In this interview, we sit down with Jason & Raina (and their daughter, Juliana), the faces behind Baguette Bound, to hear how two Americans swapped life in Texas for rural France. They talk about the ups and downs of village life, navigating visas, integrating into community, and turning a sabbatical into a permanent move in the Dordogne.
If you’re an expat dreaming of settling in France, especially with family, their journey offers both inspiration and practical lessons.
Let’s dive in.
Why France and Why the Dordogne?
For Jason & Raina, France wasn’t a random choice. They’d vacationed in Europe, felt drawn to the slower pace, and wanted a place where they could immerse fully in community, language, and culture. But they didn’t start with a permanent move in mind, they tried something more gradual.
They initially planned a 12‑month sabbatical in France. The idea was low risk: try it out, see how it feels. They settled in the Dordogne region, drawn by its scenic landscapes, strong local culture, and lower cost of rural life.
By the end of the first year, they realized they didn’t want to return. Juliana was thriving in school, they’d found friends, and the slower rhythm of French countryside living felt like home. They made the leap, bought property, and cemented their roots.
Today, they live in Eymet, Dordogne, and produce content through Baguette Bound to help other families do the same.
The Reality of Village Life (It’s Not Always Romantic)
One of the most refreshing things about Jason & Raina’s story is their grounded perspective. It’s not all cheeses and baguettes, there are trade-offs, challenges, and unexpected culture shocks.
Language, Mistakes & Humility
They admit they weren’t fluent in French when they arrived. There were many awkward phone calls, wrong turns, and embarrassing moments, but they leaned into them. For them, every little victory (ordering correctly, navigating the mairie, friendly chats) became fuel for progress.
Bureaucracy & Visas
They encountered French red tape: prefecture visits, paperwork delays, and visa intricacies. But by staying patient and systematic, they navigated it one step at a time. Their advice: expect delays, build buffer time, and treat administrative tasks as part of daily life, not obstacles.
Community & Belonging
In rural France, community happens slowly but deeply. Jason & Raina describe moments like inviting neighbors for dinner, joining local association events, and being recognized in town. These small ties anchored them emotionally. They emphasize that you don’t just move to France, you become part of it.
Schools & Children
They integrated Juliana into the local French school system. She spent part time in language support classes, part in mainstream classes. Over time, she assimilated beautifully. For expat families, blending kids into schools is one of the more delicate transitions, and they handled it with patience, dialogue, and trust in the system.
Financial & Lifestyle Adjustments
Leaving behind U.S.-style income expectations meant recalibrating their finances. They lived leaner than many assume could be possible in Europe. They embraced used homes, local produce, modest car choices, and selective travel.
Some of their strategies:
- Renting or buying in less urbanized regions
- Maintaining remote income streams
- Minimizing recurring overheads
- Prioritizing quality of life over material upgrades
In their estimation, you don’t need a six-figure budget to live well in rural France, though you do need realistic expectations, flexibility, and creativity.
Tips from Jason & Raina for Future Move-Makers
For expats or families planning a move to France, their advice is practical, no-nonsense, and deeply tested:
- Start with a sabbatical or pilot stay. It lets you test without burning all your bridges.
- Learn basic French, not perfection. Even a little goes a long way in bridging relationships.
- Lean into local associations. They’re goldmines for social support, help, and friendship.
- Budget for patience. Bureaucracy, weather, property repairs, all cost time.
- Make your story your own. Their path looks like theirs; yours may look different.
What Moved the Needle
- Culture shift: The slower French pace and greater balance between life and work was transformative.
- Family stability: Juliana’s schooling and growing confidence gave them emotional anchor points.
- Local belonging: Invitations, shared meals, community trust, these made France feel like more than a project.
- Ongoing mission: Baguette Bound isn’t just a channel, it’s their way of helping others dream bigger and move smarter.
Thinking of Moving to France? Start with Their Story
Jason & Raina’s journey from Houston to Dordogne is proof that life design can be intentional, achievable, and deeply rewarding. Their path shows that:
- You don’t need to bet everything at once
- You’ll face setbacks and that’s okay
- Community, language, and small stretches of vulnerability build belonging
- The transition is ongoing, your life in France will continue evolving
If their story moves you, I encourage you to watch the video, join their community, and map out your own version of a French life. They’re not just move-makers, they’re proof-makers.
👉 Watch the full video interview below
🤝 Follow Jason & Raina
📺 YouTube Channel: Baguette Bound
Thinking of retiring early or slow-traveling France?
Reach out to FAB Expat for relocation support, residency guidance, or a real talk on what life abroad really looks like.