Maree and David Roberts are taking time out to learn about themselves and the French way of living as they mark the period between finishing work and beginning retired life.
abc.net.au/news/couple-take-gap-year-before-retirement-to-live-in-france/102201214Nestled among a maze of medieval streets in a small village in the south-west of France, an Australian couple are enjoying a gap year with a twist.The pair, 66, have just hit retirement and in return for helping renovate a cottage in Saint-Céré, they are living rent-free.
"We decided we really needed a gap year between our busy frantic working lives and whatever the next part of our life holds.""I love that we're having this adventure together and we've got time to enjoy it," she said. "We are learning that each other is enough and we're finding our groove with each other in the way that perhaps you don't have time to when you've got a busy life with so many other demands."Every morning after a cacophony of bells from the local church awakes the couple, they begin repairs, but by lunchtime are off exploring nearby castles and caves.
Although Ms Roberts admitted she'd landed herself in some hot water after a miscommunication with a local hairdresser. "It's such a great way to go to some of the less touristy places … places that aren't necessarily big cities and more suburban or countryside."Ms Roberts says they want to travel to every region in France.
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