What Makes France So Special
France’s Quality Of Life
Having just returned from six days in the Charente Maritime I have been smitten again by the great difference between life in the U.K. and life in France. If I had to choose one word to sum it up it would be quality. There is a quality to life in France which is not so apparent to me in the UK, where sometimes it feels as though quality has been replaced by quantity. I love the fact that food and social life seem to be more important to the average French person than big houses or luxury cars. And the joy of it all for those of us longing to share in this lifestyle is that, because where they live is not as important as how they live, French property remains very affordable. I can never pass an estate agency anywhere in the world without looking at property and prices and I was certainly very tempted to look for a house in Charente Maritime from Healey Fox on my return. Such pretty properties at such amazing prices.
Fresh French Produce
Sitting at a pavement café, enjoying morning coffee whilst watching people choosing their produce from the market was very interesting. There are no signs to say that you can’t touch the produce. Ensuring that the produce is just right is an essential part of choosing the evening meal in France. Everything must be just at the right degree of ripeness and freshness to be fully enjoyed. Fruit, vegetables, cheese, fish, meat and bread were all in abundance making it so difficult not to have my own house in France with a farmhouses kitchen where I could cook a marvellous meal. All I could enjoy buying were flowers, and never have I seen such wonderful displays and all so inexpensive. Choosing a bouquet was very difficult indeed.
The other thing that impressed me during my stay was that, apart from the quality of produce in the market, there was a huge choice of independent shops and all with different stock. How rare that is now in the U.K where every retailer seems to have the same or similar articles. Shopping, of course, does not only depend on quality and choice but it must combine with excellent service and this was evident everywhere I went in Charente Maritime. Nothing ever seemed too much trouble for shop assistants, taxi drivers, waiters or anyone else I came into contact with. It certainly seemed that a slower pace of life generated service with a smile from everyone.
So, if like me, you are tempted to buy a French property to enjoy this quality of life then check out some amazing properties at very tempting prices on the Healey Fox website. View our property portfolio here
