France Made Simple
Episodes
How To Make Money From Your French Property
29 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I’m looking at ways to get your property working for you and making some extra money; yes, we’re talking holiday rentals!There are...
Buying At Auction In France
23 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I’m chatting about my first ever time at an auction in France, and covering what to do (and what not to do!) when you go to an aucti...
Should You Run A Gite In France?
17 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this second part, I continue chatting with Paul who is not only an accountant but also runs five gites here in France.We’re chatting about the fi...
Can You Run A Gite In France?
17 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I catch up with Paul who is not only an accountant but also runs five gites here in France.We’re chatting about the financial, tax a...
Life In France - Random Questions And Answers!
05 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
There’s a new episode out and it’s not an Easter special! Sorry - I didn’t think of that in time but I will be doing one about Easter in France ...
Buy In France With Confidence!
30 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Unlock the secrets to buying property in France without falling into common pitfalls! Paul Simper, a seasoned property finder, reveals why the French ...
Let’s Take The Eurostar To Paris!
27 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Whether you’re travelling to and from France for business or pleasure, taking the train is a great way to get there. And back!People often think tha...
How To Design An Outdoor Eating Space
24 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
One of the best things about moving to France is having more time. And more outside space. Plus of course better weather…Put those three together an...
5 Reasons To Leave The UK
20 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Having spent a week ranting about living in France and having then spent a week in the UK(!), in this episode I’m sharing my thoughts on why you SHO...
5 Reasons To Come To France
16 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Having spent the last week posting on social media about all the things that wind me up on France (believe it or not there are a few…), I thought I’...
How To Get The Most Out Of A Property Show
13 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Every year thousands of people make the decision to move abroad and start a new life - hopefully in the sun! Although if you are actively looking to m...
Working In France - Another option…
12 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Finding a job in France is never simple. You can have qualifications up the ying yang, speak fluent French and still get passed over time and time aga...
How To Have A Great Relationship With Your Property Agent!
10 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
One of the things that comes up over and over again is people sharing their experiences of working with agents or realtors when they are buying a prop...
What’s Daily Life In France REALLY like?!
03 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I’m talking about daily life in France and revealing what it is really like. Is it one long round of sipping glasses of crisp white ...
You’re Not Alone!
27 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I’m chatting to Olivia who is a musician and Gestalt therapist. What’s really interesting here is that she is both French and Engl...
When You’re Sick In France…
24 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
There’s an urban myth that the French are a nation of hypochondriacs and compared to us ‘stiff upper lip’ British, there’s certainly an elemen...
Do You Want To Buy A Property In France?
20 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I’m catching up with my favourite estate agent, Sheelagh co-owner of Agence Newton, an estate agency that specialises in Brittany, N...
How To Declutter!
16 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I’m looking at all the ways to get rid of your clutter. Whether you have stuff to donate, sell or just recycle, we’ve got the low ...
Cooking For The French!
13 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
And here’s part two ! I’m continuing the conversation with superstar chef Lucy about the challenge of cooking French recipes for a French clien...
Catering Made Simple!
10 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this first episode which is part of a two part interview, I catch up with British chef Lucy Simper who is managing to wow the French with her cooki...
How To Speak French - Fast!
06 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
One of the things that comes up time and time again when I’m chatting to people about moving to France or even just visiting, is speaking the langua...
Five Reasons To Move To France!
03 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I’m talking about 5 reasons why you need to move to France. Although I actually ended up with seven - without even trying too hard!I...
Three Top Tips For A Painless French Tax Return!
29 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I’m talking to Paul Robson, a France based UK chartered accountant who understands both systems. And…can explain what to do and no...
All About Me!
23 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
I hope you enjoy this short episode. It’s by popular request so to speak…!Plus, I thought it was probably about time that I gave you, my lovely li...
How To Complete A French Tax Return - Painlessly!
19 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we’re talking about how to go about your French tax return. And honestly, it’s really not that bad!First off - here’s the lin...
The Stress Free Way To Buy In France
16 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Buying a property in France can be a minefield and stressful to boot. Apart from anything else, the system is simply not the same and this can be huge...
Bon Appétit
13 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 sta...
How To Make The Most Of 2026
07 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 mos...
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...