Relocating to France - Make sure your French dream doesn't become a nightmare

We all know what attracts us to France - food, wine, beautiful countryside, more property for our money, a less stressful pace of life. So why is it that 2-3 years after relocating do about 75% of expats return to Britain?

You only have to chat to people who are living in France to find out some of the reasons, they are varied but there is a common theme that comes through. The main reason comes up time and again in one form or another, lack of preparation. We've all seen the reality TV shows that help people find their dream homes abroad, they've inspired millions of us to consider seeking a new life. But there are clear social and economic reasons that shatter the dream of a new life in France.

Employment

It is fair to say that many of us dream of an idyllic French property on the edge of a village in rural France. And there is no doubt that this is a wonderful image, but the reality is that France has a high unemployment rate and many of the local population move from rural France into the towns seeking work. The question you have to ask yourself is, will your pension or working income be enough to live on?

If you're thinking of odd jobbing it to make ends meet do your research, how many other people are already do this in the area you are moving to? If you are seeking employment you will often find the wages are lower in comparison to the UK and this can make any kind of finance application difficult.

If you are planning on setting up your own business, don't treat it any differently to how you would here. If you are a fairly localised business, is there the market for it? Just because no-one else is doing it do not assume that will leave the field wide open for you, there may simply just be no call for it. If you are dealing with English clients consider how you will be able to arrange and keep meetings and how often you will have to return to the UK to keep the work flowing. If you are a freelance worker sat at a computer all day you might the lack of interaction an isolating experience. There are many different working scenarios; these are just a few issues to consider.

Running out of money

With a lack of income from employment or pension shortfalls it stands to reason that the money will eventually run out. Another reason people is the temptation to buy a bigger house, but with a bigger house come larger costs that have to be figured in to the equation. With proper financial preparation and a reality check, you will be better prepared for any future problems.

Culture shock

The French way of life can be charming, there is fresh bread and croissants on tap, and the kids love all the open space. But living in a country and holidaying are two totally different experiences. First of all there are the infamous French bureaucracy and taxation issues to deal with.

The schools and healthcare system are certainly a cut above, but think about how your children particularly if a bit older will integrate in to the local school and community.

It is all to easy to forget that our lovely French neighbours are actually culturally very different to us, and doubtless this is part of the lure it is almost certainly part of the reason for Britain's failing to settle. We have our way of doing things in Britain and the French are no different, you'll find you’ll probably settle in better if you acknowledge this and learn how to deal with it.

Language

Language plays a huge part, it can cause problems in finding employment and integrating in to a community, chatting to neighbours or dealing with problems in a crises. It is well worth investing some time and money in learning more than the basics before you make your move.

You cannot assume that all French speak English, particularly in rural France this simply just is not the case. Of course once you are out there you will learn more but to do this you must be prepared to get stuck in and really chat to people.

The humour is also different, but once you start to learn more of the language and the way it is used the more you will appreciate it. You must be prepared to have a go, most people will be pleased you’ve tried and will be more than happy to help you with words you don't know.

Loneliness and Isolation

People underestimate how important their family and social network are to them. Moving to a new country as just a couple or a family unit is a big test of commitment to each other and the dream of a new life in France. If you're moving to a more rural area of France you have to accept that not everything will be close by and convenient. And you cant just pop down to the pub, shops or cinema whenever you choose. When you first think about moving to France you may feel that this wont be an issue for you, but on long cold winter days your might feel very differently

Fortune favours the brave

To change your life and move abroad is of course to a certain extent a leap of faith with many risks. Your move is an adventure and whether it works for you or not you will have benefited from the experience. However don't lose sight of the fact that preparation goes a long way in ensuring success. Instead of looking at relocation through the rose tinted glasses of TV shows and holiday memories, view it with a good dose of reality and you'll have a far higher chance of making the move work for you.

For further information on adapting to a new culture read the following articles.

Find out more about culture shock when moving to France.

Find out more about the emotional preparation of moving to France.