A New Life in the South of France, Episode 510

Category: Provence

Have you ever dreamed of starting a new life in the south of France? In this episode of Join Us in France, Annie Sargent has a conversation with with Brian Tolleson, who did just that. Brian shares his journey of buying and renovating a home in the picturesque village of Valbonne, located in the stunning French Riviera, close to Cannes and Antibes.

Get the podcast ad-free

Brian and his husband had been visiting France for years, falling in love with the Mediterranean vibe of the South. Eventually, they found Valbonne, a charming village just a short distance from the bustling cities of Cannes and Nice. Their love affair with the town led them to buy a home and embark on a renovation project. The process wasn't easy, but it was a rewarding experience that allowed them to fully embrace their new life in France.

The Process of Buying Property in France

One of the key takeaways from Brian’s story is that buying a property in France is very different from the U.S. There are no buyer’s agents, and you work directly with the seller’s agent throughout the process. The buying process, from making an offer to getting the keys, can take several months, and it involves receiving detailed reports on everything from the heating system to the history of termites in the area. But as Brian explains, if you do your research and find a good notaire (a French legal professional), the process can be smooth and manageable.

Hiring Contractors

Renovating a home in France also requires careful planning. Brian shares how they worked with a local contractor, which was key to their success. Having someone reliable who understands the legal requirements in France made all the difference. In France, you need documentation for every renovation, including 10-year warranties called "Garanties Décennales" for any major work. This ensures that if something goes wrong after the work is completed, you're covered. Brian offers a great tip for anyone embarking on a renovation: find a contractor who speaks English or be ready to rely heavily on translation tools!

Going Through the Visa Process

In addition to buying and renovating their home, Brian and his husband are navigating the French visa process. They chose the entrepreneur visa, as they plan to start a consulting business connecting Southern Europe with the American South. Brian shares how working with a professional visa consultant made the process much easier, but he also stresses the importance of patience. French bureaucracy moves slowly, but if you stay the course, you'll get there.

Moving to France with a Dog

One of the unique aspects of Brian’s story is how he brought his dog, Junior, with him to France. He explains how to navigate the complicated paperwork for traveling with a pet and why hiring a consultant to handle the USDA requirements is worth every penny.

Some Gems of the Riviera

Brian also offers great travel tips for anyone visiting the French Riviera. He recommends exploring the charming towns of Gourdon, Antibes, and Mougins, and he loves taking boat trips to the nearby Lerins Islands. For art lovers, Brian suggests visiting the Picasso Museum in Antibes and the Chagall and Matisse Museums in Nice.

Resources Mentioned in this episode

Feathers & Furs Express dog moving company

Brian's Map of what to visit around Antibes

Connexion South is Brian's consulting company

More episodes about Provence

#France, #FrenchRiviera, #ExpatsInFrance, #PropertyRenovation, #MoveToFrance, #BuyingInFrance, #LivingInFrance, #FrenchProperty, #HomeRenovation, #CoteDAzur, #TravelFrance, #JoinUsInFrance, #ExpatsLife, #RenovationJourney, #FrenchLifestyle

FOLLOW US ON:

Email | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter

Discussed in this Episode

• Valbonne
• Cannes
• Antibes
• Sofia Antipolis
• Mougins
• French Riviera
• Pont du Loup
• Gorges du Loup
• Gourdon
• Chagall Museum
• Matisse Museum
• Nice
• Monaco
• Oceanographic Museum
• Lerins Islands
• Île Saint Marguerite
• Île Saint Honorat
• Picasso Museum
• Saint Paul de Vence
• Lerins Islands Sculpture Garden.

Subscribe to the Podcast

Support the Show

Read more about this episode

Category: Provence