An Expat Talks about Living in Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, France

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne

How long have you lived there?

30 months

What activities, clubs and organizations would you recommend to newcomers to help them meet others?

That's not an easy trick in this part of France. There is a bridge club that purport to be bi-lingual but I don't play. I have mostly become aquainted with neighbors. There are town events dinners,concerts etc. which I would recommend taking part in. Everyone is tolerent of my broken French and the few English speakers make themselves known.

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In terms of religious, racial, economic and cultural diversity, are the people of this city or town diverse? Are they accepting of differences? Describe.

The only churches I have observed are Roman Catholic. The two primary ones are medieval monuments and there is some attendence but mostly older French locals and during the Summer some tourists. There are few observable minorities but everyone seem to be tolerant. My local friends have no stated predjudices. There are many tourists here in Summer and no apparent resentment. There is not much diversity as stated above this is an area of small farm but also retired expats mostly British anyone looking for an active nightlife would not be satisfied with what is available here and the closest larger cities where it might be offered, Tulle and Brive-la-Galliard are each about a 45 minute drive. If one is seeking a quite,rural friendly place this is a good choise.

What are the main industries in this city? What types of career opportunities commonly exist? How do most people find new jobs?

As stated farming is the primary activity but these are small farms and the farmers frequently have regular day jobs in order to survive. There is a 'Bonne Maman' company nearby at Biars but I would think employment opportunities would not be readily available. I and most of my friends here are retired. Younger expats usually do a variety of things such as property management and construction. This is probably not a place to seek one's fortune.

In general, what are peoples' priorities in this city? For example, do lives revolve around work, family, socializing, sports, etc.?

This is farm country and family gatherings are a priority. During the season hunting is very popular. Anyone who has observed French hunters can attest to what an event it is. Groups of mostly men but some women gather at Sunday dawn in more or less uniforms of forest green expensive looking guns, dogs etc. they also apper to be well fortified against the cold or whatever. Here they have been very carefull and I have not experienced stray shot sailing close at hand,never-the-less it's not a good day for walks in the woods.

If a friend of yours was thinking of moving to this city or town from far away, what other advice would you give them.

The usual advise of: Rent for six months or a year. For me this is an ideal location, good climate, fruit and gardens do well. Interesting history, from Neandrathal, Celts Romans, Goths, English knights all involved to a greater or lesser degree. This is south center France about equi-distant from Atlantic to Med,Spain to Germany which means it's not close to anything. But there is pleanty of water sports and winter sports close by. Property prices are good and taxes and services not bad.