Why I choose France over the United States 

Whoever edits these videos needs a raise. Just a masterpiece of visual storytelling.

Over the last 20 years, I have spent most of that time living abroad. Americans who have NEVER left the United States have no idea what the rest of the world is like. The USA doesn't even rank in the top 10 places to live, The USA doesn't rank in the top 10 safest countries. The USA doesn't rank in the top 10 healthiest countries. MOST citizens around the globe would choose to live anywhere BUT the USA. This world has a lot of nice places to live in. Life goes quickly. Enjoy while you can.

🇫🇷Always a special smile when I see a new video from you. Yes, I took the leap at age 20 and moved by myself to Paris in the 70s, found work, a lodging and attended school. There was no rich parent funding my living in Paris. It was more work than pleasure but it changed me forever. I became fearless to launch into new endeavors the rest of my life and now in my 70s I continue to challenge people's ideas of aging, still maintaining a richly rewarding consulting practice and living an expansive fulfilling life filled with social connections and meaningful solitude. I travel to Paris and all of France several times a year. We must always remember the universe is an expanding force and if we allow ourselves and our lives to contract, we are going against the very force that keeps us alive and learning and growing every day. Thank you for the wisdom and rich ideas in all of your videos. They are a treasure.

I went to Paris for the first time at age 57 the week before Thanksgiving. I felt so much more relaxed than anywhere in America. I felt completely safe and the Metro was outstanding.I will be back very soon.

I moved to Italy almost 12 years ago. I moved from the US. Most of what you talked about I could apply to Italy and the Italians. For me, I love the relaxed joy of life here, in the special way Italians express it. I have been to France many times, and although they are friendly and value much more than just making money, the Italians are much louder about how they express themselves, haha. Any excuse for a festa here. I love good Italian food and good French food equally. But it's the simplicity of the Italian recipes (most recipes anyway) that I prefer. Either way, over the centuries, northern Italy and southern France have always connected. I enjoyed your video and was happy to see that you released one. Sending you both my best wishes for your life in France.

I have followed your journey and enjoyed almost every video you uploaded. I admire your honesty and courage. You are inspiring. Thank you so much for sharing your life with us!!

Hearing that you like France and that you are having a good time is fantastic. I will be visiting the South of france in April for the first time, I know it will be wonderful. Please, when Cecilia feels ready, tell her to delight us with a tour of all the beautiful things she has done in the house🍃

Hello from Germany! Glad you enjoy the European way of living and you are most welcome! Your lifestyle is as well the result of how hard you worked in the US to earn money to being able to afford living in Europe.

Glad to see you guys settled and happy with your new life in France. My husband and I moved to south of Spain a couple of years ago from Canada and we are very happy here. We are in our late 40s, so still many years away from retirement. As you said people in this part of the world are very friendly, warm and welcoming.

We are French.Notre famille vous aime tant .Vous êtes un petit rayon de soleil ☀️ ainsi que Daniel … Longue et heureuse vie en France❤ Merci pour votre vidéo si intelligente et vos remarques si fines….

I’ve watched your videos and my husband and I can relate. When our 2nd child was 8 weeks old, we took our leap of faith and moved to Brazil. Everyone thought we were making a big mistake. But it was the best thing we did. We have since moved back after spending almost 7 years in Brazil, but now in our 50’s, rethinking our next stage in life. Thanks for the videos!

I watch your videos for courage, you remind me it’s ok to be afraid, and that my mind is going to be negative and it’s up to me to keep facing the challenges to make the changes during my mid-life. I too have a desire so deep for change, my brain & body will no longer let me stay settled. Thank you!

ABSOLUTELY agree with you! I left Canada to live in France 23 years ago and I NEVER regret! Excellent decision! with all it's ups and downs, Europe is sill the best alternative to north America.

I studied French for years. I was inoculated as a child with a love for the place with a visit with the family at 8 yo and my father's stories of living in Bretagne and Normandy in the 1950s. As soon as I could I started visiting on my own. After retirement I started spending 2-3 months riding all around the country. There were a thousand reasons France got to be so important for me that I decided to move there in 2020. Through delays and all I searched for a place of similar size as my present house, 100sq meters or so. It had to he inexpensive but in a new environment where I could walk and bike and swim. I found a village house with a garden on a river in the Aude Department, almost to the Spanish border. Got my Visa in less than 2 weeks after applying in person in Miami. I'm planning on flying out 15 March with my sister in law and 2 cats. For me, a native of and living in the Miami area, I am done here. There is nothing left to love. The fishing is done. There is no nature remaining to walk through. The food is expensive and we've plowed up every farm and orange grove to the point that stores import citrus from Cali, TX, and South Africa. The prices and quality reflect the excessive road time. Traffic is so bad that it takes well over an hour to travel 15km. There is zero, useful, public transportation and people are run down and killed daily by cars. The system of laws, right of way and urban design make it impossible to be safe. I will not go into the gun violence problem but it's also every day. In France I am so at ease. I know there is crime, particularly in big cities but it's not the violence level of the US. Bikes and peds are protected and I can say from experience, Don't speed in/through French villages. They are serious about protecting people so the fines are substantial. Camera enforcement is a good thing. Where I am moving hunting culture is deep. It's been beyond living memory since anyone has been shot. Hmm. The tiny village of Lapradelle has 300 people yet every day there are 5 beautiful coaches that can take you to TGV hubs in an hour or so. They cost $3 each way and have wifi, cushy seats and are quiet and clean other than the occasional sports teams celebrating on board. The people are kind and helpful and were so happy to hear I am moving in this spring to live not rent out to tourists. While it is a summer tourist area they are mostly well behaved families and Europeans not the louts and drunks I have endured here in S Fl . My French has progressed and I was able to get both my bank account and water service started speaking only French. The people were so nice and helpful when I was grasping a bit but language is a thing for me so it will only get better. I've even begun to recognize the local, Occitanie accent so I know who the real locals are. The packing is moving along and the cats are catching on that things are changing somehow. They're in for the change of their lives. So am I. Can't wait. This video is spot on. Thanks for the work.

It's really great that you feel welcomed. I hope you will have a great life in France and the opportunity to visit the whole country.

Having spent many summers in France (my father's side) and revisiting regularly, couldn't agree with you more. Really, that balance and taking time to enjoy resonates with us. We are getting ready to early retirement and France is on our radar. Cheers from Montreal Canada.

Merci bien de votre video. YES! France is amazing. I have spent a great deal of time in France, mostly Paris & Provence. I have never felt as at home as I have in France. Manners matter. Having grown up in the South (a long time ago) being polite, being gracious, being courteous--having really good manners--was important. Not so much in many other areas of the US, or maybe it is the passage of time, the advent of technology, the importance of being constantly busy, the fact that work is always the priority-no excuses, no matter what. Intellect is respected & nurtured. Food is respected. Bread must be chewed. Art is a basic part of education. I could go on, but France is at the top of my list.

Love seeing your videos man. Very inspiring. And yes, I'm facing this problem right now in the US. My values aren't aligning in regards to the working culture. I had a work meeting yesterday, and in it, the area manager was essentially saying, "You all need to work harder!" despite us having a record year in all of our metrics. I studied philosophy in university, and still write and research, but lately, it's becoming almost impossible to delve too deeply into my mind because every time I start to think, I think about work! Life should be enjoyed and excellence should be cultivated. We only have one brief, fleeting existence; and to live it subservient to values of corporate growth seems very silly.

The food story is so true. I lived, for a short time, in Chalais between Bordeaux and Anguoleme, The markets were fine but the restaurants were not great. In Paris, I felt too walled in by buildings but the food was magnificent. I love your channel and your son's too. So insightful and inspiring. Thank you for all you share with us. The way the USA is now, for sure, choose another place. Hopefully, things come around but the USA now feels like children in politics, "I want it my way and I will not compromise." A stalemate government will never work for the people. Anyway, you are an amazing family. I live vicariously through your eyes and I realize, even though I will never meet you all, somehow, we are all in this together. Great thanks.

I love how you take the time to read and reply to the comments of your viewers and subscribers. Your Interaction with us is fantastic! I'm from Spain living in WA state for 20 year but always wanting to go back to Spain or France, or Italy. It would feel pretty much the same to me!

I think people like you are a perfect match for countries like France, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Morocco ... Mediterranean countries. Excellent food. Rich history. Nice and relaxed people. You are in the perfect region of the world, to enjoy what you like, and aligned with your values.

Couldn’t agree more. Like you, we sold it all and left the West Coast NA for France il y a 7 mois. Still adjusting with the ups and downs of expat life but continue to believe that life is more enriching with the highs and lows vs the flat line in the middle which is regular life back home. À bientôt!

Love hearing your story. Our son and his family moved to a small village in the Cevenne, and have been so welcomed and included, it is delightful. We are originally from the UK and moved to Oregon in 1991. 18 years later we moved to Moscow, Russia (not Idaho!) for work. During our seven years there we built a holiday home in Turkey as a place to recharge and rest. When we left Moscow I suggested we take a year’s sabbatical in Turkey before returning to Portland. Eight years later we are still in Turkey and loving it, having sold our home in Portland! We are nearly 69 and 74 and have no idea what the future holds but making the most of every opportunity and experience.

👍👍💕🌷you two are an inspiration !

We left Portland OR 2.5 yrs ago and moved to France. Shipped a 40 foot container and our car all the way to Pau. Bought a house and try beyond belief to settle in and adapt. We had a very different experience than you. It was the worse time of my entire life and as a Brit I had already transitioned to America as a young adult and managed to embrace a new culture. So I know I am very capable of this. However, France was mostly a very very difficult and depressing experience. We ended up selling our house there and returning to the States. I just want to point out that even with all the very good intentions (as you have had) sometimes a place is not equal to the dream one has of it in reality. I am happy you are loving it there, but want to express that for every good story as yours is, ppl should be aware that there are equal bad stories with not so good outcomes.

As a French I am glad that you and Cecilia have been enjoying living in France. It's a beautiful country that a lot of French people sometimes forget. I have been travelling to the most wonderful countries (imo) for several weeks each time in Europe, South Asia and North Africa. Even if I love discovering new places I am also really happy to come back home. I am not saying it's the perfect country in the world, it has its flaws but it offers so much overall. I share your opinion on the restaurant in the countryside. There are a bunch of nice places but you have to do some research. Entering one randomly could be an entire experience. If you haven't yet, I highly recommend visiting Lille and Bordeaux where I lived a few years back. Beautiful walkable cities, amazing quality food and history. Enjoy a wine tour near Bordeaux stopping by the most iconic châteaux (vineyards) and go for a day to Arcachon (train from Bordeaux) to share fresh oysters and white wine with a view on the Atlantic ocean. Lille is a quaint place with beautiful little streets. Enjoy typical food and it's well known for its beers. Add a day trip to Bruges (Belgium, less than one hour trip) to discover the Venice from the north. Little canals, beautiful houses, Antics shop, good food. Good job, your French is amazing at the end of the video!

Work life balance is not just France. It is the whole EU including England.

What a positive video. Thank you for an insider's view of such a lovely country!!!

Totally agree! We made the leap in 2017. It was supposed to be for 2 years but we never wanted to leave. So happy you are finding France to be a good fit.

I am absolutely happy I have subscribed to you guys. Brilliant, eloquent, concise, very articulate and wise!!!! Thank you!

On interactions with the French, never forget that we are net raised to be "nice" with strangers but to show them respect. Hence the greetings.

I’m from your former city, Portland. Have lived here over 25 years. In my late fifties asking myself if I want to liver here forever. My son lives and works in Sweden. I’d like to be closer to him. Visiting Europe made me think there is so much more out there and different ways to live. Your story is compelling. It would be hard to leave as I have an awesome 50s brick home on five acres, lived here the whole time! So, maybe I’ll join you somewhere in Europe. Best life to you both.

Aww loved that you ended in French too! Je suis totalement d’accord! One must take leaps of Faith when it feels aligned despite initial fears. It always leads to rich and amazing life experiences. It was the case for me every.single.time (moving from Europe to Canada, then Australia and now back in Europe but in another country I would have NEVER considered and where I feel at home now: Spain 🇪🇸). Merci de toujours partager de si belles vidéos avec nous. They’re always so insightful 💫😇👍🏽

So inspirational! Your videos are so beautifully edited. I really appreciate the time and care you put into each piece. Living in France has been a huge goal and one that will be obtainable in the next 3-5 years. Including the audience in your journey allows me to not only see the joy of it all but the difficult challenges …that ultimately make the experience so rich.

Your videos are mind blowing, so good! I loved hearing your take on France! I love to see you living your dream. Also a fan of Nathaniel, I see he comes by it naturally. Thank you for editing this wonderful video and sharing it with your RU-vid community.

We’re about to take the leap and move to France. I’m terrified but praying for the type of experience you’ve had. I know it’s up to me and my husband to embrace and adjust for a different life outside the USA and I’m so ready. Thx for sharing your story. It’s really inspiring.

It was my dream to visit Paris, France in the late 80’s and I have been back several times visiting Lyon, Nyon, and other areas into Switzerland. My dream is to visit again soon on my own and have new experiences, maybe retiring in Europe in the next 10 years. I get my fix of new and old locations on MHZ with outstanding French tv shows. It does feed my soul. C’est magnifique, monsieur!

J’aime toujours autant vos réflexions sur la vie. Tout cela est si profond et je vous en remercie.

I always look forward to your posts. Informative and very easy to watch with a depth that many podcasters seek to achieve but you always nail it perfectly. Thank you. Glad you are settling in to your new adventure. Have been watching you from New Zealand since before you sold in Oregon and made the big move.

We lived in France for 9 years, in the south which is likely different than the north. I found must of what you say to be true. In our case, it was a work related move, so we knew it was temporary. However, had I had the chance to stay, I would have. The US no longer clicks for us either, we make our home between Uruguay and Germany right now, but our children live in the US, which makes a big difference as does age. Great video! Merci beaucoup❤

I have been following your journey since you began. Fortuitously, RU-vid suggested your very first video to me the week it came out, so I have enjoyed being along for the ride in almost real-time. You're living my dream, and I hope someday to be your fellow compatriote. À la prochaine!

I think a lot of countries in Europe are like this. I could say the exact same thing about Portugal. I know it didn’t work out for you here, but my wife and I love it here and all the points you say about France, I can mirror those about Portugal. Very happy you both found your place in France

Can't wait to hear about any house updates!! It looks like you both have settled in quite well!

Couldn’t agree more with your assessment of life in the US no longer resonating. Heading to France for early research this summer. My biggest task is to convince my German husband to embrace the French way of life. The two of you continue to inspire us.

Wow! I started watching with one of your son’s videos a couple of years ago and followed you 2 through Pt to Fr (this mirrors our own journey to choose a retirement landing spot!) All I can say is you look completely different now than 2 yrs ago!! Your face…your color, palor, energy have completely cleared & look like a man who has found his ‘happy place’ (for now). We leave in a few weeks for a year ‘on the road’ across France to find our new furever home with our 2 pooches. Nervous, excited, scared, sad, hopeful - but all the things you mention at the beginning about the pros of our rêve américain becoming a weight on our soul had become our existence so its time to honor that gypsy in our souls and move along. Bonne Courage!!!

Your videos are always so visually pleasing. It’s so cool to see you use your producing and videography skills on this channel. A lot of reasons you mentioned in this video resonate with my need to also leave the US. A work life balance lends to other areas of my life also improving and now that’s my goal.

Been following since day one, over 2 years now. It's inspiring to watch and hear your views about your current life. Thanks

Loving hearing from you! This is such a marvelous content and video post! Looking forward to more; especially a tour of how things have settled into being in your new home.

Finally, a happy algorithm find! Watching enviously from New York. Great channel!

If this is France....come and have a look here in Sicily,in my village on the shore of the Mediterranean sea:a heaven on Earth!thanx for your videos❤

Wonderfully expressed. Thank you. I have many similar thoughts. As I get older what I require is changing and I find the challenge is that people do not want to accept we are all changing at that this is fine.

as good as ever ... thank you for creating and sharing !!!

Husband and I (50 yr olds) are considering world travel/ early retirement and I love your insight just on change, motivation, intention and growth. Keep up this wonderful content!

Tellement contente pour vous deux !🌎Bonjour du Québec.

Great commentary on the various contrasts. Thank you so much.

Thank you for sharing your stories and experiences! I appreciate the effort you put in to produce these amazing videos and to tell real personal stories. Keep up the great work. ❤

Your videos are such a treat. I absolutely love them!

"I asked God for everything so I could enjoy life,God gave me Life so I could enjoy everything" not my words,hope I've remembered it right,subtle difference!

So happy to see you finally enjoying life:) Thank you for posting:)

Great video. Also, can't wait to see an update of the renovations and upgrades to your new home.

I am happy to see that you look better rested and healthy. Great that you are settling in so well. Im considering a big move myself within a couple few years.

American in France four years and wholeheartedly agree with your observations. The lack of good customer service doesn't bother me anymore, but it does take some getting used to. For example, when I go to the phyiscal therapist I'm left on the table while the practitioner goes out to check on other patients, give them exercises to do, etc. I might be waiting 5 minutes until it's my turn again, but the care and bedside manner are top quality, so I can live with it. Keep the videos coming!

I so enjoy your videos...interesting, thoughtful, visually clean and informative. Its my virtual escape!

Bravo! Thanks for sharing, very informative and I'm so happy for you and your kids. Love your channel, keep up the good work!👏👏👏👏🥳🌹

I really needed to hear this today. This is true when there is a strong intention for change, God bless you! And your family. 😊🎉❤

0:57 "...it's important to honor those times in our lives...when something feels done." My current chrysalis feels both comfortable and constricting. *Watching your journey reminds me that big change can be worth it!* 🤩 Leaping into the unknown has led to some of the best experiences & growth in my life! 🦋So glad you & Cecelia feel at home in France after only one year! ❤

Just discovered your channel and watched a few videos! Amazing content! Insightful and beautiful storytelling.

Your situation is very similar to ours. We sold everything in California, packed a couple of boxes, and moved to France in 2022. Best decision ever!! There's no going back. It's not an easy journey, but it gives us motivation to keep on going. I'm glad I've found your channel.

As much as it breaks my heart that you left forests of Oregon, I am so glad that you did what works best for you. I turn 40 this year, and I recently moved to a small coastal town in Spain, one hour away from Barcelona. Same as you I love Asian cousine, so I celebrate every visit to Barcelona with a nice bowl of ramen or Chinese sweet and sour chicken. From what you say, we have the same experience here. I also learn Spanish and try to at least start conversations this way. My partner is half-Latino, so his Spanish is very fluent.

Brits say French people are "lazy", but French "work to live not live to work". British ONS (Office for National Statistics ) 20 January 2022. International comparisons of UK productivity - Main points: - The G7 countries’ average (excluding the UK) output per worker was 13% above the UK in 2019. - The UK’s output per hour worked is less than France and the US. - France is between 9% and 28% more productive than the UK, with a central estimate of 18% more productive. (btw your videos are great!)

Beautiful sharing of the intention and unfolding of worthy endeavors…to dwell in possibility is the BEST. Well done.🎉

I lived in France, in the Loire Valley, for nine months in the early nineties. It still informs my sensibilities to this day, and I agree with all your observations. It's a wonderful place, and your work makes me want to move back!

Thank you loads for your perspective. I shoulda been born in France, not the US, as France has always felt like my home. Even when hitch hiking on some desolation road back in the 70's. My property in 17 is 90% complete, after 5 years of 3 week stints several times a year to work with amazing tradesmen. Have my res visa; all set there. Selling out here completely with expectation of being there for good this Spring. So many positives I could add about France, the French, their social support system, their superb health system, the transportation network. And no damn pharma ads on tv ! Yes, the tax rates are higher, but you get what you pay for there, unlike here. Americans are isolated by geography, by politics, by an economic system that promotes a crazy work ethic, and by the deluded idea that We're Number 1!! The French are not just French; they are also Europeans, members of something larger organized to promote peace and prosperity for all. I could go on and on, including some current negatives, but taken as a whole..... Looking forward to your next vid. Many Thanks !

I spent what was suppose to be a month that became two in the summer in South America - mostly Argentina 🇦🇷. Beautiful people & country. It truly opened my eyes to the way many countries who have that work/ life balance. A simple metaphor is old money vs new and it’s not about what’s in your account but your soul. For me I’m hoping the US is not my last stop. It’s not about disliking this country, it’s as these people are choosing and sharing how for them it’s about something different. 🥂🇫🇷

Am getting ready to take a leap. Love your adventurous spirit. Much love

Terrific video and informative, glad I happened upon your post.

Glad you're satisfied with France/Europe 🤞🏻 greetings from Czechia 🇨🇿

As an American from the PNW who moved to Germany 1.5 years ago, I can say that these pros and cons apply here as well. Must be a European thing! I would also add the cost of living as a major pro.

I love to hear this. It’s so inspiring!

Aloha from Maui! Been following you for a while....Lots of love to you and your boys. I truly look forward to watching your videos.

Would love to see an updated home tour. I’m sure your home is beautiful ❤

One of your best yet! Simple, informative, and beautifully illustrated. We have plans to sell a casa in both Italy and Merida Mexico, then we'll be France bound for a new life

Thank you for your wise words. We live in the country at the base of Mt. Hood and have a small cherry orchard that provides us plenty of time to travel. We will spend a month in France this year tracking the Tour de France route. Life is good!

I love watching your family have awesome experiences.

Excellent video!

such beautiful videosss

Beautiful video, thank you !

I just spent 3 days in Narbonne and 3 days in Menton, and overnight at some towns in between and the French people is extremetly polite and welcoming. I was very surprised of how they would kick in into Spanish or English when I struggled with my French

I’m an Argentinian immigrant in Galicia, Spain, and I can say exactly the same of Spain, except for the post

I've been following your journey to Europe since the beginning, because I had a plan to do something similar. Now that I've been in Spain for almost 4 months, I can relate to the feeling of enjoying slowing down and dissolving all the misconceptions I had. I come from Argentina, so my comparisons are a bit different, but the essence is the same. I'm glad you have found the place and pace you were looking for. Thank you for sharing!!

I appreciate your sharing. I am very happy things are working out. Your videos are fantastic, thank you.

Loved listening to this! Thank you for sharing ❤

Great video! A lot of what you said about the French lifestyle applies to Spain which is where we live. Wonderful place to live. So glad you guys found the place that makes you happy!

Hi Josh (or Mr. Drew) 👋, I hope 2024 has been treating you (and your family) well so far. I don’t think I will ever forget the day I watched that one video from Nathaniel Drew about you guys leaving the US to settle in Europe. If there’s anything your story has taught me (especially from this video), it’s that leaping into the unknown can teach people to unlearn any preconceived assumptions they have on certain things and instead welcome the opportunity to experience those things and learn a lot about them for what they actually are. Merci pour la vidéo! (I’m not sure if I got that correct 😅) Sending you lots of love!!! ❤️❤️❤️🤗

Always so good, thank you for sharing your story with the world.

Always inspiring. Congrats on the new home, it's very beautiful and peaceful.

I just love your videos!! I absolutely agree w you 100%,herd in thd states we basically live to work very hard ,I’m European and thinking about going back one day as life here as you know doesn’t offer what Europe does in quality of life that’s for sure 😊

My question is..do you really have to leave the U.S. to live like a French citizen? This new generation of workforce is putting its foot down and demanding a better work-life balance. If they don't find it, they resign and move on. American companies will have to adapt, otherwise they won't have any workers to hire. All countries have their perks. I'm glad you and your wife found happiness in France, but be realistic. You both moved to Europe to be closer to your boys. Had your boys stayed near Oregon, would you have left your beautiful home you built? Honest question, and not trying to be cheeky. My husband and I are your age and are looking at possibilities of moving abroad when we retire, but haven't decided where, or if it's going to be too much of a stressor. You two are lucky to have the financial stability from the sale of your Oregon home to buy such a palace in France. It is super, duper beautiful!! Cheers from San Diego.

Your way of speaking is very humble and down to earth, really enjoyed this!

Your videos, and commitment to showing the good and the more challenging, are so enjoyable to watch. Thank you for sharing your journey. I moved from the USA to The Netherlands almost 30 years ago and have now been here as long as I was there. Both still feel like home, however I’m absolutely certain my quality of life and work life balance are better here than there.