France (Page 4)

To The Millennial Abroad, France is… home. Since 2018, I have lived in this country, learned its language, and (sort of) learned how to “be French.” As an American, living here has been extremely eye-opening, for a number of reasons.

Although France and the US are historically exceptionally close allies, the countries are often exasperated by one another. Many Americans find the French to be rude, inefficient, and snobby, while the French often find Americans alarmingly loud, abrupt, and nosy.

As an American who spent the formative years of my young adulthood being shaped by French and US expat culture alike, I have a unique view on many things pertaining to American culture as it relates to the French. For example, living and working in the US to me is now an almost-inconceivable idea because I simply cannot fathom living in a country where affordable, universal healthcare is not considered a basic human right. Moreover, the role that money plays in everything from personal life to political influence is, quite frankly, obscene.

I am also intrigued by the difference in collective vs. individual mentality. The French are exceptionally community-minded, though they are not necessarily warm and personal people. They are polite, and they take note of and care for their neighbors. They generally act in the spirit of goodwill for the group rather than themselves. Americans, on the other hand, hold a dog-eat-dog mentality that is inextricable from the fundamental lack of health and safety that comes from living in the country. I get it, and yet, again, cannot imagine living there. So welcome to France, from my perspective. I hope you find the information useful and thought-provoking in equal measure.

Shot of funky interior design of Blackburn cafe in Paris 10eme.

My Favorite Café To Read in Paris

By: Claire

On: October 10, 2019

In: Paris

An easy-to-miss coffee shop tucked into the folds of the up-and-coming 10th arrondissement = the feeling you’ve discovered a delicious secret. Continue Reading

Bon Anniversaire to Me!

By: Claire

On: September 2, 2019

In: France

Happy one year, France! Today marks my official one-year anniversary in this country that’s come to mean so much to me, so I wanted to reflect on my time here thus far and share a few of the year’s highlights. Arriving in Paris last year, I distinctly remember feeling aContinue Reading

Claire Naughton

Hi! I'm a current US expat and longtime traveler based in Strasbourg, France. I'm here because I fell in love with a Frenchie, and I think and write a lot about the identity implications of loving someone so much that you make lasting changes for them. But that's just part of my story. I have deep backpacker-adventure roots and love hiking and sports, including running, horseback riding, and soccer. In recent years, I've also developed a taste for slow city travel and never take for granted an opportunity to explore a new place and indulge in a delicious meal. Finally, I am also an enormous animal enthusiast and adore opportunities to safely and responsibly interact with them. Nothing puts this complex and beautiful world we all share more into perspective than being in nature.

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France (Page 4)

Meet The Millennial Abroad

Claire Naughton