Thank You for Trusting Us with Your France Chapter

By Jay Corless, edited by Adrian Leeds

Note: The photos below are of our team in Paris, Nice and the U.S.! They are who, both you and I, have to thank for doing such a great job making your dreams to live and invest in France come true!

As the year ends and France settles into winter, we want to take a moment to pause. Instead of talking about prices, paperwork, or market cycles, we simply want to say thank you.

Helping someone find a home in France is never just a transaction. It is a deeply personal moment. Often, it follows years of dreaming, months of planning, and some uncertainty. For many, it marks a new chapter—retirement, a sabbatical, a family move, or the decision to finally live the life you imagined when France first inspired you.

This year, we walked Paris streets in the rain and cold, picturing future dinner parties under crown moldings. We also wandered the bright boulevards of Nice, where winter light fills terraces even in December. Whether your journey took you to the 6th arrondissement or the Carré d’Or, a cozy Haussmannian salon or a sunny balcony with palm views, our goal has always been the same: helping you step confidently into the life you’ve imagined.

Willow M.C and Zerina S.

We are also grateful to the agents, owners, Notaires, and partners in Paris and the Côte d’Azur who make this work possible. Real estate in France is a team effort, and the best results come from patience, professionalism, and mutual respect. These are values we are proud to uphold from the Seine to the Mediterranean.

Diane C. and Jay C.

As the calendar turns, many of you start thinking more carefully about the year ahead. For some, France is still an idea just over the horizon, a plan that is still forming. We often see that the most successful moves are not the fastest, but the best-prepared. Taking time now to learn how each market works, how dossiers are reviewed, and what kind of home fits your lifestyle can make all the difference when the time comes.

January and February are great months for slow, thoughtful preparation. In Paris, it is the quietest rental period of the year. In Nice, it is a time when long-term options appear before the spring rush. Winter gives you space to refine your budget, choose between a main or secondary residence, and gather the documents that French landlords always request. These steps may seem small, but they lay the foundation for a smooth search instead of a rushed one.

The Team in Nice, from left to right: Ella D., Adrian L., Katie F., Katie A. (aka Archer), Kathy G. and Patty S.

This is also the perfect season to check your readiness for life here: your banking setup, guarantor options, proof of income, tax details, and your expectations about neighborhoods and apartment styles. Many clients are surprised by how different the choices feel. Paris has its unique arrondissements, each like its own village. Nice offers Italian charm, wide promenades, and year-round light. Thinking now about how you want to live—quiet or lively, urban or seaside, classic or modern—will help you make clear decisions when opportunities come up.

Luz D.

If you are thinking about moving in 2026, here is some gentle insider advice: starting conversations early is not too soon. It is a smart move. Both markets reward people who are prepared, with a complete dossier, a realistic timeline, and a clear idea of which compromises are acceptable and which are not. When the right apartment appears, the prepared client is ready to say “yes” without hesitation.

Schuyler H.

Winter in France has two moods. Paris becomes softer and more intimate, with cafés glowing in the early evenings under a canopy of lights. Nice stays bright, airy, and surprisingly mild, showing that winter can feel like early spring by the sea. Both places invite reflection, and both remind us that “home” can take many forms in this beautiful country. As we approach the holidays and look toward the new year, we want you to know how much we appreciate your trust in us. Whether you have just arrived, are still searching, or are planning your move months or even years from now, it is a privilege to be part of your journey, whether north or south, city or seaside.

From all of us, we wish you a peaceful holiday season and a very happy New Year. We look forward to continuing the conversation and the search when France comes back to life in January.

A bientôt,