Getting to meet new people, leading a more relaxed way of life, and starting her very own bed-and-breakfast are some of the things that Dutch expat Franca enjoys most about living in France. As Franca explains, moving to France was a very good decision, not the least of which was because doing so helped turn her and her husband's dream into reality.	Franca Porter-Sanders

-Where were you born?
In The Netherlands

-In which country and city are you living now?
In France, Sigogne, which is in the Charente (16), South-West

-Are you living alone or with your family?
I’m living here with my British husband Darren (46) and our daughter Fleur (5).

-How long have you been living in France?
Only since March 2007

-What is your age?
45

-When did you come up with the idea of living in France?
About 2.5 years ago we came up with the idea to move (again) from London to France because we wanted to realize our dream, to start a B&B. I have always wanted to have my own hotel preferably in the UK! But since the prices are sky-high, we decided to have a look around in this area.

-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?
Don’t have it.

-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?
Since my husband is still working in London, and arriving here on Friday nights to leave again on Monday, we still have our medical insurance in the UK at the moment, but we are working on it.

-How do you make your living in France? Do you have any type of income generated?
At this moment we are not making a living here, because we have builders in to create bedroom-en-suites for our B&B. At this moment we have nearly 3 bedroom en-suites ready for guests and we will start to advertise for the various seasons.

-Do you speak French and do you think it's important to speak the local language?
It is essential to speak the foreign language and yes I do speak French quite reasonably well. That’s the advantage of being Dutch and I’m blessed with some language skills, certainly in the tourism sector it’s necessary to speak several languages. The moment even one neighbor hears that you’re speaking their language, immediately you will have more contacts. People are curious to see who’s living there and they’d love to chat.

But it’s up to YOU and nobody else to take the first steps, even if you don’t care. For instance Fleur and I went to the remembrance ceremony in the village so people could see/meet us and v.v.

-Do you miss home and family sometimes?
Of course I miss my mum in Holland but she’s coming regularly to us. My friends are in Holland and in the UK and luckily there is Skype, which I use all the time to make ‘overseas’ calls.

But here it’s a totally different life, where people like to take time for each other and where things are mainly slower.

-Do you have other plans for the future?
Of course the B&B and by the time my husband will be full-time here, we have some more plans to attract tourists, but I’m not going to tell you now!

-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?
We bought this house for about 300.000 euros, which has at present 2 reception rooms, 1 large kitchen, 2 utility rooms, 7 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, oh yes ,and a nice amount of land.

-What is the cost of living in France?
Although it’s cheaper than in the UK, certainly in London, prices have risen as well, but you certainly can buy here a decent vin de table for 1 Euro! Fresh veggies are looking and tasting much better than the ones in the UK, but they are not that cheap.

-What do you think about the French?
Again, if and when you make an effort, they will do as well. I’m very lucky with my neighbors, they pop in from time to time just for a chat, drink or to give a courgette from their vegetable plot.

-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in France?
Positive is the slower way of living, although it could drive you mad sometimes. You have to get used to the lunch time from 12-2PM. Of course the weather is a big + and people honestly care about one another.

-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in France?
First spend several holidays in the area of your choice to see if you really really like it. Learn the language!!!

-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about France?
http://portersonthemove.blogspot.com (my blog...in Dutch, nice for the people in Holland/Belgium)
http://homeinthecharente.blogspot.com (Darren’s blog...in Englsh)
www.aubellefleur.com (our website, named after Bellefleur which is a apple sort and of course our daughter Fleur).