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Real Lives

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Real Life Stories of France

Real Lives

Welcome to 'Real Lives' - the section of FrenchEntrée that's packed with stories from people who have made the move to France.

If you want to set up a business and have a child going in to school, we also have first-hand accounts in our Business and Education zones. For health stories see our Health zone.

Would you like to tell others what your new life is like? We always like to receive real life stories. Go on, get in touch!

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A Week In The French Life Of...

Real life stories following a typical week in France of a....

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Brit Architect in France

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Editor's picks

Nicky Whenman moved from Essex to Malestroit in Brittany six years ago. Here, she tells us why she chose to settle in the region. more...

The Paris Pod

A humorous podcast on life in France The Paris PodBritish expats James Simpson and Matt Adams started The Paris Pod in May 2011 as a way of sharing their views and experiences on a variety of subjects, from bureauocracy to fashion via l'andouillette and la bise. more...

Opera singing to soap making

Nia Hafsia wanted a change Natural soap from Passion SavonNia Hafsia left Wales in 2005 to start a business in Bergerac making natural soaps, including varieties such as beetroot & celery, strawberries & Champagne, chestnut & chocolate torte. The opera singer and piano teacher wanted to do something different.more...

Running a gite in Brittany

C’est ma vie Jill HarrisonJill Harrison runs a gîte business in Brittany. Having spent the past 10 years in France, she considers how life has changed since she left the UK behind for a farmhouse in France and offers an insight into what it takes to be in business.more...

Designing jewellery in Languedoc-Roussillon

Earrings by Gee BackhouseSeven years ago, Gee Backhouse gave up her job in computing and moved from the Cotswolds to the Minervois where she set up as a jewellery designer. Here, Gee tells FrenchEntrée how she and her husband realised their dream of settling in France...

more...

Running an online shop from Alsace

Hayley FlurerHayley Flurer from South Africa moved to Strasbourg in November 2009 and discovered a novel way of earning a living (and meeting new people) even before she had mastered the language. The best bit is that anyone can join in, anywhere in France. more...

Wine farming in Dordogne

Caroline FeelyCaroline Feely left her job as an IT consultant in Ireland to pursue her dream of wine farming with husband, Sean, in France. From Château Haut Garrigue – their new base in the Dordogne – the couple juggle the demands of running an organic vineyard and raising their two girls.more...

We opened a hotel in the Pyrénées

The Bruton familyIn July 2006, Roger Bruton, his wife Gillian and their extended family, swapped Stockport (Cheshire) for a new life in France. They settled in the Pyrénées, where they set up a small hotel. Roger tells FrenchEntrée their story... more...

From New Zealand to new French home

Andy and RachaelIn anticipation of their first child, Charlize, Andy McKenna and Rachael Hale left New Zealand to set up a new home in France. Like many people before them, the plan was to buy a place that required minimal work, although it didn’t quite work out like that says Andy... more...

Holiday home to permanent home

The cottage as it looked in AprilCharlie and Jules Thackway bought a property in the Dordogne with the intention of using it for holidays. However, the couple found that “the more time we spent here the harder it was to leave..." more...

Classic car business in France

Classic CarsIn January 2005, Cara and Greg Samways moved from Lincolnshire to the Limousin in hope of a new life. Here, Cara explains how they came to the decision and have now established a home abroad and a new means of supporting themselves through classic cars... more...

'Who knows what's around the corner?'

Pie in the SkyPatricia Wilson and her partner, Nigel, had long thought about buying a second home in France. But it wasn't until Patricia had a breast cancer scare, that they finally decided to take the plunge.Read on...

'The mad English keeping some very strange animals!'

llamas in snowNo, we're not in South America but in south-west France! When Margaret and Brian Venables arrived here they needed to earn a small income until the day their pensions kicked in. After a disastrous foray into renewable energy, they found success with an exotic animal more...

FrenchEntrée Magazine
FrenchEntree MagazineThe best of France: the classiest food, culture, choicest properties and the most inspiring holiday and travel features. Subscribe from only £23 a year.

Fluent in French Legal Affairs

AshtonKCJExcited about buying or selling property in France, worried about the legal issues? Want to learn more about how we can help? Find out more or fill out an enquiry form.

First for telecoms for expats

UK TelecomWe have the biggest range of products at the best value for your money. Professional customer support in English from a highly trained team, save money here.

Financial advice & solutions for people relocating to France

Siddalls Download Siddalls help sheets for "your new life in France" by clicking here.



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Poppies and lavender
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