France Made Simple

The Christmas Quiz!

23 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 fêt...

Welcome To Survive France!

17 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A very short video where I explain a bit about the Survive France website and reveal what it can do for you!

What Do The French Really Talk About!

14 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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, i...

Renovation Checklist

10 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 pr...

Keep Your Renovation Costs Under Comtrol!

04 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 budg...

Who To Avoid When You Move To France…

28 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 k...

Clipperty Clop!

23 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 F...

Passing Through

19 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I’m chatting to writer and film director Dave Hall about his first feature film, Passing Through;  an English-language family dram...

How To Get Stuff Moved Into France!

11 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The most complicated part of moving your stuff here used to be packing the boxes and making sure they were all labelled correctly.Not any more!Thanks ...

Ten Ways To Keep Outgoings Under Control

09 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you’re in France you’ve probably noticed that the cost of living seems to be on a permanent upwards trend 😢And if like me, you’re struggli...

How To Live Cheaply And Sustainably In France

07 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

These days many of the people who are moving to France do so hoping to make a big lifestyle shift. And very often, this involves some level of sustain...

The One Where I Try To Understand French Inheritance Planning…

29 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I catch up with Tom Marron from Blevins Franks who explains (in words of one syllable, so perfect for someone like me…!) how French ...

Bonus 2 - Where To Live In France

24 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this short bonus episode I talk about the various places that I’ve lived in during my 23 years in France. The subject of where to live comes up o...

Bonus 1

22 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The very first episode in a new ‘Behind The Scenes’ bonus series which will be available to subscribers only. But as I’m feeling generous today ...

Are The French Dirty?!

15 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I am taking a (light hearted!) look at that Great British Stereotype - the unwashed French…Joking aside, there are differences and I...

French Nationality - All You Need To Know

11 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I’m talking about all the things you need to do to apply for French nationality.And of course, having made some very rookie errors m...

Talking Trash…

01 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Looking back on my first trip to a French déchèterie or le dump (j’adore le franglais) - it was apocalyptic. Think smouldering fires and piles o...

The One Where I Finally Understand Savings Schemes

25 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week I catch up with George Symes from SJB - my tame pensions and investments advisor- who answers all your questions about pensions and investme...

Are The French Rude…?!

13 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the France Made Simple podcast, we tackle the age-old question: Are the French rude? Join us as we explore cultural differences and...

Do You Need To Be Cured?!

08 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The French have long had a love affair with “Taking The Waters” and in this episode we look at what going for ‘La cure’ involves. And more imp...

Is Living In France Expensive?

03 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the France Made Simple podcast, we dive into the complexities of living expenses in France. From the rising costs of everyday essen...

How To Get The Most Out Of Your Life In France!

28 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week I’m on holiday in Brittany - which is STUNNING and well worth a visit btw - and it’s very wild and windy this week! The latest episode i...

Coast Or Countryside?

22 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Whether it’s better to move to the seaside or a bit further inland can be a tricky question to answer when you’re thinking about buying a property...

How To Live Cheaply In France

18 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we look at how you can reduce your outgoings and expenditure in France. If you’re like me and reel in shock at the almost daily pric...

Green Beans From Hell…

13 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today I’m talking about (or rather, banging on about…!) the cultural differences between the British and the French when it comes to talking about...

Accessing Benefits In France - Part 2

07 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we look at all the benefits available to people of working age in France - from RSA (unemployment benefit equivalent) to top up health...

How To Access Benefits In France

05 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you are living in France and are on a low income, help is available. Whether you have children, are working or not, are facing temporary difficulti...

How To Navigate The French School System

23 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I’ve spent over 22 years here and put three kids through the French system . I’ve sent them off to pre-school with spare nappies and slippers and ...

Ten Reasons To Date A Frenchman

16 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Drawing on my not ever so extensive experience of dating Frenchmen (two to be precise!), I share my personal insight on why this is a great idea! You ...

Three Issues You WILL face in France - And How To Overcome Them!

09 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We look at the three most common problems faced by English speakers relocating to France and explain how to get around them.

La Manche - And Why You Need To Visit!

04 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We take a look at just some of the benefits La Manche has to offer visitors and residents alike. If you’re thinking about moving to Normandy or even...

Top Tips To Simplify Life In France

18 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Living in France can be both fabulous and frustrating! And sometimes it seems like half the battle is simply finding the time to get everything done! ...

All You Need To Know About Apéro Time In France!

09 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s really important to get your social etiquette right in France and this is especially true when it comes to eating and drinking. In this episode...

The One Where I Eat Myself Silly in Brittany

02 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We catch up with long time SF member and podcast fan Nick Ord who tells us why he decided to change career and open a hotel and restaurant in Dinan. A...

Worried About Buying In France?

31 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you’re looking to buy a property in France, the viewing process can be daunting. You need to be aware of all the potential problems you might enc...

Why Not Run A Gite In France?

26 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Many of you who want to move to France also need to earn a living, and running a gite or even a gite complex, can be an ideal way to do this. Listen i...

The Cultural Divide!

21 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

One of the (many!) things that you need to be prepared for when moving to France is the cultural divide that exists between France and Anglo-Saxon cou...

A Typical French Weekend!

05 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The one when I talk you through just how hectic a French weekend can be!

Viewing A French Property - All You Need To Know

30 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you’re planning a viewing trip, getting the most out of the experience and asking the right questions is key. Our property expert Sheelagh shares...

Is It Time To Move To France?

28 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Well obviously the answer is a big fat YES!But if you still need convincing, then join this free webinar on Wednesday 30th April - listen in to find o...

The One Where I Reveal All About Living In A French Household!

26 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Or the one where I try my first attempt at recording my very own video podcast, fail to find the pause button, fail to stop looking at the ceiling and...

The One Where I Try To Understand Currency Exchange

03 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I'm a bit useless when it comes to money (or anything financial for that matter!), but living in France means that I do need to exchange pounds fo...

Renovating Outbuildings

27 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We take a look at the potential that the outbuildings in a typical French property offer and explain how you can go about renovating them.

French Property Prices

23 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I catch up with local agent Sheelagh Gorman to see what’s available, what typical buyers are looking for and what you could get for your money!

Ten Reasons Why You Should Move To France!

17 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There are oodles of reasons why moving to France is a good idea (as you have probably gathered, I’m a bit of an enthusiast for all things French!), ...

Tales From The Terrasse - The Video Version

08 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The one where you get to watch Fabien and I in glorious technicolour as we natter about French healthcare!

Tales From The Terrasse : Number Two

06 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The one where Fabien and I chat about having the flu and discuss the pros and cons of French healthcare!

Employing artisans

04 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you’re buying in France, you’re almost certainly going to need to get work done so we talk you through all you need to know when choosing and e...

Is living in France easier?

26 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There are always lots of things to consider when you’re trying to decide if living in France is going to be better for you personally, than being in...

How do I integrate into life in France?

07 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This is something that comes up time and time again, so we run through some of the things you can do to meet people and make contacts in your new comm...

Tales From The Terrasse

30 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join me and Fabien from Fab French Insurance as we chat about cakes, property and Frenchmen - some of my favourite things!

What’s it really like running a ‘gîte’ in France?

28 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you’re thinking about moving to France and running a gite as either a full time occupation or to supplement your income, then the latest podcast ...

A Trip To Paris

23 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Visiting Paris is on everyone’s bucket list and if you’re lucky enough to spend a day or so there, it’s important to get the most out of your ti...

My first ‘French’ Christmas

15 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Where I witter on about how my first ‘French’ Christmas went down !

Viewing a French property? Our essential guide!

20 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We catch up with Sheelagh Gorman from Agence Newton who reveals exactly what to do and how to prepare for a property viewing trip. Sheelagh is a hugel...

What is Christmas in France really like?

18 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I share some of my personal thoughts on Christmas in France!

What not to do when you move to France…!

06 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Where I kindly share some of the things I got wrong. So you don’t have to…!

Your Questions Answered - Part 2

27 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We tackle more of your pensions and investment queries. And if we haven’t addressed your particular concern, please feel free to ask the question he...

Your Pension Questions Answered - Part 1

26 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you are living in France or planning to move there, then you are going to have specific questions and potential issues when it comes to pension pro...

Does the UK budget affect you?

22 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Our resident financial expert Davis Lawson explains how the recent UK budget might affect those of us in France.

Ten Do’s and Dont’s when moving house!

19 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Using my newly gained personal experience of moving from one end of France to the other following my recent separation (and as a result of numerous co...

What’s living in France really like?!

05 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Following on from our hugely successful webinar on the 17th October, co-hosted by yours truly, we take another look at some of the most popular questi...

Worried about your state pension?

29 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Well if you’re not, you’re lucky! Most of us are and are plagued by questions such as, how much am I going to get, when will I get it and how to I...

Working with a Financial planner in France

23 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to episode 1 of our mini series! It’s all about money and getting your finances sorted out so that you can relax and really enjoy your life ...

Finding everything you need online in France

15 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We take a look at all the best sites for online shopping in France. Whether you are after clothing, DIY materials, electrical items, books or vintage ...

Are you moving to France from the UK? Don’t miss this free webinar!

11 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This is a really short one just to give you a heads up about the webinar I am doing on the 17th of October (which is also my birthday!); you’ll be a...

Cross channel shopping!

02 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We take a quick look at the post Brexit changes that you need to factor in when buying items from the UK or posting gifts across the channel. Listen n...

How to have a happy life in France

25 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I share my thoughts (and opinions!) on what we all need to do when moving overseas to ensure that we live a happy and fulfilling life - wherever that ...

Making your euros go further !

17 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We take a look at all the things you can do (big and small!) to reduce your outgoings on your French property and enable you to maximise your spending...

Prepping your French property for winter

10 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We take a quick look at all the things you can do to ensure you get through the winter months unscathed and stay nice and toasty warm to boot!

La rentrée

26 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We take a look at what happens during the ‘back to school’ period known as La rentrée in France and explain everything you need to know!

Outdoor living

17 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How to add extra outdoor living space to your French property for alfresco wining and dining! Given the increasingly volatile weather we are getting t...

Do you know your SAMU from your SMUR?

25 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

For new arrivals who are already struggling to get to grips with the language, the wide range of French acronyms that are in use on a daily bais, can ...

DIY at the Chateau !

19 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We chat to Julia McKeivoir (as seen on C4’s Chateau DIY) about buying and renovating a massive 1790’s chateau in the south west of France. A must ...

Splish, splash, splosh!

11 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

All you need to know when it comes to installing a pool in France! We look at where to site it, the type to choose, essential safety considerations an...

How do I buy a car in France?

03 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We run though all the administrative procedures (and yes, there are quite a few…!) and discuss all the things you need to think about before signing...

Behind the scenes with Benji Lewis!

28 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Interior designer Benji Lewis tells us what he loves about the Les Landes region is the south west of France, reveals how he ended up here and gives h...

What’s happening in the French Property Market right now…!

17 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We catch up with Sheelagh Gorman who’s the co-owner of Agence Newton and pick her brains on buying property in France! Sheelagh explains what potent...

One for the ladies!

06 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We take a look at the differences between France and the UK when it comes to female healthcare and what you need to know when visiting the gynaecologi...

Moving To France - The Ultimate Guide Part 1

25 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this first episode of a three part mini series we look at everything you need to consider from a practical and emotional perspective when moving to...

Visas - Your Questions Answered!

25 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Visa and relocation guru Fabien from Fab French Insurance https://www.fabfrenchinsurance.com/ joins us to answer listeners questions on the tricky sub...

Moving to France - The Ultimate Guide Part 3

22 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this final episode we look at all the people and organisations you need to inform when you move within France. Notify the tax office, health provid...

Moving to France - The Ultimate Guide Part 2

18 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We look at everything you need to get done in the final month before your move and all the post Brexit rules and regulations that concern your move to...

Making friends in France

15 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How do you make friends with the French? Well, pretty much the same way you make friends anywhere in the world but you will need to put yourself out t...

Just get the pineapple yoghurts!

05 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Something a bit different ! A look at how making time for yourself can help you enjoy your life in France.

L’Écurie

18 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We catch up with the people behind a really great community centre in Normandy and reveal how you can get involved. ...

Time saving tips for life in France

30 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

French paperwork is notoriously time consuming so we look at all the main apps available which allow you to so stuff from your phone or tablet and fre...

Spend less and live more!

22 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We look at all the ways you can shave costs and reduce your outgoings! From energy saving measures - https://www.economie.gouv.fr/particuliers/prime-r...

France Made Simple

15 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Survive France’s Catharine Higginson explains why she moved to France and why you should too!

Making a living

15 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We discuss some of the ways you can generate an income in France and take an in depth look at running gîtes.

Earning a living

15 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We answer listeners questions about employment and self-employment and look at working for an overseas employer whilst living in la belle France! Find...

Where should we buy?

15 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

France is a huge country and deciding where to buy a property can be a difficult decision to make! Cat explains all the factors you need to take into ...

Becoming an Entrepreneur.

06 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Starting your own business in France is simple as long as you know how! We look at the start up procedure and possible pitfalls. You can register as a...

Car Insurance

02 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A quick overview of how French car insurance works with Nannie from Fab French Insurance

All about healthcare

01 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We chat to healthcare specialist Marieanne from Fab French Insurance who has some very useful information to impart and explains how reimbursements ac...

It’s all about pensions!

30 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We catch up with pensions advisor David Lawson who runs through just some of the things you need to know if you are planning for a happy retirement! ...

Getting a visa

15 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We talk to our favourite French insurance expert - Fabien Pelissier -about getting a visa which you will need if you want to move to France on a perma...

Finding a property!

11 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We talk through the various choices buyers have from buying privately to using agents.

What Living In A French Household Has Taught Me!

01 Jan 1970

Contributed by Lukas

This is a light hearted look at just some of the things that I’ve learned the French do (and talk about!) over the last 12 months.I’m sure there w...