Settling into Southern France: Surprises of Cultural Differences Despite Speaking French

A few months ago, my husband seized a job offer that relocated us to southern France. We were thrilled at the prospect. With the Provence and the French Riviera known for their picturesque landscapes and since both of us are fluent in French, the transition seemed straightforward. Little did we know, living there would present unexpected challenges.

Now, two months into our move, the cultural differences continue to catch us off guard. Although I considered myself proficient in French, a complicated phone call to cancel a wrong internet contract taught me otherwise. Adapting here is proving to be more demanding and will likely require many more months.

Navigating Costly Misunderstandings

Having lived in Germany and Belgium, I'm accustomed to change. My journeys across the UK—from Leicestershire to Hampshire—didn't prepare me for the unique experiences of Southern France. Errors like misunderstanding service agreements have been frequent and sometimes costly. Once, a parking miscalculation led to a bill of €120 when we expected €40.

Similarly, we once paid €34 for a delicious yet unexpectedly costly combination of bell pepper dip and cashews due to pricing by weight. Such experiences, while expensive, have provided invaluable lessons and entertainment in hindsight.

The Accumulation of Minor Differences

Seemingly trivial things, such as how supermarkets manage their produce, accumulate to create significant mental strain. We often find ourselves pondering: Where do we validate our bus tickets? Is weighing required for all vegetables? Inconsistent practices across stores add to the complexity of daily errands.

Driving here is a particularly different experience. The local interpretation of safe driving distances is startling, leaving me surprised not more accidents occur, despite numerous vehicles sporting dents.

The mental exhaustion from navigating these novelties means we're getting more rest than usual just to keep up.

Adjusting to Unique Timetables

Unlike the UK, where shops remain open during lunch hours, many here close for as long as three hours midday. This can be inconvenient for those who want to run errands during lunch breaks but illustrates the French respect for a proper lunch.

Dining hours also diverge from what we're used to, with restaurants typically not opening until 7 p.m. Fortunately, this means we can usually secure a table without trouble by 7:30 p.m.

Embracing the Unfamiliar as a Privilege

The charm of Provence is beyond compare, and I feel fortunate to reside here. The allure has even prompted a steady stream of friends wishing to visit, more than we can accommodate.

Living abroad isn't synonymous with vacation; it's a journey that involves mastering new norms. Other expats advise that true acclimatization can take at least half a year.

This challenge is part and parcel of the invigorating endeavor of residing overseas. While some days we long for the familiarity of home, the beauty of our new surroundings quickly dispels those feelings, enriched further by exceptional local cuisine and the kindness of nearly everyone we've met—save for some drivers.