<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>