Jill Crouch lives in a village in the Var department situated in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of south-east France.

What made you move to France and how long have you lived here?
I had been through a bad time in the UK and when my partner retired and suggested a new life in France I jumped at the idea. I already had friends on the Cote D'Azur and was a regular visitor so had a pretty good idea of the life of an ex-pat here.

Which part of France do you live in, and what's it like to live there?
I live in a village in the Var, about 30 minutes from the coast. It is the perfect mix of a real, working, French town with a nice blend of ex-pats but still retaining a very French feel.

 Weigh up all the options, it isn't one long holiday...

What is your age?
I'm 50.

Where were you born?
London.

Do you work, if so what do you do and how difficult was it to find work or start a business in France?
I feel I am too young to 'retire' and have found bits and pieces to do work wise from villa management to online work. I have made a huge effort to find work, it is isn't easy, but I am persevering.

What was the worst mistake you made when buying in France?
Perhaps it would have been better to rent first but we had the 'go for it' philosophy and thought we should buy straight off.

Your best tip or advice to other people considering moving to France?
Weigh up all the options, it isn't one long holiday and we do get bad weather! I wouldn't advise moving to an out of the way place that shuts down in the winter. The beauty of my village is that it is lively all year, with plenty going on.

Did you find it hard to integrate or adjust to your new life in France and do you have any tips to help others?
I joined the International Women's Club of the Var as soon as I arrived and it has been an absolutely lifeline. I have met some wonderful people and we have regular social events, fund raisers, parties etc.

What's the best thing about living in France?
The French way of life.

And the worst?
The unexpected cold weather!

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