The most important fact to begin this discussion — which is directed at those who wish to live in Paris, not those who wish to buy rental properties in Paris — is that the current interest rates for fixed mortgages … Continue reading
Author: Stephen Heiner
Journées du Patrimoine (Skip the Elysée)
Around this time last year I made plans with two friends to visit the Elysée Palace. Once a year, in September, the French celebrate Heritage Days (les Journées du Patrimoine) and many places are open to the public which are … Continue reading
No, I Don’t Have a French Driver’s License (And Probably Never Shall)
I hadn’t written about this before, but a number of people have emailed me about it more recently and I also just finished a book called French License by Joe Start which chronicles just how challenging it can be to … Continue reading
Change Your Address? Not So Fast!
It didn’t seem that long ago that I penned an article explaining the few steps necessary to change your address. So, as a “veteran” of the process, I thought it would be just as simple to do it again. Not … Continue reading
A Few Things I Love about America
I am now, and always will be, an American. Yes, I’m pursuing French citizenship, but getting that citizenship won’t make me French any more than it would unmake me an American. I know I will always be a strange creature … Continue reading
French and US Taxes
This was the year I finally found my rhythm filing in two countries. I did my US business taxes in March, my US personal taxes in April (though I needed some French income estimates to complete them), my French business … Continue reading
Osteo & Chiro in France
“We’re not covered by the French insurance system.” I was only slightly surprised when my osteopath said this to me at the end of our visit. As someone who has spent most of his life outside of a single-payer healthcare … Continue reading
Long Lost Luggage
“But why didn’t they load it on the flight?” I was at Orly Airport, at the luggage desk for Vueling Airlines, or more properly speaking, at a desk that serviced 6 different airlines, one of which was Vueling, which if … Continue reading
After a Month of Immersive French at the Alpine French School
There have been plenty of adventures since I moved back to Paris after living in Morzine for the month of February, but before I tell you about those, I should put a bookend on my time there and tell you … Continue reading
Gas Pains
“Do you want an electric stove, a gas one, or a hybrid?” My (new) landlady asked me this question over the telephone as we were negotiating deal points on the new lease. We had found the current stove to be … Continue reading