Five Myths About French Country Life
I’m always a bit puzzled when I read posts that warn against moving to rural France. They say it’s not the idealized French country fantasy you imagine, and you’ll be lonely, isolated and bored. Granted, everyone has their own experience. But as a single woman who has lived 95 percent of her adult years in cities, and now lives part-time in the French countryside, I’m going to debunk those myths — and the fantasy — and tell you how it really is. Keep in mind, this is only my experience living in the Loire Atlantique department, which is historically, and still culturally, part of Brittany or Bretagne.
You’ll be a lonely recluse because it’s hard to make friends
Only if you want to be! While different areas of France have differing attitudes towards the British and Americans, I’ve found the people in Brittany to be extremely friendly, welcoming and patient with my poor, but slowly improving, French language skills. Of course, it helps to know the language and to understand the cultural differences. And at the very least, be sure to say Bonjour when you greet anyone.
In 2019, I spent the month of November in a small village. I was invited by my French Airbnb host to join the group of English speakers who meet once a week at the village café. During my stay I met several French and British people and felt very welcomed.
When I was finally able to return in April of 2022, I stay for three months. In June I found my house and moved in on November 3. Once a year, the firefighters come by to hand out a calendar and ask for a donation. Once I told the firemen I was American, within a couple of days two of my English-speaking neighbors showed up at my door to welcome me. I’ve made friends with both French and British people and I’m building a good social life and support system. Going for walks around the village in the evening has been a great way to meet more of my neighbors. Living in a small village, there are many ways to get involved in the community, so you are sure to meet people.
You’ll be spending all your time in a car
Yes, you will have to drive depending on how remote your home is. I live on the edge of a small village, so it’s really the best of both worlds. I enjoy village life, but can walk out of my house and into the countryside. Luckily, I don’t have to get in my car if I want a baguette as it’s a 10-minute walk to the boulangerie, the pharmacy and the local doctor’s office. That’s all there is in my village, although a café and restaurant overlooking the river is opening next spring.
However, if you ride a bike there are many more options. It's been quite a few years since I’ve been on two wheels, but I'm building my confidence on my new used bike by riding along the flat, river front bike path. It’s only a four-minute ride to the river. Twelve minutes to the bistro in the village next door, 23 minutes to the épicerie (a small market), and 17 minutes to another village with a charcuterie (deli/butcher), a small market, two restaurants and two bars.
However, the bulk of my shopping requires a car. The closest supermarket is eight minutes away, and the main town, with lots of stores, is 20 minutes away. If I need something from a big box store like IKEA or Leroy Merlin, I drive to Nantes or Rennes, both of which are about 50 minutes away. For the bulk of my shopping, I’m not driving any more than when I am in Portland, Oregon.
You’ll be living in a cultural desert
In my area of France, there is no shortage of music concerts and plays throughout the year, and the theatre in the nearest town shows American films in their original language. Throughout the summer, the culture of Brittany is on display during the many Celtic and medieval festivals. The work of French sculptors are featured each year along a peaceful walking trail in a nearby village. And I never miss a visit to La Gacilly in summer when my favorite village is transformed into a huge open-air photo gallery featuring French and international, world-renowned photographers.
If I want to experience world-class museums and concerts, I can walk thirteen minutes and hop on a train to Paris for the weekend. Or take the train to Rennes and a 45-minute flight to London Gatwick. For daytrips, it's a 35-minute to hour-and-a-half train ride to the cities of Nantes and Rennes offering additional cultural venues.
You won’t have good access to healthcare
There is some truth to this, especially in certain areas of rural France as there are simply fewer doctors and specialist than in the city. However, there is a shortage of doctors and medical personnel worldwide. While the doctor in my village is not great, I have found other doctors close by and when I needed to see an ophthalmologist right away, I got an appointment to see her the very same morning I called. France’s emergency services have been great. I’ll write more on my experience with the French medical system in a future post.
You’ll be bored as there is nothing to do
In addition to activities you typically associate with the countryside, like walking, biking, hiking, kayaking, boating, fishing and hunting, you’ll find easy access to the same variety of activities you’ll find in any city. There are community centers offering yoga, tai chi, Pilates and other classes, as well as a community swimming pool. You can keep yourself entertained on weekends searching for treasures at vide greniers (large community yard sales where you can enjoy food, wine and beer) as well as at flea markets in nearby towns and cities. And, as I mentioned earlier, there are lots of festivals and cultural activities to attend throughout the year. Although there are more activities in the summer and fall, December brings Christmas markets and holiday togethers.
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While living in the French countryside may not be for everyone, for this city girl it has a lot to offer. I'm so glad I didn't listen to the naysayers. In the addition to the activities listed above, I simply love day-to-day life in rural France — being close to nature, breathing fresh air, taking in beautiful pastoral views, and enjoying riverfront biking and walking trails that go for miles. And what I value most is being a part of a friendly and supportive community.
