Title: Navigating Changes: How Brexit Affects Brits in France

Brexit brought big changes for Brits who love France. They stayed as long as they wanted to stay before. But now, they can only stay for up to 90 days in every 180-day period. If they stay longer, they might get banned from the whole EU.

This change isn’t the only challenge. Brits also face longer waits at border control and have to get their passports stamped each time they go in or out of the EU. And things will get even more complicated in 2025 when Brits will need to apply for a special permit called ETIAS to enter the EU, and they’ll have to pay for it too.

For many Brits, France is more than just a holiday destination. Some fell so in love with the country that they bought homes there. But now, they’re facing tough choices. Take Evelyne Heeley, for example. She and her husband Brian bought a lovely home in southern France back in 2004. They used to spend about 140 days a year there, enjoying the French way of life.

But after Brexit, things got complicated. They tried to get long-term visas to keep up their visits, but the new rules made it too hard. So, sadly, they decided to sell their home. And guess what? It sold right away. Saying goodbye to their life in France was really tough for Evelyne and Brian. They had made friends and loved being part of the community. They also paid taxes in France every year, contributing to the local economy.

Evelyne and Brian aren’t the only ones facing this dilemma. There are around 86,000 Brits who own homes in France. Many hoped that a new law proposed by Senator Martine Berthet could help them. The law suggested giving long-stay visas to British homeowners automatically. People were hopeful, and more Brits even started looking to buy homes in France again.

But unfortunately, the law didn’t pass. The French Constitutional Council said it wasn’t allowed. This decision dashed the hopes of many Brits who dreamed of an easier life in France after Brexit.

The changes caused by Brexit have made life more uncertain for Brits in France. They now have to navigate complex visa rules, longer waits at borders, and more paperwork. For some, it’s just too much hassle, and they’re selling up and moving on.

For those who stay, there’s a sense of loss. They miss the freedom they had before Brexit. They miss the ease of traveling between countries and the feeling of being part of something bigger. But they also cherish the memories they’ve made in France and the connections they’ve formed with the people there.

Moving forward, Brits in France will have to adapt to the new reality. They’ll have to find ways to make the best of the situation, whether it’s by applying for visas, embracing the changes, or finding new ways to stay connected to the country they love.

Brexit may have brought challenges, but it hasn’t dimmed the love that Brits have for France. And for many, that love will continue to endure, no matter what changes come their way.