Making a living with a creative job in France: Real Life

If you have artistic talent, you may be able to use it to support your new life in France – Leah Rottier meets two people who have done just that, and finds out how they made it work…

Are you tired of trudging home in the rain from your dreary nine-to-five job? Tempted to quit the rat race and enjoy a more leisurely commute along country lanes abroad? Every year, hundreds of British workers do just that, leaving their job and country for a milder climate and more relaxed pace of life in France.
However, away from the larger cities, it is notoriously difficult to obtain a prized CDI (un contrat de travail à durée indéterminée) – a permanent, salaried position in a company.

So what options are available for those looking to work in a rural area, or seeking to supplement a retirement income in La Belle France? If you have any artistic or creative talent, it might not be as hard as you think to get started.

Sue Riley arrived in Normandy over 22 years ago. She chose to settle in the peaceful commune of Passais-Villages, in the department of Orne, to be close to family in England, while avoiding the hotter climates of other regions. Passais-Villages and its surrounding communes are sought after by British homeowners for their lush, verdant landscapes and vast, open spaces. This cosy corner of southern Normandy blends rural tranquillity with easy access to the city of Caen and its port, Ouistreham, about 90 minutes’ drive away.

Property prices in this area start from just €20,000 for a renovation project, making it a popular choice for those looking to commute from the UK initially, while restoring a house, for example. You’ll find many British-run businesses around Passais-Villages, so it’s a great option if you want to ease yourself into French life.
Already an established artist in her home country, with a formal beaux-arts training, Sue Riley arrived in France looking to find a light and airy building where she could open her art gallery, as well as having a small apartment she could rent out as a holiday let. She stumbled upon the ideal place in Passais-Villages, and La Galerie Enchantée was born.

Known for her exquisite sculptures, especially of classical ballet dancers, the talented artist spent her first few years in France showing her pieces in exhibitions across the country. She credits this as key to her success. “These salons d’art not only showcase your work, but they also improve your French considerably. I’d highly recommend them, even if you only do one or two,” she says. “Communication is so important in getting known and reaching clients,” she adds.
“Don’t be afraid to make mistakes in French. We all do it! My advice to those starting out would be to shop at the local shops, visit town halls and tourist offices, and enjoy the fêtes and the markets.

The more you integrate, the more clients you’ll reach. Word of mouth is very important in rural France.” Sue explains that having the support of her community was invaluable when she opened her gallery in Passais-Villages. “Contact the mairie, local newspapers and anyone you can think of who can help you with free publicity. If you’re opening a studio or gallery, as I did, make it an event. Send out invitations to the grand opening and put on a few drinks and apéritifs to entice people to attend. This all helps with getting your business up and running.”

As in Sue’s case, it does help if you’re well established in your creative career before arriving in France. However, many newcomers have shown that it’s entirely possible to develop a successful artistic business from scratch. Carlie Cotton runs a thriving business in Champniers, in the Vienne department. Swapping a busy marketing role in Southampton for the pretty Poitou-Charentes region, she set up ‘Carlie Art and Design’ from what was essentially a hobby. “It was very full on when we first moved to France,” Carlie explains. “I was a little overwhelmed with renovating our house and gîte, so to relax, I decided to spend some time painting with watercolours. I created my own handpainted greeting cards as I struggled to find them in the local shops, and this is where it all started!”
Since 2021, Carlie’s business has gone from strength to strength. She’s now a full-time artist, running art workshops from her home studio, painting commissioned pet portraits and selling her work both online and at local markets.

Asked about any difficulties she’s faced in her new career in France, Carlie answers with honesty. “One of the biggest challenges is having the confidence to put myself out there – especially approaching shops and selling at markets when my French is still a work in progress.”

The language barrier often poses a problem for newcomers to France who want to set up a business. One way to overcome this obstacle is to choose a region of France already popular with Brits. You’ll be able to target English-speaking customers immediately, then gradually tailor your marketing to French customers as your language skills improve.

Carlie’s advice for newcomers to France is, “always be supportive of other artists. Don’t be afraid to try something different but give your business time to grow”. Wise words from an artist who has already welcomed hundreds of clients to her studio in Champniers and who continues to see her business bloom year after year.

Champniers lies nestled in the heart of the picturesque Vienne countryside, just a short drive from the bustling market town of Civray. Its proximity to Poitiers, with its dynamic arts scene, wide choice of shops and international airport, makes this area a hotspot for those seeking a mild climate and easy access to the UK.
Rural properties in this part of France tend to be reasonably priced and you can find a family-sized home, needing little renovation, for less than €150,000. Fixer-uppers start from as little as €50,000 in the southwest corner of the department, so it’s easy to see why so many Brits arrive here every year to create a business and lovingly restore the house of their dreams.

In a country as beautiful as France, it’s easy to find artistic inspiration. Claude Monet found it in his beloved Giverny, while Paul Cézanne drew it from his home region of Provence. Whether you’re an established painter or sculptor or you’ve recently started dabbling in pottery or ceramics, finding your inspiration and using your creative talent could be a rewarding way to bring in an income in France.

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