Moving to France from New Hampshire - Conversation

User Question 1:

As a middle aged english couple, who have spent the last 21 years living in new hampshire, would we enjoy living in France, and where would be the best region for us?

Claude's Response:

Moving to France after two decades in New Hampshire could be a wonderful adventure, though it would certainly be a significant lifestyle change. Your experience as expats already gives you valuable perspective on adapting to different cultures and systems.

Why you might love it:

• The slower pace of life and emphasis on enjoying daily pleasures (good food, long meals, quality time) could be refreshing after the American work culture

• Your maturity and life experience would help you navigate the bureaucracy and cultural adjustments more smoothly than younger expats

• France offers incredible cultural richness, from art and architecture to regional traditions and festivals

• The healthcare system is excellent and more affordable than what you've experienced in the US

• You're at a great age to appreciate France's café culture, markets, and emphasis on savoring life's pleasures

Potential challenges:

• The bureaucracy can be frustrating, especially initially - everything requires multiple forms and office visits

• Language barrier may be more significant now than when you moved to the US (assuming you were younger then)

• Social integration can take time; the French tend to have smaller, longtime social circles

• The cost of living varies dramatically by region

Best regions for you:

• Provence (particularly around Aix-en-Provence or smaller towns like L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue): Beautiful countryside, established expat communities, great climate, but pricier

• Languedoc (Montpellier area or smaller towns like Pézenas): More affordable than Provence, good weather, growing expat presence

• Loire Valley (Tours, Amboise area): Central location, reasonable prices, rich history, easier access to Paris and the UK

• Dordogne: Popular with British expats, affordable, stunning countryside, though more rural

What draws you most to France? And how important are factors like proximity to the UK, climate, or having an existing expat community?