BILINGUAL SERVICES & ASSISTANCE TO EXPATS IN FRANCE
Making Everyday Life in France Easier for English Speakers
BILINGUAL SERVICES & ASSISTANCE TO EXPATS IN FRANCE
Making Everyday Life in France Easier for English Speakers
About France Made Simple
My Mission
Living in France is great, but navigating day-to-day challenges can be tricky - and very frustrating - when you don't speak the language fluently.
Whether you're planning a move, already en expat or simply have a holiday home here, I provide everyday English-French bilingual services to help you manage France's legendary red tape and more, so you can focus on enjoying life.
Who Am I?
Hello, I'm Laura Valentine,
I was born in the UK and have lived in the South of France since 1988. My sons were born here and are now based in Paris and Toulouse.
I am a translator and writer by trade, but for many years, have also been providing bilingual services and assistance to expats in France who are struggling to get their needs met and their voices heard.
My skills?
In business for over 30 years
Completely bilingual English-French
Good people skills
Very familiar with the French system
Excellent writer and translator
Fast and efficient service
Result-oriented
Trustworthy
How Can I Help You?
I provide everyday bilingual services to help clients located in France liaise with banks, tax offices, accountants, lawyers, administrations, service providers and anyone who doesn't speak good English or requires you to communicate in French.
I provide flexible and efficient assistance to expats, to help you get in touch with the right people, draft letters and emails using proper language that won't get ignored, and make phone calls to ask questions, untangle knots and generally ensure your everyday life runs smoothly.
And of course, I can assist you with translations and finding efficient (and preferably pleasant and English-speaking) professionals and service providers.
What Kind of Bilingual Services?
- Liaising with property sellers/buyers/estate agents in France
- Liaising with banks (setting up accounts, organizing transfers, obtaining investment advice, setting up online banking, completing forms)
- Liaising with tax offices (obtaining information, sorting out problems with property or personal tax, helping set up and manage your online space)
- Finding and liaising with accountants, notaries & lawyers
- Finding and liaising with various service providers (plumbers, electricians, painters, gardeners, etc.)
- Liaising with property management agencies if you live in a shared ownership (general assemblies, complaints, wishes, etc.)
- Assistance in applying for French visas / citizenship
- Obtaining certified translations of your official documents
How Much Does It Cost?
Here are some examples of my rates for bilingual services and assistance to expats. A monthly fee may of course be more suitable if you have a long-term project in France.
Phone calls €10 to €15
Emails €15 to €30
Official letters €30 to €60
Filling out forms €30 to €45
Finding professionals & service providers €85 / hour
Compiling documents for visas etc. €85 / hour
Translations €85 / hour
what my clients say
"Her service was irreplaceable"
"I have worked with Laura for over 20 years and we have met once or twice, so communication has been mainly by phone or e mail.
I have been involved in my property in the South and like most non French-speaking had trouble dealing with a number of issues such as utilities, cleaning and decoration contracts, etc. During my major redevelopment of the property, her knowledge on aspects was invaluable. During 2024 I reluctantly sold the Villa - to say this was extremely painful is understating, from dealing with and negotiating with agents followed by potential purchasers, her service was irreplaceable.
The South of France is notoriously expensive and I am pretty sure there is a local area price ring and to break through this you need first hand experience. Laura dealt with the legal side for me through my Notaire, which can be difficult and has no relationship with UK property sales. The monthly fees over the years have been professional produce and are within the agreed rates. In summary if you are "Lost in France" so to speak 100% recommended."
S. Boyling
"Always has our best interests at heart"
"We moved over to France in 2018 and although my husband speaks a bit of French he isn't good at phone calls or writing and especially the sort of language and specific turns of phrase you have to use here when any sort of administration is involved. We found Laura through a friend in Paris and initially used her services during and after our property sale. Although our estate agent spoke good English we were struggling quite a bit with paperwork and such plus looking for somewhere else to live. It was extremely helpful to have someone bilingual and savvy on hand during that whole time. Laura is very professional, reasonably priced and always has our best interests at heart."
E. Baker
"She gets the job done"
"We found Laura through the management agency of our holiday home on the Côte d'Azur which is part of a shared ownership. We usually spend a few months a year there and as neither of has unfortunately had time to learn French it has been invaluable knowing someone pleasant and efficient who can sort out various day-to-day issues. Laura has mainly helped us find and deal with contractors for work on the house as most here do not speak English and we need to be sure our instructions are heard - also that we are not being taken advantage of which can obviously be a hurdle when you don't know local prices etc. She gets the job done and we will definitely continue to use her services in the future."
J. Weatherby
CONTACT ME
Get In Touch
I am always happy to answer questions or simply chat about your needs in France.
Although most of my work can be done virtually, it is also a pleasure to meet clients in person!
Hours
Today | Closed |
