Moving abroad always comes with surprises, some charming, some frustrating, and some completely unexpected. For many Americans dreaming of France, the country represents romance, elegance, pastries, and the good life. But settling into a new culture reveals a more complex reality.
In this week’s interview, we meet Lulu, a Californian who moved to France for what she thought would be a one-year master’s program… and ended up building an entire life here. From navigating French bureaucracy to raising bilingual children, Lulu’s story is a warm, candid look at the cultural differences Americans often discover the hard way.
If you’re thinking about moving to France, whether for studies, love, adventure, or a fresh start, Lulu’s experience is packed with insights that will help you prepare.
From One Year Abroad to a Whole New Life
Like many expats, Lulu originally planned a short stay in Paris while completing her master’s degree. But France had other plans.
She found her first job easily thanks to the strength of French university degrees, something many international students benefit from. She built a career, fell in love, and started a family. What was meant to be an academic detour became an eight-year journey that reshaped her life.
Her experience is a reminder: Sometimes moving abroad doesn’t just change where you live, it changes who you become.
The Culture Shocks Nobody Warns You About
Every expat faces moments that make them pause and think, “Wait… what!?” For Lulu, a few stood out immediately.
1. French Fashion: Effortless but Intimidating
Coming from sunny California, she arrived in Paris with flip-flops and beach dresses, only to meet a culture where even a morning coffee run looks like a magazine shoot. This wasn’t about luxury labels or trends, but a distinct French ability to look put-together without looking like they tried.
2. Smoking Everywhere
A challenge many Americans mention: cafés terraces, parks, and sidewalks often come with drifting cigarette smoke. For newcomers used to stricter smoking rules (like in California), it takes time to adjust.
3. “Customer Service” vs French Administration
Whether applying for visas or dealing with prefectures, Lulu quickly learned that persistence is the key. Screenshots, records, and documentation saved her from spiraling administrative issues, a common expat survival strategy.
Finding Community: Paris vs Small-Town France
At one point, Lulu moved from Paris to Colmar in Alsace. And like many expats who leave the big cities, she felt the difference immediately.
Paris
- Easy to meet people
- Large expat communities
- Diversity everywhere
- Endless activities, cafés, and events
Small-town France
- Beautiful quality of life
- Space, greenery, family-friendly pace
- But: much harder to meet international friends
Her time in Colmar taught her how important community is when living abroad. For many expats, social connections are the difference between thriving and feeling isolated.
Family Life in France: A Pleasant Surprise
Raising kids in France turned out to be one of the biggest benefits of Lulu’s move.
Exceptional Maternity Care
French maternal healthcare is famously strong, long hospital stays, follow-up visits, and compassionate medical teams. The entire experience is heavily reimbursed, making childbirth far more affordable than in the U.S.
School & Daycare: High Quality, But Plan Ahead
French childcare is excellent, but waiting lists can be long. Families moving to France must prepare for:
- Limited spots in public crèches
- Registration deadlines
- After-school care that fills up quickly
Still, the overall cost and quality of education make France a fantastic place to raise young children.
And yes, French school lunches really are as good as everyone says.
The Bureaucracy Battle: Hard But Winnable
One of her proudest achievements was navigating French immigration and residency rules without relying on a French partner.
Her message to future expats is clear: Persistence beats bureaucracy. Every single time.
Keep documentation, follow up, and don’t give up, and the system eventually works.
Money Matters: The Costs Expats Misjudge
Lulu revealed a few expenses newcomers rarely consider:
- Aperitif culture adds up. Paris has endless temptations to go out
- Childcare can be pricey if you miss public daycare deadlines
- Phone roaming can be shockingly expensive if you forget to turn on airplane mode abroad
- Transport, cultural outings, and social life are affordable but constant
Still, compared to the U.S., one area is drastically cheaper: Healthcare.
Routine GP visits, paediatric appointments, and emergencies cost a fraction of what Americans expect.
A Message to Anyone Dreaming of Moving to France
Lulu’s biggest advice? Start sooner than you think.
Whether you’re 22 or 62, the “perfect time” doesn’t exist, but the longer you wait, the harder it becomes.
She encourages future expats to:
- Learn some French early
- Prepare paperwork meticulously
- Be open to culture shock
- Build community wherever you land
- And embrace change, both the beautiful and the hard parts
Moving abroad is scary, but her story proves it can also be life-changing.
Rapid-Fire Insights From an American in France
Here’s what else Lulu revealed through her experience:
- Aperitif time starts around 6pm (a very solid answer).
- The beach will always have her heart, California habits die hard.
- “Tradition” baguette > regular baguette.
- Some French words remain nearly impossible to pronounce.
- Museums are great, but café terraces are better.
Thinking of making the move to France? 
Watch the full video interview below
Lulu’s journey is a rich example of what moving to France is really like: thrilling, frustrating, beautiful, unexpected, and deeply rewarding. Her story shows that you don’t need perfect French, tons of money, or a flawless plan, just determination, adaptability, and an open heart.
Whether you dream of studying in Paris, raising bilingual children, retiring in the countryside, or simply starting over somewhere new, France has space for you too.
🤝 Follow Lulu
- Follow on Instagram: @luenfrance
- Follow on Tiktok: @luluenfrance