@iouri404
As a Frenchman watching this video, I was almost tempted to move to my own country.
@axelcable7560
As a Frenchman, I congratulate you for the accuracy of the description of life and culture in France. As you mentioned, life is a bit different in the countryside, which would deserve a video of its own. Well done!
@louisaleroux5610
I've lived in France for the last 42 years. Truth is, if you're happy with yourself, you will be happy living anywhere.
@LigneDeFuite
Bonjour d'Angers : This was probably the most refreshingly honest and grounded perspective on life in France I’ve heard — equal parts admiration and disillusion, and all the more valuable for it. You’ve captured something most travel bloggers gloss over: the nuanced grind behind the dream. The awkward silences at 3PM when nothing's open, the lagging tech wrapped in timeless beauty, the exhausting love affair with cheese etiquette. Thank you for not sugar-coating it, for respecting the culture without romanticizing it, and for speaking to those of us who aren’t just passing through. Paris might not be for everyone — but your way of telling it definitely is.
@michelpetrus
As a French, I totally agree with what you said. Also thank you to remind us that our country is not that bad.
@davids82605
Absolutely FASCINATING to have this kind of feedback, makes me realizes a lot about my culture that I implicitely know but actually never pinpointed, and how strangers see us. Need more of this~
@stu-z7s-z4o
Being uncomfortable during your first 4 hour meals made me chuckle. And I agree, once you're used to it, there is NOTHING better than sitting with friends and enjoying the slow pace of a good, long 4 or 5 hour lunch. Absolute heaven. I've been in France for close to 30 years now. One anecdote I have comes from work life. After working hard for about a year to sign a deal with a very well-known French company, we arrived at their HQ for the Nth time, anticipating a difficult negotiation. Instead, we were taken to a beautiful restaurant and we just enjoyed chatting and had a great meal for several hours, with of course the obligatory digestif. NOT ONCE did we talk about the deal or anything professional. It became clear by the first course that they had made up their minds before the meal. The contract was signed within a week. Awesome.
@pouriapaarsia
Merci for sharing your experience. I'm an Iranian living in France since 2009 and I felt in love with France and french people year by year. It wasn't my first choice at the begining but after visiting many countries around Europe and even America, I thank God that I'm here to admire the french culture and heritage.
@alexandredevert4935
Everything you said is on point. The cheat code to make friends in France, besides speaking French, is to join a sport or hobby club.
@jeremymsl1
Just got back from a two week vacation in Paris! This was the second time i’ve been and have only been treated with kindness from the French! Thank you all for welcoming my wife and I. The food was amazing
@clairehackett5828
Funny you mention the French being late technology adopters. I was fascinated learning about the "minitel" WAY before the internet and how it was a way to connect the French and something we did not have in the US. Always, love your videos, Jay. Spent 4 months in Paris in college and have had 1 trip back since then but would jump at the chance to go again in the future so I have to live vicariously through you!
@theushistorian
I moved from San Diego to Nice in December, and I've spent several weeks in Paris since moving. I love San Diego, but I have never been happier since moving to France.
@anettasimpson2224
Been living here 7 years (in the Jura, deep campagne!) and I could have made this video word for word. Really nailed what it was like adjusting to life here!
@markbennett9787
My l wife and I moved to central Brittany in 2010, she died at home of a brain tumour in 2016, she benefited enormously from “hospitalisation à domicile” Despite everyone thinking that I would go back to Dorset where I had lived for 40 years I have stayed on, I acquired French nationality in 2019 and am now in my eighties living alone in a village of 350 people and wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. Having a rugby team in Vannes that has made the Top 14 has helped enormously and even though it looks as if they’ll be back in ProD2 next season I have enjoyed the ride so far. To me the most important thing is to learn and speak the language as especially in rural areas English is rarely understood.
@user-yc9fh6ss1o
Lyon since 08. Best decision I’ve made for myself.
@albertdelcorso7917
Man, your vocabulary is so rich ! I've learned many words thanks to your complete view of our French way of life, which (and you're so right aboyt that) we love to share. Thank you for chosing our little but lovely country.
@purenkool2024
Italy is also similar to France, good old-fashioned manners (formal) are required. Respecting others and their unique culture gets you everywhere. “Hey!” does not make them happy. Food? Italy and France are food Heaven. 🌹😁
@tamaraandres2230
Just spent almost 3 months in Europe using France as my base (Lyon & Paris) and it was soooooo incredible but also not easy as an American from Southern California!!! I am chuckling watching here as you’re so spot on for every point. Also crying because I just got back into the US and am yearning to go back to Paris!❤
@normavanest2726
A few years ago, I visited Paris. Everyone, from the taxi driver to the restaurant servers, were amazingly friendly and helpful. And the food! If I didn't have so much here at home,I would have emigrated in a heartbeat.
@amyspeers8012