Editor's blog November 2007

Lack of crime, gentle pace of life, unhurried mealtimes ...these are common reasons British incomers give for moving to France.

It is true that in some aspects France still differs from Britain: shorter working hours, family meals, quiet Sundays. But much of what so many love about France is, in fact, an appreciation of the countryside rather than the country itself.

If you have moved from UK city life to the French countryside it is easy to confuse what is rural and what is specifically French. You can still leave your car or house unlocked and pass the time of day with your neighbours in much of rural Britain - the country living is different from city living in any country.

But another reason many believe that life in France is so much kinder than in Britain is that thanks to the language barrier and satellite television which allows incomers to continue watching UK television, many remain unaware of greater France: looming strikes, racial tensions, economic crises, threats to healthcare and social security systems. In fact, the stresses of urban and rural France are much the same as they are in the UK.

This state of blissful ignorance may suit you just fine. Or perhaps you find it slightly bizarre that there is a life going on around you about which you know very little?

While the political shenanigans in Paris are complex and far removed, grassroots - local - democracy in France is active and far more effective than in the UK where few people know the name of their local mayor or where to find them.

French municipal elections take place next March and you, as an EU citizen, are entitled to vote (see Sue Collard’s piece on P. 11 for how to register). Once we are signed up with a voice that counts, local councillors will stop seeing the British as a group who have gone into political purdah, but actively encourage us to join the debate.

You can also stand in these elections. There are already several British councillors in Normandy, elected in 2001 when British incomers were fewer on the ground and still something of a novelty. If more British stand now that we are more numerous, will this cause alarm? According to my mayor, older residents, while welcoming British neighbours, would feel alarmed if the incomers started to wield local power.

This is understandable, of course, although our concerns are likely to be those of our neighbours rather than specifically British - witness the number of British residents already active in landfill, wind farm and high voltage overhead cable action groups (see pp 6-7).
If you want to know where your local candidates stand on these and other issues, sign up to vote and ask them. Or challenge them!