Living Your Dream in France: French Footsteps Q&A

Welcome to the first in a series of interviews with my friends and neighbors in France, aimed at helping Americans, especially those 55 and older, who are considering moving to France. Today, I’m chatting with Paula, one of my first and closest friends. She and her husband, Rich, have transformed their love for France into a fulfilling life here in Uzès. Their journey offers invaluable lessons for anyone considering making France their new home.

Discovering the Perfect Place to Retire in France

The Barefoot Blogger: How did you and Rich decide on France, and what led you to living your dream in France?

Paula: Our journey started in the late 90s when we first vacationed in France. We explored many regions—Dordogne, Loire, Burgundy, Normandy, Brittany, Alsace, the Riviera, and Provence. Each place had its unique appeal, but it wasn’t until 2007, when we explored Languedoc, now known as Occitanie, that we found our true place. We rented a small vacation home on the edge of the village of Bastide d’Engras in the Gard Department. It was peaceful, surrounded by vineyards, and a perfect retreat from our busy lives in California.

As we kept returning, our connection to the area deepened. By 2013, we spent months here, renting different homes and immersing ourselves more in the local culture. But it was our time in Uzès that truly felt like coming home. We loved the town’s charm, markets, restaurants, and the sense of community. After experimenting with different locations, we realized that Uzès, with its blend of vibrancy and tranquility, was where we wanted to be.

The Allure of Uzès: A French Town That Feels Like Home

The Barefoot Blogger: What drew you specifically to Uzès?

Paula: Uzès was a revelation. We had spent years exploring rural France, thinking that a quiet life among vineyards was what we wanted. But after spending time in Uzès, we realized that town life suited us much better. The medieval charm of Uzès, its lively markets, great restaurants, and the opportunity to take French lessons made it a perfect fit. We enjoyed the social interactions that town life offered—the chance to walk everywhere, meet people, and feel part of a community.

During our extended stays, we practiced our French, made friends, and fell in love with the rhythm of life here. The town is beautiful, but more importantly, it’s a place where we felt we could truly belong. When we decided to rent that flat overlooking the Place du Duché, we knew we were committing to a new way of life.

Making the Move: From Vacationers to Residents

The Barefoot Blogger: How did you transition to living in Uzès full-time?

Paula: The transition happened naturally. After renting in Uzès for a while, we spent most of our time here and less time in California. We sold our desert house and furniture, intending to split our time between a new apartment on the California coast and our place in Uzès. However, the more time we spent in Uzès, the more it felt like home, and eventually, we decided to make Uzès our primary residence — which is when we met you, Deborah.We moved into a larger apartment in town, which gave us more space and a greater sense of permanence. Now, we only return to California for short visits to see family, who now, instead, come to visit us in France.

Retiring in France: Living the French Dream

The Barefoot Blogger: What have been the biggest joys of retiring in France?

Paula: The lifestyle here is a dream come true. We love that we can walk everywhere—to the market, a café, or just to visit friends. Uzès is the perfect size—not too big, not too small. It’s vibrant and full of life yet still retains a peaceful charm. We’ve made wonderful friends, both French and expats, who have enriched our lives in many ways.

Initially, we thought we’d retire to a quiet country house, but Uzès offers the perfect blend of social interaction and tranquility. Every day, we feel like we’re living in a postcard, surrounded by beautiful architecture, lively markets, and a community that feels like home. The town has everything we need—restaurants, shops, cultural activities—and it’s all within walking distance. It’s a lifestyle that’s hard to beat.

Why Retiring in France is Different: Lessons Learned

The Barefoot Blogger: What lessons have you learned that others should know before moving to France?

Paula: One of our biggest lessons is the importance of trying out different locations before settling down. We spent years renting in various parts of France before we realized that town life suited us better than rural life. Whether it’s a country cottage, a small village, or a bustling town like Uzès, you need to live in each location to understand what works for you.

Another important lesson is to be flexible. What you think you want might change once you’re actually living here. We thought we wanted a quiet country life, but it turned out that we craved the vibrancy and social life that a town like Uzès offers. It’s also important to be realistic about what life in France will be like—it’s not a panacea, and your problems won’t magically disappear because you’re in a beautiful place. But if you’re open to the adventure, it can be incredibly rewarding.

Navigating Life in France: Challenges and Rewards

The Barefoot Blogger: What challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?

Paula: The challenges are real, but so are the rewards. Learning French has been one of the biggest hurdles, especially when making phone calls or dealing with French bureaucracy. We’ve taken French courses, but it’s still a work in progress. Sometimes, it’s frustrating, especially when navigating the complexities of French paperwork or communicating effectively in everyday situations.

We also miss certain American conveniences—things like large refrigerators or specific products that aren’t always available here. But we’ve learned to adapt. We’ve embraced the French way of life, which often means shopping more frequently at local markets, cooking with fresh ingredients, and enjoying a simpler yet richer lifestyle.

Despite these challenges, the rewards far outweigh the difficulties. The warmth and acceptance from the local community have made all the difference. We’ve built a life here that feels deeply satisfying, and the sense of belonging we feel in Uzès is something we wouldn’t trade for anything.

Making Friends and Building a Social Life in France

The Barefoot Blogger: How have you built a social life in Uzès?

Paula: Building a social life was initially challenging, especially with the language barrier. But once we moved into the town center, it became much easier. We made a conscious effort to get involved in the community—attending local events, joining clubs, and simply being present in the daily life of the town.

Being outgoing and proactive is one of the best ways to make friends. Don’t wait for a social life to come to you—you must go out and build it. Joining local clubs, attending markets and events, and striking up conversations can lead to lasting friendships. We’ve met people through mutual friends, at social gatherings, and even just by chatting with neighbors. The people in Uzès, both French and expats, are welcoming and open, and that’s made a huge difference in helping us feel at home.

Embracing the French Lifestyle: A Rewarding Experience

The Barefoot Blogger: What advice would you give to Americans over 55 who are considering moving to France?

Paula: My top advice is to rent before you buy. Spend at least two or three months in the area you’re considering to get a feel for it. Understand why you want to move to France—don’t consider it an escape from your problems. France offers a wonderful lifestyle, but it’s not a cure-all. Be flexible and ready to adapt to new ways of living.

Moving here has been one of our best decisions, but it requires a spirit of adventure and a willingness to embrace the unknown. If you’re flexible and open-minded, the rewards are immense. Living in France has enriched our lives in ways we never expected—through the beauty of the surroundings, our friendships, and our deep connection to this place.

For Americans considering this move, I’d say to approach it with a sense of exploration. Be willing to try different things, live in different places, and adjust your expectations. Moving to a new country isn’t just about finding a new home but creating a new life. And that takes time, patience, and a lot of curiosity.

The Barefoot Blogger: Thank you, Paula, for sharing your story. Your journey is inspiring, and your insights will undoubtedly help others thinking about making the leap to live in France.

California grandkids at Pont du Gard

First apartment in Uzès

Friends and neighbors in the early days

Holidays in Antibes

One of our favorite Uzès spot: Ma Cantine and Thierry

Paula at new apartment in Uzès

The Barefoot Blogger: Stay tuned for more interviews in our “French Footsteps,” where we’ll continue to explore the experiences of Americans living the dream in France!

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