English-speaking notaries in Lyon
French law, explained in English: our notaries advise you in English, from the first meeting to the signing.
Buying a flat in Lyon, inheriting a property in France, getting married or setting up a company here: our notaries receive you in English at 10 rue des Archers, Lyon 2nd district, between Bellecour and Cordeliers.
What a French notary does
A notary is a public officer appointed by the State. In France, the sale of a property must be recorded in a notarial deed, which the notary drafts, checks and registers. The notary also collects the taxes on behalf of the State and keeps the original deed.
Buying or selling a property
The offer. The buyer makes an offer; once accepted, a preliminary contract is prepared.
The preliminary contract (compromis or promesse de vente). It sets the price, the date and the conditions, such as obtaining a mortgage. A buyer of residential property then has a 10-day cooling-off period.
The checks. We review the title, planning rules, easements, co-ownership documents and the mandatory surveys (diagnostics).
The signing of the deed. The price is paid through the notary's account and the buyer receives the keys.
Cannot travel to Lyon? You can sign through a power of attorney. We tell you how to prepare it from abroad.
Inheritance and gifts
Inheriting a property in France: we identify the heirs, prepare the deeds and the inheritance tax return.
Which law applies? Within the European Union, the law of the country where the deceased habitually lived generally applies, unless they chose the law of their nationality in a will.
European Certificate of Succession: it allows heirs to prove their rights in other EU countries.
Planning ahead: will, gift, choice of applicable law.
International couples
Married abroad, getting married in France, entering a PACS: the matrimonial property regime determines who owns what. We explain which regime applies to you and draft marriage contracts and PACS agreements.
Companies and investors
Setting up a property company (SCI), buying offices or retail premises, investing through a foreign company: we draft the deeds and coordinate with your lawyers, accountants and banks.
Good to know
The deed is drawn up in French. We explain each clause in English and can arrange a translation.
Origin of funds. Like every notary, we must check the origin of the funds before the signing; we tell you early which documents to provide.
Fees. Notary fees are set by a regulated scale, the same in every office in France. We give you an estimate before you commit.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need my own notary?
Not necessarily. Each party may choose its own notary; when two notaries are involved, they share the fee, at no extra cost for you.
Can a non-resident buy property in France?
Yes. There is no nationality or residence requirement to buy property in France.
Meet us
We receive you by appointment, Monday to Thursday, 8.30 am to 12.30 pm and 2 pm to 6 pm, Friday until 5 pm. 10 rue des Archers, Lyon 2nd district: metro lines A and D, Bellecour station; LPA Célestins car park.
+33 4 72 77 89 77 or contact form