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France Made Simple: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Catharine Sceats
France Made Simple explains everything you need to know to create a new life there for you and your family. Host Catharine Higginson draws on her personal experience gained from over 20 years of living and working in France and shares insight from specialist guests tackling subjects such as inheritance planning, property purchase and renovation, visas and insurance. And if you appreciated what we do, please feel free to head over to my Buy Me A Coffee page - buymeacoffee.com/francemadesimple - lots of free resources there too!
Latest Episodes
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- 6 days ago34 min
No Filter France: The Reality of Expat Life After 20 Years
This one’s a straight-up, no-filter Q&A. No polishing, no “France is perfect” fantasy, just me keeping it real!I’m answering your questions about what it’s actually like living here: financial woes, the weird social codes, the small-town dynamics, and the stuff people usually dodge because it’s awkward or not very Instagram friendly.I’m talking about the reality of certain expat pockets, the cliques, the odd behaviour that can show up when people stay too long in their own bubble and yeah, some of it’s blunt. That’s the point.If you’re here for a dreamy “quit your job, move to France and live happily ever after” vibe, this isn’t that. This is the messy, contradictory, occasionally uncomfortable version, the one people talk about in private but rarely say out loud. But I do!
- 1 weeks ago42 min
What Moving to France Does to Your Mind: A Therapist’s View on Expat Life
In this episode, I’m chatting with Julia a therapist who made the move to France three years ago—and hasn’t looked back, despite the inevitable challenges along the way…!This is a really honest insight into what it’s really like to rebuild both your life and career in a new country.Julia shares her personal journey of relocating to France including the realities of settling in, and how expectations compared with day-to-day life. From navigating bureaucracy (and we all know about that!), and the cultural differences to managing isolation and building a new professional identity, this episode explores the sometimes less-visible aspects of expatriate life.We also look closely at what it means to work as a therapist across borders. She explains how she supports clients online as well as face to face, the types of issues people might encounter, and why mental health can become more complex when you’re living outside your home country. We’re talking identity shifts, relationship strain, loneliness, and the psychological impact of starting over.And most importantly, Julia explains the services she offers, including how she works and what people can expect from engaging with therapy in an online format. Whether you’re already living in France, planning a move, or simply curious about the potential impact on mental health when relocating, this episode will give you a a really practical perspective grounded in real life experience.This is a really interesting discussion of the ups and downs, with some very useful insight for anyone navigating life abroad. Give it a listen; you won’t regret it!And you can get in touch with Julia here via email Julia@safetherapy.co.uk Or via her site - link below!http://safetherapy.co.uk/
- 2 weeks ago41 min
Moving to France? The Visa Mistakes That Get You Rejected
Moving to France sounds straightforward—until your visa gets rejected!In this episode, I’m chatting to immigration guru (!), or immigration GP as he prefers to be known, Fabien from FAB FRENCH INSURANCE and we’re going through the most common mistakes that cause refusals, and more importantly, how to avoid them. From incomplete documentation to weak financial justification, small errors can have major consequences.If you’re applying for a French visa (or thinking about it), this episode will help you approach the process with clarity and confidence.And if you’ve already applied for a French visa please feel free to share your experience - good or bad!
- 3 weeks ago33 min
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
- Jul 4, 202633 min
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 hereIf 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 #FrenchLifeAnd here’s my playlist https://music.apple.com/fr/playlist/running/pl.u-4Joma4DTaM0pNzm?l=en
- Jun 30, 202623 min
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/enAnd use my code CAT10 to get 10% off your order!#FrenchBusiness #NormandyLife #StartupStory #Entrepreneurship #MadeInFrance
- Jun 23, 202629 min
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!
- Jun 17, 202620 min
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.
About France Made Simple
France Made Simple explains everything you need to know to create a new life there for you and your family. Host Catharine Higginson draws on her personal experience gained from over 20 years of living and working in France and shares insight from specialist guests tackling subjects such as inheritance planning, property purchase and renovation, visas and insurance. And if you appreciated what we do, please feel free to head over to my Buy Me A Coffee page - buymeacoffee.com/francemadesimple - lots of free resources there too!
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