Testimonial: a French family moving to Portugal

February 28, 2017

Today, I’m sharing Isabelle’s experience of moving to Portugal. Isabelle contacted me via Facebook to ask for advice on the healthcare system in Portugal. In fact, this is a recurring topic among my readers and many French people who decide to move to Portugal. I invite you to read these two articles which may help you: The healthcare system in Portugal and Health insurance in 8 questions.

But for today, let’s discover the interview with Isabelle, a smiling, positive woman who shares her experience as a Frenchwoman who has decided to move to Portugal. My husband and I met Isabelle and her family in Costa da Caparica in early February and were inspired by their story, their courage and their big hearts. So I wanted to share their story with you.

If you’d like to discover other stories of French people living in Portugal, I invite you to read the articles: Meet 3 French people living in Portugal and Expatriation in Portugal: 2 people tell their story.

1. Can you describe yourself in a few words (your origins, your background, your family…)?

(Isabelle)

I’m of French origin and my husband is French of Portuguese origin, as he was born in France to Portuguese parents. We met very young in 1995. We have 2 daughters, Clara 13 and Luna 8. I worked for 12 years in an insurance company and in 2012, my husband and I set up a transport company in the public works sector.

2. How did you come to leave France and move to Portugal?

(Isabelle)

Last year we were looking for a house to move to. We visited a lot, but we just didn’t fall in love… The search went on forever and we got bored..

At the same time, all the events linked to terrorism in France hit us hard, and we thought about our daughters’ future …. And then I think, without really knowing it, we needed a change in our lives!

One Sunday evening in May, we saw a report on Lisbon with examples of French expatriates, and at the end of it, I looked at Philippe and said “what if we left too?

It didn’t fall on deaf ears, but the decision wasn’t entirely made… We didn’t make up our minds until August

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One Sunday evening in May, we saw a report on Lisbon with examples of French expatriates, and at the end of the report I looked at Philippe and said “what if we left too?

3. Why did you choose Portugal?

(Isabelle)

We chose Portugal quite simply because it’s Philippe’s country of origin, so we know it well and are very attached to it. As Philippe is bilingual, it was also easier to choose this country rather than another. And it’s a country that’s very close to France, so for the family it’s still easy to get to..

4. How did your children react to your decision to move to Portugal?

(Isabelle)

Clara was very enthusiastic from the start and she can’t wait for us to leave! Luna’s reaction was a bit more mixed, as she’s more sensitive and didn’t want to leave the family. But since she saw the start of construction and visited her new school, she’s been looking forward to it too!

To find outmore about schooling for French-speaking children in Portugal, click here.

5. What do you think Portugal has to offer?

(Isabelle)

First of all, the sense of security: wherever we go, even if it’s crowded, we feel at ease. In France, we don’t go to shopping malls or crowded places, whereas in Portugal we love it!

Then there’s the climate: like most people, we were looking for sunshine, and we got it! Even though we went in early February, we had some superb days, and a winter like that is just great!

I also love the way the adults treat the children. They love children and always have a kind word for them… For example: Luna was bothering a cleaner in a store, and the cleaner said to her: “You can move over, my love”. Philippe and I looked at each other and said, “You wouldn’t talk to her like that in France!

Anyway, people in general are friendly and welcoming. We also love the festivals, the folklore and the music, not forgetting, for those with a sweet tooth, the Portuguese cuisine.

6. What difficulties have you encountered in settling in Portugal? What advice do you have to avoid these difficulties?

(Isabelle)

For me, at the moment it’s the language that I don’t master, so it’s not easy. Philippe has to translate for me, but I like to take part in conversations, which I can’t do yet ….

Otherwise, it’s a bit of an unknown when it comes to the healthcare system, because you read everything and anything, and when you ask for advice on forums, people don’t really reply… It’s a bit of a blur!

And what’s not easy either is the fact that you can be given an appointment and the person either doesn’t come, or comes very late… And when you come for a short stay to sort things out, you don’t want to waste time… But you have to adapt! We were aware of it, so for the moment we’re all taking it pretty well and making things up as we go along!

7. What are the must-see places in Portugal?

(Isabelle)

I’d definitely say Lisbon and Costa da Caparica. Then, of course, there’s the Peneda Gerês National Park, the Minho region, Fatima and the Algarve.

8. Your favorite Portuguese restaurant?

(Isabelle)

It’s difficult to answer because we like so many, but I’d like to give a nod to the TIO FREDO restaurant in PONTE DA BARCA

9. Your favorite place in Portugal?

(Isabelle)

The region we chose to live in is the Costa Da Caparica, very close to Lisbon, our favorite city..

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

10. In terms of employment, did you look for a job before leaving France? Or are you planning to open your own business?

(Isabelle)

We haven’t looked for a job, we’re selling our business and we’d like to start another one there.

11. In terms of real estate, have you opted to buy an old property or a new build? Why did you make this choice?

(Isabelle)

At the end of May, we went to the Portuguese Real Estate Show to start seeing what was on offer. But we were a little disappointed, as the target group was mainly retired people, and there weren’t many stands to inform us as working people…

As we told you when we first met, we would have been very happy to find you there, because what you offered was exactly what we were looking for: an all-inclusive real estate project, plus support, which is a comfort and peace of mind for the buyer!

Having found nothing, we went to Portugal ourselves. Initially, we were looking for an old property, but we didn’t like any of them, so the real estate agent suggested an all-inclusive construction project by chance, and we liked it right away.

First of all, the location suited us, and then he proposed the house we’d always wanted – the house of our dreams!

We didn’t have long to think about it..

12. In terms of language, did you learn Portuguese before moving here? If so, how?

(Isabelle)

As I said before, Philippe is bilingual, and my daughters and I have had a private teacher every week since September. We’re making progress!

13. In terms of health, what type of health insurance have you opted for?

(Isabelle)

As I mentioned in the difficulties, it’s a bit of a black mark for me, but I’m thinking of looking into private supplementary insurance if the price remains reasonable of course… I’m waiting until I get there and get to know people a bit before I can get any serious advice..

14. Do you have any advice for our French friends who, like you, want to take the plunge and live in Portugal?

(Isabelle)

We don’t live there yet, so it’s a bit difficult to give advice, but it’s true that like any expatriation, I think you have to adapt to local customs and avoid coming across as the grumpy, impatient Frenchman!

We’ll be delighted to share our experience once we’ve settled in for good!

In conclusion

Many thanks again to the whole family: Isabelle, Philippe, Clara and Luna for taking the time to answer my questions!

If you too would like to share your experience or talk to other people who have moved to Portugal, please don’t hesitate to do so on the facebook group: ” Amoureux du Portugal “.