Desperately trying to make a decision! Help!
Feb 15th 2007 | 10:35 pm
#16
Just Joined
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 10
From: North Cornwall
Re: Desperately trying to make a decision! Help!
Hi there,
We too are feeling very like yourselves and are at a cross roads. We are looking at the Limousin and surrounding areas but seem to have got pre-occuppied with other things at the moment.
You say you are unsure what to do yourselves. Well maybe I can tell you a little bit about moving to Cornwall to help you with your decision.
Just over four years ago - with a 3 year old and a 10 week old we moved form Nottingham to Cornwall. It was a nightmare move - jobs, houses and evicting a tenant when we finally sold our house which had fallen through three times, no money blah blah blah........... but we now live on the north Cornish coast at Crackington Haven where we have been lucky enough to find a decent job for my husband. The life here is slow paced, yes miserable weather in the winter but wild and fresh!!! in the sumer it is brill and we meet the kids off the school bus across from the beach and they are surfing (or trying to) or rock pooling with all their school pals within minutes. However the weather is one thing that does hinder you here. We are in two minds what to do - i teach english to french students in our house but after much investigation, it seems they all want to learn it in England so that is not going to be as easy as I first thought. Also, my husband speaks no french.
decisions decisions..........personally, we will perhaps gather as much info as we can over the next year or two (our kids are now 7 and 4) and then make our decision.
Ifyou daren't risk it all though - Cornwall is a great option and there are still some cheap houses around if you move a little in land. We find it expensive to live but it is actually making us think of all sorts of money making ideas and some are working! The kids have a great life and DO climb trees and play in fields here but in Nottingham I would be scared to let them outside of the garden. i know we would be financially better off in Nottngham as I would find work more easily but when we spend a Saturday morning on the beach and are perhaps the only ones around, it reminds me that we are in effect paying for the kid's freedom. maybe one day in France?
Hope this helps????
karry
We too are feeling very like yourselves and are at a cross roads. We are looking at the Limousin and surrounding areas but seem to have got pre-occuppied with other things at the moment.
You say you are unsure what to do yourselves. Well maybe I can tell you a little bit about moving to Cornwall to help you with your decision.
Just over four years ago - with a 3 year old and a 10 week old we moved form Nottingham to Cornwall. It was a nightmare move - jobs, houses and evicting a tenant when we finally sold our house which had fallen through three times, no money blah blah blah........... but we now live on the north Cornish coast at Crackington Haven where we have been lucky enough to find a decent job for my husband. The life here is slow paced, yes miserable weather in the winter but wild and fresh!!! in the sumer it is brill and we meet the kids off the school bus across from the beach and they are surfing (or trying to) or rock pooling with all their school pals within minutes. However the weather is one thing that does hinder you here. We are in two minds what to do - i teach english to french students in our house but after much investigation, it seems they all want to learn it in England so that is not going to be as easy as I first thought. Also, my husband speaks no french.
decisions decisions..........personally, we will perhaps gather as much info as we can over the next year or two (our kids are now 7 and 4) and then make our decision.
Ifyou daren't risk it all though - Cornwall is a great option and there are still some cheap houses around if you move a little in land. We find it expensive to live but it is actually making us think of all sorts of money making ideas and some are working! The kids have a great life and DO climb trees and play in fields here but in Nottingham I would be scared to let them outside of the garden. i know we would be financially better off in Nottngham as I would find work more easily but when we spend a Saturday morning on the beach and are perhaps the only ones around, it reminds me that we are in effect paying for the kid's freedom. maybe one day in France?
Hope this helps????
karry
Feb 18th 2007 | 3:23 am
#17
Nat
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 15
From: South Africa
Re: Desperately trying to make a decision! Help!
We moved to Normandy with 3 teenagers, aged 13, 15 and 16. No regrets, best thing we ever did. We didn't have a choice in area as it was where my husband's company was based. Wouldn't change it though even though we now could. It is close enough to UK that you can get back easily if you want to. I pop across to Portsmouth, have lunch with friends there, do some shopping and get back that night, all for less than a train fare to London would be from Portsmouth. Brittany Ferries fast boat takes less than 3 hours from Cherbourg to Portsmouth in the summer. We have a few friends who have bought houses further south and find getting to them a big problem, and are usually tired when they get there. We bought a run down old farm close to the beach, but only 30 mins from larger towns. The schools were fantastic, arranged free extra french classes for the children (none of whom spoke french when we arrived). After 2 years our eldest got her french bac with honours and went on to do her first year at Caen university. They are now all bi-lingual and have great job opportunities. They are not narrow minded or scared of trying new things. The countryside in Normandy is beautiful, lots of sandy beaches that don't get too busy in summer. We used to get upset if another car went down our road! Weather is really not bad. Nice in summer (around 23 degs) and not too cold in winter, rarely below freezing. If you go further south though into Suisse Normandy, they do get snow.
We have found the local community to be fantastic, really helpful and welcoming. It still surprises me when I go into the bank that the lady behind the counter knows my name and comes round to give me 3 kisses on the cheek!
Nowhere is perfect, drugs are a problem in schools here, kids smoke, drive crazy, but overall I think the way of life here is much better for children, especially when I compare our 3 to friends children in UK. One important thing I think is that family is still very important in France, and there is still a lot of respect towards elders. Obviously inner cities have their own unique problems, and I am glad we didn't have to live in a big city here.
Never had any worries about the kids going out at night, our son cycled for miles with friends, went fishing without us worrying what would happen to him. They used to cycle to the beach and spend hours there with friends. We knew we didn't have to worry about them. I think the most important thing to remember when moving to another country is attitude. If it is something you really want to do, have money or a job which allows you to support yourself and family, make an effort to fit in and not hold on to how life was before, then you shouldn't have any problems.
We have found the local community to be fantastic, really helpful and welcoming. It still surprises me when I go into the bank that the lady behind the counter knows my name and comes round to give me 3 kisses on the cheek!
Nowhere is perfect, drugs are a problem in schools here, kids smoke, drive crazy, but overall I think the way of life here is much better for children, especially when I compare our 3 to friends children in UK. One important thing I think is that family is still very important in France, and there is still a lot of respect towards elders. Obviously inner cities have their own unique problems, and I am glad we didn't have to live in a big city here.
Never had any worries about the kids going out at night, our son cycled for miles with friends, went fishing without us worrying what would happen to him. They used to cycle to the beach and spend hours there with friends. We knew we didn't have to worry about them. I think the most important thing to remember when moving to another country is attitude. If it is something you really want to do, have money or a job which allows you to support yourself and family, make an effort to fit in and not hold on to how life was before, then you shouldn't have any problems.
We live in South Africa and I'm sure from snippets you've picked up here and there it's not the safest country in the world and as we're feeling rather pessimistic about the future (we've given it 10 years !) in this crime-ridden country regarding education for our kids, safety, job prospects for our kids in the long run, we're looking elsewhere to bring up our children of which we have 3 aged 4, 12 and 15. We've noticed over the past few years that our "safe" haven is not safe anymore and crime is slowly seeping into suburbia. I do not want my family to become a next possible "statistic" and we have become far too blasé about violence which is not healthy.
Regarding income, my husband works for, believe it or not, a french company and he works all over the world (6 weeks away, 6 weeks at home) so where we actually put down roots is immaterial as he is flown from his "home" to wherever the contract is.
Naturally as South Africa is a sunny country with a mediterranean climate, France was our first thought as my husband and I have been there a few times on holiday and I speak French quite well as my parents are Belgian. Also we have family scattered in Europe and nowadays with budget airlines, your world is your oyster whereas you have to pay through your nose to fly from SA to anywhere in the world so we're very isolated here. I also feel that there is a "brighter" future for the kids in France in terms of quality of life without the threat of rape and murder around every corner, the education is certainly sounder and more stable, the weather for a good portion of the year is good, we're closer to family members and so the list goes on .. I've always loved the country life as does my husband who grew up on a farm so France does sound like the place to go. We do also realise that it won't be a bed of roses as before we returned to SA 8 years ago we lived in Belgium and had to deal with all the usual bureaucratic nightmares, ie carte de sejour, allocations familiales, etc etc We didn't get around to the buying a house nightmare yet !
All in all we are striving for a safer, quieter, simpler and less stressful way of life with a brighter future for the kids. I have found that I've been happier with "less" in the past ! Sometimes "more" is not necessarily better ! We do realise that there will be certain "luxuries" that we're going to have to give up as I will not be working in France and my salary does help but we find that our kids' school fees and extra curricular fees eat up a substantial portion of our income (about 450 Euros). We own a house here which we hope to sell at a profit and use that as capital for a smaller farmhouse in France with a bit of land and a smaller mortgage.
In a nutshell, our real worry is our son as he's at that precarious age and I'm very worried as to how he'll cope. I did look at the International School of Bordeaux but it's rather pricey as are the other International Schools although there does seem to be a few Bilingual Schools in Bordeaux which I've emailed but just don't seem to be getting replies !! Ecole Magendie, L'Assomption and LeBrun appear to be quite interesting. Any thoughts ! And if you could also throw in some thoughts about Bordeaux (outside) as we'd have to live close to Bordeaux for schooling.
Thanks !!
Regards, Nat
Feb 18th 2007 | 8:04 pm
#18
Just Joined
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 13
From: Canet de Salars about 25km South of Rodez
Re: Desperately trying to make a decision! Help!
Moving to France?
I'm never sure about offering advice because everyone has a different outlook on life and personal circumstances vary, however, I can give you the benefit (or not) of my experience of moving to France from the UK.
Like many people I became frustrated by the impotency of our judicial system, the incompetency of NHS management, lack of opportunity for the hardworking, loss of respect by young people, the increase of fear of crime and violence and the general degradation of british culture.
(Whoops, I sound like a bitter soap box merchant - I'm not really, I love England but I'm not prepared to see my grandchildren grow up, and possibly turn out or become victims of, some of the creatures that walk the streets there today. I lived in a quiet little market town in Worcestershire but we had our share of Saturday night violence and even a couple of murders).
I had been coming to France on holiday for about 12 years and I had always liked the life-style and attitude of the average French person. The fact that the French are not "in your face" is often mistaken for arrogance and stand offishness. I live, with my wife, son, daughter-in-law and three grandchildren in a small village about 25km south of Rodez in the Aveyron. We bought a small hotel/restaurant/bar last April. My 10 and 5 year old granddaughters speak fluent French (after only a year) they love their schools and the freedom to play safely with their friends around the village. The locals have been wonderful to us, helping with any problems we've encountered. I read in one of the previous replies about dealing with the Mayor. They are extremely powerful people and can make or break your move. I heard horror stories of what can happen if you upset your Mayor. We're lucky, ours is an absolute diamond. He regularly comes in for coffee and brings his business friends and family in for meals. The best piece of advice I can give you here is wherever you move to don't try to create a little England. This is what's happened up north and the in some cases the locals and immigrant Brits have awful problems. Accept and embrace the French way of life. The health service is fantastic, the education system is first class, driving around is a pleasure, the food and wine is incredible, local products are reasonably priced. There are, as in all things, a downside. Tax is incredibly high and the cost of living on the whole is about the same as the UK. Dealing with public bodies is a nightmare, it's bureaucracy gone mad. To get any kind of work done, be it building or anything else, takes ages. You will have to get used to 2 hour lunch breaks, shops, taxis, offices, even the club shop at our golf club closes from 12 till 2. And of course make sure you've done all your shopping by Saturday because nothing, except churches and restaurants are open on a Sunday. Most importently, and I can't stress this enough, LEARN TO SPEAK FRENCH!!!!!!
God, I could go on and on........ Finally, do I miss England? Would I go back? Not unless they deport me!!! I live a relatively stress free life, my asthma has all but gone, I'm eating healthily and I feel safe in my own home. If I leave my car door unlocked it will still be there in the morning and my grandchildren have the a bright future. If I can be of any further help please feel free to e mail me at aubergedesarcades@wanadoo,fr.
Regards
Richard White
I'm never sure about offering advice because everyone has a different outlook on life and personal circumstances vary, however, I can give you the benefit (or not) of my experience of moving to France from the UK.
Like many people I became frustrated by the impotency of our judicial system, the incompetency of NHS management, lack of opportunity for the hardworking, loss of respect by young people, the increase of fear of crime and violence and the general degradation of british culture.
(Whoops, I sound like a bitter soap box merchant - I'm not really, I love England but I'm not prepared to see my grandchildren grow up, and possibly turn out or become victims of, some of the creatures that walk the streets there today. I lived in a quiet little market town in Worcestershire but we had our share of Saturday night violence and even a couple of murders).
I had been coming to France on holiday for about 12 years and I had always liked the life-style and attitude of the average French person. The fact that the French are not "in your face" is often mistaken for arrogance and stand offishness. I live, with my wife, son, daughter-in-law and three grandchildren in a small village about 25km south of Rodez in the Aveyron. We bought a small hotel/restaurant/bar last April. My 10 and 5 year old granddaughters speak fluent French (after only a year) they love their schools and the freedom to play safely with their friends around the village. The locals have been wonderful to us, helping with any problems we've encountered. I read in one of the previous replies about dealing with the Mayor. They are extremely powerful people and can make or break your move. I heard horror stories of what can happen if you upset your Mayor. We're lucky, ours is an absolute diamond. He regularly comes in for coffee and brings his business friends and family in for meals. The best piece of advice I can give you here is wherever you move to don't try to create a little England. This is what's happened up north and the in some cases the locals and immigrant Brits have awful problems. Accept and embrace the French way of life. The health service is fantastic, the education system is first class, driving around is a pleasure, the food and wine is incredible, local products are reasonably priced. There are, as in all things, a downside. Tax is incredibly high and the cost of living on the whole is about the same as the UK. Dealing with public bodies is a nightmare, it's bureaucracy gone mad. To get any kind of work done, be it building or anything else, takes ages. You will have to get used to 2 hour lunch breaks, shops, taxis, offices, even the club shop at our golf club closes from 12 till 2. And of course make sure you've done all your shopping by Saturday because nothing, except churches and restaurants are open on a Sunday. Most importently, and I can't stress this enough, LEARN TO SPEAK FRENCH!!!!!!
God, I could go on and on........ Finally, do I miss England? Would I go back? Not unless they deport me!!! I live a relatively stress free life, my asthma has all but gone, I'm eating healthily and I feel safe in my own home. If I leave my car door unlocked it will still be there in the morning and my grandchildren have the a bright future. If I can be of any further help please feel free to e mail me at aubergedesarcades@wanadoo,fr.
Regards
Richard White
Feb 18th 2007 | 10:30 pm
#19
Banned
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 71
From: London Suburbs
Re: Desperately trying to make a decision! Help!
......I have to say though I live Half-a-mile away from the edge of South London in The Suburbs and don't bother to lock my car....though thats not advisable for every street I realise.
Good Luck.
Feb 19th 2007 | 1:47 am
#20
Just Joined
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 15
Re: Desperately trying to make a decision! Help!
Tony, if you don't lock your car you might invalidate your insurance mate.
Feb 19th 2007 | 4:35 am
#21
RETIRED ;-))
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 20,156
From: Benalmadena Pueblo,Spain
Feb 19th 2007 | 9:44 am
#22
Banned
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,996
From: North of Auckland
Re: Desperately trying to make a decision! Help!
Moving to France?
I'm never sure about offering advice because everyone has a different outlook on life and personal circumstances vary, however, I can give you the benefit (or not) of my experience of moving to France from the UK.
Like many people I became frustrated by the impotency of our judicial system, the incompetency of NHS management, lack of opportunity for the hardworking, loss of respect by young people, the increase of fear of crime and violence and the general degradation of british culture.
(Whoops, I sound like a bitter soap box merchant - I'm not really, I love England but I'm not prepared to see my grandchildren grow up, and possibly turn out or become victims of, some of the creatures that walk the streets there today. I lived in a quiet little market town in Worcestershire but we had our share of Saturday night violence and even a couple of murders).
I had been coming to France on holiday for about 12 years and I had always liked the life-style and attitude of the average French person. The fact that the French are not "in your face" is often mistaken for arrogance and stand offishness. I live, with my wife, son, daughter-in-law and three grandchildren in a small village about 25km south of Rodez in the Aveyron. We bought a small hotel/restaurant/bar last April. My 10 and 5 year old granddaughters speak fluent French (after only a year) they love their schools and the freedom to play safely with their friends around the village. The locals have been wonderful to us, helping with any problems we've encountered. I read in one of the previous replies about dealing with the Mayor. They are extremely powerful people and can make or break your move. I heard horror stories of what can happen if you upset your Mayor. We're lucky, ours is an absolute diamond. He regularly comes in for coffee and brings his business friends and family in for meals. The best piece of advice I can give you here is wherever you move to don't try to create a little England. This is what's happened up north and the in some cases the locals and immigrant Brits have awful problems. Accept and embrace the French way of life. The health service is fantastic, the education system is first class, driving around is a pleasure, the food and wine is incredible, local products are reasonably priced. There are, as in all things, a downside. Tax is incredibly high and the cost of living on the whole is about the same as the UK. Dealing with public bodies is a nightmare, it's bureaucracy gone mad. To get any kind of work done, be it building or anything else, takes ages. You will have to get used to 2 hour lunch breaks, shops, taxis, offices, even the club shop at our golf club closes from 12 till 2. And of course make sure you've done all your shopping by Saturday because nothing, except churches and restaurants are open on a Sunday. Most importently, and I can't stress this enough, LEARN TO SPEAK FRENCH!!!!!!
God, I could go on and on........ Finally, do I miss England? Would I go back? Not unless they deport me!!! I live a relatively stress free life, my asthma has all but gone, I'm eating healthily and I feel safe in my own home. If I leave my car door unlocked it will still be there in the morning and my grandchildren have the a bright future. If I can be of any further help please feel free to e mail me at aubergedesarcades@wanadoo,fr.
Regards
Richard White
I'm never sure about offering advice because everyone has a different outlook on life and personal circumstances vary, however, I can give you the benefit (or not) of my experience of moving to France from the UK.
Like many people I became frustrated by the impotency of our judicial system, the incompetency of NHS management, lack of opportunity for the hardworking, loss of respect by young people, the increase of fear of crime and violence and the general degradation of british culture.
(Whoops, I sound like a bitter soap box merchant - I'm not really, I love England but I'm not prepared to see my grandchildren grow up, and possibly turn out or become victims of, some of the creatures that walk the streets there today. I lived in a quiet little market town in Worcestershire but we had our share of Saturday night violence and even a couple of murders).
I had been coming to France on holiday for about 12 years and I had always liked the life-style and attitude of the average French person. The fact that the French are not "in your face" is often mistaken for arrogance and stand offishness. I live, with my wife, son, daughter-in-law and three grandchildren in a small village about 25km south of Rodez in the Aveyron. We bought a small hotel/restaurant/bar last April. My 10 and 5 year old granddaughters speak fluent French (after only a year) they love their schools and the freedom to play safely with their friends around the village. The locals have been wonderful to us, helping with any problems we've encountered. I read in one of the previous replies about dealing with the Mayor. They are extremely powerful people and can make or break your move. I heard horror stories of what can happen if you upset your Mayor. We're lucky, ours is an absolute diamond. He regularly comes in for coffee and brings his business friends and family in for meals. The best piece of advice I can give you here is wherever you move to don't try to create a little England. This is what's happened up north and the in some cases the locals and immigrant Brits have awful problems. Accept and embrace the French way of life. The health service is fantastic, the education system is first class, driving around is a pleasure, the food and wine is incredible, local products are reasonably priced. There are, as in all things, a downside. Tax is incredibly high and the cost of living on the whole is about the same as the UK. Dealing with public bodies is a nightmare, it's bureaucracy gone mad. To get any kind of work done, be it building or anything else, takes ages. You will have to get used to 2 hour lunch breaks, shops, taxis, offices, even the club shop at our golf club closes from 12 till 2. And of course make sure you've done all your shopping by Saturday because nothing, except churches and restaurants are open on a Sunday. Most importently, and I can't stress this enough, LEARN TO SPEAK FRENCH!!!!!!
God, I could go on and on........ Finally, do I miss England? Would I go back? Not unless they deport me!!! I live a relatively stress free life, my asthma has all but gone, I'm eating healthily and I feel safe in my own home. If I leave my car door unlocked it will still be there in the morning and my grandchildren have the a bright future. If I can be of any further help please feel free to e mail me at aubergedesarcades@wanadoo,fr.
Regards
Richard White
It is so nice to hear that there are still places in the world where you can relax and enjoy life although I did note your stress factor about the golf clubhouse hours of trade!
For me that is balanced by a two-hour cheese & wine party every day so as to de-stress.
I totally agree with your description of the UK and I am from Scotland and even the villages there are deteriorating to chaos.
I spent some time in the Greek islands and found a “magic†there and it sounds like you have found it in France. The last time I was back was in the early 90s and often wonder what it is like now. I hope the Greek islands haven’t been ruined like lots of other places.
Personally I will cheer you back up onto your soapbox mate as it is the people’s voice that motivates change and I am talking change for the better of course.
Cheers and enjoy.
PS: Saw Cirque Du Soleil the other day – WOW. That has got to be the best circus in the world. I understand it uses many artists from many backgrounds but it has taken the French vision to take it to this level. I also Saw Jean Michel Jarre and really see the French creative’s as geniuses of art and in a calibre way out on their own.
Feb 19th 2007 | 12:36 pm
#23
Just Joined
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 23
From: france
Re: Desperately trying to make a decision! Help!
Richard you have got it in one mate, we just love it here in the Indre.
Would i go back to the UK, not on your nelly!.
Would i go back to the UK, not on your nelly!.
Feb 20th 2007 | 7:24 am
#24
Born again atheist
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 30,259
From: Europe (to be specified).
Re: Desperately trying to make a decision! Help!
PS: Saw Cirque Du Soleil the other day – WOW. That has got to be the best circus in the world. I understand it uses many artists from many backgrounds but it has taken the French vision to take it to this level. I also Saw Jean Michel Jarre and really see the French creative’s as geniuses of art and in a calibre way out on their own.
Feb 20th 2007 | 7:40 am
#25
Banned
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,996
From: North of Auckland
Re: Desperately trying to make a decision! Help!
Bonjour,
Cirque du Soleil began with a very simple dream. A group of young entertainers got together to amuse audiences, see the world, and have fun doing it. Every year, the audiences get bigger, we continue to discover new places and ideas and we're still having fun.
Today we still dream of enriching the lives of all those who cross our path through our actions and our creativity. We also dream of imbuing our new projects with the energy and inspiration that are the essence of our shows. And we want to help young people express their dreams … and make them come true.
As we head into the future, this website will allow us to share our dream in a whole new way. It'll connect us with new audiences around the world, in an instant. And this is your chance to share your thoughts and feelings with people everywhere.
Surf the site. Take your time. Have fun!
We hope you'll be inspired to dream your own dreams, and to believe they too can come true.
Guy Laliberté
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Cirque du Soleil
-------------------------
Yes, you are correct,
Having watched the series “the Fire Within†I understand they are based in Canada.
My quoting “French†was in the same context as me saying I am Scots although I live in NZ.
Cheers……..
Jul 15th 2007 | 7:55 pm
#26
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 21
Re: Desperately trying to make a decision! Help!
Hi Vickie
I am sorry to burst your bubble, we have now lived here for 15 months in the charente region, i have a 5 year old, brill for that age group for the lang, she is now fluent, the schooling is very different here, still wondering if it better, i have my doubts, THINK HARD BEFORE YOU JUMP IN TO BUYING A HOUSE HERE, my advise is to rent for a one year period, it will allow you to get a good all round feel to living in france, it is not easy, there are no jobs for the french, they all have degrees and diplomas, but they cant get work, you have to fluent in the language, you ahve to be able to read and write, to even be considered for employment, the french will not pick you above another french person, so unless you have a business in england, or have lots and lots of money, you will struggle, its great when you come here and change the pound to the euro, when you have to live in the euro, you find out how expensive things really are, living in france takes a very special person, im not that and am looking at other places, but like the many i jumped into buying a house here and am stuck till it sells, if it sells, if you buy something to renovate, buy yourself a copy of the film the money pit,
what ever your decide, the old saying the grass is never greener applies to living in france.
Bonne Chance
I am sorry to burst your bubble, we have now lived here for 15 months in the charente region, i have a 5 year old, brill for that age group for the lang, she is now fluent, the schooling is very different here, still wondering if it better, i have my doubts, THINK HARD BEFORE YOU JUMP IN TO BUYING A HOUSE HERE, my advise is to rent for a one year period, it will allow you to get a good all round feel to living in france, it is not easy, there are no jobs for the french, they all have degrees and diplomas, but they cant get work, you have to fluent in the language, you ahve to be able to read and write, to even be considered for employment, the french will not pick you above another french person, so unless you have a business in england, or have lots and lots of money, you will struggle, its great when you come here and change the pound to the euro, when you have to live in the euro, you find out how expensive things really are, living in france takes a very special person, im not that and am looking at other places, but like the many i jumped into buying a house here and am stuck till it sells, if it sells, if you buy something to renovate, buy yourself a copy of the film the money pit,
what ever your decide, the old saying the grass is never greener applies to living in france.
Bonne Chance
Jul 18th 2007 | 1:07 pm
#27
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 370
From: Australia
Re: Desperately trying to make a decision! Help!
Hi Everyone I'm new to this forum but wish to thank you all for the info.It has been interesting reading this morning (I am in Australia )....Thisisitimhere, while I appreciate the need for balance as in both sides to the story of a move to france I find myself wondering why you are still there. You seem to have nothing good to say about it except for your childs learning a second language...I am not saying this to be a smarty pants ..I'm seriously interested.
We too are trying to make the decision about a move and its a very long way from Australia so it is good to read the negative as well as the positive comments. My husband begins the negotiations next week with his employer so it won't be too long before we have to make decisions.
Thanks again
Kate
We too are trying to make the decision about a move and its a very long way from Australia so it is good to read the negative as well as the positive comments. My husband begins the negotiations next week with his employer so it won't be too long before we have to make decisions.
Thanks again
Kate
Jul 20th 2007 | 9:00 pm
#28
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 274
Re: Desperately trying to make a decision! Help!
Moving to France?
I'm never sure about offering advice because everyone has a different outlook on life and personal circumstances vary, however, I can give you the benefit (or not) of my experience of moving to France from the UK.
Like many people I became frustrated by the impotency of our judicial system, the incompetency of NHS management, lack of opportunity for the hardworking, loss of respect by young people, the increase of fear of crime and violence and the general degradation of british culture.
(Whoops, I sound like a bitter soap box merchant - I'm not really, I love England but I'm not prepared to see my grandchildren grow up, and possibly turn out or become victims of, some of the creatures that walk the streets there today. I lived in a quiet little market town in Worcestershire but we had our share of Saturday night violence and even a couple of murders).
I had been coming to France on holiday for about 12 years and I had always liked the life-style and attitude of the average French person. The fact that the French are not "in your face" is often mistaken for arrogance and stand offishness. I live, with my wife, son, daughter-in-law and three grandchildren in a small village about 25km south of Rodez in the Aveyron. We bought a small hotel/restaurant/bar last April. My 10 and 5 year old granddaughters speak fluent French (after only a year) they love their schools and the freedom to play safely with their friends around the village. The locals have been wonderful to us, helping with any problems we've encountered. I read in one of the previous replies about dealing with the Mayor. They are extremely powerful people and can make or break your move. I heard horror stories of what can happen if you upset your Mayor. We're lucky, ours is an absolute diamond. He regularly comes in for coffee and brings his business friends and family in for meals. The best piece of advice I can give you here is wherever you move to don't try to create a little England. This is what's happened up north and the in some cases the locals and immigrant Brits have awful problems. Accept and embrace the French way of life. The health service is fantastic, the education system is first class, driving around is a pleasure, the food and wine is incredible, local products are reasonably priced. There are, as in all things, a downside. Tax is incredibly high and the cost of living on the whole is about the same as the UK. Dealing with public bodies is a nightmare, it's bureaucracy gone mad. To get any kind of work done, be it building or anything else, takes ages. You will have to get used to 2 hour lunch breaks, shops, taxis, offices, even the club shop at our golf club closes from 12 till 2. And of course make sure you've done all your shopping by Saturday because nothing, except churches and restaurants are open on a Sunday. Most importently, and I can't stress this enough, LEARN TO SPEAK FRENCH!!!!!!
God, I could go on and on........ Finally, do I miss England? Would I go back? Not unless they deport me!!! I live a relatively stress free life, my asthma has all but gone, I'm eating healthily and I feel safe in my own home. If I leave my car door unlocked it will still be there in the morning and my grandchildren have the a bright future. If I can be of any further help please feel free to e mail me at aubergedesarcades@wanadoo,fr.
Regards
Richard White
I'm never sure about offering advice because everyone has a different outlook on life and personal circumstances vary, however, I can give you the benefit (or not) of my experience of moving to France from the UK.
Like many people I became frustrated by the impotency of our judicial system, the incompetency of NHS management, lack of opportunity for the hardworking, loss of respect by young people, the increase of fear of crime and violence and the general degradation of british culture.
(Whoops, I sound like a bitter soap box merchant - I'm not really, I love England but I'm not prepared to see my grandchildren grow up, and possibly turn out or become victims of, some of the creatures that walk the streets there today. I lived in a quiet little market town in Worcestershire but we had our share of Saturday night violence and even a couple of murders).
I had been coming to France on holiday for about 12 years and I had always liked the life-style and attitude of the average French person. The fact that the French are not "in your face" is often mistaken for arrogance and stand offishness. I live, with my wife, son, daughter-in-law and three grandchildren in a small village about 25km south of Rodez in the Aveyron. We bought a small hotel/restaurant/bar last April. My 10 and 5 year old granddaughters speak fluent French (after only a year) they love their schools and the freedom to play safely with their friends around the village. The locals have been wonderful to us, helping with any problems we've encountered. I read in one of the previous replies about dealing with the Mayor. They are extremely powerful people and can make or break your move. I heard horror stories of what can happen if you upset your Mayor. We're lucky, ours is an absolute diamond. He regularly comes in for coffee and brings his business friends and family in for meals. The best piece of advice I can give you here is wherever you move to don't try to create a little England. This is what's happened up north and the in some cases the locals and immigrant Brits have awful problems. Accept and embrace the French way of life. The health service is fantastic, the education system is first class, driving around is a pleasure, the food and wine is incredible, local products are reasonably priced. There are, as in all things, a downside. Tax is incredibly high and the cost of living on the whole is about the same as the UK. Dealing with public bodies is a nightmare, it's bureaucracy gone mad. To get any kind of work done, be it building or anything else, takes ages. You will have to get used to 2 hour lunch breaks, shops, taxis, offices, even the club shop at our golf club closes from 12 till 2. And of course make sure you've done all your shopping by Saturday because nothing, except churches and restaurants are open on a Sunday. Most importently, and I can't stress this enough, LEARN TO SPEAK FRENCH!!!!!!
God, I could go on and on........ Finally, do I miss England? Would I go back? Not unless they deport me!!! I live a relatively stress free life, my asthma has all but gone, I'm eating healthily and I feel safe in my own home. If I leave my car door unlocked it will still be there in the morning and my grandchildren have the a bright future. If I can be of any further help please feel free to e mail me at aubergedesarcades@wanadoo,fr.
Regards
Richard White
Last edited by artemis; Jul 20th 2007 at 9:06 pm. Reason: too gory
Jul 25th 2007 | 9:24 am
#29
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 376
From: Chatillon-sur-cher,loir et cher
Re: Desperately trying to make a decision! Help!
Hi
So glad that we are not the only ones that feel the uk has really gone to pot over the years
For this reason myself , my partner, and our 3 year old have just moved to the loire valley and it is STUNNING!!!!
We live in a rural area and as I dont drive and my partner works away its quite difficult, but its worth it ( even the 1 and half hour walk to the supermarket)
neither myself or my partner speak more than basic french but we have not had a problem with the language barrier - as long as you have a go and can at least say the basics - bonjour, aurevoir and such they'll help you a bit, my neighbour has even called round the other day with her french - english dictionary
and I was talking to the builder using babelfish on my laptop - where there's a will there's a way
my advice is simple - look around the internet at houses, check out the expat websites - theres loads to check which areas have good english - french ratio and go for it
P
If you want a newbie Frenchie to talk to feel free to PM me or go through yahoo or msn
P
So glad that we are not the only ones that feel the uk has really gone to pot over the years
For this reason myself , my partner, and our 3 year old have just moved to the loire valley and it is STUNNING!!!!
We live in a rural area and as I dont drive and my partner works away its quite difficult, but its worth it ( even the 1 and half hour walk to the supermarket)
neither myself or my partner speak more than basic french but we have not had a problem with the language barrier - as long as you have a go and can at least say the basics - bonjour, aurevoir and such they'll help you a bit, my neighbour has even called round the other day with her french - english dictionary
and I was talking to the builder using babelfish on my laptop - where there's a will there's a way
my advice is simple - look around the internet at houses, check out the expat websites - theres loads to check which areas have good english - french ratio and go for it
P
If you want a newbie Frenchie to talk to feel free to PM me or go through yahoo or msn
P
Last edited by paulajayne; Jul 25th 2007 at 9:29 am. Reason: my English is worse than my French today -
Jul 26th 2007 | 8:27 am
#30
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 426
From: In a pretty little village near Thiviers off the N21
Re: Desperately trying to make a decision! Help!
Some time back on this thread you asked about new businesses. Look for ZRR (something like zone rurale de Regeneration) which gives a 100% tax break in the first year of business gradually reducing over a nine year period.
What we could do with here are environmentally aware farming folk. The older generation are dying off and the younger generation don't want to work the land, yet it is beautiful and rich and there are a lot of incentives and tax breaks. Main products here are walnuts, beef, geese (pate de foie gras), duck, some maize and sunflowers but the whole organic farming side is ripe for development and younger people who could take over the farms would be much better off than farming in the UK.
The wild life is an asset in itself. I went canoeing today on the river which flows past my garden. I saw two buzzards, herons and a kingfisher. The only people I saw were two fishermen. (By the way I'm sixty and haven't been canoeing for twenty years but I had a great time.)
What we could do with here are environmentally aware farming folk. The older generation are dying off and the younger generation don't want to work the land, yet it is beautiful and rich and there are a lot of incentives and tax breaks. Main products here are walnuts, beef, geese (pate de foie gras), duck, some maize and sunflowers but the whole organic farming side is ripe for development and younger people who could take over the farms would be much better off than farming in the UK.
The wild life is an asset in itself. I went canoeing today on the river which flows past my garden. I saw two buzzards, herons and a kingfisher. The only people I saw were two fishermen. (By the way I'm sixty and haven't been canoeing for twenty years but I had a great time.)
