Expat Stories

Expatriate’s story from Peta living in the Normandy region in France.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF…………………..” Sunlight hits our bedroom window early and I’m off for a jog with one of our dogs ; acroos our field, past the cows, up towards the Haras to look at the new foals born during the warm summer night, and as far as the church, standing above the valley, just as the bells toll 7 a.m. Apart from the usual hares,...Read More

Story from Debbie, who bought a studio in Paris.

A little over three years ago, a dream came true when I bought an apartment in Paris. A French friend referred me to her realtor, who luckily knew agents all over town; otherwise I would have had to go from agency to agency to find out what each had to offer, since there is no central listing service like we have in the US. The legal formalities were similar to those in America, but much more...Read More

Expatriate’s story from James and Elma, living in France.

Our decision to come to live in France on our retirement was based upon our experiences of having a holiday home here for several years. Our relatively frequent visits enabled us to appreciate the gentle lifestyle of the local people, their natural friendliness and the beautiful countryside. However we quickly became aware of the primary obstacle to a fuller enjoyment of this life – the...Read More

Expatriate’s story from David, living in the Midi-Pyrénées of France.

Our decision to come to live in France on our retirement was based upon our experiences of having a holiday home here for several years. Our relatively frequent visits enabled us to appreciate the gentle lifestyle of the local people, their natural friendliness and the beautiful countryside. However we quickly became aware of the primary obstacle to a fuller enjoyment of this life – the...Read More

Expatriate’s story from Sue, living in France.

My Life In France Myself and my family have lived in France for three years now and enjoy our life here. We had often talked about retiring to France and were tentatively looking for another home to purchase across the English Channel. We did not have any plans to re-locate the family at that time. However, due to certain circumstances, we had the opportunity to move ourselves to France...Read More

Expatriate’s story from Diane, living in the Brittany region in France.

It all began in 1998 when the world cup was being televised and the cameras panned around the French countryside. This was where the games were being played. My husband turned to me and said he would like to visit France for a holiday. Well the rest is history because we came; we saw, and fell in love. By October we had seen a house that my husband was going to make in to our very own...Read More

Expatriate’s story from Paul

The expression is: “I love France but can’t stand the French.” After centuries of competition – it used to be war – these two neighbouring countries both believe they are superior to each other. Britain used to say “no” to joining the Common Market. France says “no” to anything which could change their traditional way of life. Like the...Read More

Expatriate’s story from Carolyn,living in the Languedoc Roussillon region in France.

If you have or intend to settle in France you will need to be able to communicate.You will have lots of questions and will need to understand the answers. French administration is difficult and onerous; the Mairie of your commune can be very helpful in smoothing your path. In a small place make friends with the secretary who may do most of the work for you! The best way to learn French is to...Read More

Expatriate’s story from Marion, living in the Cevennes region in France.

Walking holidays enticed us to different parts of France and circumstances resulted in our move to the Cevennes three years ago. We knew the climate was sunny, the scenery spectacular, the environment largely unspoiled, the local history fascinating. We experienced many cultural differences and liked what we found. This continues as we feel comfortable in our village where everyone recognised...Read More