Reasons to (and not to) move to France (the foothills)

Reasons To

• Better quality of life (of course this depends on your definition of quality but, generally I would say that the French have their priorities right when it comes to lifestyle choices)
• Healthier lifestyle
• Unspoiled natural environment
• Fewer people, more space, uncrowded roads, no traffic jams
• Greater environmental awareness and responsibility
• Beautiful countryside, stunning scenery and mountain views
• Skiing and a huge number of activities on the doorstep
• Fabulous and varied climate
• Safe environment
• Paradise for children with lots of freedom
• Politically stable (despite prevalence of two-timing presidents)
• Clean, unpolluted rivers
• Fantastic hunting, shooting and fishing if that’s your bag
• Stunning old stone houses and beautiful, classic French architecture
• The health service is as impressive as everyone says plus f you are a hypochondriac, you will fit right in
• Sense of tradition and identity
• Strong family values
• High quality and delicious food and wine with abundant local, seasonal, organic fresh food and wonderful local markets
• Fracking is banned
• Shopping is not considered a leisure activity
• Business opportunities (auto-entrepreneur status has opened the market and there is little competition – marketing has yet to reach much of rural France!)

Reasons Not To

• If you are running away from a bad situation at home – it will still be a bad situation in another country
• If you are determined to believe the stereotypes about the French being rude and arrogant. In reality, they are generally friendly and welcoming but you are a stranger in their country and must expect to do things their way even if you don’t like it – and you might even get to like it
• If you’re not prepared to learn the language
• If you expect American style, in-your-face service – they do things differently in France
• If you don’t want to embrace French culture – both the upsides and downsides
• If you are not patient enough to build proper relationships with the locals
• If you want or expect German style efficiency rather than a more latin, laid-back attitude
• If you expect anything to be open on Sundays (except boulangeries of course!)
• If you are always in a hurry (to be ‘pressé’ can be used as a form of insult in France)
• If you watch lots of television – French television is terrible (but French cinema films are excellent)
• If you like flash cars and a bling lifestyle
• If you can’t live without your takeaway curry or chinese meal (you can get a pizza!)