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A poll conducted by Languedoc property specialists Crème de Languedoc creme-de-languedoc.com has found some highly polarising views held by Brits about life in France. Over 1,000 respondents voted on their likes and dislikes and commented on subjects they felt most strongly about; and the main findings are as follows:
Why we love France
The Tardis effect - being in France is like travelling back in time, to a place where
- Life is safer
- The pace of life is slower
- Life is less stressful
- The air and streets are less polluted
- Children are more respectful
- Communities are stronger
- Food is better and more natural
- Cities are less commercial - fewer chain stores and big brands
Why we hate France
The Tardis effect again - France is an old-fashioned place whose drawbacks
include:
- Rampant bureaucracy and endless paperwork
- A reliance on the "nanny state"
- Very poor customer service, particularly in banks and shops
- Restricted opening hours, making life less convenient
- Simple things take ages to get done
- Shops and other businesses are less innovative
Those things we really adore...
The three things respondents rated most highly about France were the climate, being able to spend more time outdoors, and good, inexpensive wine.
And those things we really abhore...
The three most hated things about France were bureaucracy, dog poo, and poor customer service. Many respondents seemed to see themselves as guests in France, and as a result, felt guilty about criticising their new home and hosts; far fewer people voted on what they ‘Hate' about France, and many said they were very ashamed of Brits who complained about France, feeling they should simply accept France and its ways, good and bad.
SOME CHOICE COMMENTS
What we can't get enough of...
"... the fragrance of France - bread, wine, cheese, coffee, farmyards, wood, lavender!"
"... a comparatively low-priced housing system which allowed us to sell up in the UK and come to live here with some cash left over - we owe the French gratitude for the many happy years we have had here.."
"...being able to walk about at night alone without worry, I love fêtes and French markets, especially when you see a beautifully-arranged stall with 11 different kinds of salad leaves..."
"... the fact that in many respects, the French have not moved into the 21st century, possibly even the 20th, and perhaps this is part of the allure..."
"... the obvious pride the French have in being French. Enjoying their individuality and national identity while being part of Europe. I love the loyalty to the regions and the refusal to give in to the imposition of things they don't believe in. I love tourist attractions which are completely uncommercialised, and the lack of identikit shops, bars and restaurants..."
"... the ‘Forever Sunday' way of life."
And what we simply can't abide....
"... the strikes, and the absurdly over-complex employment legislation - France is a great place to relax, but a terrible place to work!"
"...the scarcity of public loos, and those horrid hole-in-the-ground toilets..."
"...'Brit-clubs'; Brits who talk loudly and rudely, in English, on the assumption that no-one else understands what they are whining or pontificating about; Brits who never make a real attempt to integrate by joining French clubs or societies where they live"
"... poor, abrupt and discourteous service from civil servants and shop assistants..."
"... dangerous driving, the dog poo and stench of urine that spoils the cities and scenic walks, the disregard of anti-smoking laws, the riding of motorbikes on the pavement, men urinating in public places, in broad daylight..."
HAVE YOUR SAY
Crème de Languedoc is conducting a new poll about buying French property; to have your say and have a chance to win a 2-week holiday, visit www.creme-de-languedoc.com/South-France/polls.php