I moved here a little over 3 years ago myself. A lot has happened during that time, both happy (I met my soulmate and we married, a wonderful French man) and then tragic and now a widower, but recovering somewhat from that. Still, finally I have been making friends with local French people. You give good advice to join with groups of like-minded people. For me, it was a horticultural society that is now nearly 2 centuries old. I love France, and the people, and just about everything here. I don't even mind the bureaucracy, at least it is clear what you're supposed to do when you read their instructions online. At least so far! One thing I've noticed in France is the absolute passion so many have for some particular interest or other. Have you noticed that too? My horticultural friends are so passionate and knowledgeable about their particular interests it's been somewhat humbling, as I had only extremely rarely met people that knowledgeable in horticulture that wasn't their profession as well. It's one of the things I treasure here amongst the people I've gotten to know. It's nice reading how well you've made a life here in France. I've come across a few other Americans that feel like I do, and apparently how you do as well. Finally, at my age, I've found a place that feels truly like home.
This comment is so beautiful. First off I am sorry for your loss. But the beauty of what you are nurturing comes through, as dors your passion. Yes I have noticed how passionate and knowledgeable the French ate at things they love or find important. It’s something I respect so much. I agree with you on the bureaucracy — and pretty much everything else you said. What a beautiful life one can have here. Bonne continuation and I am so thankful for these thoughts you shared. ✨🇫🇷✨
I'm so happy you are finding good friends in your new life. This was my case when settling in years back as well, but it's a two-way street. I think my own efforts had a lot to do with it, and I'm sure yours have come into play as well. Bravo à toi!
Finally 🤩 someone comments about this GORGEOUS cake! I have a similar mold and love the idea of using mandarin oranges … ditto the previous comments - love your writing as well.
Merci ! These cake molds! I am a very simple home baker so they are my secret to impressing guests haha. And yes, the oranges are so sweet—a great combination. I really appreciate your taking the time to write to me 😘 Greetings from Paris!
This is such an encouraging story and I am so glad things turned out this way for you! It's not so easy for everyone for a variety of reasons all having to do with individual circumstances. But you've inspired me to follow up on some of these suggestions for ways to interact with other women in France (e.g. the American Women's Group). I live a few hours away from Paris so some of these resources are not easy for me to access, but as your piece underlines, where there's a will there's a way. And Paris is in many ways a very important anchor for me. I'm therefore inspired to try harder and be more proactive, merci!
Hello! Thanks for this thoughtful comment. I agree, and believe me, I have been so surprised after living a largely anonymous life in NYC where I didn't even know my neighbors until I was moving to France and they answered an ad to buy my stuff ha!
I'm sure it's more difficult if you're not near a city--but perhaps there is a local "association" or another group you could try. And of course you'd be very welcome to join the AWG even if you don't come to every event. You could check out the calendar of activities each month and plan for the ones you might want to join and take a train to Paris every now and again? I realize that's not the kind of daily friendship we also need in our lives, but just wanted to say we'd love to have you! greetings from Paris :-)
It was a pleasant surprise. Within the first couple of weeks here, I put an ad on a social platform looking for writers in the area who might want to form a group. The response was amazing and the start of many strong friendships. And hello from idyllic Chester, CT!
Am part of a group of women who gather weekly pour etudier le francais. I think what you have done is very brave. And a delight to you. Bien fait! Sent each member of our group your histoire. They will love it. Ayez une bonne journee.
Merci merci pour ce commentaire gentil ❣️ I really appreciate your sharing as well—that means so much to me and brava for practicing French with friends—nothing better!!!
What a fun read. I have just started studying French, we travel a lot, and I could actually figure out a few words, so that was a lot of fun. I look forward to more articles.
It’s wonderful to read your happy news and French comments too. I’ve moved from London to a rural area of Scotland… fewer opportunities than Paris to gather my tribe. But! I won’t give up.
This was a beautiful, enlightening and enriching read for me! It feels like sitting across the table drinking coffee with a friend… the way you write! I am fascinated by the dream of one day moving myself, my husband and daughter to Paris. Reading this writing inspires me even more to do so! I have subscribed, and now I have YouTube videos to catch up on as well. Thank you - and please, keep on writing and capturing the moments spent in The City of Light!
This is such a wonderful message--thank you. It's interesting, I feel the same way when writing here (and although I've been a writer for a very long time, this is the first time I am writing as myself, about my own experiences). I wish you all the best in thinking about your move to France. There are always difficulties and it is an adjustment, but it's a great place to live. My number one advice would be to start the family on learning the French language now, as that will open doors and help you navigate if you do decide to move. And if not, you'll just get better treatment when you visit, because the French adore Americans who try to speak their beautiful language :-) Bonne continuation and greetings from the French countryside, where we are spending a snowy weekend in front of the fireplace!
I screw this up all the time. For example, my sports medicine doc gives me the "vous" while my kiné (physical therapist) gives me the "tu" and I have trouble remembering sometimes who gets which one haha. If you want to ask someone if you can change to the "tu," you can say, "On peut se tutoyer ?"
Yes, these two words exist and their utilization makes the communication in France a bit more complicated. But French are very forgiving for the wrong use of « tu » for English speakers.
I lived in south-west France for 8 years then everything went horribly wrong and we’re now back in the UK still licking our wounds. We lost our French dream in the most hurtful way and it’s been a massive shock. Your posts are helping to reignite the French flame. I love your positivity and enthusiasm. Thankyou!
Oh such a long story: job loss mainly (my husband commuted to France from London every weekend before that), Brexit, being targeted and intimidated by local French who were jealous of our lifestyle, illness, and then Covid. The combination of all these factors robbed us of our confidence to fight back and stay in France. So we’re in the UK and have lost everything. We rent now and are just scraping by. Our previous life was creative, exciting and productive and we were building our dream home and future. But we now have four beautiful grandchildren who bring us incredible joy. And we have food on our table and two wonderful adult children. And I remind myself every day of the horrors in the Ukraine and Middle East and be thankful that we are not in a war zone, yet.
I moved here a little over 3 years ago myself. A lot has happened during that time, both happy (I met my soulmate and we married, a wonderful French man) and then tragic and now a widower, but recovering somewhat from that. Still, finally I have been making friends with local French people. You give good advice to join with groups of like-minded people. For me, it was a horticultural society that is now nearly 2 centuries old. I love France, and the people, and just about everything here. I don't even mind the bureaucracy, at least it is clear what you're supposed to do when you read their instructions online. At least so far! One thing I've noticed in France is the absolute passion so many have for some particular interest or other. Have you noticed that too? My horticultural friends are so passionate and knowledgeable about their particular interests it's been somewhat humbling, as I had only extremely rarely met people that knowledgeable in horticulture that wasn't their profession as well. It's one of the things I treasure here amongst the people I've gotten to know. It's nice reading how well you've made a life here in France. I've come across a few other Americans that feel like I do, and apparently how you do as well. Finally, at my age, I've found a place that feels truly like home.
This comment is so beautiful. First off I am sorry for your loss. But the beauty of what you are nurturing comes through, as dors your passion. Yes I have noticed how passionate and knowledgeable the French ate at things they love or find important. It’s something I respect so much. I agree with you on the bureaucracy — and pretty much everything else you said. What a beautiful life one can have here. Bonne continuation and I am so thankful for these thoughts you shared. ✨🇫🇷✨
Thank you so much. I very much appreciate your reply.
If you come with an open mind and an open heart you’ll make friends ; both American and French.
So true and such good advice ☺️
Love this! 🩷
I'm so happy you are finding good friends in your new life. This was my case when settling in years back as well, but it's a two-way street. I think my own efforts had a lot to do with it, and I'm sure yours have come into play as well. Bravo à toi!
Merci merci ☺️💐
The cake is STUNNING!! 💫
Merci ! 🥰
Finally 🤩 someone comments about this GORGEOUS cake! I have a similar mold and love the idea of using mandarin oranges … ditto the previous comments - love your writing as well.
Merci ! These cake molds! I am a very simple home baker so they are my secret to impressing guests haha. And yes, the oranges are so sweet—a great combination. I really appreciate your taking the time to write to me 😘 Greetings from Paris!
This is such an encouraging story and I am so glad things turned out this way for you! It's not so easy for everyone for a variety of reasons all having to do with individual circumstances. But you've inspired me to follow up on some of these suggestions for ways to interact with other women in France (e.g. the American Women's Group). I live a few hours away from Paris so some of these resources are not easy for me to access, but as your piece underlines, where there's a will there's a way. And Paris is in many ways a very important anchor for me. I'm therefore inspired to try harder and be more proactive, merci!
Hello! Thanks for this thoughtful comment. I agree, and believe me, I have been so surprised after living a largely anonymous life in NYC where I didn't even know my neighbors until I was moving to France and they answered an ad to buy my stuff ha!
I'm sure it's more difficult if you're not near a city--but perhaps there is a local "association" or another group you could try. And of course you'd be very welcome to join the AWG even if you don't come to every event. You could check out the calendar of activities each month and plan for the ones you might want to join and take a train to Paris every now and again? I realize that's not the kind of daily friendship we also need in our lives, but just wanted to say we'd love to have you! greetings from Paris :-)
Janet… get a wiggle on and join in!! Have fun xx
Such a beautiful personal post Karen. So you!
Judy
Merci merci 😘
I did this very thing three years ago when moving from Los Angeles to a small town in CT. The journey of new friendships has brought me great joy.
That's wonderful. Was it a surprise to you, too? Thank you for writing and hello from the French countryside :-)
It was a pleasant surprise. Within the first couple of weeks here, I put an ad on a social platform looking for writers in the area who might want to form a group. The response was amazing and the start of many strong friendships. And hello from idyllic Chester, CT!
J'adore la carte des bises :D
Moi aussi 😘😘
Am part of a group of women who gather weekly pour etudier le francais. I think what you have done is very brave. And a delight to you. Bien fait! Sent each member of our group your histoire. They will love it. Ayez une bonne journee.
Merci merci pour ce commentaire gentil ❣️ I really appreciate your sharing as well—that means so much to me and brava for practicing French with friends—nothing better!!!
What a fun read. I have just started studying French, we travel a lot, and I could actually figure out a few words, so that was a lot of fun. I look forward to more articles.
Salut ! That’s amazing, congrats on the progress and merci pour ce commentaire ❣️Lovely to have you with us 💕
It’s wonderful to read your happy news and French comments too. I’ve moved from London to a rural area of Scotland… fewer opportunities than Paris to gather my tribe. But! I won’t give up.
Don’t give up ❣️ Your French tribe is still here 😘😘
Yes yes yes!!!! to meeting friends in Paris. New and old. <3
Judy
Oui oui !! 💕
This was a beautiful, enlightening and enriching read for me! It feels like sitting across the table drinking coffee with a friend… the way you write! I am fascinated by the dream of one day moving myself, my husband and daughter to Paris. Reading this writing inspires me even more to do so! I have subscribed, and now I have YouTube videos to catch up on as well. Thank you - and please, keep on writing and capturing the moments spent in The City of Light!
This is such a wonderful message--thank you. It's interesting, I feel the same way when writing here (and although I've been a writer for a very long time, this is the first time I am writing as myself, about my own experiences). I wish you all the best in thinking about your move to France. There are always difficulties and it is an adjustment, but it's a great place to live. My number one advice would be to start the family on learning the French language now, as that will open doors and help you navigate if you do decide to move. And if not, you'll just get better treatment when you visit, because the French adore Americans who try to speak their beautiful language :-) Bonne continuation and greetings from the French countryside, where we are spending a snowy weekend in front of the fireplace!
Thank you for your response! And enjoy your snow ❄️ filled days in the French countryside! How lovely!
J’adore votre newsletter. Ça me fait un bien fou. Mes racines sont à Paris mais j’habite à Los Altos Californie.
Merci merci ! C'est très gentil :-)
se vouvoyer and se tutoyer…. Just love these two French verbs that I didn’t know existed.
I screw this up all the time. For example, my sports medicine doc gives me the "vous" while my kiné (physical therapist) gives me the "tu" and I have trouble remembering sometimes who gets which one haha. If you want to ask someone if you can change to the "tu," you can say, "On peut se tutoyer ?"
Yes, these two words exist and their utilization makes the communication in France a bit more complicated. But French are very forgiving for the wrong use of « tu » for English speakers.
Hi Karen,
I lived in south-west France for 8 years then everything went horribly wrong and we’re now back in the UK still licking our wounds. We lost our French dream in the most hurtful way and it’s been a massive shock. Your posts are helping to reignite the French flame. I love your positivity and enthusiasm. Thankyou!
Oh non ! I am very sorry to hear that you lost your French dream. My first reaction is how?
Oh such a long story: job loss mainly (my husband commuted to France from London every weekend before that), Brexit, being targeted and intimidated by local French who were jealous of our lifestyle, illness, and then Covid. The combination of all these factors robbed us of our confidence to fight back and stay in France. So we’re in the UK and have lost everything. We rent now and are just scraping by. Our previous life was creative, exciting and productive and we were building our dream home and future. But we now have four beautiful grandchildren who bring us incredible joy. And we have food on our table and two wonderful adult children. And I remind myself every day of the horrors in the Ukraine and Middle East and be thankful that we are not in a war zone, yet.
Mare. You have a solid base to build on from. Keep the faith 🥂