Last month, I went on a four-hour hike through the snow in Chambéry, France. I put on my oversized jacket, layered up in every way, and put on my best wool socks. Equipped with a pair of leather, wool-lined boots, … Continue reading
Life in France
Adventures and Misadventures in Renovating an Apartment in Nice, France
After trying for several months to find a long-term rental apartment in Nice (a losing proposition for various reasons), we decided to bite the bullet and purchase our home. We enjoyed living in Nice, having hopped from a Home Exchange … Continue reading
Want to Renovate or Build a Property in France? Start Here
Note from the editor: Cindy Petitprez is an interior architect and decorator from the north of France, a place, she says, “where warmhearted people go hand in hand with beautiful landscapes.” Cindy contacted me with an interest in connecting with more … Continue reading
Paris is Still Just a City
In my final year at university, amidst the chaos of final exams, graduation, and a future being all mine for choosing, moving to Paris was all I could really think about. I didn’t care about making a name for myself … Continue reading
American Social Norms in France and Why They Don’t Always Translate
As children, we aren’t always taught that what is considered polite to you isn’t necessarily what is polite to another. As an American (especially one from the Midwest), I was raised with a distinct fear of being seen as rude, so … Continue reading
A Guide to Female Artisans and Business Owners in Nice
When you move to a new town, you need to start from scratch to find businesses. For grocery shopping, if you’re lucky, there will be a nearby supermarket, but other businesses may be further away from home. Having moved to … Continue reading
Moving to France as a Retiree: The Journey (Part 2)
In Part 1, I described how I applied for a long-stay visa to France as an American retiree, without any EU citizenship or job. I hadn’t mentioned two items in the visa application process: You will be asked to write … Continue reading
The Ins and Outs of Moving to France with Your Dogs
As my husband and I started sharing the exciting news about our upcoming move to France with our friends and family, many asked, “Are you bringing your dogs?” I was flabbergasted to think that anyone would consider leaving their pets … Continue reading
The Most Beautiful Place in France
I know the title may be a contestable claim, and so I will add a tiny disclaimer. The Calanque de Sugiton is the most beautiful nature reserve in France that I have seen with my own eyes. What is a … Continue reading
Moving to France as a Retiree: The Journey (Part 1)
At the age of 69, I decided to move to France. I had already lived in the Paris area in my youth, first as the child of an expat working for a US company, and then as an architecture student … Continue reading