I've got some contacts at a big Solicitors that have a specialist department with specialist Solicitors dealing only with France purchases mate so if you get that far give me a shout. As far as the finance goes (and they should be able to give you advice too) check out www.mortgageoverseas.com, its a company called Conti Financial Services who specialise in financing properties abroad. The other option, if you've got the equity, is to raise the funding over here - PM me if you like (I'm a Mortgage Broker).