This one’s a straight-up, no-filter Q&amp;A. No polishing, no “France is perfect” fantasy—just real talk.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 privately but rarely say out loud. But I do!

Thinking about moving to France, retiring in France, or already living here? France Made Simple is the practical podcast for English speakers navigating life in France.

Host Catharine Higginson has spent more than 20 years living and working in France. Each week she shares honest advice, real experiences and practical guidance on buying property, renovating French homes, visas, healthcare, taxation, bureaucracy, learning the language, culture, and the everyday realities of French life.

Whether you’re planning your move, buying your dream home, starting a business, or simply trying to understand how life really works in France, France Made Simple helps you avoid costly mistakes and make confident decisions.