There are still plenty around here running around with their cars on UK plates and I’m not entirely sure how they get away with it. I suspect it’s one of those things that is fine until suddenly it’s really not.
Likewise here, in several cases U.K. plates that still have the GB on the plate and/or GB stickers.
I suspect that the local Gendarmes have better things to do until one of said cars is involved in an accident at which point I hope a full Steward’s Enquiry will be forthcoming.
I believe the universal dumbing down and legislating for the worst ones is happening everywhere. Society doesnt fit around people with skills and abilities anymore, its about getting in a specialist for everything. Really good until you realise they are only a specialist because they just do one thing and not necessarily doing it that well, most Pro’s know how to shortcut and unless the owner knows what they are doing, although not neccesarily being able to do that task themselves due to age or infirmity just as many issues can arrise. Then of course if its not done well you have the long long long drawn out and massively expensive legal route for redress. 
The grass may be greener but you can bet they use the same fertiliser everywhere. 
So long as you find a place you like forget lifes little grissle and always look on the bright side of life.
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Hi Chris, I came across this about greek visa’s and thought of you -
“According to the Greek Law on Immigration, in order for citizens of non-EU countries and members of their family, to be eligible for a Type-D Visa (and subsequently for a Residence Permit in Greece) the applicant will need to prove a steady independent monthly income of at least 2.000 EUROS per month (Residence Permit for Financially Independent Persons) or show a deposit of at least 50,000 EUROS.”
Thank you - unfortunately I don’t think Greece will work financially for me - the figure quoted seems to vary - I have read elsewhere that they require an annual income of €3,500 a month not €2,000 - I would probably manage to prove an income of €2,000 a month but not €3,500! I don’t know how old that article is, I suspect the figure has increased since it was written?
This article from October this year says €3,500 a month!
Also not sure how long you would have to leave €50,000 on deposit as an alternative!
But the other factors making me favour France over Greece (despite my fondness for Greece, and its climate!) are house prices and healthcare.
You can get some cheap properties in Greece, but they tend to be small and need a lot of renovation, and in out of the way locations. In popular locations like Crete the “holiday home” market has pushed prices up, certainly compared to the areas of France that I am looking at like Vienne, Charente, or Mayenne.
The other thing with Greece is that while State healthcare is available it’s not as good as in France so I think it’s advisable to have private cover, which is another cost.
So bad luck guys I think it will be France for me - you don’t get rid of me that easily! 
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Sorry - you’d think visa lawyers might update their website!
Healthcare was a factor for us not going for Greece pre-Brexit - though when staying on Symi, I did see a helicopter once. And houses seemed upwards of 500K, though we met a UK guy who had bought one for 270K.
My house buying budget is €120K and under unfortunately! I am a penniless photographer!
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The one i was involved with was lucky it was me. From the outset I suspected they weren’t ligit. And a quick check on DVLA confirmed neither an MOT nor tax. My damage was to an already damaged door mirror so for the avoidance of hassle I suggested knock for knock, despite having a favourable witness. Enter the gobby teenage daughter who arrived on the back of a scooter saying it must be my fault because mum is a good driver. Armed with what I knew and their inability to produce any documents at all, I suggested on second thoughts perhaps we should call the police. That focused minds and the matter was speedily resolved.
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Italy. I’m a citizen and SWMBO really would prefer it. But French healthcare is better (and she needs it). Too hot for me and I would lose my French drving license (swapped from Florida- I would have to take the test).
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Have you considered Italy - Abruzzo, Northern Tuscany or Lazio/Campanaia? Property is cheaper there. Also there is an association online where owners let go their uninhabitable properties for 1 euro but you have to refurbish them.
Thank you @JaneJones ! Yes I am a bit spoiled for choice in terms of the many départements that I could move to, even with my fairly limited budget.
It’s a question of balancing distance from the UK, not-too-hot-not-too-cold climate, and not being too far from a decent sized town for access to services etc.
This is where SF has been invaluable so far in hearing about others’ experiences and thoughts on different areas.
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Just south of the Massif Central ticks that box. In winter if we go just a few kms north up into the Cantal in winter, it can be a different season and another world…
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Vienne then!
Yes The Porridge Zone is co-favourite with Charente at the moment. 
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Let me know if I can help. We’re very happy here (admittedly early days).
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Worth considering how frequently you’d actually return to the UK and whether or not an hour or two extra travelling is such a critical factor. Certainly a bit further south, the weather’s less wet and prices are much cheaper just south of the Dordogne.
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Thanks all. it’s difficult to decide without spending time in every corner of France!
The places I’ve mentioned are the ones I have spent holidays in, hence have at least some personal knowledge to go on.
But please don’t be tempted to go for bigger but less accessible/more isolated. Smaller but within walking distance of basic amenities is best as one ages, especially if you are on your own. You want to be out and about meeting new friends, not admiring the elegant chimney breast.
It is easy to get carried away. We did. But consciously, as at that (50+) point we wanted that experience and accepted we would have to move again in due course.
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I was happy to see the Mayenne on that list. It’s one of our favorite parts of France. There’s a lot to like about Laval, and there are plenty of towns and villages not far away, and beyond that ring is beautiful countryside. The trick is finding a village with some life.
One nice thing about Laval is that it’s just a short walk up or down the former chemin de halage on the Mayenne river till you are in the country.
We don’t have plans to move to France but I think about it each time we visit.
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