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To the Editor,

I was sad and surprised by the readers who have experienced ‘unfriendly' French neighbours as my experience has been very different. 

It seems your readers have done everything they can to become involved in their community. A stumbling block can often be the language but as they speak fluent French, this cannot be the case. 

When I arrived in France in 2002 with my husband, I already spoke pretty good French but my husband did not speak a word. 

We had brought local produce from our home in the UK and I made up baskets to offer to our immediate neighbours when I went to introduce ourselves. 

Everyone was friendly and the welcome became even warmer as we joined local clubs and societies. We also volunteered to assist in local charities and events and attended all the fêtes, dances etc. In this way we made some good friends. 

Despite my husband’s lack of French, he was a natural communicator and very sociable so he was always in the hub of things and any misunderstandings gave cause to much laughter.

I have always been very careful not to compare France unfavourably with the UK. If you make any comparisons, make sure they are ones in which France comes out on top!

When my husband died suddenly in 2007 I had amazing love and support from my French friends and never considered moving back to the UK – this is my home and I am very happy here.

Anne Cooper, by email

Do you think the community spirit is just as strong in France as in your home country? Let us know at letters@connexionfrance.com