A captivating new documentary has shed light on the mixed reception that Brits receive when starting a new life in France. The series, titled “Little Britain in the Dordogne,” is broadcast on French and German channel Arte and follows the journeys of Britons who have relocated to towns and villages in the South-West of France, now referred to as “Dordognshire,” in search of a taste of the Gallic lifestyle. The show explores the tensions that have arisen between local residents and British expats, who have purchased country estates at affordable prices and are renovating them to their liking. While the French locals express their concerns about the British influence infiltrating their rural areas, including the presence of English butchers and barbershops, the cultural differences also impact the expats. One former handyman from Norfolk reveals his frustration with local French workers, who take long lunch breaks and return to work “half-drunk.” Norfolk handyman Graham Parker and his wife made the decision to move to the Dordogne for a better life and have purchased country houses to rent out. However, in the documentary series, “Little Britain in the Dordogne,” Graham laments the French work ethic. In one episode of the series, the story of British couple Steve and Helen Robbins is followed. Originally from Oxford, they relocated to the village of Eymet eight years ago and now run a traditional English butcher shop at the local market, catering to British customers. They admit to struggling with learning French and believe other Brits should reconsider moving to the region due to tightened laws post-Brexit. Another trader in Eymet, who sells French baked goods, confirms that not all locals are happy with the impact the new residents have had on the village. According to him, there is a mix of opinions, with some villagers embracing the changes and others feeling indifferent. The lack of effort by Brits to learn French is a frustration for some locals, who claim that they have to speak English to make a sale. Conversely, many of the expats purchasing properties in the area for renovation face difficulties with French workers. Graham Parker, who worked as a handyman in Norfolk for 38 years, and his wife Nicola, an accountant, decided to use their skills to renovate a French property. However, they share their struggle of finding dependable local workers, forcing Graham to work more than ever. The couple moved to Montignac-de-Lauzun in the Lot-et-Garonne region less than a year ago but encountered setbacks, such as a fire that almost destroyed their dream. They hoped to renovate and rent out multiple properties after selling their barn conversion in Norfolk. Despite purchasing a charming three-bedroom gite with a pool built in 1780, they face a race against time to finish adding a fourth bedroom before their first guests arrive. Frustrated with workers who stop for a two-hour lunch break and return “half-drunk,” Graham expresses his disbelief. Meanwhile, Nicola recounts her struggles with learning the language, largely due to the local accent. Post-Brexit regulations now require Britons living in France to prove their proficiency in French to keep their working visas. “Little Britain in the Dordogne,” a documentary available on ARTE.tv and YouTube, offers an intriguing glimpse into the lives of Brits starting fresh in France.
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