Moving abroad is a dream for many, but the leap from idea to reality comes with challenges, surprises, and plenty of paperwork. If you’re an English speaker thinking about moving to France, Leah’s 10-year journey from Texas to Paris offers a relatable and honest perspective on expat life. Her story isn’t just about scenic cafés and croissants, it’s about resilience, adaptation, and embracing the unexpected.
Whether you're preparing for your first visa application or planning your long-term life in France, here’s what you can learn from someone who’s lived through it all.
When Does Paris Start Feeling Like Home?
One of the biggest questions future expats ask is: “When will I start feeling like I belong?” For many, it's not the Eiffel Tower or the first croissant that triggers this feeling. It’s the small milestones, buying furniture that doesn’t fit in a suitcase, getting a French mobile plan, or even losing your first Parisian bike (a rite of passage in itself).
Settling in takes time, but every admin appointment and metro ride brings you closer to the life you’re building.
French Bureaucracy: Yes, It’s as Complicated as You’ve Heard
Let’s not sugarcoat it, French bureaucracy can be exhausting. Navigating the prefecture, understanding your visa type, or simply opening a bank account can be overwhelming, especially if you’re doing it solo. Leah’s experience highlights how crucial it is to prepare well in advance, understand the importance of your visa category, and avoid common mistakes, like checking the wrong box on an official form.
Pro Tip: If you can afford help, hire a relocation consultant or visa advisor like Fab Expat. It can save you months of stress and prevent costly errors.
Language Learning: Don’t Wait to Start
Many expats arrive in France thinking they’ll “pick up the language” naturally. But unless you’re living in a remote village, it’s easy to coast by in English, especially in Paris. That said, learning French early will open doors, deepen your cultural integration, and make every interaction smoother, from your doctor’s appointment to dinner with locals.
Start now: Even basic conversational skills can make a big difference when it comes to navigating daily life confidently.
Adjusting to French Habits and Culture
Living in France isn’t just about speaking the language, it’s about embracing the rhythm of local life. Here are some typically French habits many expats adopt over time:
- Table manners: Expect multi-course meals, forks in the left hand, and always wait before pouring your own drink.
- Social timing: Being 10–15 minutes late is often considered “on time” in a social setting.
- Food culture: Lunch breaks are sacred, and conversations about food can last longer than the meal itself.
Recognising and respecting these cultural nuances helps you integrate, and feel like more than just a visitor.
Building a Career as an Expat
Finding work in France as a foreigner can be challenging, especially if you’re not fluent in French. Leah’s journey shows that leveraging past professional experience, being open to reinvention, and staying persistent are key. She transitioned from education and marketing in the U.S. to tourism and luxury branding in France, growing her business and network over time.
For aspiring expats, this is an important reminder: it may not be easy at first, but opportunities do exist, especially if you're creative and proactive.
Dating and Friendships: Cultural Expectations
Social norms differ across countries, and France is no exception. From more subtle communication styles to different expectations in dating, expats often experience culture shock when navigating personal relationships.
Whether it’s realising you’re “in a relationship” after just a few dates, or adapting to the French tendency to kiss on the cheek (la bise), expect to learn as you go, and sometimes laugh at the confusion.
Tips for Future Expats Moving to France
If you’re dreaming of moving to France, here are a few practical takeaways:
- Plan your visa carefully. Understand what’s required and what each visa allows.
- Prioritise learning French. The earlier, the better.
- Keep digital and printed copies of all documents, always.
- Network thoughtfully. Join local expat groups, attend events, and don’t be afraid to reach out.
- Don’t compare your experience to others. Everyone’s journey is unique.
To Wrap it All Up
Moving to France is exciting, but it’s not always easy. From cultural differences to administrative hurdles, the expat life in Paris is full of lessons. But if you're open-minded, adaptable, and ready to embrace the ride, you’ll find it’s a journey worth taking.
Leah’s story is proof that with perseverance, creativity, and a little Parisian flair, you can build the life you imagined, one croissant (and visa form) at a time. 👉 Watch the full video interview below to hear more about her expat journey.
🤝 Connect with Leah
Want to follow Leah’s adventures and tap into her knowledge of French life, luxury travel, and brand consulting? You can find her on multiple platforms:
🌐 Website & Blog
- leahtravels.com – Her original travel blog
- leahwalker.com – Lifestyle & luxury content
- garnier-creations.com – Her marketing business
📸 Instagram: @LeahFindingLuxury
Get a glimpse into her Parisian life, luxury experiences, and travel inspiration.