Embarking on a life changing journey is no small feat, especially when it involves moving countries. Tackling everything in a new language and a huge renovation project ahead.

Setting up a gîte business and marketing and reams of bureaucracy. Where do I start with the planning and renovating my petit château. As the new custodian of a charming old circa 1840 limestone house set amongst the beautiful St Emilion vines and countryside. Three already converted gîtes in need of a bit of love and finishing interior touches.

Not forgetting I couldn’t have timed it more inconveniently after Brexit. The hours of paperwork needed to comply with new working visa requirements. That is another blog in itself! The initial allure since childhood and doing the Bordeaux language exchange programme and my love of everything French was a mere starting platform to what lay ahead.

I have now experienced the quintessential dream of owning a home and living in a wonderful part of France. This blog site is aiming to make you laugh, feel inspired that you are never to old to make bold life choices. It will follow my rollercoaster ride of renovation, adaptation, making countless conjugation errors and how to really become enmeshed in a small local community far from my native home of England.

I have never blogged before all though I’m known for telling a good story and not taking life too seriously. A sense of humour that sometimes doesn’t translate easily in French. However, I’ve negotiated my way around the language and over two years on, having a French partner is the best way to progress and integrate.

I aim to tell the reality and an authentic account of everything Franglais and I do hope you enjoy my regular posts and updates.

À bientot

Emma