“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.
Follow in Ant Middleton’s footsteps in rural Normandy
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…
Why I love my retirement in France
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?
