babyposer

Cyrian is right, the fact that French are crap at languages and Brits too make admin stuff and paperwork very difficult to deal with.

The Queen still reigns in Canada, NZ and Oz and these countries have strong links with the UK.

Even though it's closer, a lot of things are very difficult when you don't speak the language, especially when you have to rent or buy a property, help your kids with their homework or deal with the tax office.

babyposer

I would add that even for people who speak perfect French, it's difficult to deal with the bureaucracy! My father-in-law passed away in September and the amount of paperwork we have is just ridiculous.

dmu

The OP shouldn't feel targetted by the last few posts, as she'd quickly recover her French once here and has a guaranteed income via her OH.
If she can overcome her worries about her struggling twin, the unlikely chance of finding work for herself, the fact of the family being separated for most of the week, then why not?
One solution to her dilemma would be to remain in the UK, buy a holiday home in France and wait until their children have finished schooling, before moving here for good. Plenty of time between now and then for every one to learn French. And the two parents might in fact discover that being permanently resident in France wasn't for them, after all, esp. if all the children decide to go to Uni in the UK....

cyrian

Agreed. My comments were a general response to Bevs post. I am asked by French friends where is better - France or the UK? My response is that neither is better and each has its good points.I love life in France and I am in a position to enjoy it. We have friends and we socialise a lot in France. However, I love the UK and I think that it is a marvellous country and in many ways it leaves other countries behind. I think that if you love France in the first place then it makes the transition easier. I think that echoes ET's comments.

dmu

I realised that, and also agree with your post (and the others')!
The whole subject could be made into a separate Read-Me thread, to avoid diversion from the OP's original post....

howiet01

IMO it's always easier to find reasons not to do something.
Things can be challenging here but so can anywhere.

Come to France, give it a go and have no regrets.

ps the weather is fantastic

EuroTrash

Nothing ventured nothing gained.
Look before you leap.
You pays your money and takes your choice.
Lovin' it

dmu

OK if, as mentioned in this and many other threads, there's at least one job lined up and children aren't adolescents without a word of French.
Also, the weather's been grotty in the Hérault for some time, so what might be fantastic in the Alpes isn't necessarily pleasant elsewhere. In any case, the supposedly better weather in France shouldn't be a major factor in the decision to move here.
P.S. just noticed your Wink smiley

BEVS

Hopefully the OP didn't feel that way . Nor made to feel it was all a hopeless pipe dream with huge obstacles to overcome. It matters not though, as the OP did not feel encouraged enough to return to the thread to further explore possibilities and alternatives , so all the assorted cautions paid off.

Perhaps the suggestion of an independent thread or wiki article which highlights assorted downsides of living in France would be the ticket.
Something factual including bureaucracy, taxation etc. That way newbies could simply be pointed to such a thread rather than having cold water poured on their first initial ideas . You never know , some might actually stick around and effect a successful move despite everything.

Oh and FWIW. France and the French forum is not alone in having those that are unhappy in their new chosen country. Nor alone in having those ever ready with the cautions or conversely the throw caution to the wind attitude.

Thing is to get the balance where the newbie gets to have the conversation at least and can then make up their own mind what they wish to chance or what they can alter or compromise to realise their wish for change.

So. Let me know when you have collated the factual caution thread and I will stick that for you all.

dmu

With all due respect, the OP was grateful for our advice and she was aware of the drawbacks involved. She has been given food for thought, and IMO is digesting the pros and cons.... In any case, unlike many newbies, she had two advantages - an OH with an income and knowledge of French.
We aren't necessarily unhappy in France - I for one have been here for more than 40 years - but when a newbie announces their intentions to move to France without a job lined up, with children in tow, without speaking the language, sometimes with health issues, I for one can't avoid pointing out the obvious as diplomatically as possible, for their own sakes.
Some newbies simply want to move out of the UK and choose France/Spain/Portugal/Italy, without being aware of the ever-declining economic situation in southern Europe. And members in the respective forums usually give the same advice. They must be happy in their chosen country, having adapted to the situation or not really being affected by it (retirees for example), but, like us in France, want the newbies to take their rose-tinted glasses off and see the reality of what awaits them, before they take the plunge. As I often say, "fore-warned is fore-armed", and the newbies make their own decision.

cyrian

The "sticky" -"FAQ about moving to France" already exists but is out-of-date.
It is quite comprehensive with sub-texts for each subject.
Perhaps we could go through it and update and augment it.
Important points that are raised again and again are:
Schooling.
Healthcare.
Employment.
Running a business.
Taxation including Inheritance Tax.
Buying or renting a home.
etc.

dmu

What a mammouth task that Val undertook! and what a pity that, inevitably, a lot of it is out of date. I didn't check all, but the subjects seem to have just links to sites, without comments from members.
Maybe a new sticky along the lines of "What you may not know about the French way of living", and each subject above (plus knowing the language, care for the elderly, benefits, etc...) could have a Thread of its own? Members could post current info, add changes in laws, pitfalls and recommendations on certain subjects,... remaining factual, without prejudice.
Just a suggestion!

bigglesworth

Crikey you are right cyrian. I had not looked at it for years
Spainforum used to have an excellent one started I believe by Rugbymatt (apologies if not)

Chatter Static

Never heard of him....

BEVS

This sounds an excellent idea. Old stickies with out of date info is not a good look really I suppose.

Perhaps one of you can start such a thread and I will sticky it for you but leave it open so the community can add to it and update it.

Once something credible is up and running I will drop off Vals wonderful effort. Until then I'll leave it as it could be useful to the new thread.