UK expat Jilly Harrison goes by the philosophy that you live only once, so make the best of your life as much as you can. She has done that for herself by moving to the French countryside where she now lives with her son. Here she describes her business, her future business plans with her partner, and aspects of her fulfilling life in Brittany, France.	Jilly Harrison

-Where were you born?

I was born In London, UK

-In which country and city are you living now?

I live in Southern Brittany, France, in the beautiful medieval town of Josselin

-Are you living alone or with your family?

I now live happily with my partner Keith and my 12 year old son Joshua.

-How long have you been living in France?

I have lived here for 8 years.

-What is your age?

Old enough! 

-When did you come up with the idea of living in France?

The idea of living in France came about 9 years ago, I was working all hours for no joy, just to pay bills, too tired for entertainment etc.,  there was no quality or purpose in life, so after lots of hours spent researching and thinking you only live once; I decided to just go for it, a big factor in this was that I wanted my son to grow up in an environment that I grew up in at his age - so here we are!

-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?

Not necessary

-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?

No, not at all.

-How do you make your living in France? Do you have any type of income generated?

Started off, like many Brits, buying a property to convert and turn into Gites, which I still run to this day, but there is no money to be made here really.  I decided to register with 'Interim' Agencies, and landed a job working in an Abattoir (not as bad as it sounds) packing bits of dead meat into boxes, the 'clean' end so to speak!  It is hard work but nice to have a feeling of 'belonging to society' and to make lots of new friends, good for your French as well, speaking of which you really do need a basic level of French to be able to work here although not totally necessary as I do have one or two English friends who do not speak it and have found jobs, their French is now coming on!

-Do you speak French and do you think it's important to speak the local language?

Yes I do speak the language although not fluently, whereas my son is totally fluent in both English & French, what a future he has!  You really do need a basic level of French to be able to integrate and 'profit la vie' I really cannot understand why so many Brits over here do not want to bother, they are missing out on so much!  They feel that the French should speak English to them and expect steak and chips!!  I suppose they are so used to a multi-cultural UK! I do hate the 'enclaves' which are apparent here as well, why not integrate?  The answers usually are 'I'm too old' or 'I can't be bothered' - so untrue - find that embarrassing for me as a Brit.  I often wish I could just shake them and say look what you are missing out on!  Respect for the culture is extremely important in my view.

-Do you miss home and family sometimes?

No, I don't miss UK at all (I don't class it as home). I don't really miss my family either as they are often visiting me here.

-Do you have other plans for the future?

My partner and I are looking forward to building our 'wooden house' hopefully within the next few year, we find that a very exciting prospect! Also to grow all our own veggies (like so many others) and lots of flowers (my love), and chickens, geese etc.  We also have some business plans in the pipeline - which of course have to be thought over very carefully whilst sipping a glass of wine or two in the French sunshine!!! 

-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?

My partner and I rent a house in the medieval town of Josselin Southern Brittany,  I also own my own property which has 3 Gites that I rent out near the pretty town of La Gacilly Southern Brittany, a beautiful Breton Longere with stunning oak beams, a Breton fireplace etc., an acre of land and was bought for £91,000 inclusive 7 years ago, I have it on the market at the moment for 230,000E  which is relatively cheap but the economy the way it is, is a realistic figure.  For anyone interested have a look at my website at http://www.farmhousegites.com. Whilst waiting for my house to be sold which is obviously difficult in this difficult economic clime, I am still renting out my Gites, if anyone on here would like to rent a Gite from me, just mention Expats and I will give you a good discount!

-What is the cost of living in France?

I have certainly noticed the cost of living has gone up a lot in the last year or two, although wine still remains very cheap (thank goodness), properties are still relatively cheap compared to the UK.

-What do you think about the French?

I find with the locals as long as you try to speak a little bit of French with them however small, they welcome you with open arms and bend over backwards to help you - and you feel great as you feel you have achieved a bit of integration!

-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in France?

The positive aspects for living here I feel are the pollution-free countryside, more space, pleasure to drive - no overcrowding on the roads, the respect is second to none, especially in schools, (that has just about gone in UK schools now)  not as much crime as UK, weather is better, time to think, no overcrowding and miserable people, here the people are so friendly and want to help, you walk past a local and it will be very rare they don't say 'bonjour.' People here have time for you!

The negative aspects? Well I can only think that the French language is hard at times getting to grips with especially the pattoir - but perseverance will bring rewards eventually!

-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in France?

If your heart says you want to try this country, then just go for it. I know that there are a lot of things to think about to make it happen, but my tip would be do not think for too long, otherwise it will be too late and your dream will not be realised - after all you only live once - and if you find you come over and its not for you, well all I would say is 'well done' you have tried and you will feel better and richer for that experience!

-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about France?

Well I would like to thank my clever partner/copain Keith, who created my website for me: http://www.farmhousegites.com, what a good job he has done!  Check out his websites at http://www.bretondiary.com.

http://lustinbrittany.blogspot.com/