Life in France #3: France vs Britain

I’m a Brit abroad. I was too young to vote in the EU Referendum, but I would have been (and I am now) very much on the Remain side. Anyway, that’s enough politics. Here’s my little guide of 5 things the French do better, and 5 things I miss about the UK.

Vive la France

1. The Weather (how very British of me)

I live in the Alps, so winter is similar to the UK. Summer, however, is a completely different story. When British summer is good, it’s great. Let’s be honest though, it’s not consistent. One day is sunny, the next is freezing with rain. French summer is consistently warm and I’m all for it. It also makes rest days much, much more enjoyable (until it becomes too hot).

2. The Cycling Infrastructure

Bike path galore. The French are bloody good at a bike path. In fact, I’m not sure if we’re so bad in Britain, or if the French are so good. Whichever it is, I’m always amazed at how good the segregated bike paths are. They almost have a whole separate road system just for bikes. When there’s not a bike path, there’s a bike lane and driver’s usually respect it. There’s always one knob who cuts you up, but it’s not as bad as the UK.

3. Bike Racing

Similar to the above point but different enough that it deserves its own section. The French racing scene is incredible. I knew it was good before I arrived but even now, I’m shocked at its scale. With numerous divisions, organised teams and a wide variation of racing, it truly is great and it’s easy to see why so many of us make the jump onto the continent. If the British scene was half as good as that in France, we’d be on to a winner.

4. Boulangeries

This needs no explanation. French boulangeries (bakeries) are incredible. Second to none.

5. The Way of Life

From experience, I’d say the French way of life is much more relaxed. There’s a big café culture which leads to a more chilled out vibe. I’ve also noticed that a lot more city centres are pedestrianised than in the UK too which certainly helps.

Rule Britannia

1. Family

There’s no two ways about this. The hardest thing about living abroad is living away from your loved ones. I’m a family orientated person and it can be hard living so far away. FaceTime helps but you can’t give your dog a hug through a screen.

2. The Corner Shop

While France takes the crown for boulangeries and baked goods, without doubt Britain takes the win for the corner shop. In the UK, we seem to have a Co-op or a Spar on every street corner. Perfect when you don’t want to go to a supermarket but need to ‘pop’ to the shop. This doesn’t happen in France, oh no, it’s supermarket or nothing, sort it out guys.

3. My Own Bed

I love a good night’s sleep. I bought a new mattress in the UK just before I left for France. King sized, and so comfy it’s like sleeping on a (metaphorical) cloud. I spent a day frequenting every bed shop in Grimsby before I made my decision. My bed in France however, well it’s just not the same. To start with it’s not a double, it's a kind of three-quarters size. The mattress is pretty nasty too, even with a mattress topper. I know I sound like a bed snob. I don’t care.

4. Country Lanes

This one is biased because I’m from Lincolnshire, a farming county, which therefore has a plethora of country roads. I’m yet to find anywhere in the world which has a network of back lanes like Lincolnshire. Yorkshire comes close, but the roads are a lot busier.

5. (Robinsons*) Orange Squash

I tweeted this recently. Many replied that the syrup that you get in France is better, or than Grenadine is a good swap. You’re all wrong, nothing beats (Robinsons*) Orange Squash and I’m still gutted that I can’t find it.

*Other brands are available but they don't taste as good.

Thanks for reading, please let me know your thoughts. My email address is below for any constructive criticism. If you'd like me to write a blog on any specific topic, just drop me a line!

I'll be back next week with the first in my 'Interviewing Mates' series.

Keep up to date:

Instagram: @JoeLaverick1

Twitter: @JoeLavo

Email: jtlcycling@gmail.com

Please sign up using the box below so you never miss a blog!