Culture Shock France vs USA: Lulu on Parenting, Healthcare, & Learning French

It was only supposed to be one year in France, but after finishing her Master’s, she found a job… and love. Eight years later, she’s still here.

In this episode, Lulu, an American expat, mom of two, and content creator, shares her journey of building a life abroad. Along the way, she reflects on what surprised her most, what still challenges her, and what ultimately made France feel like home.

From arriving in Paris with flip-flops and no winter coat (she’s from California!), to surviving French bureaucracy, raising multilingual kids, and finding the love of her life, Lulu gives us a relatable look at expat life as an American in France.

In this conversation, we talk about:
Budgeting for daily life and medical expenses
Raising kids in the French school system
Dealing with French admin and the key to success
Apéro culture, fashion… and smoking
Passing the French driving test
Dating in France, including the myths!

If you’re dreaming of moving to France, already an expat, or simply curious about the reality behind the clichés, this conversation is for you.

Chapters:
00:00 – Moving to France for “One Year”
01:50 – Raising Multilingual Kids in France
03:40 – Importance of Community as an Expat
05:38 – Paris: What She Loves (and Hates!)
07:32 – The Secret to Navigating “C’est pas possible.”
09:32 – Passing the French Driving Test
12:45 – School Lunch in France vs the US
14:57 – Major Downside to Daycare in France
17:05 – Always Something to Do in Paris
18:46 – Worst Mistake Resulted in €600 Phone Bill
20:02 – Giving Birth in France: Cost Culture Shock
21:51 – Medical Expenses for Kids (Pharmacy, Vaccines, etc)
23:06 – Dating in Paris & Love at First Sight
25:07 – The Real Reason French People Switch to English
26:52 – Advice for Moving Abroad
29:30 – Hardest French Words to Pronounce

Connect with Lulu:
  / luenfrance  
  / luluenfrance  

#marriedafrenchman #expatparent #movingtofrance