✨ Why So Many Brits Are Leaving France… and Why Many Are Coming Back Again

A realistic look at modern expat life, Brexit, relationships, work, and the changing British experience in France.

For decades, France has been a dream destination for British expats seeking sunshine, space, affordable homes, and a slower pace of life. But in recent years, a noticeable shift has taken place: many Brits have sold up and returned to the UK — only to find themselves longing for France again. Others remain in France but admit the experience is far more complex than they ever imagined.

At Normandy Consultancy, I see these stories every day. And the truth is this: moving to France is beautiful, rewarding, and life‑changing — but it is not simple.

This blog explores the real reasons behind these movements, the emotional and practical challenges expats face, and why France still remains one of the most attractive places for Brits to build a life.

💔 When Couples Move to France… and One Day Find Themselves Alone

Many couples arrive in France full of excitement, ready to start a new chapter together. But life has its own plans, and over time, some find themselves facing:

• Divorce or separation

• The death of a partner

• One partner wanting to return to the UK while the other wants to stay

• Health issues that change the dynamic

• Different levels of integration or language confidence

Living in France as a couple is one experience. Living in France as a single person is another entirely.

As a couple:

• You share the workload

• You share the stress of paperwork

• You have emotional support

• You integrate together

• You feel less isolated

As a single person:

• Every appointment, form, and phone call falls on one set of shoulders

• Loneliness can creep in, especially in rural areas

• Social circles may shrink

• Confidence can drop

• The dream can suddenly feel heavier

Many single expats say the hardest part isn’t the language or the paperwork — it’s the silence. The quiet evenings. The lack of a partner to share the journey with.

This emotional shift is one of the biggest reasons some Brits choose to return to the UK.

🇬🇧➡️🇫🇷 Brexit: The Turning Point No One Was Prepared For

Before Brexit, moving to France was simple. You packed your bags, found a house, and settled in.

After Brexit, everything changed:

• Brits now need visas

• Residency must be proven and renewed

• Income thresholds must be met

• Healthcare registration is more complex

• Stays are limited to 90 days without residency

• Some retirees struggle to meet financial requirements

• Some families find the process overwhelming

Brexit didn’t just add paperwork — it added pressure. For some, that pressure became too much.

But interestingly, many who left because of Brexit later returned, realising that despite the admin, France still offered a better quality of life than the UK.

🌿 The Dream of a Relaxed Life… and the Reality

Many Brits move to France imagining:

• Long lunches in the sun

• Slow mornings with coffee and croissants

• Friendly neighbours

• Affordable homes

• A peaceful, stress‑free life

And while these things exist, they sit alongside:

• Administrative complexity

• Language barriers

• Cultural differences

• Rural isolation

• Seasonal closures

• Limited job opportunities

• Unexpected costs

• Slow processes

France is not a permanent holiday. It is real life — beautiful, yes, but also demanding.

Some Brits become overwhelmed and return to the UK. Others adapt, learn, and thrive.

🔄 The Back‑and‑Forth Movement: Leaving France… and Coming Back Again

A surprising number of Brits who return to the UK eventually come back to France. Why?

Because once you’ve lived in France, you realise:

• The space

• The safety

• The healthcare

• The community

• The food

• The pace of life

• The affordability

• The beauty

…are hard to replace.

Many returnees say:

“We didn’t realise how good we had it until we left.”

The UK’s rising cost of living, housing pressures, and fast‑paced lifestyle often push people back toward France, where life feels more balanced and human.

👫 Living in France as a Couple vs. Living in France Alone

This contrast is huge — and rarely discussed.

As a couple:

• You divide tasks

• You support each other emotionally

• You share the adventure

• You integrate faster

• You feel safer

As a single person:

• You must handle every appointment alone

• You may feel isolated in rural areas

• Making friends takes more effort

• Dating can be difficult, especially with language barriers

• You may feel more vulnerable

Some single expats thrive — they build strong friendships, join clubs, and integrate deeply. Others struggle and eventually return to the UK for emotional support.

💼 The Harsh Reality: Finding Work in France Is Not Easy for Brits

This is one of the biggest challenges.

Why it’s difficult:

• French employers prefer fluent French speakers

• Qualifications don’t always transfer

• Work visas are harder post‑Brexit

• Rural areas have limited job markets

• Competition is high

• Salaries are often lower than in the UK

• Self‑employment requires navigating complex systems

Many Brits underestimate this part. Some move with the idea of “finding something when we get there,” only to discover that the French job market is not as flexible as the UK’s.

This can lead to financial stress — and sometimes, the decision to return home.

💷 The UK Cost of Living Crisis: Why Many Brits Choose to Stay in France

Despite the challenges, many Brits now say:

“We simply can’t afford to live in the UK anymore.”

The UK’s rising costs have pushed people out, including:

• Rent and house prices

• Energy bills

• Food costs

• Transport

• Council tax

• Healthcare pressures

In contrast, France offers:

• More affordable rural housing

• Predictable healthcare costs

• Lower childcare costs

• Lower university fees

• A slower, healthier lifestyle

• Stronger social protections

For many, the choice becomes clear: France is not perfect — but it is better.

🤝 How Normandy Consultancy Helps

Whether someone is:

• Moving to France

• Settling in

• Struggling with paperwork

• Feeling isolated

• Considering returning to the UK

• Or thinking about coming back to France again

…I’m here to guide them with clarity, honesty, and compassion.

I help with:

• Residency applications

• Visa support

• Healthcare registration

• Driving licence exchanges

• Administrative guidance

• Cultural integration

• Emotional reassurance

• Realistic expectations

Because moving to France is not just paperwork — it’s a life transition.

🇫🇷❤️ Final Thoughts: France Is Still One of the Best Choices

Yes, France has challenges. Yes, the dream is sometimes different from the reality. Yes, some Brits leave — and some return.

But for those who prepare well, stay realistic, and seek support when needed, France offers:

• Beauty

• Stability

• Community

• Space

• Culture

• Safety

• A better quality of life

And that’s why, despite everything, France continues to call people back — again and again.