It has long been the conventional wisdom that France is a wonderful country to visit and a fulfilling place to live. Many Brits have plucked up the courage to buy a second home here, while others have moved across lock, stock and barrel, often to retire and spend their last years in a better climate. But although the sun is warmer than at home, few expats have viewed the country as a hot prospect for employment. The image of better weather, superior food, and joie de vivre has always been tempered by the view that working here could be problematic.Read more

It has been a complicated time for foreign property investors on the Riviera. UK second-home owners have been leaving in droves, according to local real estate agents. The reason for this withdrawal has been the economic crisis, which has put pressure on many British residents with French properties. These sellers have been helped by the collapse of the pound against the euro, so a paper loss in France has often trans-lated into a real profit in sterling. Obstacles, such as the requirement to appoint a fiscal guarantor (see article page 20) have not been big enough to be insurmountable. Perhaps one day some of these vendors will return.Read more

Romantic rose, sexy black, or burning red... fashionistas are spoilt for choice! The love story between La mode and Paris is at its height in September with Fashion Week.Read more

The process of European integration continues. Indeed, it has a life of its own. Perhaps the most obvious recent example, of great interest to foreigners in France - visitors and residents - is the enforcement of speed limits.Read more