About me: your French °µÍø½ûÇø advisor, in plain English


Valérie Aston, French °µÍø½ûÇø advisor in Normandy

Bonjour, I'm Valérie Aston, a French °µÍø½ûÇø advisor based in Normandy. Since 2009, I've helped English speakers prepare, create and manage their freelance activity or small °µÍø½ûÇø in France, so they can focus on their work and enjoy their new life here.

Who I help

  • People planning a move to France who need a °µÍø½ûÇø visa.
  • New arrivals setting up as a micro entrepreneur, AirBnb or artist.
  • Freelancers and small °µÍø½ûÇø owners who want to stay on top of taxes, social charges and paperwork.

How Start Business in France began

For 10 years I was a °µÍø½ûÇø advisor to French entrepreneurs with , a national °µÍø½ûÇø support network. I loved helping people build their °µÍø½ûÇø and financial plans and then grow their °µÍø½ûÇø. Many were first-time entrepreneurs, and the journey changed their lives.

Around that time, I ran a workshop in English to help a couple of friends. I was astonished to see that some people had driven 3 hours just to get clear information in plain English! So I started publishing the articles I'd written for an English newspaper in France on my own blog.

Questions soon came in from all over France. I used my maternity leave to think about my °µÍø½ûÇø, and 2009 saw the birth of both my third child and Start Business in France.

What you can expect from me

  • Plain English. I'll explain French rules clearly, without jargon.
  • Real expertise. I know °µÍø½ûÇø regulations, taxes, °µÍø½ûÇø visas and health cover.
  • Proper customer service. I know that can be surprising in France!
  • A positive, can-do attitude. There's almost always a way forward.
  • A genuine passion for °µÍø½ûÇø and freelancing.

My background

I hold an MBA from French and English universities. Before BGE, I worked as a marketing manager in the UK and France for international companies, mainly in software and banking.

I'm also a mum of 3 living in a village in rural Normandy, so I understand why my clients choose a quiet countryside life while working from home.

How can I help you?

Talk it through
, a 1-to-1 Zoom call (150€)

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