Cycling, Golf, and French Country Living

IN TODAY'S ISSUE #3

(See past issues here)

📍 Hidden Gem: Chaumont‑en‑Vexin — A tranquil northern‑France commune where pastoral charm meets a golfer’s paradise.
🏡 Affordable Find: A grand property just outside Chaumont‑en‑Vexin with a sauna and giant terrace—all for €330,000.
🎓 Workshops + Webinars: Making Money in France — a practical session on visas, taxes, and staying compliant.
📺 France Must-Watch: A dreamy trip through the Cévennes and a scenic Loire‑by‑bike exploration.

👋 Personal Update

I just got back from driving my daughter to UGA.

She’s on the swim team and is eager to get back into competition shape after her hip surgery (and our cancer scare) in early June. If all goes well, she’ll be competing again by late October.🤞

Now my focus is on the Tour du Mont Blanc, which we start hiking August 29. 🥾🏔️

I think we’ve finally gathered all our gear—now I’m just hoping for decent weather and no blisters!

FYI I was thinking of doing a live session to share pics and stories from the hike when I return.

Would that be of interest? Hit 'Reply' and let me know...

Let’s get into it –

📍HIDDEN GEM - Chaumont‑en‑Vexin

Nestled in northern France’s Oise department, Chaumont‑en‑Vexin is a serene town full of history and charm. A beautifully preserved medieval core presents a sense of calm that’s hard to resist.

Stroll its winding lanes toward the soaring façade of the Église Saint‑Jean‑Baptiste, with its 16th‑century flamboyant Gothic beauty perched atop a stepped ascent.

Nature and architecture weave together here. Just outside lies Golf de Rebetz, a peaceful 18‑hole course perfect for a round amid the rural landscape.

Cyclists take note: The Avenue Verte London to Paris bike route passes through nearby Gisors, offering an unforgettable ride between two iconic capitals. This scenic greenway threads through peaceful countryside, historic villages, and hidden gems—making Chaumont‑en‑Vexin an ideal base for a cycling-friendly French lifestyle.

What makes this location especially appealing for retirees or buyers?

Affordable authenticity. Real estate values offer generous square footage—and here, €330,000 gets you a beautifully restored farmhouse (details below👇).

📍 Fast Facts: Chaumont‑en‑Vexin
🚉 Train Station: Chaumont‑en‑Vexin - 59min from Paris.
✈️ Nearest Airport: Paris - Charles de Gaulle — 52min drive
🏥 Nearest Hospital: Centre Hospitalier de Gisors — 14min drive
🛍️ Amenities: 🛒 Grocery 🥖 Bakery 🍷 Bars/Restaurants 🌳 Greenways 🎭 Culture
👣 Walkability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🧺 Weekly Market: Yes - in nearby Gisors
🌦️ Climate: Temperate, with seasonal rhythm—warm summers, cool winters, all with gentle countryside breezes

*Anything underlined is clickable 🔗

🏠 AFFORDABLE FINDS

Character property near Chaumont‑en‑Vexin – €330,000 (~$350,000 USD)

A spacious 261 m² restored farmhouse just minutes from Chaumont‑en‑Vexin, set on a private, tree-lined 2,455 m² plot.

Features 5 bedrooms, multiple living areas, a sauna, and a dramatic architect-designed 60 m² reception room opening onto a large terrace.

Extras: wine cellar, bread oven, outbuilding, air-to-water heat pump, and fiber internet. Quiet, charming, and move-in ready.

🔗 View Listing

⁉️ DID YOU KNOW?

The Château‑fort of Chaumont‑en‑Vexin sits just above the old town—once a commanding medieval stronghold whose remnants still echo its strategic importance centuries later.

🎓 Workshops + Webinars

"Making Money in France - What Retirees & Expats Need to Know"

📅 Monday, August 18th ← in two days!
⏰ 12pm EST

💬 Whether it’s art, running a gîte (rental), freelancing, or another venture, earning in France comes with rules — and your visa may depend on them.

Join me and French business expert Valerie Aston for a plain-English breakdown on how to do it legally, stay compliant, and keep your residency secure.

Reserve Your Spot

📺 France Must-Watch

Here are two channels I watch all the time on YouTube. You'll not only see jaw-dropping parts of France, but you can practice listening to French to train your ear.

I picked two of my favorite videos. But there are hundreds. Enjoy!

Le Pays préféré des Français - Les Cévennes, du Gard à la Lozère