Moving to France » Setting up home

Setting up your home utilities

Published: 6 January 2011

Setting up your home utilitiesMany people moving to France head to the countryside where often the cutting-edge high-speed internet offers are not available, but France has made much fanfare about increasing broadband access to rural areas.

One of the first things you should check is whether there is a phone line installed in your new house and whether your area is capable of receiving broadband.

You will also need to register with a gas and electricity supplier. In France, the energy market has been partially opened to competition, so you can choose your provider.

Useful tip

  • Royal Mail has a service to forward mail to addresses overseas. Make sure your name is clearly labelled on your post box.

In the full Moving to France helpguide, we explain:

  • Setting up gas and electricity
  • How prices are determined
  • Changing your provider
  • Connecting a phone line
  • Checking broadband availability
  • Alternatives to broadband
  • Grants for rural internet access
  • Receiving digital television
  • Mobile phone networks in France
  • Pay-as-you-go and monthly contracts

Download the guide as a PDF now from this link
…or ask a question about this topic in the comment box below.

2 Comments »

  • Margaret Ludlow said:

    Do you offer any advice about people who already live in one part of France but who want to move to another?. My daughter lives alone in the Dordoge and want to move to Brittany. I am in the UK and need to try and help her. Do you know any English speaking property consultants who could help us find her a suitable property and then oversee he settling in requirements?
    I have health issues so cannot be taking time out to go over there are much as I like but I am very willing to pull my weight from here. My daughter also has mild learning difficulties so its very hard for both of us. Any advice would be gratefully received
    Thank you

    [Reply]

    # 9 July 2011 at 12:16 pm
  • Ian Morris said:

    Do you cover the pre-purchase survey aspect of buying property in France ?

    I have been helping buyers in this respect for over 10 years, being a homeowner myself in France, and with more than 40 years experience as a professional building surveyor. Please see http://www.french-surveys.com

    I have saved many disasters, but mostly have been able to give people the peace of mind they so desperately need when moving to a new country.

    I do have extensive journalistic experience if you have not yet covered this subject.

    [Reply]

    # 4 June 2011 at 10:45 am

Any questions or comments on this subject?