Our First Week in France: A New Chapter Begins

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Moving abroad is one of those life decisions that feels both exciting and overwhelming at the same time. For us, it was the culmination of a dream that started as a “what if?” conversation and slowly became our family’s reality. After a year of planning, sorting, and preparing, we finally landed in France to start our new chapter.

Like many families, we felt the pull for something different, a life with more balance, culture, and opportunity to grow together. The U.S. had been good to us, but between the rising cost of living, the pace of everyday life, and the feeling that we wanted more for our children’s future, we began to seriously consider a move abroad.

France stood out to us not just for its beauty and history but for the lifestyle. Slower meals around the table, accessible healthcare, education opportunities for our kids, and the chance to truly immerse ourselves in a new culture all drew us here. From the villages tucked away in the Alsace countryside to the bustling city of Strasbourg, France offered the mix of charm and practicality we were searching for.

Of course, this did not happen overnight. It took about a year of planning, paperwork, and more than a few moments of second-guessing ourselves. But here we are.

Our first week has been full, equal parts discovery, adjustment, and those little cultural lessons you do not quite prepare for until you are here.

School transitions: Our 11 and 13 year olds started school last week and are already beginning to find their rhythm in a brand-new environment. Our 16 year old is waiting for testing before she can officially begin. And our 5 year old started kindergarten in France! How cool is that? Watching each of them step into such big changes has made us incredibly proud. It is not easy to walk into a school where the language and routines are unfamiliar, yet they are already showing courage and adaptability beyond their years. The teachers have been kind, and even with the language barrier, we can see our kids beginning to settle in.

Everyday life surprises: Grocery shopping feels like an adventure. The checkout lines move slower here, but instead of rushing, we have learned to embrace the pause. It even gives us time to practice our French. Sorting recycling is also a learning curve. Glass does not go in the yellow bin but in large green containers around town.

Community moments: Our neighbors welcomed us with fresh grapes and tomatoes, a simple gesture that reminded us why we wanted to live in a place where community still matters. That small act made us feel like we are not just strangers settling in, but part of something bigger.

Settling in: From visiting horse riding schools for the girls (still searching for English-speaking trainers) to figuring out car leasing options, every day has its share of wins and challenges. We also managed to take a couple of short trips into Germany, which is just a quick drive from where we are living. Exploring castles, villages, and even just doing a bit of shopping across the border has already given us a taste of how unique life feels here in Alsace, with two countries right at our doorstep.

Perhaps most importantly, we are learning that in France, things do not move at the breakneck pace we were used to in the U.S. That is okay. It is giving us space to slow down, soak it all in, and remind ourselves why we made this move.

We know this is just the beginning. There will be bumps along the way, but there will also be moments of joy, growth, and connection that make it all worthwhile. We will continue to share our journey here, both the practical lessons and the little cultural details that make life abroad feel so different.

This first week has shown us that while moving abroad comes with challenges, it also opens the door to a new way of living, one that we are excited to fully embrace.

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