I'm poorer but happier in France

"I came to France in 2004. My standard of living has been lower than ever before."

Published Wednesday 30 November 2016 - 15:21 Modified Wednesday 30 November 2016 - 15:21

I came to France in 2004. My standard of living has been lower than ever before. I don't think I would be better off in England.

As a teacher I found work difficult to find after I was 40 and I wouldn't be able to find anywhere to live that would allow my cat and dog - even if I could afford UK rents.

I have always felt safe here in France.

When I worked in French schools I found the pupils far easier to teach and saw that they treated staff with respect. Yes I live at subsistence level but rather here than there.

Carol Parsons, By email

New pollution bans from January: Which cars and which cities in France?

Changes mean vehicles with Crit’Air level 3 will be banned in four cities

What was happening in France 10, 50 and 100 years ago in December

A look back at events from the final month of the year 1924, 1974 and 2014

Interview: French cheesemonger on what it takes to become the best in the world

Vincent Philippe describes the effort that it took him to achieve the title of World's Best Cheesemonger, some of his favourite cheeses and France's biggest strengths involving cheese