Relocating to a new country is never just about paperwork, flights, or logistics, it’s about adapting, reconnecting, and redefining home. In our recent video interview, we sat down with Sarah, a proud Ohioan and pastry-loving Parisienne, to talk about her journey from the Midwest to the heart of France. With a baby in tow and a passion for community building, Sarah shared candid reflections about motherhood in France, French bureaucracy, culture shock, and staying grounded in her American roots.
Here’s what expats can learn from her experience, and why life in France isn’t always as daunting as it may seem.
Cultural Adjustments: From the Midwest to the Métro
Relocating to France means getting used to subtle yet significant differences in social norms, language, and even timekeeping. American expats quickly notice the contrast between French reservedness and American warmth. What might initially seem like aloofness is often just cultural nuance, people in France typically take longer to open up, but relationships often deepen once trust is built.
Punctuality is another shift. While showing up early is considered respectful in many parts of the U.S., in France, arriving right on time, or even a few minutes late, is more culturally acceptable, especially in social settings. Over time, many newcomers adjust to the slower, more deliberate rhythm of daily life in France.
French Healthcare: More Accessible Than You Might Expect
Healthcare in France often surprises new arrivals with its accessibility, quality, and affordability. Maternity care in particular is a stand-out example. Expecting mothers benefit from a system that prioritises continuity of care, personalised attention, and clear communication, especially if they speak the language.
Compared to the U.S., many find the French system easier to navigate once they’re enrolled. The process of finding care providers like midwives or specialists is usually straightforward, and most services are covered or reimbursed under public health insurance (la sécurité sociale) and complementary private insurance (mutuelle).
Public Holidays and Slower Seasons
One of the most unique aspects of living in France is the country’s approach to public holidays. There are many of them, and they are taken seriously. When a holiday falls on a Tuesday or Thursday, many people take the “bridge day” (faire le pont) for a long weekend. This can be charming, but it’s also something to plan around, deadlines may shift, offices may close unexpectedly, and progress on administrative matters can stall.
Expats quickly learn to track the French calendar carefully, especially in May, a month packed with public holidays. Building in flexibility and patience becomes key.
Bureaucracy and Paperwork: Expect the Unexpected
Administrative procedures in France are often seen as a rite of passage. Whether applying for a visa, exchanging a driver’s license, or registering a birth, the process involves more paperwork than many expats are used to. Lists of required documents are not always complete, and appointments can be delayed by missing a single page.
The best approach? Prepare ahead, over-deliver, and keep both paper and digital backups of every document. It’s not unusual to be asked for additional paperwork that wasn’t mentioned in advance. Building a habit of saving everything, tax returns, pay slips, residency cards, can save a lot of stress.
Adapting to the Pace of French Life
Living in France is an opportunity to embrace slowness. Long lunch breaks, extended weekends, and a general prioritisation of quality over speed are part of the rhythm here. While this can be a stark contrast to the fast-paced culture in places like the U.S., especially cities focused on efficiency, it becomes one of the most appreciated aspects of French life.
Expats often find themselves gradually letting go of rigid schedules and learning to enjoy unhurried meals, afternoon coffee on a terrasse, and even a missed bus as an opportunity to slow down and observe the world.
Finding Community: Making Connections as an Expat
One of the more difficult aspects of moving to France, particularly to Paris, is making friends. French social circles often date back to school years and can feel impenetrable at first. However, this doesn’t mean that friendships aren’t possible, they just require a bit more effort and time to cultivate.
Community-driven events and social networks for expats are invaluable. Local meetups, language exchanges, and women-led groups create space for shared stories, support, and genuine friendship. Even brief social moments like apéro (pre-dinner drinks) can become powerful ways to bond with new acquaintances.
Daily Life & Simple Joys
Life in France isn’t just about admin and adaptation, it’s also about joy in the everyday. Whether it’s a morning espresso on a sunny terrace, a walk through a neighborhood market, or watching the world go by from a park bench, the French art of savoir vivre, knowing how to live well, is woven into the culture.
Even transportation, though occasionally delayed or confusing, becomes part of the experience. Riding the bus with a stroller, for instance, may come with challenges, but it’s also a scenic way to take in the city.
Sarah’s Tips for a Smoother Transition to France
- Document everything: Keep paper and digital copies of every important file, especially for visas, insurance, and taxes.
- Plan around holidays: French public holidays affect everything from appointments to delivery services, always check the calendar.
- Join expat communities: Whether online or in person, these groups offer invaluable support and connection.
- Embrace the slow life: From leisurely meals to flexible deadlines, learning to slow down will enhance your quality of life.
- Be prepared to “read between the lines”: Official documents often don’t tell the full story, ask questions and anticipate extras.
Final Thoughts: Life in France Has Taught Sarah…
When asked to sum up what she’s learned, Sarah didn’t hesitate: “Life in France has taught me to slow down.”
From embracing long conversations at cafés to navigating the nuanced, frilly beauty of the French language, she’s learned to appreciate the rhythm, rituals, and quirks of her adopted home, without losing sight of her roots in Ohio.
Watch the Full Interview
Sarah’s story offers heartfelt lessons and practical advice for anyone considering a move to France, especially fellow Americans balancing nostalgia for home with the thrill of discovering a new culture.
👉 Watch the full video interview below to hear more about her expat journey, her favourite hidden spots in Paris, and why a good casserole can bridge continents.
🤝 Connect with Sarah: A Buckeye in Paris
You can follow her journey and access helpful tips through the platforms below:
- 🌐 Website & Blog: abuckeyeinparis.com
Explore detailed guides on French bureaucracy, cultural integration, and expat parenting. - 📸 Instagram: @abuckeyeinparis
Get a daily peek into Sarah’s life in Paris, along with practical tips and expat reflections. - 📘 Facebook: A Buckeye in Paris
Join the conversation, share your experience, and connect with other members of the expat community.