The fact if you are domiciled in France or not, is crucial to determine if you need a French will. As a non-resident you can draw up a will in your own language and country of residence. as long as the will is legally correct, it will be accepted by French law. Many non French resident investors choose to buy property through a French holding. The effect is that you turn your immovable property into a movable asset as shares of ownership. This way, the inheritance law in your country of domicile will apply.
The most common will is the "holographic" will. It must be hand written, preferably in French. If you are not fluent in French, you can copy it by hand from a French draft.
If you have another will besides your French will, you will need to have it reviewed to make sure that are no conflicts. Especially if there is a clause in your will that all previous wills are revoked. This way you may end up with no will at all. And finally, tell a friend or relative that you have a will and where it is located. A safe deposit at the bank may sound safe, but your heirs may not have access to it.
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