I Quit Work - Retiring and Living in Europe Part 2

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Recommended Books & Resources

As someone who’s taken a genuine interest in France, here’s a few of the books which I’ve enjoyed and found helpful in understanding French culture and what it might be like to actually live in France.

I offer these brief reviews of my favourite books about the French way of life.

French Dirt

- the story of a garden in the south of France

Not only is this a lovely book to own (it’s got the appearance of a handmade book and all the pages are cut separately) but it was an inspiration to read. It tells the story of a couple who move to live in France and how it’s the land that calls them and enables them to make friends in the local community and to really feel a part of village life.

A French Companion

- a handbook for English Speakers Travelling and Living in France

This is the best book that I’ve read about understanding French culture and helped to get an understanding of just some of the differences between my own culture and that of the French.

Although it deals with some of the common problems, such as greeting people, it also discusses useful details, such as where to buy the gas cylinders that you’ll need for your kitchen.

C’est La Folie

- one man’s quest for a more meaningful life

Michael Wright

This is far more than a “we moved to France and it was wonderful” book. In the first place, Michael moves on his own (well, with an assorted menagerie of animals) but tells a real story of how it feels to be “Abroad. Alone”.

Although he shares lovely anecdotes, he also shares his concerns for his own sanity living in a cold, empty house on his own in the middle of winter!

Buying a Home in France

Survival Books

David Hampshire

A useful source of information on anything related to buying a home, from the first looking at details, through to fees for notaires, right through to finding and paying for renovating your own property.

Retiring in France

also by David Hampshire

David provides an up do date source of information that isn’t available in any one place.

If your dream is to own your own home in France and to be able to spend your golden years there, this is a info-packed book to help you make your dream a reality.

Live & Work in France

Victoria Pybus

This is a book which it would be worth investing in if you’re at the stage of seriously considering moving.

You’ll find some useful info on stuff like residence and entry regulations, setting up home to chunky sections on retirement, employment and starting a business.

Other Books & Information

The Insider Guide to Practical Answers for Living in France is a compilation of Jean Taquet's Question and Answer columns which appeared in The Paris Free Voice over eight years.

These are almost 300 questions from real people and a number of very practical answers for those considering living in France. http://www.escapeartist.com/e_Books/Living_In_France/Living_In_France.html