Welcome to 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.

Start from the beginning or with the most recent. Hell, you can even pick any story that catches your eye.

Paul Blanchard 12/18/25 Paul Blanchard 12/18/25

Savoring the Chaos: Issue No. 16

France has a way of reminding you that control is temporary, plans are suggestions, and patience is not optional.

Paul Blanchard 10/24/25 Paul Blanchard 10/24/25

Savoring the Chaos: Issue No. 14

Paris has a way of testing you all day and then, just when you’re ready to leave, setting the table and reminding you why you stayed.

Paul Blanchard 10/10/25 Paul Blanchard 10/10/25

Savoring the Chaos: Issue No. 13

Somewhere under the gravel, the moles are regrouping — and the dog is dreaming of dirt.

Paul Blanchard 9/26/25 Paul Blanchard 9/26/25

Savoring the Chaos: Issue No. 12

It’s not exactly A Year in Provence. It’s more like A Year of Trying to Talk Pascal Into Just One More Project.

Paul Blanchard 8/29/25 Paul Blanchard 8/29/25

Savoring the Chaos: Issue No. 10

Market day in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue isn’t a stroll—it’s a full-contact sport of antiques, crowds, café dreams, and moments that only happen when you stop planning.

Paul Blanchard 6/26/25 Paul Blanchard 6/26/25

Savoring the Chaos: Issue No. 6

There I was, hose in hand, scrubbing a van I’d driven twenty miles — while Camille judged my sponge technique through a window.