generally managing the entire business while mum and dad sit by the river sipping the award-winning wines produced at Saint-Georges d’Ibry in the Languedoc. That is how these things work, isn’t it?
A new life in France
Each year, many people contemplate doing much the same, up-rooting and setting up home in France. In Ingrid, Tim has a French anchor, and that’s sure to make quite a difference, not least when it comes to the morass that is French bureaucracy.
The reality is that there are hurdles to overcome, but all you need is the patience to overcome them; it’s no use complaining. You have to get stuck in, red tape can be quite appealing in a masochistic kind of way. The UK’s departure from the EU is certain to throw up yet more hurdles; c’est la vie. But when the dust settles, normality will resume, and the Auvergne can continue its rise in favour with Britain and the rest of Europe.
I have to say that what they have achieved so far is awe-inspiring. The auberge is comfortable, welcoming and a peaceful place to retreat from the brouhaha of modern life. As a base from which to explore this part of the Auvergne it couldn’t be better, and it just goes to show what can be achieved with positive thinking.
Tim’s final word on the matter: ‘For us, the Auvergne hasn’t just ticked every box. It’s blown us away in terms of what it can offer, and more importantly...what it can offer discerning tourists of the future’. But you don’t have to take Tim’s word for it; come and see for yourself.
See Tim's top tips for anyone thinking of running an Auberge in France next page...