One small step for man, one giant leap....
France is by far and away the most popular destination for tourists in Europe and there are many reasons why this is so. The culture, history, beauty and the people are just a few of the reasons why so many people visit France each year and why so many return to live there full-time. There is a thread in the French forum entitled “Moving to Lyon” which offers an interesting read and an interesting insight into France, the way of life and what it may hold for expats.
Background to the thread
A husband and wife, the lady is Swedish and the gentleman is American, are looking to move to France (originally in 2009) and Lyon is the place they have decided to check out further. Rather than reading books, reading reviews and speaking to tourist operators for example the pair has decided to ask the opinion of those on the Forum who have experience of France and Lyon and in particular which areas they should be looking at.
They are looking to arrange an explanatory trip in 2009 at which point they will decide upon which area they would like to move to and make the necessary arrangements. Surprisingly, the couple in question have very little grasp of the French language and have asked those on the forum whether this will be a major stumbling block or something which will not hold them back. Their interests are opera, ballet, horses, physical fitness, restaurants and wine and the couple also have a Yorkshire terrier which they would like to take with them.
Experiences of France
While France is by far and away the most popular tourist destination in Europe, and one of the most popular in the world, it is a country and culture which attracts very different opinions from different people. One thing which will hit you about France is the fact that those from different areas of the country are very different in their culture, outlook on life and the way in which they welcome tourists and visitors.
The thread has attracted many different opinions some of which are positive towards France and some of which are negative. There is a debate on the size of Lyon itself, the French way of life, shop opening hours and the fairly low-key nightlife in the area.
The language barrier
It appears that a lack of fluent French has not held back many of the expats on the forum, a few of whom have gone on to operate businesses and renovate properties in France. While in a perfect world you would expect any visitor from a foreign land to learn the local language, it appears many French people are more than happy to converse in English and other popular languages although this does not always reflect well on foreigners visiting the country.
However, it is interesting to see that even those who have a limited knowledge and limited grasp of French have managed to pick up the language as they go along which indicates they are more than happy to incorporate themselves into their local community.
What is Lyon like?
The area of Lyon has attracted a number of contradictory opinions on the thread with some suggesting it is similar to a large town and others suggesting it is similar to a small city (is there really a difference?). While the people in question are moving from America, as are a number of posters on the thread, there is a general opinion that areas such as Chicago, San Francisco and Seattle for example are very different to Lyon, with Lyon being very quiet in comparison and fairly lacking in action. But what exactly are you looking for?
When you look at the various interests listed by the original poster on the thread it does appear as though Lyon offers exactly what they are after. It’s close vicinity to Italy, beautiful scenery, vineyards and other elements of life in and around Lyon indicate that the area fits the bill.
The weather
France is a country which offers a wide range of climates and weather from the mountain regions to the playboy resorts where the sun always seems to shine. However, it appears as though Lyon does not enjoy the Mediterranean weather which many people may favour and is in fact a rather cold region with varying weather throughout the seasons. However, a number of people have commented upon the beauty of the area, the natural landscape which appears to be a very important selling point for the area.
Interestingly, Lyon appears to be fairly close to a number of major cities and towns thereby offering the chance to commute for work and days away. Nobody really has anything bad to say about Lyon although everybody is different and you need to find an area which gives you what you want.
The local people
This is a subject that often splits people when looking at France as some believe the locals are very helpful and friendly and others believe they do not welcome foreigners. At the end of the day you probably get back what you put in, so if you’re willing to learn French before moving to France then you’re likely to be accepted quicker than if you stick to your mother tongue.
Many people expect locals in the region, wherever that may be, to speak their language when in reality surely visitors to a specific region around the world should be looking to indulge in local cultures and at least have a basic grasp of the local language?
Conclusion
For those looking to move to France, and in particular Lyon, this thread offers a number of opinions and observations which will come in very useful. Comparing the likes of Lyon against other cities and towns around the world can be more helpful than just talking about Lyon and the region on its own. It appears that France is still very popular with Americans, although we have seen contributions from a significant number of people from other areas of the world.
While this thread is still developing, it gives a perfect example of how differing opinions and different comments can help to create a picture and opinion of any area in the world. Some people like France, others will dislike France and some will not be bothered either way but it is still very much a case of “horses for courses”. Lyon and France have much to offer but if this is not what you’re looking for then maybe you need to look elsewhere?
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