🌿 Who Am I, and Why I Love What I Do

A personal story by Annabelle — Relocation Specialist, Bilingual Consultant, and Lifelong Franco‑British Bridge‑Builder

Hello everyone,

I’m Annabelle — an independent Relocation Specialist and bilingual consultant, helping individuals, couples, and families navigate their move to France and settle into everyday life with confidence, clarity, and a sense of calm. My mission is simple: to make your move to France feel like a dream, not a battle with bureaucracy.

But the heart of what I do — and why I do it — comes from a lifetime spent between two cultures, two languages, and two homes and coming from a parent of each!.

🧭 My Professional Path — A Career Built Around People, Trust, and Responsibility

Before creating Normandy Consultancy, my career took me through roles that shaped the way I work today. I’ve always gravitated toward positions that involved people — understanding their needs, solving problems, and building long‑term relationships based on trust.

For many years, I worked with large companies, managing key customer accounts and acting as the main point of contact for high‑value clients. These roles required precision, organisation, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. I learned how to listen deeply, anticipate needs, and deliver solutions that made people feel supported and understood.

Working in environments where confidentiality and security were essential also shaped my approach. I handled sensitive information daily, managed private client data, and worked within strict compliance frameworks. That experience taught me the importance of discretion, accuracy, and professionalism — qualities that are absolutely vital when guiding someone through French bureaucracy.

These years in corporate settings gave me:

• strong organisational and project‑management skills

• a deep understanding of customer care

• the ability to manage complex dossiers and timelines

• experience handling confidential information with integrity

• a calm, structured approach to problem‑solving

• the confidence to advocate for clients and get things done

All of this now forms the backbone of my work as a Relocation Specialist. The systems may have changed — from corporate accounts to French administration — but the heart of the work remains the same: supporting people, protecting their interests, and guiding them through processes that feel overwhelming on their own.

🇫🇷🇬🇧 A Life Between Two Countries

I was born both French and British, and my life has always been a dance between these two identities. I grew up moving between the UK and France, switching languages, adapting to different systems, and learning how to navigate two very different worlds.

When I arrived in France as a child, I had to learn French from scratch — not only in a classroom, but in real life. That experience shaped me profoundly. It taught me:

• how overwhelming it feels to not understand the system

• how isolating it can be to face unfamiliar rules

• how empowering it is when someone guides you through it

Those early years gave me empathy, resilience, and a deep understanding of what it means to adapt to a new country.

🏡 Building a Life in France — Again and Again

Over the years, I’ve lived, studied, and worked in both countries since ver I can remember. I returned to the UK to study at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, graduating in 2005, before once again finding myself drawn back to France.

I’ve:

• worked in France

• bought a home here

• raised a family here

• moved internationally with children and pets

• built a business from the ground up

• helped countless people settle into their new French lives

Every step of my own journey has given me insight into the challenges my clients face — and the solutions that truly work.

🌟 Why I Love What I Do

I love helping people feel at home in France because I know exactly what it feels like to be in their shoes. I’ve lived the confusion, the paperwork, the cultural differences, the language barriers, and the endless “unknowns.”

And I also know the joy that comes when everything finally clicks into place.

My work allows me to:

• remove stress from people’s lives

• give clarity where there is confusion

• translate not just language, but culture

• guide people through systems that feel overwhelming

• help families feel grounded, safe, and supported

• turn dreams of French life into reality

There is nothing more rewarding than seeing someone go from anxious and overwhelmed to confident and settled.

🗂️ What I Offer — And Why It Matters

I provide a fully managed, personalised service covering all aspects of French bureaucracy and everyday life, including:

• Visa and Carte de Séjour applications

• Carte Vitale and healthcare registration

• Opening bank accounts and utilities

• Property management and guardianship

• House‑hunting support

• Everyday administrative tasks

• Translations and appointment accompaniment

• Creating and managing dossiers

• Tracking applications step by step

Whether you’re planning your move or already living here, I’m here to make your life easier, more organised, and far less stressful.

🌍 Helping You Wherever You Are

Although I’m based in beautiful Normandy, I support clients all over France. Distance doesn’t limit me — I work closely with people across the country, guiding them through every stage of their French journey.

My goal is always the same: to help you worry less, relax more, and feel truly at home in France.

✨ Looking Ahead to 2026

As we head into the New Year 2026, I’m reflecting on how many people I’ve had the privilege to support — and how many more I hope to help in the year ahead. Every new year brings fresh beginnings, new dreams, and new chapters for those choosing to build a life in France.

Whether you’re just starting your journey or already settling into your new home, I’m here to walk beside you, guide you through the complexities, and make sure 2026 is the year your French life becomes smoother, calmer, and more joyful.

💬 A Final Word

My life between two cultures has shaped everything I do. It taught me compassion, adaptability, and the importance of having someone by your side who understands the system — and understands you.

If you need help with your relocation, your dossiers, your everyday procedures, or simply navigating the French administrative maze, I’m here to support you every step of the way.

You can reach me on Facebook or by email at normandyconsultancy@gmail.com — and I’ll do my utmost to ensure you receive the best service, the clearest guidance, and the warmest support.