About this site

Welcome to The French Property Notebook,
your insider guide to buying, selling, and living well in one of France’s most charming regions — the Périgord Noir.

I’m a local real estate agent based in Montignac, and after years of helping clients navigate the French property market, I created this space to share what rarely gets said in glossy listings or fast-talking negotiations.

This site is for:

• Buyers dreaming of a home in France but unsure where to begin
• Sellers navigating the complexities of listing and legal steps
• Anyone curious about the real-life rhythm of life in this part of the world — not just the postcard version

Why I Started This Blog

The French property process is unlike any other — layered, emotional, legally complex, and deeply rooted in local knowledge. As an agent, I often find myself answering the same tough questions:

• Who really pays the commission — and how does that work?
• What do renovation costs actually look like here?
• Can I trust this process from overseas?
• What is life really like beyond the sale?

Instead of keeping these answers locked in one-on-one conversations, I’ve built this notebook — a place to pull back the curtain and offer honest, grounded insights from someone who lives it daily.

What You'll Find Here

• Real advice for buying and selling in France
• Stories and lessons from the field
• Tips on navigating the notaire, negotiating offers, and avoiding surprises
• Occasional reflections on life in the Périgord Noir — from someone who calls it home

Let’s Stay in Touch

This blog is more than a resource — it’s a conversation.
You can subscribe to get updates, or just drop by when you’re in research mode. If you ever want to connect directly, I’m just a message away.

Thanks for stopping by — and welcome to my French Property Notebook.