Beth’s life in France one year on: “The move is the best thing I ever did”
Last year, we spoke to reader Beth Nicholson about her move to the beautiful Charente, fulfilling a long-held dream to return to France. Back then, she told us about finding the ‘right house, the right village at the right time‘. Now, one year on, Beth is firmly ensconced in her ‘beautiful and joyful’ life in this tranquil corner of Aquitaine.
Enjoying the good life in the Languedoc-Roussillon
There are many reasons why the Languedoc-Roussillon area of the south of France is eternally popular. The very name conjures up an image of sun, blue skies, golden light, miles of sandy beaches, beautiful towns and villages, tremendous history, Mediterranean food… But it is not just an image: this area really does have it all!
“We wanted another adventure!” Tackling a big, beautiful chambres d’hôtes in the Poitou-Charente
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.
“Enjoy going slow”: the van Hartens’ new life in southwest France
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.
Learning French for property buyers
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.
