Expat Advice on life in Chaumont, Haute-Marne [52]
Bonjour à tous,
I’m a teacher from the UK and, assuming everything goes ahead with the work permit and visa process, I’ll be moving to Chaumont in Haute-Marne in the coming months for work. I’ve been to France umpteen times but this will be my first time actually living there.
I’ve accepted a job teaching English at a vocational training centre in Chaumont, so I’m going to be making the move fairly soon. I’m currently working as a supply/substitute teacher in England and have just finished my master's degree on French history, so I’m quite excited about the opportunity to experience France properly rather than just visiting on holiday.
There’s also a bit of a personal connection to the area. Because my MA dissertation focused on rural Haute-Marne, I’ve visited the department almost ten times in the last couple of years and so I’ve become quite attached to the region and made a number of local friends and connections. As such, when the opportunity to work in Chaumont came up, it was a very welcome coincidence. I've been to the town for the E.Leclerc and for a few appointments but I haven't really spent much time exploring it.
I’m therefore hoping to get some advice from people who actually live in Chaumont/Haute-Marne.
A few things I’m particularly interested in:
- What is everyday life in Chaumont actually like? I quite like quiet, rural places, so I’m not looking for a huge amount of nightlife, but I’d obviously still like to have things to do.
- What are the best things to do in and around Chaumont? Particularly places that might not be obvious to a newcomer.
- Are there any bars, cafés, clubs, associations, sports groups, cultural activities etc. where it’s relatively easy to meet people?
- Is there much of an English-speaking/international community in Chaumont or the surrounding area? I speak French reasonably well but definitely wouldn't describe myself as fluent, so I imagine it'll take some time to become completely comfortable.
- Are there any particular social groups or associations that you'd recommend to a young foreigner trying to meet people?
- And finally, if anyone has advice about finding accommodation, dealing with the practicalities of moving, or generally settling into the area, I'd be very grateful.
I’ve spent quite a bit of time in rural Haute-Marne already and really like the slower pace of life, countryside and small-town atmosphere, so I’m actually quite excited about moving somewhere that is probably considered 'too quiet' by many.
If anyone from Chaumont or Haute-Marne has any recommendations, stories or general advice, I’d be very grateful. Even if you just want to tell me what I’m getting myself into, feel free.