'It annoyed me!' Expats in France share what they had to get used to after moving - but they now love it

Expat / south of France

Expats discussed their experience in France

GETTY/YOUTUBE/Riviera Go!
Sarra Gray

By Sarra Gray


Published: 10/08/2024

- 10:00

Expats living in France shared what they found challenging after relocating

The south of France is famed for diverse landscapes, fine wines and delicious food, which may be why expats often choose it as their home.

Two women who relocated to the region revealed what they found "annoying" when they first moved.


It is common to face challenges in a new country, especially when getting used to the different ways locals do things.

Expats who moved to the south of France spoke about their love for the country - which is why they have stayed for more than 20 years.

Nice, France

France is popular with expats

GETTY

However, they struggled to get used to a slower pace of life, particularly when grocery shopping.

"One thing that annoyed me - that I like a lot now - was when I first arrived and went to do my grocery shopping," they said on YouTube channel Riviera Go!.

"I would get in line and put my groceries on the belt and be in a hurry... the cashier would... take all the time in the world."

The expats, who moved from Germany, were used to getting in and out quickly when doing their weekly shop but this is not how things were done where they moved.

While the expats found it annoying to begin with, they said they now enjoy the slower shopping process.

They continued: "I really realised soon, don't rush and take your time. You won't be all sweaty and stressed when you come out of the grocery store.

"You'll be relaxed because you had a nice chat at the cash desk." She explained it was "something you have to get used to".

The expats stressed there are many scenarios when you will need to "be patient" living in France as things are generally done at a slower pace.

Picking up vegetables in grocery store

Grocery shopping is generally a slower experience

GETTY

This comes as a travel expert revealed the four regions in France attracting British retirees.

This is due to their lower living costs and idyllic climate conditions, perfect for those who have retired.

Seasoned travellers shared Dordogne, Charente, Mayenne and Deux-Sèvres as some of the most attractive regions to British expats. Americans are more likely to head to the south east of France, he claimed.

You may like