How Moving to France Changed My Life| American Expat in the French Riviera Celebrates 2 Years Abroad

[@jml4774]

You look 100% more relaxed this year compared to last year. The change is remarkable.

[@DelightsbyDawn]

I think so too!

[@CharlesGerard-y9v]

Bonjour Dawn, je suis un ancien combattant à la retraite. Je vous ai trouvée sur tik tok. Ma famille est originaire d'Haïti, je parle donc déjà français. J'étais dans l'armée de l'air et j'étais stationné en Allemagne et j'ai pu voyager en France quand j'étais en congé. Alors quand vous dites que vous vous êtes senti plus à l'aise quand vous êtes allé là-bas, je comprends tout à fait. Je comprends aussi que la nourriture en Europe est tellement meilleure. Alors quand les États-Unis disent que l'inflation n'est pas aussi grave en Amérique que dans d'autres pays, je sais qu'ils mentent. Merci beaucoup pour ce que vous faites, et j'ai été ravie de parler avec vous. Vous entendrez parler de moi à nouveau. Ciao

[@bakonwheel1]

I have been a semi-resident in Nice on Rue Massena since 2000. I met your friend Marsha when I was in Nice in May and she told me about you and your move to Nice. I’m usually in Nice from May-June. I have been telling people about Nice and France for the last 25 years and why it should be number one on their list for a move from the US. I have many friends that I have brought with me to the South of France for visits and they all can’t believe how this jewel evaded them all this time. Everything you have said is my assessment as well which is why I still love my stay and now that I’m retired I will make a permanent move soon.

[@DelightsbyDawn]

Marsha is my girl. We met in french school. We both love our lives here.

[@justpassingthrough-f7c]

I understand wanting to share your joy in finding a new place you love. But when you encourage everyone from where you're from to move there, guess what? It just might end up like the place you left.

[@user-kk5mz6ly6p]

You have made me realize I can retire outside of the US. South America or Europe is in my view. Thank you, thank you!! Ur my INSPIRATION!!

[@DelightsbyDawn]

You so welcome!

[@extravagantchristianappare5095]

And that's my thing at 64, looking for a better quality of life

[@DelightsbyDawn]

Thats what its all about!

[@user-kk5mz6ly6p]

You look FABULOUS!! Love the hair! You look at peace.

[@DelightsbyDawn]

Thank you so much!

[@plum2230]

Spent 3 weeks in Nice and loved it. I felt so good when I was there.

[@Jess-A]

Dawn, France is a good look for you dear heart. Thanks for always sharing your storyline. All your hard work shows. Keep shining bright Queen.

[@DelightsbyDawn]

Thank you so much!

[@its_cinnamoni]

Jess you are everywhere my future expat friend. :-). we share similar you tube channels.

[@Jess-A]

@@its_cinnamoni You have good taste. These girls are so genuine.

[@clarissarusso9793]

Congratulations on your 2 year anniversary! I am in the process of planning myself it will take me 4 years to get to Nice. I have know for a while that I would not be able to retire where I live which is NYC. I love NY but I am over it the stress of work, the rising cost of rent, food, transportation, the crime, worring about the safety of my child. My child will be 18 when we move, she'll enoll in a French University. I want to be a citizen of the world. Thank you Dawn for these videos they are helpful in getting the snice of what life is like there.

[@DelightsbyDawn]

Planner coming soon

[@mmayo2518]

I love this video! I purchased your planner! I am planning to retire to Nice next year. I am a teacher and will retire with my pension , then I’ll have to go back to the United States to apply for my Social Security. I’ll be 61 when I plan to come to Nice, so it won’t be a long wait. I’m coming in February to visit. I had decided to retire to Paris, which I visited and loved… But I also love water and whenever I vacation, it’s always near water, so I decided to check out Nice instead. Thank you so much for this video very informative.

[@DelightsbyDawn]

So happy you are making this big move!!!!! Congrats! Thank you for purchasing the planner.

[@annegormely6003]

My husband and I just came back from Nice last night. We weren’t really there for vacation, we were there to get a feel for what it would be like to live there. We spoke with someone who helps Americans to move to Nice. Our decision is made. We will sell our home and apply for long term visa. Just found your channel.

[@DelightsbyDawn]

Wonderful! Good luck.

[@parisienneatheart]

You just earned a new subscriber. I loved how you are completely honest about how you don't need that anymore, that hustle and grind! And unfortunately, when you do move abroad and you're thriving, some people that you were once friends can't relate to you anymore and you have changed, which is completely normal. That means that you have grown into that new life that you have created for yourself abroad. A healthier one at that!

[@DelightsbyDawn]

Thanks for subbing! It has truly changed my life for the better!

[@lovedayharris3010]

Joyeux Anniversaire! Ton francais est super and thank you for sharing your journey. My husband and I are now learning French and planning to move to Nice soon. We loved it so much we’ve been there 2x this year and at our last visit, we fell in love with a place. I am looking forward to meeting you someday. Merci beaucoup! Abientot

[@DelightsbyDawn]

Merci!!!! Bonne chance!

[@lovedayharris3010]

Update! We secured a place on Promenade des Anglais. Hope to bump into you soon!

[@DelightsbyDawn]

@@lovedayharris3010 Wonderful.

[@debrapaper2]

Hi Dawn, I am always amazed at the genuine kindness of people in the south of France - so very different than the States.

[@DelightsbyDawn]

Yes they are!

[@blktauna]

The quality of food in the US is appalling. I can drink cream in Europe but am very lactose intolerant in the US. This tells me its not the milk. There's also sugar in EVERYTHING in the US. You are so on point with the mentality. That stress is insidious.

[@JenniferQuick-z2t]

You just popped up in my feed, and instantly I was intrigued! Love your honesty and directness. I subscribed!

[@DelightsbyDawn]

Welcome aboard!

[@rachelb9952]

We just came back from Nice last week and absolutely fell in love. Wish we would have had more time to explore but had to return to the rat race. We are so over the US and dream every day how we can make the move to south of France a reality. I agree with everything you said. Life is too short to be working 10-12 hour days stressing. I love how the French close their shops up for a 2 hour lunch break and enjoy themselves. The only people I saw on their phones around me while dining out were Americans. I wanted to rip their damn phones out of their hands 🤬. You look so happy and relaxed! Kudos to you girl!

[@ddixon6108]

Congratulations on your 2 year Anniversary!

[@DelightsbyDawn]

Thank you!!

[@loriannmckeever3752]

Happy Anniversary! Thank you for sharing your journey! I'm excited to get there myself!

[@DelightsbyDawn]

Thank you so much!!

[@its_cinnamoni]

Dawn ! I've got you locked in here and on Tik Tok. Subscribed to both. Fellow Atlanta girlie here... but not for long. Inspired by you and several others to make a new life happen abroad. Thank you sister!

[@DelightsbyDawn]

Yaasss! You can do it!

[@michelles.280]

Yep I agree, and saying the same… I probably will not make it one more year let alone the years left til reaching retirement age

[@DelightsbyDawn]

I could just imagine and it's getting worse.

[@robintillotson5665]

Well Done! Can't wait for the planner to come out. Congrats!

[@DelightsbyDawn]

Me too!!

[@SueIsRetiringToFrance]

Just got you in my feed! I Lived in Atlanta/Roswell/SS for over 20 years before moving west in 2008. Now I am in TX, retired in June, and moving to southern France next year! I'm at A2. Lots of progress needed ahead! Congrats on two years. And I, too, am a TdF fan!! Great video. (Sue) And please vote!!!

[@DelightsbyDawn]

Welcome aboard!

[@pb26]

Hi Dawn! I always enjoy your videos. Two years went by too fast. I will purchase your book and gift it to my daughter. I'm retired in Thailand but I'm hoping France will speak to her for future travels. If not France, maybe a place that makes her happy. All the best Dawn!

[@DelightsbyDawn]

Please do! Thank you

[@bjjack5760]

Dawn thank you. You are upfront and in your face with honesty.

[@DelightsbyDawn]

Only way I know how to be.

[@andreaanase9585]

Happy 2 year Anniversary🎉! I know what you mean about safety on the trails in ATL. I was chased on my bike on the Silver Comet very scary. Looking forward to moving to Nice in fall 2025. You continue to inspire me.

[@DelightsbyDawn]

Yeah, I actually went on past of that trail for all of 5 minutes because I didn't feel safe. Good luck on your move. I will soon be offering consultants to help folks figure out how to apply for their VISAS.

[@shinebright311]

Great video! I'm so glad I found you. I'm currently living in Atlanta looking to move to France. Nice is one of the cities on my list.

[@AdaliaAborisade]

so happy for you!!!!

[@angielu3273]

my inspiration came from you. i am now in the beautiful Aveyron. i am struggling a bit but it is a good struggle. go girl with your French language ! I'm proud of you.

[@DelightsbyDawn]

Awe thank you so much. The new struggles are part of your adventure. Put a positive spin on it and it will work out!

[@Didi-ir1gr]

Hello my darling 🤩🤩 j’apprécie ton vidéos toujours

[@DelightsbyDawn]

I moved from Atlanta(trashlanta, lol). Make sure you get the planner when it's published on Oct 1st. I have my tips and information that will be needed and helpful in your planning.

[@MichelleLynnThompson]

Congratulations, Dawn❤

[@DelightsbyDawn]

Thank you

[@willnelson3362]

Dawn, I love your videos. I wish you made more. It looks like you may be right off of Place Masséna? Wow, what a location! I passed through a few years back and have nothing but positive memories. I'm counting the days until I can make a similar move...

[@DelightsbyDawn]

Trying to get better with my channel and upload more frequently.

[@clavel040281]

Hopefully Dawn youll get to apply for the French citizenship when youll be eligible to do so! Congrats. Bravo pour le Francais cest superbe

[@DelightsbyDawn]

Planning on it!

[@LisaNazarian]

What a brilliant, honest video. Brava!!

[@DelightsbyDawn]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ArleneAndHakan]

I love you!!! Thank you so much for this video. I’m saving up $ to move to nice and can barely wait.

[@DelightsbyDawn]

You got this!

[@carriebrown8929]

Happy Anniversary Dawn 🎉

[@DelightsbyDawn]

Thank you.

[@richardcorona3564]

You really do see the differences!!! Glad you had the French experience!!! The level of relaxation vs GO GO GO in the US is so obvious when you experience it first hand. And not being that oncoo ed in politics is freeing

[@neoavant6984]

I found you by watching Stephanie Perry...glad to see you are doing well.

[@DelightsbyDawn]

Thank you.

[@gg13308]

great video, very happy for you. I have not been to Nice yet, but it’s on my list

[@np8173]

Hi Dawn. I just arrived in Nice this past Sunday in that crazy storm. I am studying at AF and went to the grocery store and noticed the same thing - prices are a 1/3 of what they are in the US. I was shocked. Hope to see you one day on a walk and look forward to your planner.

[@DelightsbyDawn]

Sounds great!

[@michelesauret7779]

Bravo pour votre intégration, vous êtes superbe ❤

[@DelightsbyDawn]

Merci beaucoup 😊

[@isabelortega6303]

I love the way you explain things, you look awesome.I’m planning to go to Nice and would love to meet you.

[@PatriciaBerlinerMA]

Congrats! Inspiring video

[@DelightsbyDawn]

Thank you

[@JRose-zk1ni]

Congratulations Miss Dawn!!🙂. You look soooooo incredibly relaxed and HAPPY!! I no longer live in the states either - my family and I have been living in Canada for a minute now and we love it. We're in Quebec. We are working on getting a small place in the south of France (my husband is originally from France) to use as a rental but to also spend time there at least 3 to 4 months of the year ( just have to get how we're going to do it work wise). My hat goes out to you for BUSTING the move girl!!! LOL. Love that you created a journal too!!! Are you still baking? Keep sending the video my dear!! WE LOVE THEM!!

[@DelightsbyDawn]

Yes still baking but for fun not business. Changing my business model.

[@JRose-zk1ni]

@@DelightsbyDawn You go Dawn!!☺️ Keep reinventing, 'cause that's what I'm trying to do now!

[@DelightsbyDawn]

@JRose-zk1ni Reinvention is great! I've always done it like every 3 years or so but this was the biggest one of all.

[@shannonh333]

Wow! You look GREAT!!! No, you're not exaggerating. That's my problem as well. I live in a nice neighborhood in the US. However, it does not matter - I'm very nervous about going for walks by myself here.

[@user-kk5mz6ly6p]

Love you Dawn!!🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@SinnamonS]

I’m so proud of you and I greatly enjoy following your journey! With lots of love your “Burberry” 😉 Shes truly the Queen of this thing yall 💕💕

[@DelightsbyDawn]

You have been so awesome!!!

[@janinemartinhill2338]

So happy and proud of you!!! You look wonderful and peaceful!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@DelightsbyDawn]

Thank you so much!!

[@daraccent]

Congratulations Dawn! I am from the US also. Hopefully I will get myself to France too in the near future! :)

[@DelightsbyDawn]

Best of luck!

[@thepsychedaily]

Happy to see a fellow Niçoise! Great vibes!

[@DelightsbyDawn]

Always!

[@acoldone7994]

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts!!!🥰🥰

[@DelightsbyDawn]

You are so welcome!

[@mariadelegeane3143]

Thank you for sharing. Your video is inspiring.

[@DelightsbyDawn]

You are so welcome!

[@genisefulton8968]

Hey Dawn, Nice looks good on you ! I’m still planning to visit in March 😊

[@DelightsbyDawn]

You should!

[@jennysoto7063]

Love your video.

[@DelightsbyDawn]

Thank you!

[@monnica7005]

🎉 Congrats! Would you mind sharing how you built community in France? I'm considering a move to Lyon from Indianapolis.

[@DelightsbyDawn]

Actually FB groups, meetups, Instagram. The fb groups are great. Look for an expat group in Lyon. Join a couple of them.

[@Youtubedisco]

Hi Dawn! You look and sound great!

[@DelightsbyDawn]

Thank you so much

[@SherelleWallace]

Cheers from Eleuthera, Bahamas!

[@MrAranha]

Love this

[@DelightsbyDawn]

Hey

[@patrickmcbrearty1528]

You look great, FYI. France obviously agrees with you.

[@user-kk5mz6ly6p]

Put the planner on KZbin as well so we know when to look for it!

[@DelightsbyDawn]

I will

[@JaCaraKM]

Bonjour! I am from Chicago and I have a home near Beziers. I travel to France 3 times a year but I want to work towards my French residency. I was thinking of trying to get the student visa first because the monetary requirements aren’t as difficult for me to achieve. I also really want to improve my French. Would you recommend going through an agency to help with that since the bureaucracy is so bad there? I have a lot of anxiety about completing the process on my own. Everything you said I 💯% agree with. I cry every time I have to come back to the US because I have so much more peace in France. Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@DelightsbyDawn]

Thats a good plan but the student visa time unfortunately won't go towards the years req for citizenship but you can always change it once you get here.

[@crayzymum]

Hi Dawn! Enjoying your videos. Couple questions and if they are someplace in another video pls let me know. First is there a reason you got a student visa instead of a long stay visa? And second, did u look at any language schools besides AF? What made you pick AF? I’m looking at staying in Montpellier while I explore moving to France and I hear there are a couple of language schools there. Not sure what makes a good fit. Thanks!

[@DelightsbyDawn]

The student has more perks than the long stay for me. Alliance is the best for me in this area but maybe there are cheaper schools in Montpellier. Since that is a college town, you may be able to find a course at the university cheaper than other private places.

[@ebonieriley8309]

Your accent is wonderful.

[@DelightsbyDawn]

Merci

[@camiller4916]

Wow, u look Gr8. I just found u and subbed. I can’t eat a whole ass burrito anymore either, but I still live in the US. I will be visiting Nice in a couple weeks, looks like a nice area

[@DelightsbyDawn]

It's stunning!

[@YogaBlissDance]

IS your PLANNER "move to France only" or general...?

[@DelightsbyDawn]

General. It's for anyone thinking about moving abroad no matter what country.

[@enigma4649]

I'm dying to leave the U.S. especially since we're close to retirement but there are so many options. How did you know that Nice was the place for you?

[@DelightsbyDawn]

Visited a couple times and it just hit my spirit

[@ebonieriley8309]

Please now that you've been there 2 years, Can you so a cost of housing and utilities, food......Thanking you in advance

[@DelightsbyDawn]

If you are on tiktok, I have an entire video on that.

[@bjjack5760]

Dawn I’m in Toulouse trying to get a place within my budget in Nice. Would you recommend the Leeds group?

[@DelightsbyDawn]

No. My guy is french riviera house hunters. Fabricio Carminati.

[@bjjack5760]

@@DelightsbyDawnhad contact with Fabio and was informed they no longer handle rentals. Should I just get an agent? I won’t need anything until November. TIA

[@DelightsbyDawn]

​@bjjack5760 that's strange because I just spoke to him a week ago and he told me they were doing rentals again. There is a shortage in Nice. Try looking in the fb expats in Nice group where people list apts they have for short-term rentals.

[@bjjack5760]

@@DelightsbyDawn oh, I spoke to him before I left the states . I will try him again I think I still have his information. Waiting for your next informational video on the process of renewing your visa.

[@DelightsbyDawn]

@bjjack5760 coming soon. Will upload when I get the approval for a complete video.

[@YogaBlissDance]

DAWN you are new to me but to grow your channel- reach out to collaborate with the move abroad KZbinrs like Stephanie Perry, Picky Girl Travels the World etc... now I'll watch the video. Love that you are like "this is home" some folks say oh I go "home" and I catch that like hmmm soo you are not really settled.... Goddess also get a mic or move a bit closer to your computer- for VOLUME, actually it's the background noise I'm realising. VIDEO ABOUT making friends, fitting in etc.

[@DelightsbyDawn]

I know both ladies and have collaborated with them before. There is actually a video on my channel with an interview I did with Picky Girl.

[@camiller4916]

The traffic noise was actually a bit stressful for me! I sub to a channel where the woman lives in Paris and she uses a little mic with some fuzzy stuff on the end and that makes the sound pretty good

[@DelightsbyDawn]

@@camiller4916 I have all the equipment I need thank you.

[@ebonieriley8309]

Is it Dawn Privette?

[@DelightsbyDawn]

?

[@lindylee1139]

How did you make friends? I’ve heard it can be difficult in France.

[@DelightsbyDawn]

If you are on tiktok I have an entire video about that topic. My handle is Delights by Dawn. I may post that video on this channel too.

[@moniquetaliaferro638]

Did u have to leave and go back to stay longer?

[@DelightsbyDawn]

No

[@SirFigNewton]

Dawn: I've been researching how people voted in the whole Riviera area. Living in the US I have to stay out of heavy Republican areas to minimize the number of racist experiences I have. I noticed Marie Le Pen received from 50%-70% of the vote when looking from Nice to Cannes, from the coast to inland about 100 miles. My question is what has your experience been like living there? Are you running into a lot of racist people? I had planned to move someplace in the Riveria but decided to move elsewhere in France when I realized how people voted. I'd appreciate your perspective if you feel comfortable sharing.

[@DelightsbyDawn]

I know you see the numbers but you can't base that on how it will be living here. It's different from the U.S. I have not had ANY problems here. Also to be honest, YOU will not be the person having that particular problem.

[@SirFigNewton]

@@DelightsbyDawn Thanks Dawn. I really sincerely appreciate your feedback. Its a perspective that's nearly impossible to obtain remotely. Its immensely helpful.

[@DelightsbyDawn]

@@SirFigNewton I have two guys I know here that are AA and I will be doing a video with them(if not at least one of them)soon on their perspective living here in France.

[@SirFigNewton]

@@DelightsbyDawn Looking forward to that!

[@daoistdansah54]

Pas de lunettes?! Et nous...on parle anglais...pas besoin de sous-titres! :)

[@RickyHicks-s3v]

So what do you do for income?

[@DelightsbyDawn]

Remote work

[@user-kk5mz6ly6p]

Hey Gillian is trying to connect with you. Just fyi. I think her # has changed but her husband’s # is still a good #.

[@DelightsbyDawn]

?

[@DeeSully-zj1xn]

Thank you I'm moving to France by 2026. New sub living in Atlanta right now ready to leave

[@DelightsbyDawn]

Welcome!!! Get my planner on amazon- My Expat Planner- Manifesting A New Beginning. I also included information to help you to figure out what is needed.

[@slicksalmon6948]

What do you do for income?

[@DelightsbyDawn]

I do remote work consulting.