Our First Year in our French Home

Our First Year in our French Home

A year ago today, we went to the Notaires to complete on the purchase of our new home: we therefore celebrate our first year in our French home today (although we technically moved in the following day)!

A whole year. I still remember a year ago… I was finding my feet in my new job. The children were settling in their new schools in the local villages, with a sign of relief from all of us after a year where they attended three different schools (so this was school number 4 within a period of 12 months). We were slowly but surely gathering the information required for Barry to set up his new business.

The Arrival of Autumn - October Update

The Arrival of Autumn

Whilst the sun still pokes his head out now and again, it is truly starting to feel Autumnal in our little part of France, don’t you think?

The rain has brought back the gorgeous green to the surrounding fields, the trees are slowly but surely starting to change colour ready to put on their best fiery display, and the wildlife is getting ready for winter.

As for us, the wood has been ordered and log burners are being lit once again, salads are being replaced by gorgeous comfort food and our homes being prepared for winter after another glorious Summer season.

There is something truly special about the change of seasons, and the Autumn light in the Charente, Vienne and Deux Sevres countryside is truly magical!

Brexit: France to launch new website for British people to apply for carte de séjour

France will launch a new online platform in October so Britons can apply for their carte de séjour residency permits, the French PM has announced. However campaigners fear the new system may still struggle to cope with the demand.

End Of The Summer Holidays

Other than the occasional (and very welcome) cooler day, a typically hot August is now behind us. Ruffec has been as busy as ever during the holiday season, though with the new school term looming and folk heading back to work, the town is returning to normal.

A Night At The Opera....... (Poitou-Charentes Style)

Saturday 10th August, on a cooler summer’s evening, saw the 20th annual opera presentation at the Gallo-Roman site at Sanxay in the Vienne department. A magnificent setting for a major performance by the “Orchestra & Choir of Soirées Lyriques de Sanxay” of Giuseppe Verdi’s “Aïda”.