French Reno Diaries UNCENSORED

<p>Planning rules can make or break a French renovation. So, in this episode, we unpack how <strong>planning permits in France actually work</strong>, why the mairie should always be your first stop - and what can go wrong if it isn’t!</p><p>If you’re renovating (or thinking about buying) property in France, this episode will help you avoid expensive mistakes, delays and legal headaches. </p><p>We’ve also pulled the key concepts, definitions and resources together in written form on our website, so you can revisit the details whenever you need to.</p><p><strong>*** </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.frenchrenodiaries.com"><strong>www.frenchrenodiaries.com</strong></a><strong> ***</strong></p><p></p><p><strong>Resources mentioned in the episode</strong></p><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.service-public.gouv.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/N319"><strong>Service-Public</strong></a> – Official French government guidance on planning and permits</li><li><strong>Local mairie</strong> – First point of contact for planning rules and applications</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.collectivites-locales.gouv.fr/animer-les-territoires/environnement-et-urbanisme/les-regles-durbanisme/les-documents-durbanisme-et-les-regles-generales-durbanisme/les-plans-locaux-durbanisme"><strong>PLU (Plan Local d’Urbanisme)</strong></a> – Local planning framework for each commune</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.geoportail-urbanisme.gouv.fr/map/#tile=1&amp;lon=2.424722&amp;lat=46.76305599999998&amp;zoom=6"><strong>Géoportail</strong></a> – National mapping tool showing zoning, flood risk and boundaries</li></ul><p></p><p><strong>Mini glossary: French planning terms</strong></p><ul><li><strong>PLU (Plan Local d’Urbanisme)</strong> – Local planning rules set by the commune</li><li><strong>Déclaration Préalable (DP)</strong> – Simplified planning permission for certain works</li><li><strong>Permis de Construire</strong> – Full planning permission for larger projects</li><li><strong>Certificat d’Urbanisme (CU)</strong> – Document confirming development rights</li><li><strong>Bâtiments de France (ABF)</strong> – Authority overseeing protected and historic areas</li><li><strong>Affichage de permis</strong> – Mandatory on-site display of planning approval</li></ul><p></p><p><strong>Connect:</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/frenchrenodiaries">Facebook</a> | <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/frenchrenodiaries">Instagram</a></p><p>Subscribe to the newsletter: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.frenchrenodiaries.com">www.frenchrenodiaries.com</a> </p><p>Email: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></p><p>Find out more about us and our French reno businesses:</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.renovation-maison-bretagne.fr/">Maison Bretagne</a> (Rosie Ellis)</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://srcharpenterie.fr/">S.R. Charpenterie</a> (Sue Peake-Russell)</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.paulwilkinselectricien.com/">Paul Wilkins Electricien</a> (Micala Wilkins)</p><p></p><p><strong>Credits:</strong></p><ul><li>Produced &amp; mixed by: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/katy-wright-1b740710a/">Katy Wright</a></li><li>Music: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://pixabay.com/ru/users/grand_project-19033897/">Grand Project</a></li></ul>

<p>What are you <em>really</em> paying for when you hire an artisan in France? Why do two quotes for the same work look so different? How much profit do artisans make on renovation work? </p><p>If you're asking yourself (or Google) these questions, you'll find all the answers here!</p><p>In this Rants &amp; Bants episode, Rosie, Sue and Micala talk openly about the realities of running trade businesses in France - and what homeowners often misunderstand about how those businesses work (spoiler: we’re not milking you for all you’re worth and driving around in Ferraris). </p><p>We also hear about <strong>Sue's upcoming adventure in Kenya, where she’ll be building a mud hut for a family. Please consider supporting the project via </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.justgiving.com/page/sue-builds-hope"><strong>Sue’s Just Giving page</strong></a><strong> - even the smallest contribution will help provide tools, classroom resources, hot meals, and support for families who have so little.</strong></p><p>👂If the money-talk in this episode grabbed your attention, make sure you listen to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.frenchrenodiaries.com/p/why-budgets-blow-the-brutal-truth">Episode #2 Why budgets blow: The brutal truth about renovation costs in France.</a></p><p></p><p><strong>Resources mentioned in the episode</strong></p><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.thenasiotrust.org/"><strong>Nasio Trust</strong></a> – UK charity supporting communities in Kenya through housing and education projects</li><li><strong>Facebook expat and renovation groups</strong> – places where renovation questions are often asked (and misinformation spreads)</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002hd7x"><strong>Riot Women (BBC One)</strong></a> – TV series about women finding their voice later in life</li></ul><p></p><p><strong>Mini glossary (for new renovators in France)</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Devis</strong> – a formal written quote for works</li><li><strong>Artisan</strong> – a qualified tradesperson operating in France</li><li><strong>TVA</strong> – French VAT </li><li><strong>BTP</strong> – ‘Bâtiment et travaux publics’ (the French construction and public works sector)</li></ul><p></p><p><strong>Connect</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/frenchrenodiaries">Facebook</a> | <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/frenchrenodiaries">Instagram</a></p><p>Subscribe to the newsletter: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.frenchrenodiaries.com">www.frenchrenodiaries.com</a> </p><p>Email: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.renovation-maison-bretagne.fr/">Maison Bretagne</a> (Rosie Ellis)</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://srcharpenterie.fr/">S.R. Charpenterie</a> (Sue Peake-Russell)</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.paulwilkinselectricien.com/">Paul Wilkins Electricien</a> (Micala Wilkins)</p>

<p>If you’re renovating a property in France, chances are you’ve heard the term <em>assurance décennale</em> - along with claims that's it's not worth the paper it's written on. In this episode, Rosie, Sue and Micala explain why it most certainly IS!</p><p>There’s are lots of details you'll want to remember, so we’ve pulled everything together into a clear, written guide on our website:<strong> </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.frenchrenodiaries.com"><strong>www.frenchrenodiaries.com</strong></a></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>Resources mentioned in the episode</strong></p><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.service-public.gouv.fr/"><strong>Service Public</strong></a><strong> </strong>- the official French government website for rules on construction, insurance and homeowner responsibilities.</li><li><strong>Your local mairie</strong> - a key point of contact for renovation rules, declarations and local requirements.</li><li><strong>Qualified French artisans</strong> - always ask for a valid <em>attestation d’assurance décennale</em> before work starts - and check it covers the work being done.</li><li><strong>Architects / maîtres d’œuvre</strong> - particularly useful for larger renovations, structural work or coordinating multiple trades.</li><li><strong>Facebook renovation groups</strong> - helpful for shared experiences, but advice should always be verified.</li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>Mini Glossary: Key French insurance terms</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Attestation d’assurance</strong> - the insurance certificate you must check before work begins.</li><li><strong>Assurance décennale </strong>- a mandatory 10-year insurance held by professionals.</li><li><strong>Garantie décennale</strong> - the 10-year legal guarantee that applies once work is completed and signed off.</li><li><strong>Garantie de parfait achèvement (1 year)</strong> - covers defects reported within the first year after completion.</li><li><strong>Garantie biennale (2 years)</strong> - covers fixtures and equipment such as heating systems.</li><li><strong>Réception de travaux </strong>- the formal sign-off of completed work (this triggers all guarantees).</li><li><strong>Assurance dommage-ouvrage</strong> - omeowner insurance that pays for repairs quickly while insurers sort out liability.</li></ul><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>Connect:</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/frenchrenodiaries">Facebook</a> | <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/frenchrenodiaries">Instagram</a></p><p>Subscribe to the newsletter: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.frenchrenodiaries.com">www.frenchrenodiaries.com</a> </p><p>Email: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></p><p>Find out more about us and our French reno businesses:</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.renovation-maison-bretagne.fr/">Maison Bretagne</a> (Rosie Ellis)</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://srcharpenterie.fr/">S.R. Charpenterie</a> (Sue Peake-Russell)</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.paulwilkinselectricien.com/">Paul Wilkins Electricien</a> (Micala Wilkins)</p><p> </p><p><strong>Credits:</strong></p><ul><li>Produced &amp; mixed by: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/katy-wright-1b740710a/">Katy Wright</a></li><li>Music: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://pixabay.com/ru/users/grand_project-19033897/">Grand Project</a></li></ul>

<p><strong>Rants &amp; Bants episodes</strong> are informal, off-the-cuff chats - think of them like secretly recorded calls. Less polish, more spontaneity - but always insightful!</p><p></p><p><strong>What we discuss in this episode</strong></p><ul><li>Why renovation TV and YouTube often create unrealistic expectations (for a deeper dive into this topic, listen to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.frenchrenodiaries.com/p/the-reality-behind-the-dream-what">Episode #3: The reality behind the dream: What YouTube and TV shows don't tell you about renovating in France</a>.</li><li>The hidden realities behind “cheap” French properties and big renovation dreams.</li><li>Awkward truths about quotes, costs and why trades need to make a profit (for more about costs, listen to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.frenchrenodiaries.com/p/why-budgets-blow-the-brutal-truth">Episode #2 Why budgets blow: The brutal truth about renovation costs in France</a>).</li><li>Common misconceptions about setting up hospitality or renovation-led businesses in France, and what gets overlooked in the excitement phase.</li></ul><p></p><p><strong>Resources and shows mentioned in the episode</strong></p><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.channel4.com/programmes/help-we-bought-a-village"><strong>Help! I Bought a Village</strong></a> – TV series following a large-scale renovation project</li><li><strong>French renovation TV &amp; YouTube shows</strong> – inspiration, but not instruction manuals</li><li><strong>Facebook renovation groups</strong> – shared experiences (advice should be verified)</li></ul><p><strong>Mini glossary (for new renovators in France)</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Devis</strong> – a formal written quote for works</li><li><strong>Artisan</strong> – a qualified tradesperson in France</li><li><strong>Mairie</strong> – the local town hall; key for local rules and admin</li><li><strong>Micro-entrepreneur</strong> – a small-business status in France (with legal limits)</li></ul><p><strong>Connect</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/frenchrenodiaries">Facebook</a> | <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/frenchrenodiaries">Instagram</a></p><p>Subscribe to the newsletter: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.frenchrenodiaries.com">www.frenchrenodiaries.com</a> </p><p>Email: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></p><p>Find out more about us and our French reno businesses:</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.renovation-maison-bretagne.fr/">Maison Bretagne</a> (Rosie Ellis)</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://srcharpenterie.fr/">S.R. Charpenterie</a> (Sue Peake-Russell)</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.paulwilkinselectricien.com/">Paul Wilkins Electricien</a> (Micala Wilkins)</p><p> </p><p><strong>Credits:</strong></p><ul><li>Produced &amp; mixed by: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/katy-wright-1b740710a/">Katy Wright</a></li><li>Music: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://pixabay.com/ru/users/grand_project-19033897/">Grand Project</a></li></ul>

<p>In this episode of <em>French Reno Diaries UNCENSORED</em>, Rosie, Michaela and Sue pull back the curtain on reality TV renovation shows and glossy YouTube channels - and compare them with what <em>actually</em> happens on real renovation projects in France.</p><p></p><p><strong>TV shows mentioned:</strong></p><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://thechateau.tv/">Escape to the Chateau</a> (now known as <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://chateaudiy.com/">Chateau DIY</a>)</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.aplaceinthesun.com/">A Place in the Sun</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.channel4.com/programmes/a-new-life-in-the-sun">New Life in the Sun</a></li></ul><p></p><p><strong>The episode also references several renovation-focused YouTube channels:</strong></p><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://chateaupurnon.com/">Chateau de Purnon</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/howtorenovateachateau">How to Renovate a Chateau</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://ohnoanotherchateau.com/">Oh No Another Chateau</a></li></ul><p></p><p><strong>Helpful resources mentioned:</strong></p><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.service-public.gouv.fr/">Service Public</a> – Official French government information</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.frenchentree.com/">FrenchEntrée</a> – English-language resource for living and renovating in France</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.leroymerlin.fr/">Leroy Merlin</a> &amp; <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.bricodepot.fr/">Brico Depot</a> – In-store advice, materials and specification sheets</li><li>Local mairie offices and professional artisans for accurate guidance</li><li>Facebook groups (use with caution — advice is often mixed!)</li></ul><p></p><p><strong>Listener comments:</strong> Thanks to Anna, Helen and Claire from our Facebook community for sharing their experiences and insights - we loved reading your comments and comparing them to what we see on TV renovation shows.</p><p></p><p><strong>Connect:</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/frenchrenodiaries">Facebook</a> | <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/frenchrenodiaries">Instagram</a></p><p>Subscribe to the newsletter: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://frenchrenodiaries.substack.com/">https://frenchrenodiaries.substack.com/</a></p><p>Email: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></p><p>Find out more about us and our French reno businesses:</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.renovation-maison-bretagne.fr/">Maison Bretagne</a> (Rosie Ellis)</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://srcharpenterie.fr/">S.R. Charpenterie</a> (Sue Peake-Russell)</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.paulwilkinselectricien.com/">Paul Wilkins Electricien</a> (Micala Wilkins)</p><p></p><p><strong>Credits:</strong></p><ul><li>Produced &amp; mixed by: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/katy-wright-1b740710a/">Katy Wright</a></li><li>Music: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://pixabay.com/ru/users/grand_project-19033897/">Grand Project</a></li></ul>