Brett

Thanks to everyone for the great insights. I was showing my wife the replies and she was amazed at how many thought the TV shows didn't show the other side of the story which so many spoke of - the truth shall we call it. She's a TV producer and asked me to ask if anyone would be interested in an offline discussion about the experiences (the truth about the place in the sun) and whether or not you would be interested in appearing on camera to tell you story? As for us, I think we'll most likely look to buy that holiday home that we can use most of the year round and as Kathie (hastobe) said, it does allow some flexibility to travel to the rest of Europe. We moved to the UK from Australia so that idea is also appealing.  The commute idea was interesting but I don't know if I'd be able to leave her and a potential young family alone for lengths regulary. I admire those who can. Thanks again everyone. Brett

Thanks so much for all the wisdom and advice. I'm thankful for the honesty. Language skills are advanced tourist and minimal conversation (if you excuse the terrible grammar). I'll start considering some of the alternatives suggested here. The second home options and commute seem like interesting concepts! Perhaps a nice house just north of Kings Cross station for those quick getaways! For those who have the vision of hindsight in offering the advice, was there anywhere in your experience you could pin point and say "that's where we miscalculated"?      

My wife and I have been researching the idea of moving to France for a number of years and I'm now starting to look seriously at it. I've read the many posts on this site offering great advice about the value of researching things first. One thing I've noticed through watching TV shows and reading magazines is the story that is commonly told is "unhappy with life want France to solve it". Once people move to France, what do they do for income? Aspirant B&B owners seems to be de rigour and trades peoples skills seem to translate easily enough. If I was a journalist or author (Mayle, Turnbull et al) then perhaps that would be an option, but sadly I'm none of these things, nor do I want to run a B&B. I'm a UK solicitor and understand that a move to France (except for some very limited circumstances in American firms based in Paris) make it almost impossible to rely on that profession for income (especially rural areas). Unlike a lot of other posts, I'm not at the retiring age but am at the about to start a family age - so I can't rely on an increase in property values in the UK for funding just right now. So I find myself looking for inspiration. What could I do, what do people do to earn a living having moved from the UK. The TV shows and magazines never really tell you that. Does anyone care to offer some thoughts or advice? Do you think maybe a holiday home would be the best solution for now - getting the best of both worlds so to speak? Sorry for the ramblings, I'd truly love to hear from people about what they do for survival. Best, Brett