Hi all,
We are considering a move to France to give our two young children a better life. I have read and reread this forum and am taking this opportunity to call on all of you experiences, good and bad. I work for a London firm and tele commute, but do also need to visit London regularly, so I need to be within 45mins of an airport. I was looking at Bordeaux on its surrounding countryside, a good mix of seaside, University City yet not Paris. The first question is where to start I suppose. Short of getting on a plane and getting somewhere to rent I’m lost.

My plan was to rent, then buy or build. I want our family to integrate in to the French way of life but would still like to have some British friends around.

Any ideas, thoughts or pointer, good or bad would be great.

Martin

Hi all,
We are considering a move to France to give our two young children a better life...

Hello Martin and welcome to the forum. We also made the move to France mainly for our 2 little ones and to provide some new challenges :-)

We moved to Annecy in May 2007 and in Feb of that year visited the town (without wife & kids) to locate rental accommodation.

Having lived in a french speaking country until the age of 13, I think I was over confident in regards to what I could achieve in a few weeks, I did not manage to find rental during my recon trip, so we had to arrange this all together when we arrived (not ideal), the main reason was that as self employed I had difficulty proving income levels. I am am pretty sure that with your employment situation it will be easier to manage.

Jump into the deep end! as Tony Robbins says: "It’s in your moments of decision that your destiny is shaped."

Cheers David,

I'm working on the theory that it will take about a year to get to France. Which, as its April, good timing for Summer 09. The advice here on the Forum is excellent and I'm going spend the next few months compling my plan of action to get me from here to there.

Do you know any users of the site that are in the Bordeaux area, and if so can you let them know my intentions. It would be nice to touch base with those who have gone before.

I love it here... except for the terrible tax laws and the some of the laws concerning visas and such. But the people and the culture and the social serenity here are such a breath of fresh air for me! I'm from the States, married to a Frenchman, living in the 92/Paris and I have to say, I DO NOT miss my country. This is definitely a good place to raise children in comparison to most of what's available for the middle class in my country. Check out rottenneighbor.com if you want some contrast. France is so 'grown-up' and civilized. And quiet. I love the quiet. Even in the city, the global feel is one of tranquility for me.

Good luck on getting started here. Your efforts will be soooo worth it in the end. I know I thank my husband EVERY day for being French! It works for me!

Hi, I'm so pleased I've found this site. My husband and I are looking to move down to Annecy/ Chambéry area - I am currently learning French as I don't think I'll be able to get a job in the area until I can speak the language well!! - if anyone has any ideas of companies that would take someone on without fluent French I would be very appreciative. I am currently a Conference Sales Manager at a very large 4 star hotel in Manchester but obviously to make the move I am willing to look at other jobs and industries - any ideas very welcome!
We are coming to Annecy in May to have a good look around and get to know the area so any suggestions of great places to go would be great.
Thanks
Clare

me too.......So happy I found this thread....... Just talking to my husband in the hope to make the final move date in 2009, we have been pondering this idea back and forward for 2 years now and am hopefully going to see France for the 1st time in 6weeks time....... Our plan is to rent 1st this May then go home and put wheels in motion to move in Jan-Feb 2009???? Our family would have to be located within an hour drive or closer to Calais for my husbands work. Any suggestions of where we should rent???? We have 3 kids.... 2, 3,13 and need local ammenties close by I feel, any type of suggestions, feedback is welcomed with an open heart and mind and YES!!! as Tony Robbins says: "It’s in your moments of decision that your destiny is shaped."
regards

Hi Martin,

I live in Saint Emilion, about an hour from Bordeaux. The Bordeaux area is pleasant. There's the beach close by and the weather is not too bad. Probably very good in comparison to London. There’s also an international school. If you need to go to London, there are planes by Ryan air from Bergerac as well. Bergerac area is more countryside than the city life in Bx. There are a few little communities of English speaking people near Bergerac like Eymet.
My experience of France is varied. Born here, but raised in Australia, married with a Frenchman who I meet on holidays here. We lived here then in Aus for 10 years, now back here. I love French food, wine and about half of the population. It is abit stressful for me but that is in comparison to Aus not England. If you have a good job that can bring in enough money then France can be very enjoyable.

Cheers