Reasons behind a move

THE reasons behind why people move to France are often many and varied.

For some it’s a chance to enjoy a different culture at first hand, for others a change of climate is the reason and some may want their money to stretch further.

An article on The Times website looks at some of the areas of France which may still offer a bargain or two.

…in the green heart of France the airports at Rodez, Clermont-Ferrand and St Étienne, which are now also served by Ryanair, have attracted the attention of British buyers. Rodez is opening up the Aveyron, on the southern edge of the Massif Central, while St Étienne serves the Auvergne, France’s volcanic mountain range.

But it is worth remembering that some of the places mentioned in the article are well off the beaten track, so it is important that you put the research in beforehand.

Check just how easy it is to get to, remember relying on just one UK-based airline going into the local airport is a risky proposition.

Work on your French language skills and if you are looking to target the tourist market can you offer something a little different to what is already there?

Another article I spotted today is from The Scotsman website and it looks at the growing appeal of moving abroad to make savings or pensions stretch further.

Recent research claims the average UK worker can look forward to a pension equivalent to just 48 per cent of average earnings.

Naturally people are looking to head to France, as well as Spain, in the hope that the cost of living is a lot cheaper.

According to insurance giant Prudential, 45 per cent of today’s workers are dreaming of a retirement abroad. Spain is the most popular choice, with one in four looking to move there. Next comes Australia at 9 per cent and France a close third at 8 per cent.

You can check the price of some of the essentials such as car and home insurance by visiting French websites and making 'phantom' applications, just fill out the details and get a quote.

Then do the maths and see how much money you may have to spend.