Interview with Mark G - an American in France

Mark Greenside was originally from New York, moved to California, and then was dragged by his girlfriend to a tiny Celtic village in Brittany at the westernmost edge of France. It was here, in Finistère, where he wrote his book 'I'll Never Be French (No matter what I do)'. Visit www.markegreenside.com for more information about Mark and his book.

Read more about expat life in the France country guide or read more expat experiences in France

About you

Q: Where are you originally from?
A: New York     
  
Q: Where are you living now?
A:  Finistére, Brittany, France

Q: How long you have you lived here?
A:  20 years, summers

Q: Did you move with a spouse/ children?
A:  No

Q: Why did you move; what do you do?
A:  I’m a writer/teacher. I fell in love with the geography, culture, and light.

About Brittany, France

Q: What do you enjoy most about your host city, how’s the quality of life?
A:  The quiet, calm, durability, physical beauty, magnificent food, curious and inquisitive people, the light, the light, the light

Q: Any negatives? What do you miss most about home?
A:  Grand Museums, Theater, friends

Q: Is the city safe?
A:  Absolutely

About living in Brittany

Q: Which are the best places/suburbs to live in France as an expat?
A:  On the coast or on a river

Q: How do you rate the standard of accommodation in France?
A:  Excellent—especially in this economy, except, of course, for the exchange rate

Q: What’s the cost of living in France compared to America? What is cheap or expensive in particular?
A:  Housing is cheaper, food about the same—but much much much better, wine is cheaper, gas is $9.00 a gallon, transportation is expensive

Q: What are the locals like; do you mix mainly with other expats?
A:  There are no other Americans. There are Brits, but I do not mix with them much. Most of my contact is with locals.

Q: Was it easy meeting people and making friends?
A:  Absolutely

About working in Brittany

Q: Did you have a problem getting a work visa/permit?
A:  No. I don’t work there.

Q: What’s the economic climate like in the city, is there plenty of work?
A:  No. There’s plenty of un and underemployment

Q: How does the work culture differ from home?
A:  Slower, more personal, lots of rules

Q: Did a relocation company help you with your move?
A:  No

Family and children

Q: Did your spouse or partner have problems adjusting to their new home?
A:  No

Q: Did your children settle in easily?
A:  No kids

Q: How would you rate the healthcare in France?
A: Extraordinary

And finally…

Q: Is there any other advice you like to offer new expat arrivals?
A:  Fit in, don’t stand out

~ interviewed February 2010
 
Are you an expat living in France? We'd love to hear your story. Open the questionnaire here, copy into an email and send it back to info@expatarrivals.com