I didn’t realize how American my childhood was until I started imagining what my son’s will look like in France. He’s going to grow up with a different set of cultural defaults: different routines, different rituals, different milestones. Not better or worse. Just different.
When we first began looking into childcare in France, we quickly realized that there are a lot of options and each one works a little differently. If you’re expecting a baby in France (or have recently welcomed one!), you’ve probably already started hearing unfamiliar words like crèche, assistante maternelle, and halte-garderie. The terminology alone can feel confusing at first! This guide walks you through the main early childcare options in France before children start school at age three, along with some pros and cons to consider when deciding what might work best for you.
America, the land of the free! But how free are you if you can’t drink a beer in a public park?
Here’s a list of some things you can do in France that you can’t do in the United States.
Compared to the French, Americans aren’t exactly well known for their culinary prowess. I have a feeling that this list of somewhat questionable food combos isn’t working in our favor…
France’s healthcare system is regularly touted as one of the best in the world. Is healthcare in France really so great or is the universal public insurance clouding our judgment? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons!
Navigating pregnancy and childbirth in France was quite the adventure! Here are some things that surprised me about my pregnancy experience as an American abroad.
France may be synonymous with many big luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Cartier, and Moët & Chandon, but I think it’s the simpler things that make life in France seem luxurious. Here are some everyday things in France that feel like a luxury to me as an American from the United States.
I first lived in Paris in 2009 as an undergraduate student. Since then, I’ve traveled to and stayed in the capital multiple times before calling the city my home a few years ago. It’s been interesting to see firsthand how Paris has evolved over time. Here’s a list of some little changes that have stood out to me over the course of the last 15 years.
You think you might be pregnant and you’re not sure what to do first? You might have a lot of thoughts and questions about navigating pregnancy while living in France. Let’s cover some of the basic first few steps to take!
As an American living in France, I’ve noticed many differences between healthcare in the United States and France. Going to the doctor in France is a cultural experience in and of itself. By now, I’ve been to several different types of health professionals in France, from general doctors to specialists. Here are some culture shocks I’ve personally experienced at the doctor’s office in France.