After more than two decades in France, Catharine knows what expat life here is really like, from navigating French bureaucracy to embracing the slower rhythm of rural life.
In this interview, Catharine opens up about the charm, the quirks, and the sometimes comical challenges of building a new life in France. Her story is full of warmth, humour, and practical wisdom for anyone dreaming of making the move.
From London to Life by the Mont-Saint-Michel
Originally from London, Catharine has lived in France for more than 20 years, first in the southwest, and now on the windswept marshes near Mont-Saint-Michel. Like many who swap the city for the French countryside, she was drawn by space, nature, and peace.
She describes the simple pleasure of walking her dog on an empty winter beach, or sitting outside a café with a coffee and croissant, moments that perfectly capture the French art de vivre.
A Lifestyle Focused on Living, Not Working
One of the biggest differences Catharine highlights between the UK and France is the way people value time.
In France, she says, life revolves around family, food, and balance. People work to live, not the other way around. Lunch breaks are sacred, weekends are for enjoying life, and there’s an unapologetic pride in taking time for oneself.
It’s this mindset that continues to attract so many expats who are seeking a more human-centred pace of life.
The Bureaucratic Reality and Why It’s Still Worth It
Of course, no expat story would be complete without a mention of French bureaucracy.
Catharine has had her share of paper-trail headaches, from delayed Carte Vitale applications to unexpected letters from the tax office.
Her message? Don’t panic, don’t give up, and keep your sense of humour.
The key is patience and persistence, and remembering that those small frustrations fade compared to the lifestyle rewards France offers.
Falling in Love with French Food (and Its Rituals)
Food, naturally, is part of daily life and identity in France.
Catharine admits she’s happily “retired” from cooking now, her partner is a chef, but she still delights in the culinary traditions that define French life.
From confit de canard in the southwest to fresh seafood from Normandy, mealtimes are an event, not a chore. And while her British roots sometimes crave spice or a touch of Marmite, she embraces the richness and ritual of French dining.
Cultural Quirks and Misunderstandings
Catharine has built a popular online community, Survive France, where expats share experiences and advice about life in France. Over the years, she’s seen every kind of cultural misunderstanding, from confusing social etiquette to linguistic slip-ups.
Some of these mix-ups have become legendary, like the well-meaning newcomer who left an anonymous cauliflower on her neighbour’s doorstep to say thank you!
For Catharine, these moments aren’t frustrations, they’re reminders to laugh, adapt, and embrace the unexpected.
Building a Community Abroad
After moving regions, Catharine had to start over socially, something every expat can relate to. Her advice is simple: get out there.
Join local associations, clubs, or events related to what you love, photography, gardening, horses, whatever sparks your interest. Friendships in France often take time to grow, but when they do, they’re genuine and long-lasting.
And for those who crave familiar cultural touchpoints, connecting with fellow English speakers through online communities like Survive France can be a lifeline.
Finding Joy in the Little Things
For Catharine, the true beauty of life in France isn’t just in the big changes, it’s in the tiny daily moments: the smell of fresh bread, a morning market, or the sun on a café terrace.
These are the experiences that carry you through the occasional frustrations of expat life. They’re the reason so many who move to France, like Catharine, “never look back”.
Thinking of Moving to France? Catharine’s story is a reminder that expat life in France isn’t perfect, but it is profoundly rewarding. It’s about adjusting expectations, embracing cultural differences, and learning to slow down.
If you dream of building your own French story, whether in a village, by the sea, or in the heart of Paris, her advice is simple: be curious, be patient, and enjoy every moment along the way.
👉 Watch the full video interview below
🤝 Follow Catharine
- Community: SurviveFrance.com
- Podcast: France Made Simple
- Instagram: @francemadesimplepodcast
Thinking of moving to France?
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