Daily Life & Culture Archives - Américaine in France

15 Things You Can Do in France That You Can’t Do in the United States

Strasbourg, France in bloom, view over the canal

America, the land of the free! But how free are you if you can’t drink a beer in a public park?

Here’s a list of some things you can do in France that you can’t do in the United States.

Common American Food Combos That Might Shock the French

Two pieces of bread on a plate, one with jelly and one with peanut butter

Compared to the French, Americans aren’t exactly well known for their culinary prowess. I have a feeling that this list of somewhat questionable food combos isn’t working in our favor…

Pros & Cons of the French Healthcare System

Doctor's supplies: stethoscope, pills, scissors, and tape on a table

France’s healthcare system is regularly touted as one of the best in the world. Is healthcare in France really so great or is the universal public insurance clouding our judgment? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons!

Culture Shock: Pregnant in France Edition

Navigating pregnancy and childbirth in France was quite the adventure! Here are some things that surprised me about my pregnancy experience as an American abroad.

7 Everyday Things in France That Feel Like a Luxury

aerial view of two coffees, two glasses of water, and a pain au chocolat on a white marble table on a terrace in Paris

France may be synonymous with many big luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Cartier, and Moët & Chandon, but I think it’s the simpler things that make life in France seem luxurious. Here are some everyday things in France that feel like a luxury to me as an American from the United States.

10 Little Ways Paris Has Changed in the Past 15 Years

Two lattes in cups on saucers, side by side on a wooden table in a café in Paris with a view out the window of a rainy day

I first lived in Paris in 2009 as an undergraduate student. Since then, I’ve traveled to and stayed in the capital multiple times before calling the city my home a few years ago. It’s been interesting to see firsthand how Paris has evolved over time. Here’s a list of some little changes that have stood out to me over the course of the last 15 years.

Pregnant in France: What to Do First

Photo focuses on the mid section of a woman in early pregnancy. Two hands reach around from the back to hold her belly. Her hands are placed on top of theirs.

You think you might be pregnant and you’re not sure what to do first? You might have a lot of thoughts and questions about navigating pregnancy while living in France. Let’s cover some of the basic first few steps to take!

5 Culture Shocks at the Doctor’s Office in France

Side view of female doctor's hands placed on laptop computer. Blue stethoscope on the table next to the computer.

As an American living in France, I’ve noticed many differences between healthcare in the United States and France. Going to the doctor in France is a cultural experience in and of itself. By now, I’ve been to several different types of health professionals in France, from general doctors to specialists. Here are some culture shocks I’ve personally experienced at the doctor’s office in France.

U.S. Thanksgiving Traditions That Might Seem Strange to French People

Napkins, plates, and cutlery set out in preparation of Thanksgiving dinner hosted in France by an American family.

Thanksgiving is a major American holiday and if you’re wondering what French people think of our Turkey Day traditions, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some Thanksgiving customs that people in France might find a bit surprising or unusual.