The advent of cheap airlines has opened up many parts of Europe that were previously difficult to access, not least region of Languedoc, which is located in the South of France. Probably the biggest change that this region has seen is the increase in the Anglo-Saxon population, lured to this region by its sheer, unspoilt beauty and by the relatively low prices of typical property for sale in South-West France.
It was definitely not like this five or so years ago, when the villages of Languedoc were either dead or dying. The young people were leaving the villages in search of a better life in the cities, leaving an ageing population behind.
These young people tend to return only for holidays, and once their parents and grandparents pass away, they tend to have little reason to return at all. As such, they are many cases where buildings, previously owned by the deceased, become abandoned leading to the decline of a great deal of property. South-West France has always attracted the British looking for second homes or relocation homes, and they are often quick to scoop up these abandoned properties.
The British Living in Languedoc: Reasons and Challenges
There are many reasons why the English choose to leave Britain and go to the Mediterranean regions to buy property. South-West France, including Languedoc in the south, is just one of the many choices amongst these expatriate Brits. The British who opt to live in Languedoc often do so because they wish to start a better life, seeking a lifestyle that is unavailable in their homeland.
However, there is something about living in Languedoc that goes beyond purchasing a property for sale in South-West France.
Amongst those looking for property for sale in South-West France, many find the process of establishing a residence in Languedoc to be an exciting challenge. It is often said that if a Brit survives three years in Languedoc, then the chances of him or her going back to England have significantly gone down. If he or she manages to stay for five years, then he or she will stay in Languedoc for life.
Making the Successful Move to Languedoc
Moving to live in another country will always result in a culture shock for anyone. It is no different for a British national buying a property for sale in South-West France.
The language, for one, is often seen as a barrier for a Brit successfully relocating to Languedoc. As well as speaking French, many of the inhabitants of Languedoc will also speak Occitan, the local dialect which is still commonly used, and often mistaken for French by the unknowing Brit. There is are also the issues of driving the French way, dealing with the French government agencies, finding work in Languedoc, as well as a host of other challenges.
Brits will also find the local people in Languedoc to be very different from the people they left behind. Being a typically reserved nation, many Brits may be annoyed at how nosy and personal the French can be. But that is just how they are.
Given all this, there is only one way for a Brit to survive life in Languedoc when he or she decides to buy property for sale in South-West France, and that is to shed the ‘stiff upper lip’ and embrace the local culture and all that life in Languedoc has to offer!
