When Haydn and Joanne Jones returned to the UK from California, they were searching for a new adventure – and found it in the form of a stunning chambre d’hôtes nestled in the sunkissed southwest of France, just minutes from one of the country’s most beautiful villages, Aubeterre-sur-Dronne. We caught up with the globe-trotting couple about their move and new life running the Chambres de CoCo.
Anglo-Dutch couple the van Hartens have ditched the rat race in the UK for the more relaxed pace of life, sunnier weather and affordable property of southwest France. Mrs van Harten describes the move as ‘the most relaxed move I’ve ever made’ – we caught with her to find out her top tips for a smooth relocation, and to hear how she and her husband are enjoying their new life.
So you’re heading off on that property viewing trip. At last! But when a long-cherished dream gets real, you might suddenly feel far from your comfort zone, and very foreign. Learning a little bit of French puts you in control. But which is the best way to learn? Christopher Nye investigates your options for learning French for property buyers.
The hardest man on TV right now, Ant Middleton of SAS: Who Dares Wins spent most of his childhood in rural Normandy, where he developed a taste for adventure. France’s vast natural landscapes are perfect for outdoorsy types, even those who fancy testing their own survival skills…
My husband and I moved to France 9 years ago, thereby joining the 290,000 or so British people who have already established their permanent homes in France. Of the 1.3 million Brits who live outside of Britain in Europe, France is the third most popular country in which to choose to live. France’s lure is pretty obvious: a big, beautiful country with generally a laid back lifestyle, glorious space, rich history, wonderful food and wine, culture, fabulous coastlines and a good climate. So, what does one need to make a success of moving as an expat to France and how does one go about it?
Where do you see yourself in 2019? Perhaps in a beautiful French home, spending your time browsing the local marchés, stocking up on locally grown produce and enjoying your village fetes? I firmly believe that France is one of the best places to start a new life, so here are my top ten reasons for buying property in France in 2019.
