Black British family moving to France...

[ladynade]

Does anyone know how welcome a black family would be in France? Not so much for my husband and I but for my children ...am I worrying unnecessarily or is racism a real big problem? We are both professional people looking to relocate (but not to Paris) children are 2 & 4.
Any insight as to more liberal/accepting/multi cultural/ areas or cities appreciated ! I would love to come over in the summer to spend some time there but don't know what region to start in!!

Regards

[kaz101]

Hi Ladynade,

Welcome to the forum.

Some friends of ours have just returned from France (wish I could remember where from but it's slipped my mind). He's black and she's white, with mixed race children. They were based in the countryside and had no race issues at all. They have returned to the UK since they think the children would have better job prospects there.

Regards,
Karen

[ukbusinessguru]

Hi Ladynade,

I can understand your concerns wanting to find a safe and friendly area to live in France, especially for your kids. As you mentioned visiting beforehand is probably a great idea. Also, remember, racism exists everywhere it's impossible to escape bitter & twisted people.

I am a single black UK woman who's traveled all over the world (almost) including China. I now live in Spain and have never experienced racism in Spain, China, Germany or USA, only in London. That's not to say it doesn't exist here.

If you respect your new culture and learn French hopefully your move to France will be easier. And if anyone dares to abuse you in French you can return a few **** You ******* words.

Best of luck

[Bevdeforges]

While France has a reputation for racism, what I've seen of it here is more directed at the Magrebhi community and the whole Muslim thing than at Blacks.

There is a certain resentment in some areas against the Brits - because they have "driven up housing prices", they "stick to themselves" (not like the French don't ) and they "expect us to speak English." But that's mostly out in the countryside where small towns are dying as the young people head to the cities and people are looking for someone to blame for their misfortunes.

The French are a bit reserved with foreigners (heck, with each other) but if you make a point of trying to speak French with them, you should do fine.
Cheers,
Bev

[ladynade]

Many thanks for your replies - I have lived in Spain for 5 years and had only 2 encounters there (but had no children then!) and also know the importance of speaking the language and so this will be our priority in France. I am not going to let the reputation put me off!

Cheers to you all

[myemane]

Bonjour, Ladynade! I agree with the prior post that, generally speaking, Arabs and Muslims seem to suffer most from prejudice and racism in France. My personal experience has been phenomenally positive. Being black AND American, I had major trepidations before coming to live her with my daughter, now 17. Perhaps the super warm reception is due in part to the fact that I married a Frenchman and so gained not only a husband but all of his friends and family as well. True -- this could have turned out the other way! But I live in The Gers, in Southwest France, where the Brit invasion has taken on phenomenal proportions but where the "natives" are known for their tolerance, good old-fashioned manners, and laid-back attitude. I don't know how things would be in other parts of France, or in the bigger cities, but for the last two years, my daughter has attended a French school. Her race and nationality have given her something close to celebrity status. Best wishes to you and your family.

[giantpanda]

Originally Posted by ladynade

Does anyone know how welcome a black family would be in France? Not so much for my husband and I but for my children ...am I worrying unnecessarily or is racism a real big problem? We are both professional people looking to relocate (but not to Paris) children are 2 & 4.
Any insight as to more liberal/accepting/multi cultural/ areas or cities appreciated ! I would love to come over in the summer to spend some time there but don't know what region to start in!!

Regards

Hi!

As you probably grasped, there can be a big difference between cities, towns and country.

But beware, unless you are independant, you may find it rather difficult to get a job ( CDI = Contrat à Durée Indéterminée ) in France, even if you have qualifications recognised in France.

It would be considered as rather risky if you moved before at least one of you had a job ( after the tril period ).

Yours,

giantpanda

[Peter]

Hello,

I recommand that you move in a city rather than in a village where sometimes people are less open minded ! But I do not think that there is more racism in France than in England.

Peter.