First Impressions of Living in France After Spending Several Years in the United States

When I left France 14 years ago, I was frustrated.

Bureaucracy that felt like an endless maze and a pace of life that seemed out of sync with the fast, dynamic world I craved.

Moving to the United States back then, I encountered a stark contrast.

A French friend I met in California, who had left France 20 years earlier, summed it up perfectly: trying to start a business and raise funds in France had been an uphill battle.

Yet in Silicon Valley, he said, it took him just a few dollars and five minutes to launch his venture. I remember him saying this like it was yesterday.

I can attest to the fact that America gives you wings when it comes to entrepreneurial endeavors. There are many reasons for that.

Returning to France earlier in 2024, I must admit, I was apprehensive.

I wondered if I would encounter the same slow-moving system I had left behind.

To my surprise, these concerns were largely unfounded. After a few difficult months of readjusting, I am excited again.

To my surprise, these concerns were largely unfounded.

One thing immigration and migration have taught me is that we often see the world through a narrow lens, believing we either live in the best place or in a place that falls short, when in reality, every place has its own unique strengths and beauty.

It’s often a matter of perception—or lack of it.

A Digital and Entrepreneurial Revolution in France

One of the most striking changes I noticed was the technological transformation.

The “low-tech” environment I experienced in the past has almost entirely disappeared.

Digital tools and platforms are now everywhere, especially within government services.

I was genuinely impressed by how efficient the administration has become.

The “low-tech” environment I experienced in the past has almost entirely disappeared.

As you can imagine, relocating back to France required me to handle various administrative tasks, and I found that nearly everything could be done online.

Aside from a couple of hiccups, the process was seamless—I’d give it a solid five-star rating.

AI (thank you, ChatGPT, Gemini, etc.) also helps tremendously, answering most questions and simplifying bureaucratic processes into easy-to-execute steps.

Starting a business in France today is now a breeze.

What once seemed like an impossible feat now takes mere minutes and less than 90 euros. Really, it does…

More importantly, there’s a vibrant, supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs in every region. The ecosystems, led by France’s most entrepreneurial minds, have done fabulous work.

A modern, digital banking system, local chambers of commerce, accelerators, and networking groups are readily accessible.

I’ve met professionals who are not only helpful but genuinely passionate about the entrepreneurial journey, delivering outstanding customer service.

This human touch—or French touch—combined with problem-solving attitudes was both welcomed and unexpected.

Initiatives like La French Tech, launched a few years ago, have clearly accelerated the transformation.

No doubt in my mind.

The new generation here is phenomenal and changing the game.

Their appetite for seizing today’s new opportunities and evolving life is strong.

This impacts how every business must think about the future—and it’s happening.

France has, in my opinion, clearly transformed. It’s digital, with significant automation.

People I’ve met are eager to embrace even more new technologies.

For me, this was fantastic news.

Of course, many also feel discomfort with the rapidly changing world we’re all experiencing.

This creates understandable anxieties, frustrations, or even feelings of hopelessness or being left behind—just like anywhere else.

The bottom line: I feel I’ve come back at a good time.

France’s digital platform and its embrace of tech and AI are clear advantages for its economy and people. Well done.

Seamless Travel and Engineering Marvels Everywhere

While it’s true that there’s less focus on grandiose plans to conquer space and create a multi-planetary species, France excels in the everyday essentials, And to me, that’s success.

I’ve always believed there are enough problems to solve at ground level first.

For instance, transportation advancements are another area where France shines.

From high-speed trains to modernized airports, traveling here is remarkably smooth—almost luxurious, yet accessible to all.

The TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) remains a marvel: silent, fast, and comfortable, with a dining car that serves quality food.

With robust Wi-Fi on board, one can work while enjoying the stunning French landscapes.

The staff on these trains are not only dressed with that classic French glamor but are also extremely kind and customer-service oriented.

Perhaps the most awe-inspiring experience was taking the Channel Tunnel for the first time.

The tunnel, which crosses the North Sea to connect France with Great Britain, is an engineering feat.

Built 30 years ago, it still feels futuristic.

Driving onto a train that whisks you under the sea to another country in under an hour felt like science fiction.

It reminded me of the excitement surrounding projects like the Hyperloop, which I hope we’ll all experience one day.

What struck me, though, is how understated these accomplishments are.

France—and Europe as a whole—has a habit of delivering engineering excellence but not promoting it as boldly as Silicon Valley might.

A colleague once advised me: "Savoir-faire et faire savoir"—know how to do it and know how to show it.

France clearly excels in the former but could benefit from embracing the latter.

While French businesses have made remarkable strides in marketing, there’s still significant potential for growth.

One lesson I’ve carried with me from America is that marketing is everything.

There’s no point in working hard at something if you don’t let others know about it.

A Green Economy (R)evolution

Hydrogen, electric, and hybrid buses are everywhere.

The emphasis on environmental responsibility—consuming better and recycling—is huge.

Entire villages switch their lights off after 10 p.m. or midnight to save energy and protect the skies.

Seeing so many stars feels magical.

Stephen Hawkins once said “Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see, and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious.” 

“Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see, and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious.”

In this region, which is the largest international dark sky reserve of Europe, there are many opportunities to get closer to the universe. 

Another example of this bio revolution is the movement among local winemakers, particularly in the Gard and Cévennes regions.

I fell in love with their passion and craft.

Amongst the 130 of them, and 30 cooperatives several are producing smaller batches without pesticides, chemicals, or industrial methods, these winemakers deliver exceptional quality and a delight of An experience for who visits their land. 

One winemaker told me, “In ecological, there’s the word logical.”

“In ecological, there’s the word logical.”

Personally, I’ve always believed that what’s good for the planet is also good for the wallet—and it rhymes!

France has understood that to sustain a growing world, we must change how we live and consume resources.

Instead of fighting over more resources, let's lead the way by lowering the resources we need.

I think that's a modern and smart choice that France seems to be living up to. 

A Lifestyle Worth Coming Back For

Life in France has a charm that’s hard to replicate.

The people I’ve met so far have been kind, respectful, creative, articulate, and helpful.

Granted, I’m in the South of France, in the Gard region—not Paris or a stressful big city. 

Work-life balance is also a bigger focus here, though the world as a whole seems to be shifting in that direction, blurring the lines globally.

A Final Word and a Few Quotes for the Road

Returning to France has been a revelation.

While I cherish my years in the United States greatly, I now also see France in a new light.

The country has embraced change while holding onto the values that make it unique.

Life is what we make of it, and I still believe that a positive attitude attracts positive outcomes.

Faith is a guide and the universe takes care of all of us, for us to learn, to grow and giving us a chance to become who we are meant to be and do.

Those who listen, those who seek, will find. 

To this new chapter opening up in France. 🍷🥂 🥖🍇🌊 🌄🤖

If you’re considering a move or planning a trip, feel free to reach out. From its wine regions to engineering marvels, entrepreneurial ecosystems, and rich culture, there’s so much to discover in today’s France. 

France is connected to the world, and all of us are just a flight away. Traveling is good for the soul and a great source of inspiration. To spark ideas for your next journey, here are a few quotes that resonate with me:

"Not all those who wander are lost" J.R.R Tolkien

"Travel far enough, you meet yourself" David Mitchell

"I am not the same, having seen the moon shine one the other side of the world" Mary-Anne Radmacher