Moving to France: Sean's Journey from Virginia to the Côte d'Azur | Real French Connections #1

[@RetireToEurope]

Terrific interview Jen! These are the stories that inspire folks to keep going. Even when the process get's bogged down or the bureaucracy feels overwhelming. Well done! And congrats to Sean and Audra 🥳

[@frenchconnectionshcb]

Hi Tommy thanks so much for watching! More to come!

[@laurentpaumier3103]

Wow ! I'm french and love such great humility and mindset !

[@MattWhitingsEurope]

Great video. Interesting to hear Sean's story. Thanks for using some of my footage as B roll. 😃

[@frenchconnectionshcb]

Thank you Matt for giving us access to it!

[@Briochepepites]

I've been living in France 15 years and I've still to come across the so called "bureaucracy" issues. There are systems in place as in many countries and obviously different. People would rather blame the "bureaucracy" than their lack of language which in 99% of cases is the real issue. I've lived and worked in three countries, England, Canada and France with the latter being by far the easiest to navigate. From access to visas, healthcare and even planning permissions for housing - so much easier.

[@mastochabou62]

Thank you for your comments on how French have welcomed you. I do think that it's also because you have the right personality and attitude, meaning that you make all the efforts to integrate yourself and understand the French culture.

[@mohammedsharif2651]

Remarkable story and interview ❤. Enjoyed it.

[@frenchconnectionshcb]

Thanks for watching 😊

[@willnelson3362]

Inspiring story, thank you!

[@frenchconnectionshcb]

Hi Will thanks for watching! Many more like these to come so stay tuned!

[@RickFlood]

I am loving these videos. Perhaps an idea for a future one is how someone actually ships their belongings to France. This kind gentleman state he moved "two pallets" of belongings to France. Boxes stacked on top of each other and shrunk wrap? Shipped how and by whom? I think most people would opt for a pod, a metal container with double doors on one end where furniture, boxes and etc. are placed and shipped by some vessel. Any companies that did well for someone? There is also the shipping box by box, again, how was this done, who did they use?

[@tararasque932]

International moving companies will sell you part of a shipping container (1/8, 1/4...) and will ship your things to Europe. It takes about 3 weeks. It isn't cheap, but is probably more economical than you would expect. You would pack things up just like you would pack for any movers to move your things.

[@rhdrhd3255]

frejus good choice , i am from Montpellier myself was born here 👍

[@joaoalcideolenski4340]

Very well!

[@frenchconnectionshcb]

Thanks a lot!

[@ivanlefou9450]

Live long and enjoy 🙂

[@Smeowglass]

Thank you for the book recommendation! Just bought it on Amazon 😊

[@kathianderson6485]

Me too! 😊

[@7314jazzy]

Great interview, proving dreams do come true:). Happy for Sean and Audra. We are in a similar situation - my husband is American and I have both US and EU passports and we are hoping to spend 5 months EACH YEAR in Nice. I am getting contradicting answers from the French Consulate in DC: my husband needs a long stay visa AND (as a spouse of the EU member) he does not need a visa for the 5 months. Do you know which one is correct? Did Sean's wife need a visa? Thank you!

[@frenchconnectionshcb]

Hi and thanks so much for watching! You will need to apply for a EU spouse visa that can be applied for directly in France we can of course assist with the entire process. Please feel free to visit our website www.frenchconnectionshcb.com for more information and to book your consultation with us where we can outline a full plan for you. Thanks again for watching!

[@reklovjj]

Or seek dual citizenship! Born in France married an American (not for citizenship just in case anyone wonders) and that was pretty fast I’d say. My wife now ex never considered it but our Sons should they choose have that possibility anytime just by applying in French consulate.

[@MM-jv8di]

I appreciate it to know price of rental in that building & if you share name of town . I appreciate his details thank you again

[@MM-jv8di]

Thank you for sharing . If you don’t mind to share the name of building, I really appreciate it.

[@micheldaubigne7629]

👍👍👍💜

[@christinabayma119]

Sounds like a wonderful apartment building. Do you think that type of community is typical or atypical? Also while I’m learning French I worry we might feel limited with regard to outings and attending events where if we don’t know French we might be lost or bored. Do you think it’s easy to participate in events, classes, etc where English may be spoken?

[@frenchconnectionshcb]

Hi Christina we would suggest perhaps joining your local alliance française regarding french lessons. We would also recommend investing the area before moving as many parts of france are now a lot more English spoken friendly and have larger communities of expats. Equally we would suggest that immersing yourself in the language and culture also will speed learnings up.

[@christinabayma119]

@@frenchconnectionshcb thank you. We’ve definitely looked into AF and our local senior center has conversational French sessions weekly. I’m more concerned for my husband who struggles more with language learning than myself. Also sometimes you just want to enjoy something without the added stress of working your brain to understand in another language. Just be lazy sometimes. We love theater and would enjoy an English speaking play now and then.

[@frenchconnectionshcb]

@@christinabayma119 Hi Christina, The good news is many parts of France hold a lot of english speaking groups and facilities (plus it's a short flight to London if you really want an english play) we would suggest looking at international cities like Nice, Pau, Bordeaux, Paris if you want to make sure you have plenty of options. But again lots of areas have a lot of international areas these days France is getting a lot better at offering English speaking options.

[@christinabayma119]

@@frenchconnectionshcb thank you.

[@frenchconnectionshcb]

We are super happy to help! And of course can assist with any situation when moving to France stay tuned and in touch!

[@LeoLady3966]

I want to move there💓

[@MsAgatha1Eta]

Me too!😊

[@frenchconnectionshcb]

We can help!

[@Parisian71]

The so-called '' American Dream '' is to GET OUT OF THE US to LIVE in Europe !!

[@antz123-m3f]

It sounds lovely. But is cote dazur not one of the most expensive places full of disgustingly rich and soul less beings? I mean is it even possible to move there without megabucks?

[@frenchconnectionshcb]

Hi if you avoid the big places it can be totally affordable regular french people also live there and therefore things are surprisingly affordable

[@patriceveyres4490]

Have you learn and try pétanque ??😅😅

[@christopheb.6121]

Pastis first 😂