WE DID IT!!! Retired in France
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- Опубліковано 7 лют 2025
- @FrenchCountrysideLife
*Description:*
🌍 *Welcome to our channel!* After leaving the hustle and bustle of the UK, we embarked on a life-changing adventure, retiring in the beautiful Charente region of southwest France. For the past 18 months, we've embraced the joys and challenges of our new life, and we're here to share it all with you-no filters, just the honest truth!
📹 In this video, I take you through a day in our lives, featuring a wide variety of topics including:
😅 Dealing with perceptions of arrogance as expats in a new country
🔨 The infamous "chop and chat" segment, where I chop wood while sharing candid thoughts and reflections
We recently had the incredible opportunity to be interviewed by a French newspaper, and we're thrilled to take you behind the scenes of this special moment! Discover how we embraced the French culture, adapted to new routines, and found our place in this vibrant community.
🎥 Filmed with my trusty **DJI Pocket Osmo 3**, this camera captures the stunning landscapes and everyday moments beautifully, making you feel like you're right here with us in France!
👉 *Join us* as we navigate this new chapter of our lives, sharing the highs and lows of expat life in France. Whether you're considering retiring abroad, moving to France, or just curious about life in the Charente, our channel is your go-to source for real insights and experiences.
🔔 *Don't forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell* to stay updated on our latest adventures! Share your thoughts in the comments below-we love hearing from you!
💬 *Topics Covered:*
Retiring in France
Expat life in Charente
French culture and lifestyle
Daily challenges and triumphs
🔗 *Follow us on social media for more behind-the-scenes content:*
Instagram: Escape to France 2024
Thank you for watching and joining us on this incredible journey! 🌷✨
#RetiringInFrance #ExpatLife #Charente #FrenchCulture #HonestVlogs #ChopAndChat #FamilyAdventures #DJIPocketOsmo3
Just starting watching this week and really enjoying it. I love the honesty in discussions and daily life. Keep it going!
I can’t wait for my retirement to the south east of France in a year!!
@@elizabethbradshaw7279 Hi, thank you and welcome to our channel. Really glad that you are enjoying the videos
We used a great company called Fab French for health insurance and house insurance. If you make contact with them please mention our channel
Good luck with your move next year 👍🇫🇷
So good to see how your family are progressing and being able to follow each week and find the music pops up in my head whilst getting on with my day, so keep going.
If it’s not too late to ask for Monday, how difficult did/are you finding availability of Dr’s & dentists? Enjoy the rest of your weekend Rob
@@JennyRippon Thanks so much Jenny. We’re still having trouble finding a Dr and Dentist annoyingly enough
@@Escapetofrance-Charente oh no……mind you I’m reading that they have a really good health care service 🤞
@@JennyRippon Yeah they do as soon as you are in it 👍🇫🇷
Thanks Rob... entertaining and educational as always. It was lovely hearing Robbie speak French. He has a lovely accent. So lovely kind and gentle the way he was playing kicking with Angel. You are so right about what people say in the comments for when he comes to read them. He needs to see that his Dad is doing a great job and helping others with their move.
6 more bags I reckon! Doing a great job! Better leave walking the horses to Lisa. Or get some lessons first. That was not an easy task. But you pulled it off to enable her some time out!
Guessing chop and chat will come to an end soon when spring / summer arrives.
With regards to filming sunrise... keep in mind I don't film / edit or anything so I have no idea. Absolutely full credit for all you do to entertain me. I was actually wondering if you had a timer on your camera that would start filming a few hours before dawn to capture the sunrise? Understand what you've said though. Thank you.
Hope you are enjoying your weekend. Laterzzz.
@@glynislouis5778 Hi Glynis, really pleased you enjoyed it the video again and thank you for your lovely comment as always.
Dunno what I’ll do after the chop and the chat, maybe à mow and a moan? 😂
No timer on the camera. Great idea though.
Hope you are having a great weekend 🇫🇷👍
@@Escapetofrance-Charente Oooh! Yes. A mow and moan. Although moan doesn't seem to have the most positive vibe like chat!
Whatever you do will be perfect though Rob.
@@glynislouis5778 awww thanks Glynis. The mower is too noisy anyway 😂
Hi both, Thanks, yet another great day to day of life video. We love this natural lack of melo drama style videos.. brilliant, we’ve been following for months now…. Keep it going and keep giving the brush off to the haters and those who miss the point.
We are in similar position here in Wales, selling the farm and cottage business and heading to your neck of woods…. Also retired from police 2 years ago after 30 years and better half retiring as paramedic in coming months/ year when we sell the farm and ready to move to Nouvelle Aquitaine… your info along with what we have been picking up over recent few years is brilliant , truthful and without the glitter on the poop….
We are hoping to sell soon with potential rural homes we have in mind in areas of Chabanais, Massignac and Villeréal ( yes, we know, big area) areas we love and have visited often and now it’s time for the retirement plunge.. long overdue…..and your videos only encourage us further…… great team, making cracking real life vids…. Pity you can’t do a video on how to speed up the stagnant Welsh housing market.. hey ho…. JP
@@JpRowlands-kt3bk Hey JP and thanks for your great comment.
How exciting for you both to be taking this plunge. I wish you the very best of luck. You’ll love retirement over here
If we can be of any help then just let us know 👍🇫🇷
Bonjour Rob
Le jeu de l'épervier est très très ancien. Nous y jouions quand j'étais à l'école primaire et j'ai 70 ans. L'avantage c'est qu'on peut y jouer sans ballon.
Merci pour vos vidéos
@@christianeblanchard1486 oh wow, je ne savais pas que c'était si vieux. Merci de me l'avoir fait savoir. Je le dirai à Robbie
Just wanted to comment to say another fab video, love watching your channel, do not let these trolls get to you, if they see you’re upset they will keep on at you, keep doing what you do, we love watching but please get some lessons off Lisa about moving the horses! lol
@@TracyReece-v1y Thanks Tracy, glad you enjoyed it. I don’t think I’m allowed to move the horses again after that 😂
I love your sense of humour and the way the horses had control over you 😁😁😁
All the trolls have inadequate appendages and not a brain cell between them 😉
Coming from an RN town and working with them, the RN are of course the Senior Service and, of course, the best sea shanties. Just been listening to the Wellermen singing Farewell Spanish Ladies. Puts hair on your chest 😊
@@jaysmith8199 Awww thanks Jay, really appreciate your kind comment.
My chest hair is grey now lol
OK …I unsubscribed since I have no plans to move to France. However; I do continue to watch your channel as I do many others who are migrating from one area of the world to another for various reasons. Why do I watch these types of videos? As a Historian interested in anthropology, I am curious about the reasons of migration, the interaction between differing cultures and whether or not adaptation to another culture is still as difficult as it was in 1700-1800’s.
So as long as you don’t boot me off-I will continue to watch your progress the changes you face and see how you adapt. Or….will you give it up and return to Britain? An interesting story unfolding.
Congratulations to your new lifestyle and choice…I love your new barn doors. I think they look pretty amazing.
@@catherinerooney5881 Hey Catherine, what an interesting reason to watch. Brilliant.
Nope, never intending to go back. We’re here to stay. Thanks for watching 👍🇫🇷
Wow. I didn’t see the negative comment regarding one of your children. It’s mind-boggling & highly inappropriate. I read somewhere that you can block people from adding comments on YT if they’re disrespectful.
As to the person who said your channel is for the English desiring to move to France, I’m American married to a French man, & while we may move to France to retire, that’s not why I watch your channel. I have decades of going back and forth to 🇫🇷 & I know enough to make a decision.
I watch your channel because I like you & your family. I enjoy your daily endeavors & to top it all off, I’ve always loved the British sense of humor. I find you to be quite funny at times. 🙃 I lived in England for a year & enjoy listening to you & your perspective.
Life is too short to deal with angry people.
Thanks so much Arianne for your lovely comment.
The comment wasn’t about Robbie directly, I was just saying that I don’t want him reading negativity in the comment. I do block people from time to time but want to give people a chance to course correct first
Glad you find me funny …..at times 😂
Thanks for watching and we hope you had a great weekend 👍🇫🇷
You will always have some people criticizing what they do not like ,or envious of what they do not have ,do not worry about themes keep going , we love watching you and your family living in France
@@francocanuck That’s great encouragement and such a great comment, thank you 👍🇫🇷
Thanks for the shout out Rob, really enjoyed talking to you and Lisa today and hopefully see you later this year👍🏻
@@CraigJarrett-s8c You’re very welcome mate, anytime 👍🇫🇷
It is nice seeing you doing a job that will definatly improve the look of those lovely garage doors. Well done Lisa for the nagging lol 🤗
lol thank you Susanna. It’s finished now thankfully 👍🇫🇷
icehawk in french is "faucon des glaces". "faucon" and" epervier " are 2 similar birds used before for hunt.On my side, I try to learn some new english words in reading captions.
I am very sorry but the father of my mother was sergeant in french artillery in 1939 and he never sent french bread to german but only cauliflower.
I am not sure to understand your question about health systeme access for your friend : for british citizen, after residence permit obtaining, CPAM (caisse primaire d' assurance maladie tel 3646) ask papers, informations for access to CARTE VITALE, after you must take a complementary health insurance (called "mutuelle" in french) for a complete covering spending.
For someone working in France but without permit to stay , exists PUMA (Protection Universelle Maladie)...I need more informations for an appropriate answer.
Thank you so much for the clarification 👍🇫🇷
Another good one, Rob.
With regards to the haters. I saw a quote a while ago: You know that, when someone loses one sense, the other senses become hightened. When someone loses their sight, often their hearing becomes more acute. It's the same when someone loses their sense of humour, their sense of self importance gets heightened! 😂😂😂 laterzzzzzz!
@@bobbluesbarker Thanks Bob. That’s a great saying by the way. 😂🇫🇷
Another great video Rob. I wanted to be sure to comment today because if anyone makes negative comments about either of your children it shows what kind of person they are. We all understand constructive criticism, but once it goes beyond that, it is way uncalled for. Children already have enough anxiety in their lives, and I am guessing being in a new country trying to speak a new language amplifies that greatly. I know you'll do what is best for your kids when it comes to those kinds of comments, and I wanted to express my support for it well in advance. Have a great weekend my friend. Laterzz!!!
Hey thanks Gary. Nobody has said anything bad about the children but I wanted to make it clear that Robbie reads the comments and loves them. He does not understand the French comments yet but he will do one day, and may get upset.
I really appreciate your support buddy. Really appreciate it, thank you
Laterzzz (3 ZZZ's lol)
@@Escapetofrance-Charente Haha we've had people call Odin lazy 😂😂He was barely a year old what you expect for him to crawl on the scaffolding and help put up a roof or something 🤣🤣
@@DomaineSauvage FFS I’m furious for you. I would be going crazy. Kudos to you for keeping your head
The Elvis/Spice Girls analogy is hilarious.😂 Bon weekend to you and your fam!
@@LivinCindysLife Thanks Cindy, have a great weekend too 👍🇫🇷
Another great chat… I have to admit I was giving it “ No Rob No Rob...get more “ when I saw six bags of filler...🤣
I may be mistaken but I'm pretty sure I watched a channel that suggested the UK NHS have some kind of handover period (2 years) for medical expenses? Obviously there are forms to be requested but I'm sure there is some transition period available?
My only other “life hack” is whenever and wherever you come into contact with “haters” … starve them of the very oxygen they desire 🤐 Really enjoying front row seat to your journey....🇫🇷
@@Kevin-l2c2i Thanks Kevin, what a great comment and feedback.
There is nothing but hardcore handover period, you have to get private medical insurance for the first year. À family of four 4K euros
@@Escapetofrance-CharenteI'll add that to the “cost centre” 👍
That form is an S1 for medical expenses......
@ Yes that’s if you are of retirement age 👍🇫🇷
We watch it because it's good. simple
@@familygoexplore That’s great to know. Your videos have inspired me today. See if you can see what it is on Monday. It was a right pain in the arse to do
@@Escapetofrance-Charente Slightly concerned ha :D Very excited though :)
Have a great weekend to you Rob and family
@@Alaskalad You too John 👍🇫🇷
When I hear about the antics of keyboard warriors in the comments, it reminds me of a bloke who used to run through the rush
Hour traffic dressed in a vest and shorts with gloves on in all weathers clapping and shouting at the pigeons ( you have met them before) . Making a lot of noise but having no effect on anything. Unlike the keyboard warriors he was sadly missed after he passed.
@@joejojo4751 He sounds like an absolute legend Joe lol
Made me smile - it amazes me just how many people are content to hide behind a keyboard hurling negative comments - just the way of social media i guess 😂
@@ChateauTales I imagine them to be sat in their Mums back bedroom in their Super Ted pyjamas 😂
@Escapetofrance-Charente absolutely!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣
You walking the ponies out was lovely, but you need a shorter rope and get between the pair. Be firm with your commands and body language x
You should be a fly on our wall when I'm watching your vlogs 🤣
Jeu de L'épervier est un grand classique des jeux de plein air !
You should record yourself and send it to me lol
Tonight Wally behaved himself when I shortened my grip on him. Great advice 👍🇫🇷
Navy are the Spice Girls 😂….Did I see you smile to yourself after that comment Rob? 😂
@@SharonDuberley Lol you probably did 😂
😂
Problem with people who give negative comments are probably envious of what you have been brave to do after all it's day to day life😊
@@martinjames3950 Thank you so much. Keyboard warriors for sûre 👍🇫🇷
I had to laugh at your mastery of the equines. Show them who's the boss. Bet Lisa will have a chuckle when she sees the recording. 😊
@@richardnunn3205 Lisa just rolled her eyes 😂
Sorry, but along with your own native countryfolk, ur stuck with this snarky American, too. I love the Brit sense of humor and wit. That somehow got lot in the move over the pond way-back-when. Oh yeah, the Puritans. Nuf said...
And BTW, the doors are lit. Vv nice job!
@@SueIsRetiringToFrance 😂 Thank you Sue. Those darn puritans hey.
The doors are proper nice, thank you 👍🇫🇷
Hi Rob, great vlog, Robbie and Avangeline will gain a great French accent and no one that knows them, will think they are french children. Like our son, who is now a man, when he talks amongst friends fast, I'm lost😅. Don't let the negativity get to you, I've learned if you ignore them and don't comment back, that really annoys them.😂👍
Thanks Diane. The kids are doing great for sure. Soon they’ll be fluent
Funnily enough the people haven’t commented on this video 👍🇫🇷
Lol good to know I'm not the only one who sits here and actually talks to you , but you can't hear me or answer, 😅 looking forward to the next one ❤❤❤
@@christinaplaisted9563 lol, I can actually hear you though. I can hear ALL of you 😂
@Escapetofrance-Charente maybe it could be telethapy definitely can't spell that , but you will know what I'm thinking 🤣
@ Exactly 😂
You have a good old rant, while we listen and nod, its good therapy....Diane et Eliott le Chien
@@DorothyDianeParker-to2qr Thanks Diane. À good rant cleanses the soul
Good Vlog Rob, have a Great Weekend,
@@johnhanson5565 Thank you John
Little Rob has a great french accent.
Thanks Joep. I think so too
Yes! So great that Robbie is fitting in and has some friends! Back in 1983 my son who was 5 was hitting his compatriotes because they could not understandind him or speak English! Normally a very kind and popular child! All was arranged with the teacher accepting to do some English which helped the whole class!
@@lorrainebareste We’re so proud of Robbie. He’s not assaulted anybody that we know of 😂
He had a tough start to his schooling here but he’s doing well now 👍🇫🇷
Another very great episode Rob. Laugh out loud funny. Love ur honesty as always. If u pass shit comments dont watch... Easy, hop on😂. Steady on working that hard mate u will end up with mans hands 😂😂. Very good to watch and ur definitely on to a winner. Keep it up mate. Laterzzzzzzz
@@darrenwardle8828 😂 Cheers mate. Glad it made you laugh. I went with hop on but you know what I really wanted to say
No blisters yet…..maybe I’ve already got man hands 😂
Laterzzz
What happened to the old horse that lived on the left of your videos? This was months ago. You were so kind to him. He would come over as soon as he saw you. I wondered if the farmer sold him.😊
He is still here. He's just in a field nearby where there is grass. He will be back soon
@ I am glad he is still around. Thanks for telling me.
@ You’re welcome. He’s only 7 years old btw
A question for Monday: which company would you recommend for mutualle top-up insurance?
@@anniedodds8150 Brilliant thanks. We use Axa btw 👍🇫🇷
Question for Monday: re moving: 1) can all photocopies related to visa be done at home and in b/w or do they have to be done at a printers! ie: properly. Do any of these docs (passport?) have to be certified? 2) Do you think it’s possible to sell my U.K. car (VW) in France rather than drive it back to U.K.? (Logistically can’t figure how to do that with dogs). Thanks! See you Monday.
@@rachel-b8d Great questions Rachel. I’ll add them to the list 👍🇫🇷
@ For French administration, all documents needs to be translated by a certified translator. I thought you went through that process. They have the list of certified translator in each prefecture. Just ask them or look in the prefecture website.
@rachel-b8d You can sell your car in France. It will take more time and depend on the location you will be. But you can.
Fr the pets, I don't know. What's for sure is that they have to have all the required vaccination.
1/ Always keep a copy of all your documents. When you need to deal with French administration, you will have to check the prefecture website or onsite the list of certified translators. Choose one of them to have your certified copy of any document they ask for. As much as possible, give them only a copy of the translation even if they ask for the original.
2/ It's possible to sell your car here. It's only a matter of time and depends on the location you will be. It also depends on if you go to a car dealership where you can negotiate they use your UK car as partial or total deposit for the first payment for buying a car from them.
3/ I don't know for pets. Rob brought his dog, he should know.
@@Belaziraf I didn’t bring my dog. I bought him as a puppy here. I did a whole video on it
@@Escapetofrance-Charente I didn't see that one. Baguette Bound channel explained how they brought their pet. I don't remember well, I'm not a pet guy. But it sounded like quite some crazy fight with the administration.
Have a good night Rob !
Tell the haters to “make like a baby and head out” lmao you rock! I totally love your videos. I’m from this place called Murica.. lol… and can’t wait to make like a baby and head out of this country and move to France 🇫🇷
Had to google it. Spanish?
@ lol… America… the folks from the south say “Murica” Lol. It’s a joke here… United States of Merica!! lol.. I know I’m silly. 🤪
@@lawrencebox919 😂
Le jeu de l'épervier ;)
Glace l'épervier is what they call it now
I'll lend you my book called Horse, follow closely. 🤣 when we get over
@@stephensmith277 😂
Have we ever seen you use the outdoor barbecue? I don't recall. Don't forget the merguez!
I think i did one video with the BBQ way back last year. But whenever we've done BBQs we've had friends over who don't want to be on youtube.
Merguez. French do amazing food. Sausages is not one of them :)
Probably once, years ago, just like my husband. I did take photos!
@@Escapetofrance-Charente i always believed that merguez was north African
I quite like the Toulouse Sausages
@@Escapetofrance-Charente Ha ha Rob. You are such a UA-cam amateur. You are supposed to say "I have not yet learned to appreciate French sausages" rather than dissing the French. ☢
108th.
Not last though
@@familygoexplore It’s an absolute skill 👍🇫🇷
Prem 🎉😊
I believe that you were ripped at the post by JC by seconds
@@Escapetofrance-Charentedamn you got to be fast off the mark
Bizarre... En France c'est le contraire. La Marine Nationale (appelée aussi la Royale) et la plus prestigieuse des trois armes 😉
@@allegromoderato7404 Vraiment ? La Marine se cache derrière des bateaux en acier, l'Armée de l'air se cache derrière l'altitude, tandis que l'Armée de terre se bat au corps à corps
@@Escapetofrance-Charente Je comprends ce que tu veux dire.
Mais la Navale est le corps le plus prestigieux de l' Armée.
(Mon oncle était amiral 😉)
L' Armée de terre ( avec l'immense respect que je leur dois) sont un peu considérés comme des bourrins par rapport aux autres corps. 😬😬😁
@ c'est intéressant de voir comment différentes cultures voient les choses différemment
He is "taking the piss" when he says the Army is superior to the Royal Navy (RN)
The RN is known as the "Senior Service".
There is HUGE rivalry between all 3 services and "dissing" each other is all part of it. 😊
All good, clean, and on the rugby pitch, hard fun 😄
His sense of humour is very much a military one!
"If the army is Elvis Presley, then the navy is Spice Girls". Then what about police ?
You went from Presley to become ?
I can't help you with the game Robbie played. Where I grew up, we played "it", which is called "jouer au loup" in most regions. Also a variation called "chat perché", literally "perched cat", where you have to step on something higher than the ground to avoid being tagged.
I have little memory of that freeze tag game Robbie played but it vaguely remind me of something.
Ahhh, there is no comparison as we are talking about warriors, where the Police are law enforcement.
chat perché is what we call "off ground tick/tag" depending which part of England you are from. North England is Tick, southern England its Tag.
@@Escapetofrance-Charente Then what would be air force ? 😊
@@Belaziraf Army first then Airforce and then Navy. All three of the armed forces know the order 😂
@@Escapetofrance-Charente I meant, what singer or group you would identify them ! 😁Kenny Rogers ? Elton John ? Or maybe the Rolling Stones ?
@@Belaziraf oh I see….the band would have to The Police (with Sting) 😂
Just a little friendly correction... It's pronounced pelouze. It only has one S.... so its pronounced like a Z. Hope this helps.
That does help Paul, Thank you
l've just unsubscribed cos you asked us to, now you have just said subscribe 🤣
@@peterbunyan3924 Lol only if you watch though 😂
😂😂😂 brilliant
@@Escapetofrance-Charente OK will do 😂
1st
BOOOOOM
@ Brap brap !
Salut mon ami, I watch your videos before I cook my meals usually with a glass of my favourite Scotch whisky lol ! another great edition. you did a great job with your live French language acrobatics in the previous one. I think you know many words of current life French. it just takes more practice to get confldent and fluent. I hope JP is ok keep him coming and making us laugh , especially me, !! I"m developing a new character played by myself, he's English and is called Dave Lol
@@didierlacroix6488 Thanks so much Didier,
Dave sounds amazing. What does he wear for clothes? 😂
@@Escapetofrance-Charente Hi Rob, no bowler hat or umbrella or nice little moutache : Dave is a true Brummy and is still stuck in the 70's. He's a construction worker, he lays bricks all week long. He drives around B'ham in his old Morris car. He loves football and enjoys a few pints with his mates at his regular pub . He never misses an occasion to wrap a union jack on his shoulders. He occasionally goes to the last Disco club still open in the area. He's got long hair, wears baggy pants, fancy shirts with a big collar, platform shoes, the lot.He hates garlic and continental food since he's an addict with fish& chips and an occasional chinese or indian takeaway. and of course he reads the Sun and misses the page 3 girl . How's that for a start LOL ? I'm also a pisstaker , never miss an opportunity to take the piss at myself and others, always in a respectul way. I'm a great fan of John Cleese
@@didierlacroix6488 Dave the legend. His wife could be called Debbie and Dave. They could have a Debbie and Dave sticker on their windscreen 😂
@@Escapetofrance-Charente Debbie sounds great to me and of course they have a sticker on their windscreen. And of course, you arrested Dave a couple of times in your previous life on drunk driving charges and of course he got punched in the nose after a football match and a few pints, how's that ? Dave and Debbie moved to France, Dave is horrified when he realizes the cop that cuffed him years back is living in the area lol and he asks JP for help
@ Brilliant just brilliant 😂