Category: Expat

  • A Dog’s Guide to France: The Magic of French Outdoor Cafés

    A Dog’s Guide to France: The Magic of French Outdoor Cafés

    There is one thing here that I have decided is possibly the greatest invention of all time; the magic of French outdoor cafés. More specifically, outdoor cafés that allow dogs. I have decided to save the best for last the place I get to go and watch people eat. Usually…

  • Lucy’s Guide to France: A Dog’s Guide to French Farmers Markets

    I knew it was different the moment we woke up. First of all, it was light outside when I went for my first walk, which usually means one very important thing Mom is not going to work. The whole morning moves differently on these days. Slower, softer, less rushing around…

  • Living in France with a Dog: 5 Essential Things to Know

    Living in France with a Dog: 5 Essential Things to Know

    When I brought my dog with me to France, the biggest hurdle was getting here. The paperwork, the vaccinations, the approvals—all of that I shared in a previous post, Moving To Europe With Dogs .But what I did not know was what everyday life would actually be like once we…

  • Tipping in France: When to Tip, How Much, & What’s Expected

    Tipping in France: When to Tip, How Much, & What’s Expected

    Having moved to France from the United States one of the small but surprisingly confusing parts of settling here was understanding when to tip.  How does tipping work here? Is it expected or is it optional?  What I have learned is that tipping in France is appreciated but not obligatory.…

  • French Culture Tips for Expats: Conversation Do’s and Don’t

    French Culture Tips for Expats: Conversation Do’s and Don’t

    Every society has its own etiquette, its own subtle rhythms and unspoken rules when it comes to conversation. What feels perfectly natural in one country can feel slightly off-key in another. After nearly six months of living in France, I’ve come to appreciate the beautiful nuance of the French approach…

  • Resources for Expats Living in France – My 5 Most Trusted

    Resources for Expats Living in France – My 5 Most Trusted

    When you move to another country, especially later in life you quickly learn the difference between information that sounds helpful and information that actually is. Over time, I’ve learned to rely on a small circle of resources that are clear, trustworthy, and grounded in real life, not forums full of…

  • Living in France as a Retired Expat: What Daily Life Feels Like

    Living in France as a Retired Expat: What Daily Life Feels Like

    When I began researching about living in France, I approached it the way many people do when thinking about retirement. I looked at location, size, access to art and music, walkability and whether I could comfortably live without a car. Affordability mattered too. Annecy checked all the practical boxes, and…

  • Buying a Car in France as an Expat: Step-by-Step Guide

    Buying a Car in France as an Expat: Step-by-Step Guide

    Buying a car in France can feel intimidating at first especially as an expat, but it’s a very doable process once you know the steps. From paperwork to insurance, inspection, and even alternative ways to buy a car. Here’s everything I learned when I purchased my used car a few…