0. Introduction
With Amy running a Wine tasting in English later on in the month for Knowing Nantes I thought it’d be the perfect time to start to get to know your neighbours.
1. Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Amy, from the UK.
I work from home as a freelance translator and am specialised in business, tourism, food and wine.
I also recently started organising wine tasting events and write a blog: Nantes Wine Blog
2. What brings or brought you to Nantes?
I ended up in the Vendée by accident after travelling in South America, and then came to Nantes as the prospects for finding work were better here. Before that, I’d lived in Montpellier and Chambéry.
I’ve been here for 10 years.
3. What’s keeping you here?
My husband is from here and his family is here. We like the open attitude of the people here, the facilities and the not-overly-big size of the place. We would like to be closer to the sea though.
4. What advice would you give someone moving to Nantes?
Join a club or an association to meet people and try new things. Nantes has loads on offer (I’m a member of the CMN sailing club). Get to know the off-peak times to enjoy the city’s facilities when they are quietest (eg swimming pools, libraries etc.) – it helps if you work for yourself!
5. Where do you eat?
Mostly at home, but we buy almost all our fresh produce from Talensac market (which is not too expensive if you know the right stalls). If we go out for a special occasion, we like places with good wine, like Les Bouteilles.
6. Favourite Watering Hole?
Don’t really have one.
7. Favourite Place to Meet?
Same as above. I like to chop and change and try new places.
8. Favourite Thing about Nantes?
Its closeness to Brittany for the beautiful beaches, surfing and sailing.
My kids go to a lovely state school and we have great friends here.
9. What do you dislike most about Nantes?
The weather (compared to the South of France) and all the apartment blocks being built on every corner.
10. How have you found integrating with the locals?
I was in France for quite a long time before arriving in Nantes. I had no issues integrating at all.
11. What do you miss about your home country?
Family, old friends, proper Indian food and the Sunday papers.
12. What’s your Website / Business?
I have several websites: one for my general translation business, www.intact-translation.com, one for wine-related work, www.traduismonvin.com and a blog : Nantes Wine Blog
