So you have finally done it: you have found your own little corner of France and are now the proud owner of your new home.  I can still remember putting the large key in the door of my first French home and feeling a great sense of pride and achievement.

Chances are you may be sitting amongst a pile of as yet unopened boxes wondering where to start now that the real donkey work of finding your property has been done.  My advice to you here is to give yourself a large pat on the back, sit back, relax and remember that you have time to do just as you wish.  Time is a great friend to us all if we embrace it properly.  It is important to understand that many things may be unfamiliar at the outset and allowing yourself time will afford you the pleasure of gradually becoming accustomed to your new surroundings.  So first things first: celebrate your new home and take each day as it comes at the start.

The key to a successful move to France really lies in integration so rather than holing yourself away arranging your new home during your first few days (after all, arranging cushions on sofas can surely wait!), think about venturing out and meeting people from your local village or town.  Don’t be shy to practise your French, however bad you think it may be.  Remember you will be interesting to your neighbours and they will likely want to help you.  Friendliness and communication go a long way.

I have said it before but it is important to remember to introduce yourself to your local Maire.  He or she will know you have bought your house but out of courtesy and future good relations, not to mention help for you in your new life in France, a quick chat at the Mairie will stand you in great stead in the future.  Whilst there, enquire about local events such as fetes and concerts.  Everywhere in rural France has a fete of some sort throughout much of the year and this is a great way to meet people.

Keep up your old pastimes.  You will find it far easier to relate to people with whom you have something in common.  There may be a tennis or cycling club, for example, or your local church will undoubtedly hold events which may appeal. 

When you go to the boulangerie for your morning baguette, have a chat and don’t be shy to ask questions.  People love to give advice and you will probably find yourself chatting not only to the proprietor but to other customers who are doing just the same as you.  One of the loveliest things about rural France is the relaxing way of life: no-one is in a hurry and people tend to look out for each other.

Forget about making comparisons with England.  You are in a new country now and many things may be done differently.  Go with the differences and love France for what it is.

Your first few days and weeks in your new home in France will bring with them a mixture of excitement, euphoria as well as possibly a little fear of the unknown.  Remembering that familiarity will come in time and taking advantage of all that your new surroundings have to offer will mean that your first few days will be ones you will never forget.  Take it easy and take pride in the fact that you have DONE it: you have found your place in France.