'We left the UK to live in France - now we're moving back for one major reason'

Life in the UK isn't that bad after all, the writer says (Image: Getty)

For many, France represents the ultimate escape: sun-soaked villages, fresh local produce and bags of rural charm. Whether for a change in career or retirement, thousands of Britons have made the move across the Channel. Yet for Gillian Harvey, writing for the French newspaper Connexion, that is written in English, returning to the UK is her next chapter after 15 years living in Haute-Vienne, France.

"It has been almost two years since my husband Ray turned to me and said: 'I think it's time to move back,'" Gillian said.

The decision to return was as spontaneous as their initial move, she says, and while it carried excitement, it also came with fear. Their children, all born in France, would face an entirely new environment, and questions about schools, housing, and the NHS loomed large.

The columnist used to live in the beautiful region of Haute-Vienne, yet still decided to move back (Image: Getty)

The family's time in rural France had been happy, yet practical concerns arose.

"One of the children was very unhappy at school and we felt she needed a fresh start," Gillian said.

Missing family in the UK also played a big role.

She said: "The distance, which had seemed almost insignificant when we moved, had begun to yawn - partly because the cost of travel had increased, partly because family members had grown older and we wanted to spend more time with them."

Settling back in Norfolk, the Harveys have found a sense of stability. Their children are happy and thriving at a local school, which Gillian praises for focusing on emotional wellbeing. Experiences with the NHS have been mostly positive, too, contradicting some of the dire headlines she had feared.

Of course, she misses aspects of France. The space, the garden, and spontaneous visits from friends. But life back in the UK has its charms.

"Living by the sea is something I can now tick off my bucket list," she said, adding that regaining fluency in French has been a personal triumph.

Financially, the move was challenging. The family sold their French home and rented in the UK while arranging a mortgage.

Gillian said: "It was a nail-biting time, but I managed to secure a loan of just over £300,000, meaning we had £400,000 - enough to purchase a six-bed house."

For Gillian, the experience has been transformative.

She added: "Your surroundings go some way to helping you be happy, but true contentment comes from within."

France gave her perspective, freedom, and growth and returning to the UK has brought new challenges - and new joys - to savour.