How to Choose the Right French City forYou

Most people pick a French city the way they fall in love: on one trip, in good weather, over one great dinner. A great trip and a good life are not the same thing. Here is how I approach these decisions, and why Lyon and Strasbourg are this week's matchup.

Tia

8/15/20264 min read

How to Choose a French City You Won't Regret

Many people pick a French city the way they fall in love. On a single vacation, in good weather, ruled by emotions. I understand because I've been there, too. I also think it is the fastest way to land somewhere that photographs beautifully and does not fit your real life.

There are so many important factors to consider. The people, the community, the jobs, the prices, the weather, the transit. Is it easy to get around town? Can you access a good airport? How long will it take to get to Paris? These are some of the questions I hope to answer in my video's.

My origin story, for those of you who don't know, started when I fell in love with watching other YouTube video's on France. Also, I am a geek for real estate and I love looking at properties, be it in France, Italy, Greece or wherever. I just love to 'travel!'

My channel started because I was researching cities for myself for a future potential move. And I got swept up. I love data and numbers, and I also love to fantasize. Yes, French Chateaux and me are a thing. It's romance!

A great trip and a good life are not the same thing

Reality is never a fantasy. BUT, it can be...

With the right data and information, exploration and facing a few of those nagging questions that we'd rather ignore. The dream is what we're after, right? But if you are serious about making this kind of a move, being over prepared is the right call.

And knowing our limitations and also knowing what would really best serve us, is where we begin. So, we need to look at the harsh realities, the numbers, the climate, how easy it is to get around, the schools, way of life and of course, what are the locals like?

And I think this is some of the best advice I've heard

Spend time in the cities you are considering. American's have a 90 day free pass. Find a region, or two! Spend a summer (or a season) staying in AirBnB's or whatever is affordable for you. Get a real feel of the local culture.

Can you get across town with ease? Do you like the local cuisine? What are the prices at the markets? Tour the schools if you have kids. TALK TO PEOPLE!!! Sit down with the local boulanger or boucher and talk to them. Sit at the café's and talk to the help or the owners. Visit the local bookshops. Immerse yourself in the life that you wish for. I believe, only then, can you truly decide on the right life for you.

And if you can't do that then you MUST connect with other expats through groups.. of which there are plenty.. and get a good sense of expat life in your desired community. There is a wealth of knowledge through these communities.. and it is where I get all my data from. I read the comments, I go to the groups, and I learn.

Then, of course, I share it with you.

This week: two cities pulling in opposite directions

This Saturday I have put Lyon and Strasbourg head to head. On the surface they look lsimilar, two well-regarded cities in the east of the country, similar climates, each extremely popular choices. But I think this video will show you how different they really are.

For me, I find that each city I cover I easily fall for. But it is always the details that define the true decision and I hope that your decision is made easier by these video's.

Bring your own life to it

Before you watch, do one thing. Picture what your life really looks like. Your budget, your work, your winters, how close you want to be to a border or an airport. Then let the comparison do its job. Pay attention to the details and immerse yourself in the life that is presented.

No city will ever be 100% perfect, but it's how the city can become perfect for you that counts.

And always remember, this is not your home Country, so it is us who must assimilate to their customs, their ways of life, and their LANGUAGE! You can do it!

And if you want it made personal, my free City Finder reveals your own top three French cities in about five minutes. It is linked right below the video.

And next week....

A special one part series on retirement in the South. We talk about Aix, Menton, Arles, Montpellier and more cities in this new video. So, I hope you stick around to watch!