we have to use them as a top-up and a way of subsidising our life in France – luckily we are semi-retired so this works for us”.
Zara says that they now think of Mayenne as home. “We’ve made many new friends in the area, most of whom are expats. However, we’re having French lessons and are extremely keen to make new French friends and get involved with local village activities. We love living in France, the French way of life and the French people. “
Both of them relish the laid back lifestyle in the little town of Ernée with its charming bars and restaurants. It's also a place of surprises, with a large park containing several huge statues by world-famous artist Louis Derbré (he created the “Peace Memorial” for Hiroshima). They love the local markets and the wonderful cheeses they can buy. The tranquil rural lifestyle where life is unhurried and people have time to be friendly is "perfect". The only thing they miss, laughs Zara, is bell ringing! “Before moving to France, we were both very keen bell-ringers in Hampshire. Unfortunately, the bells in France are very different to those found in England and are rung in a completely different manner. Possibly, just possibly, we might install our very own ring of bells in one of the barns. It would be great to encourage English bell-ringers to come and stay in the gîtes!"
It's sure to a'peel' to the locals too!
Far left & above left: Le Hutereau; above Zara and Simon n bell-ringing mode; right one of the huge Ernée sculptures by Louis Derbré