The FRD Uncensored Newsletter
February 2026
Ever wondered how much profit artisans make on renovation work? Or why your planning permit was refused when your neighbour’s wasn’t? Catch up on this month’s podcast episodes (or read the blogs). Plus, we’re handing over the mic - to you! Sue goes mud-hutting. And, when the going gets, um, wet.
We hear you - and we want to hear more!
We’ve been blown away by the feedback on the podcast, with some listeners even telling us that they couldn’t wait to get back to France to tune in.
It seems there’s a real appetite for the “gore and the guts” of renovation. You told us you’re fatigued by the 60-minute “miracle makeovers” on TV, and you want more horror stories.
So we’re opening the “Reno Confessional”! If you have a story that would make a mason weep, we’re all ears. And if it’s a real shocker and you’d prefer to be kept anonymous, just let us know.
You can send a written message or a voice note (which we might play in an episode) by email - frenchrenodiaries@gmail.com - or you can send a message via Instagram or Facebook.
This month’s episodes (in case you missed them)
Episode 6: Rants & Bants! (The one where Rosie slips on her Riot Women shoes)
Episode 7: Plan for a dream, not a nightmare: Everything you need to know about planning permits before renovating in France!
Episode 8: Rants & Bants! (The one where Micala gets nostalgic about Burger King)
Episode 9: How to be a good client (and get the best out of your artisan)
Beyond the mic: Rosie & Katy’s retreat 🧘♀️
French Reno Diaries co-host Rosie and producer Katy packed their slippers and comfy clothes last weekend, for a ‘Winter Re-awakening’ retreat in Merdrignac, with the inspiring Christina Rougerie.
Katy says, “We drank ceremonial cacao, moved and stretched our bodies, got playful with paint, ate copious amounts of delicious food, and did a LOT of talking! And all in the most magical (and appropriate) setting - a beautifully renovated French property! Tucked away in central Brittany, Manoir Caché has been lovingly restored by a former theatre set designer from the UK and oh my, can you tell!”
Sounds wonderful! It’s a reminder to us all, whether you’re running a business or renovating, it’s important to take time to find some calm and ‘fill your cup’!
Sue builds hope: From France to Kenya
Next month, Sue is swapping her devis and site visits for something truly life-changing. She is heading to rural Kenya to volunteer with The Nasio Trust.
She’ll be helping build a secure home for a family in need and supporting early years education. As Sue says: “A solid roof means safety, stability, and hope.” We are incredibly proud of her mission and can’t wait to hear the stories when she returns.
Want to support Sue’s build? 👉 Visit Sue’s JustGiving page here
French Reno Hacks
Trade tip of the month: If your renovation site is currently flooded, don’t rush to render! Trapping moisture in stone walls now will lead to salt and damp issues come summer. Let the walls breathe - make use of windy days.
Good to know: The government website vigicrues.gouv publishes a national information bulletin on flood risks in each department twice a day.
If you live in an area where flooding is frequent, you might want to consider the option of having various permanent protection devices installed: flood-proof entrance doors, flood-proof garage doors, flood-proof gates.
Coming up on the show…
One of the best parts of doing this podcast is coming up with ideas for episodes and we’ve got two real corkers for you in March: a ‘women in renovation’ special to coincide with International Women’s Day, and a info-packed dive into project management and ‘maître d’ouvrage’. And, of course, there’ll be our off-the-cuff Rants & Bants in between. Got an idea for an episode? Let us know.
Until next time, happy renovating!
Micala, Sue & Rosie