Originally Posted by Blackladder

sorry, I wasn't being clear, I mean the Daylight during Winter Days is Three hours longer (just like in Canada, Swedish Winter Days would put most people in the Loony bin)

Originally Posted by Novocastrian

Not so. Even Montréal is fractionally further south than Angouleme for example, while Toronto is even further more so.

While certainly frozen, the inhabited bits of Canada are not very far north.

Originally Posted by Blackladder

Novo, mate, are impugning my geographical nouseness? I was amazed to discover indeed that you are right. And here was me spending 40-odd years in the chasm of doom and thinking, ´well, at least the Canucks have got it just as bad as we have´. But where I lived, in Southern Sweden mark you, around Christmas Time the sun rose balefully at about 9.30 and sank heavily out of sight at around 4 pm - 6 and a half hours of Daylight. Foller that.
Blackie

Originally Posted by grannybunz

Hi

It strikes me that in these parts you might do ok with the sort of enterprise you are considering. There is a very strong history of antique dealers, brocanters and loads of ex-pats of all nationalities who have bought older houses and are occupied in restoring and furnishing them - yes even in today's tougher times.

Downside would be finding and affording premises.

There is an antiques/brocante event every weekend in this area and regular ones in certain towns every week. Look up Isle sur la Sourgue for example.

We had 6 antique chairs that needed restoring last year and it took us ages to find someone who was able to do it in the time scale in which we needed them.

Good luck anyway. If you do go for it nearby get in touch. I would be a potential customer.

Originally Posted by MillieF

France really is suffering Maddie, French families in general have cut back on non essential services, the unemployment situation is dire. It isn't an ideal time to start a business, as others on here have mentioned, also, you really do need to have a reasonable standard of French if you want to start an enterprise in France. If you are living your life via the secondhand interpretation of your partner this will become frustrating for you both.

Why don't you move somewhere else in Canada? There are lots of start up incentives for small businesses, and I would think a small upholstery business would do rather well in some parts...a bit chic and different, just the sort of thing the Canadians like to support

I cannot but agree on the weather. No bad weather anywhere in Europe could ever be compared to any winter day in Eastern Canada. Until the snow banks are above your head, and you don't know where else to shovel the snow to, is not fun.

You at least have good options I do hope things work well for you...good luck!

Originally Posted by maddie1959

Thank you for you're input , I'm starting to think I need to go home to England or move to Toronto , but I am sooooooooooooo sick of winters here ,its doing my head in .

Originally Posted by MillieF

Toronto's weather isn't great is it Maddie? I may be slightly more clement than where you are but no great shakes.

Originally Posted by MillieF

I've only been here two years, but I won't be able to stick the winters for the amount of time you have woman, give yourself a pat on the back you're a marvel as soon as or son finishes secondary school (8 years) we will move further West, probably near Victoria, where my husband is from.

We were in France permanently for 15 years, and I loved many aspects of it, particularly the winters!

Toronto's weather isn't great is it Maddie? I may be slightly more clement than where you are but no great shakes.

Do you still have family or anyone in the UK?

Originally Posted by Maria_747

Hi Maddie,

Thanks for starting this thread. I am also thinking about exploring France as well as Spain or Italy. I lasted less than 6 months in Toronto when I immigrated.

Originally Posted by babyposer

I was in Newcastle upon Tyne in May and I was shocked at how good the weather was.

The climate is changing for sure.