School of life
French Property News|March 2020
Erin Laidlaw struck lucky when she was posted to Alpes-de-Haute-Provence as an English language assistant
School of life

As part of my university degree I spent my third year in France to improve my language skills. I decided to apply for the British Council programme to become an English language assistant and was allocated to three primary schools in Manosque, a small town in the heart of Provence. I had never been to this part of France, let alone heard of Manosque, but after a quick internet search I was reassured by the picturesque views and the promise of lovely weather.

Although I struggled to find accommodation, finding French rental sites difficult to understand, thankfully a week before I was due to leave for France I was put in touch with a teacher who had hosted a previous language assistant. After a Skype tour of the house, I eagerly accepted her offer.

So at the end of September 2018, my parents and I set offfor Manosque. On our car journey across the country we stopped in Troyes, Annecy, Aixen-Provence and Forcalquier, all beautiful places that made me excited at the prospect of travelling while in France.

BREATHTAKING VIEWS

When we arrived in Manosque, I typed the address into Google Maps and we began driving up a steep and winding road, becoming stuck in the middle of an olive grove. According to my phone, we had reached our destination! We were soon rescued by my host who guided us along a different road, which seemed to climb endlessly up the hill. It dawned on me that I would have to walk up and down this hill every day to get to and from school.

My worries disappeared however when we reached the house and were greeted with a breathtaking view over Manosque. Church spires and clay tiles nestled among rolling hills and a patchwork of fields and olive groves that stretched towards the mountains, with a backdrop of a pink and orange sunset. Although it was difficult saying goodbye to my parents, I was comforted by the beautiful surroundings and my friendly host family.

Esta historia es de la edición March 2020 de French Property News.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición March 2020 de French Property News.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE FRENCH PROPERTY NEWSVer todo
Bond With France
French Property News

Bond With France

With a licence to thrill James Bond fans, Chloe Govan goes househunting in the film locations immortalised by the spy who loved France

time-read
8 minutos  |
November 2020
Sarlat stardust
French Property News

Sarlat stardust

Just 20 minutes from Sarlat-la-Caneda, this tastefully restored home reflects the glory of the Périgord Noir capital, says Ruth Wood

time-read
1 min  |
November 2020
The money column
French Property News

The money column

The ‘B’ word is back! Laura Parsons explains how to protect your money as we near the end of Brexit transition

time-read
5 minutos  |
November 2020
Nature's harmony
French Property News

Nature's harmony

A renovated farmhouse in Lot-et-Garonne could be perfect for those hearing the call of the wild, discovers Brigitte Nicolas

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 2020
Main event
French Property News

Main event

Buying a holiday home near a popular annual event could guarantee you a beautiful setting and some extra cash, finds Hannah Evans

time-read
7 minutos  |
November 2020
Hauss style
French Property News

Hauss style

Joanna Leggett learns all about Georges-Eugène Haussmann – the man who designed the Paris that we know and love

time-read
7 minutos  |
November 2020
Architect's diary
French Property News

Architect's diary

It’s all in a week’s work for France-based Neil Vesma

time-read
4 minutos  |
November 2020
Write on the edge
French Property News

Write on the edge

When it comes to life in west Brittany, author Wendy Mewes has been there, done that, written the guidebook

time-read
5 minutos  |
November 2020
A year like no other
French Property News

A year like no other

So much for spring cleaning — property manager Mary Hall explains how 2020 has thrown a spanner in the works for second home owners

time-read
5 minutos  |
November 2020
A law unto themselves
French Property News

A law unto themselves

Why is French law so different to the law in England and Wales? It all goes back to William, Henry and Napoleon, explains Alan Field

time-read
4 minutos  |
November 2020