Living in Brittany, Real Life Stories

Living in Brittany

Welcome to our stories, diaries and accounts of Brittany life where people share their experiences of living in Brittany. If you would like to share your own experiences of life in Brittany with other readers then we will be happy to publish them. Some ideas would be 'Why I moved to Brittany', 'How I've integrated with the locals', 'Problems with the language', What it's like running a B&B', 'Settling children in to school'. The list's endless. Please email editor@frenchentree-brittany.com

Choosing a kitchen

We at IS.Projets know, as everyone else seems to confirm, that the kitchen is the heart of every home. It doubles as a place to cook, talk, drink and entertain. That is why it is all the more reason to make sure it’s the one you want. more...

Penswick Studio Pottery

Teri Penswick is a potter and painter who lives in Brittany and works from her studio deep in the heart of the Breton countryside. Teri makes functional and decorative pieces in stoneware, porcelain and raku.
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Do you need help integrating into the Breton Community?

The AIKB (Association Intégration Kreiz Breizh) was founded five years ago by a group of people with a common interest, to help newcomers integrate into the Breton community. Today the AIKB has a membership of over 450 families and caters for many different needs. more...

Shopping in Brittany

Your guide to shops and shopping in Brittany

Despite being generally very rural, Brittany has a wealth of excellent shops. From out-of-town malls, to quaint town centre boutiques, to farm shops and markets, you'll find everything you need in the region, even if it's British produce that you're missing... shopping information...

George East meets Brits in business in Brittany:

If you wanted to try your hand at offering visitors a bed for the night in the Finistere region of Brittany, Huelgoat must be close to the perfect choice to set up shop. ... more...

Teaching French in Morbihan

ParlezviteLanguage School

My love of languages began at the age of 14 when I would spend my holidays with an amazingly kind French / Belgian family in Le Havre. I later went on to study French at university and do two language teaching qualifications... more...

Real Life in Brittany?

The truth to many of us, but we love it here...

Dream life in France?

Have you noticed it always appears that on the television programs relocation to other countries are only done either by people who have large incomes or those who are financially ... more...

An Epic Journey, a Charity, Ponies and a Dream

A wonderful story of generosity and determination

Carmarguais Ponies

Planning for this began about 2 years ago when a charity was formed, 'Sete-Lorient-Londres' or 'SSL' for short. Jakki Cunningham, who is half French, lives on a boat near ... more...

House Blessing of 'The Well' at Landebia

Glyn and Maureen Dew hold a Celtic style house blessing ceremony

After renovating their French properties most British homeowners take pleasure in inviting their neighbours and friends, and even their builders, to a 'house-warming' party, with a feast of food and ... more...

Brittany Lifeline

Essential information for Brittany residents & homeowners

Survival Books

Brittany Lifeline is the latest addition to Survival Book's series of French regional guides for residents, homeowners and long-stay visitors. It contains essential information about local communities... more...

Contribute to FrenchEntree-Brittany

Brief Notes for Contributors

A Summer Cruise Aboard “Crazy Diamond”

A four month tour of Western France

Crazy Diamond

Occasionally life bowls you the opportunity of doing something that you’ve often dreamed of, and so it was that Deborah and I managed to arrange that the... more...

The spice of life

Sarah Farrell's struggle to open a new shop

My story begins in early May 2004. "What do you fancy for dinner tonight?" "Thai green curry please" came the unanimous cry. Right, Thai green curry it is... more...

Building the foundations of a new life in Brittany

Richard Myszka shares his experiences

When I was preparing to emigrate to France I said to myself, 'I’ll give it six months, then if it didn't work out I’ll go back with no regrets... more...

A Cautionary Tale

Trials and tribulations of working in Brittany

When we decided to come and live in France, being fluent in the language, with teaching and interpreting qualifications, I expected to be able to find some sort of work, ... more...

From high heels to Hi-Tech

Tony Powell breathes new life into an old shoe shop

In October 2002, I went into a meeting room in a modern University at 9:15 am and sat down for my first meeting of the day. The room was comfortable, ... more...

The Old Bicycle Shop - Our house in Brittany

Martin and Jayne Sanderson share their experiences

Jayne and I had been planning an exit strategy for a while! To escape the rat race, we planned to buy a boat and sail the world in very slow time... more...