Everything You Wanted to Know About Living in France.

                 

 

A few days ago I asked you what you would like to know about France. Holy Moley the response was fantastic. I have been trying to answer them either by word or photo. I soon realized that at this rate I could be answering questions about France until I am ninety. So I decided to put my head to the computer screen and make today a marathon answering questions sort of day.... here it goes:

This year we are looking for a house in Provence for the holidays. Do you have any recommendations for villages? Any information will be greatly appreciated. Posted by: Kurt 

Aix en Provence, Avignon, Lourmarin, Apt where you can stay at La Madone, or Uzes, Barjac, or Arles.....

 Any photos that would help me know how to achieve the "French look" in my home and my clothing would be appreciated. Also, I'm wondering about French made skin care products and wonder if you have any preferences and if it's available in the USA.  Posted by: Pam

I asked my daughter Chelsea to take some photos of the style in France (clothing) as soon as I have her photos I will post them. Though with that said... the "French Look" ----ah these Frenchwomen just have the know how, I think it is in their DNA. They can make jeans and a t-shirt look chic.

As for skin care products? I am the last person to ask I use soap & water and whatever lotion is in the drawer.

Is it essential to speak French to get along ok? Posted by: sandra blanks

A smile goes a long way. If you are here on vacation a smile and a few words will do....thank you (Merci) How much (Combien) and of course, Bonjour and Aurevoir. If you are in France to live...language is essential...especially with a good pair of lips that can pucker up and blow out.

What is it that we dream so fondly of living abroad? Is it really that different than here in the states? Posted by: jody 

Maybe dreaming is what keeps us warm at night?

Yes, it is different, both are good and both have room for improvement. France has history and it gives structure...where America shows the possibility in its newness.

 Is it really cold in January? Posted by: nel

You are asking a native Californian is it cold in France in the heart of winter? Yes, I am always a bit cold even in the summer.

Is there anything about France that you dislike? What was your biggest adjustment other than not speaking the language. Posted by: Elaine L. 

Oh, gee must I say it? When I first moved to France there were a hundred things I didn't like... but now I have grown accustomed to most of those things and they don't bother me. With that said the hardest things to adjust to where: 1) Spending what seems like hours to say goodbye to everyone when one is ready to leave. 2) The taxes. 3) The ice cream. 4) The lack of good Mexican food. 5) The school system in regards to the late bloomer and creativity expression. 6) That the word NON said in French seemed so dead end, wherein the USA it seems a challenge to go beyond it. 7) The American attitude, "Where there is a will there is a way." I missed that the most. 8) Parking.

My biggest adjustment was... 1) My mother in law. 2) That the French seemed more self-contained, more reserved, calmer... my personality seemed like a little puppy barking in left field. 3) (And) that I wasn't as independent as I thought I was.

 What is the word for "pub"? Posted by: Christine

I think Cafe would be the place best to describe PUB, though Bar is the word.

 I bet there is juicy village gossip, no? hee hee...Posted by: Amy

There is a Peyton Place or Desperate Housewives in every town mine included. 

What is chic there now? How are they wearing their hair? Jewelry? Posted by: Chelsea Gwynne

Flow-y blouses, prints, wallpaper, mixing old with the new, hair seems to be shaggy and going longer in front and shorter in back, Chunky jewelry, dyed hair even when you aren't grey, cool glasses, More to come when my daughter sends photos....

Also, who keeps your quaint little town clean? Posted by: Hasmin

A whole team of street keepers, garbage collectors, and the maintenance crew in lime green.

What is the weather there like? Posted by: denise

Mild early fall weather. Sunny with a few puffy clouds.

I am thinking Northern Italy or your area of France...what do you think? Posted by: Mo'a

France because we could be neighbors!

Living in France? How do YOU pronounce croissant? I have always left out the R. In Australia they leave it in, sounds odd to me:) Posted by: herhimnbryn

Without the R.

When did it feel like you belonged? After 22 years and 14 in your little town, do you still feel 'other' and keenly aware of your American-ness, or has that faded? Do you ever hear your beautiful kids speak French flawlessly and marvel at the fact that they are your children?

Posted by: Fanfan

About ten years. I felt I belonged when a man (who then became a good friend of mine) asked me how to cook celery at the grocery store. I was flattered to think he thought I was a Bonne Femme (a French woman who knew her cuisine.)

My children always amaze me, that is what love does to a mother.

 Is it hard for Americans to find work in France?

Posted by: Charles

Without a Carte de Sejour and a French a working visa it would be very hard to find a job.

Could you tell us more about the water?
Where does it come from and do you fill pitchers with the water and bring it home for drinking? Posted by: Miz

People do collect it from the fountains in plastic jugs to take home. I don't. Most people buy their water or have water filters in their homes (we have a water filter.) The water is safe, even from the tap without a filter. The water in the fountains come from the natural springs underground and the household water comes from reservoirs.

Are there any art galleries near you? Or maybe you have a favorite one? Posted by: Kayla 

In Marseille, Aix, Arles, and Avignon there are many. Though I do not have a favorite.

 Have you ever seen the Tour De France? Posted by: Martha

Yes. I even rubbed elbows with Lance Armstrong. I wonder if he remembers me?

Do the French freeze or refrigerate their bread to preserve it? Or is it just like a baguette a day and throw out whatever you don't use? And do they make a fuss about carbs like they do here in America?!

Posted by: Uberburber

Yes, though most who live near a bakery and bakeries are everywhere buy it daily. Few throw it out as they eat it. The French, for the most part, have healthier eating habits.

How difficult is it to live there is one is self-employed? What do you have to do initially? Loads of paperwork? Posted by: Wish I were there

Hard. A ton of paperwork, heavy taxes and like any self-employed person a great deal of motivation and determination.

What is like being American living there full-time? Have you grown more French and less American? Posted by: Debbie

I don't see myself as a foreigner. Though with that said it is different to live in a country when you know you are not going back to your country of birth to live. I do not feel more French or Less American. I have taken the best of both places and created my own special place called home. Or one could say I know how to survive.

With that said I am more defensive about France, I try to promote it and see the good it has to offer... especially because in the beginning I wasn't as positive about it.

 I know when I visited England they had small refrigerators which made the frequent trips to get food a necessity, is that the same in France? Posted by: Ariane

When we lived in a studio in Paris we had a refrigerator as small as an ice chest. In Chelsea's apartment, she has a small refrigerator. As our home got bigger so did our refrigerator. Most food is still packaged in small quantities.

How far is your village by train from Paris? Posted by: Alina

Seven hours by car, three hours by the TGV train, or over an hour by plane.

Do you live in a house to yourself or shared? Do you live upstairs or down or both? Posted by: stljoie

We live in a house that shares walls with other houses. The walls are stone walls that are six feet thick. Our house is on three floors (a natural stair-master workout).

 Do the bakery smells waft up towards your home? Posted by: m

Depends on which way the wind blows. Though I do smell my neighbors' cooking, which makes my mouth water just thinking about it... Often I want to go to their homes and eat!

 

I love the different color shutters. I think maybe I've read here that the colors have different meanings? Is that true or am I really crazy. Posted by: Janet 

I don't know if that is true, though I am going to check that idea out. If it is not true maybe I'll start making something up about it. Let's see there are cranberry shutters, pale green shutters, lavender shutters, and several variations of blue shutters to name a few... though pastel shutters rule in my neck of the woods.

 What method of learning (French) would you suggest? Posted by: Cindy

The best way to learn French is to fall in love. My niece was in love with Michael Jackson, by the time she was 12 she spoke English by listening to his songs.

Are there any bookstores or antiquarians in your village?

Posted by: Anna Bluebell

No. Though I save money because of it.

What does your dreamy neighborhood look like at Christmas? Do your neighbors in France go all out with holiday lights like we do here? And do neighbors visit each other often, and ask for that occasional "cup of sugar"? =) Posted by: Beachy

No, the French do not "go all out" like they do in the States at Christmas. But the shops downtown do and it is beautiful.

Yes, neighbors visit each other and do borrow the occasional sugar. But they are also very respectful of privacy. Rarely would they stop by at unannounced or at the hour of meal time.

 How large is it (population)? Do most of the people who live there work there also, or do they commute to Marseilles or other places?  Posted by: Star

My town has 5000. Most commute. Sacha my son commutes to Marseille to go to Lycee (high school) it takes him nearly an hour (we live twenty five minutes away)

1. Is this small village one of those places where everyone knows everyone? I guess I'm asking about the contrast between small town France and small town America, where you grew up.

Yes, for the most part. Small towns can be like fishbowls? In my hometown (in California) everyone knows everyone and everything about your private life... especially if you were born and raised in the area. It is the same in France.

2. Is it difficult to live in a place where space seems to be at a premium and where there is no grass or gardens surrounding the homes? Posted by: suzanne, the Farmer's Wife  

We live in the country, like most small towns in France the center is tight and compact and the wide open spaces are a stone throw away. It is not like living in a city where it takes a car to find natural, wide open spaces.

Nevertheless, living in Europe one senses space differently and values the sense of freedom it offers.

Several of you asked about Mattieu and Eva.... I am biting my tongue... I am sworn to secrecy, and cannot talk about them until they give me permission. Darn it.

I want to know, does all of your town look like that - filled with lovely old homes and little fountains, or is there a modern section, or even a housing development of boring tract houses? Posted by: Mary

The town's center is hundreds of years old. Though outside the center there is a new section, and a housing development happening as I type.

If you have read through all of this you are amazing and far too loyal. Tomorrow there is a guessing game as a special treat for your effort. The winner will take home the guessing game object.

 

Comments

[Anna Bluebell]

Gosh! What a great post. The best Provence guide ever :-)

I used to visit France every year for such a long time, but not any more. Prevented from real travels I so much enjoy your blog.

[Jeanne]

Ooh La La keep these fabulous french lessons coming our way.
I love them
C'est cool
Love you

[herhimnbryn]

Wwwwwwwwwonderful. Thankyou. I KNEW the R was left out. Merci dear C!

[Dee]

wow...wonderful post! I feel like I just finished a two hour history lesson!

[Diogenes]

Corey,

Do you know about The Paris Blog?

It is a wonderful joint effort by 20 or so Americans living in Paris.

Here is the website:

http://www.theparisblog.com/

[Rosemary]

I'm telling you Corey, you should write a book about France. It's so interesting and fun!! I love it all!! I keep saying that, but it's true.
Thank you for all of your wonderful answers.
Rosemary

[kay]

I think you should have a prize for ploughing through all those queries!!!
My brother is has been living and renovating a very rural property in the Gers region and your lovley pictures remind me of my visits there....I however am truly hopeless with the language and like you say.. smile a lot!!!

Thanks...ops!! Merci!!

[Alina]

You are amazing for taking the time to answer some really good questions. Great reading.

I love O-Chateau blog - it is hysterical.

[Marcie]

Wow, Corey, you did answer alot of questions,,thank you,,,I think I will read it again! I am a loyal, but no pressure, you don't "have" to post everyday,,sigh,,ok I'm lying,,I am addicted to your post. You are a real gem, I am so ready for a guessing game. Thanks for the other links too! Blessings in your day!

[Wandering Chopsticks]

I plowed through it all. It's interesting to see what others are curious about. And I soooooo want to know what happened with Eva and Mathieu. I sense a happy ending. :)

[Ladelle]

Thank you Corey. So wonderful reading it all... How long did this take you?? You are really amazing in more ways than one...I hope to meet you in France one day and share a capuccino and croissant in your village cafe.It would be a lovely dream come true!

[Candy]

I read it all. I loved it. You're a wealth of information! Thanks for sharing. I don't think my 16 year old son would make it to school if he had an hour commute. :o) But I could be wrong. Tell Sacha I think he's amazing.

[Denise]

Dear Corey,
I appreciate that so many other blog friends asked you all these questions. Thanks for taking the time to answer. It was a very enjoyable post to read.
Your blog is a lovely daily treat.
Denise
(Which by the way, is prounounced more like Deu..neez by all my french speaking relatives.. (if I spelled that sound out correctly.)

[Star]

Corey, the effort you've taken to answer so many questions is SO appreciated! I love picturing all the things you talk about. Can't wait for tomorrow's guessing game...

[sonrie]

So informative - thanks for carefully answering all the questions!

[Paula]

Corey ~

I thoroughly enjoyed this post. How kind of you to so patiently answer all these questions.

I've always wondered about the kiss the cheek thing they do....???????????? Is there a protocol for which cheek to kiss first? And I notice it is one cheek, the other cheek and then back to the first one.......is this just a greeting upon meeting or is it also done at departure????? Is there historical significance to this custom?

[Betty C.]

What a MAJOR post!

I would add that beyond the Carte de Séjour, being really fluent in the French language seems to be awfully important, especially in smaller towns -- perhaps more so than truly mastering English in the UK or USA is for finding a job.

[Kas]

Enjoyed every bit of it Corey ~ Thank you for taking the time to respond to all the questions.

[Di Overton]

Wow Corey, well done. You really have captured the essence of the place. Go and put your feet up you deserve it :)

[Colette]

Chapeau!

What a great post. I read it all and I pronounce you Madame la Franco-Américaine!

The best of both worlds.

xoxo

[Massilianana]

Oh Corey ,I read all the questions and I loved them . They show so much interest and curiosity , this feels so good . I find it so nice of you to answer all of them . The question about the best way to learn english made me laugh but I can assure your reader Cindy that it's true : for me it was Frank Sinatra who did the trick , his diction is marvellous ! ;-)

[Dawn]

Very interesting post...
Of course, I read it all!!!

Happy Monday, dear Corey...
xo

[Jackie]

What kind of heat do you have? is it a fireplace? Do you use fans in the summer?

[Beverly]

I read it all...and I'm neither amazing nor loyal!

I just love your stories!

[Mountain Dweller]

I totally agree with your best method for learning French. Nothing can beat it!

[Just Plain Jane]

What a lot of time that took, to do the entry you posted today. I read it all, too, and my heart flew across the water. I've only visited France briefly and would like to think that one day I might return. Meanwhile, I have your daily blog to look forward to.......your efforts are fully appreciated.
Thanks.

[Maddy]

Thank you Corey, that was so great. I think I love your town, natural springs and hundred year old homes, sound devine.

Now I have a question, do you ever post photos of your street, not to point out your home, but to see your view.

[nancy]

always manage to sneak it in huh? ;0
xxnancy

[cheryl]

"I have taken the best of both places and
created my own special place called home."
Corey, I am a transplant from NY to South Carolina and I will take your quote as my mantra. I miss the north, especially when it comes to my politics. The south has been my home for 19 years, am I supposed to be miserable because I'm no longer a "New Yorker"? Isn't life what we make it, after all? I am coming back to France for a visit if it is the last thing I do and you and I will drink wine with our handsome husbands! That is on my list of things to do before I'm 50. (I'm 43 and a half)

[Robi from Willows]

Awesome post my friend! I'm addicted to your blog and have forwarded it on to about 20 of my closest friends. Thanks for taking the time to answer all of those questions with perfection. It was like a non~boring, wonderful lesson... ;)

[Beachy]

Thank you for answering all of these questions, Corey! Now as for Mathieu and Eva... I understand you are sworn to secrecy, so here is my guess: they are getting married and don't want us to know until AFTER the ceremony! =))))))))

[Uberburber]

oh, my cup is full now - love that you took the time to answer all these questions. And thanks for including mine! Can't wait to see your daughter's pics.

[Lynda]

Wonderful post, Corey! I spent a summer studying in Nice many years ago and remember our first breakfast there. A bowl was placed in front of us and we wondered where the cereal was! We quickly learned that un bol is for coffee. I'm sure Madame was left shaking her head at our manners during those first few days! Some day I hope to visit Provence again.
xo,
Lynda

[Kimberly]

Thank you Corey for your patience with all of us who want to know everything! Blessings, Kimberly

[kenju]

We were in Paris for 2 days and saw Versailles, too, but I don't really feel as though I've been there, since the trip was so short. I'd really love to go back and spend some time in smaller cities, as well as Paris. I enjoyed reading your answers. You are so generous with yourself.

[JO]

Absolutely fascinating... loved the questions posed and the answers... thank you for taking us through many of the French traditions and its lovely history...

Tres Magnifique!!!

HUGS

JO

[Marva]

Corey - it was such fun to read everyone's questions and all your answers! You must have been on the computer for hours! :)

[Heather]

Corey,

I loved reading through all the questions and answers you gave in this post. I have a romantic view of France and nothing you said dispelled my ideas. hehe

[Linda @ Lime in the Coconut]

Oh...I read every word! how absolutely, well...French!

Thank you!

[Miss Sandy]

Like most of your loyal readers, I too read every question and answer. Thank you for taking the time to quench our curiosity. Your guessing games are always fun, I anticipate it.

[Vicki]

What a fabulous french lesson....thank you Corey!!

[Vicki]

What a fabulous french lesson....thank you Corey!!

[sandra blanks]

Corey, How perfectly wonderful of you to answer so many questions. It's so great to be able get a transplanted American's view of France, knowing you can kind of see it as we would. Please keep giving us all these great little French "lessons".
Your blog is such a pleasure! Thanks for you generosity.
Hugs,
Sandra B.

[Elaine L.]

When my daughter was in middle school, she learned to read and speak Japanese by reading and watching Japanese Anime.

I recall seeing a few housing developments when I was in France, however they were still very French to me.

~elaine~

[Hasmin]

Corey, thank you for the multitude of answers, to the great questions asked of you. I'm loving France so much more...one thing though, are washing machines/dryers smaller than their American counterpart?

[carol]

Oh, Corey, thanks so much for all of your answers! I think we'd all love to be expats for, at least, a little while ;)

How delightful that perhaps love is still in the air for Mathieu and Eva.

[Alison Whittington]

Corey, this has been delightful to read.

I am so glad to know I am not the only one who wonders about the intricacies of daily life in other places, like whether or not people commute!

[Wendi Kelly-Life's Little Inspirations]

Corey, That was wonderful! Thank you for taking the time todo that!

My husband has been to Paris three times this year and now there is the possibility that a transfer could happen. Reading that was very reassuring!

[Debbie]

Thank you for taking the time to answer my question and so many others!

[Merisi's]

I greatly enjoyed reading through your post,
in the course of the day. All very interesting questions and answer. The question about "identity" is probably the one that is most intriguing to me. I feel myself at home in and a sense of "loyalty" to more than one country, and see this as a gift and enrichment.

Reading the question about the quality of water, I feel incredibly blessed. The water here comes straight from deep within a mountain, and is therefore of superb quality. No shlepping gallons of spring water for decent tea! I am surprised at the fervor with which Austrians like to buy bottled water, though, but it is an innocent enough indulgance. ;-)

[Sheala]

Greetings Corey,

Thank you for all your "French Lessons" our Mom's will have such a great trip there next year!

XOXOXOXOXO,
Sheala

[Carole]

"I have taken the best of both places and created my own special place called home." - beautiful!

[heather]

wow. that was amazing. you bring the details to life, and remind me so much of living in sweden. some traits the europeans just share i guess. ah, now i'm homesick :)