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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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- Today20 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.
- 1 weeks ago21 min
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.
- 1 weeks ago20 min
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.
- 2 weeks ago22 min
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
- 3 weeks ago18 min
Must-Have Apps for Life in France: Your Digital Survival Guide
Navigating life in France is easier when you’ve got the right tools in your pocket. In this episode, we break down the most useful apps to have on your phone—from transport and banking to food delivery, healthcare, and everyday admin. Whether you’re a newcomer trying to decode the system or a long-term resident looking to streamline daily life, these apps can save you time, money, and frustration.We’re talking essential services like getting around with ease, managing bills, finding the best local spots, and staying connected to French bureaucracy without the headache. Expect practical recommendations, insider tips, and a few lesser-known gems that even seasoned expats might not be using yet.If you want to simplify your day-to-day life in France, this episode gives you a curated digital toolkit to get started.And here’s a link to the CROWDFARMING app - https://cfarm.co/mgm?lc=LC3BCK8P
- 3 weeks ago16 min
Living In France - It’s The Little Things!
What is daily life really like in France? In this episode, we unpack the small but constant frictions of living in France—from confusing bureaucracy and slow administration to shop opening hours, strikes, customer service differences, and language barriers.If you’re an expat, planning a move to France, or already living here and wondering why everything feels just slightly harder than expected, this episode breaks down the hidden realities behind French life.A practical, honest look at expat life in France, French culture, and the everyday challenges that don’t make it into the dream—but shape your experience once you’re here.
- 4 weeks ago13 min
Registering A Foreign Vehicle In France
When it comes to importing and registering vehicles in France, urban myths abound. And if you listen to ‘Mike’ down the Dog & Duck or rather, le Chien & Canard, you are likely to come a cropper.But never fear, we’ve put together an episode all about just that. Listen in and make sure you are road legal in France.Enjoy!
- 4 weeks ago17 min
The True Cost Of Living In France
If you’re thinking about moving to France and wondering about the cost of living here, then this episode is a must. I’m chatting through the true cost of living here, from the obvious expenses and outgoings to the hidden ones that quietly drain your budget. Let me know what you have found to be more or less expensive than back home as well as those things you’d never budgeted for!
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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