Oh boo hoo ! Welcome to the modern world and modern europe. If France wants to create the Peoples Republic of France and close it's borders then that is an option open to the voters - it's still a democracy. I don't see it happening though ! If some people choose to behave in this way then they are entitled to. It may not be in their best interests if they want to enjoy life to the full in their new country of choice but it's their life. I don't really see a few Brits changing French culture any more than all the French in London are going to turn it into Gay Paris.
I haven't noticed many young French people buying dilapidated barns in this corner of the world nor retired Brits buying apartments in central Perigueux but perhaps I don't know much about the French housing market. Where I moved from young people couldn't afford to get on the housing market either but it had nothing to do with immigrants.
And how are these people living in ghettos imposing anything on their French communities. Isn't that the point of ghettos - they don't interact much with the outside world ?
And maybe perhaps France could learn something from Britain just as Britain could learn from France. Why not take best practice from wherever and share it.
I for one consider myself a European who just happens at the moment to be living my life in this part of Europe. I conform to practices and pricipals that best suit my own and my family's lifestyle. If I don't like snails I won't eat them. If I'll get by better speaking French I'll speak it. You only have to look at the queues at MacDonalds to appreciate that it's not possible to impose a culture on the people - it will develop based on what the people want.
Long live democracy and the free world.
groslard wrote: I have seen these problems in France: ...A refusal to accept the French principal of laïcité, and attempts to impose an alien religion and observances on their communities in their own language
Dick Smith wrote:The Return of the Jedi?
Perhaps they should be rounded up and deported, the lot of 'em!
Seriously, more retirees are attracted to living in France than the young because, to put it bluntly, we are all aware that employment opportunities are pretty dire. I remember in early 90's, the French friends I have were showing concerns that their rural towns were dying as youngsters were moving away to chase better oppotunity. Now, they are showing concerns that the Brits are moving there to die.
It is a pity because, if it wasnt for these retirees, their rural property would still stand empty as employment opportunity remains bleak, and the Brits money would not be pumped back into the local economy also, the land owners would not have cashed in on their piles of stones!
Sorry if all that sounds a bit bigotted.
Finally, although I would certainly integrate if I moved to France, I can well understand the older generation who choose to flock with their own, and taking on a new language would be very difficult for most retirees.
Sorry if that sounds a bit ageist.
Frederick wrote:...mostly Dutch or German ..........languages I do not speak ..or Irish ....and I can just about understand them......
I'm sure they'd be more than happy to speak more slowly if they realised how they are inconveniencing you. Or maybe it's deliberate...
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