Welcome to the Blog

When we moved to France, we had a million questions.
This blog is where we share what we’ve learned along the way, both from our own experience and the hundreds of others we've helped to do the same. 

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    Real Talk

    How we ended up moving from America to a tiny French village with a Baguette machine.

    How we Got Here – Our Personal Story

    Life in France

    Old sink

    If you’re dreaming of owning a home in the French countryside, there’s one thing that trips up nearly every first-time buyer: the septic system report. Before you panic at that “non-conforming” label, read this.

    What Every France House Buyer Needs to Know About Septic Systems

    Life in France

    Small French town rail station with regional train

    there’s a gap between the brochure version of French rail travel and the reality on the ground — and it’s worth understanding before you choose where to land.

    The Truth About Train Travel in France Before You Move

    Getting to France

    Orange cat napping

    If you’re considering bringing your pet along for the adventure, here’s everything you need to know.

    Moving to France With a Pet? Here’s Your Complete Checklist

    Life in France

    easter eggs

    One of the first things that surprises people about Easter in France is that the Easter eggs aren’t delivered by a bunny — they come from bells.

    Easter in France: Why Bells — Not Bunnies — Bring the Chocolate

    Life in France

    Doctors office in France

    France’s healthcare system is one of the most talked-about topics among people considering a move abroad — and for good reason. Jason and I finally dove into it with this first video in a two-part series. This first installment gives you a big-picture look at how the system works and how it’s funded. Watch it […]

    Funding Healthcare, Our Faux Pas, and How to Find a Doctor

    Real Talk

    french cheeses

    When we first arrived in France, the cheese aisle stopped us cold. Dozens of types, textures, and names we’d never seen — and smells we definitely weren’t prepared for. It was overwhelming in the best and most confusing way. So I did what I always do when something new feels like too much: I bought a book.

    How We Learned to Love the French Cheese Aisle (And How You Can Too)

    Life in France

    Can you get over-the-counter medications here? Short answer — yes! But the experience is very different from what most Americans are used to. Here’s what you need to know. Pharmacies Are the Only Game in Town In France, a pharmacy is the only place legally allowed to sell medication — even over-the-counter stuff. You won’t […]

    What OTC meds can you get in France ?

    Real Talk

    Adolescent girl holding skeleton key in front of real estate agency

    We came across something recently that stopped us in our tracks — a podcast interview with Jerry, one of the owners of Clé Rouge Immobilier in Duras, France. It’s genuinely some of the best advice on buying a house in France we’ve encountered in a long time, and we had to share it.

    The Best Advice for Buying a House in France

    Life in France

    Strawberry shortcake with “charlotte” strawberries from the market.

    French Sundays have a rhythm I fell in love with almost immediately — relaxed, unhurried, built around cooking, family, long walks, and lingering conversation. Restorative in the truest sense. But last Sunday, I nearly turned one into a full-blown Christmas dinner production. Let me explain.

    Our First French Sunday Lunch

    Getting to France

    Pecan Pie

    We get a lot of questions about what personal possessions you should bring when you move to France. After a few years of discussions and emails, I finally have a one-sentence answer: Bring the things that remind you of your life before your move, or the things you associate with your particular corner of American culture.”

    What to Pack When You Move to France

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