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Single woman moving to the South of France

9K views 8 replies 6 participants last post by  Coton90 
#1 ·
Hi,
I'm thinking of moving to the South of France for 6 months to a year. I'm an artist and have always wanted to move to the South of France or to Italy to paint and relax for a year. I'm thinking of Nice but only because it's the only place I've been to along the Cote d'Azure. Anywhere along the coastline will do, if anyone has any other suggestions I'd be most grateful!
I was just wondering about a couple of things, what's the work situation like? I am British so visas are not a problem. I am a qualified TEFL teacher but have very basic French. Would it be likely that I would gain enough work to support myself? I won't be taking much money with me. And I never seem to see anything advertised, so I'm guessing doing the rounds on foot would be the best way? I'm also thinking about private tuitions. In terms of accomodation.. Is it very expensive? I would prefer a studio flat and in a good / safe area, as I would be a woman alone. How much is it likely to cost? And finally I was wondering what the social situation was like. I spent 2 months in Paris last year, but found it very hard to meet people, it wasn't easy to meet many single 20 / 30 somethings.
Thanks so much, any advice / info would be so appreciated.
Mary
 
#2 ·
Hi - just one point - earnings from English teaching will be no more than pin money. I have seen figures of 8€ per hour. And as has been said on another topic it is a great advantage if you can explain English grammar in French.

It will be easier for you to meet people if you move to an area with an active expat community - but this again increases competition between teachers.

Ian
 
#3 ·
Hi Mary,

I'm in the South in Languedoc. The prices used to be more reasonable here than in the Cote d'Azure but this has significantly changed in the past 10 years. Given the information you provided, finding work will be a challenge. The coast is inundated with tourists in the summer and you may be able to find some seasonal work if your French is up to snuff and it would be a real plus if you speak some German, but don't expect to make a lot of money working in a bar or restaurant. Now would be the time to start looking.

You may be able to pick up some more money if you teach art. Some people put adds in the local Anglo paper: French English magazine for the Languedoc march 2011. Go to the current edition and look in the back at the classifieds to get some idea. BTW, Pezenas, where this magazine is based, has a large British community.

As far as crime is concerned, unless you're in a place like Marseille, your probability of being assaulted are low. Your chances of being burglarized can be 50/50 in most other places, increasing if you're in an isolated location and decreasing if you're in a high population density and closely watched area.

In terms of socializing, this should solve that problem: On Va Sortir! Le site gratuit des sorties entre amis et des rencontres amicales dans votre ville. Click on the city you're interested in and it should come up in English. This site is for people that want to go out and participate in various activities, whether it be physically active, cultural or social and don't like to go alone. I'm sure you can find romance as well, if that's what you're looking for. I've met many wonderful people through this organization.

One final note. If you're an artist, you'll love the light. It's no wonder Van Gogh moved here.

Good Luck.
 
#4 ·
I'd avoid Nice if I were you. It's expensive and overrun with tourists of all nationalities. (Including plenty of competition in the teaching-English field.)

For painting, you might want to consider someplace like Castelnau, Carcassonne or places in the southwest of France. There seems to be a reasonable expat contingent, and there are certainly a number of "artist retreats" in the area - week-long sessions or open ateliers - that might be of interest to you.

It's always going to be harder to meet people in a big city like Paris (and probably particularly in Paris). To meet people your own age, you may want to hit up the mairie wherever you settle to find out about associations and other sorts of groups in the area. (Most associations are sponsored to some extent by the town government.) You might also check to see if there is an AVF (a newcomers' association) in the area - or any local group with the word "Accueil" in its title.
Cheers,
Bev
 
#5 ·
Hi Mary

When were you planning on moving to France?
I'm asking because like you, I'm an artist, single and moving to France. Work-wise I'm fine and settled, so that's ok. Just figuring out locations at the moment. I'm going to France to visit different areas to see where I find my muse and to familiarize myself with the area. Like you again, I know Nice well, and a few areas around the Cote'D'zur. But after reading this forum, there maybe better places depending on what you're looking for.
Anyway, you're welcome to get intouch and if I'm going to France before you, I can let you know what I find that may interest and inspire you on your path!!
Good luck!!
 
#6 ·
Thank you all so much for your advice and the website suggestions. I'm doing some more research into other places where it may be cheaper to find live and easier to find work.

Lilme, I'm aiming to be going anywhere from mid August to mid September. It would be great if you could keep me updated on what you find when you go to France. Like I said, after reading all the suggestions, I too am considering somewhere else which may be easier to live in. When are you thinking of going? And where were you considering?
 
G
#8 ·
<< I am a qualified TEFL teacher but have very basic French. >>

You'll have no chance until you can explain how to construct the present progressive tense to a group of people who were brought up to follow a totally different way of learning to the brits.
 
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