Hi there – I’m still here! I’ve been quiet online but my days have been anything but. After I published my last post at the beginning of August, I realized it was time to stop looking at life through the lens of how to talk about it, and just start living it. Makes sense, right? It felt like the final decision I had to make to fully embrace my new life in France.
Here are some highlights from the last few months.
Administrative tasks
The first year was administrative-heavy and a few tasks spilled over into the second year. Four months before my visa was due to expire at the end of July, I applied for my first Carte de Séjour or residency card. It took a while to get processed and I finally received approval last week. I also figured out how to file my taxes here in France. Not a small undertaking but it’s done!
Social Life
I have never been as socially active as I am now. I have two core groups of friends – one English-speaking, the other French – and a lot of other friends that fill my life with laughter and meaningful conversations. I have a wonderful balance of organized activities and impromptu invitations. And life in a small town means that I often run into people in the street who are happy to stop for a coffee or glass of wine.
Solitude is a choice now, and one I make when I need to retreat. This is my happy place!
Events
Avignon
I spent a couple of days in Avignon in late summer. I stood on the Pont d’Avignon, a bridge that dates back in various iterations to 12th century. It was fun to sing the song, Sur le pont d’Avignon which I remembered from my youth.
And I visited the Palais des Papes, the seat of the Papacy for most of the 14th century. I love the way they have combined ancient history with modern art and technology.
Reconstitution Historique
Pézenas held an incredible event in September. The Reconstitution Historique involved three days of costumes, parades, theatre, music, taverns and much more, all taking place in the old part of town to recreate life in the 17th century.
Stories played out in the streets – a lord’s house was raided, a theatre troupe looked for a place to perform, soldiers left for war and women revolted. Bystanders were pulled into scenes. We were jostled into parting the way for a nobleman and booed as he walked by, we sang and clapped with musicians and cheered on jousters.
The event is held every three years and I’ve already started to think about my costume for the next one.
Christmas in Pézenas
I’ve struggled to find ways to enjoy Christmas for many years but this year decided to simply embrace it. As with all other celebrations, Pézenas comes alive at Christmas. From markets to roving musicians to concerts and parades, the past few weeks have been full of with activity and colour.
I’ve been to countless social gatherings and have hosted one as well. At times it’s been overwhelming, but I’m grateful for this wonderful community.
Seasons Greetings
As December comes to an end, I look back on 2025 with gratitude. The year wasn’t without its challenges, but I love this incredible chapter in my life and continue to have ‘pinch me’ moments. I hope I never lose that sense of wonder.
I’m sending warm thoughts to my friends and family, and I wish all of you a Blessed Solstice and a Merry Christmas!
Bonjour Sue,
Contente de vous lire à nouveau.
Vous avez réussi à vous créer une nouvelle existence, j’en etais sûre que vous arriverez. Et vous avez parfaitement raison, la vie il faut la vivre et non la contempler à distance.
Joyeuses fêtes de fin d’année de
Portugal
Ragnhild
Lovely to hear from you again. It truly is a beautiful life. Your photos are really lovely. Merry Christmas from here in the Distillery.
Lovely to hear from you, Sue.
Warmest wishes for a Happy Christmas. Joyeux Noel.
Pat Lyseng
Wonderful record, brilliant photos and inspiring story-telling. I am so pleased to know that you have settled so deeply and well where you are. Thank you.
I am happy to know that you’ve settled in, adapted to your brave new life adventure, and found many friends to enjoy it all with. Toronto Canada to a new life in Pezanas is a major overhaul.
My very best wishes
Sue I admire your “gutsiness”! Many say and dream of relocating and changing their life’s path but you did it. Bravo and Bonne Noel❤️