Meet Marie
An unplanned expatriate blogger behind Valley Glade Garden
Photo: Valley Glade Garden
Hello, I am Marie
Project manager. Parent. An expat based in Paris, France.
How It Started
Moving to France wasn't part of the long-range plan. Like many international relocations, it started as a job opportunity and soon grew into something much more significant.
The first months were demanding — new systems, new routines, new expectations. Daily tasks felt more complicated than they ought to be.
The Adjustment Period
There was culture shock, uncertainty, and plenty of hands-on learning. But gradually, routines formed. We found places that fit us, met other families, and began building something that felt stable.
Why I Built Valley Glade Garden
Most information online was either corporate relocation guidance or surface-level tourism material. What was missing was an honest, day-to-day family perspective.
This site exists to close that gap — practical guidance based on real life in France.
What This Site Stands For (And What It Doesn’t)
This site is:
- Direct, real-life experience from living in France
- Centered on family life and daily realities
- Updated whenever there is a genuine change
This site isn’t:
- Not a tourism authority resource
- Not a sponsored review platform
- Not a generic travel blog
Looking Forward
Our stay in France continues, and the learning journey goes on. As long as the information remains helpful, I’ll continue documenting what we discover.
If you have questions about family life in Paris or anywhere in France, don't hesitate to contact us.
Best wishes,
Marie
Paris, France