Need a few ideas on how to integrate into your new neighbourhood once you’ve made the move to France? Here’s a few suggestions to get the best out of a relocation to France:
Mingle with the locals
It’s really beneficial to involve yourself with the local area by finding out about local events. A good point of reference for local events and key dates will be the local mairie (the town hall). They’ll be able to tell you about what is going on in the local area and how you can get involved. There are often fetes for example that will need volunteers to help out. If you feel like having more direct contact, you could always introduce yourself to your close neighbours. In France it’s quite customary to invite neighbours and friends around for un aperitif early evening. Most commonly these early evening drinks are at around 6.30pm/ 7.00pm and would be an easy way of getting to know a selection of your neighbours.
School’s out
If you’re moving to France with school age children, take advantage of the opportunity to meet other parents at the school gates. Dropping children off and collecting them at the end of the day will always open up the opportunity to speak with other parents. If you’re children are older and at secondary school, this will of course prove trickier. However, it’s as customary in France as in England for children to have their school friends around to their homes after school. This could be another way of meeting other families in the area.
Take a charitable turn
If you can volunteer some time to a charitable cause in France it will bring the double benefit of giving back to the local area and also of widening your social circle. Take some time to research charities in the area you are moving to. Equally, some areas have un café associative- which is along the lines of a community centre. It’s not run for profit but for providing a central point for the community to meet and hold a whole manner of events. Ordinarily, you will need to be a member to partake and there may be a small membership fee.
Join the club
If you have particular areas of interest or are looking to pursue something new, joining up to a club will help increase your social circle and potentially help you learn something new. Take a look at the Forum des Associations for an indication of the clubs and groups in your area.
For a smooth and stress-free start to your new life in France, consult a professional removal company with experience of moving to and from France. They will be able to give you invaluable advice on the process of relocating to France and will have the experience and expertise to help you navigate through the documentation requirements and to move household effects and vehicles to any location in France. If you would like to speak to a member of our European moving team, please contact us on 01902 714555 or via sales@burkebros.co.uk. Alternatively, request a call back by submitting your details via our ‘contact us’ page.
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