What I LEARNED about life in France AFTER I moved

It’s impossible to know exactly what life will be like in another country no matter how much research you do ahead of time. Your experience in France will be uniquely yours and you’ll learn so much after you move abroad. Only after living abroad for a bit can you look back and reflect, so that’s what I’m doing here... Let’s get into a few examples of things I learned about life in France after I moved including some little things about French culture and some hard-hitting things too that might surprise you about living in France as an expat or immigrant.
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Salut! I'm Diane, the American behind the living abroad lifestyle blog Oui In France. My channel's focus is "Everyday French life and beyond," so let me know what you want to see! I make videos on French culture topics, food, travel, language, and give you my thoughts about what it's like living in France as an American in the Loire Valley. Thanks for being here and if you enjoy this sort of thing, please share with friends and subscribe!
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Photo credits:
Voitures sans permis: Shutterstock.com/NeydtStock shutterstock.com/Art Konovalov
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Grammar Nazi: shutterstock.com/Svetlana Kutsyn
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traffic shutterstock.com/Gary Perkin
Toll booth closeup shutterstock.com/ Chris worldwidehouse
key shutterstock.com/shisu_kapharmacy
bag: shutterstock.com/Zoriana Zaitseva
woman holding medicine shutterstock.com/hero Vesalainen
french guy shutterstock.com/wavebreakmediafashionable
woman shutterstock.com/Victoria Chudinova
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French characters shutterstock.com/Sabelskayastereotype
cartoon french man shutterstock.com/Vector pro
cancer treatment: shutterstock.com/goodbishop
Debt papers: shutterstock.com/Rawpixel.com
Caterpillars: shutterstock.com/Protasov AN
(white background) shutterstock.com/Maximillian cabinet (nest)
driving animation shutterstock.com/ MicroOne
#lifeinfrance #americaninfrance #livingabroad

[@FrenchTwist]

in travels all through France, the people were welcoming, friendly, helpful, kind and DID NOT SMELL BAD.

[@samwisegamgee6532]

That’s a shame ! Being French I can’t be sorry enough. Tourism is a major economy asset for us and we should always try to meet tourists’ expectations. That’s why now, as a welcoming I will stop taking showers and I will start insulting foreigners for free.

[@lyneyra]

Unless you go to Paris

[@jackienaiditch7965]

I've been hearing negative stereotypes of French people almost my entire life. Remember when it became popular to say "freedom fries" instead of French fries? Ridiculous! I lived in France as a student for a year and have traveled there several times. As you say, people are people. Once, my husband and I couldn't find our hotel when we were in Paris. There we were, suitcases in hand, looking lost. We asked a French guy for directions. He grabbed both our suitcases and walked us to the hotel. That certainly doesn't fit the narrative of the rude French person. During my travels abroad--and even interactions with people of different backgrounds here in the U.S.--I've found that, 9 times out of 10, if you treat another person with respect, they will respond in kind.

[@mikesmigielski7273]

One thing I noticed about Parisians when I lived in Paris is that they love giving directions and showing off their city. I had to ask directions (pre-internet) and I received very detailed directions complete with hand gestures!

[@guillaumedumoulin9383]

Stereotypes about "the French" are fueled by the English. They are obsessed with "the French". Every day that God does, there's an article about "the French" in their damn press. English people consider themselves exceptional and cannot stand the comparison with the French, often to their disadvantage. They live in an ugly and rainy island and are jealous of our beautiful country.

[@Lea-rb9nc]

I totally agrée. I first visited France in 2006, returned to Sacramento, sold my house, and love to the south of France in 2007. This is where I belong.

[@briangpz]

Absolutely 100% true! I'm not a world traveler, but the times I have been abroad, I have never had a problem with the local people.

[@naderzekrya5238]

How do you know he was French? Sounds more like Moroccan behaviour!

[@ZeZapatiste]

About meeting people : Here in France every cultural, sportive or social action activity is pretty much structured around the concept of "associations". An association is a legal and registered gathering of people around a common interest, in a non-profit objective and managed by benevolant people and are pretty much everywhere. Often for a very small annual fee, they are a great way to meet people because you'd have at least someting in common, and if you want to get involved it is often pretty easy to get some responsabilities. People in these are often quite open and it is easy to be a part of this group of people. For example, I live in a around 3000 inhabitants village. I've been the vice-president of my tennis club on and off ever since I was 18, because I've been in that club forever and I know everyone there (around 200 people). In this village we have countless associations : musical school is the biggest one, but we also have mountain biking, gymnastics, "tips exchange", ski club, "village memory", school parents, extra-school activities for kids, wine producers, hunters, several martial arts ones, petanque, hiking, merchants, blood givers, even some neighbourhoods have their own association. Every association is registered in the town hall of their city. I just checked in my village's website and we have 46 of them in total, considering that some of them cover several villages the number goes up. For less than 3000 inhabitants, just imagine. Most of them gather people around their common passion, but they also organise some activites to make a few bucks (only for their general functionning, remember it's non-profit) like the village carnaval, village-wide garage sale on the town hall square (it's in every village around where I live, once or twice a year), a day where you can get a typical local food, prepared in bulk, to bring home... Many of them also offer a place for members to gather. For example my tennis club do have a very small club house with basic furniture and utilities where we can just hang out, drink a bit and sometimes have dinner. Some of them will have one or multiple employees. It composes what we call the "tissu associatif" (associative web) and it is something that I rarely see mentionned when speaking about France but it is something that is the pillar of our social life basically, I'd say even more in villages and small towns. You'd have a hard time meeting people outside of work or associations actually, because we are so used to function like this... I just checked official statistics, to find out that around 40% of people are members of at least one association. I would have thought that this number would be much higher (around 60-70%), but I think people in major cities are at lot less incline to get involved in associative life, hence that "low" number. Also, there are 1.5 million associations in France

[@christianc9894]

I would add that in associations, social barriers fall, the worker rubs shoulders with the doctor because their interest is common.

[@kateverett7869]

Great information! I spent a month in France with a group of women (all relatives). We drove from Paris to Beaune, stayed in a village, had to visit the village doctor and pharmacy (Mom got sick), took the train back to Paris, and shopped the Farmer's Market. We tried every experience we could, and loved every second. The people were friendly and helpful everywhere, except one drunk guy in Paris - there is always that one person! None of us speak French except for the basics, but we did fine.

[@jfrancobelge]

Bonjour. Another excellent video. As a Frenchman, what upsets me most indeed are those stupid a/o outdated stereotypes about the French; believe it or not, we also live in the 21st century. EG... At the age of 64 I have NEVER worn a beret, nor did my father and uncles - my grandfather who was born in 1904 did. And yes, there are rude people in France like everywhere else in the world, but we're not any ruder than others; but yes, we are into manners and politeness, and pretty independent-minded, but that's not being rude. But I must admit it's very hard (too hard) to make friends but when it occurs that's usually a lifetime relationship. But there is one true stereotype which I love: our love affair with bread (ah, la baguette). You've mentioned something that has been irritating me as a driver for 45 years, the small "license free" cars... Fortunately enough they are not so common, and most people drive regular cars that require a driver's licence. But I think these "voiturettes" should be illegal. That's naturally not always the case, but many of their drivers are either people who have failed their driver's license or whose license has been withdrawn (often for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics), and are therefore a danger on the road by definition. Not to mention that, because at the speed of a moped they occupy the space of a regular car, they often create jams of regular cars and trucks stuck behind them on narrow roads. Thank God, they are not allowed on highways, autoroutes and voies rapides. Jacques...

[@towaritch]

I despise the little buggers too, they look like cars of former Eastern Europe during Communist times.

[@christianc9894]

Jacques, dans le sud-ouest, le béret est un couvre-chef traditionnel dans les campagnes. Le béret basque !

[@jacquesm.6392]

@@christianc9894 Bonjour. Je respecte les traditions et je n'ai rien contre le béret en soi, ce qui m'agace c'est le stéréotype daté du "Français à béret". De plus j'adore le Pays Basque - surtout le côté montagne.

[@christianc9894]

@@jacquesm.6392 Je partage votre analyse, c’était un clin d’œil. Par contre, j'ai dix ans de plus que vous et gamin j'ai eu droit aux bérets, la coupe en brosse etc...

[@janehall2720]

Heavens, I moved from NJ to Idaho 5 years ago and I am still trying to adjust to the different culture. I sometimes feel like I was raised on a different planet! No formal dining anywhere, slow way, way down about everything, the whole town is less than 50,000 residents, I could go on and on. They are not negative, only different. Once people hear that I am from NJ, they want to hear a heavy accent in my voice. I was raised in SJ and sound like a more refined Philadelphian. Sorry to disappoint. Thanks for another great video!

[@kenromero9236]

Another great video Diane. Your lighting is right on, audio is great and your presentation is one of the best on KZbin. Bisous.

[@OuiInFrance]

Yay, thank you!

[@conbertbenneck49]

Regarding "learning" a language... This is a never ending learning process. Basic French is easily manageable, but then what about French legal expressions; hardware items; plumbing; cars, trains, aviation. I lived in Germany and France for 17 years, and then you get into things like French Army expressions from WWII. It is an expression you hear in a conversation and then maybe not for another year or more. Then you have to learn to stop the talker and ask what that means. Now you have added another rare expression to your ever growing French vocabulary. Merci mille fois pur l'information

[@towaritch]

French military slang : Private (soldier) : bidasse. Enlisted personnel : crevure.

[@themetricsystem7967]

learning a language is learning a culture. some words and expressions that are extremely culture specific a foreigner might never be able to fully grasp no matter how many years they live there. applies to some customs as well, as they can be linked to a certain social class or group in a given nation

[@ruthiebee6139]

I love the information you give us. Your channel has made me want to visit France.

[@candidcamera9324]

I just discovered your channel and I love it. It transports me to France even though I've never been and I love learning new things of different cultures!!!♡ Also love the sound of your voice.

[@OuiInFrance]

Welcome, Candace and thank you! Happy you're here ;-)

[@eastmarvista3267]

Excellent Video. On a video or live presentation, one has to project to the audience or camera. You're projection is right on!

[@OuiInFrance]

Much appreciated!

[@abchappell01]

What a refreshing presentation! I really enjoyed your discussion of several realities of living there in France. I have traveled to France a number of times but I never thought about the points that you discussed. Thank you so much :)

[@OuiInFrance]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@977400Dana]

I enjoy your videos so much! Real info from a real person. Great!!

[@OuiInFrance]

I appreciate that!

[@GlennKocoTheFourth]

Always super informative I love watching yourself and the channel Not even French. Y’all Rock!!

[@OuiInFrance]

Yay! Thank you!

[@alleyvalkyrie1020]

There are oak processionary caterpillars as well. Pretty much identical to the pine ones, but they live in oak trees. Just as dangerous. Also, for those who want to drive around Brittany, we are the exception in that have no tolls here, apparently thanks to Dutchess Anne :)

[@OuiInFrance]

Thank goodness for Anne! I love that Brittany is toll free -- another great reason to visit! Oh man, makes sense there are oak tree caterpillars too. The stuff of nightmares!

[@mfcq4987]

It's a pretty legend, but the reality is that the Breton highways have replaced the national roads, leaving users no longer a choice. In fact, they are free, as in the Limousin or the south of Auvergne, because there are no alternative routes.

[@AEO123]

Interesting as always!

[@OuiInFrance]

Thanks again!

[@helenmilchling368]

Wow, those Caterpillars are something!! I am really enjoying learning about France. Thank you.

[@OuiInFrance]

Thanks for watching, Helen!

[@mfcq4987]

But now that you know about the processionary caterpillars, you are fine. They don't attack, just don't try to touch them or examine them closely. And then, there aren't that many: I also live near Angers, and I must have seen them 4 or 5 times in 10 years and I often walk in the countryside.

[@TheGladiator2]

I’m binging on your videos! Yes I’m researching a move to France.

[@margaretglaser6227]

this show really helped me merci

[@kensmith4194]

This video was amazingly helpful. Thank you so much! I subscribed. 😍

[@OuiInFrance]

Thanks for subbing! Welcome!

[@magdastar2249]

Hello and thank you for a very informative video. Always lots to learn and you are very detailed. Never heard of those creatures either. Take care and be well.

[@OuiInFrance]

You are very welcome!

[@shweefranglais7900]

Just started watching your channel and seen a few videos you have made. I love your hair like this. It's very chic and really suits you.

[@MegaTod2]

You are so easy to listen to. This is the first time I've clicked on your channel.

[@OuiInFrance]

Welcome, thank you!

[@esterbaque7757]

Very helpful video.

[@fuzzylon]

Thanks for another great video. I'm new to France and it's really reassuring watching your videos. Also, just yesterday I noticed some odd-looking nests in a tree near me and now I know that they are these caterpillars!!! I will stay well clear of that tree!! Thanks for warning us.

[@OuiInFrance]

You're welcome! Glad my content has been helpful. Yes, keep an eye out when you pass by that tree to make sure the caterpillars aren't out for a walk.

[@Lea-rb9nc]

Thanks for the warning on the caterpillars. There are small forests of pines in sections of my village and surrounding villages.

[@MarianneExJohnson]

Those cars that don't require a permit are a thing in the Netherlands as well, they're called 25 km cars, as in, limited to 25 km/h. I think at one point they could even be regular cars with a speed limiter retrofitted, but I don't know if that's still allowed. As for why people would want something like that: as far as I know it's mostly older people, who are no longer able to maintain their regular license, but need something to get around town. No one who is capable of just riding a bicycle would bother with a car like that.

[@sandrad3346]

From my many trips to France, I did know everything you talked about except the cars "sans permis" and the caterpillars. Thank you for mentioning the caterpillars. They also might be dangerous for someone who has severe allergies.

[@ThomasDowdyWinslett]

You are so brilliant! I live outside my home country of the US and visit France a few times a year and find so much truth in each of your points. I have seen and heard but didn't know details about the voitures sans permis and the Pine Processionary Caterpillar. I looked up the caterpillar and see it is in Southern Europe, Northern Africa, and Middle East. It is become more invasive and displacing other species, especially in Greece. So thank you for warning us about them. From my experience I'd say the most complicated learning curve for me is how different communities put their yoga mats in different places. I had just moved out of the US and wanted a yoga mat and couldn't find it in the stores I normally went to. It took me three days to find the store where they had yoga mats. Another is peanut butter - you will not find this in most other countries. It is these "little" things that you know from growing in a country or town that can cause you so much frustration because you just don't know what store has what you are looking for or even if it is available. Things that are easy all of the sudden become a complicated scavenger hunt in a foreign language. I've gotten to where I do a web search for a picture and carry that with me since I'm sometimes not sure what it is called.

[@constancemcgoff4394]

Hi Diane Another terrific video! Those caterpillars! Yikes! By the way you look amazing too!

[@OuiInFrance]

Thank you so much!

[@aidancoyle246]

Hi Diane, thanks for the tip about the caterpillars. My wife and daughters have four cats here, and one of them in particular we noticed last summer had the painful swollen lips problem you mentioned. Not sure what we can do about it because, well it’s a cat. But at least we know now.

[@stevegrimes5105]

Thank you so much, very interesting comments. We thought that French roads were very well maintained and signs were easy to read.

[@samanthagaudet1461]

Interesting video. Great warning on those caterpillars.

[@smartladylr]

hi, I found your comments interresting in many ways - One thing I can tell you about picking up a language while living in a country is, you know you 're fluent when you catch immediately humor ! Now concerning thos little cars " sans permis", I just want you to know they are not allowed on Highways, 'cause their speed is limited to 40 km/h, they are mostly used in cities, or in land areas, used by mostly older people who just get out for some shopping, or students who do not have to drive further than their schools or sports area ! you're right about French people not being immediately open to friendship with new people, but once they did, the friendship can remain very strongly through your entire life !

[@femalism1715]

Most of what you shared was interesting and helpful but I was SHOCKED to learn about the cars "sans permis".

[@GeryDivry]

It is cars with a very low power, like small motocycle you don’t need permit to drive. The main use of those small cars is by people who had a permit but loosed it because of an infraction, they still need car to work so they use that kind of cars during the time needed to recover their initial permit

[@nitwit999]

In the Netherlands we have similar vehicles that can do max 45 km/h (30 M/h). They are rated as a kind of small motorcycle. You do need a “small motorcycle” drivers licence, insurance, and they have a number plate.

[@didierreidid8590]

@@nitwit999 i' ts the same in France

[@lyneyra]

And the "fun thing" is that they usually drive about as well as you'd expect someone without a license would

[@Leopold_van_Aubel]

@@lyneyra You do need to have a license to drivs them...

[@valeriewyndham1381]

I have never heard of that nasty dangerous caterpillar 😳. I am french living in the US. Few days ago I was listening to french expat the podcast where a french women was saying the same, how difficult it is to make 🇺🇸 friends when you are an adult . I agree, it's difficult.

[@sarahloyal2183]

When I worked in Marseille, I remember someone telling me, "Attention aux chenilles!" (Careful of the caterpillars!). That completely took me by surprise as well.

[@Gypsy415]

Those caterpillars are similar to the ones I experienced in childhood. They were all over the cypress bushes in the front of our home in Texas. My dad dug up the bushes and burned them and the caterpillars persisted for several months thereafter. I was stung by one and it was excruciating. I've had a number of injuries and health problems over the years but that is still one of the worst experiences that comes to mind.

[@rushdialrashed9627]

Thank you.

[@MrRyanSandberg]

In Estonia the petrol prices are lower, but it is still quite expensive compared to America. Although ... so many other things are really cheap here. So I don't even mind paying for a road trip if I decide to take one.

[@minookalantari]

Thank you

[@johnfowkes6791]

Hi Diane thank you so much for the shoutout bless you, Im struggling to find the Ko-fi link? Enjoyed the video it was quite exciting waiting for my mention..

[@OuiInFrance]

You are so welcome. So happy you're a part of my community. ;-) The link is toward the top of the description box but KZbin has been buggy lately, here's the direct link: ko-fi.com/ouiinfrance

[@cann9155]

Thanks💖💖💖

[@marydemesy8146]

I love your channel,

[@OuiInFrance]

Thank you so much, so glad!

[@yanngrit956]

Hello from a neighbor of Angers. I hope you enjoy la "douceur angevine"

[@vanessagray8604]

Unfortunately the processionary caterpillars have reach south England - they must have hitched a ride on lorries from Europe (or maybe walked through the tunnel!). they attack oak trees here and we are told to report them so the council can try to halt there March to the northern counties.

[@fenellavanvliet2263]

I live in the South of England and had a diabetic patient who got an horrendous foot infection requiring admission/ surgery due to these caterpillars. She was wearing open toed sandals and a hair lodged in her big toe joint. Beware the blighters 🐛

[@SabraQueenoftheUnderworld1346]

Honestly listening to you speak on how there's all walks of life in France, and multitude of other differences between how somebody dresses versus house somebody chooses to not dress or what have you, when you actually think about it it really sounds like any other country just about. Especially in the United States

[@cesarsanchez9697]

French is a tough language to learn, for me at least. I speak Spanish and I can use it as a crutch when speaking with Italians and Portuguese speakers. Not so with French. I worked in restaurants for many years and when my Italian chef had trouble with English we would converse using Spanish and Italian. We were able to communicate and he picked up Spanish fairly quickly over what I think was a short amount of time. There was no way to do this with the French chefs I've worked with. French will require me going to class for sure.

[@juliannetrinh1999]

I decided to drive from Dijon to Bordeaux once and oh la la, I forgot about the tolls...

[@brunoboulanger8442]

Oh la la, ma pauvre !

[@brunoboulanger8442]

(that is the compassionate oh la la)

[@didierreidid8590]

Medical and learning are free but not the highways,

[@ShunyamNiketana]

French in the countryside can be very provincial. Say you're from San Francisco, and they might ask you about "hippies." Learning the language can be difficult when they won't indulge you and your bad French. I found that it helped to share a third, common language with the host of my French Air B&B: Spanish.

[@anastasia10017]

getting a driver's license in france is super expensive. something like $2000.

[@pheart2381]

I like the nice uncluttered background in your videos.

[@OuiInFrance]

Glad you like my set!

[@piyushs8096]

About making friends. Try to get membership of Internations, If you are not already. Ive had a very pleasant experience of making friends thanks to It, while visiting France and the US.

[@carolinefiorentini3233]

I live near Angers and would love to meet you if you'd like ! I love speaking english and meeting new people. I've never been to the US but i regularly go to the UK.

[@jeanwhite2705]

Diane, when my husband and I visited France, we were entranced by the lovely window shutters opening outward. They were extremely romantic and picturesque, but we noticed in early September, everyone had their windows wide open a lot, seemingly all day but the windows had No window screens. How do you keep insects like mosquitos and moths etc out of your living space. We saw No bugs while touring in three regions, Bayeau, Oaris, and Chaminix. If you don’t have bugs what do all the birds eat. Being from Atlantic Canada, we have “ bugs” and many species such as junebugs are part of our ecology primarily to provide early food sources for spring bird families, while weather is still chilly. What is the story on this aspect of life in France. You have lovely birds but what do they eat? We have yet to answer this question to our satisfaction.

[@OuiInFrance]

HI Jean, yes very good point. The windows don't have screens and while you can do a DIY type of thing or get a screen kit (have seen some in hardware stores), they don't always fit properly or fit all types of windows. The vast majority of French homes do not have window screens or a sliding door screen. Unfortunately, flies and mosquitoes come in and out during the summer. We have a zapper racquet and a candle that supposedly keeps them away, but having flies and mosquitos is just part of life here. We have a mosquito net for the bed though because I'm bait and will be covered in bites. Not fun at all because I'm very sensitive to them. I wrote a blog post on my favorite remedy post-bite here in case it's of interest ;-): www.ouiinfrance.com/synthol-miracle-french-pharmacy-product-bug-bites

[@Rachel-rs7jn]

Yes, it's so frustrating for me because I'm often there with my cat and I can't open the windows! He'll jump out!

[@jeanwhite2705]

Hello again, Diane, Thank you for your kind replies.I read your post about Synthol and am very pleased for you , that you found a product that is so helpful. It appears to be primarily liquid aspirin. That would be why one shouldn’t use it on children under 7 yrs. It is just like using liquid aspirin right on the bite. No going thru digestive system, just applying right where it’s needed. Very effective anti inflammatory. I have multiple medication allergies that can be life threatening so turned to the study of homeopathy quite early in my adult life. This field of treatment is very common in Europe and is available at everyday pharmacies. I felt very comfortable while in France just being able to walk into any pharmacy and enquire and readily be able to purchase exactly what I was looking for. Here in Canada I must keep a stock of therapies in my own home and need to order any replacements from a homeopathic medical source. If I try to ask for such things of an allopathic doctor or pharmacist, I am treated to severe reprimands of not knowing what I am doing and should Not be using this product. I felt so “at home” in all parts of France that we visited because of this aspect and many other life circumstances. It felt like we had”come home”. It was quite a remarkable feeling, having never visited anywhere outside of Canada before.. Anyway, thank you for your info. Glad you found something so helpful for you. Stay well and safe during this lockdown time.

[@kellybryson7754]

Interesting about the caterpillars. When you showed thenest of them, I realized I saw something similar in California. Looking them up, it appears we have them here. Hmm

[@traceymarshall5886]

Myself and my german friend saw the caterpillars and we didnt know they were toxic. My german friend was filming them and getting close to them....the next day both myself and my friend broke out in itchy rashes around our body and swelling - so not just a dog can have a reaction...adults too. It was til after we found out they were toxic

[@OuiInFrance]

Oh absolutely, they affect humans as well. Generally reactions are worse for small animals and kids.

[@MarionLittleMyy]

En ce qui concerne les voitures sans permis, nous apprenons les bases du code de la route bien avant d'aller à l'auto-école. Ensuite quand on voit le comportement de certains, même avec le permis on peut être dangereux. Ces voiture aident également à compenser le manque de transports en commun en zone rurale.

[@ialohrr]

About those no licence cars, they do require a form of permit for people born after 1985. but a cheaper one, the same for those small motorcycle. As for a guy that own one (because I had no need for a licence before, and now that I moved in a remote country side, I need one just to go to the driving school), you don't choose to have one, you don't have the choice. that's why they are expensive (btw it's more from 15K to 20K for a new car)

[@mirandawalsh1143]

I would just add some other points - most areas outside of big cities still have lunch 12-14 and close later at around 19.00. Shops are almost always shut on Sunday apart from big superstores. Coffee is strong and drunk in small doses unlike US and UK, and not throughout the day. Meals are eaten sitting down not on the hoof. It is impolite to not say Bon Jour on entering somewhere, or even passing while walking. Wine is drunk moderately with food and not usually by itself, as in UK/US. Cars are on the right hand side for driving, and the media is really not as sophisticated or watchable if TV.

[@thelittlemoonpie8934]

Thanks for the very interesting video, again! 😊 I'm pretty sure that to drive these cars with no license you still need to pass the writing exam ("le code") which means you do know the rules

[@OuiInFrance]

Hi there, It's actually the BSR they have to pass, not the code, and only for those born AFTER 1988 (which includes probably 20% max of the drivers of voitures sans permis. Where I live, it's mostly people who lost their license due to alcohol infractions well over 50 years old). More here: www.assuronline.com/assurance-vehicule-bien/assurance-voiture-sans-permis/conseils/est-il-necessaire-d-obtenir-le-code-de-la-route-pour-conduire-une-voiture-sans-permis

[@thelittlemoonpie8934]

@@OuiInFrance Oh thank you for the answer and the information!

[@Laurent69ftm]

@@thelittlemoonpie8934 The "code" part of the BSR is MUCH MUCH easier than the real one. I have the ASSR2, which is equivalent, and I passed it in middle school without taking any theory lessons.

[@kooltom4]

So enjoy hearing about living in France that isn't from someone living in Paris! Nothing against Paris but seriously wanted to hear about other towns and regions of France. Would not have been educated about killer caterpillars from a resident of Paris!

[@LindaCasey]

I live in the Netherlands and have a driver's license, but own a CantaComfort2 which does not require one. In fact I'm allowed to drive on the bike paths, into shopping centers and park on the sidewalks with this type of vehicle. I agree about the difficulty in developing language skills when living in a non-native speaking country. You have to put in a lot of effort just to become a mediocre speaker. I found myself on some back road 'toll road' in France that required CASH in order to get off the road .. I had none so had to wait until a stranger was kind enough to help me out. I did pay them back (and more) once I got back home and had access to my bank account. I was at an advantage when I moved to the Netherlands because I was still young enough and able to work in my profession so developed friendships this way, but if I had moved to France as I had intended to do after my retirement, I would have found myself sadly old and alone. Ahhhh oui! J'aime les français.💞

[@victoriaking2065]

We travelled to Paris a few years ago, we were going to drive as I love the trip and did it many times as a child but when we added up, tolls, ferry and petrol we just booked the eurostar. Great video! Could you speak French before you moved over?

[@OuiInFrance]

I was at a low intermediate level and had been taking classes once a week at the Alliance Francaise. My French was best suited for the classroom with my writing and reading skills far outweighing my ability to understand real-life French people. Major learning curve after I got here!

[@arthurclover5990]

vous êtes vrais Madame, sois fort si vous voulez déménager de l'autre pays. Apprendre leur langue, leur culture et toujours continue fort. Bonne courage à vous

[@sherrieshatzen3801]

First-you look fantastic! I have a question. Since your husband is French & has lived there his entire life, presumably he has a circle of friends he has developed. Was that at all beneficial for you? Did his friends become your friends? Did his friends' wives or girlfriends become your friends? There have been times when I have felt as if I am living on a desert island over the last year. Being in touch while not being able to spend real face time (not cellular face time) has been hard for me. I suspect that COVID & its restrictions have been difficult & has impacted your relationships outside of your marriage. Can you speak about that?

[@OuiInFrance]

Hi Sherrie, friends that my husband grew up with have moved out of the area so unfortunately his circle of friends didn't transfer to me. People I knew from my gym were people I pretty much saw and talked to only at the gym so with the restrictions, those relationships certainly have suffered. COVID has made things difficult across the board and I'm so thankful it's 2021 not 1921 and we have technology to keep in touch with people we care about. It's hard not being able to travel to the US to see family but hoping maybe things will change this fall!

[@Chiefchief4444]

Merci, Diane. Are fully electric cars viable in France? Apologies if you've answered this already.

[@OuiInFrance]

Yup! There are a bunch of makes and models that are fully electric and and also hybrid. You'll see Teslas, Hyndai electric, Chevy Volt here and there and others. I wouldn't say they're super, SUPER common but they're available.

[@christianc9894]

Le Brevet de Sécurité Routière, ou catégorie AM du permis de conduire permet de conduire un cyclomoteur ou une voiture sans permis dès l'âge de 14 ans. Ce brevet est donc obligatoire pour toute personne née à compter du 1er janvier 1988. Pour les personnes nées avant cette date, il n'y a aucune obligation de ce type.

[@mew-mellow8980]

That caterpillar reminds me of the puss caterpillar. It's fuzzy/fluffy looking but the fur has venomous spines (had to recheck the wiki since it's been a few years since I looked into them) It sounds like that one is more dangerous though.

[@laura2842]

Hi there. Are you just visiting for a while or did you move there permanently? Ive always loved vacationing in France and romanticize it so I am thankful for your videos.. ha Thank you

[@OuiInFrance]

Hi Lola, not just visiting. I moved after marrying a French guy so not just passing through. ;-) Glad you enjoy my content!

[@laura2842]

@@OuiInFrance I think that is wonderful, you will adapt for sure. I am an immigrant in the USA and it took a while but adapted I became after marrying an American man. I feel you though and wish you the best! cheers

[@BrokenBackMountains]

Hmm. I moved to Lithuania in the 90s for work and had no previous knowledge of the language. I lived there for 12 years and am fluent. I had to learn to buy food (no supermarkets there after independence) and to just live. Yeah, I didn't learn by osmosis. I taught myself grammar etc but most of it I picked up by listening, repeating and asking questions. My French is adequate for holidays. I reckon if I lived there for a few years I could make it more than adequate. I mean, I have already learned a language with 7 verb endings, no articles, and one of the oldest in Europe.

[@b.w.9244]

Are the fuel prices high due to lots of added on taxes, or high due to basic cost of supply issues, etc? Great Vid!

[@aidanclarke6106]

Taxes are 60% of the price in France

[@MarcusVinicius116]

@@aidanclarke6106 rather 90 % I would say.

[@muriellecozic6807]

It is because of taxes and the main reason why the "gilets jaunes" started. (And continued for many other reasons )

[@enjoyingmyvodka1013]

Are the caterpillars really popular? Or just in certain areas

[@OuiInFrance]

They are quite common in many areas of France, some years you'll see them more than others. I've heard they are prevalent in Portugal and Spain as well. Keep an eye out for the white nests in the trees to know if they're around!

[@enjoyingmyvodka1013]

@@OuiInFrance can one fumigate? They kinda scary

[@jeanwhite2705]

So your story of the catapillars prompted our “ insect query”. Do the birds actually eat these catarpillars or are they quite toxic for them as well. We didn’t see a mosquito, house fly or even an ant while we wandered about in Bayeau or in the meadows around Chamonix, so where are they?

[@OuiInFrance]

That's a good question... I'm thinking birds know to steer clear but not sure. Lucky about the mosquitos in Chamonix! Maybe it was just a windy or off week or something? I've seen them all over.

[@astresilver]

so... some birds are able to eat those caterpillars. exemple : the blue tit (a small titmouse with a blue cap, greenish-blue back, and yellow underparts)

[@mfcq4987]

I do not believe that Bayeau exists in France. Either it is "Bayeux" in Normandy, or "Bayonne" in the Basque country.

[@jeanwhite2705]

@@mfcq4987 so sorry, I misspelled Bayeux in Normandy Region. My apologies.

[@mfcq4987]

​@@jeanwhite2705 Don't apologize, French names are not easy, French people are wrong too

[@naderzekrya5238]

In France, French people take a very long time to open up to become friends. Usually it ain't worth the wait anyway

[@mfcq4987]

Motorway tolls are a real scandal. The highways were built by the public service (including our taxes) and were then privatized at low prices for the benefit of companies which make huge profits on our backs. This is French-style capitalism: we nationalize the losses and we privatize the profits!

[@MarcusVinicius116]

Elles sont en concession et ont été remboursées largement depuis belle lurette. Et au moins elles sont en bon état et bien entretenues.

[@towaritch]

@@MarcusVinicius116 the rest areas are sometimes disgusting

[@sobeidalagrange7129]

Min 5:30

[@anitathompson6571]

We’ve driven from Paris to Normandy, and to Brittany a few times. It is very noticeable how considerate the truck drivers are staying in the right-hand lane. I got over any apprehension very fast driving in Europe in general. And once we figured out how the parking systems worked, we felt like we won the lotto! And bonus, once the U.S. started using the same parking (pay) systems, we were ahead of the curve here at home. 😋

[@edwardsmith1237]

Very informative, as usual, Diane! On the caterpillars: here in northern Belgium (Antwerp, Limburg) they are are also a real pest. Local authorities have now put up extra breeding boxes for great tits (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_tit) to breed in, as they love to feast on the caterpillars. Here a video (kzbin.info/www/bejne/hH-xcqesaNJ9aLc) (in Dutch) with the bird slapping the caterpillar against the tree, causing it to eject its hairs.

[@frenchdish]

Bonjour Diane @ouiinfrance! I am Summer, of the KZbin channel FrenchDish. I’m also the “Loire Valley Concierge” and work with the Château Montdomaine winery and know Cathy Henton of Le Tasting Room well. I am sorry I missed you during your visit to Amboise, but loved the video you made while here. I absolutely love your channel. I always recommend it to clients & friends coming to France for a visit or making a move! Wish I had your channel when I moved to France 21 years ago. Hope to meet you one day soon (I am organizing a retreat for a group of 25 Americans coming to Angers in October!). Stay safe & keep up the great videos! 🇫🇷🏰🍇🍷🍾🥂 We have a great network of English-speaking expats and anglophone French locals living in the Loire Valley called Loire ConneXion. It’s open to all. You can find us on Facebook. Please join us!

[@OuiInFrance]

Hi Summer, nice to meet you! Thanks so much for recommending my channel. I look forward to meeting you next time I'm out that way when things open up!

[@frenchdish]

@@OuiInFrance - I look forward to meeting you too! Good luck for this next lockdown!

[@azizpunkmetal]

Have you ever thought about postin' 1 day a video entirely speaken in French ? And, by the way, arrives-tu à t'habituer à l'absence de ThanksGivin' dans notre pays ?

[@timotheelegrincheux2204]

Thanks for all those brief and humorous video inserts. You must put in a lot of time looking for them. I applaud you for eviscerating the notion that so many people have about "picking up" a language. Another related statement is when people say that so-and-so is fluent in three or four or seven languages. Baloney! Quelle connerie! I have been studying French intensely for 57 years so far and I learn new concepts and vocabulary every day. KZbin is a terrific place to learn French. I remember that a native French professor I had saying that the best we learners could hope to achieve was to be accepted as a "welcome outsider." We will never become French. Je suis Américain et fier de l'être.

[@josephturner4047]

Easiest way to make friends in France is to buy a set of boules and find a regular game.

[@yannip2083]

You don't need a "Driver's License" to drive those funny little cars?

[@OuiInFrance]

Which ones? The sans permis? no license required

[@beatricefrask5230]

Aussi, le permis de conduire et très Cher et difficile à passer....

[@tszirmay]

Stereotypes? Old french saying: 67 million french people , 67 million political parties....

[@Prodigious1One]

Je ne savais pas des chenilles toxiques.

[@PeaceLoveJoyWorld]

Yes it’s definitely not « easy” to make friends here as most French want discretion and privacy.

[@katherinekempton]

I had to tell a MALE French pharmacist about my yeast infection. That was not a fun day. 😭

[@OuiInFrance]

Awwww, I feel you. AWKWARD!

[@Rachel-rs7jn]

Well and the worst is if you're not totally sure of the right word for it in French and so you have to describe it....😳

[@towaritch]

Those stupid noisy 2 seat cars without license are usually used by dudes who had their driving licenses retrieved because they didn't heed speed limits.

[@mfcq4987]

Exactly, and the majority of French motorists find these unlicensed cars very annoying.

[@Leopold_van_Aubel]

"Cars without licenses" have a very unfitting name. You actually DO need a license for them. But it's not the car license, it's the motocycle license that you need for them. Many French people, like your husband, think you don't need any license to drive it. That's not true. You do need to learn traffic rules.

[@OuiInFrance]

Hello, if you're born before 1988, you actually don't need a BSR/AM to drive a VSP (just insurance). Of course knowing the rules of the road is important but legally you don't need any type of permit unless you were born in 1988 or beyond. Sorry to have not been more clear in the video. Thanks for watching! www.demarches.interieur.gouv.fr/particuliers/quels-vehicules-peut-on-conduire-permis-conduire#:~:text=Vous%20pouvez%20conduire%20plusieurs%20types,AM%20du%20permis%20de%20conduire

[@nastalbr3749]

I remember the first time I found out those carterpillars were dangerous I was 6. My grandmother used to take my brother, my cousins and I to the nearby forest to build huts with rocks, and there were a lot of those carterpillars everywhere. When my grandmother told us about the danger, we listened nothing and started to touch it with wood sticks to scare the youngest one of us. My cousin was really young so when she walked on a carterpillar (with her shoe) she thought she was going to die or lose her foot, it made us laugh so hard ! Honestly, I've never heard someone yell like that in my entire life and although it happened 13 years ago it's still one of my funniest memories.

[@selectiveoutrage6617]

Foreigners in any country are often just too lazy to learn the native language. Too many US retirees have a rude awakening when they sell everything and move to a foreign country. Then they are usually stuck unless they have family or finances to return to the US.

[@palavpalavets5911]

About the language learning - if you are and adult learning French you'll likely never speak it quite well, you will understand and write well but will never speak well. That's biology..

[@OuiInFrance]

I know many adults who started learning a language as an adult and speak it incredibly well. Depends on the person and their dedication!

[@palavpalavets5911]

@@OuiInFrance Seems to me when it comes to language proficiency your criteria are way apart from mines. Dedication helps but cannot beat biology.

[@ashishchugh20]

While not all French fit into the stereotypes, you do fit into loud American tourist stereotype, no wonder you are able to tell what American Habits French find rude haha

[@OuiInFrance]

haha I'm actually quite reserved in my personal life and not loud at all

[@debbiio1465]

Well having lived in the United States and France I can say that Americans are nicer, more polite and civilized! : )

[@muriellecozic6807]

Hi ! I am sorry for your bad expérience. I am french and I think that you can find all kind of people everywhere. It depends on where you where living. Paris or somewhere else ? Also if you don't say the "magic words" which are very very important for us : bonjour, s'il vous plaît, merci, au revoir, people will not be very kind, because you let them think that you beleive you worth better than them. Not really acceptable in France in everyday life. Magic words are teached To children when they are very Young. At 2 years old, le the children wants a piece me bread for instznce, the mother give it, the kid take it and the mother give it when the kid says merci. Same exemple with s'il te plaît

[@towaritch]

Same thing here

[@frankfarago2825]

I am glad the French do not litter their highways, but I never drove in any other countries where they pissed as much right on the roadside as in France. These days, you might as well staying in Bidenistan, fuel prices are still cheaper there than in Europe, and you get all the fine, fine things that EU has to offer. :-))

[@dapoun7228]

14:30 When an american citizen realizes that american propaganda is just...propaganda!