LEGGETT IMMOBILIER - LOCAL KNOWLEDGE YOU CAN TRUST 15
LA
BELLE
VIE Joanna Leggett explains
the best ways to integrate into
French life, beginning with the
importance of learning the
language and adapting to the
culture
to your new life. There will be
ups and downs - but, to my
mind, it cannot be bettered. So
how should we adapt to life in
France? In my opinion, the two
basics are language and culture.
LANGUAGE
First, you must try to learn
French. Communication really
is key. In the UK we wouldn't
expect to switch languages to
converse with a new neighbour.
The French are extremely courteous and polite.
You need to
be able to converse so that you
can be courteous in return. At
first you may find your language
skills limited to the needs for
materials for the travaux (renovations) on your
house, and the
weather; however it won't be
long before you want to discuss
the matters of the day and to
make friends.
Language classes, French
radio and television will help
in your quest to settle here. My
school-French was pretty rusty,
so I went to language classes
when I first arrived. We listen
to French radio in the car and
watch the actualités (news) on
French TV - though we do turnABOVE
Joanna Leggett
is our Director of
Marketing & Public
Relations
LEGGETT MAGAZINE EXPERT ADVICE
E
VERY NOW and again,
as I travel through
France, I have to stop
and pinch myself. I am
actually living my
dream! All the magical places
I'd read about for so many years
are passing by my window.
France seduces your senses:
the warmth of the sun on your
back; smells of fresh bread and
coffee from the local boulangerie;
the scent of flowers - you
only have to sniff lavender oil
to recall the fields that turn
the south of France purple. The
countryside is peaceful, from
the verdant landscape around
St Emilion, where luscious vines
spill over their supports, to
the coastal resorts and pretty
fishing villages. And the French
certainly know how to eat well:
oysters and fresh fish from the
coast; trufles from the Dordogne; salt-marsh
lamb, tender
Limousin beef, and of course,
the cheeses. Am I waxing lyrical? Mais oui, bien sûr.
Living in France means
much more than indulging your
olfactory senses. It's not an
extended summer holiday, and
it will take some time to adapt