Julie landed in Uzès. And yes—now we’re friends.
You may recognize the story about the woman ChatGPT sent to the South of France. Julie asked ChatGPT where in France she should go at a moment when Paris—normally her happy place—felt overwhelming. The answer pointed her south, to a small town she hadn’t planned on. Uzès.
You may have seen Julie’s story elsewhere—it first surfaced via CNN Travel before circulating more widely in French media.
In this video, I’m sitting down with Julie (French Julie Travels) and my friend Prisca (life coach, Life Architecte) for an easy, unscripted conversation about what happened after that decision became real life.
Julie talks openly about burnout, sensory overload, and the question many people quietly face: Is staying where I am actually helping me? She also shares what surprised her most once she arrived—how quickly community formed, and how different daily life feels in a town where people slow down enough to notice one another.
We don’t romanticize it. French administration, cultural differences, language, and the small frictions that can make or break a move all come up—matter-of-factly, without drama.
It’s the kind of conversation that happens naturally here: three people comparing notes, laughing a little, and talking honestly about what matters when you’re considering a life change.
Watch the video below.
This conversation marks the beginning of more live discussions on French Footsteps—small Zoom sessions where you’ll meet people with real experience and practical services for those thinking seriously about life in France.
No promises. No fantasy. Just our lived experience.
Join the Conversation
After watching the video, please leave a comment with any questions you may have. They will help shape the live chat sessions coming soon. Then please join us on YouTube, Substack, and the French Footsteps group page on Facebook.
11 Responses
Hi! I just watched from Laguna Beach,CA. As an artist who has lived in France (Fontainebleau) twice for a year with my family and later for shorter periods Antibes, Carcassonne and Paris. I am considering a small village near Biarritz! Luckily to join a former friend from Laguna and best of all a month at an artist residency in her village! Thank you for the lovely chat! Not able to leave my website below!
Colleen🌺 Colleenmccallion.com
Thank you for touching base from Laguna — and for sharing your story. It sounds like France may not be finished with you yet. Living in a village near Biarritz with an artist residency and a built-in friend sounds like the ideal next chapter. Please keep in touch!
Great video! So thoughtful, helpful ladies.
Shared it with several friends. Bravo.
I really enjoyed your interviews! I am an American expat retired in Mexico a relatively smallish town, part of my reasoning at the time was to be nearer to my aging parents.
I lived in Europe when I was 18, 19, and 20 and loved the way of life. I was an au pair in France and always thought I move back to London, but having been back several times I no longer want to live in a big city. Suddenly I have several friends who are moving to France so I am investigating it for myself. Thinking of the south because I love the sun, not to sit in, but to enjoy the light. Making friends is a concern, I would be leaving the good friends I’ve made here. I have never mastered Spanish, but know enough to get around, it would be the same with French.
Hi Cynthia, thank you for your note.you’re asking exactly the right questions, especially about community. I’m working on a French Footsteps webinar series on moving to France. We’ll cover ideas for integrating into a new culture, language, housing, and building relationships.I think you would enjoy it. I’ll be sharing details here soon. I’d love for you to join us.
Hi Deborah, Julie and Prisca – Such an interesting chat! Would love to meet up or communicate. Love your ideas around retreats!
Yes! When do you return to France?
Lovely women living their best lives. ❤️
Merci!
Basically, making new friends is difficult anywhere after a certain age, (40?). In Europe, people do not move around as much as in the US, so yes, they have friends from childhood. For a foreigner who wants to live in France and have French friends, you MUST speak fairly good French. Same goes for Spain and Italy, unless you only want expat friends; in which case, why leave home?
Hi Camilia, not sure I agree with “why leave home” if you want to live in another country. That said, speaking the language certainly enriches the experience.