Meet Amelie
An unplanned expat who blogs for DraVonSelimPaz
Photo: DraVonSelimPaz
Hello, I'm Amelie
I'm a project manager and a parent, an expat living in Lille, France.
A few years ago, I moved here with my family. What began as a temporary assignment gradually opened a new chapter of life abroad.
How It Started
Relocating to France wasn’t part of the long-term plan. Like many expat moves, it began as a work opportunity and quickly became something much bigger.
The first months were intense — new systems, new routines, new expectations. Everyday tasks felt more complicated than they should.
The Adjustment Period
There was culture shock, uncertainty, and a lot of learning by doing. But slowly, routines formed. We discovered places that worked for us, met other families, and started building something that felt stable.
Why I Built DraVonSelimPaz
Most information online was either corporate-level relocation advice or surface-level tourism material. What was missing was honest, day-to-day family perspective.
This site exists to close that gap — practical guidance based on real life in France.
What This Site Does (And Doesn't)
This site is:
- Practical insights from living in France
- Centered on family life and day-to-day realities
- Updated whenever there are real changes
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 goes on, and so does the learning journey. As long as the information remains helpful, I’ll continue recording what we find.
If you have questions about family life in Lille or anywhere in France, please feel free to contact me.
All the best,
Amelie
Lille, France