Where are you from, Aga, and what are you doing nowadays?
I used to live and work in London for over 6 years. Then I came back for a couple of years to Poland and stayed in the lovely Cracow, but nowadays I live in France! Since university, I have enjoyed traveling and discovering new places, but more than that I love exploring different cultures, connecting with people from different countries and learning more about their lifestyles, values and cultures. I think you need to be tolerant to appreciate and respect those new discovered cultures, so I try. What is also important for me is to share a bit of my Polish culture and lifestyle with others.
Why did you choose to expatriate to France?
They say "your home is where your heart is". As simple as that. I felt in love with the city and so I came to the country that I haven't known much about, the country whose language I don't even know.
What has attracted you to Lyon?
This is really funny. Before coming to Lyon I had a little understanding of France and lived with some silly French stereotypes in my head. I have visited Paris and loved it, but when coming to Lyon I have just thought I am coming to a small French village that no one ever talks about. So I did not have any expectations towards Lyon and I have been overwhelmed!
I struggle to start on what I love about Lyon. There is the wonderful landscape and hills with beautiful views, there are two rivers and riversides where you can go for a walk and relax, many old and new bridges along with the rivers and an amazingly blue sky providing you with a wonderful view. These are ideal for taking photos.
There is my beloved Vieux Lyon, Parc de la Tête d'Or, the impressive The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière where I can go for a mass and feel so special, the Lyonnais people who are friendly and funny, and there is an interesting French lifestyle, Lyonnais cuisine and appreciation for food, and many more things still to do and discover!
What were the procedures to follow for a Polish to move there?
It has been really easy for me to come over and settle here in Lyon. As a part of European Union, I just needed to update a few things to get the health cover in France. I can move easily between the countries, and thanks to the EU there is much less to organize when moving to other EU countries. Having said so, France is well known for the really heavy red tape, so as much as I can, I try to avoid any additional services to use.
How long have you been in the country?
I have visited it twice before. I have moved here in February 2015.
What are the local labor market's features? Is it easy for an expat to find a job there?
I think its pretty easy when you know what you want to do and you are motivated to find a job. Lyon is really developing and it has many good companies in different sectors. There are big companies and many start-ups as well as many international companies.
The only thing which is very difficult is that you really need to speak French to be hired in Lyon.
Was it difficult to find accommodation there? What are the types of accommodation which are available?
It is pretty easy to find accommodation in Lyon. Moreover, there are many expat-friendly real estate agents who will help you find a place to rent or buy. Flats are obviously the most popular as houses are still a bit expensive here in Lyon.
How do you find the French lifestyle?
I love it and I hate it! Sometimes I love it very much and sometimes I am impatient. I like the way French people appreciate life, enjoy it and how they love their food and country. I like to watch TV and see how people have fun and can make fun of themselves without being embarrassed, how natural and relaxed they are. I like them for being open, frank, funny and so easy-going. I like them spending time actively: outdoors and in the galleries, always curious and interested in learning and discovering more and admiring what's around. What I find difficult to understand is that they love food but they will eat so late and not that often. They eat too long! And their cheese and saucissons don't smell nice (I am just kidding!). There is also the way they drive and park which is not impressive at all.
How about the expats living there?
Well, actually there are many of them! I didn't realize it before, but there are many expat organizations here in Lyon which organize regular events. There are smaller meet-ups groups of people who gather to do things together. So its not difficult at all to connect! I connect with people thanks to the French courses I attend.
Have you been able to adapt yourself to the country and to its society?
I feel that I am fitting on here slowly and nicely, but I don't make any special effort to adapt. It comes naturally. I meet and get to know more people and I gather more information and memories about Lyon. It all requires time.
What does your every day life look like in Lyon?
I have started the intensive French course at the Alliance Française. So every morning, I am at the course. In the afternoon, I do some shopping, cook, learn French, or what I love the most: I take my camera and go for a walk to discover more of Lyon!
What has surprised you the most at your arrival?
Everything! I fell in love with Lyon at the first sight!
What are your favorite local dishes?
I love the Quenelle and the baguettes and sweet rolls from the best Lyonnais Boulangerie Jocteur which actually is located near my flat.
What is your opinion on the cost of living in France and in Lyon in particular? Is it easy for an expat to live there?
I would say that France is very expensive compared to Poland and England seems to be a cheaper place to live as well. I mean France offers the best quality of products which you need to pay for and there are still not so many sales on whereas in England you can buy things very cheaply and even cheaper than in Poland. In Poland, salaries are still not that competitive, food might be more affordable but electronics and clothes are pretty expensive.
How do you spend your leisure time? What are the activities that are accessible to expatriates?
I love to be active. Any free moment I have, I try to use it to discover more of Lyon and France. So I usually check for the free events here in Lyon and around. I love spending time in the parks and by the riverside. I love to shop at the markets. When the weather is nice, I am outdoors with my camera. When the weather is worse (which is not that often), I explore museums, art galleries or some exhibition. I love going to the cinema as well.
What are the differences between life in France and in Poland?
Well, there are many differences. Starting with the different food we eat, different meal times we have, the strange meat French people cook. But that's not all! The funniest thing and difference is that in Poland we eat more often and very quickly when everything is hot and we don't have so many courses. French people eat less times per day, they eat long and they have cheese, wine and bread with every meal! Another thing that makes me laugh is that they tear the bread rather then use knives to cut it into pieces, they clear the plate with the bread and they eat it even when having a full meal with potatoes! The thing that makes me sad is that they don't have the afternoon coffee and cake break which is very popular in Poland! On another note, I have noticed that Polish people seem to be more reserved, serious, shy and introvert while French people are very open, funny, relaxed and direct. So we should learn from them! There are many more differences and I am still discovering them.
What do you miss the most about your home country?
Obviously my family and friends!
What has motivated you to write your blog J'adore Lyon?
It seems I have always something to say and I have loads of ideas. I used to write about savvy shopping on my website as I love fashion and online deals and offers! I still like it a lot, but once I got to Lyon I got so passionate about this place and I really wanted to share my experience about France and the city. Jadore Lyon is my way to discover and learn more about France, Lyon and share that with family, friends and others who either love France already or who want to get to know it a bit.
Would you like to give any advice to soon-to-be expatriates in France?
Don't worry, you will love this place but start learning French!
What are your plans for the future?
Well, let's just see what life brings us. For sure, I would love to speak good French one day and be able to find a job here in Lyon.
