Our Irregular Dispatch From French Life

This isn't your average newsletter. It’s the honest, occasionally ridiculous, behind-the-scenes look at what it's really like for two Americans and a Golden Retriever to move to France. Whether you’re a daydreamer, a planner, or already knee-deep in French paperwork, this is the one email you’ll actually look forward to.

Paul Blanchard 6/5/25 Paul Blanchard 6/5/25

What It’s Like to Stay in Caunes-Minervois, France

The cat did a slow walk through the living room, sniffed a chair, locked eyes with both of us, and left. No explanation. No rush. Just a routine inspection.

Paul Blanchard 5/23/25 Paul Blanchard 5/23/25

Our First Week in France, Everything Went Wrong

D asked me what we were going to do now. I had no idea. I looked at her and said, “I think we just got Frenched.” She laughed. “Oh my God, you’re right.”

Paul Blanchard 5/9/25 Paul Blanchard 5/9/25

I Tore Off My Car Mirror Because I Couldn’t Find a Bathroom in France

Looking in the rearview mirror, I was amazed how fast that mirror moved away from us at 130 kmh.