Hi there,
Just stumbled onto this site and it looks like fun.

I've been a US expat for a little over 15 years now, first in the UK, then in Germany and now I'm "settled in" to France - in the departement of Essonne, south of Paris - with a French husband, two donkeys, three cats and an unknown number of fish (big tank).

Had a horrible time getting legal here in France as I arrived just as the hunger strikes and general turmoil over immigration was getting into full swing (back in 1995), but after only 7 or 8 years have finally found my niche and even took French nationality a couple years ago.

Anyhow, I have vowed not to let anyone else go through the hassles I had to deal with. So if anyone runs into problems getting settled in France, I'd love to help.
Cheers,
Bev

Hiya Bev, and welcome to the forum

Sure there will be many that take you up on your offer

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For photos of European Cities visit my homepage

Hi Bev,

Also living in the Essonne, since 1997. Originally from the UK.

Regards

John
Fontenay-le-Vicomte, France.

Hi John,
Welcome to another Essonnien (or whatever we're supposed to call ourselves). Grab a virtual cup of coffee (or something stronger, if you like) and join the conversations.
Cheers,
Bev

Yes I guess it is Essonnien - my girlfriend is a proper Essonnienne. I'm just adopted. Coffee here, having a late breakfast.

So whereabouts are you in this wonderful corner of the IDF?

I'm over on the western side of Essonne - half way between Dourdan and Orsay. It's really the countryside out here (hence, the donkeys) and that suits me just fine!

In fact, I probably shouldn't admit this, but it has been a good year and a half since the last time I went into Paris. I pass through on my way to Roissy to fly back to the States but it's been a while since I've had reason to go into the city.
Cheers,
Bev

Evening Bev,

We're across to the east not far from 77 but out in open countryside to the south of Evry/Corbeil Essonnes. I would have liked to have posted a link to some photos of our village, but it seems I'm not yet an "active member".

I'm the same, it's not often that we go into Paris. Usually it's to go around it on the Péripherique, either visiting some friends who live on Rosny-sous-Bois or heading north to go to the UK. Mind you, it's roughly every year we make that trip.

Funnily enough I've never flown to the UK, always use the Eurostar or my girlfriend drives us.

This afternoon we had the joys of going shopping - not fun during the soldes round here. First off we went to La Croix Blanche at Ste Geneviève des Bois and got stuck in a traffic jam. Then we came back to head to IKEA near Villabé - anyone would think they were giving things away free by the number of people (and lack of car parking spaces). Unfortunately they weren't

It's been lovely and sunny today - lets hope it'll be the same tomorrow.

John.