Our uncensored French renovation stories - and what we wish we’d done differently

In this first episode of French Reno Diaries UNCENSORED, we - Rosie, Micala and Sue - share our own French renovation journeys. No TV edits, no rose-tinted fantasies - just the raw, honest truth about buying, renovating, and surviving building projects in France.

Between us, we’ve renovated multiple properties across Brittany, Burgundy, the Gers and beyond. We talk about what drew us to France, the mistakes we made early on, and the lessons we learned the hard way.

What we talk about in this episode:

• Why renovating in France takes far longer than you expect
• Renting before buying — and why it can save you financially and emotionally
• Buying renovation properties with no savings (and how we made it work)
• Living in houses without heating, floors or proper plumbing
• How a house will “tell you” what it needs - if you listen
• The dangers of DIY electrics and non-compliant fittings in France
• Why tradespeople’s own houses are never finished
• The difference between renovation fantasy and real French life

Resources & tools mentioned in this episode:

• Le Bon Coin – France’s main second-hand marketplace, widely used for sourcing renovation materials such as tiles, staircases and wood burners
• Greenacres – UK-facing French property portal used to find renovation properties
• Crédit Agricole – French bank mentioned in relation to mortgages and lending requirements for new business owners

Glossary (French terms used in this episode that might be new to you):

• Micro-entrepreneur – French self-employed business status
• Diagnostics immobiliers – mandatory property reports when selling
• Fosse septique – septic tank system
• Épandage – soakaway drainage system
• Mairie – local town hall

Connect:

Facebook | Instagram

Subscribe to the newsletter: www.frenchrenodiaries.com

Email: frenchrenodiaries@gmail.com

Find out more about us and our French reno businesses:

Maison Bretagne (Rosie Ellis)

S.R. Charpenterie (Sue Peake-Russell)

Paul Wilkins Electricien (Micala Wilkins)

Artisan Central

Credits:

• Produced & mixed by: Katy Wright
• Music: Grand Project