A GAUL IN GLASGOW
I can get everything I want here in Scotland, even my Camembert
Professional singer Emmanuelle, 35, moved to Glasgow from Montpellier, in the south of France, three years ago looking for a change. She started studying for an HND in music business, and found Scotland’s biggest city to be so warm and welcoming she now doubts she’ll ever leave. In fact, she calls Scotland home and considers returning to France as a holiday.
“I always wanted to live in the UK because I just love the music culture here. Three years ago,
I was working full-time as a singer in France and, having never studied or lived abroad, I decided to take the plunge and move to Glasgow. I had no husband, no kids and no ties, so I thought, ‘Why not now?’
“I’m not surprised the Scots have rekindled their love for French culture as, ever since I moved here, whenever I tell someone I’m French they get so excited – ‘Oh you are French, how fantastic!’ they’ll say. France, in a way, represents good taste, food and fashion, and I think people have this perception that we are very chic. And, with people watching Lupin and Emily in Paris, they have more access to French culture, too. A lot of French people were offended by Emily in Paris but I felt it’s very real. Of course, not all Parisians are the same, but it’s actually quite close to reality.
“Being from the south of France, the first question that people ask me is, ‘What do you do with this weather?’ but there’s so much more to Scotland than the rain.
“For example, when I arrived here and I told people I was a singer, straight away people started giving me advice, sharing tips on who I should meet to get started with gigs. In France,
people tend to keep their connections to themselves, and it’s harder to break into certain professions. French people are friendly, but it’s nothing compared to people in Glasgow.
“To be honest, there’s not much I miss about France. I can really get everything I want here in Glasgow – even my favourite Camembert.”