French Reno Diaries UNCENSORED

Rosie Ellis, Micala Wilkins and Sue Peake-Russell
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French Reno Diaries UNCENSORED is your honest, no-fluff guide to renovating, restoring, and surviving property projects in France. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a seasoned renovator, or just dreaming of owning property in France, we provide real stories, insider tips, and actionable advice to help you avoid mistakes, save money, and navigate your renovation journey with confidence. From understanding French planning laws and insurance requirements to choosing the right people for the job when you haven't got the skills, time or qualifications to 'do it yourself', you'll find it here. And if you like hanging out with us, you can join us in between the 'meaty' shows for our 'rants and bants' episodes - where we get everything off our chests, no holds barred! Hosted by Rosie, Micala and Sue - three women who, along with their partners and husbands run trade-related businesses here in France and have completed a fair few renovation projects of their own - expect honest advice, plenty of laughs and a few WTF moments. Get more French Reno Diaries UNCENSORED! Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite listening app. Find downloadable guides based on each in-depth episode and sign up for the newsletter at our website- frenchrenodiaries.com And join the French Reno Diaries community by following us on Facebook and Instagram.

Episodes

  1. Planning a dream, not a nightmare: Everything you need to know about planning permits before renovating in France!

    6D AGO

    Planning a dream, not a nightmare: Everything you need to know about planning permits before renovating in France!

    Planning rules can make or break a French renovation. So, in this episode, we unpack how planning permits in France actually work, why the mairie should always be your first stop - and what can go wrong if it isn’t! If you’re renovating (or thinking about buying) property in France, this episode will help you avoid expensive mistakes, delays and legal headaches. We’ve also pulled the key concepts, definitions and resources together in written form on our website, so you can revisit the details whenever you need to. *** www.frenchrenodiaries.com *** Resources mentioned in the episode Service-Public – Official French government guidance on planning and permitsLocal mairie – First point of contact for planning rules and applicationsPLU (Plan Local d’Urbanisme) – Local planning framework for each communeGéoportail – National mapping tool showing zoning, flood risk and boundaries Mini glossary: French planning terms PLU (Plan Local d’Urbanisme) – Local planning rules set by the communeDéclaration Préalable (DP) – Simplified planning permission for certain worksPermis de Construire – Full planning permission for larger projectsCertificat d’Urbanisme (CU) – Document confirming development rightsBâtiments de France (ABF) – Authority overseeing protected and historic areasAffichage de permis – Mandatory on-site display of planning approval Connect: Facebook | Instagram Subscribe to the newsletter: www.frenchrenodiaries.com Email: frenchrenodiaries@gmail.com Find out more about us and our French reno businesses: Maison Bretagne (Rosie Ellis) S.R. Charpenterie (Sue Peake-Russell) Paul Wilkins Electricien (Micala Wilkins) Credits: Produced & mixed by: Katy WrightMusic: Grand Project

    57 min
  2. French Reno Diaries - Rants & Bants! (The one where Rosie slips on her Riot Women shoes)

    FEB 3

    French Reno Diaries - Rants & Bants! (The one where Rosie slips on her Riot Women shoes)

    What are you really paying for when you hire an artisan in France? Why do two quotes for the same work look so different? How much profit do artisans make on renovation work? If you're asking yourself (or Google) these questions, you'll find all the answers here! In this Rants & Bants episode, Rosie, Sue and Micala talk openly about the realities of running trade businesses in France - and what homeowners often misunderstand about how those businesses work (spoiler: we’re not milking you for all you’re worth and driving around in Ferraris). We also hear about Sue's upcoming adventure in Kenya, where she’ll be building a mud hut for a family. Please consider supporting the project via Sue’s Just Giving page - even the smallest contribution will help provide tools, classroom resources, hot meals, and support for families who have so little. 👂If the money-talk in this episode grabbed your attention, make sure you listen to Episode #2 Why budgets blow: The brutal truth about renovation costs in France. Resources mentioned in the episode Nasio Trust – UK charity supporting communities in Kenya through housing and education projectsFacebook expat and renovation groups – places where renovation questions are often asked (and misinformation spreads)Riot Women (BBC One) – TV series about women finding their voice later in life Mini glossary (for new renovators in France) Devis – a formal written quote for worksArtisan – a qualified tradesperson operating in FranceTVA – French VAT BTP – ‘Bâtiment et travaux publics’ (the French construction and public works sector) Connect Facebook | Instagram Subscribe to the newsletter: www.frenchrenodiaries.com Email: frenchrenodiaries@gmail.com Maison Bretagne (Rosie Ellis) S.R. Charpenterie (Sue Peake-Russell) Paul Wilkins Electricien (Micala Wilkins)

    27 min
  3. Why insurance IS worth the paper it's written on (despite what you're being told on Facebook)

    JAN 27

    Why insurance IS worth the paper it's written on (despite what you're being told on Facebook)

    If you’re renovating a property in France, chances are you’ve heard the term assurance décennale - along with claims that's it's not worth the paper it's written on. In this episode, Rosie, Sue and Micala explain why it most certainly IS! There’s are lots of details you'll want to remember, so we’ve pulled everything together into a clear, written guide on our website: www.frenchrenodiaries.com Resources mentioned in the episode Service Public - the official French government website for rules on construction, insurance and homeowner responsibilities.Your local mairie - a key point of contact for renovation rules, declarations and local requirements.Qualified French artisans - always ask for a valid attestation d’assurance décennale before work starts - and check it covers the work being done.Architects / maîtres d’œuvre - particularly useful for larger renovations, structural work or coordinating multiple trades.Facebook renovation groups - helpful for shared experiences, but advice should always be verified. Mini Glossary: Key French insurance terms Attestation d’assurance - the insurance certificate you must check before work begins.Assurance décennale - a mandatory 10-year insurance held by professionals.Garantie décennale - the 10-year legal guarantee that applies once work is completed and signed off.Garantie de parfait achèvement (1 year) - covers defects reported within the first year after completion.Garantie biennale (2 years) - covers fixtures and equipment such as heating systems.Réception de travaux - the formal sign-off of completed work (this triggers all guarantees).Assurance dommage-ouvrage - omeowner insurance that pays for repairs quickly while insurers sort out liability. Connect: Facebook | Instagram Subscribe to the newsletter: www.frenchrenodiaries.com Email: frenchrenodiaries@gmail.com Find out more about us and our French reno businesses: Maison Bretagne (Rosie Ellis) S.R. Charpenterie (Sue Peake-Russell) Paul Wilkins Electricien (Micala Wilkins) Credits: Produced & mixed by: Katy WrightMusic: Grand Project

    1h 1m
  4. French Reno Diaries - Rants & Bants! (The one where Sue sticks it to the man who bought a village)

    JAN 23

    French Reno Diaries - Rants & Bants! (The one where Sue sticks it to the man who bought a village)

    Rants & Bants episodes are informal, off-the-cuff chats - think of them like secretly recorded calls. Less polish, more spontaneity - but always insightful! What we discuss in this episode Why renovation TV and YouTube often create unrealistic expectations (for a deeper dive into this topic, listen to Episode #3: The reality behind the dream: What YouTube and TV shows don't tell you about renovating in France.The hidden realities behind “cheap” French properties and big renovation dreams.Awkward truths about quotes, costs and why trades need to make a profit (for more about costs, listen to Episode #2 Why budgets blow: The brutal truth about renovation costs in France).Common misconceptions about setting up hospitality or renovation-led businesses in France, and what gets overlooked in the excitement phase. Resources and shows mentioned in the episode Help! I Bought a Village – TV series following a large-scale renovation projectFrench renovation TV & YouTube shows – inspiration, but not instruction manualsFacebook renovation groups – shared experiences (advice should be verified)Mini glossary (for new renovators in France) Devis – a formal written quote for worksArtisan – a qualified tradesperson in FranceMairie – the local town hall; key for local rules and adminMicro-entrepreneur – a small-business status in France (with legal limits)Connect Facebook | Instagram Subscribe to the newsletter: www.frenchrenodiaries.com Email: frenchrenodiaries@gmail.com Find out more about us and our French reno businesses: Maison Bretagne (Rosie Ellis) S.R. Charpenterie (Sue Peake-Russell) Paul Wilkins Electricien (Micala Wilkins) Credits: Produced & mixed by: Katy WrightMusic: Grand Project

    25 min
  5. The reality behind the dream: What YouTube and TV shows don't tell you about renovating in France

    JAN 20

    The reality behind the dream: What YouTube and TV shows don't tell you about renovating in France

    In this episode of French Reno Diaries UNCENSORED, Rosie, Michaela and Sue pull back the curtain on reality TV renovation shows and glossy YouTube channels - and compare them with what actually happens on real renovation projects in France. TV shows mentioned: Escape to the Chateau (now known as Chateau DIY)A Place in the SunNew Life in the Sun The episode also references several renovation-focused YouTube channels: Chateau de PurnonHow to Renovate a ChateauOh No Another Chateau Helpful resources mentioned: Service Public – Official French government informationFrenchEntrée – English-language resource for living and renovating in FranceLeroy Merlin & Brico Depot – In-store advice, materials and specification sheetsLocal mairie offices and professional artisans for accurate guidanceFacebook groups (use with caution — advice is often mixed!) Listener comments: Thanks to Anna, Helen and Claire from our Facebook community for sharing their experiences and insights - we loved reading your comments and comparing them to what we see on TV renovation shows. Connect: Facebook | Instagram Subscribe to the newsletter: https://frenchrenodiaries.substack.com/ Email: frenchrenodiaries@gmail.com Find out more about us and our French reno businesses: Maison Bretagne (Rosie Ellis) S.R. Charpenterie (Sue Peake-Russell) Paul Wilkins Electricien (Micala Wilkins) Credits: Produced & mixed by: Katy WrightMusic: Grand Project

    51 min
  6. Why budgets blow: The brutal truth about renovation costs in France

    JAN 13

    Why budgets blow: The brutal truth about renovation costs in France

    In this episode of French Reno Diaries UNCENSORED, we tackle one of the biggest and most emotionally charged topics for anyone renovating in France: money. Specifically, why renovation budgets so often blow out, why DIY is not always the saving people think it is, and why French renovation costs feel so shocking if you arrive with UK (or other overseas) expectations. Resources & tools mentioned in this episode Artisan Central – pre-checked trades directory and homeowner resource covering devis, insurance and renovation planningCapeb – French construction trade association with an online directory of registered trades by regionBricoCash – DIY and building materials retailer (mentioned in the context of lower-quality materials)Howdens France - the French version of UK kitchen suppliers, Howdens. Glossary (French terms used in this episode that might be new to you) Devis – a legally binding quote and contract between a homeowner and a tradeDécennale / assurance décennale – mandatory ten-year insurance covering structural workTVA – French value-added tax applied to labour and materialsMicro-entrepreneur (ME) – self-employed business status in FranceSIRET number – official business registration numberAttestation d’assurance – proof of insurance coverageCotisations – mandatory social charges paid by French businessesMairie – local town hallMaison secondaire – second homeERP – regulations for buildings open to the publicNotaire – public official handling property sales and legal transfer Connect: Facebook | Instagram Subscribe to the newsletter: https://frenchrenodiaries.substack.com/ Email: frenchrenodiaries@gmail.com Find out more about us and our French reno businesses: Maison Bretagne (Rosie Ellis) S.R. Charpenterie (Sue Peake-Russell) Paul Wilkins Electricien (Micala Wilkins) Credits: Produced & mixed by: Katy WrightMusic: Grand Project

    52 min
  7. Our uncensored French renovation stories - and what we wish we'd done differently

    JAN 6

    Our uncensored French renovation stories - and what we wish we'd done differently

    In this first episode of French Reno Diaries UNCENSORED, we - Rosie, Micala and Sue - share our own French renovation journeys. No TV edits, no rose-tinted fantasies - just the raw, honest truth about buying, renovating, and surviving building projects in France. Between us, we’ve renovated multiple properties across Brittany, Burgundy, the Gers and beyond. We talk about what drew us to France, the mistakes we made early on, and the lessons we learned the hard way. What we talk about in this episode: Why renovating in France takes far longer than you expectRenting before buying — and why it can save you financially and emotionallyBuying renovation properties with no savings (and how we made it work)Living in houses without heating, floors or proper plumbingHow a house will “tell you” what it needs - if you listenThe dangers of DIY electrics and non-compliant fittings in FranceWhy tradespeople’s own houses are never finishedThe difference between renovation fantasy and real French life Resources & tools mentioned in this episode: Le Bon Coin – France’s main second-hand marketplace, widely used for sourcing renovation materials such as tiles, staircases and wood burnersGreenacres – UK-facing French property portal used to find renovation propertiesCrédit Agricole – French bank mentioned in relation to mortgages and lending requirements for new business owners Glossary (French terms used in this episode that might be new to you): Micro-entrepreneur – French self-employed business statusDiagnostics immobiliers – mandatory property reports when sellingFosse septique – septic tank systemÉpandage – soakaway drainage systemMairie – local town hall Connect: Facebook | Instagram Subscribe to the newsletter: www.frenchrenodiaries.com Email: frenchrenodiaries@gmail.com Find out more about us and our French reno businesses: Maison Bretagne (Rosie Ellis) S.R. Charpenterie (Sue Peake-Russell) Paul Wilkins Electricien (Micala Wilkins) Artisan Central Credits: Produced & mixed by: Katy WrightMusic: Grand Project

    55 min
  8. French Reno Diaries UNCENSORED - the trailer

    SEASON 1 TRAILER

    French Reno Diaries UNCENSORED - the trailer

    Wondering what you can expect from French Reno Diaries UNCENSORED? We made this trailer just for you. If you like what you hear, follow the podcast on your favourite listening app to be sure you don't miss an episode.

    2 min

Trailer

About

French Reno Diaries UNCENSORED is your honest, no-fluff guide to renovating, restoring, and surviving property projects in France. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a seasoned renovator, or just dreaming of owning property in France, we provide real stories, insider tips, and actionable advice to help you avoid mistakes, save money, and navigate your renovation journey with confidence. From understanding French planning laws and insurance requirements to choosing the right people for the job when you haven't got the skills, time or qualifications to 'do it yourself', you'll find it here. And if you like hanging out with us, you can join us in between the 'meaty' shows for our 'rants and bants' episodes - where we get everything off our chests, no holds barred! Hosted by Rosie, Micala and Sue - three women who, along with their partners and husbands run trade-related businesses here in France and have completed a fair few renovation projects of their own - expect honest advice, plenty of laughs and a few WTF moments. Get more French Reno Diaries UNCENSORED! Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite listening app. Find downloadable guides based on each in-depth episode and sign up for the newsletter at our website- frenchrenodiaries.com And join the French Reno Diaries community by following us on Facebook and Instagram.

Information

  • Creator
    Rosie Ellis, Micala Wilkins and Sue Peake-Russell
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Rosie Ellis 2025
  • Show Website
    French Reno Diaries UNCENSORED

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