French Frustrations: The pitfalls of being outsiders in Paris

2025-02-24

After ten years in Paris, my wife Lina and I couldn't be happier. We have two little Parisian children, we have a small business, and we pinch ourselves to call Paris home. BUT... we are also square pegs in rounds holes. Being a Swede and an Australian with a podcast company, while speaking questionable French, raises eyebrows. Here are a handful of things that have become frustrating for us as a result, so you can hopefully use it as a warning if you’re thinking to do the same...

After ten years in Paris, my wife Lina and I couldn't be happier. We have two little Parisian children, we have a small business, and we pinch ourselves to call Paris home.

BUT... we are also square pegs in rounds holes. Being a Swede and an Australian with a podcast company, while speaking questionable French, raises eyebrows.

Here are a handful of things that have become frustrating for us as a result, so you can hopefully use it as a warning if you’re thinking to do the same, or perhaps as a cultural insight into the French mentality.

Featured: Language blunders, tips on where to focus your own language learning, how paper is on a pedestal, and being conflict averse in a "convince me" country.

A fun extra the end of the episode, Marie Segura from My Private Paris tells us about a touring the Musée d'Orsay when it's not open to the public.

In fact, this whole season of The Earful Tower is brought to you by My Private Paris, which is an award-winning travel company creating deluxe itineraries for Paris and beyond. See what they offer here and be sure to let them know that you came from The Earful Tower.

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