As a family, we moved to Bordeaux, France from New York State in October 2011. We adjusted to the French culture..having fun living, loving & laughing each day! This blog is about some of our experiences and observations from our American perspective. I love to learn about what the Bordeaux/Gironde area and the country of France has to offer and to also capture many of our experiences through writing & photography.
I started this blog initially as a way to share our new adventure with family and friends back home in the States, but it has grown into a wonderful place for lots of people to read and learn about life as an expat, the process of adjusting to a new culture and just plain family life! Most of the early posts are family oriented but since I also love traveling, photography and exploring - I also write posts about the wine culture here in Bordeaux, and some of my European travels.
Since 2014, I have worked as a local tour guide in Bordeaux & it's region. I am contracted by numerous agencies and often work for the various River Cruise Companies on the Garonne River (Viking Cruises, Scenic Cruises and Ama Waterways). I also offer walking tours with wine tastings in the dynamic city of Bordeaux. (See separate page - Walking Tours)
I adore sharing my love and passion for my adopted city and the surrounding region. On my tours, we wander through Bordeaux's historic streets and explore it's hidden gems while sharing it's rich history of trade & wine, all while interweaving its modern culture. Every day people are mesmerized by its charm and beauty, come visit and let me show you why.
Since 2014, I have worked as a local tour guide in Bordeaux & it's region. I am contracted by numerous agencies and often work for the various River Cruise Companies on the Garonne River (Viking Cruises, Scenic Cruises and Ama Waterways). I also offer walking tours with wine tastings in the dynamic city of Bordeaux. (See separate page - Walking Tours)
I adore sharing my love and passion for my adopted city and the surrounding region. On my tours, we wander through Bordeaux's historic streets and explore it's hidden gems while sharing it's rich history of trade & wine, all while interweaving its modern culture. Every day people are mesmerized by its charm and beauty, come visit and let me show you why.
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| My girls looking out at the Atlantic Ocean |
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| The girls in Bruges, Belgium |
If you have any questions or would just like to introduce yourself -
please feel free to comment below or
email me at americanmominbordeaux@gmail.com
If you are interested in sponsoring- please see Advertising page.
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| My youngest and I after a fun afternoon of Mini-Golf |
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| Relaxing at a cafe |
where was that french cafe in the bottom pic, looks familiar. btw, I am enjoying your blog!
ReplyDeleteLove reading your blog. Your family is beautiful, your life in France, WOW! XOElaine Hallett
DeleteThank you...It's quite an adventure & constantly full of surprises! Love that we are reconnected!
DeleteThe cafe is called The French Coffee Shoppe in Lourdes.
Deleteoh I've never been to Lourdes, looks lovely though. You seem to do a fair bit of traveling, must be great!
DeleteHeading Bordeaux tomorrow for the week-end, lots or areas to check out for our future "new" life :-). Cassandra
DeleteLike you so positive spirit! Anne
ReplyDeleteLike you so positive spirit! Anne
ReplyDeleteHi Jennifer - thanks for your blog. Really liked your advice for relocating kids to the French context. My family is planning to spend a sabbatical year in France, most of which will be in Paris, but the month of July 2016 in Bordeaux. This question is coming from left field (I know it's strange!) but if you happen to hear of someone who is interested in renting their family home for that month, we are wonderful tenants! It would be for my husband (also an academic), myself, and our two daughters (who will be 4.5 and 20 months old by that stage).
ReplyDeleteThanks for any recommendations!
All the best.
Just sent you an email with some ideas....all the best to you.
DeleteI enjoy reading your blog. I do have a question about handling food allergies in France as we are planning a trip there next summer. My grandson has a very severe tree nut allergy. How responsive are restaurants to such an issue? Are grocery items marked with allergy information like they are in the States?
ReplyDeleteHi Kelly Ann - Sorry for the late reply -still catching up from the summer break. When we vacation here in France - it's truly a break from it all!! So now in September it's back to business. Grocery items are marked and labeled here in France. I have to say not quite as highlighted as in the States as far as allery information - but the list of contents of an item is always there - you would need to know in French what he's allergic too. Most restaurants are responsive if gently asked - Chefs know if a recipe includes nuts or not. I know it's a newer issue here - there seems to be not as many food allergies here - but gluten free is slowly becoming more popular with people - so restaurants are finding themselves being asked more about items. I do have to say that there are still restaurants or chefs that are not as responsive to questions of this sort. I know our expat club has to pick and choose carefully restaurants in Bordeaux that are more than willing to do vegetarian and/or gluten free menus. Too often a chef sets up the menu of the day each morning based on daily inspiration and just wants to serve what he/she wants to serve. But on the other hand one can also find some very nice restaurants willing to accommodate the customer. Hope this helps. Feel free to email me at americanmominbordeaux@gmail.com with any more questions.
DeleteLooking forward to being in Bordeaux in June 2016.
ReplyDeleteJ. Christina
Bonjour, my name isRobert and I have a question for you. We are going to be moving to France and we are looking at places to livr in that region. How are the surrounding areas around Bordeaux (towns, suburbs, etc.)? Are there any areas that would not be a safe place to move? Merci for your help.
ReplyDeleteRobert
Hi Robert,
DeleteI would be glad to answer your question and others ones you may have regarding Bordeaux. Please email me at americanmominbordeaux@gmail.com so I can elaborate further. Have a great day.
Hi, I came across your blog by accident and smiled at the similarities, although British, I came with my 4 children in 2009 and am also a guide conférencier in Rouen Normandy. I also frequently work for the hotel boats that descend the Seine. Fun to see your stories and will look forward to reading more. Best regards, enjoy some down time before the next season starts! Miranda at www.myhusbanddrivesalemon.com
ReplyDeleteHi Miranda, Thanks for visiting. Ironically enough, I was in Rouen last April as a client on the Vantage River Cruise ship. (Was fun to change sides for a week!) Enjoyed the city, a lot!! Happy New Year and I hope you return to read more. Enjoy your down time also!!! I know how busy high season can be!!! Jennifer
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