Living the Dream: Moving to France

This couple left Ireland behind to start a guesthouse in France. Here’s their story.

Many of us fantasize about relocating abroad for gourmet cuisine, pleasant weather, and a relaxed lifestyle. But how feasible is it? Can you uproot your family, reassess your career, and start fresh in a new country?

Deirdre McGlone is one such person who made it happen. She fulfilled her dream by moving her life and family to the picturesque Lot region in Southwest France.

Their adventure to France began on a chilly February evening in 2020, as they sat by the fire in Donegal, Ireland, browsing French property listings. A video of a historic mill in the Lot region caught their eye, and just weeks later, they became the proud owners of Le Moulin sur Célé.

“It was the video that kept surfacing in our random searches—as if Le Moulin was calling out to us,” Deirdre reminisces. “It had everything we ever dreamed of—a stunning house on private grounds with a river at the end of the garden. The swimming pool was a huge draw as well.”

The choice to relocate felt almost instinctive. “The moment we realized this could be our new home and the start of a fresh project, it was a lightbulb moment,” Deirdre reflects. “The dream of moving to France was suddenly within reach.”

Was it truly that straightforward? “We didn’t enlist the help of an estate agent or look at any other properties,” she admits. “This place was our choice, or perhaps it chose us, to begin the next chapter of our lives.”

So what’s their story? Deirdre and her Swiss husband Marc have a hospitality background and sold their hotel in Donegal in 2019 after three decades. They were ready for a new adventure: “We always hoped to find a small property in France where we could pursue our passion for hospitality and tourism.”

Having vacationed in France over the years, the couple was attracted to its relaxed lifestyle. “The French value simple, timeless pleasures—like quality food, fine wine, and the lyrical beauty of the language. My fluency is steadily improving, but sometimes I experience ‘French Freeze’ when the words just don’t come,” Deirdre shares.

Coming from Ireland, the weather was definitely appealing. “Here, winters are mild, spring and autumn tend to be warm, and summers are hot (except for the occasional heatwave, which isn’t unbearable). A big advantage is being able to dine outdoors most of the year, enjoying nature.” And about the rain? “When it rains, it pours! Occasionally, there are floods when the river near Le Moulin rises, but fortunately, our buildings are elevated enough that it doesn’t affect us too much.”

Le Moulin sur Célé is a historic mill that dates back over 260 years. The main residence was constructed in 1880 and exemplifies the traditional rural heritage of the Lot region—with its pointed stone walls, oak beams, large stone fireplaces, a sloped roof, and a dovecote tower. Deirdre and Marc hired local artisans who utilized time-honored techniques to carefully restore the building’s original character.

Today, the renovated mill house and tower serves as a luxury rental villa. Its appeal spans a diverse range of guests; this summer, it attracted multi-generational families booking week-long stays. Cycling groups enjoy visiting in the shoulder season, using Le Moulin as a base to explore the Lot region by bike. “We already have several reservations for food and wine retreats as well as hiking holidays,” Deirdre shares.

The region's rich culinary traditions are a major attraction; think Quercy lamb, foie gras, magret and confit duck, cured meats, cheeses, chestnuts, walnuts, prunes, saffron, and truffles. While the area boasts turreted châteaux and medieval villages, Deirdre notes that the Lot region isn’t overly commercialized. Thanks to the pure air of 'Quercy's Black Triangle,' the night skies are exceptionally clear, making it ideal for stargazing.

Marc and Deirdre reside in a cottage on the property, which offers ample space for their three children who are currently studying at universities across Europe.

“We adore France and the lifestyle it provides us. Our venture at Le Moulin has felt like a new beginning; it keeps us engaged but not overwhelmed. We're truly enjoying life at a more leisurely pace. Our new life motto is ‘Pleasure, not pressure.’”