# The reality behind the dream: What YouTube and TV shows don't tell you about renovating in France

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/french-reno-diaries-uncensored-7634906/the-reality-behind-the-dream-what-youtube-and-tv-shows-don-t-tell-you-about-renovating-in-france
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/french-reno-diaries-uncensored-7634906/the-reality-behind-the-dream-what-youtube-and-tv-shows-don-t-tell-you-about-renovating-in-france.md
Podcast: [French Reno Diaries UNCENSORED](https://stenobird.com/podcast/french-reno-diaries-uncensored-7634906)
Published: 2026-01-20T06:07:00+00:00
Episode link: https://rss.com/podcasts/french-reno-diaries-uncensored/2468940
Audio file: https://content.rss.com/episodes/362663/2468940/french-reno-diaries-uncensored/2026_01_19_11_34_55_b9801064-702d-4ca1-9a8a-5182438fd135.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/french-reno-diaries-uncensored-7634906/episodes/the-reality-behind-the-dream-what-youtube-and-tv-shows-don-t-tell-you-about-renovating-in-france
Duration seconds: 3032

## Resource

In this episode of French Reno Diaries UNCENSORED , Rosie, Michaela and Sue pull back the curtain on reality TV renovation shows and glossy YouTube channels - and compare them with what actually happens on real renovation projects in France. TV shows mentioned: Escape to the Chateau (now known as Chateau DIY ) A Place in the Sun New Life in the Sun The episode also references several renovation-focused YouTube channels: Chateau de Purnon How to Renovate a Chateau Oh No Another Chateau Helpful resources mentioned: Service Public – Official French government information FrenchEntrée – English-language resource for living and renovating in France Leroy Merlin & Brico Depot – In-store advice, materials and specification sheets Local mairie offices and professional artisans for accurate guidance Facebook groups (use with caution — advice is often mixed!) Listener comments: Thanks to Anna, Helen and Claire from our Facebook community for sharing their experiences and insights - we loved reading your comments and comparing them to what we see on TV renovation shows. Connect: Facebook | Instagram Subscribe to the newsletter: https://frenchrenodiaries.substack.com/ Email: frenchrenodiaries@gmail.com Find out more about us and our French reno businesses: Maison Bretagne (Rosie Ellis) S.R. Charpenterie (Sue Peake-Russell) Paul Wilkins Electricien (Micala Wilkins) Credits: Produced & mixed by: Katy Wright Music: Grand Project

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## Transcript

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