Long-stay visas, budget locations and lagoons: Things we learned in the May 2021 issue of French Property News (plus Living France)

The May issue of French Property News with 25-page Living France section is out now!

1. There are two types of long-stay visas in France

Find out what you need to do if you want to stay longer than 90-days your second home in France post Brexit. Plus, the latest news from the French property market. (p9)

2. “Cleanliness is key, now more than ever”

Pick up some key advice if you are thinking of setting up a B&B or chambres d’hotes in France. (p24)

3. There might be an affordable alternative to your dream location

Beaches, mountains and fairy-tale villages – we pit France’s prime locations against their budget counterparts. (p28)

4. Mountain homes are not just for winter

With paragliding, hiking and biking for the sporty, stunning lakes and views, plus a host of summer festivals the Alps and Pyrenees can be enjoyed all-year-round. (p32)

5. Iron-oxide in the ground can make stone yellow or red

From creamy limestone to pink granite, we explore the regional stones that can make a French property so special. (p40)

6. A parefeuille is a medium-sized terracotta ceiling tile often repurposed as a floor covering

It’s time for part two on our series on flooring – could reclaimed tiles be what you need to add the wow factor to your home? (p44)

7. The lagoons of Aude have been recognised as wetland sites of international importance

The little-known stretch of the littoral in Aude encompasses lagoons, saltmarshes, beaches and hills and could be a great place for a holiday bolt-hole. (p48)

8. Pays de Gex are could be a good place for an investment property

French properties in Pays de Gex are cheaper than in Switzerland but commutable distance to Geneva. (p54)

9. There’s a ten-day cooling off period on French property contracts

Can you get out of a contact if you have agreed to buy? This month’s legal column has all the answers. (p66)

10. Pine resin extracted from French forests can be used for glue and varnishes

More Rural Riddles, involving bamboo, chickens and a hazardous sunroom, are solved. (p80)

11. Over 7000 Brits live full-time in Dordogne

In the Living France section, we delve into Dordogne – what it’s like to live there and what properties are available. Plus, there’s a guide to eating out in France and a recipe for sablés biscuits.

If you want to read and learn more about buying property and living in France, take out our great subscription offer and get the magazine delivered to your door every month!

On the cover: a beautiful four-bedroom property less than an hour from La Rochelle, on the market with Leggett.