, pensions, property, and investments. Getting this right from the start is essential. It not only determines where you pay tax, but also what you need to declare and how you stay compliant with French regulations. When you move to France, one of the key questions is whet
SJB Global
4 days ago4 min read
Mastering À vs De in French
This week, Louisa is tackling one of the biggest challenges for French learners: knowing when to use à and when to use de. 🇫🇷 These two tiny words appear everywhere in French, but choosing the right one can feel confusing — especially because the rules don’t always translate directly from English. In this Quick French Fix, you’ll learn: The key differences between à and de Common verbs and expressions that use each one How meaning can change depending on which prepositio
A New Life
5 days ago1 min read
From New Arrival to Estate Agent: Sophie’s Life in France
In this episode of Real Life Stories, we sit down with Sophie, who moved to the Ruffec area of the Charente around 20 years ago and quickly immersed herself in French family life — never looking back since. 🇫🇷 Sophie shares her journey to France, what inspired the move, and how life evolved once she settled into the French countryside. In this episode, we talk about: Her early days adapting to life in France What she loves most about living in the French countryside What
A New Life
7 days ago1 min read
The True Cost of Living in France in 2026 (With Real Examples)
One of the biggest questions anyone asks before moving to France is simple: how much does it actually cost to live there? The answer is… it depends. France can be surprisingly affordable in some areas and significantly more expensive in others. Paris and the south coast sit at the higher end, while rural regions and smaller towns offer far better value. But to give you a realistic picture, let’s break it down properly using real 2026 figures across the key areas that matter
A New Life
May 293 min read
The Rise, Fall, and Return of the French Countryside
For decades, the story of rural France seemed predictable. Villages were emptying, young people were leaving, and the countryside felt like it was slowly fading into the background of modern life. But something has changed. Today, the French countryside is experiencing a quiet revival. New buyers, remote workers, retirees, and international movers are rediscovering rural France, breathing life back into areas once thought to be in decline. So what happened? And why is the cou
A New Life
May 273 min read
Shipping Belongings to France: Cost Guide
If you are planning a move to France, one of the biggest practical questions is how much it costs to ship your belongings. Whether you are relocating permanently, buying a second home, or downsizing for a new life in the French countryside, understanding removal costs is essential for planning your budget. Shipping household goods to France can vary widely in price depending on how much you are moving, where you are moving from, and the level of service you choose. This guide
A New Life
May 254 min read
Registering a Car in France (UK Import Guide)
If you are moving to France and planning to bring your UK car with you, one of the key tasks you will need to complete is registering it with the French authorities. Since Brexit, the process has become more detailed, but it is still very manageable if you understand the steps. This guide explains exactly how to register a UK-imported car in France, what documents you need, how much it costs, and the common pitfalls to avoid. Can You Drive a UK Car in France? When you first a
A New Life
May 223 min read
Living in Drôme: France’s Best-Kept Secret?
If you have ever dreamed of living in the south of France but without the crowds, the price tags, or the constant stream of tourists, then Drôme might just be what you are looking for. Tucked between Provence and the Alps, Drôme is one of those places that quietly gets on with being beautiful, authentic, and surprisingly livable. The kind of place people discover once and then wonder why they had never heard of it before. So, what is it actually like to live there? First Thin
A New Life
May 203 min read
Is France Expensive to Live In?
It’s one of the most common questions people ask when considering a move: is France actually expensive to live in? The honest answer is… it depends. France can be both surprisingly affordable and unexpectedly costly, often at the same time. Your lifestyle, location, and expectations will play a huge role in determining your monthly outgoings. In this guide, we’ll break down the real cost of living in France, from housing and groceries to healthcare and lifestyle, so you can d
A New Life
May 184 min read
The Many Uses of “De” – Showing Possession in French
Using “De” to Show Possession in French | Quick French Fix This week, Louisa continues the new series exploring the little French words that learners often find confusing — and this time, we’re focusing on how to use de to show possession. 🇫🇷 In English, we often use apostrophes (John’s book), but in French, possession works differently — and de plays a very important role. B y the end of this lesson, you’ll feel much more confident talking about who things belong to in Fre
A New Life
May 171 min read
How the French School System Works (A Simple Guide for Expats)
If you are moving to France with children, understanding the school system is likely high on your priority list. At first glance, it can seem quite different from the UK or US, with unfamiliar terms, structures, and expectations. The good news is that the French education system is well organised, widely respected, and accessible. Once you understand how it works, it becomes much easier to navigate. Is Schooling Compulsory in France? Yes. Education is compulsory for children
A New Life
May 153 min read
What a Typical Day Looks Like Living in Rural France
For many people dreaming of moving to France, it’s not just about the house or the location. It’s about the lifestyle. It’s the idea of slower mornings, fresh food, open space, and a rhythm of life that feels more balanced and more enjoyable. But what does that actually look like day to day? While every experience is different, here’s a realistic glimpse into what a typical day might feel like when you’re living in rural France. A Slower Start to the Morning Mornings in rural
A New Life
May 133 min read
House Hunting in France Begins! Steve & Donna’s Big Trip | Real Life Stories
We’re back catching up with Steve & Donna as their move to France journey reaches a huge milestone — they’re finally in France and the house hunting has officially begun! 🇫🇷🏡 After months of planning and preparation, they’re now spending time viewing properties, exploring different areas, and searching for that dream home. They’ve already seen a few strong contenders… but the big question is: 👉 If they find the right property on this trip, will they put in an offer? Steve
A New Life
May 121 min read
How to Use “De” in French | Talking About Origin
Understanding “De” in French – Talking About Origin | Quick French Fix This week, Louisa is starting a brand-new series all about the small filler words in French — the little words that learners often find the hardest to fully understand. 🇫🇷 To begin, we’re looking at one of the most common words in the French language: de. In this first episode, Louisa focuses on how de is used to mean “from” when talking about origin, including phrases like: I am from… The wine is from…
Little Language School
May 111 min read
What to Do in Manche: A Complete Guide
If you are considering visiting or moving to Normandy, the department of Manche is one of its most underrated gems. Located in the northwest of France, it offers a mix of dramatic coastline, historic towns, rural charm, and a slower pace of life that many people are searching for. Often overlooked in favour of more famous regions, Manche rewards those who take the time to explore it. Here is a guide to what to do in Manche, whether you are visiting for a short break or consid
A New Life
May 113 min read
Why France Has So Much Bureaucracy (And Where It Comes From)
If you have spent any time dealing with paperwork in France, you have probably had the same thought: why is there so much bureaucracy? From multiple forms and official stamps to long processes and detailed documentation, French administration can feel overwhelming, especially for newcomers. But this system did not appear overnight. It is deeply rooted in the country’s history, culture, and approach to governance. Understanding where it comes from makes it far easier to naviga
A New Life
May 83 min read
Winter vs Summer in France: What Expats Should Expect
One of the most common surprises for people moving to France is just how different life feels between summer and winter. France is not one climate or one lifestyle. It changes dramatically with the seasons, especially if you are living in rural areas or smaller towns. Understanding these differences is important, not just for comfort, but for deciding where in France you want to live and whether the lifestyle suits you year-round. Here’s a realistic look at what expats can ex
A New Life
May 64 min read
Thinking of buying a renovation property in France? Watch This First
This week on A New Life in France, Phil is joined once again by Tom from French Plans to talk about one of the most important — and often overlooked — parts of buying property in France: pre-planning. 🇫🇷 If you’re thinking about renovating or making changes to a property, when should you start planning? Before you buy… or after? In this episode, Phil and Tom discuss why getting ahead of the process can save you a huge amount of time, money, and stress. They also explain how
A New Life
May 51 min read
Obtaining a SIRET number
Demystifying the Process: Obtaining a SIRET Number in France to Start Your Business Starting a business in France is an exciting...
A New Life
Key difference between estate agents in France compared to UK
The big difference between UK and France is most agents in France are self-employed. Commission only self-employed estate agents. And...
Chris Summers
Step one in your journey to France
Embarking on Your French Adventure Congratulations on taking the exciting decision to move to France! Whether you're drawn to the...
A New Life
Exploring the charms of Bellac
A Guide to Life in this Quaint French Town Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Limousin region, Bellac beckons with its idyllic...
A New Life
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Discover the latest insights and inspirations from our top posts on the New Life Blog! Explore a wealth of valuable information and engaging narratives that illuminate the journey to a new life in France. From practical tips to inspiring stories, our top posts offer a comprehensive guide to navigating the joys and challenges of relocation.
Are you considering a move to France and not sure where to start?
Welcome to the New Life in France blog, your go-to destination for a wealth of insights, stories, and practical guides to living your best life in France. Regularly updated with contributions from collaborators, experts, and real-life experiences on the ground, our blog offers a comprehensive resource for anyone considering or embarking on the journey of relocation. From simple how-tos to in-depth guides covering everything from finding a home and navigating the French rental market to starting a business and embracing the local culture, we've got you covered.
Have a topic in mind that we haven't covered yet? Drop us an email, and we'll work on bringing you the information you need. Join us as we explore the diverse facets of life in France and discover the possibilities that await you in your new adventure!
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