I am an English mademoiselle who moved to the South of France with her petit copain start a new enhanced way of life.
I love latin dancing, bloggin, reading, spending time with friends and family, learning French, experiencing new experiences everyday, living close to the beach.
My boyfriend and I met in England in 2008, we danced together and then fell in love and now we are living in the South of France. We moved to France in July 2010 after my boyfriend was transfer by his company in England to be the Director of the France office. Him being French this was to make it a bit easier. Plus his hometown in the South of France.Why did you decide to write a blog?
After relocating with him, I decided that this was such a wonderful opportunity I didn’t want to miss out on anything, nor forget how things were, I wanted to ensure I could capture this journey/experience. I wanted to embrace our new life. After meeting new friends via this channel and hearing people stories I realised that my blog could also help people thinking of relocating or just need a friend. I feel my blog is one of the things I am most proud off, having never done one before and having to learn the software etc.
Who is it aimed at?
Expats, friends, family, anyone who is interested.
What are your most popular posts?
People seem to enjoy all of them.
What are your interests and hobbies?
Latin dancing Blogging Reading Enjoying time with Guilia (French Bulldog) Visiting new places Design (interior or dress) Making things Swimming Cinema There are many more
What is your favourite French Food?
Umm that is difficult as there are a few.
I guess that would have to be du pain the bread. I just love the bread, all types, each boulangerie tends to have their our too, which means you might just stick to one place to collect your daily consumption. lol
What is your relationship like with the locals?
Good, our neighbour is lovely and geniuely people are nice, especially when they see you are making the effort to speak their language even if it is badly…
What do you like about life where you are?
I love the lifestyle. Moving to the South of France is definitely changing your lifestyle, you have beautifully hot summers, not very cold winters, the seagulls kisk…kisk…. the beaches close by, the food, the wine, the absolutely stunning scenery. The SPACE, that is something that when I have been back to England I miss. The chilled way in which people go about their business. Sundays are family days…I could go on and I want to make the most of this opportunity.
What do you dislike about your expat life?
It is hard with the language barrier. Unless you know French (which obviously I understand a lot more than when I first out here..where I knew zero!) it is hard to strike conversations with people and to do some things. Obviously that is hard, but surely that is also the challenge.
What advice would you give to anyone following in your footsteps?
I would say…. simply remember one thing.
Don’t be scared instead embrace life and the things that surround you. When you feel like things are slowing down, or your mind set is changing embark on something new… i.e start a blog and write about it, it really can be good therapy too.
Bonne Chance!
Claire shares more stories about life in France through her blog Ooh La La English Demoiselle