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 11/19/25 Paul Blanchard 11/19/25

Savoring the Chaos: Issue No. 15

You don’t learn France from guidebooks. You learn it from the people who quietly know how things actually work — and from realizing you’re still the idiot in the room.

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.