Life at La Bastiole: An American Family in Provence

american in provence

Expat woman Gourmet Expat mum

Two years ago, I quit my job as a museum curator in Washington, DC, and moved with my family to a village in Provence. My husband works for the local office of a large American company; my twin daughters go to a French school. I hike and cook and garden and entertain visitors and walk the dogs and write about what it's like to be an American woman living in France right now.

Tags: Family life, French food, Village life, French schools

The author

labastiole

Two years ago, I quit my job as a museum curator in Washington DC and moved with my family to a village in Provence.

Comments

Hi, first time here; considering buying a home in France and being semi-retired. I'm a yoga teacher and make jewelery as a paying hobby; I'm sing.e 55 yr. old woman; very active and fell like a change. I'm so new to this I don't even know the conversion of a dollar to a euro. LOL. Think I could sell on ebay in France and teach some yoga classes there for a living? Thinking somewhere south of France. How do you like it; people friendly? How long can you stay; I do have an Irish citizenship I just rec'd 2 yrs. ago as grandmother was born there and wondering if that would help me in purchasing a home or being able to stay there if I initially do not have a job. Thanks for your time.
by cubby52 on 08/11/2008 at 06:44:55

Hi there--Good news is that the dollar is stronger this week! I don't know about selling on eBay in France; I know that eBay exists here, of course, but don't know the mechanics of how it works. One thing to be aware of is that postage in France is quite a bit more expensive than in the US, and also less reliable (strikes), and, furthermore, that cheaper options like UPS are not cheaper. With an Irish passport, you could perhaps get a work permit--with a US passport, unless you are sponsored by a business it's quite difficult--but that's something to look into. Otherwise you could work off the books--but would need to find studio space I imagine. How's your French? The more French you have the better--it really opens doors. We live about 40 km west of Nice in a small village where there are a lot of retired Brits. The anglophone community offers a lot of support. The French are like people everywhere: some are lovely and some aren't. On the whole, though, the energy is pleasant and quality of life is great. Comment again if you like and I'll respond. Good luck!
by Mme Marron on 10/11/2008 at 20:21:57