Inspirational Books on Moving To and Living in France
Living in France sounds a dream for those of us who were not born there and to think of packing up and relocating, even for a short time, makes our heart flutter. For some, taking action on this and actually relocating is a reality and often their dream is inspired by reading of the adventures of others who have taken on this challenge.
Everyone has a different story to tell they say. Cliche? Maybe, but I still think this is true.
For me, my bookcase now overflows with books on France, people of France, maps and language resources but the books that started me on our journey of buying a second home in France and then living between my homes in Australia and Brittany was these four. Holding a special place in my heart I now share them with you and how they changed my life.
Au Revoir: Running Away From Home At Fifty by Mary Moody
Would you do it? Could you leave your family and spend time alone in a foreign country trying to connect with your inner person or just taking a moment to reassess your life?
Well, Australian Mary Moody tells us her personal story of leaving family and husband to spend six months alone in France in her fiftieth year. This was done partly in memory of her mother and partly as a choice to ‘claim six months for (her)self’ to journey alone and find herself.
Mary first stays with her friend Jock but as soon as a small studio apartment behind a shop in Ville-franche-du-Périgord becomes available, she sets up house there. Mary eloquently describes Jock, his circle of friends and their escapades with humour and understanding. This group of oddly matched but loyal expats and locals are Mary’s main circle of acquaintances during her stay.
This book was the first I read that truly showcased the different approach the French have to life and the slow enjoyment of its pleasures. This book had me thinking of how much I should like to experience all the idiosyncrasies and time honoured traditions of French village life. Many other books telling a similar story have been written since this one was published in 2001 but I think it is a timeless story and it certainly started my journey.
I also think that Mary being a fellow Australian woman resonated with me.
French Essence by Vicki Archer
Vicki Archer’s earlier book My French Life captured her love affair with France and Paris and shared it with the world. My love affair with Paris was first fuelled by this book and then also by her later book French Essence. Her book My French Life is full of sumptuous photos, scenes of Paris and its stylish surrounds.
Her later book French Essence continues her love affair with France and in particular Provence. Evocative images of the country and her beautiful home, Mas de Berard, are so beautifully captured by Carla Coulson you can sit and daydream about living her life even if just for a little while.
These two books are my daydream books as they present a life style much more glamorous than my own.
The Accidental Renovator by Barbara Biggs
How do you accidentally buy a Paris apartment? Biggs gives honest details about buying an apartment that needs renovating, not having enough money, and being taken advantage of by locals. This is where Barbara’s life starts in this ‘true story of recklessness and romance’.
It does get better as things come together in a way not expected and a Parisian life opens up for her. This story, told with its simple details gave me an appreciation of the difference in the French and Australian work culture and ethics. It confirmed for me that I would not undertake a renovation project, no matter how enticing the purchase price or location was.
I thought about it and decided I would not be prepared to work during our relatively brief holidays with three young children in tow and with our little command of the French language. I was prepared to undertake small projects and handle inconveniences but a full renovation was not for us.
So with this entertaining and enlightening read, yet another important decision had been made – I narrowed down my ideas on what type of home I would look for and the level of commitment needed. A great read and thoroughly entertaining.
At My French Table by Jane Webster
Chateau de Bosgouet is the home and business location of Jane Webster, a Melburnian francophile who followed her dream and relocated her family from Melbourne to Normandy, France where she started a cooking school.
Since founding her cooking school she has written books, organises tours and runs dream building workshops. Her two books At My French Table and Family Ties are full of family adventure stories, gorgeous photos documenting the changing seasons of France, their surrounding village life and scrumptious recipes.
I find the recipes easy to follow and they have always delighted my family and guests.
This is a great book for helping you think outside your immediate possibilities. When others take on their dream, tackle a challenge and succeed, it is always inspiring. This I think has been stylishly done by Jane Webster. I read all I could about her family and subscribed to her newsletters, taking inspiration from a fellow Australian. I really recommend both At My French Table and Family Ties.
So, while there are many books similar to the ones I have read and reviewed, these were the ones that inspired me (also featured in my post My Story #1: It has to be France). I hope you find them entertaining, inspiring and informative and who knows, they may inspire you to visit or move to France also.
My list of books for Francophiles has loads and loads of other book ideas whether for yourself or as a gift – take a look at Books for Francophiles.
