We Took a One Year Sabbatical in France… and Never Left!
From vibrant village life to world-class healthcare and half the cost of living, Jason and Raina share how a one-year escape turned into a dream home in rural France.
At International Living, we love meeting expats who take a leap — and end up building a life that’s better than they ever imagined. This American family of three planned to spend just one year in the peaceful countryside of Southwest France. The goal? To slow down, savor French food and culture, and show their young daughter a bit of the world beyond Texas.
But what they found was so much more than baguettes and farmers’ markets. In this video on our YouTube channel, you’ll hear how a warm, welcoming community made them feel at home, despite arriving with almost no French. You’ll see why the simple pleasures of country life (plus a vibrant social scene in tiny villages!) convinced them to stay. And you’ll discover how affordable living, easy access to outdoor adventure, and stress-free healthcare turned their one-year “escape” into the new normal.
They’re still working, raising a daughter, renovating a historic home… but now they’re doing it in a place where life feels lighter, healthier, and more connected than it ever did back in the States.
Watch the video below and see if life in rural France might be the dream you’ve been waiting for.
Editor’s Note: Want to dive deeper into life in France? Explore our full collection of France resources, including guides on the best places to live, cost of living, and real-life stories from expats who’ve made the move. Start here: Explore More About France.
Plus, don’t miss our recent May magazine feature on educating your children overseas—including how one family gave their kids a “triple-threat” education across the UAE, Cyprus, and the Netherlands.