If moving to France on a whim sounds reckless, perhaps it is. However, I’ve learned that if you obsess about a decision, eventually, time runs out. You don’t need all the answers to startโjust the courage to take the first step. That’s where the adventure begins!
The Day Uzรจs Stole My Heart
Picture Uzรจs on a bright Saturday morning in June just over a decade ago. The weekly market was in full swing, with vendors lining the narrow streets and locals maneuvering through the crowd. There were colorful stalls everywhere with saucissons, nougat, and honey so fragrant it practically spoke: “Taste me.” In the center of it all was the Place aux Herbes.ย It was as if I had walked into the pages of a storybookโalive with the scents of lavender. The sound of water from the fountain was the finishing touch. That was the day Uzรจs got under my skin, and I promised myself, “I’ll be back.”
A Celebratory Journey
A year later, I returned to Uzรจs. This time, it was a gift to myselfโa six-week adventure to celebrate my retirement. I had a modest budget and a lot of determination. My journey would begin and end in Barcelona, but Uzรจs was the centerpiece.
The Path Unfolds
With a bit of help from Airbnb, I found a cozy apartment inย Uzรจs‘ historic center. The dates were set, and the rest of my itinerary began to fall into place, creating what would ultimately be a life-changing experience.
Why I Moved to France
Whenever people ask why I moved to France, I answer simply: “Because I could.” But, of course, it was more than that. I was divorced, my children were grown and self-sufficient, and I had done the math on what life in France might cost. The move felt like the right choice, and I was ready for an adventure.
Letting Go and Lightening Up
Leaving the States wasn’t without its challenges. Downsizing was no small task after years of accumulating things. But as I sold, donated, and stored what I could. I found freedom inย shedding all that “stuff.”
Living Affordably in France
It’s no secret that living costs in France, especially in smaller towns, can be more affordable than in the U.S. I rented an unfurnished apartment across from the Duchรจ andย had fun finding second-hand treasures to make it my own. Rent and utilities were less than I paid back home; grocery costs were comparable. And the healthcare? Don’t get me started โit’s incredible.
An Enchanted Life
These days, I often pinch myselfโI live in France. My daily life has a rhythm now. I walk to the corner greengrocer, exchange greetings with my neighbors, and linger over coffee at my favorite cafes. On Saturdays, friends gather for aperos in a courtyard, and on weekends, I can choose from exploring local markets, brocantes, beaches, and hidden villages. It’s not a perfect life, but it’s mineโand I’m grateful for every moment.
Why Not?
So, when people ask why I moved to France, I flip it around and say, “Why not?” The real question is, if there’s a dream in your heart, what’s stopping you from chasing it? Sometimes, all it takes is courage and the willingness to say, “Yes, I can.”
