When Cultures Collide
Moving from the Carolinas to the South of France was an adventure. But over ten years in, I’ve realized that I’ve created a world that’s part French, part Southern, and 100% unique. You might call it “Franco-Southern Fusion.”
The realization that I had left the South, but the South hadn’t left me, came the day I reached into my refrigerator for a chicken leg and thigh I wanted to fry. I accidentally grabbed a cuisse de canard (a duck leg and thigh) that I had intended for a French cassoulet. Let’s just say that fried duck isn’t exactly the Southern crispy chicken I was hoping for, but it’s all part of my Franco-Southern fusion adventure.
Sweet Iced Tea and Mayonnaise
Some folks might call Franco-Southern Fusion a culture clash, but I call it my French dream. When you add ice to every drink like I do—and sweeten tea with herbal syrups the French adore— you’re bound to ruffle a few feathers. But let me tell you, nothing surprises my French friends quite like my devotion to mayonnaise. You can take the girl out of the South, but you can’t take the mayonnaise out of her kitchen.
The Great Top Sheet Debate
One of the most comforting aspects of my home is my bed, complete with a top sheet and duvet. While my French friends stick to a simple duvet, I’ve kept my top sheet under the duvet as a nod to my Southern heritage. The top sheet is a subtle reminder of the comforts of home that I refuse to give up, no matter how French my life becomes.
Southern Art and French Lighting— My Unique Home Decor
Franco-Southern fusion extends to my decor as well. A painting of the Valley de l’Eure by a South Carolina artist hangs proudly on my wall. On my bedside table stands a distinctly French lamp with an American switch. I like to think of it as my home’s way of saying “Bienvenue” with a Southern accent.
Peanut Butter Pretzel Bites: A Surprising House Gift
One of the most surprising reminders of my Southern roots came in the form of a housewarming gift from a British house guest—a tub of Costco’s peanut butter-filled pretzel bites. Even she knew the treat, reminiscent of home, would make me smile. You can take the girl out of the South, but she is Southern at heart (My French friends eyed them suspiciously, but they love them like I do!)
Vive la Franco-Southern Fusion!
So, here I am, frying the wrong birds, icing down and sweetening everything, and delighting in the top sheet under my duvet. As it turns out, living abroad doesn’t mean you leave everything behind. It means you experience the joy of mixing it all up and making something new—embracing the best of both worlds.\
27 Responses
It is interesting what you are saying about a top sheet and duvet. After five years living in Connecticut we adopted the idea, especially practical now we have moved from central France to Avignon which is considerably warmer.
I can’t understand what people do without a top sheet when. During the night, it gets too hot for the duvet but you still need a cover? Go figure? Let me know if you figure it out! Thanks for confirming I’m not crazy!
Hi Deborah, I’m from Pennsylvania and moved to England six years ago with my British wife. I enjoy your articles and can identify with some of your talismans of home. I have my own funny
stories of food foibles in France.
Bart, you should send me some of your “foibles” or put it in a post for me to publish. I bet they’re priceless. Thanks for sharing!
Love this. Proud of being a true Southerner, but love anything French. The mayonnaise and the top sheet I could not live without. So jealous – wish I was there with you!!!!
I knew some of my southern friends would get it. These things are just so ingrained. I wish you would come to visit. You promised long ago!😁
My last US residence was North Carolina, but I’ve called most southern states home from time to time. I’m in Tours now imagining a move to this delightful area. I found mayonnaise without Dijon mustard in it finally, labeled American mayonnaise, but if I come back it will be with several jars of Dukes I can assure you!
I’ve learned to live without Dukes, but I’ve heard it can be found. The French mayo isn’t a bad substitute. No more room in my suitcase! Loved your note. Thanks!
And it’s Dukes mayo, right? Can you get it there or have to bring with you?
Sorry to disappoint, but not Dukes. I felt lucky to find mayo at all! The alternative isn’t bad. But I sure look forward to Dukes on my visits to the States… along with fried pickles, and various other fried things! Thanks for your note…
But Deborah, I just have to ask (jokingly of course), where do you find Dukes in France?! My southern roots go with me everywhere I go. Like you they are a part of me and my heritage. I would like to try the sweetener too.
Hi Sandra, I hear you can find Dukes some places, but haven’t found it yet. The syrups are fab! Thyme, romarin, rose petal, etc. I keep them lined up in the fridge. Looking forward to seeing you in France soon!
OMG those peanut butter pretzels are the best! Don’t share them with your French friends, keep them all to yourself 😋
Hilda keeps me supplied with them every chance she gets to return to London. Now I love them with Nutella! Great to hear from you!
I thought that we were the only ones with the top sheet problem-glad to hear that we are not alone! As for the mayo issue, I actually prefer the French style with a little mustard in it.
Hi Ben, I’m with you on the mayo with Dijon. It’s really good.. but don’t tell our southern friends!
Loving this mix. No you absolutely cannot forget Southern roots. They’re not I deep and there to stay.😊
It was frying the duck that threw me over the edge to confess all this. Don’t do it! And you’re right, you can’t replant without your roots👍
Loving this mix. No you absolutely cannot forget Southern roots. They’re too deep and there to stay.😊
I’ll be back in the US South this Spring. I can’t wait for fried pickles, okra, onion rings, chicken … the works. I’m sure if more people experienced all that, they’d be convinced, too. Thanks for keeping in touch Debra!
I’m from North Carolina but love France. If I lived there I would also have the mix.
I knew life in France would be different, but the longer I stay, the more of my southern ways come out. It’s not a bad thing, thank goodness! Thanks for confirming I’m not totally nuts!
LOL Nancy, once a Southerner, always a Southerner, I guess. I’d love to know your other habits that have been hard to kick. Drop me a note.
Although not living in France, I continue to embrace my southern creature comforts. I rejoiced when Duke’s mayonnaise hit the shelves in Colorado. First tasted mayo for dipping frittes in on trip to Amsterdam. Love it. In my humble opinion, no bed should be without a top sheet😘 Now if I could just find some good liver pudding outside of NC, would be in 7th heaven.🤣
Going to have to pass on the liver pudding. Never liked it. I’m guessing you might like Spam, too? Looks like we can’t take the South out of us, can we. Hope to see you on one of our travels? Thanks for keeping in touch.
Yes to that top sheet! Mayo, iced tea, not so much…
Sounds like we need to talk. You’ll have to try the iced tea on our next visit together! Thanks for letting me know to prepare.