Imagine being on holiday in the South of France, stopping by a quaint little shop, and casually purchasing a EuroMillions ticket, only to later discover that you’ve won a staggering £22 million jackpot.
Sounds like a dream, right? For one British couple, this dream became a reality, but it quickly turned into a nerve-wracking adventure as they had to devise a plan to keep their winning ticket safe for weeks while they vacationed.
The couple, who chose to remain anonymous, were on their way to a cozy rural cottage they had rented for their vacation in July. They decided to try their luck with a EuroMillions ticket at a local tabac in Bagnères-de-Bigorre, a traditional French corner shop known for selling tobacco. That purchase would end up changing their lives forever.
When they realized they had hit the jackpot, excitement quickly turned into anxiety. French lottery regulations meant they couldn’t claim their prize immediately. Instead, they were told by the lottery organizers, FDJ, that they would have to wait several weeks before they could exchange their ticket for a cheque. During this time, they had to come up with a clever way to keep the valuable ticket safe.
The couple recounted their experience, saying, “It was unreal. We couldn’t sleep at night, so we kept the ticket in bed with us. We even took it to the beach, and while one of us swam, the other kept a close eye on it.” They were so cautious that they even found creative hiding spots in their rental cottage, such as tucking it under a pile of plates and within the furniture.
Finally in August, after weeks of keeping their winning ticket safe, the day arrived when they could trade it in for a giant cheque. Their patience and creativity paid off, and they were now ready to enjoy their newfound fortune. “We’re happy to know that we’ll be able to do good around us, help our families who sometimes need it, spoil our loved ones, and travel with them,” the couple shared.
The story didn’t just end with the couple’s big win. The tabac where they purchased the winning ticket also became the talk of the town. The manager, proud of the shop’s newfound fame, shared, “Word spreads fast around here. A lot of people started coming to see me. I’ve ordered a giant banner to put on my roof, so it will be visible from the whole square. I’m quite proud.”
This incredible tale of luck, quick thinking, and a little bit of cunning is a reminder that winning the lottery isn’t just about having the right numbers—it’s also about how you handle the win. For this British couple, their unforgettable holiday in France turned into a life-changing event, and all it took was one lucky ticket.
Are you ready to take your shot at being the next big Euromillions winner?
