Laying the foundations for a new retired life in Brittany

Glyn and his wife Christine moved to Brittany in June 2016 after Glyn’s retirement as a business development manager for a French flooring manufacturer. The couple first bought their Breton home 27 years previously, using the property for holidays and as a base for when Glyn travelled around France for his work.

Originally from the Midlands, Glyn and Christine are now relishing the relaxed pace of life compared to the UK. Over the past two decades or so, they have gradually renovated their 150-year old stone cottage for modern day living. They live in a small village  in the Ille-et-Vilaine department and are well integrated into the life of their local community.

Retired life in Brittany

With the work on the house largely complete, they can now enjoy their retirement. From time to time, Glyn helps out at a private pheasant shoot, escorting English visitors around the parkland to keep everyone safe – particularly as the gamekeeper speaks little English!
Glyn and Christine also own a motorhome and like to travel across France and to other parts of Europe, with Carcassonne in the Languedoc and Paris being particular favourite destinations. The couple are planning a trip to the French Alps with a visit to the beautiful city of Annecy. 
Getting involved with the community and building friendships locally with neighbours is important.  They appreciate the chance to help out with the local fêtes and love mixing at social events such as the annual St Patrick’s night. 
Communicating in French is a challenge many expats face when moving to France; They find that they can get by in conversation, are never afraid to have a go and find watching French television improves their speaking and comprehension.

Brittany: good quality of life, friendly – and a great location

They initially chose Brittany due to its good location and proximity to Glyn’s work, particularly the shipyards at Saint-Nazaire and other ports. However, since their retirement the couple made the decision to stay in the area, loving the quality of life, the friendliness of the people and its mild temperate climate.  
Located on the southern part of Brittany within a short distance of the Gulf de Morbihan, it is still possible to reach Paris within two hours courtesy of the TGV line.
France’s public health services are generally highly rated; a view endorsed by Glyn: “Last year I had a health scare. Fortunately, the health services locally responded superbly; within a week I was admitted to hospital for tests. Crucially, I received the results extremely promptly. It was a relief to resolve the issue so quickly.” 

Getting it right from the start

Over the past three decades, Glyn and his wife Christine have a lot of experience in navigating some of the challenges of living in another country. Buying their property all those years ago was quick and easy, the acquisition managed very efficiently by the estate agent.  
Inevitably, there are things that are different in France. Currently the couple are wating for their wife’s driving licence to be exchanged, a common problem faced by many British expats.
Does Glyn have any advice for people planning their own property search in France?
“Getting builders to turn up on time if you are undertaking renovations is a challenge; nevertheless we generally always try to use French artisans due to their local knowledge and expertise.  Finally, it is always worth double and even treble checking everything that people tell you!”
Thank you Glyn for your time. Bonne Retraite!