Living in France© Larix Kortbeek@flickr CC-BY
For many years now people have been flocking to France to get away from the hectic and sometimes humdrum lives they lead. People have loved to retire to a region in France so that their pace of life slows down a little, and the quality of their days improves no end. The fact that the price of property in France is so much more attractive than say the UK, has also made the country a very popular choice of places to move to. You do tend to get that much more for your hard earned cash than you do in the UK and that’s for certain.
It is not that hard to ‘fit in’ when you move to France. Of course there are a few obstacles to overcome – one of which is the language but having said this over the years I have travelled backwards and forwards between the UK and France, I cannot help but notice that most people who do not even speak a word of French when they first arrive, manage to cope really well. The majority of people who do make the move think it was the best thing they every decided to do and have absolutely no desire to go back to the old country.
Food in France © Denise@flickr CC-BY
Life in the country in France, does go at a slower pace, this is what is so very nice about it. If you move to somewhere like the south of France, then you have to expect a more relaxed attitude to life, it might have something to do with the long hot summers, but this really doesn’t matter because life at a slower pace is so much nicer.
One French tradition that many foreigners find hard to understand is the fact that the French like to enjoy their meals and this includes lunches. A two hour lunch break is quite normal and shops do shut during the afternoon. But then if you go with the flow, then you have to admit that a nice relaxing lunch with some wonderful French food put in front of you with a nice bottle of wine, does have a certain appeal which most people would really find quite pleasing.
Provence © Denise@flickr CC-BY
Some people who move to France do find that it is hard to integrate with the locals. I have always found that most villagers and towns people enjoy new faces appearing on the scene and are proud to show off their culinary specialities, their wonderful locally produced fare as well as their helpful advice on where to find things and services you might need. Like any community anywhere in the world, a new face appearing means something which may be interesting could happen in the community, so it is generally accepted with glee.
I have a lot of friends who have made the move to France, and I can honestly say that not one of them has ever regretted doing so. Their lives have been fuller and their children all became bilingual which is a huge advantage in life. I am of course just a little bit biased because I was lucky enough to grow up in France and I could taste the lovely way of life that has evolved in this gorgeous country from my early years.