Moving to France is a dream for many, but for Ellen, it became reality when love brought her across the Atlantic. In this interview, we explore her journey, from studying French in school to blogging her expat life in Paris, offering insights into adapting, integrating, and thriving in France.
From Connecticut to Paris: A Move for Love
Originally from Connecticut, USA, Ellen first arrived in Paris in 2009 as a student of French. Captivated by the language and culture, she returned to France multiple times before finally settling in Paris in 2019 to join her French husband, just before the COVID-19 pandemic. They started their life together in a studio apartment, a test they passed with flying colours: “We survived that… we’re still married!”
A Lifelong Passion for French
Ellen didn’t arrive in France without preparation. Her journey with French began at the age of 12, when she decided she wanted to become a French teacher. That early determination led her to study French extensively throughout her school years, including immersion programs and advanced coursework in university. Her deep interest in phonetics helped her master pronunciation to such a degree that she's now often mistaken for a native speaker.
Language learning, however, wasn’t without challenges. Ellen emphasises that confidence, not grammar, is often the real barrier for learners. Understanding French may come with study, but speaking it comfortably takes regular practice, trial and error, and a willingness to be corrected.
Her top tip? Practice speaking as much as possible, even if it feels awkward at first.
Cultural Adjustments: Slowing Down & Embracing Paperwork
Despite being no stranger to France, Ellen still had to adjust to some deeply ingrained cultural differences. One of the first shocks was the slower rhythm of daily life. Stores and services typically open later than in the U.S., and long lunch breaks can still feel surprising. Over time, though, she’s learned to embrace this more relaxed pace.
Navigating French bureaucracy, on the other hand, remains a consistent hurdle. From visas to healthcare enrolment, the paperwork in France is infamous. Ellen stresses the importance of staying organised: digitising documents, keeping backups, and being persistent with follow-ups. French admin offices do get the job done, she notes, but rarely on the first try.
Living the Parisian Life
Ellen quickly found her own rhythm in Paris, developing favourite neighbourhoods and routines. One of her most vivid memories is from her first day in the city, buying a warm baguette from a local bakery in the early morning hours. That moment of simple joy stuck with her, and she still finds herself gravitating toward bakeries and cheese shops as her go-to indulgences.
She recommends exploring lesser-known areas like Canal Saint-Martin in the 10th and 11th arrondissements. With its mix of trendy cafés, parks, and local bars, it offers a vibrant, community-focused experience away from the typical tourist routes. A unique suggestion she often shares with visitors is to take a boat tour along the canal, which provides a different perspective on the city and a relaxing way to soak it all in.
Mastering French Through Immersion
While Ellen’s academic background laid the foundation, it was daily life in France that truly sharpened her language skills. Living in smaller towns during her teaching assistant placements helped accelerate her fluency, particularly because English was not widely spoken in those areas. Grouping with other international language assistants and committing to speaking only French proved invaluable.
Her success didn’t rely on her French husband either, his work in IT means he often speaks English during the day. Instead, Ellen attributes her progress to being proactive, seeking out practice, and engaging in everyday conversations with locals. She encourages other expats to do the same, stressing that even broken French is welcomed when delivered with effort and sincerity.
Travel and Discovery Beyond Paris
Despite having explored Paris extensively, yes, including the catacombs, Ellen still finds herself with an ever-growing travel bucket list. Recently, she enjoyed a road trip through Brittany’s northern coast, taking in dramatic seaside cliffs and charming small towns from the comfort of a camper van. Mont Saint-Michel stood out as a highlight, offering both stunning views and historical intrigue.
Next on her list is Lyon, a destination she’s yet to visit. The city’s culinary reputation, Roman architecture, and vibrant cultural scene make it a tempting choice for a weekend escape by train.
Advice for Future Expats
For those considering a move to France, Ellen offers a few key tips:
- Stay organised with paperwork: France loves documents. Scan everything, create backups, and be ready to show the same piece of paper multiple times.
- Practice speaking regularly: Real-world conversations—even with mistakes—help build confidence and fluency.
- Expect delays: Bureaucracy moves slowly, but it usually works. Follow up without frustration.
- Join a community: Local groups, online forums, and expat networks can make the transition smoother and more enjoyable.
Thinking of making the leap to France? Let Ellen’s journey remind you that with patience, passion, and a bit of paperwork, it’s more than possible to build a beautiful life abroad. Watch the full interview below:
Where to Find Ellen
Follow Ellen’s expat adventures on her blog, American in France, and on Instagram. Her content blends practical advice with personal insights, helping other newcomers navigate life in France with humour and honesty.