A sense of belonging
Clare Rolt delves into some tried- and-tested ways of integrating into the local French community
€195,000 O
ne of our basic human needs is to belong. Gaining a sense of place,
connecting with people and developing friendships – according to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs – is one of the most important things for people to be able to feel motivated and, above all, happy. So, how do you do this in a
new country where you may not speak the language and you perhaps don’t know anyone? You may be leaving behind the place you grew up, close friendship groups and family, to start your new life in France. So where do you start trying to gain that sense of belonging that is so important for well- being and mental health? It’s something I had to do
more than 16 years ago with my husband and one-year-old daughter. We decided to leave our home town, where we’d grown up, where all of our family and friends were, to start out in France. With the house chosen and work established, we set about meeting people and embracing the French way of life. Here are our tried-and- tested ways of getting to know people and gaining a sense of belonging in our new home.
Join in with local events
GET TO KNOW THE LOCALS This is the fi rst step towards starting to feel integrated and showing that you want to become part of the community. It could be that fi rst smile and hello to a friendly face while out walking the dog, a brief exchange as you see each other in the village or inviting your neighbours over for an aperitif to introduce yourselves. However you choose to take
that initial move, showing that you’re friendly, willing to make the eff ort, regardless or not of whether you speak the language, is really important.
PARTICIPATE IN LOCAL EVENTS Most villages hold regular events as a way of bringing people together and raising money for the local commune. When we fi rst moved to France, our neighbours invited us to all sorts of village get-togethers, which we consistently went to. From moules-frites to paella evenings, and from summer barbecues to winter cassoulet – all delicious meals served in the local salle des fêtes while listening to the local band. We found it was a great way to begin to build relationships
€413,400
LA CHAPELLE-MONTBRANDEIX, HAUTE-VIENNE This gorgeous fi ve-bedroom property with two-bedroom guest house, pool and potential studio fl at, is situated in a small village in the heart of the Périgord-Limousin regional park. There is a bar/ restaurant and small delicatessen within walking distance.
with the people in our village, who evidently saw us as new people willing to embrace their way of life. Such events are often advertised on posters at the town hall or around the village, on social media or in magazines at the tourist offi ce. From tea dances to organised hikes and bingo, there’s plenty going on whatever the season and size of village.
EVERYONE LOVES A VOLUNTEER! As time goes on and you get to know the locals, you can become part of the committee that helps to organise village events, or just simply off er to lend an extra pair of hands.
32 FRENCH PROPERTY NEWS: January/February 2024
Friends of ours who retired to France always help out at the local get-togethers, whether to serve drinks, wash dishes or clear tables. They are proud to be part of their community, and as such are welcomed with open arms. They make an eff ort to speak French; sometimes they are understood and sometimes they aren’t, but they are always willing to try.
EMBRACE FRENCH TRADITIONS Joining in events held for the national holidays is a good idea too, to show you understand and embrace French traditions – the main one being the Fête Nationale for Bastille Day on
FONTIVILLIÉ, DEUX-SÈVRES A rural location for this lovely two-bedroom, one-bathroom renovated property and just fi ve minutes from the bustling market town of Melle. The property is set in nearly 5,000m2 wildfl ower meadow, fruit trees and vegetable patch.
of land with a
© SHUTTERSTOCK
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