Interview : An Englishman living in Normandy!
April 3rd, 2007 by odile
We wanted to find out how an Englishman adjusted to living in France. Many thanks to Adrian who answered our questions. Adrian is 55 years old and has lived in France for 3 years. Before that he was living in Cornwall, in the far west of England, where he ran a bub with his wife.
Why did you leave Cornwall?
Cornwall is increasingly expensive and does get very busy. We wanted to change our life style. Today we live in a cottage in the “apple brandy” Calvados region.
At the beginning we thought we might live in Brittany (being Celtic it resembles Cornwall) but we could not find the ideal house. Thus we turned to Calvados and have no regrets. Moreover, if we decide to spend a few days back in England, it does not take long to get to the to the ferry terminal.
What do you think of the price of the real estate in England ?
House prices have become ridiculously expensive and especially in the south of England ; towns and cities like Portsmouth, Bournemouth and Brighton on the south coast . London, of course, is unbelievably expensive and this creates problems for first-time buyers.
Did the French people welcome you?
In general, yes, especially as my wife has been involved in the village’s projects .In addition, her French is much better than mine. But, of course, a few of them didn’t try to get to know us. It’s rather different in England where neighbours come to see new people. …
What do you like and which places do you visit in Normandy?
We love the tranquility and its rural side. We often go to St-Lô for the restaurants and it’s also close to our home. We also love St- Malo and Cherbourg. Our next trip will be to the Loire region which is so beautiful.
Have you got some friends, here?
Yes, we have French and English friends. Moreover, my neighbours have become good friends. The man is English and his wife is French.
Do you speak French ?
I try to speak as much French as possible with the locals but I’m not sure that they always understand me. It’s not an easy language. For example, I’ve got English friends who have been living in France for at least 12 years and they still find it difficult to ask ” deux bières s’il vous plait” in a pub.
Why do you think that English people don’t stay in France more than 3 years ?
The biggest problem is that they cannot find work . Before one comes to live in France one needs to take advice and do some research. It is so difficult to find a job immediately.
If you had the chance, what would you change in France ?
To make sure that the English qualifications, diplomas etc are valid in France and everywhere in Europe! For example my wife had a lot of trouble finding a job as a nurse’s aide whereas she is a fully qualified under the English system.
Do you miss England?
Yes, but we do go back to visit and then return to Normandy . This is perfect. The best of both worlds. I will not return to Cornwall on a permanent basis. If we were to move, then it would be to south-west France. We would like to go near Toulouse.
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Mimi Says
Very interesting. Such a pity it is not easier to leave your home country for another.
Dec 15th, 2007 at 4:32 am
Pamela Says
Hi I have been thinking of moving to france for quite a few years and now have decided to do just that. I shall be going on my own as my partner has to stay in the Uk because of his work but will visit at the weekends. I am having great difficulty in deciding where to live. My daughter is in Cannes and my son was in Nice but I cannot afford a house in Cannes and after living in a flat for 17 years with noisy neighbours I have been put off also can anyone tell me if maintenance charges are as high on purpose built. I also need to be where the weather is warm. Living in Brighton all of my life by the sea the only place I can really think of is Cannes. I am learning french at this time so that I can communicate also because I wish to make friends over there. Is this hard.
Mar 13th, 2008 at 8:04 pm
hesslei Says
Normandy was always “graced” with a damp climate, with Rouen (nicknamed “the chamberpot of Normandy”) considered the rainiest of all cities. This dampness, together with the existence of large chalky plateaux and of hilly landscapes with green, grassy meadows characteristically separated by thick hedgerows,has helped Normandy to become one of the main cattle breeding regions.
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hesslei
ferry to france
Aug 12th, 2008 at 7:02 am