Making life in France simpler

France Made Simple was created to guide English-speaking clients through every stage of their journey—from relocating to France to confidently managing life once they are settled.

French systems can be complex, time-consuming, and difficult to navigate, especially if you do not speak the language fluently. I work directly with expats and second-home owners to provide clear communication, practical assistance, and reliable guidance in real-life situations.

This is not just about translation. It is about helping you understand what is happening, what needs to be done, and how to move forward without unnecessary stress.

Services

Practical English-speaking support for expats living in or moving to France.

Daily Life & Communication Support

From phone calls and emails to appointments and dealing with tradespeople, I help you manage everyday situations in France with ease. No more confusion or missed information, just clear and effective communication.

Appointments & Personal Assistance

I accompany you to important appointments including doctors, hospitals, banks, notaires, and administrative offices, ensuring everything is clearly understood and handled correctly.

Administration & Residency

I guide you through French administrative processes such as visas, residency permits, CPAM, Carte Vitale applications, and driving licence exchanges, helping you avoid delays, errors, and unnecessary stress.

Utilities & Home Set-Up

I assist with setting up and managing electricity, water, internet, mobile contracts, and insurance, as well as resolving billing issues quickly and efficiently.

Property Support

Whether you are buying, renovating, or managing a property in France, I provide support with viewings, communication with agents and notaires, surveys, and ongoing assistance.

Car Import & Registration

I help you navigate the process of exchanging your driver’s licence, importing and registering a vehicle in France, including paperwork, contrôle technique, and compliance requirements.

Trades & Project Support

I help you find reliable tradespeople, communicate your requirements clearly, and ensure your project runs smoothly from start to finish.

Document & Language Support

I provide clear, accurate support with documents, emails, and forms, making sure you fully understand what they mean and what action to take.

About me

Hi, I’m Guillaume — Bonjour!

I’m a native French–English bilingual with over 30 years of professional experience, having lived and worked extensively in both France and English-speaking environments.

I created France Made Simple to help English-speaking clients feel more confident and at ease when navigating life in France. I understand how frustrating and overwhelming things can become when you’re faced with unfamiliar systems, paperwork, and language barriers.

With a strong understanding of both French and English-speaking cultures, I provide practical, hands-on support tailored to your situation. Whether you’re dealing with administration, buying property, or simply managing everyday tasks, I’m here to guide you and make things clearer.

What Clients Say

A few words from people we’ve supported on their journey in France.

We have used the services of Guillaume Pacteau and can honestly say that we don’t know how we would have managed without him. He has set up all of our accounts for electricity, water, bins,etc. He even went the extra mile and delivered our wifi/internet equipment so that it was at our property the day we arrived ready to be installed. He knew how important it was for work that we had internet connection the after we arrived. He is always available on the phone and replies to messages immediately. Once again, we wouldn’t have survived those first few weeks without the help of Guillaume and can highly recommend his services.

Sam and Eileen

DORDOGNE

Guillaume has been amazing at providing exceptional support at critical points in helping us (my wife and I) settle in France. From communications with builders, to insurers and mechanics, he’s always a quick message away from saving the day. We highly recommend him to anyone who needs a native French-speaking translator to help them navigate complex situations that need tact and diplomacy. On top of all that, he’s simply a great person and we’re happy to have him as a someone we can trust in France.

Nick and Lisa

Gironde

We can not recommend Guillaume highly enough. He is efficient, knowledgable and professional whilst being incredibly patient, kind and friendly. There is nothing that is too much trouble and no such thing as a silly question. His perfect French and English gives such reassurance and peace of mind. He has always replied to emails/messages quickly, having listened and understood. We feel very lucky to have found Guillaume and will continue to use his services whilst living in France. Thank you so much, until the next time!

Sarah

dordogne

Get in touch

Whether you’re planning a move to France or already living here and need support, I’m here to help. Get in touch to discuss your situation and find out how I can make things simpler for you.

Helping English speakers navigate life in France