I have been contacted by a retired academic who sadly is on his own since the death of his wife.
He is thinking about coming to live in St. Antonin, but wonders if there is a social life for him.
He is the same age as Malc and I but has the problem that he does not drive and also does not speak French.
He asks should he do it? I would like some advice from you all for him.
Mine would be go for it. The social life is great vand is there if you want it.
Book swap once a month at the Gazpacho in St. Antonin. Many games clubs, bridge, cards, games group at the Gazpacho.
Walking groups, reading groups, dining groups folk groups, the list is endless. Many singles, mainly ladies so the chaps are in demand.
Shopping easy in St. Antonin.
Down sides dealing with general French life difficult without some language skill but a great place to have French lessons, two or three teachers and groups right in the town or even Jacynth Crozier who will come to you and comes highly reccommended.
Can we have other opinions please, Malc thinks he should rent here for a couple of years before deciding, but the gentleman has been renting in the GERS and knows he likes the life.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Ginny says
Depends if he wants to learn French if he does he will have a real entry to everywhere and make both British and French friends. His ability to leave SA will be limited but there is the weekly market bus on a Monday morning and if he is rich enough he can take taxis to Caussade and the train
Goeff says
If he can't drive then a place in St Antonin would probably suit him very well. Lots to see and do.
Eve says I would not recommend it if he cannot drive
Chris says
I'd say give it a try. For most of us it has, after all, been a test of whether we're adventurous enough. Renting first is vital, given how slowly house purchases go through here. We chose our house one February, in sleet. If you like the place then, you'll love it in during the other 3 seasons. St Ant has loads to offer, but good way to see more without a car is via Caylus (10km), with the Villefranche - Montauban bus service passing through twice or more a day. Also the permanences at St Ant (CPAM, Impots, etc) make dealing with bureaucracy that bit easier. An academic brain needs like minds to feed off, and St Ant is no backwater when it comes to bright people. Plus there's so much to do all year round if you get out and meet people, and single out the ones who enjoy the same things as you do - or as you might if you tried them... Maybe putting in an appearance on Facebook might be a good first step. Also, wanting to be able to cope in French is, as Ginny wisely says, pretty key. But the Paretto principle applies, and getting to that level isn't anything like as hard as becoming fluent. If this gent plans to visit, should be happy to meet up to chat. Hope this helps. C
