France Made Simple

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

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 here
If 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 #FrenchLife

And here’s my playlist https://music.apple.com/fr/playlist/running/pl.u-4Joma4DTaM0pNzm?l=en

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/en
And use my code CAT10 to get 10% off your order!

#FrenchBusiness #NormandyLife #StartupStory #Entrepreneurship #MadeInFrance

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!

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.