Born in Oxford, Sandra moved to France with her husband in 2004 after being diagnosed with a rare form of breast cancer.

What made you move to France?
We moved here in 2004. I was diagnosed with a rare form of breast cancer in 2002 and had a lot of surgery. We decided to take early retirement and came out to France for a weeks holiday and found a house straight away.

Which part of France do you live?
A little village in the Dordogne. It's wonderful we love it and the locals seem to have adopted us. We really feel part of the community.

Do you have children?
We have 2 girls in England 24 and 28. They both live with their boyfriends but come out for holidays.

Learn the language, respect the local people and their way of life. If you are going to work then register and pay your taxes.

What is your age?
I am 53.

Where were you born?
Oxford.

Do you work?
No, I am retired now but always have plenty to do.

What was the worst mistake you made when buying in France?
We can't say that there were any mistakes at all.

Your best tip for people considering moving to France?
Learn the language, respect the local people and their way of life. If you are going to work then register and pay your taxes.

Did you find it hard to integrate or adjust to your new life in France and do you have any tips to help others?
It wasn't hard to integrate, as long as you learn the language and do your research. Don't buy a huge place with lots of land if you can't maintain it. Think about why you want to live in France and are you moving here for the right reasons.

What's the best thing about living in France?
The French people are so non materialistic and life can be so good. I feel quite humbled by how they are so friendly and generous.

And the worst?
I do miss our girls but then holidays are brilliant and we spend more quality time together.

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