ABOUT
Sarah moved to Lille for her Masters in 2011. After her Masters program she found an internship at Decathlon and now she has been working for Decathlon for over 10 years. She has since married her long time French boyfriend and they now have 3 children. She loves this country, her job and living in France.
Tell us about yourself
I grew up in the mountains of Western North Carolina. I absolutely love this region of the states and really enjoyed growing up in the Appalachian mountains. I went to College of Charleston for my University, which is located on the coast in South Carolina. I majored in Business and Economics with a minor in German. I did a summer study abroad in 2007 in Austria and that is when I completely fell in love with Europe and its culture. However, I went back home and started working at a Ski Resort in Telluride, Colorado. I wanted to go back to school to get an MBA so I was applying to all kinds of different graduate schools in the states.
I was intrigued to study in Europe because the cost of school was so much more affordable and I wanted to learn a new language. At the time I was also dating a guy from France so I was curious to learn more about French culture. I had visited a few times and really loved the food, culture and lifestyle. I applied to get my Masters in International Business at Ieseg, located in Lille, France. I was accepted and then my journey to move and live in France began.
Today I speak French fluently and I work at Decathlon, which is a huge International sports company that is based in Lille. My role is to organize and drive the corporate strategy around our entire offer worldwide. I love sports and today regularly do yoga, strength training, running and swimming and more. As a side project, I am a health and wellness coach for a digital wellness company in the USA. I also have three children.
Moving to Lille
How did you get set up? (phone plan, bank ..)
Honestly, I was very lucky because my boyfriend (husband today) really managed everything for me because I did not speak a word of French 12 years ago. I remember having some banking issues in the beginning because it was a local bank and they did not want to give me a banking account. However, that worked itself out. My boyfriend found an amazing apartment in the city center, helped me with my phone plan and all of the annoying administrative things.
Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance?
YES! As an American I just paid out of pocket every time I needed to go to the doctor and could not believe how cheap it was! However, after years of doing this, I finally went through and got my Carte Vitale + Mutual through work.. We opened a big bottle of champagne to celebrate this great achievement because it took so much paperwork, time and energy!
How did you find an apartment in Lille?
We went through an agency and found an adorable newly renovated apartment in the old city with a lovely fireplace. It was from the 1500s and I just LOVED living in this little apartment. This was in 2011 and I believe we paid about 900 euros.
What did you bring with you?
I was young and just remember bringing two giant suitcases of clothes and random amenities.
What should people consider before deciding to move to Lille?
I love Lille! It is my home now but it certainly took some time to get used to. The weather is still hard for me. The gray rainy weather is tough. However, I love how close Lille is to Paris, Brussels, London and Amsterdam. The size of the city is just wonderful in that it is not too big and not too small. Personally, I really appreciate that since I am not from a very big city.
Living in Lille
What specifically is Lille famous for?
The people are so friendly. It is known for having the most open and kindest people in France. They say you cry twice when moving to Lille, one time when you arrive because the weather is so terrible and one time when you leave because it has the best people in the world. I have never experienced living anywhere else outside of Lille, but I can attest to the people being just wonderful.
Lille has a strong Belgian influence and its beer culture is strong. We also love our fries and melted cheese. The welsh is a traditional dish here, which is basically a big bowl of melted cheddar cheddar cheese with bread and ham at the bottom somewhere. It is served with fries and you must eat it with a big beer. I love it, especially in the winter time, but it is a very heavy dish.
Lots of big French companies are headquartered in Lille. Here you will find Decathlon, Leroy Merlin, Auchan Group and Cofidis. It is a significant economic center with a diverse range of industries. I work in the sports industry, which is just the best. 🙂
Lille has a strong Belgian influence and its beer culture is strong. We also love our fries and melted cheese. The welsh is a traditional dish here, which is basically a big bowl of melted cheddar cheddar cheese with bread and ham at the bottom somewhere. It is served with fries and you must eat it with a big beer. I love it, especially in the winter time, but it is a very heavy dish.
Lots of big French companies are headquartered in Lille. Here you will find Decathlon, Leroy Merlin, Auchan Group and Cofidis. It is a significant economic center with a diverse range of industries. I work in the sports industry, which is just the best. 🙂
How can Americans immigrate to France?
I was very fortunate in that my job sponsored my visa and took care of everything for me. My best advice is to approach it from work. Learn French and try your best to get a visa sponsored from your job. Aside from just getting married to a French citizen, this is the “easiest” route.
What are your favorite places in Lille?
I just love hanging out in the old city. The architecture, cobblestone streets and overall ambience never gets old. I love shopping and having lunch with my girlfriends in the old Lille.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Lille?
It depends on your lifestyle, but if you are single and wish to live in a chic area of Lille and be able to afford travel, clothes and restaurants, a minimum of 2,000 euros a month.
Do you feel safe as a woman in Lille?
Yes, but I certainly stay in what I would consider the safe areas and I am not out walking around in the middle of the night partying or anything. I avoid running in the park at night time but I love living in a culture where guns are not very prevalent. I am big into female rights and protection, so you can never be too vigilant on this point. Terrible things happen everywhere.
How does Lille compare to other cities in France?
The architecture in Lille is brick, which is very striking compared to the rest of France. The people are very open and friendly. I love the size of Lille. It feels like a big city but I always run into people I know on the streets. The weather is tough to get used to, so it is important to learn the art of hygge and have a cozy home. Rain boots and rain gear are a must and it’s important to learn to still go outside and enjoy the day, even in the rain.
What are your favorite restaurants and cafés in Lille?
I love almost anything in Old Lille. If you are visiting you must try a cozy Estaminet and taste a Welsh or a Carbonade Flamande.
One of my favorite restaurants is Au Au Vieux de la Vieille. They make their Welsh with a really stinky local cheese called Maroille and it smells horrible but tastes delicious.
You must also try our local dessert called le Merveilleux. It is a delicious crunchy sweet meringue topped with a light cream and rolled in delicious chocolate, praline or coffee flakes. They have all kinds of different flavors and it is delicious.
I also recommend going to Merrt. A famous dessert bar with distinguished pastry chefs that make all kinds of local fancy pastries. It’s beautiful, delicious and such a great experience.
One of my favorite restaurants is Au Au Vieux de la Vieille. They make their Welsh with a really stinky local cheese called Maroille and it smells horrible but tastes delicious.
You must also try our local dessert called le Merveilleux. It is a delicious crunchy sweet meringue topped with a light cream and rolled in delicious chocolate, praline or coffee flakes. They have all kinds of different flavors and it is delicious.
I also recommend going to Merrt. A famous dessert bar with distinguished pastry chefs that make all kinds of local fancy pastries. It’s beautiful, delicious and such a great experience.
Final Thoughts
How do Americans compare to French people in your opinion?
Phew! What a question!
I love American enthusiasm and positivity. It is so easy to strike up a conversation with a stranger in line at the grocery store, restaurants or just in everyday life in the USA. Small talk is not really a part of French culture and the French just tend to keep to themselves and stay in their little bubble when they are out and about.
Americans put a huge emphasis on work and making money. America truly is the land of opportunity and it is easier to get very rich in America. In France, there is a much healthier work/life balance and the French put a huge emphasis on food.
Eating is such a huge part of French culture and the time spent around the table with family and friends is extremely valuable and important in everyday life. I love how structured the French are when it comes to eating and the emphasis they put on eating well. Americans struggle with obesity and have a huge grab and go snack culture and do not appreciate food on the same level as France. I have a hard time with this every time I go back home.
I love American enthusiasm and positivity. It is so easy to strike up a conversation with a stranger in line at the grocery store, restaurants or just in everyday life in the USA. Small talk is not really a part of French culture and the French just tend to keep to themselves and stay in their little bubble when they are out and about.
Americans put a huge emphasis on work and making money. America truly is the land of opportunity and it is easier to get very rich in America. In France, there is a much healthier work/life balance and the French put a huge emphasis on food.
Eating is such a huge part of French culture and the time spent around the table with family and friends is extremely valuable and important in everyday life. I love how structured the French are when it comes to eating and the emphasis they put on eating well. Americans struggle with obesity and have a huge grab and go snack culture and do not appreciate food on the same level as France. I have a hard time with this every time I go back home.
Are there any experiences there that you are particularly proud of or that surprised you?
I am really proud of my French. I am also really proud of the fact that I have so well integrated into French life. I just love working, living and raising my children here. I am surprised at how French I feel every time I go back to the USA. I am surprised at how sad I feel because my family does not speak a word of French and I speak a language that they do not understand at all. I am surprised at how I have learned how to cook and eat in France. I am proud of my 3 perfectly bilingual children. Overall, I am proud of the life I have built for myself in a foreign country.
What are some disadvantages to living in Lille?
WEATHER
Was it easy making friends and meeting people?
In the very beginning I mostly hung out with my friends from school, who were from all over the world. It is easy to make friends in school. However, once my Masters Program ended I had a hard time making friends. I did not speak a word of French and it is hard to connect with someone who has never had a significant experience abroad, which is actually a small percentage of people. My husband had a group of friends that he grew up with, but I never managed to integrate into that group of friends because they were just “too French”. I do not mean that in a mean way, but it was hard to connect with someone who has never really left France or doesn’t speak a world of French.
It took years to make friends and making friends in France is a commitment. It takes months and months of meeting up, drinking and socializing with the same people before they will open up. I heard once that French women are like coconuts. You have to really keep working on them to get them to open up, but once they open up you have a friend for life. Americans are like peaches, we open up very easily and will tell you our whole life as soon as we meet you. From my experience I have found this analogy to be very true. Even after 13 years of living here, the majority of my friends are international. They are from all over the world. Most of them are bilingual and trilingual. Of course, I have some great French friends as well, but the majority of them are people I have met at work.
It took years to make friends and making friends in France is a commitment. It takes months and months of meeting up, drinking and socializing with the same people before they will open up. I heard once that French women are like coconuts. You have to really keep working on them to get them to open up, but once they open up you have a friend for life. Americans are like peaches, we open up very easily and will tell you our whole life as soon as we meet you. From my experience I have found this analogy to be very true. Even after 13 years of living here, the majority of my friends are international. They are from all over the world. Most of them are bilingual and trilingual. Of course, I have some great French friends as well, but the majority of them are people I have met at work.
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE?
Right now I am raising my three beautiful children, which keeps me very busy. I would love to give them an authentic schooling experience in the USA one day, so I imagine that will be in a few years down the road. We spend our summers in America and visit my family as much as possible.
Thank you so so much Sarah for sharing your experience living in Lille, France. It makes me quite proud to know that you have adopted France for your new home 🙂
Sarah’s email is byrdsarah@gmail.com!
