General

“My Friend’s Neighbour Said It Was Easy…” The Hidden Danger of Taking Advice from Strangers

General, Residency, Visas

As a paperwork expert with over 15 years in the business, I make it a point to stay aware of what’s being said online. Social media groups, forums, comment threads, they’re full of people generously sharing their experiences about moving to France.  This can be a help but also a hindrance.And to be completely honest? I’ve been astounded by the amount of false, or dangerously incomplete, information circulating. Just because information is free doesn’t mean it’s accurate. Those giving advice online often mean well. But something that worked for one person does not automatically apply to someone else. And when…

Top Tips to Learn the Lingo

General, Language

My dream of moving to a foreign country began at the ripe old age of 8. I spent most of my early years daydreaming of where I wanted to live, and France was often the top of my list.  As I got older my daydreaming transformed into my vision and I travelled extensively looking for my dream home.  It was not until I arrived on the cote d’Azur in 1992 that I really started to settle down.  Of course, the dream life does not happen with a click of the fingers, the following two years were filled with a multitude…

LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE in France

Residency, Visas, Work Life Balance

As I look at social media and see everyone ‘living their best life’ doing lots of activities, holidays and posting about living their best life and their dream lives, and I wonder what that means to different people? Social media paints a picture that is often false and puts pressure on us all to do more, do bigger, do better, do something. What if living your dream life is doing ‘nothing’? Doing ‘nothing’ is an acquired art. We need to remember how to spend time with ourselves doing nothing, especially women. It has been my motto for over 11 years now, ever since…

Teams

Why my cleaner is an important part of my team

General, Work Life Balance

I Last year we invited women from around the world to try something new, we invited them to join us for our annual “Around the World in 60 Days” as women joined forces to pay forward our book in as many countries as they could, and wow they didn’t let us down. Join us ….

New French Language Test Requirements in 2026: What You Need to Know

Language, Residency, Visas

If you’re planning to apply for a long-term residence permit, a 10-year resident card, or French citizenship, big changes are coming from 1st January, 2026. You have no doubt been hearing about this for quite some time via various news and media channels and wondering how this will affect your application.  The French government is raising the required language levels for these applications, and the TCF IRN (Test de Connaissance du Français – Intégration, Résidence et Nationalité) will be at the heart of the process. At LBS, we want to make sure you are fully informed and prepared for these new rules and how that…

Top 10 Tips for a Smooth Relocation to France

Residency, Transport, Work Life Balance

(written by Burk Bros) Starting a new chapter in France is exciting, but moving your personal belongings overseas requires careful planning. With decades of experience helping families relocate to and from France, https://burkebros.co.uk/services/moving-to-europe/moving-to-france/ Burke Bros Moving Group have gathered a range of practical suggestions to help reduce stress, avoid delays and ensure moving day goes as smoothly as possible. Secure Your Moving Date EarlyBook your move well in advance and keep your removal company informed of any changes. Last-minute amendments can lead to additional charges. Customs procedures now take longer and involve more documentation, so allow extra time for paperwork…

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