Starting Over in France: A Life Reboot!

🎬 Episode 56 – “Starting Again in France: The Truth About Our First Few Months”
Real talk with Carla and Simon – Guernsey in the Channel Islands meets Fongrave in Lot et Garonne.

Today, we’re keeping it local—literally. Instead of a long drive, I hop in the boat and head across the river for our shortest journey yet: a two-minute trip from Temple-sur-Lot to Fongrave. But this quick crossing leads to a deep and engaging conversation with Carla and Simon—a young couple who’ve swapped island life in Guernsey for a brand-new chapter in the Lot Valley.

They’re not retirees, not dabbling in holiday homes, and definitely not here for a sabbatical. This is a full-on move: new country, new life, new mindset. And what’s fascinating is the why behind it all.

Carla and Simon talk candidly about leaving behind a lifestyle that simply wasn’t working for them—despite the sea views and island charm—and embracing a slower, more intentional rhythm in France. They’re still working: Simon’s out at dawn fixing everything from tractors to terraces, and Carla’s logging in remotely to continue a job she loves, despite managing chronic health issues. It’s real life, not rose-tinted—and that’s exactly what makes it so compelling.

🧭 Topics we cover include:
• 💼 Why they moved to France before retirement (and how they afford it)
• 🏥 How French healthcare compares to the Channel Islands
• 💻 Working remotely, dealing with illness, and feeling more in control of life
• 🧾 Visas, bureaucracy, and why choosing the right professional help is key
• 🛠️ Finding work: how turning up on time is a competitive advantage
• 🎯 The reality of learning French, local accents, and losing confidence mid-sentence
• 🐶 Interview interludes courtesy of the house dogs (and a bit of leg licking)
• 🌇 Their view of village life, market nights, boutique shopping, and the slower pace
• 🧠 What they’ve learned, what they’d change, and why they’re not looking back

Their story is honest, funny, and full of practical wisdom for anyone dreaming of making the move to France—especially younger couples or individuals looking for a meaningful lifestyle change, not just a relocation.

And of course, we round off with the traditional sign-off:
“So that’s it… that’s your Lot.”

Except… well, it took us a few goes to get there (don’t miss the outtakes at the end!).

Find Simon on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...

Book and Stay with Richard and Maria https://villa-la-rive.com/

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Have you thought about moving to France before retirement? Are you juggling work, health, and lifestyle dreams too? Drop a comment below—we love hearing your stories and questions.

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