Is there a big expat community where you are?
Yes there are lots of expats here, I think this is the case in most Alpine areas of France. We both have French colleagues, French friends, locals and ones who have moved to the area like ourselves. Our children are also at school in France so we feel like we are part of the French community as well as the expat one.
What’s been your biggest challenge when it comes to living in France?
I'd say the biggest challenge to living here is getting to know the French admin-istration system and understanding it. Although France is a neighbouring country to the UK, the taxation system is very different and culturally there are big differences too. But once you understand how the country works and accept the little particularities, it’s a great place to live. Also, of course there are things that you miss: friends, family, favourite British foods but luckily being only an hour from Geneva airport, we fly back regularly and friends and family come out to visit and make the most of the mountains at the same time.
Have you found it easy to make friends here?
When I moved here, Morzine was a lot smaller than it is now so I found it very easy to make friends. I think if you have children in the schools and work with other people rather than from home then these two things make a big difference.
Have you had any challenges in running your business in France?
There are a lot of hoops to jump through when it comes to running a business. It’s complicated and the cost of employing staff is extremely high. But again once you understand this, you can concentrate on making your business work. I started teaching English and French and created a language school. It has grown steadily over the years and now we offer a wide range of courses for adults and juniors and it is lovely to have a growing business that helps people to learn languages and achieve their personal and professional goals. I am now in partnership with two French colleagues and we are always striving to grow the business and offer more variety and great courses.
Credit Morzine Tourist Office JB Bieuville