SETTING up in a new town can be daunting enough, but throw in a different language and a new culture and for some it can be a real problem.
So getting some helpful advice from people who already live in the town or village could be a real help.
The Accueil des Villes Francaises (AVF) is an association that can help smooth a move to a new area, and they offer support to all comers.
The first AVF was created in 1963 and today there are around 400 branches dotted around France, and the association has around 80,000 members.
Local branches often work alongside town councils, other associations, and various public and private organizations.
The aim of the AVF is to provide a ‘welcome service’ to new people in an area as well as opportunities to meet others and useful information.
It is a free service run by volunteers and can even send details of a region before you arrive.
On the AVF website you will find a few short pages in English about the organisation as well as contact details for all the branches in France.