Sometimes, little phrases slipped into a conversation for no reason come to make sense months later. This visitor to Emmanuel Macron’s gilded presidential lounge last September is stunned when he recalls the conversation at the time. The scene took place a few days after Gérald Darmanin’s thunderous political comeback in Tourcoing (Nord), where, on the […]

The affordability pledge for Paris’s upcoming Olympic Games has faced intense scrutiny anew as a consumer advocacy group shed light on staggering hotel prices, averaging around 1,000 euros, near the path of the opening ceremony slated for July. While Olympic organizers have prided themselves on the inclusivity of hosting events along the Seine River, an […]

In the heart of Paris’s 15th arrondissement, Atelier 11 stands as a testament to artistic history, having hosted luminaries such as Gauguin, Soutine, and Modigliani within its storied walls. Yet, time has weathered this venerable studio, leaving its walls cracked and its famed skylights in need of restoration. Anticipation reverberates as plans unfold for an […]

In a bid to transform the Seine River into a viable venue for Olympic swimming, the city of Paris has set in motion an ambitious project to construct a vast storage basin capable of holding 46,000 cubic meters of wastewater. This move, reported by Reuters, aims to curb pollution levels, offering athletes a chance to […]

  A food writer shares what it was like to eat, cook, and shop in Paris as Julia Child knew and loved it. As our boat glided along the Seine, the Eiffel Tower came into view, glittering against a piercing blue September sky. The captain popped a bottle of Champagne and handed me a generous pour. […]

Amidst the allure of Paris lies a realm of captivating weekend retreats, each a splendid departure from the city’s bustle. Whether your heart yearns for the countryside’s tranquility, the regal echoes of châteaux, or the coastal symphony of cliffs, these five destinations promise an enchanting escape. The Loire Valley Enter a realm where time dances […]

Mortgage interest rates in France are between 4.25% and 5.5% for foreign buyers – substantially lower than interest rates in the US.  And mortgages are more readily available than they have been since interest rates started rising.  Real estate prices have been coming down since the start of Covid due to population migration from cities […]

Winter Chill Descends on French Real Estate Market as Top Cities Grapple with Ongoing Price Decline. Paris Sees Unprecedented Monthly Drop; Ile-de-France Region Follows Suit. The price decline that commenced several months ago persists in the French real estate market, casting a shadow over the prospect of improvement. Recent data indicates a year-on-year decrease of […]

We helped our client, On Lu from California, buy a property in Paris as a surprise for his mother. His story was featured on House Hunter’s International in early November. Recently we sat down with him to hear about the whole experience, and how it unfolded. Kathryn: I’m really fascinated to hear your story, On. […]

In the bustling heart of the French capital, amid the iconic landmarks that grace the Parc de la Villette, a vibrant transformation is underway in anticipation of the upcoming Olympic Games in 2024. As the event draws nearer, hundreds of thousands of eager visitors are expected to grace the sprawling 55 hectares of greenery in […]