Categories: French Food & Wine, Moving to France, Provence
Living the Dream: Moving to Paris, Burgundy, and Provence with Alexandra Lalak
Have you ever thought about Living the Dream in France? What does it really take to leave your home country and build a new life in places like Paris, Burgundy, or Provence? In this episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast, host Annie Sargent talks with Alexandra Lalak, an Australian travel and food writer who has done exactly that.
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From the bustling streets of Paris to the vineyards of Burgundy and the sunny charm of Provence, Alexandra shares her personal journey of moving to France, what she loves about the French way of life, and practical tips for anyone who dreams of doing the same.
This blog post is a summary of episode 543, but to really get the feel of it, we encourage you to listen to the full conversation!
Living the Dream in France: Alexandra’s Story
Alexandra Lalak, originally from Australia, had always dreamed of living in Paris. Like many, she thought she'd spend a couple of years soaking in the beauty and culture before returning home. But life had other plans. She fell in love with France – and with a Frenchman – and ended up staying.
After Paris, Alexandra and her husband spent a year in Burgundy, in the wine village of Nuits-Saint-Georges. There, she experienced the slower, richer rhythm of life in the French countryside. Eventually, they moved to Provence, where they now enjoy sunshine, markets, and a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle.
Alexandra describes her experience as truly Living the Dream.
From Paris to Burgundy: Finding Space and Slowing Down
Paris was Alexandra’s first stop. The city is magical, but during the COVID lockdown, she and her husband realized they needed more space. A visit to Burgundy introduced them to a new way of life. They moved into a gîte in Nuits-Saint-Georges, surrounded by vineyards and green hills.
Burgundy is famous for its wine, but Alexandra discovered much more: local markets, incredible cheeses, and charming villages. She found joy in simple things—shopping at the market, cooking at home, and getting to know the winemakers.
Burgundy is lush, peaceful, and, as Alexandra puts it, a bit underrated. It’s perfect for those who want a rural French lifestyle with a touch of elegance.
Living in Provence: Sunshine and the Mediterranean Way
Today, Alexandra lives in Tavel, near Avignon, and is moving to Robion in the heart of the Luberon. This area of Provence is known for its beautiful villages, vineyards, and markets. Places like L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Gordes, and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence are nearby.
In Provence, Alexandra enjoys 300 days of sunshine a year, long lunches, and strolls through scenic villages. Life here is slower and more relaxed, and she loves every minute. Living the Dream for her means enjoying each day without rushing, soaking in the beauty, and appreciating the simple pleasures.
Practical Tips for Living or Traveling in France
In the episode, Alexandra shares tips for people considering a move to France or visiting Burgundy and Provence.
- Renting a car is a must for exploring Provence.
- Don’t over-schedule your trip. One or two villages a day is enough.
- Visit local markets and ask winemakers for restaurant recommendations.
- Enjoy shoulder seasons like April-May and September-October for fewer crowds and better weather.
- For those dreaming of moving, learning French helps a lot, and visiting for an extended stay before moving is a smart idea.
Why Listen to This Episode?
If you’ve ever dreamed of moving to France or just want to know what it’s like to live in Paris, Burgundy, or Provence, this episode is for you. Annie and Alexandra talk about the real dream vs. reality of living in France, how to embrace the slower lifestyle, and what makes each region special.
Whether you're planning a trip or dreaming of a bigger change, you’ll come away inspired and better informed. Plus, you’ll get great tips for exploring Luberon villages, French wine country, and more.
Ready to Start Living the Dream?
Click here to listen to Episode 543: Living the Dream: Moving from Australia to Paris, Burgundy, and Provence.
Let us know what you think! Have you experienced life in France? Are you planning a visit? Share your thoughts or questions in the comments.
Let’s keep Living the Dream together!
Table of Contents for this Episode
#FranceTravel, #ProvenceLife, #LivingTheDream, #JoinUsInFrance, #FrenchCountryside, #TravelPodcast, #MoveToFrance, #ExpatLifeFrance, #FrenchWine, #FrenchFoodLovers, #ExploreFrance, #SouthOfFrance, #ProvenceTravel, #ParisToProvence, #FranceBucketList, #SlowTravel, #TravelFranceTips, #BurgundyWine, #ProvenceVillages, #FrenchMarkets
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Discussed in this Episode
- Paris
- Burgundy
- Provence
- Nuits-Saint-Georges
- Loire
- Le Mans
- Tavel
- Avignon
- L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
- Cavaillon
- Ménerbes
- Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
- Arles
- Baux-de-Provence
- Apt
- Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt
- Robion
- Oppède
- Oppède-le-Vieux
- Côte d’Azur
- Alps
- Bretagne
- Normandy
- Basque Coast
- Escape Magazine
- Le Saint-Hubert (restaurant and hotel)
- Airelles (hotel group)
- Le Mas des Infermières (winery)
- Ridley Scott
- Languelot (wine)
- Bras Ouverts (concierge service)
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TranscriptCategories: French Food & Wine, Moving to France, Provence