Jayne Posted September 22, 2008 Share Posted September 22, 2008 Hello, I'm a qualified gardener currently working at a stately home in Derbyshire but have wanted to move to South West France for a number of years. Due to family commitments I won't be able to make the move for a year or so but am trying to set the ball in motion and have just started taking French lessons. Obviously my main concern is finding work. Do you think I'll have a problem? I would be greatful for any information, ideas or pointers. Many thanksJayne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thunderhorse Posted September 26, 2008 Share Posted September 26, 2008 Hi, Jayne. What do you mean by qualified gardener? Are you looking for the same line of work where you are using those qualifications, or do you just want gardening work?Some of my friends out here are looking after the land of empty properties and gites etc., but it's probably not what one might call qualified gardening.Could you elaborate on just what you're looking for, and where? Bound to be some ideas crop up.PS - have you tried posting this in the gardening section as well? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve Posted September 26, 2008 Share Posted September 26, 2008 we came out 6 years ago - no idea what to do! Found there was a need for grass cutting.....pool cleaning etc. If you dont mind sitting on a mower day in day out then its fine - you will never be rich, but the lifestyle is good. We are in Northern Dordogne. Its been tough but after 6 years we think (hope) we have it sussed! There must be a need for 'qualified' gardeners but most holiday homes are happy to have green grass (if its not too sunny) and not a jungle when they visit!Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jayne Posted September 30, 2008 Author Share Posted September 30, 2008 Hiya, thanks for your replies. I put 'qualified 'gardener because I have been to college, got the diploma and so (sort of !) know my stuff, however working for someone and maintaining the gardens of holiday homes ect is really what I am looking for. Though I love gardening and being outside I hate the cold and winter ( so you can guess that I'm really looking forward to the next few months in the hills of Derbyshire!). I'm not sure which area to focus on i France, this is where I start my research. I'm afraid all I know at the moment is that I need somewhere south where its sunny and warm! I have some friends who live near Bordeaux and someone on my french course has been telling me how wonderful the Languedoc is, however I think it may come down to where the work is. Many thanks again, I really needed someone to give me the push I need and say that it is actually possible for me to move to France and find work. If you have any other ideas I would be very greatful.CheersJayne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andyh4 Posted September 30, 2008 Share Posted September 30, 2008 JayneGiven your reason for moving you may want to be a bit further South than France. I am South of Lyon and we expect to get cold weather every winter - and I mean cold. -10 and below as the daytime high. It's a common misconception that France must be warmer because it is further South. Away from the Altlantic coast and the winter temperatures drop dramatically. But on the plus side when it is that cold it is not at all damp and its affects on the body are much less penetrating that the dull damp UK hovering just over zero and wet and drizzly weather of my past. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Panda Posted September 30, 2008 Share Posted September 30, 2008 I would agree with that except here, I'm an hour from Bordeaux, the past winter was pretty wet and cold. I have a lake and it has only stopped over flowing for about a week or so in the last 18 months so pretty wet all round of late.You need to go way South for a warmish winter. It has been nice here though for the last couple of weeks but really starting get cold in the morning and evening, winter feels like it's on it's way! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5-element Posted September 30, 2008 Share Posted September 30, 2008 We are not exactly South West France here, more like due South, 45 mins. drive from the Mediterranean and still in vineyard and olive groves coutry. This past week, night temperatures have oscillated from 5 to 8 degrees C!!! I would not call that warm for end of September, even if it is a little unusual... In the winter, night temperature of minus 8 or even colder are frequent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raindog Posted October 1, 2008 Share Posted October 1, 2008 5-element is right Jayne. If you do come and join us in the Languedoc be sure to bring your winter woolies with you. Winters here can be VERY cold. Good luck, and hope you find what you want. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve Posted October 1, 2008 Share Posted October 1, 2008 good thing is, when its minus 11 or minus 14 the grass refuses to grow, so if your like me, curl up in front of the fire with 2 blonds and a wife!Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoneySuckleDreams Posted October 1, 2008 Share Posted October 1, 2008 on a practical note of finding work as a Gardener (ie not cutting lawns for non-resident english)...My wife wanted to do the same thing as you. The idea being that she does garden design and does all the planty things...whilst I do the building walls/patio stuff. You must find somewhere where there are people willing to pay. Deep south west (Pyrenees) is very sunny and warm (most of the time) but is quite poor, lots of unemployed, and no place to pitch up and expect to find work.Unless you can offer something very specialised, (and I know a few English down here one as a tree surgeon and a couple running a nursery..successfully), you will find it very hard to make ends meet.Those French who want nice gardens are generally retired and do it themselves. They don't have the money to pay others to do it for them. Try Paris. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jayne Posted October 2, 2008 Author Share Posted October 2, 2008 Way hey everyone, don't shatter my dreams of better weather in southern France, I'm still not put off though. However can you please tell me that it doesn't get dark in the winter at 4.30 in the afternoon like it does here ! To be honest I did fancy moving to Spain but my husband who is fair haired ( though i call it ginger and he calls it strawberry blond) goes red sitting under a 60w light bulb and so we had to compromise. Sante (look, I'm learning)Jayne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raindog Posted October 2, 2008 Share Posted October 2, 2008 [quote user="Jayne"] However can you please tell me that it doesn't get dark in the winter at 4.30 in the afternoon like it does here ! [/quote]No it doesn't, but it gets dark earlier in the summer. [;-)] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoneySuckleDreams Posted October 2, 2008 Share Posted October 2, 2008 we are an hour ahead of you in the UKMy children go to school in the dark and come home in the dark in the winter. It gets darker earlier in the summer. 2 things you can do to avoid this... 1) move to the arctic (land of the midnight sun) 2) always keep your clocks set to GMT, then it will get dark after 9 in the winter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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