Thanks, all, for the welcome. Much appreciated.
I am loving my new life in France. Where I am is rural and quiet, on the outskirts of a village in an old stone farmhouse. My cats adore it. Brought my two UK cats with me and a little French princesse has joined us too.
Since moving, I have taken up regular French lessons and have joined a local French choir and a local community social club. My French friends and neighbours are wonderful. I have found that, certainly where I am, the French people are welcoming, friendly and helpful. I managed to have a sense of "I am where I am supposed to be" within a week of moving into what is now my home.
Cordialement