But not everyone leaves because of the sun, the wine, or the joie de vivre. There are also less sunny reasons. Some leave because they've had enough of Dutch rules and authorities. Others because they've had a falling out with family or simply want to get away – for good. After all, France offers space. So much space that you can disappear completely, hidden away among the hills or high in the mountains. No neighbours complaining, no council calling, no more obligations. Freedom!

At least, that's how it seems. Until the mail starts arriving. And it keeps arriving. In French, of course. You put letters you don't understand aside. That works for a while – sometimes years. Until something goes wrong.

We are often contacted by fellow countrymen who have run into serious trouble. People who left with too little money, seriously misjudged the costs of renovations, or simply don't understand French regulations. The dream of freedom then suddenly turns out to be a bureaucratic nightmare.
nightmare. And if age-related ailments or illness are added to that, the French government intervenes. A doctor can then submit a request to the regional court to have someone placed under guardianship. And then that cherished freedom is further away than ever.

French administrators contact us regularly to discuss whether we can assist with a return. However, if there are debts, or if the money has run out, all the administration must first be put in order. This makes the process of returning long and complicated. Usually, an individual eventually ends up in a French nursing home or a supported living facility, where the living situation is more protected than independent living. When matters are properly arranged, we can then initiate a remigration process.

France is a beautiful country to live in – but not everyone who moves there does so to see the sun shine. Sometimes, it's actually to escape something. Unfortunately, even under the French sun, the shadow sometimes just seems to follow you.