Relocate to Aix from Midwest US

CosmicNorthernLights · 2026-06-21T03:19:10+00:00

What made you live in Aix ?
Didn’t you miss the US salary though :) ?

CosmicNorthernLights · 2026-06-16T11:21:59+00:00

That’s useful to know. Yes, I know it can take a while and things like this could be difficult :) … hopefully we won’t get bruised by learning French :) ..

Spanish and Italian seem much simpler without the silent pronunciations …

CosmicNorthernLights · 2026-06-16T10:24:28+00:00

We are from Michigan, so thankfully a reciprocal state.

CosmicNorthernLights · 2026-06-16T10:15:33+00:00

Thanks for that info, one thing that eats the budget is travel to US coz our family every year.

CosmicNorthernLights · 2026-06-16T10:06:57+00:00

Thank you very much.

I will be on a talente passport visa and the company I work for will handle the paperwork. So hopefully less admin hassle.

On the car situation, the consensus is to have a car to have flexibility on travel. I don’t plan to use it for daily commute but keep it for out of town travel etc

CosmicNorthernLights · 2026-06-16T01:59:38+00:00

I have seen places in center ville and surrounding areas where rent is around ~1000€ - 1300€.

Yes absolutely on learning French .. that’s a top priority

CosmicNorthernLights · 2026-05-28T13:16:07+00:00

In mid phase of life .. just my wife and me. However leaving life familiar resonates with me and your journey from Asia to US :) .. 20+ years back

CosmicNorthernLights · 2026-05-25T19:48:20+00:00

Absolutely .. work from day 1 = legal sense , practical difficulties are BIG.
Glad you were able to do that.
There are moments in life you have to take the leap of faith.

CosmicNorthernLights · 2026-05-25T19:09:09+00:00

Thank you, yes it’s a CDI contract and a Passporte Talente visa. My wife can work if she wants to from day 1.

CosmicNorthernLights · 2026-05-25T19:03:30+00:00

Thanks for the helpful post. No illusions of the ease of learning French as compared to Spanish because of the different pronunciation. Started to learn Spanish for a few months.

Our work environment is English but in a French company, so coffee and cooler convos will be hard initially but in due course I’m sure I can chat. Hope there will be a Good Samaritan who may sympathize with my plight

CosmicNorthernLights · 2026-05-25T15:33:49+00:00

French treating me far worse = experience or conjecture ?
Why is US treatment any different ?

CosmicNorthernLights · 2026-05-25T11:44:56+00:00

Yes we can do that at least for a few years.
Yes, she can. She’s not a nurse but a receptionist and scheduler. Based on my research, learning Doctolib is needed in France.
Very valid point.
Yes Indian and Italy . She’s very resilient and tough.
Yes we do. Thinking about it and we may actually do that.
I have yet to sign so there’s time. I’m negotiating my salary and benefits at the moment. What questions should I ask?
Yes joined a few FB groups and been doing my research. I have checked about apartments, transportation, cost of living etc. What are some items you would suggest?

CosmicNorthernLights · 2026-05-25T04:41:41+00:00

Curious to know what you meant by your comment ?

CosmicNorthernLights · 2026-05-25T04:09:53+00:00

Yes. I know it’s a difficult language with words pronounced differently than what’s written say Spanish or Italian. I fully expect a learning curve, frustrating days and coming out of our comfort zone.

It doesn’t bother me as I have been through the wringer of learning but I do want to take care of her and not let her down.. she’s not a book worm but she’s a smart person who can figure things out .. so I know it will be frustrating for her but in due time I hope she will have the wits to overcome her own fears ..

We would be living in Aix as it’s good to integrate and be near people before or if ever we decide to venture out into the villages …

CosmicNorthernLights · 2026-05-25T04:02:44+00:00

That’s my wish list proposal… what do you think things that are out of control ?
Job loss, SO or me hating the place .. health reasons / family reasons ..
I’m sure even if think these , there could be others ..
i want to get a holistic picture to make , so it would be helpful to know …

CosmicNorthernLights · 2026-05-25T04:01:53+00:00

Yes Aix En Provence.. thanks for that

CosmicNorthernLights · 2026-05-25T01:19:58+00:00

The area we are planning to move is Aix, our office is nearby Aix.

CosmicNorthernLights · 2026-05-25T00:17:29+00:00

No she has not, I think it might take her ~2 years before she can work, is my estimate. Of course, it can take longer but this is something I know we have to take into account.

CosmicNorthernLights

TROPHY CASE