Models of French Life

France is a big country with several totally different climates and thousands of years of local traditions. Every army has marched back and forth, conquering and settling in this rich and fruitful country.

France is also the most visited area in the world, in 2007, I am told by the official figures, over 82 million people came to France with about 60 million stating it was their main destination. I still dount these figures, but any way you look at it is a lot of people.

France is also a very popular place for families to mover to and people to retire to - the combination of a great lifestyle, security, civilisation and great public services make it a top choice.

France is still a strong farming country - self sufficient and exporting, the farming culture is very strong in rural France, and there is a lot of rural France.

I get a lot of questions about the “best place to live” and “what do I think of …” - I can only comment that “it depends what you are looking for” - remote country areas will be cheaper and may have great scenery, but the will be - well - remote, isolated, often bloody cold in winter and, ummm boring to al ot of people - but it may also be a dream for many other people.

Her is a recent mail I relied to about a town in Languedoc…

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Hi Tony,

We read all of your articles, thank you for writing them!

What is your personal opinion of the village Lezignan-Corbieres? Are you familiar with this area? We purchased a Village home there some 5 years ago, and have not been back as often as we would like. You seem so knowledgeable regarding the different areas, and while we like the village, we would like a second opinion,from someone we consider to be an insider.

Thank you!

Lynn

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Hi Lynn,

I like to visit the area around Narbonne and Lezignan-Corbiers, but some parts prone to high wind (hence all the wind generators in that region) and, apart from a little in Narbonne, culture is sparse.

It depends what you are looking for -

The French model is family based. often with very large extended family groups, they keep close and private and take a lot of vacation time in adjacent areas - this can suit people looking for peace, quiet and simple relaxation, or an “escape” from a stressful iestyle.

The “tourist” model usually needs itineraries, plans, routes, travel, visits and stimulation - this is good for a couple of trips or infrequent visits, but for a lifestyle will “burn out” most French towns and villages an the local region very quickly. Larger cities are needed to keep this level of tourism alive and contented.

The second home model, the time on vacation is usually taken up with repairs, building work, decoration and expense. Once the property is finished it usually reverts to “quiet and boring mode” and the owners then try to sell for a big profit (not always successfully).

The lifestyle model - leaving a steady though boring job to run a BandB, farm, cafe, small shop etc - always a much harder experience than expected and often not as rewarding as the previous lifestyle - paperwork and taxes usually kill this dream off in about four years.

Lezignan-Corbiers suits the French model, as long as you are a farmer.

Just my 2c

Bonne Chance

Tony

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