Location, weather, ease of access - all these will have an
influence not only on your choice, but also on the success of
such a move.
Support groups exist in some areas to help you deal with many of
the problems that might arise over the years, but to get the most
out of your new home you will need to be able to understand
day-to-day issues and, just as importantly, to involve yourself
with your new French neighbours as well as local events and
customs.
Learning French is one of the most important tasks that you face
- and here at Le Poyenval we can help - whether
you are just beginning to learn the language, or whether you wish
to build upon an existing ability and increase your fluency.
Our Residential Tuition can be tailored to meet your needs and
current ability and will increase your confidence in, and
understanding of, the French way of life and customs.
Special arrangements for families
If you are moving to France with children, we may be able to
arrange French Language Courses on a family basis. As always, we
would aim to adapt tuition to meet your needs and abilities.
Accommodation in one of our
gîtes would enable the
family to stay together. Please contact us for details.
A few tips based upon our own experience
Everyone’s experience in moving to France, or buying a
second home here, will vary because the move will be made under
different circumstances.
Some issues will affect most people though - here are a few tips
that we are happy to pass on (without liability, of course) that
we learned along the way:
Do:
- Try to see the area that interests you under different
circumstances and at different times of the year. Think about all
the factors that will affect your life there. Climate is
important, but what about access (road, rail, air)?
- Rent a property in the area for a short time if you have any
doubts, before committing to a more permanent arrangement.
- Get professional advice on all financial, tax, health and
inheritance matters before going too far - relying on friends (no
matter how well-meaning) might prove to be a costly mistake.
- Start learning the language, and understanding the customs
and way of life, as early as possible. It is important to be able
to become a part of the local community, and there is no need for
the language to be a barrier.
- Plan to use local tradespeople wherever possible. In our
experience you get a good job at a fair price, and this helps
your acceptance into the community.
Don’t:
- Rush ahead with a move or house purchase unless you really
are sure that it is what you want to do.
- Ignore any issues about the family (parents or children) that
you may be leaving behind you in UK.
