Thanks! I enjoy you guys SO much! I wish you were on everyday! Here is a small contribution to the Animal Fund for whatever you need. All the best! I’m love the new dresser! Looks like a very expensive peice! Good job. You could use it it so many ways ❤😊
I think that the French have the right ideas about finance credit scores are rubbish one mistake and yours goes down the tiolet wish the UK could follow suit excellent programme 😅
As A French I thank you very much for showing the world and promoting our beautiful country. I hope this will inspire others to buy castle and maintain them.
I'm not going to lie, I'm extremely jealous. My husband and I are in our 50's and we are trying to put our four children through college. The astronomical cost of college, skyrocketing housing prices, medical bills, trying to save for retirement and the rising cost of living expenses keeps me up at night. From an American perspective, France seems heavenly.
no need to be jealous! In France also a lot of people have to balance their costs! Not everyone is rich...inflation and political decisions (EU/Macron gov) have made normal peoples life much more difficult.
@@Ida-fz3ir Dear Ida, I am about sure that, if I asked you how EU works, what its institutions are, who has what position inside the institutions, how the decisions are made, what were the bad ones and most of all what were the good ones (especially the good ones which everyone so easily forgets), you would need some time…
If you have a quite valuable property in a big US city to sell, almost anyone can move to France or a lot of Europe for that matter and live quite well. Thanks to remote work, a lot of Americans can keep their high paying jobs from the US while living in Europe where the cost of living is often less. It's a good recipe if you have that option. Locals in Portgual for example are coming to resent it in some cases it seems.
@@Ida-fz3ir I am not speaking about dreams, but about very real things, things that you consider with a negative look. And actually, you are not answering the questions : what do you know about EU ?
Etant Français, je peux vous assurer que la qualité de vie à fortement baissée ces 20 dernières années ! Immigration, forte délinquance, inflation ... Notre beau pays n'est plus ce qu'il était et la chute continue !
We bought an old farmhouse in the country. 🇨🇦The silence was unbelievable! You almost think something is wrong with your hearing. No buzzing, no humming, no people, no engines, etc. It’s a really strange thing to experience. But loved it!!! Good for the soul. Love your videos. So glad everyone one is adapting. I’m thankful for your videos. You do amazing job.👌
Great vlog you two! We have been here 32 years and we wouldn’t disagree with one single comment you made. Accept, smile, chill and never forget to say ‘Bonjour’…social and civil👏👏👏😘
I love your explanation of "dual citizenship" as we see the two donkeys! So cute! You are living your best life - and most of us are living "vicariously" through you! Thank you for your honesty and for sharing always!
Thanks for this! It was interesting to hear the differences, but to me it seems calmer there overall, which would be an asset to me after growing up just outside Vancouver, B.C. I'm too old to pick up and move to France now, but given the chance years ago, I certainly would have considered it.
Thanks for this cool prospective on rural life. Alot of thing are the same in the country here in the US too! Small town stores close before 8pm here too. If we want lets say poster board for a school project,(that was not mentioned til now) We would have to get in the car and drive 40minuites to the bigger city. The dollar stores have changed that now, but this was the case when my kids were in school. The same with fast food, a long drive for a hamburger! It is quiet and DARK at night, and you can see the rain coming from far off. We really admire your family for adapting to live in another country, and your great rehab skills! I love living in the country and think France seems to be a beautiful place to do it!
Yep, it kind of irks me when people talk about "The US" when what they mean is SF, LA, NYC, Chicago. Many might still prefer France or Europe in the end, but it's weird to me when people seemingly don't even consider trying other parts of the US outside of major metros. To be clear, idk if these guys have. It certainly doesn't seem to be that uncommon of a thing, at least in these types of online circles.
Great to hear the pros & cons .... I never miss an episode & you're on my "must watch" list. Have to say your chateau & surrounding grounds are one of the prettiest I've seen!
Great summary of your life there. I imagine after the rough start in school during Covid that your daughters are well immersed in French school life. Kids adapt well. I so appreciate and like the fact that they are off camera. Whether their choice or yours, it is respectful and smart. Does your US family visit? Amanda I remember your early videos and you are SO MUCH MORE relaxed now! You and Lincoln do a great job with your videos and I really enjoy every one. Love all your animals!
When you mentioned being daunted initially by being on your large property, alone with the perfectly normal animal noises, I rolled my eyes some. But when I recalleded the otherworldly, banshee laments that emanate from sweet little foxes, I thought, oh yeah, I get that. Still, with all of the caveats, and with all of the hard work behind you and ahead, you do seem to have made your way into a beautiful life, I'm continually impressed, by what you have built and your willingness to share it warts and all.
We love your channel. When my wife and I need to experience humanity at its finest, we look for you both. We’ve been known to watch your show for hours and think maybe we could do that someday!! Cheers to you both!
You seem happy in France, you dont criticise and complain so I interpret that as an indication that youre assimilating well and appreciate your new home.
I'm very happy that you're enjoying your life in our country :). It's great to see you're taking care of our patrimoine (the castle and the land). I wish you happiness and success :).
Looks like your doing ok 👍 I moved from London to Egypt and love it being out of the rat race is great. Miss some things like rain lol which you get a lot of. I wish you health and happiness in your newish abode. 🙏👍👍
My husband & I will be doing pretty much like you did. Within the next two years we are moving to Bretagne. He's a Spanish citizen. We are thrilled with our retirement there. Can't wait to leave the Dallas, Texas rat-race for the pace of small town/rural France. I'm a cat rescuer and all our kitties are coming with us. I'll continue to TNVR wherever we land. By the way, I've never been to France. Only to Spain & Italy. This will be my greatest adventure. Am I worried? Naw. I'm thrilled!😊
I'm a European born citizen living in the US and hope to one day live in France with our small family. I may have to wait another 10 years until we can afford it but the thought of moving there keeps me going. We have 6 cats we've rescued and would love to do the same there. Glad my folks imigrated but even happier to have dual citizenship. All the best for your future.
And even if you don`t speak or read French, don`t worry about it too much since as a Spanish speaker you`ll be able to understand around 40% of French written words. Whenever I see Spanish text that`s what I`m able to figure out since so many words are so similar to French ones.
This was great and I feel your pain on people changing their minds when selling properties having been strung along for six months myself! So interesting to get your perspective on it too.
What is nice in France ; sorry i am French citizen ) is that in 1000 kms distance you can be in very different landscape and different culture When you look at Alsace region to Alps to basque area in Nice to Britanny . People are different and landscape as well Culture , history , wine and food , French Riviera . Downsides are bureaucracy but I would say less than in Italy 😂. Enjoy your stay for a day , a month or a life 😊
I lived in Italy for 18 months and would never live there permanantly. Too caotic and disorganized. Although l do love the country and its people, l think rural France id more my stride. Hopeffully one day.
@@LucyAuburn Saying you've living in Italy is like saying nothing at all. Where it is too caothic and disorganized? Maybe you've choosen a bad zone. In France it's the same. It depends from the region.
Great video! A while back I realized that having access to most things whenever I want can be a bit of a curse, there's no build-up or something novel to look forward to. I grew up in a very rural environment and couldn't wait to get out. After 25 years of living in heavily populated metros, I'm over it.
I always enjoy your conversation videos. Since we live in the country, four miles from the nearest small town, and secluded on the five acre farm, I can sort of relate to your situation. I prefer not being able to see neighbors or know what's going on. If I want to have morning coffee in my nightgown on the back porch, I don't worry. I cook all of our food because I like my cooking. It's nicer with our animals, very little concern about them annoying a neighbor, etc. I'm so happy you are getting used to being in France. It makes for totally enjoyable dreams of being in your situation without going through actually moving there. Thanks so much for making that possible. Janice from Arkansas USA
Great recap. The seasonal fruits and vegetables are really a nice plus and growing your own is so rewarding. I look forward to seeing the greenhouse. In the U.S. we’re very consumer oriented and it’s so nice that you’re able to step back from that and really enjoy the quality of life sans all the ‘stuff’. Bravo to your family!
I am a French retired lady (former dermatologist) in Loire Atlantic by the seashore after years living Paris in a bustling area. A rat race as in big American cities Of course city life and country life are quite different in France but l suppose in the States too... The life on a farm in NC would have been different from a city life in San Francisco too! I think you have been incredibly courageous to change your life style and of country!! I I am glad you appreciate France and French people, as for me my American friends. We have so much to learn from each other's countries and should take the best of the two. I wonder what your children will think in the future about their French education and schooling . More and more our children don't have access to free universities and go to private schooling with fees like business schools. We are becoming Americans on that subject. Yes the scarcity of doctors is a recent issue in this country and will not be solved easily. I wished l could have neighbors like you to practice my English and teach you French. As you see l try to brush up my English with videos like yours as l have no one to talk to. I wish you the very best in France in your beautiful mansion and l admire how well you take care of this land!
Thank you for this terrific video. I think your chateau and property are beautiful. The fact that you can take your time renovating is a gift. Amanda, I think your narrations of the videos are perfect. Lincoln is the epitome of “laid back”. ❤
Thank you for sharing your lives in France and being you. Watching your videos add great quality to my life! And I love that you do great views while you are talking.
First off your camera work as usual is stunning. Kudos. Like the early appearance of the donkeys, the inquisitive cat and the box and the dogs trying to hog up camera time. Great stuff. Lots of good info. It sounds like you are living the best life. I’m envious of the bird sounds in the background and the animals sounds at night. Thanks for another great video
Thank you for sharing the information regarding some of the differences between France and the U.S. , my husband and I are in our 70’s and had I known what I know now I would have moved from the U.S. many many yrs. ago. Love your channel, you guys are doing a great job,with your chateau and family..❤❤
I've followed you guys for a long time, absolutely love the channel. As someone who has lived in rural france, near your area and has family there, your comments are spot on. We started going maybe 40yrs ago (I was very small...honest...!) and the one thing that we all found and still find frustrating is the closing for lunch, the restaurants that close after lunch and the shops not opening late/or on sundays. Rural Ireland is like New York in comparison. But, a bit like takeaway coffee which they still seem unsure about, the culture is slowly changing and it is still a fantastic place. May you have many many more happy years there.
Hi, I really enjoy your adventure. I am a French, well by now US citizen, based in LA for the last 25 years. I appreciate your sense of humor. I am familiar with this part of Brittany where the most existential question is to figure out if it will rain from right to left or the opposite. Bon courage and don’t work too much!
Bonjour. J'aime beaucoup votre perception de la France. Quelques petites approximations qui m'ont fait sourire. Beaucoup de supermarchés sont ouverts le dimanche matin depuis au moins 30 ans. Et surtout, il y a beaucoup de marchés le samedi et dimanche. J'ai 50 ans et les jardineries ont toujours été ouvertes le dimanche ainsi que les brocantes, bars et restaurants. Les boulangeries sont ouvertes aussi ou seulement le matin.
It’s like my life in the 60’s. We moved to a small town in Michigan after living close to Chicago for my dad’s work. Life was better than we realized. Enjoy the slower pace.
Love this recap! Being also from SF, and living the château life here in Nouvelle Aquitaine… I could never live in the USA again. Just think, cow poop is so much better than round-up and miracle, or NPK. The food is soooo much better here, not just the way it is cooked but the quality of the ingredients. Every one here has a potager (veggie garden) and many people also have chickens. And then there is the weekly marché (farmer’s market) where you can buy all the seasonal veggies and the raw dairy-milk, cream, crème fraiche, butter **with sea salt**, cheese. The variety of ingredients in the fish markets, butcheries, charcuteries etc is mind boggling. To top it off, in France bubbly-or wine if you prefer- is around €5 per bottle! You may need it to deal with the French bureaucracy, but I think it’s a fair trade…
I came from a Canadian province that didn't have the direct driver's license exchange, so I had to do "le code" written test and a driving test. This was at age 40 with 23 driving years under my belt. Once I permanently arrived, I was allowed to drive with my Canadian license for a year before having to do the tests, and before that I had driven all over France on the previous 10 years' worth of summer holidays! It was expensive and the "code" was challenging with lots of trick questions, but I got through it (and even learned a few new things, too!). I can definitely relate to eating seasonally and now find myself shocked if I see fresh tomatoes served outside of tomato season! I try not to judge. 😊
Just to have peace and quiet is worth any inconvenience. I recently moved to a less dense populated area in California and I can relate to the silence, or rather the sounds of wildlife, without the sounds of sirens, traffic, and people making noise. We have ducks, coyotes, owls, hawks, and other various songbirds. Maybe foxes, although not sure what a fox sounds like. ?
I lived 10 years in the US and as a French person I was surprised to find out that most shops close at 8 pm beside grocery shops. Restaurants close at 9 pm which is so early and doctors end their days at 5 pm and don’t work Friday afternoons.
Considering the drugged out zombie epidemic in San Francisco I’m sure you all are ecstatic you got out when you did! It’s crazy how bad it has gotten in the last five years! It saddens me every time I think about the state America is in. If it were possible I would get out of here yesterday. Hope your girls realize how lucky they are that their parents moved them before the bottom completely falls out. Well, they’re teenagers so probably not!😅 Take care, Doc❤
Thanks for this video! After being born and raised in NYC and living next to the Holland Tunnel for 12 years now, I have been trying to get a few good friends to pool together to get a property in a rural part of France. This year they surprised me and said they are interested as long as it is in or near the Bordeaux region and gave me a healthy budget. Also one of them has EU citizenship and is fluent in French so that helps.They will be doing some scouting this summer in which I hope to join. I have sent them your videos as a guide in how great it can be providing you are in the right area and have a chateau/manor house that is not too big and some land for privacy. I think you all are doing a great job and are honest in your portrayal of the ups and downs in rural France of life on a large property (it helps that you are not far from the beautiful coast of France). My one dream is to have an allee to walk up and down in with my future rescued dogs. Guess I better start learning the language as I barely remember the French I took at university.
Hello, "local artisan" ! I am French and I have just read your comment. So, be careful : if you and your friends are looking for an area close to Bordeaux, Amanda and Lincoln are quite far from there (450km, almost 5 hours drive from where they are to Bordeaux). Close to Bordeaux, are the East part of Dordogne, the North part of the Landes, the South part of the Charentes-Maritimes and of course the Gironde. You'd better have a look in those areas 😉
@@heliedecastanet1882 Yes, unfortunately I couldn't convince them to be anywhere near Normandy as they are a little wary of the weather there. I want to be able to at least drive to the shore as I have always been not to far from the sea. Thank you for the advice, I will make sure to have these areas on our look out. I want to be in the countryside after a lifetime in the city.
@@thelocalartisanguide7937 Well, close to Bordeaux and to the shore, there are the area around Bordeaux (Gironde and the "Bassin d'Arcachon"), the Landes, and the Charentes-Maritimes. Yet, keep in mind that, being close to the Atlantic ocean, it can also be quite rainy (not as much as in Normandy, but still). It has nothing to do with Provence and the Mediterranean coast 😉 Have a good, day, and all my best for your research !!!
If your friends want to be near Bordeaux because of the wine, tell them to consider the Launguedoc region where I live. Languedoc included the Minervois-Corbieres wine region and is France’s largest producers of wine, even larger than Bordeaux, we have mild winters, its super sunny and you’re only about 50min to Mediterranean beaches.
How lovely of your mother to send you care packages from the USA. However, the contents are neither here nor there; it is the box itself that is most important, as is witnessed by Pickles fascination with it in this vlog. I hope the little one is well again after his recent health scare and that he was permitted many joyful hours playing with the box.
I love your videos and your style in the chateau! I’m an American living in the countryside of the Black Forest in Southern Germany for the past 23 years and I would never go back. I wish for you both that your french was better - it’s not easy but knowing the local language and being able to have local (French or in my case German ) friends is critical and enriching. (And it’s embarrassing to ask the kids to translate). We have a house in the Provence and I’ve been dusting off my school french which is not easy. Good luck ! It does help you integrate better 😊
The video is so professionally done. I really enjoyed all of your pets!!! My heart hurts with how San Francisco has changed. I wish you all the best . ❤
One of the great things about France was not having a 24/7 opening. It spoke to the value given to family life and meals! It’s sad that there is a creeping attempt to bring in longer opening hours. To live there you have to adapt and be happy ❤️
Thank you for your review! I've watched all your videos, as they make me so happy. You hadn't really mentioned how your daughters were settling in, and I wondered. How wonderful that they've picked up the language rather quickly! I hope they have French friends. It makes such a difference. Your comments remind me of when I lived in rural England in the late 1970s. I loved living in the country or small towns and being able to buy fresh produce almost every day, as well as growing my own and foraging in hedgerows. Here in the US, I still grocery shop every month or so. I rely a lot on my freezers these days. I prepare my food and I can count on one hand the number of times I've eaten at a restaurant in the past four years. Friends like coming to me as they say my food tastes better. LOL. I am envious of all your land; I'd fill it with rescued animals, too. My smallish house here in the Midwest is always full of foster dogs and more land is a dream. One thing I wouldn't love about your location is the rain. It seems to be almost every other day! I remember having to hang my clothes over radiators the night before to have non-damp clothing the next day when I lived in England and also when I traveled to France. It seemed to get damp even when it was clean and dry - the chest of drawers and wardrobes just didn't stave off the winter and spring damp. How I wish I could live in Europe again!
Good to know information! Thanks for sharing. I remember when we moved from Chicago to Florida, I was a teenager, my Mom said it was "the slow south". So I can imagine it was something to get used to for you all as well. We live in the county but, if I want to go to this grocery store I don't like it only takes me 10 minutes haha. Great info, thanks! p.s. I don't think I'd want to come back either if I lived there!❤
15:20 LOL, your pup is adorable; eyes darting back and forth between you and the baguette as if saying, "Is this for real? Are you really going to let me chow down on this?"
It goes the other way too, I (uk) frequently have US friends begging me to send affordable UK and European over the counter remedies and medication that although totally safe arent allowed in the US because of Big Pharma cartels, I always say that would probably make me some big trouble though, I like being under anyones radar. . In the UK we didnt (as far as I am aware) have much in the way of food delivery but now, for me (post covid) not only take out food but grocery shopping is all delivered to my door. 55 years ago when I was a little kid, we had bread, meat and fish delivered, but that stopped when Supermarkets happened, and now it is like the clock turned back 50 years. I LOVE France, but have only spent probably a total of about 10-12 weeks cumulative total there of family holidays, mostly in the early 1970s. I wonder how different 21st century France is from my memories. I loved France in the 1970s, but then I also loved England in the 1970s, and I know I pretty much hate it now, so its hard to judge what would be best for me, Probably a Time Machine
I am sure France is smelling way better than downtown San Francisco these days! Your children are very fortunate to learn to navigate another culture while still young. It is never easy, but it makes you grow happier - and develop adaptability and resilience. Your support and example will make up for the rest. Everything looks healthier there.
It’s really interesting to hear your perspective as previous metropolitans. I work for the uk police and can say that things closing at night is a good thing, 24 hour stimulation is too much for some people. Really loving your witty look out on life 😊
This was so informative. I live in Phoenix and plan to move when I retire. I am planning on moving back to my small, mid-west, country town and live out a quiet life. It would be a dream to live in Europe. I have some French and English ancestry and this is giving me ideas. I certainly would not be able to afford a French Chateau, but a country home might be done. Anyway, I am so glad your family is happy and adjusted. It sounds like a piece of Heaven to me.
Excellent video! I appreciate the comparison made on many subjects. I agree if moving to a country to live you must make an effort to speak the language of the nation you are living in. Well done.....carry on.......love watching and appreciate you sharing.
Thank you for sharing this. We will be turning 70 this year. We are like how did that happen? I’ve always dreamed of doing what you are doing. I don’t think I would have too much difficulty adjusting to France and I love that you are near the sea. I am as well but in NY. Where we have lived and raised our children .It was always very quiet but it’s getting more and more populated . Now we are grandparents and don’t want to be away too long from our grandchildren nor do we have the energy to renovate,so our goal is to visit France and take our time whilst we are there. I so enjoy your channel. You both made the right decision and are just the perfect age to make this transition. Wishing you both continued happiness and peace.
We have a house in Greece ,My Son went there almost every summer since a Baby ,He has no desire to go now it’s way to boring for him there ,I haven’t been there for the last 5 years ,my Husband goes to see his family about once a year ,we live upstate NY I haven’t been to NYC since the COVID crap it’s gotten scary down there now Very Sad we miss going 😢 Pray for America 🙏Enjoy your New life in Beautiful France ❤️🥰
Nice to hear your summary of living in France from an American perspective. We moved from the Netherlands to France just recently and some of the things you mentioned we also experienced. Shops that are not open late, or on Sunday. And most of all, their 2 hours lunchbreak and closing the shops :) Even some DIY stores! But the calm and beautiful nature with rural views is what we like most, and ofcourse french baguette in the morning :D
Another very sympathetic update! {Funny, I purchased this very Pacifica Gardenia perfume here in Ireland - where university is very expensive, at least it was for our eldest who did „music, media & performance technology“ in Limerick for 4 years}
Have really loved watching you guys and your journey! We live on the East Coast (Nova Scotia) and plan to find a property in the county in the next year or two! Your journey sounds wonderful!
I love your videos …you’re so honest and just so natural. The countryside is beautiful. I envy you so much … would love to live in a France, or England in the countryside.. enjoy every moment!!
I love your down to eath aditudde and quirky sense of humor 😊 we live in illinois (i am from gernany ) now we are looking for a small farm in missouri with our daughter son in law and granddaughter besides about 30 goats chicken Etc lol all the best hugs 😊❤😊❤😊❤
We are in Portugal in the Alentejo area...it gets extremely hot in the summer with very mild winters which suits me the bureaucracy is slow and tedious the same has France they also love paperwork..we love it here and certainly will not be going back to the U.K we don't speak the language but we get by .....Happy Days to you all ❤
Your property is looking beautiful in Spring 💜 . love your vlogs and really enjoyed this. Very interesting. I love visiting France and slightly obsessed by chateaus but am lucky to live in a beautiful part of Sydney,🇦🇺 and have built my forever home so am happy watching others live their dream.
Enjoyed this review after 4 years. Post-covid health care here in Maine also has long waits. So many providers burned out. My dermatologist sent me several postcards telling me I was overdue for a checkup and how critical it was to my health, then gave me an appointment 7 months out! Broke my glasses in February and the first available appointment was July. And I don't live in rural Maine either. First we wait and then we pay through the nose!
It’s seems idyllic. We moved from Oregon to Idaho and I was so homesick-I guess you would call it- for friends and less extreme weather. It’s bloom where you are planted for you! Thanks for sharing! ❤
Thank you for sharing all that info! I have wondered what it would be like to live there, but one never really knows all the challenges involved, so that was some great insight. It is nice to hear that the move for your family was overall a great decision in the end. I wish you all continued happiness.. ❤
Cool video guys . I can relate. Ive lived in Chicago most my life , and I had enough. I was paying alot to live there and im not really a city person. I noticed I went up to Wisconsin to hike, rock climb or just get away pretty much every weekend. When air and water show would come to Chicago id hit the road to Wisconsin or Michigan. Still undecided I left and went just out to the burbs and pay half for rent vs Chicago. I just babked it all planning my next escape. I studied French in hs and college 30yrs ago. Not sure where im going next but will be in the country. Sometimes I do miss my filthy subways lol
Wow - this insight into real French country is amazing. We (mostly my partner who is French) have been running immersion tours to a managed chateau in France for over 10-years, so I know the country a bit. I have toyed with the idea of living there. But to move from the Gold Coast of Australia to the quiet simple life you have would be very hard I think. Not that I couldn’t, I just think I’d miss consumerism - which is probably less intense in Australia than you describe - and the energy would be missing from my life. I am happy to hear you have adjusted and are enjoying the slow pace of life there. But I think you have convinced me that we should stay here where barista coffee is a block away 😄
Pour la bureaucratie , je n imagine même pas , comment s en sortir, quand on ne comprend le Français. Déjà que pour nous on s arrachent les cheveux 😅😅😅 pour vos permis , demandez à vos enfants d appeler la préfecture ,pour savoir ce qui bloque, ce n'est pas normal 😊
Funny that you talk about the drivers license. That the state you move from just transferred it because another person Who moved to France has (she has a RUclips channel for her. Château ) been told she has to be fluent be to read and write and take her drivers license in the first year she moved to France in order to continue driving. I believe she moved from Seattle. This was very interesting and informative. Thank you
It depends on whether the state your license is issued has a reciprocal exchange agreement with France. Abbey unfortunately doesn’t do a lot of homework and had she, a simple Google search would have indicated that clearly Washington state does not. The French ANTS (like the DMV) sent letters to all 50 Secretary of States back in the 90’s when they started this program. Only 14 SoS responded and accepted the reciprocity agreement🤷🏻♀️
Loved this video as it answered a lot of questions! Seems idyllic for sure! We are in the travel phase now with family in Scotland so I can see us moving over for months at a time to them get a sense of what it would really be like to live there….Scotland and France both are of great interest! Thanks again!
I took French in high school (a long, long time ago!) and all I can remember is may I sharpen my pencil. It is a beautiful language. Very happy for you! ❤
That was so enlightening. Thank you for being so open and candid with us. If I wouldn’t have to leave adult children with children behind … I’d join you in a snap! So enjoy your videos!
American are more than welcome here. Thanks to people like you, that invests in our cultural heritage, these marvellous estate will last for centuries. Come to the south in summer, if you want to enjoy something like California.
Amanda, i just ordered the gardenia rollerball your mom sent you in care pkg. Love gardenia. My mother and i planted a gardenia bush many yrs ago. Couple of those would be pretty against the garden wall. The blooms would be beautiful in your house too.
I love your RUclips postings. They are my go to TV to decompress. The music, the views, the sounds just soothe me after a rough day at work. You are both so real and like-able. Your taste in decorating is great. Ok, I’m gushing. Keep the postings coming!
Great adventure!!!. Takes courage to do what u & the girls have done. Keep going achieve your dreams. I wish we had done what u have done & moved to France too. from Nz. My ancestors came from France & when we travelled there I felt a connection somehow. I love all things french. 💗.
Thanks! I enjoy you guys SO much! I wish you were on everyday! Here is a small contribution to the Animal Fund for whatever you need. All the best! I’m love the new dresser! Looks like a very expensive peice! Good job. You could use it it so many ways ❤😊
Thanks :) You're very kind!
I think that the French have the right ideas about finance credit scores are rubbish one mistake and yours goes down the tiolet wish the UK could follow suit excellent programme 😅
As A French I thank you very much for showing the world and promoting our beautiful country. I hope this will inspire others to buy castle and maintain them.
I'm not going to lie, I'm extremely jealous. My husband and I are in our 50's and we are trying to put our four children through college. The astronomical cost of college, skyrocketing housing prices, medical bills, trying to save for retirement and the rising cost of living expenses keeps me up at night. From an American perspective, France seems heavenly.
no need to be jealous!
In France also a lot of people have to balance their costs!
Not everyone is rich...inflation and political decisions (EU/Macron gov) have made normal peoples life much more difficult.
@@Ida-fz3ir Dear Ida, I am about sure that, if I asked you how EU works, what its institutions are, who has what position inside the institutions, how the decisions are made, what were the bad ones and most of all what were the good ones (especially the good ones which everyone so easily forgets), you would need some time…
@@heliedecastanet1882
ok...everyone needs his dream...😅
If you have a quite valuable property in a big US city to sell, almost anyone can move to France or a lot of Europe for that matter and live quite well. Thanks to remote work, a lot of Americans can keep their high paying jobs from the US while living in Europe where the cost of living is often less. It's a good recipe if you have that option. Locals in Portgual for example are coming to resent it in some cases it seems.
@@Ida-fz3ir I am not speaking about dreams, but about very real things, things that you consider with a negative look. And actually, you are not answering the questions : what do you know about EU ?
I've been in France as a resident for two years. You're spot on with your comments. I also have no intention of returning to the US. Cheers-
Are you British?
@@loridelia8806 Did you read my comment??? It mentions the US.
Etant Français, je peux vous assurer que la qualité de vie à fortement baissée ces 20 dernières années !
Immigration, forte délinquance, inflation ... Notre beau pays n'est plus ce qu'il était et la chute continue !
We bought an old farmhouse in the country. 🇨🇦The silence was unbelievable! You almost think something is wrong with your hearing. No buzzing, no humming, no people, no engines, etc. It’s a really strange thing to experience. But loved it!!! Good for the soul. Love your videos. So glad everyone one is adapting. I’m thankful for your videos. You do amazing job.👌
I’m happy your are happy in France.
I get a strong itch to move when I watch/listen to you guys...
Great vlog you two! We have been here 32 years and we wouldn’t disagree with one single comment you made. Accept, smile, chill and never forget to say ‘Bonjour’…social and civil👏👏👏😘
I love your explanation of "dual citizenship" as we see the two donkeys! So cute! You are living your best life - and most of us are living "vicariously" through you! Thank you for your honesty and for sharing always!
Nice update on how you are feeling about living in France! Good on you!
Thanks for this! It was interesting to hear the differences, but to me it seems calmer there overall, which would be an asset to me after growing up just outside Vancouver, B.C. I'm too old to pick up and move to France now, but given the chance years ago, I certainly would have considered it.
Thanks for this cool prospective on rural life. Alot of thing are the same in the country here in the US too! Small town stores close before 8pm here too. If we want lets say poster board for a school project,(that was not mentioned til now) We would have to get in the car and drive 40minuites to the bigger city. The dollar stores have changed that now, but this was the case when my kids were in school. The same with fast food, a long drive for a hamburger! It is quiet and DARK at night, and you can see the rain coming from far off. We really admire your family for adapting to live in another country, and your great rehab skills! I love living in the country and think France seems to be a beautiful place to do it!
Yep, it kind of irks me when people talk about "The US" when what they mean is SF, LA, NYC, Chicago. Many might still prefer France or Europe in the end, but it's weird to me when people seemingly don't even consider trying other parts of the US outside of major metros. To be clear, idk if these guys have. It certainly doesn't seem to be that uncommon of a thing, at least in these types of online circles.
Great that you’re so happy there!
Great to hear the pros & cons .... I never miss an episode & you're on my "must watch" list. Have to say your chateau & surrounding grounds are one of the prettiest I've seen!
Great summary of your life there. I imagine after the rough start in school during Covid that your daughters are well immersed in French school life. Kids adapt well. I so appreciate and like the fact that they are off camera. Whether their choice or yours, it is respectful and smart.
Does your US family visit? Amanda I remember your early videos and you are SO MUCH MORE relaxed now! You and Lincoln do a great job with your videos and I really enjoy every one. Love all your animals!
Thanks! We're still incredibly awkward in front of the camera. Maybe we're embracing our discomfort? 😂
@@OurFrenchChateau, for me, not awkward but authentic. You are wonderful and I am so glad you are creating a beautiful life. 💛
@@OurFrenchChateauYou two crack me up 😆
When you mentioned being daunted initially by being on your large property, alone with the perfectly normal animal noises, I rolled my eyes some. But when I recalleded the otherworldly, banshee laments that emanate from sweet little foxes, I thought, oh yeah, I get that. Still, with all of the caveats, and with all of the hard work behind you and ahead, you do seem to have made your way into a beautiful life, I'm continually impressed, by what you have built and your willingness to share it warts and all.
We love your channel. When my wife and I need to experience humanity at its finest, we look for you both. We’ve been known to watch your show for hours and think maybe we could do that someday!! Cheers to you both!
Wow, thank you!
You seem happy in France, you dont criticise and complain so I interpret that as an indication that youre assimilating well and appreciate your new home.
I'm very happy that you're enjoying your life in our country :). It's great to see you're taking care of our patrimoine (the castle and the land). I wish you happiness and success :).
Looks like your doing ok 👍 I moved from London to Egypt and love it being out of the rat race is great. Miss some things like rain lol which you get a lot of. I wish you health and happiness in your newish abode. 🙏👍👍
I think we would miss the rain too. What a move though!
My husband & I will be doing pretty much like you did. Within the next two years we are moving to Bretagne. He's a Spanish citizen. We are thrilled with our retirement there. Can't wait to leave the Dallas, Texas rat-race for the pace of small town/rural France. I'm a cat rescuer and all our kitties are coming with us. I'll continue to TNVR wherever we land.
By the way, I've never been to France. Only to Spain & Italy. This will be my greatest adventure. Am I worried? Naw. I'm thrilled!😊
What an adventure ahead of you, we wish you all the best in this journey to France!
I'm a European born citizen living in the US and hope to one day live in France with our small family. I may have to wait another 10 years until we can afford it but the thought of moving there keeps me going. We have 6 cats we've rescued and would love to do the same there. Glad my folks imigrated but even happier to have dual citizenship. All the best for your future.
bravo pour les chats et welcome
And even if you don`t speak or read French, don`t worry about it too much since as a Spanish speaker you`ll be able to understand around 40% of French written words. Whenever I see Spanish text that`s what I`m able to figure out since so many words are so similar to French ones.
This was great and I feel your pain on people changing their minds when selling properties having been strung along for six months myself! So interesting to get your perspective on it too.
It happens :(
What is nice in France ; sorry i am French citizen ) is that in 1000 kms distance you can be in very different landscape and different culture
When you look at Alsace region to Alps to basque area in Nice to Britanny . People are different and landscape as well
Culture , history , wine and food , French Riviera .
Downsides are bureaucracy but I would say less than in Italy 😂.
Enjoy your stay for a day , a month or a life 😊
I lived in Italy for 18 months and would never live there permanantly. Too caotic and disorganized. Although l do love the country and its people, l think rural France id more my stride. Hopeffully one day.
FYI try the American bureaucracy and this post will be hilarious.
You forgot Pays-Basque and Les Landes which share a lot with Spain
@@LucyAuburn I live in Northern Italy in a rural area in Veneto. No chaos or disorganization . Actually way better than I expected.
@@LucyAuburn Saying you've living in Italy is like saying nothing at all. Where it is too caothic and disorganized? Maybe you've choosen a bad zone. In France it's the same. It depends from the region.
Great video! A while back I realized that having access to most things whenever I want can be a bit of a curse, there's no build-up or something novel to look forward to.
I grew up in a very rural environment and couldn't wait to get out. After 25 years of living in heavily populated metros, I'm over it.
I always enjoy your conversation videos. Since we live in the country, four miles from the nearest small town, and secluded on the five acre farm, I can sort of relate to your situation. I prefer not being able to see neighbors or know what's going on. If I want to have morning coffee in my nightgown on the back porch, I don't worry. I cook all of our food because I like my cooking. It's nicer with our animals, very little concern about them annoying a neighbor, etc. I'm so happy you are getting used to being in France. It makes for totally enjoyable dreams of being in your situation without going through actually moving there. Thanks so much for making that possible. Janice from Arkansas USA
Great recap. The seasonal fruits and vegetables are really a nice plus and growing your own is so rewarding. I look forward to seeing the greenhouse. In the U.S. we’re very consumer oriented and it’s so nice that you’re able to step back from that and really enjoy the quality of life sans all the ‘stuff’. Bravo to your family!
I am a French retired lady (former dermatologist) in Loire Atlantic by the seashore after years living Paris in a bustling area. A rat race as in big American cities
Of course city life and country life are quite different in France but l suppose in the States too... The life on a farm in NC would have been different from a city life in San Francisco too!
I think you have been incredibly courageous to change your life style and of country!! I I am glad you appreciate France and French people, as for me my American friends.
We have so much to learn from each other's countries and should take the best of the two.
I wonder what your children will think in the future about their French education and schooling . More and more our children don't have access to free universities and go to private schooling with fees like business schools. We are becoming Americans on that subject. Yes the scarcity of doctors is a recent issue in this country and will not be solved easily.
I wished l could have neighbors like you to practice my English and teach you French. As you see l try to brush up my English with videos like yours as l have no one to talk to.
I wish you the very best in France in your beautiful mansion and l admire how well you take care of this land!
Thank you for this terrific video. I think your chateau and property are beautiful. The fact that you can take your time renovating is a gift. Amanda, I think your narrations of the videos are perfect. Lincoln is the epitome of “laid back”. ❤
Wow, thank you for that very comprehensive and enlightening summary of life in France!
Thank you for sharing your lives in France and being you. Watching your videos add great quality to my life! And I love that you do great views while you are talking.
Oui! very much enjoyed your video. French est le langage universel de l'amour and i also understand FREE! Thanks for Sharing
You two are such a joy to watch it doesn’t matter where you live their is good and bad but we make the best of it from canada
First off your camera work as usual is stunning. Kudos.
Like the early appearance of the donkeys, the inquisitive cat and the box and the dogs trying to hog up camera time. Great stuff.
Lots of good info. It sounds like you are living the best life. I’m envious of the bird sounds in the background and the animals sounds at night. Thanks for another great video
Thank you for sharing the information regarding some of the differences between France and the U.S. , my husband and I are in our 70’s and had I known what I know now I would have moved from the U.S. many many yrs. ago. Love your channel, you guys are doing a great job,with your chateau and family..❤❤
I've followed you guys for a long time, absolutely love the channel. As someone who has lived in rural france, near your area and has family there, your comments are spot on. We started going maybe 40yrs ago (I was very small...honest...!) and the one thing that we all found and still find frustrating is the closing for lunch, the restaurants that close after lunch and the shops not opening late/or on sundays. Rural Ireland is like New York in comparison. But, a bit like takeaway coffee which they still seem unsure about, the culture is slowly changing and it is still a fantastic place. May you have many many more happy years there.
Hi, I really enjoy your adventure. I am a French, well by now US citizen, based in LA for the last 25 years. I appreciate your sense of humor. I am familiar with this part of Brittany where the most existential question is to figure out if it will rain from right to left or the opposite. Bon courage and don’t work too much!
I learned so much from this video. Thank you!
Loved all the animals, especially the three-legged dog ❤
Bonjour. J'aime beaucoup votre perception de la France. Quelques petites approximations qui m'ont fait sourire. Beaucoup de supermarchés sont ouverts le dimanche matin depuis au moins 30 ans. Et surtout, il y a beaucoup de marchés le samedi et dimanche. J'ai 50 ans et les jardineries ont toujours été ouvertes le dimanche ainsi que les brocantes, bars et restaurants. Les boulangeries sont ouvertes aussi ou seulement le matin.
It’s like my life in the 60’s. We moved to a small town in Michigan after living close to Chicago for my dad’s work. Life was better than we realized. Enjoy the slower pace.
Love this recap! Being also from SF, and living the château life here in Nouvelle Aquitaine… I could never live in the USA again. Just think, cow poop is so much better than round-up and miracle, or NPK. The food is soooo much better here, not just the way it is cooked but the quality of the ingredients. Every one here has a potager (veggie garden) and many people also have chickens. And then there is the weekly marché (farmer’s market) where you can buy all the seasonal veggies and the raw dairy-milk, cream, crème fraiche, butter **with sea salt**, cheese. The variety of ingredients in the fish markets, butcheries, charcuteries etc is mind boggling. To top it off, in France bubbly-or wine if you prefer- is around €5 per bottle! You may need it to deal with the French bureaucracy, but I think it’s a fair trade…
I came from a Canadian province that didn't have the direct driver's license exchange, so I had to do "le code" written test and a driving test. This was at age 40 with 23 driving years under my belt. Once I permanently arrived, I was allowed to drive with my Canadian license for a year before having to do the tests, and before that I had driven all over France on the previous 10 years' worth of summer holidays! It was expensive and the "code" was challenging with lots of trick questions, but I got through it (and even learned a few new things, too!).
I can definitely relate to eating seasonally and now find myself shocked if I see fresh tomatoes served outside of tomato season! I try not to judge. 😊
@@absolutefreedom8035 I wish! I couldn't do the swap with my BC license. I tried at the préfecture and was told it wasn't possible!
Just to have peace and quiet is worth any inconvenience. I recently moved to a less dense populated area in California and I can relate to the silence, or rather the sounds of wildlife, without the sounds of sirens, traffic, and people making noise. We have ducks, coyotes, owls, hawks, and other various songbirds. Maybe foxes, although not sure what a fox sounds like. ?
It's nice, right? For fox sounds at night do a RUclips search...
Thanks for the info. You guys are so blessed and live life to the full and near to the earth and each other.🎉🎉
I lived 10 years in the US and as a French person I was surprised to find out that most shops close at 8 pm beside grocery shops. Restaurants close at 9 pm which is so early and doctors end their days at 5 pm and don’t work Friday afternoons.
Considering the drugged out zombie epidemic in San Francisco I’m sure you all are ecstatic you got out when you did! It’s crazy how bad it has gotten in the last five years! It saddens me every time I think about the state America is in. If it were possible I would get out of here yesterday. Hope your girls realize how lucky they are that their parents moved them before the bottom completely falls out. Well, they’re teenagers so probably not!😅 Take care, Doc❤
That’s a bit dramatic wrinkles…
@@maurawhelan3530 You’re entitled to your opinion. I stand behind my statement!
Do you live in San Fran?
Thanks for this video! After being born and raised in NYC and living next to the Holland Tunnel for 12 years now, I have been trying to get a few good friends to pool together to get a property in a rural part of France. This year they surprised me and said they are interested as long as it is in or near the Bordeaux region and gave me a healthy budget. Also one of them has EU citizenship and is fluent in French so that helps.They will be doing some scouting this summer in which I hope to join. I have sent them your videos as a guide in how great it can be providing you are in the right area and have a chateau/manor house that is not too big and some land for privacy. I think you all are doing a great job and are honest in your portrayal of the ups and downs in rural France of life on a large property (it helps that you are not far from the beautiful coast of France). My one dream is to have an allee to walk up and down in with my future rescued dogs. Guess I better start learning the language as I barely remember the French I took at university.
Hello, "local artisan" !
I am French and I have just read your comment. So, be careful : if you and your friends are looking for an area close to Bordeaux, Amanda and Lincoln are quite far from there (450km, almost 5 hours drive from where they are to Bordeaux).
Close to Bordeaux, are the East part of Dordogne, the North part of the Landes, the South part of the Charentes-Maritimes and of course the Gironde. You'd better have a look in those areas 😉
@@heliedecastanet1882 Yes, unfortunately I couldn't convince them to be anywhere near Normandy as they are a little wary of the weather there. I want to be able to at least drive to the shore as I have always been not to far from the sea. Thank you for the advice, I will make sure to have these areas on our look out. I want to be in the countryside after a lifetime in the city.
@@thelocalartisanguide7937 Well, close to Bordeaux and to the shore, there are the area around Bordeaux (Gironde and the "Bassin d'Arcachon"), the Landes, and the Charentes-Maritimes.
Yet, keep in mind that, being close to the Atlantic ocean, it can also be quite rainy (not as much as in Normandy, but still). It has nothing to do with Provence and the Mediterranean coast 😉
Have a good, day, and all my best for your research !!!
If your friends want to be near Bordeaux because of the wine, tell them to consider the Launguedoc region where I live. Languedoc included the Minervois-Corbieres wine region and is France’s largest producers of wine, even larger than Bordeaux, we have mild winters, its super sunny and you’re only about 50min to Mediterranean beaches.
@@aliciabaylina6275 Thank you for the advice, the Languedoc region actually sounds quite ideal.
This video is so interesting! Thank you for sharing your story and present lives with us. Love watching your videos. They’re always so fascinating!
How lovely of your mother to send you care packages from the USA. However, the contents are neither here nor there; it is the box itself that is most important, as is witnessed by Pickles fascination with it in this vlog. I hope the little one is well again after his recent health scare and that he was permitted many joyful hours playing with the box.
Pickle is thoroughly enjoying the box and doing very well :)
I love your videos and your style in the chateau! I’m an American living in the countryside of the Black Forest in Southern Germany for the past 23 years and I would never go back. I wish for you both that your french was better - it’s not easy but knowing the local language and being able to have local (French or in my case German ) friends is critical and enriching. (And it’s embarrassing to ask the kids to translate). We have a house in the Provence and I’ve been dusting off my school french which is not easy. Good luck ! It does help you integrate better 😊
The video is so professionally done. I really enjoyed all of your pets!!! My heart hurts with how San Francisco has changed. I wish you all the best . ❤
One of the great things about France was not having a 24/7 opening. It spoke to the value given to family life and meals! It’s sad that there is a creeping attempt to bring in longer opening hours. To live there you have to adapt and be happy ❤️
Thank you for your review! I've watched all your videos, as they make me so happy. You hadn't really mentioned how your daughters were settling in, and I wondered. How wonderful that they've picked up the language rather quickly! I hope they have French friends. It makes such a difference. Your comments remind me of when I lived in rural England in the late 1970s. I loved living in the country or small towns and being able to buy fresh produce almost every day, as well as growing my own and foraging in hedgerows. Here in the US, I still grocery shop every month or so. I rely a lot on my freezers these days. I prepare my food and I can count on one hand the number of times I've eaten at a restaurant in the past four years. Friends like coming to me as they say my food tastes better. LOL.
I am envious of all your land; I'd fill it with rescued animals, too. My smallish house here in the Midwest is always full of foster dogs and more land is a dream. One thing I wouldn't love about your location is the rain. It seems to be almost every other day! I remember having to hang my clothes over radiators the night before to have non-damp clothing the next day when I lived in England and also when I traveled to France. It seemed to get damp even when it was clean and dry - the chest of drawers and wardrobes just didn't stave off the winter and spring damp. How I wish I could live in Europe again!
Good to know information! Thanks for sharing. I remember when we moved from Chicago to Florida, I was a teenager, my Mom said it was "the slow south". So I can imagine it was something to get used to for you all as well. We live in the county but, if I want to go to this grocery store I don't like it only takes me 10 minutes haha. Great info, thanks! p.s. I don't think I'd want to come back either if I lived there!❤
15:20 LOL, your pup is adorable; eyes darting back and forth between you and the baguette as if saying, "Is this for real? Are you really going to let me chow down on this?"
It goes the other way too, I (uk) frequently have US friends begging me to send affordable UK and European over the counter remedies and medication that although totally safe arent allowed in the US because of Big Pharma cartels, I always say that would probably make me some big trouble though, I like being under anyones radar. . In the UK we didnt (as far as I am aware) have much in the way of food delivery but now, for me (post covid) not only take out food but grocery shopping is all delivered to my door. 55 years ago when I was a little kid, we had bread, meat and fish delivered, but that stopped when Supermarkets happened, and now it is like the clock turned back 50 years.
I LOVE France, but have only spent probably a total of about 10-12 weeks cumulative total there of family holidays, mostly in the early 1970s. I wonder how different 21st century France is from my memories. I loved France in the 1970s, but then I also loved England in the 1970s, and I know I pretty much hate it now, so its hard to judge what would be best for me, Probably a Time Machine
France today Know sames problems that england (in first immigration)
I appreciate the synopsis of your life in France. Im so happy to hear how you love it. Im quite jealous, but one can never say never. xx
I am sure France is smelling way better than downtown San Francisco these days! Your children are very fortunate to learn to navigate another culture while still young. It is never easy, but it makes you grow happier - and develop adaptability and resilience. Your support and example will make up for the rest. Everything looks healthier there.
It’s really interesting to hear your perspective as previous metropolitans.
I work for the uk police and can say that things closing at night is a good thing, 24 hour stimulation is too much for some people.
Really loving your witty look out on life 😊
This was so informative. I live in Phoenix and plan to move when I retire. I am planning on moving back to my small, mid-west, country town and live out a quiet life. It would be a dream to live in Europe. I have some French and English ancestry and this is giving me ideas. I certainly would not be able to afford a French Chateau, but a country home might be done. Anyway, I am so glad your family is happy and adjusted. It sounds like a piece of Heaven to me.
Excellent video! I appreciate the comparison made on many subjects. I agree if moving to a country to live you must make an effort to speak the language of the nation you are living in. Well done.....carry on.......love watching and appreciate you sharing.
Thank you for sharing this. We will be turning 70 this year. We are like how did that happen? I’ve always dreamed of doing what you are doing. I don’t think I would have too much difficulty adjusting to France and I love that you are near the sea. I am as well but in NY. Where we have lived and raised our children .It was always very quiet but it’s getting more and more populated . Now we are grandparents and don’t want to be away too long from our grandchildren nor do we have the energy to renovate,so our goal is to visit France and take our time whilst we are there. I so enjoy your channel. You both made the right decision and are just the perfect age to make this transition. Wishing you both continued happiness and peace.
We have a house in Greece ,My Son went there almost every summer since a Baby ,He has no desire to go now it’s way to boring for him there ,I haven’t been there for the last 5 years ,my Husband goes to see his family about once a year ,we live upstate NY I haven’t been to NYC since the COVID crap it’s gotten scary down there now Very Sad we miss going 😢 Pray for America 🙏Enjoy your New life in Beautiful France ❤️🥰
Nice to hear your summary of living in France from an American perspective. We moved from the Netherlands to France just recently and some of the things you mentioned we also experienced. Shops that are not open late, or on Sunday. And most of all, their 2 hours lunchbreak and closing the shops :) Even some DIY stores! But the calm and beautiful nature with rural views is what we like most, and ofcourse french baguette in the morning :D
Another very sympathetic update! {Funny, I purchased this very Pacifica Gardenia perfume here in Ireland - where university is very expensive, at least it was for our eldest who did „music, media & performance technology“ in Limerick for 4 years}
Interesting. Our oldest is looking at schools in Ireland and tuition is just about free.
Have really loved watching you guys and your journey! We live on the East Coast (Nova Scotia) and plan to find a property in the county in the next year or two! Your journey sounds wonderful!
I love your videos …you’re so honest and just so natural.
The countryside is beautiful. I envy you so much … would love to live in a France, or England in the countryside.. enjoy every moment!!
I love your down to eath aditudde and quirky sense of humor 😊 we live in illinois (i am from gernany ) now we are looking for a small farm in missouri with our daughter son in law and granddaughter besides about 30 goats chicken
Etc lol all the best hugs 😊❤😊❤😊❤
Very interesting video. I would enjoy more like this, but of course don't stop producing what you already do! - Marion, Vancouver BC
This was lovely, a fine opportunity to get to know you better❤
We are in Portugal in the Alentejo area...it gets extremely hot in the summer with very mild winters which suits me the bureaucracy is slow and tedious the same has France they also love paperwork..we love it here and certainly will not be going back to the U.K we don't speak the language but we get by .....Happy Days to you all ❤
Absolutely fascinating! I had no idea about the credit thing there. I’m glad you did this recap. ❤😊
Your property is looking beautiful in Spring 💜 . love your vlogs and really enjoyed this. Very interesting. I love visiting France and slightly obsessed by chateaus but am lucky to live in a beautiful part of Sydney,🇦🇺 and have built my forever home so am happy watching others live their dream.
“Ice is scarce.” No truer words.
Enjoyed this review after 4 years. Post-covid health care here in Maine also has long waits. So many providers burned out. My dermatologist sent me several postcards telling me I was overdue for a checkup and how critical it was to my health, then gave me an appointment 7 months out! Broke my glasses in February and the first available appointment was July. And I don't live in rural Maine either. First we wait and then we pay through the nose!
It’s seems idyllic. We moved from Oregon to Idaho and I was so homesick-I guess you would call it- for friends and less extreme weather. It’s bloom where you are planted for you! Thanks for sharing! ❤
Thank you for sharing all that info! I have wondered what it would be like to live there, but one never really knows all the challenges involved, so that was some great insight. It is nice to hear that the move for your family was overall a great decision in the end. I wish you all continued happiness.. ❤
A beautiful and idyllic lifestyle.
I love haaring about the entire experience. House is so pretty.
I love your videos
Cool video guys . I can relate. Ive lived in Chicago most my life , and I had enough. I was paying alot to live there and im not really a city person. I noticed I went up to Wisconsin to hike, rock climb or just get away pretty much every weekend. When air and water show would come to Chicago id hit the road to Wisconsin or Michigan. Still undecided I left and went just out to the burbs and pay half for rent vs Chicago. I just babked it all planning my next escape. I studied French in hs and college 30yrs ago. Not sure where im going next but will be in the country. Sometimes I do miss my filthy subways lol
Wow - this insight into real French country is amazing. We (mostly my partner who is French) have been running immersion tours to a managed chateau in France for over 10-years, so I know the country a bit. I have toyed with the idea of living there. But to move from the Gold Coast of Australia to the quiet simple life you have would be very hard I think. Not that I couldn’t, I just think I’d miss consumerism - which is probably less intense in Australia than you describe - and the energy would be missing from my life.
I am happy to hear you have adjusted and are enjoying the slow pace of life there. But I think you have convinced me that we should stay here where barista coffee is a block away 😄
Pour la bureaucratie , je n imagine même pas , comment s en sortir, quand on ne comprend le Français. Déjà que pour nous on s arrachent les cheveux 😅😅😅 pour vos permis , demandez à vos enfants d appeler la préfecture ,pour savoir ce qui bloque, ce n'est pas normal 😊
Effectivement, quatre ans c`est dingue et bizarre.
Funny that you talk about the drivers license. That the state you move from just transferred it because another person Who moved to France has (she has a RUclips channel for her. Château ) been told she has to be fluent be to read and write and take her drivers license in the first year she moved to France in order to continue driving. I believe she moved from Seattle.
This was very interesting and informative. Thank you
It depends on whether the state your license is issued has a reciprocal exchange agreement with France. Abbey unfortunately doesn’t do a lot of homework and had she, a simple Google search would have indicated that clearly Washington state does not.
The French ANTS (like the DMV) sent letters to all 50 Secretary of States back in the 90’s when they started this program. Only 14 SoS responded and accepted the reciprocity agreement🤷🏻♀️
Amanda you do a fantastic job on all your videos. They a pleasure to watch and very informative.
Loved this video as it answered a lot of questions! Seems idyllic for sure! We are in the travel phase now with family in Scotland so I can see us moving over for months at a time to them get a sense of what it would really be like to live there….Scotland and France both are of great interest! Thanks again!
Appreciate all that you do to bring us these very informative and helpful videos. ❤
I took French in high school (a long, long time ago!) and all I can remember is may I sharpen my pencil. It is a beautiful language. Very happy for you! ❤
Est ce que jeupe uh tai yay mon crayon s'il vous plait??? Ha! something like that! ;-)
Enjoy the tranquility!!! Love your videos!!!!
That was so enlightening. Thank you for being so open and candid with us. If I wouldn’t have to leave adult children with children behind … I’d join you in a snap! So enjoy your videos!
American are more than welcome here. Thanks to people like you, that invests in our cultural heritage, these marvellous estate will last for centuries. Come to the south in summer, if you want to enjoy something like California.
Amanda, i just ordered the gardenia rollerball your mom sent you in care pkg. Love gardenia. My mother and i planted a gardenia bush many yrs ago. Couple of those would be pretty against the garden wall. The blooms would be beautiful in your house too.
This was so interesting and informative ❤
That was extremely interesting.
Good to know you are living your best life!😊
Very interesting video - thank you for your frank detail about life in France 👍
I love your RUclips postings. They are my go to TV to decompress. The music, the views, the sounds just soothe me after a rough day at work. You are both so real and like-able. Your taste in decorating is great. Ok, I’m gushing. Keep the postings coming!
Bonjour,
Je vous trouve très sympathiques ! J'espère que vous allez vous épanouir chez nous !
Great adventure!!!. Takes courage to do what u & the girls have done. Keep going achieve your dreams.
I wish we had done what u have done & moved to France too. from Nz. My ancestors came from France & when we travelled there I felt a connection somehow. I love all things french. 💗.
LOVE!
Thanks for sharing., Maybe you should have considered Iowa!? Very similar environment and lifestyle.
But no Chateaux