Expat Advice: Relationships in Ferney-Voltaire, France

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

Ferney-Voltaire

What is your current status? Are you single, dating, in a long-term relationship, married or divorced?

I am married to my wife Magdala for 22 years.

What is it like in your country of residence for someone with your relationship status (married/divorced/dating)? If you're single, how do you meet other people? Do English-speaking people tend to gravitate to certain parts of your city?

In France, it is just as easy to be married as it is to be single as long as you speak French. That is the key to everything here, whether it is conducting business, visiting a doctor or dentist or trying to make friends.

If you have children, what advice would you give to others making a similar transition to your country of residence?

We are retired. No children here.

If you do not have children, do you generally spend your social time with other expat couples? If not, what else do you like to do as a couple?

We are avid tourist and France and western Europe has a lot to offer. We visit Paris at least once per year. We have been to Italy, Bavaria, London several times. We read a lot work with stained glass art. Our friends are expats but from many countries since I worked for the United Nations. We also have French friends as well.

If you are married or in a relationship with a person of another nationality, how has this experience enriched you as a person. What kind of challenges do you face?

Living in a foreign country is always a challenge, but France has been the best challenge we have faced in our many years of expat life abroad. It is culturally enriching and very attractive so it has been wonderful.

If you are a single parent, what advice would you give to others considering moving abroad?

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