Expat Living in Provence: Why not Try it
Paul Shore is a Canadian with a taste for adventure and a flair for writing. Some 20-years ago, he jumped at a work opportunity to live as an expat near the French Riviera. He chose to rent a place in the hill-top village of Saint Paul de Vence. The town is famous for the artists who spent time in its streets and cafes, and for the fierce matches of pétanque. Paul Shore has recently published “Uncorked” a book based on his year as an expat, and his attempt to master the mysterious game. You can read the rest of Paul’s backstory here.
He recently wrote this post on his expat living experience in Provence:
“Paul, we know you love your lifestyle here, but we would like you to move to Nice to start our European sales and marketing office; on your own”, said the founder of our little Vancouver software start-up back in the fall of 1998. “Why Nice and why me?” I replied. To which he exclaimed, “because our partner Texas Instruments has its European headquarters in Nice; we need to hitch out little wagon to their big horses; and you are young and don’t have any dependants like the rest of us do.”
Keep reading his article about Pourquoi ne pas essayer? … Why not try?
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What an interesting life, Carolyne! I don’t live in Provence, but visit often.
My eldest daughter, Elizabeth, announced to me that she felt she had, in a previous life, been born in France. As I was there at the time, I wondered where that left me! So, when her children were off-hand, she and her husband, Mike, had a small, robust boat built with good accommodation and a strong engine. They called her “Le Tournesol “. When It was ready, Mike and Alex (my husband) and a friend took her across the English Channel at night, thru’ the many sea lanes, avoiding the enormous Ferries in the pitch black darkness.It was scary! Elizabeth preferred to fly.
They planned to sail up the Canal du Midi to start, just them and their 6 cats. Of course, that gave us the great opportunity to visit them which, we did many times, mostly with our car.
The first time, we flew into Nimes and were met by Elizabeth and Mike and boarded ” Le Tournesol” at Beaucaire for lunch. Later, we walked to Tarascon for Bingo in the Public Hall, for the French people to learn English. In the interval, we had coffee and wine. Everyone had brought a plate of food, sandwiches, quiches, cakes, etc. Quite jolly, and we had a good introduction to the local people. We had to sit with a French person between us and speak English only! Next day, with some friends, we went to Arles to pick up a small train especially laid on for an Exhibition of Santons and craft stalls. Had lunch at “Le Moulin”. Alex fancied what some others were eating–sausages as usual Andouille, a local speciality. made from the entrails of an animal, made him feel quite ill afterwards. Fell asleep very quickly that night in our apartment. Only to be awoken by a load of old iron being dumped outside our window at 6o/clock! Found it was the market stalls being set-up.
Bus and train to Montpelier. Sat in the Square and drank coffee in the dappled sunshine. After shopping and lunch at a table on the pavement, back on the train. Thunderstorm in the night.
Beaucaire. Elizabeth said ” bring some veggies back, please.” Must get some books from the Capitainerie also and hairspray. Up an alley to Beaucaire Castle. Very high.Eagles fenced in, guard dogs around. Beautiful view over town–Eglise Pommiere, St. Paul and Criox Convent. Also Bournes, milestones from Roman times. When they made a road, the present Emperor’s name was engraved on one. They look like posts of stone. Most have been destroyed and are of great archeological interest. On coming down from the Tower at 12o/clock, found the big gates locked. I was very afraid that we were going to be shut in for hours with no food or anything to drink.It was very hot with the eagles and the dogs roaming around. We remembered seeing a cleaning lady at the Museum so hope she was still there. She was highly amused after we managed to explain.She opened the gate and we were free! Decided to eat out that night at Nord et Sud, always reliable.
Hello Marion that is quite a tale. Thank you for reading Perfectly Provence.