Gransnet forums

Chat

Advice please

(41 Posts)
Reddevil3 Sun 10-Jul-16 15:52:20

I am a fit and healthy 75 year old, a confirmed Francophile having lived in Paris for several years in the 70's. I speak the language.
I have this urge to behave a bit like an old teenager and go and rent somewhere in France for a year. I have no ties. I can rent out my house, give my car to my daughter to look after, and just go.
There are many gransnetters living in France - I need to be near the south, near the sea, near a town which has several bridge clubs. Can any of you advise me please?

Welshwife Sun 10-Jul-16 16:12:15

I know there is a bridge club in a small town a few miles from me - in Lot and Garonne.

cornergran Sun 10-Jul-16 16:56:17

Cant provide advice but just want to say wow, good for you, go and enjoy it all.

Reddevil3 Sun 10-Jul-16 17:16:56

Thanks cornergran, your comment has bolstered me up as I was beginning to think it was a potty idea!

Aurelia Sun 10-Jul-16 17:51:58

Bonjour!
Have you had a look at French Entrée or Anglo Info?
I'm sure you would find the Bridge info you want there.

And for my twopenny worth, have a look at Cavalaire sur Mer, it could be just your cup of tea, or glass of rosé! wine

Elizabeth1 Sun 10-Jul-16 18:50:26

"Go reddevil3 go.envy

ffinnochio Sun 10-Jul-16 19:06:28

I don't know if the S.W. of France is far enough South for you, but I know there are Bridge clubs in La Rochelle and Royan.

Sounds like a great adventure!

Nandalot Sun 10-Jul-16 20:01:47

Second the La Rochelle/Royan area. It has a bit of a micro climate so gets quite A lot of sunshine days a year.

Lillie Sun 10-Jul-16 20:02:46

I too am very envious of you, magnifique! I'm a Dinard, (Brittany) girl, but they do call it the Riviera of the north and it has a few bridge clubs! smile
If I were heading south, I would start in Nice and see what there is to offer in the area.

Newquay Sun 10-Jul-16 21:25:57

Oh redevil3-good for you!
Go for it and enjoy?

Deedaa Sun 10-Jul-16 21:49:54

Can't help you with the bridge clubs, but do go! How lovely just to take off for a year smile

Reddevil3 Mon 11-Jul-16 00:01:20

Thank you everyone!
Though I have a horrible feeling that when I tell my siblings they are going to say that they always suspected I was crazy and now I'm proving it! grin

f77ms Mon 11-Jul-16 09:09:34

I would be gone in a flash if my family would come ! Sounds like a great adventure x

annsixty Mon 11-Jul-16 09:43:19

Of course it's a potty idea, that is what is so good about it. I have never done anything on impulse or in any way different and I know I am the loser. Do it. A dull life is a life wasted. Bad , bad weekend.

annodomini Mon 11-Jul-16 10:29:26

Just do it, don't stop to think or the urge will be gone and you will live on, wistfully looking at pictures of properties to rent in the South of France. Bonne Chance!

suzied Mon 11-Jul-16 10:31:11

Go for it, I love to do something like that , though I've got an OH who would prefer a Scottish island, I'd fancy somewhere with better weather.

JennyB Mon 11-Jul-16 10:43:59

What a lovely idea, I know there is a a bridge club in Nice, in Rue Paul Deroulede, hope it works out and you enjoy your gap year.

michellehargreaves Mon 11-Jul-16 10:47:41

What a great idea. My DH and I have been thinking of perhaps letting the house and doing perhaps 3 month stints in different foreign cities. Would we be able to make acquaintances in Venice for example, or in NYC?

My advice, go for it. We all have time for another adventure.

Reddevil3 Mon 11-Jul-16 11:07:51

I'm looking in the Bezieres/ Montpellier area. Maybe Carcassonne but I have been warned it's very windy? Are there any of you down there?

joannewton46 Mon 11-Jul-16 11:09:29

Does it matter if someone calls you crazy? It's YOUR life so go and enjoy it. At 75 surely you're entitled. They may just be jealous of you doing something they don't have the courage or opportunity to do themselves. Of course they could also be worried for you so may need a bit of reassurance that you have done your research and will have some support if needed.
I'd say go for it and have a great year - or more....

elfies Mon 11-Jul-16 11:15:31

Ooooooh good for you , what a lovely idea X

Grannyknot Mon 11-Jul-16 11:17:21

michelle husband and I daydream about the same. Upping and spending 3 months at a time in a place we fancy ... easily done nowadays with AirBnB.

michellehargreaves Mon 11-Jul-16 11:35:06

Grannyknot, We met some people (Australians) recently in France., they were travelling around Europe, and had been for 6 months, with a company called, I think, Trusted House Sitters. Owners go away and you move in and look after the cat or dog. They had stayed in some enviable houses, on of them a chateau. Worth a thought?

TriciaF Mon 11-Jul-16 11:43:38

I agree with others - it's a great idea, do it while you can (especially with Brexit around the corner it might be more complicated.)
We live in the Gers near the Pyrenees which is beautiful but far from the sea and very quiet. But there is a bridge club in the nearest market town (20km) - we used to go, they make you very welcome.

Grannyflower Mon 11-Jul-16 13:00:46

What an inspirational bunch of lovely ladies who are living and loving life! How empowering for the rest of us, makes me want to be adventurous too.