When a series popular in the states that depicts French lifestyle presents a distinctively French approach without following prey to what an American audience would better understand, I take note.

Such is the case with the reality real-estate series L’Agence (The Paris Agency) on Netflix.

Now in its fourth season, I haven’t chosen it as a Petit Plaisir until now for a couple of reasons, but after watching the entire fourth season, I knew immediately this season had to be shared. The show has grown and learned from what has worked and what didn’t in previous seasons, and as a result, this is the best season so far.

First, to speak to the authenticity of the French culture that is depicted.

If you are used to the real estate reality series shown in the states or even Buying London, you will be either disappointed or relieved because it is unlike those. There is no drama between realtors and the sole focus is on the properties being shown to the potential buyers as well as the storylines of each of the family members, but predominantly, especially in season 4, as they pertain to the business. L’Agence à Paris is an independently run real estate agency founded by the husband and wife Olivier and Sandrine Kretz who live in the suburbs of Paris. Now, and with the beginning of season 1, there three sons – Martin, Valentin and Louis, and by season 4, their youngest son Raphael has now become a realtor as well at the age of 20, are also part of the business, and the series solely follows the family, even though the real estate agency has continued to grow with many other realtors, and now with offices spread out throughout Europe and North Africa as well as in South America and in New York.

Which brings me to season 4. The properties you will see is extraordinary and while many are in Paris, they include so many in this season – there are 10 episodes – each about one hour in length, that you will have traveled all over France – Provence, Normandy, the Loire Valley, Bordeaux and the Alps – as well as seen gorgeous homes – both apartment and single family dwellings – in Spain, in Marrakesh, Costa Rica and in New York City.

The differences between American real estate shows and L’Agence:

• French effortless clothing style (no labels, nothing gauche, often the same choices, always worn well and with quiet confidence)
• No ‘show-boating’ with the realtor’s luxury life – no cars, no home tours of their life that get in the way or distract from the real estate
• French buyers are skeptical, hold their cards close to their chest and will always point out the cons.
• As well, the realtors while countering and offering ideas to soften the cons, don’t push, but don’t get scared away as they know how the French buyer approaches a property. Patience and clarity paired with confidence, but not arrogance.
• No drama beyond whether or not the realtor’s lives will prompt them to move from Paris or not. 🙂
• Majo, the maternal grandmother, brings the humor and cross-generational appeal and really the groundedness of the show as she has a strong connection with each of her grandsons.
• There are no scenes of haggling with the seller once the buyer has decided they are interested. It is just done and you move on. Again, less drama and more about showcasing the property.
• While yes, these are all super luxurious properties that most of us will only see on television, the lives of the realtors is presented as far more normal and less extravagant which makes them all more likable and thus relatable.

Having watched the previous three seasons, I noticed by season three the background music had become intrusive, even played while they were talking and at a volume that made it difficult to understand what they were saying. Granted, I have subtitles on, but as someone who is learning French, I want to hear what they are saying and then check as I am watching to confirm I understood. Thankfully, this auditory issue seems to have been resolved in the latest season as I watched with ease and enjoyment.

Valentin, the second oldest brother brings the differences of the French culture and way of doing business compared to the American approach to focus toward the end of the season and with good humor as well. Pointing out many of the points mentioned above, and if you watch episode #8, Ryan Serhan, who you will remember stars in Million Dollar Listings New York appears as the selling agent for one of the properties. The difference between the two agents is immediate. Not that one is better or worse, but it is made evident and obvious that there is a distinct difference how each works with their clients, presents themselves and handles the potential deal. As you might imagine, I related and appreciated the French approach far more and can confirm that indeed America’s approach to so many things (but not all) when it comes to deal making is vastly different than in France. For this reason alone, season 4 is worth watching, as it will deepen your appreciation of the French culture and how (or why) you might be drawn to it as well moreso than the culture you live if that is America.

While this series is on Netflix, it is streamed around the world, and while some international series may cater to the English speaking audience, L’Agence does not. They are presenting this with a French audience or French speaking audience in mind, and so I found it refreshing that when someone (which was rare) spoke in French, the realtors (if they knew the person understood French) would speak in return in French. Even when Valentin is in NYC, he speaks French the entire time and his clients and fellow realtors who work there – the clients being American – also speak French.

Take a look and listen to an introductory video with the two oldest brothers – Martin and Valentin – as they talk about the new season and share clips.

L’Agence was chosen as the Petit Plaisir for episode #383 of The Simple Sophisticate podcast, 11 Health & Beauty Secrets for a Better Second Half, as taught by Liz Earle

~Explore more Petit Plaisirs here in TSLL’s Archives, and more French-inspired Petit Plaisirs here.