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Revealed: the British love affair with France

9th October 2006 | back to article listings BACK    print this article PRINT

Despite our often-voiced prejudices, the British are infatuated with French culture and many plan to cross over the English Channel in pursuit of a better lifestyle in their retirement, according to new research.

Although our economy might be stronger than our Gallic neighbours' and unemployment figures are at their lowest levels for decades compared with growing unrest in the French boulevards, it appears that Brits of all ages romanticise about living in France.

But it is not just the images of the grape-laden countryside or intellectual coffee shop discussions which inspire British imaginations, more modern cultural exchanges are also fuelling our French desires.
Nick Wall of France magazine cited the "Thierry Henry factor" as influencing the way that Brits view their EU colleagues. The Arsenal striker's style and gentlemanly attitude both as a footballer and a role model have won the hearts of Britons far beyond the terraces. In addition to his good looks and continental flair, Henry showed commitment to his team's cause when he decided to stay at the north London club during the summer, effectively turning down a lucrative contract with the European champions, Barcelona.

This mettle has won the admiration of the British, whose attitude towards the country appears to be mellowing, as if welcoming back an old lover.

A survey of over 1,000 people, which comprised part of the French Wines Week report, revealed that 37 per cent of Britons would like to move south of the Channel when they reach retirement age, compared to only 30 per cent who wished to remain in the UK.

But the affection for France is not reserved to the older generation. A third of Britons under the age of 50 would prefer to live in France, the survey found, with only just over a fifth affirming that the UK was their ideal place to live.

Such ties with our continental neighbours should not be overlooked when considering investing in the country's high-yielding buy-to-let market. Many investors have opted for the volatile markets of the ex-communist countries in eastern Europe but recent research from Assetz showed that total returns in Bulgaria plummeted from 104 per cent to 44 per cent due to increased rental competition earlier this year.

Although Bulgaria boasts a growing tourist market for its summer and winter holidays alike, British love of the French way of life is enduring and holds long-term benefits for buy-to-let investors looking to cash in on the country's large number of tourists.

This is a press release by Assetz also available at http://press.assetz.co.uk/articles/3018.html. Alternatively, please see our full press release archive.

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