Thread: Brits heading to France in increasing numbers

According to new data from the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies, British expats are migrating to South West France in increasing numbers.

For the first time ever, British expats now account for the highest number of "foreigners" in South West France. There are now over 16,000 Britons in Aquitaine - a number that could be doubled if you add in the neighbouring departments of Gers, Charente and Charente Maritime. Also of interest is the fact that these are not necessarily the wealthy retirees that one associates with the heart of the Dordogne. The report shows that many of the new wave are younger families who are looking to work in France and forge strong roots in the community.

Trevor Leggett, Chief Executive of Leggett Immobilier, sees this as a welcome and healthy trend: "I'm not surprised by the findings - our agents in SW France have seen sales rise by around a third over the last couple of years and many of these have been to young families who are moving to France to escape the rat race and to see their children grow up in a safe, sunny and peaceful environment. We currently have around 1,800 houses for sale in Aquitaine and 2,000 in neighbouring Poitou Charentes - many of these will be particularly attractive to UK buyers as they have plenty of land and are close to pretty villages and excellent schooling. I see that there are now 3,536 British expats in the Charente Maritime alone - this is certainly an up & coming region for international buyers with upmarket areas like La Rochelle and the Ile de Ré offering easy access, great shopping, sandy beaches and a temperate climate. Indeed we are eager to recruit new agents for this department to satisfy the demand that we are seeing from buyers from the UK and beyond.

"Schooling and integration into the community are a big positive to come out of the findings, The Sud Ouest ran a case study of an expat who runs a Franco British club, teaches English in the local schools and is also involved in local life with the Lions Club. Here at Leggetts we have our own real life examples of agents who are involved in local politics and helping out in local schools. This integration has been warmly welcomed and locals are impressed that the young, British, entrepreneurs are not being put off by the current media coverage of taxation and austerity".


Elsewhere this week, Conti (overseas mortgage specialist) compiled a report which shows that France is the number one destination (for the fouth year in a row) for Britons looking to buy overseas.

The report states that, in grabbing a massive 45% of all enquiries made by Brits about buying property overseas, France has secured its biggest share to date. Indeed, France’s record in the chart over recent years shows a continuous rise in Brits favouring it as their foreign destination of choice when it comes to investing in bricks and mortar. The country topped the poll with 39% last year, and, back in 2008, scooped just 15%.

Must admit, been thinking of France for a while myself now. Every year, watch the Tour de France on SBS, blown away by the scenery/landscape. Would have to learn the lingo, but really fancy givin it ago. Guess the job situation is a big factor. Be interested in the thoughts of any expats living there at the moment, any experiences good or bad

I think my hubby would go as well given half the chance. I have to admit when you can buy a stunning castle like this for $350 it makes it tempting



although I think I'd need a few servants to keep on top of it.



http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/reales...-1226499904757

Originally Posted by Ktee

I think my hubby would go as well given half the chance. I have to admit when you can buy a stunning castle like this for $350 it makes it tempting

More than tempting, I was expecting it would cost at least $350,000

Originally Posted by RobWilliams

More than tempting, I was expecting it would cost at least $350,000

Oh shush

France is stunning and so diverse, I used to love driving to spain and stopping off over night in French villages, I had a favourite guest house/hotel in Bordeaux and used to get a table for 1 :( and have a meal and a carafe of the local red wine. Poitiers is also another great town i stumbled across by accident, the bars and cafes some of the best i've been in.

Do most people still speak French or would you get by without knowing any?

My experience is the French are much less willing to help you out with speaking English. The younger people are more willing to engage in English than the elders. Its amazing how much school French you remember though when you have to.. Its also amazing how much you learn a language when you HAVE to.

Originally Posted by Aldo

My experience is the French are much less willing to help you out with speaking English. The younger people are more willing to engage in English than the elders. Its amazing how much school French you remember though when you have to.. Its also amazing how much you learn a language when you HAVE to.

Ive never been to France maybe I should go sometime. What's the weather like?
In French I can count to ten, say I'm English and ask for an apple pmsl.