Real lives

Learning French is a challenge, but vital

Learning French can be one of the biggest challenges related to a move to France but there are lots of ways of taking lessons – at local clubs, with a private teacher, online or with one of the many recognised bodies like the Alliance Française and online CNED.

Retired rail worker in France not feeling privileged

Much has been made of cheminots’ privileges as the government targets railworkers and their pensions in reforms to transform the SNCF; but, as unions reply with strikes running throughout June, reader Gilles Carré a retired ticket inspector, says the reality is not so simple

Retired rail worker in France not feeling privileged

We’re single in France – and loving it!

Whether by choice or circumstance, some find themselves living the single life in France. Gillian Harvey speaks to four expats who love their life in France as singletons

How France changed our lives in ways we could never imagine

A new life in France involves many changes — and not all of them can easily be predicted. Gillian Harvey talks to a trio of couples whose lives and relationships have changed dramatically since they left the rat race in Britain behind to move across the Channel

When family ties cannot be broken

Living in France has many positives, but it can sometimes be difficult to live so far away from loved ones. Connexion’s Gillian Harvey meets three families who have joined each other in creating a new life on this side of the Channel

Real lives

Learning French is a challenge, but vital

Retired rail worker in France not feeling privileged

Retired rail worker in France not feeling privileged

Six secrets to making your new life in France a happy one

Labour of love: meet the commuters who cross borders

We’re English with children who behave French-ish…

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We’re single in France – and loving it!

How France changed our lives in ways we could never imagine

When family ties cannot be broken