I have read this thread with interest as we took the plunge in 2009 & relocated to SW France when we retired & we have not regretted it. It can be challenging at times - particulary dealing with the bureaucracy in a foreign language - but nothing insurmountable as yet & it helps to keep the old grey cells stimulated!
Interest in Classic Cars is very strong in France & our Morgan has played a big part in helping us to integrate - there are many clubs & countless events especially throughout the summer.
If you have a hankering to live a different lifestyle then maybe it's worth investigating further, rather than always wondering what life could have been like? The world is a much smaller place thanks to the Internet & it is easier than ever to stay in touch with family & friends plus France is so accessible for those UK visitors.
We live in a small but lively village in the N.E Charente (which also happens to host an annual Classic Car rally) & my one suggestion would be that if you do decide to relocate outside of the UK, don't go for somewhere too remote - it is much easier to feel part of French life (or any other life for that matter) if you have neighbours!
Do we miss anything about the UK? A pint of real ale!
p.s we are also friends of Jims & members of Vinmog!
Esse thanks for sharing your experience. We will definitely be looking for a village or town and we have experience of living in a foreign country so know a bit about bureaucracy. This morning we resolved to spend two weeks later in the year exploring parts of the west of France with which we are not very familiar. The research begins in earnest! Now back to those French verbs... Oh and maybe we'll meet up through vinmog one day. Kerry
