Ooh la la, I'm off to France

The Story Behind My Big Move

Here I explain the main drivers behind why I decided to up sticks and move to France.

Short answer: Why not? It's a big world, and I want to see some of it!

(Very) Long answer:

I've always loved animals and have had horses and dogs for many years. Coming from a family of builders, it's no surprise that I've been thinking about my dream house since I was young. I've always wanted a place in the middle of nowhere—lots of land for my dogs to run around and to have horses at home, all surrounded by nature, peace, and a lack of other humans!

As a bit of context, I was assaulted when I was a teenager. It was around the time they were due to be released from prison that I first started seriously considering moving abroad— partially to get as far away from them both as possible! However, there are a few more reasons too.

Land prices in the UK are sky-high, so it seemed unlikely I'd be able to buy the house I wanted within a time frame I was happy with (I can be rather impatient!). Land is significantly cheaper in France than in the UK, making it a little more feasible.

I've heard great things about Australia, but I'm terrified of things bigger than me, smaller than me, faster or slower than me, with more or fewer legs than me... You get the picture. Australia is out!

I learned French at school, although in hindsight, I hadn't remembered much of it at all! This got me thinking about either France or Canada. However, I hate the cold, so six-month freezing winters wouldn't be ideal! With my family getting older, I also wanted to be close enough to get home if needed and have the ability to pop back to see friends and family semi-regularly (or have them over on holiday visits!).

I also remember visiting France as a child—going on a school trip or passing through on holidays with Girl Guides—and thinking it was a beautiful country. Time to explore France as an option!

House and land prices are more feasible; France has a rich culture and history, and I semi-speak the language. It's also close enough for cheap flights to and from the UK, and only about an hour's flight away!

Working for a French company, I've been able to learn more about the professional culture in France through various colleagues and international projects.

I wish I could say France owns my heart or something corny like that, but honestly, it's just logistically easier and seems like it would be a better fit for me than England.

So, why now?

I've been busy squirreling away for the last four years—dreaming, planning, and learning. At 26, with a divorce behind me and no kids, I feel like I'm at a crossroads: either I chase my dreams or settle down and accept this is it. There has to be more to life than the North East, surely? I feel like I either do it now, or I never will.

So, that's it. Hopefully 2025 will be a year of chasing dreams, taking risks, and building a better future

Have you moved abroad? Was there somewhere you would have loved to relocate to in a past life? I'd love to hear your stories too!