France Made Simple

Catharine Higginson
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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. Host Catharine Higginson has spent more than 20 years living and working in France. Each week she shares honest advice, real experiences and practical guidance on buying property, renovating French homes, visas, healthcare, taxation, bureaucracy, learning the language, culture, and the everyday realities of French life. Whether you’re planning your move, buying your dream home, starting a business, or simply trying to understand how life really works in France, France Made Simple helps you avoid costly mistakes and make confident decisions.

  1. vor 1 Tag

    The Truth About Moving to France: Why Some People Thrive—and Others Want Out

    Every year, people move to France looking for a better lifestyle. Some absolutely love it. Others quietly (or sometimes, not so quietly!) regret the decision. So what makes the difference? In this episode, I break down the 5 small (but critical) mistakes that can completely shape your experience of living in France—from finances and paperwork to language and choosing the right place to live. Because it’s rarely one big thing that goes wrong… it’s the small details that catch people out. If you’re planning a move—or already here and wondering why it feels harder than expected—this one will give you some clarity. And most of all, you’ll realise that you’re not alone!  🎧 Listen now #LifeInFrance #MovingToFrance #ExpatLife #FranceLiving #StartOver #Relocation #ExpatAdvice

    34 Min.

  2. vor 4 Tagen

    Your Best Life in France After 50: Staying Active, Social and Sane !

    Moving to France after 50 can feel like the start of something wonderful… until it doesn’t. Behind the dream, there can be quieter challenges—loneliness, loss of routine, language barriers, and the unsettling feeling of having to rebuild a life from scratch. In this episode — Your Best Life in France After 50: Staying Active, Social and Sane — I take a clear-eyed look at what it really takes to stay mentally and physically well when you’re living abroad later in life. No fluff, no clichés—just practical ways to:• stay active (even when motivation is low)• rebuild a social life from zero• manage the mental load of living in another country• and create a life that actually works for you here If you’re already in France and finding it harder than expected—or planning the move and want to go in with your eyes open—this one’s for you. 🎧 Listen now and start making France work for you, not the other way around. #LifeInFrance #ExpatLife #Over50 #MovingToFrance #HealthyLiving #MentalWellbeing #StartAgain #FrenchLife And here’s my playlist https://music.apple.com/fr/playlist/running/pl.u-4Joma4DTaM0pNzm?l=en

    34 Min.

  3. 30. Juni

    Baume du Mont: Building a Homegrown Brand in the Shadow of Mont-Saint-Michel

    What does it take to turn a simple idea into a product people genuinely rely on for recovery? In this week’s episode, I sit down with Ameline, the co-founder of Baume de Mont, a locally crafted cooling massage gel born near Mont-Saint-Michel. We talk about building a business from the ground up, the realities of launching in rural France, and how lifestyle, landscape, and love all shaped their journey. We talk about where the idea came from, the science behind how it works, and what it really takes to bring a product like this to market — from concept to something people trust on their bodies. If you’re into fitness, recovery, or just curious about how startups actually get built, this one’s worth a listen. 🎧 Listen now and discover the story behind the balm. Find out more here https://baumedumont.com/en And use my code CAT10 to get 10% off your order! #FrenchBusiness #NormandyLife #StartupStory #Entrepreneurship #MadeInFrance

    24 Min.

  4. 23. Juni

    Making It Work in France: The Mindset You Actually Need

    Moving to France is often sold as a lifestyle upgrade—long lunches, beautiful villages, and a slower pace of life. And while all of that exists, the reality of building a life here is a bit more complex... In this episode, we’re taking off the rose (or should that be rosé !) tinted spectacles and looking at what it really takes to make a success of living in France long-term. Not just the logistics, but the underlying values and personal qualities that separate those who thrive from those who struggle. We're talking about patience in the face of mind boggling bureaucracy, resilience when things don’t go to plan, humility when navigating a different culture, and the importance of adapting without losing yourself. Because ultimately, making a go of life in France isn’t about changing the country, it’s about changing how you approach it. If you’re planning a move, already here, or wondering why it feels harder than expected, this episode will give you a more grounded, realistic framework for making it work. Grab a glass of rosé and enjoy!

    30 Min.

  5. 17. Juni

    Going Green In France…

    In this episode, we explore practical and realistic ways to make your French home more environmentally friendly, without losing its character or charm! From improving insulation in older properties to choosing sustainable materials, reducing energy consumption, and navigating eco-friendly upgrades in France, this episode breaks down what actually works. And of course, as ever I’m approaching this from a totally down to earth and lets not break the bank point of view ! Whether you’re renovating an ancient French farmhouse or updating a newer home, you’ll get some ideas to lower your footprint and your bills, while creating a healthier living space.

    20 Min.

  6. 8. Juni

    Walls Down? Renovating In France - A Reality Check!

    Taking down internal walls in a French property can transform your space—but it’s rarely straightforward. In this episode, we look at what’s really involved, from structural considerations to cleaning up the mess afterwards. And yes, that’s the worst part! A concise, practical reality check to help you plan smarter before you start swinging the hammer.

    21 Min.

  7. 4. Juni

    Creating Your Dream Kitchen in France: Style, Budget, and Reality!

    Designing a dream kitchen in a French home sounds idyllic—until you run into the realities of old stone walls, uneven floors, and workmen that move ant their own pace. In this episode, we break down what it actually takes to create a kitchen that works for modern life while respecting the character of a French property. From planning layouts and choosing materials to navigating French suppliers, artisans, and timelines, this is a practical look at the decisions that matter. We cover budgeting in a market where costs can escalate quickly, the trade-offs between bespoke and off-the-shelf solutions, and how to avoid common (and expensive) mistakes. Whether you’re renovating a farmhouse, updating a village house, or starting from scratch, this episode will help you approach your kitchen project with clarity—and fewer (nasty!) surprises.

    21 Min.

  8. 2. Juni

    Being A Young American Mom In France!

    In this episode, I’m chatting to Ellen Hilton, a young American mum, who has made the leap across the Atlantic to start a completely new life in France. We talk candidly about the realities behind the Instagram version of expat life. She shares what surprised her most about raising a child in France, from cultural differences in pre-school and parenting styles to the practical challenges of healthcare, administration, and everyday routines. We also get into the emotional side: identity shifts, isolation, and the small wins that make it all worthwhile. If you’re thinking about moving to France with children - or you’re already here and wondering if everyone else is finding it just as complicated - this conversation is just what you need to hear! And you can catch up with Ellen’s various social channels including here blog here : https://www.americaineinfrance.com

    22 Min.
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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. Host Catharine Higginson has spent more than 20 years living and working in France. Each week she shares honest advice, real experiences and practical guidance on buying property, renovating French homes, visas, healthcare, taxation, bureaucracy, learning the language, culture, and the everyday realities of French life. Whether you’re planning your move, buying your dream home, starting a business, or simply trying to understand how life really works in France, France Made Simple helps you avoid costly mistakes and make confident decisions.

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  • Erstellt von
    Catharine Higginson
  • Jahre aktiv
    2023 - 2026
  • Folgen
    141
  • Bewertung
    Unbedenklich
  • Copyright
    © Catharine Higginson
  • Sendungswebsite
    France Made Simple

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