Learning to Belong in Provence and Speaking French

Are you planning a trip to France or a relocation? Did you take French classes in high school or university, and have not spoken since? While there is no requirement to speak French when you are visiting France, language can often strengthen connections. In my interview with Carolyne Kauser-Abbott, we talked about living in Provence, learning to belong, and how speaking French enhances the experience.

Some people fall in love with Provence for a summer. Others never quite leave it behind.

That’s the story of Carolyne Kauser-Abbott, a bilingual Canadian entrepreneur, writer, and founder of Perfectly Provence, a digital magazine dedicated to the art of living in the South of France. Dividing her life between Canada and Provence, Carolyne has turned her fascination with the region into a decade-long project that gives voice to locals, travellers, and expats who share her passion for this sun-drenched corner of France.

In this conversation, she opens up about the difference between the dream and the reality of Provence, how language shapes belonging, and what it means to live between two countries without feeling split in two.

Please keep reading this interview, where Carolyne and I explore what it means to live in France part-time. We speak about learning French, overcoming the fear and speaking the language. You can watch the video here:

Full day Bandol & Cassis Discovery Wine Tour from Marseille

Begin your journey in the medieval village of Le Castellet, perched elegantly atop a wooded hill overlooking lush vineyards. Next, venture into the renowned Bandol wine region.

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Deborah Pham van Xua

Born in France and shaped by four continents, Déborah Pham van Xua has lived a life woven with cultures, languages, and adventure. A trilingual French native and lifelong explorer, she has taught French from China to New Zealand — always driven by one question: how can language help people feel they belong?

Through her school Feel Good French, Déborah helps expats and retirees in France break through their language blocks, connect with locals, and finally feel at home — not just geographically, but emotionally and culturally. Her approach blends practical communication, mindset coaching, and genuine human connection.

Her mission is clear: to help you move from living on the fringe in an expat bubble to living within French life — comfortably, confidently, and joyfully. Curious and multi-passionate, Déborah also hosts a growing YouTube interview series, where she explores the real journeys of her students — their fears, their breakthroughs, and the beautiful process of finding their voice in French.