Living in France
Visiting France
Discovering France
Welcome to Savvy France
We love France – its beauty, its quirks, and the way everyday life still feels like an art form. At Savvy France, curiosity leads the way. We uncover the stories, people, and places that reveal what makes this country tick, from quiet corners to bold ideas. It’s travel with insight, culture with character, and a fresh take on living well in France.
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Living in France
French Residency – Navigating the Changes in 2026
French residency regulations are changing for 2026. British residents with Brexit Withdrawal Agreement cards face upcoming renewals for 10-year permanent cards, while Americans need to navigate updated long-stay visa requirements and potential healthcare fees. New language requirements take effect in 2026 for those seeking multi-year residency cards.
Recycling in France: What really happens to your rubbish
Think it all ends up in the same place anyway? We bust the myths about French recycling and reveal what really happens to your rubbish. From yellow bin rules to brown bin requirements, here’s how your sorting choices impact France’s environment and economy.
Becoming a Volunteer Firefighter in France
Discover how new residents are integrating into French communities by becoming volunteer firefighters. From Nouvelle-Aquitaine to Normandy, anglophones aged 16-55 are answering emergency calls, fighting fires, and finding a profound sense of belonging.
The French Senate Explained: A Powerful Ally for Foreigners Living in France
The French Sénat protects local communities and foreign residents’ rights from the Palais du Luxembourg. Discover how 348 senators influence laws affecting daily life in France, particularly for British residents navigating post-Brexit challenges.
Visiting France
Richelieu – France’s Lost Masterpiece: Explore the Magnificent Town Built for a Cardinal
Discover Richelieu, France, a perfectly preserved 17th-century town south of the Loire Valley. Built by Cardinal Richelieu, it once housed France’s grandest château before Versailles. Explore elegant streets, parkland, and a fascinating story of lost glory.
Discover Incredible Bike-Friendly France: Coastal Adventures by Train
Discover bike-friendly France along the stunning Atlantic coast. From Bordeaux’s 1,400km of cycle paths to the Basque country’s coastal routes, explore golden beaches, historic ports, and vineyard landscapes – all accessible by train with your bike traveling free.
Avoid the Holiday Traffic: Discover Hidden Treasures in France by Train
Discover deepest France by train, exploring Loire Valley châteaux, medieval Dordogne towns, and Pyrenean vineyards without the stress of driving. From Tours to Bordeaux, we reveal car-free rail adventures to places you’ve always meant to visit.
Escape La Rochelle’s Crowds: Discover Hidden Ports by Bike
Discover La Rochelle’s hidden network of working ports by bike. From France’s largest marina at Port des Minimes to WWII bunkers at La Pallice, explore maritime history on two wheels. A perfect car-free day out on the Atlantic coast.
Discovering France
France’s Belle Époque: Discover the Golden Age with a Dazzling Legacy in Art, Music and Architecture
Discover France’s Belle Époque, the Golden Age from 1871-1914 that gave us Art Nouveau, Parisian cabarets, and the Palais Garnier. Explore the music, art, and architecture that defined an era of optimism and creativity across France.
Doors in France Through Time: How Medieval Innovation Created Timeless Design
From medieval timber planks to Art Nouveau masterpieces, French doors reveal centuries of architectural innovation. Discover how Renaissance fever transformed simple security into artistic expression across France’s buildings.
How Emmaüs France is Innovating to Fight Poverty
Discover how Emmaüs, founded by Abbé Pierre in 1949, is innovating to fight poverty in modern France. From opening the first non-profit online marketplace to planning a groundbreaking 15,000m² solidarity centre in Bordeaux, this iconic French charity proves that your unwanted items can give someone a second chance at life.
Jeanne d’Arc: The Peasant Girl Who United France
Jeanne d’Arc didn’t just save France from English conquest – she created the very idea of a unified French nation. Discover how a peasant girl from the Vosges changed history and where you can walk in her footsteps across France today.