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- English Speaking Notary in Angoulême, Cognac, Bordeaux & Atlantic Coast, South-West France
English Speaking Notary in Angoulême, Cognac, Bordeaux & Atlantic Coast, South-West France
Our notarial office, based in Angoulême, Hiersac and La Couronne (Charente department), and regularly serving clients in Cognac, Bordeaux, La Rochelle and Royan, has 4 partners and around 20 collaborators, including several bilingual professionals who are experienced in assisting English-speaking clients.
Whether you are a British expatriate, an American investor, an international family, or simply an English speaker looking to purchase property or manage your estate in South-West France, we provide comprehensive notarial services in English.
How to Reach Our English-Speaking Team
When contacting our office, you may request to speak with one of our English-speaking notaries or send your inquiry directly by email. Our team will respond promptly to discuss your project and schedule an appointment.
From abroad, please dial: +33 5 45 37 03 37
Email: scpruedebeaulieu.16003@notaires.fr
Please mention in your message that you prefer to communicate in English, and we will ensure that an English-speaking professional handles your file.
Our Areas of Practice
As French notaries public (notaires), we are qualified legal professionals and public officers appointed by the Ministry of Justice. We specialize in a wide range of legal services, with particular expertise in matters frequently encountered by international clients and expatriates:
- Real Estate Law & Property Transactions
- Purchase and sale of residential property (houses, apartments, land)
- Purchase of commercial property and investment real estate
- Off-plan property purchases (VEFA)
- Property acquired through SCI (French property holding companies)
- Drafting and negotiation of preliminary sale agreements (compromis de vente)
- Mortgage and loan guarantees (hypothèque, privilège de prêteur de deniers)
- Residential and commercial leases
- Family Law & Estate Planning
- Marriage contracts (contrats de mariage) for international couples
- Civil partnership agreements (PACS)
- International estate planning and succession law
- Cross-border inheritance cases (UK, US, EU)
- Wills and testaments (French and international)
- Gifts and lifetime transfers (donations)
- Matrimonial property settlements in case of divorce or separation
- Protection of surviving spouses (donation au dernier vivant)
- Wealth Management & Tax Planning
- Personal wealth structuring and asset protection
- Estate and inheritance tax optimization
- French property holding companies (SCI familiale)
- Business succession planning
- Family wealth transfer strategies (donation-partage)
- Pacte Dutreil for business transmission
- Usufruct and bare ownership arrangements (démembrement)
- Rural & Agricultural Law
- Purchase and sale of vineyards and agricultural land
- Rural leases and farm tenancy agreements (baux ruraux)
- Vineyard estates and wine-related properties (Cognac region)
Why Choose a French Notary?
Many international clients are unfamiliar with the French notarial system. Unlike in common law countries, French notaries (notaires) are both legal professionals and public officers with a unique role:
The Role of the French Notary
- Impartial public officer: The notary acts neutrally to protect all parties' interests, not just one side
- Legal expert: Qualified to advise on complex legal, tax, and family law matters
- Authenticating authority: Notarial acts (actes authentiques) have special legal force and are enforceable throughout the EU
- Mandatory for certain transactions: Property purchases, marriage contracts, estates, and gifts must be authenticated by a notary
- Security and trust: Notaries hold professional indemnity insurance and are subject to strict ethical rules
Why International Clients Choose Our Office
- Bilingual services: Fluent English communication, both written and spoken
- International expertise: Extensive experience with cross-border transactions and expatriate clients
- Local knowledge: Deep understanding of the Charente, Charente-Maritime, and Gironde property markets
- Comprehensive support: We coordinate with UK/US lawyers, tax advisors, and financial institutions
- Transparent fees: Clear explanations of French notarial fees and taxes (frais de notaire)
- Personalized approach: Dedicated support throughout your transaction or project
Our geographic coverage
Our notarial practice serves the following areas in South-West France:
- Charente (16): Angoulême, Cognac, Hiersac, La Couronne, and surrounding towns and villages
- Charente-Maritime (17): La Rochelle, Royan, Saintes, and the Atlantic coast
- Gironde (33): Bordeaux and the greater Bordeaux area
This region is particularly popular with international buyers for its:
- Excellent climate and quality of life
- Proximity to Bordeaux and major transport links (TGV, international airport)
- World-renowned vineyards (Cognac, Bordeaux wines)
- Beautiful Atlantic coastline and beaches
- Affordable property prices compared to other French regions
- Vibrant expat community
How we work with international clients ?
Initial Consultation
Contact us by phone or email in English. We will discuss your project, explain the French legal framework, and provide an initial cost estimate. First consultation can be by phone, video conference, or in person.
Document Preparation & Review
We prepare all necessary legal documents in French (as required by law) and provide you with English translations and explanations. You will always understand what you are signing.
Coordination with Your Advisors
We work closely with your UK/US lawyer, accountant, tax advisor, or financial planner to ensure your French transaction aligns with your overall legal and tax situation.
Signing & Completion
The final deed is signed at our office in your presence (or via power of attorney). We explain every clause before you sign, answer all your questions, and ensure you fully understand your rights and obligations.
Ongoing Support
We remain available for any questions after completion and can assist with related matters such as property management, tax declarations, or future estate planning.
Professional • Bilingual • Trusted
Your English-speaking notarial office in South-West France
English speaking