In this episode, we sit down with a family who left the fast-paced life of Malta behind to embrace the peaceful countryside of southwest France. They share their journey of finding and restoring a 300-year-old château, the challenges of adjusting to a quieter life, and the unexpected joys of integrating into a new culture.
Lorraine who still lives mostly in Malta, has left her sons in charge in France, discusses the stark contrasts between life in Malta and France—escaping the traffic and construction for tranquil river views, adapting to the famously slow French bureaucracy, and embracing the art of doing nothing (dolce far niente). From running a Chambre d’hôtes to hosting local events and even bringing a taste of Malta to France, they’ve created a new life that balances tradition and modernity.
But was the transition easy? Not exactly. We talk about the struggles – adjusting to the laid-back approach of French businesses, and the challenges of making new friends in a region where English speakers are few and far between. And yet, despite it all, they wouldn’t trade their new life for anything.
This episode is full of insightful reflections, cultural surprises, and lighthearted moments—including an unexpected Gladiator 2 movie connection! If you’re thinking about moving to France, this conversation is packed with real-life experiences and advice, including:
✅ Why they chose southwest France over Provence
✅ The biggest cultural shocks they faced
✅ The French love for markets, night markets, and community life
✅ Learning the language: Is it really that hard?
✅ What they miss the most from home
✅ The one piece of advice they’d give to anyone considering the move
You can stay in the Chateau:
https://www.domainelagazailledecamille.fr/
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So, is life in France as dreamy as it looks? Or does it take a special kind of person to adapt? Watch to find out! Selling up moving may not be easy, but it may as well be fun!
31 Comments
I was just searching for your new video. So happy to see.
Great video so down to earth love your videos 👍
I have to admit that one of my concerns when we decided to take the plunge and start the process of moving to france, was the language barrier. I am learning but things seem to take longer to sink in when a person reaches a certain age. Your vids put me at ease 😄
Watching now: not finished yet, but what an amazing couple. So jealous if their language ability 👍🇫🇷
Great video. Lovely people those Maltese!
Thank you Richard. Was a blast making this video with you ❤
Another informative video. Thank you. It might be interesting to do an American couple in the Lot. And delve into their having to take the written driving test, plus mandatory lessons, then an in-car govt road test. No matter how long you’ve driven in the US or even on vacations every year in France, if you are not a resident in a US state with license reciprocity, you have to spend about €1000/ and take the tests. Written test is multiple choice with multiple answers per question. Could be a good video subject because No one talks about this!
What a lovely interview this week. They made their move, integration and settling in sound so easy! Thank you once again to your guests!
A great video, um, I love France, 🤔👍♥️ From Frances uk
Hello from Italy! Another lovely visit of inspiration . Thanks for the Sunday video of the gorgeous chateau and the visit with the Maltese
Fabulous interview! Even though we’ve been here for a few years hope to meet up with Lor soon!
What a lovely Chateau Steven and Lorraine have. Fabulously decorated. Completely agree with them when they said one of the downsides is when some trades people try to take advantage of you if you’re not French. One guy quoted us 10,000 euros to paint the outside of the house! Absolutely ridiculous 🙄
…very nice lady, nice guy and, obviously, a pretty competent journalist…what else could one wish for?…BRILLIANT!!!…
Great video, great couple, thank you! And … we caught a glimpse of Maria is the supermarket! 😊 Très bonne semaine à vous deux! 👋 Catherine
You know that in France when the light is orange you must stop, right ? Or you are going to lose pretty quickly your driving licence … Just saying …
Brilliant. You have some very nice friends.
Another superb episode! Who knew Stevie was such a movie star?!!! C'est bon!!
Is she her wife or her mother? She looks older than him.
It was another well choreographed vlog…. I found it of particular interest for me, as I personally spent (on and off) about 6-7 years in Malta…and I was there when Gladiator (1), with Russell Crowe and Oliver Reed (who sadly passed away during filming) was filmed as well as a few other greats like, Cutthroat Island and Popeye. So a cleaver extraction of information…well done Richard 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
provo solo ammirazione e entusiasmo per il vostro coraggio, ragazzi! sarete di ispirazione per molti, da oggi in poi ❤, non vedo l'ora di venire a trovarvi🤗
Nice episode but you really do need to sort out your French pronunciation Rich 😂
La France devient très cosmopolite. J'aime les gens qui s'installent, respectent et enrichissent mon pays. Bienvenue à eux.
Another fantastic interview! What a lovely family, and what a beautiful petit chateau!❤
Superbe. What a great interview. I personally run a help advice service co. Fantastic filiming xx
La grosse maison du notable local, oui, une gentilhommière même pas et un manoir bien sûr que non.
Un château? 😂
Lucky❤
A mom and his son living in that beautiful house! ❤
The reason why restaurants are not open all the time in France is simply because they don't serve only frozen food heated in a microwave like in many other countries. So, people should appreciate this instead of complaining about it !
Very interesting exchange, indeed. Thanks for sharing, Richard
Mais, bordel C trop difficile de parler correctement sans doubler les mots 😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢
Ugh not another self indulgent video for the insecure. On a positive note at least its not a bunch of brif old queens.