Leaving to settle in the region is synonymous for many with appropriating large spaces closer to nature and achieving a change of life providing serenity, a way of immersing themselves in well-being. After the documentary series, Le Grand Move, hosted and directed by Mariloup Wolfe, here is now the book offering many tips for a successful experience.

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"This is the first documentary series that I have made and I loved the experience, I was well surrounded to dive into this adventure and it is certain that I will do others", launches Mariloup Wolfe who adds that she had to let go on various aspects.

“You don’t make a documentary in the same way as a fiction series. I like to have total control over the image, but I had to revise my plans, I wanted truth in my relationship with them and I managed to bond with people, I cried with them and I have harvested beauty and authenticity. It brought me a lot on a human level. »

The idea of ​​launching a book on documentaries is also a first experience for her.

"It completes the show, we had enriching content," she said.

Quality of life

In this Grand Move, we follow families who for the most part leave the city to settle in the regions.

Sometimes it's a homecoming, other times it's a whole new adventure.

Mariloup followed them in their project.

“Each family I have met is concerned with improving their quality of life, even if they do so for different reasons,” points out Mariloup Wolfe.

Obviously, the pandemic and telework have allowed more families to afford to go and settle in the regions in different places in Quebec. We think of the Gaspésie, the Îles-de-la-Madeleine, the Bas-Saint-Laurent or the Estrie and the Laurentians. Moreover, in his book each region is dissected for its virtues accompanied by magnificent photos.

By reading the book, we realize that the great outdoors, the mountains, the edges of the water are often favoured, synonymous with dreams, freedom or a haven of peace.

We want to hear the sound of the waves to fight anxiety, we opt for the forest to breathe fresh air, hiking becomes accessible a few minutes from the house as well as the practice of different sports.

Several tips

Before making the Big Move, it is nevertheless important to ask the right questions.

Mariloup listed them in his book. If the Grand Move is often a crush, it is also necessary to rationalize before doing it.

“There is nothing like a visit, or even several visits to familiarize yourself with a region”, she underlines.

We must also question our tolerance to cold. Winter in Quebec can be harsh, especially in mountainous terrain.

Services and leisure are also to be taken into consideration. In principle, in the region, houses are cheaper than in town, however, it will be necessary to think about perhaps getting a second vehicle.

Living by the water is pleasant, but you also have to consider the risks associated with flooding.

"For the Big Move to work 100%, I have observed that the entourage is important, in particular you have to make a new circle of friends", specifies Mariloup.

If many had certain fears before their departure, so far all the participants in the Grand Move have not regretted their decision.

“We want peace, calm, more family time and well-being and it is in the regions that they have found all that as well as a kind of inner peace. These people made me dream. I do not rule out one day doing a Grand Move again, ”she concludes.