British expats Stu and Syb live in France where they own and operate holiday homes and a campsite in the Loire Valley. Their whirlwind romance with the place has turned into a long-term commitment, made all the more pleasurable because of the area's beauty and the friendliness of its people. Here they share their future plans, aspects of their expat life in France, and some adjustment tips.	Stu & Syb Bradley

-Where were you born?

Doncaster, South Yorkshire, UK.

-In which country and city are you living now?

Near Saumur, France.

-Are you living alone or with your family?

With family. Two youngest children (16 & 19) while a third (21) lives and works in the UK.

-How long have you been living in France?

Three years.

-What is your age?

44

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

We thought long and hard for around a year or so about France. The property prices, quality of life and the amount of land available were prime considerations. Then we saw our place and fell in love with it. It was the only place we physically saw. It was a whirlwind romance, and within 5 months, we were here! We did have a 5-year plan, which was condensed into 5 months!

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

No, we are still within the EU.

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

We've just become eligible for French healthcare as our UK insurance has run out. The amount of paperwork is incredible, but we're getting there!

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

We own three gites and a small (but perfectly formed) campsite here in the heart of the Loire Valley.

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

My daughter and son are fluent after attending school, and finding work here. My wife & I both speak to a good standard, though we're not fluent. It's not only necessary to speak the language from a business point of view, but also from a personal one. You'll suffer if you don't as being lonely is one of the main reasons that many return to their homeland.

-Do you miss home and family sometimes?

I miss some aspects of it, yes. I miss not having my family just around the corner. I miss the bustling social life that we had sometimes, but I don't miss the constant work-sleep-work routine. 80 hour weeks in just 5-days are a thing of the past for us now.

-Do you have other plans for the future?

There are things in the pipeline, yes. I'm a keen photographer, and I think there's a market out here for good quality images, made web-ready for fledgling businesses, etc. I'm also hoping to promote our own area with a series of websites and 'blogs.

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

It's difficult to say, our home is our business too. What we have noticed is a sharp increase in property prices over the past few years and we're even more thankful we made the move when we did. Our place, Le Chant d'Oiseau, is unique in what it offers. Many times we've been asked when we're full if there's anywhere else like this that we know of. I'm afraid to say that there isn't! We know, we've looked! We bought our place and looking at the exchange rates right now, we're so pleased we did. We did take out a mortgage here too, which was surprisingly straightforward.

-What is the cost of living in France?

It depends on what you want. If you eat and drink and live as an ex-pat, then yes it can be expensive to live here. If you seek out the type of things that the French eat, and find the shops they use then it can be a different story. Things like motor insurances are far cheaper though. Days out are cheaper too, with free access to many national monuments and chateaux, etc.

-What do you think about the French?

We have nothing but praise for the French as a nation, and for our neighbours. To a man they've welcomed us and treated us as friends. We've introduced our English friends and family to some of our French friends and they've received the same warm hospitality we ourselves have become used to! I do hear sometimes that other ex-pats have problems, but many bring it upon themselves by sticking to what they know, seeking out all the Brit-run businesses, pubs, and mixing only with their own kind. That's a shame. They're missing out on so much more of an experience.

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

I can honestly think of only one negative. The bureaucracy. It's world-renowned! Everything else is positive. We may still be in the 'first flush' of the relationship, but we still find it gorgeous even when it's pouring with rain. The richness and diversity of the scenery, the history, the pride of the French. It's all quite different to what we were used to in the UK. It does take some getting used to, but the old cliché of stepping back in time is actually not that far from the truth. Manners and respect are everything here.

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

Embrace the customs, the language, the laws and the people. You won't go far wrong, and you'll be rewarded in spades!

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

Obviously we love our new revamped website at www.loire-gites.com. Hopefully, we've made it a lot more than a holiday website. We've tried to include good links and some super inside info that anyone will find useful. Another way to see what we're up to here in France, and to get a feel of the kind of life we lead on a day to day basis is to check our 'blog at www.ex-pate.blogspot.com.

I'm also an avid reader of real-life 'blogs and one of my favourites (again about life in France) is http://www.francethisway.com/wp. There's just so much information on there. Great to dip into for a quick read, but invaluable for research too!

Because of my interest in photography, I'd like to list www.chantography.com as a site to keep an eye on too!

One of the ways we attract business to our own property is by using listings sites. Usually they're all the same, but here's one that dares to be different. All members are 'vetted' to ensure that the holidaymaker enjoys a perfect stay with owners who care. We're proud to have been accepted by them too! See more at http://yourholidaymatters.com.