Where are you from?
If you know an expat who wants to share inside knowledge of their home away from home, email
with Expat in the subject line. Graeme is from Titahi Bay and Claire from Canterbury, UK.
What inspired your move, and how long have you been there?
We moved to France in October 2014 to live on a canal barge. We bought the boat near Dijon and in the first 18 months we cruised more than 2000 kilometres along the canals in Burgundy and the Loire before heading north to Paris. Since 2016, we’ve been based here in the Champagne region.
What do you do there?
We’ve set up our own business, Serenity Barge, taking guests on canal cruises (serenitybarge.com). The boat is a converted cargo barge so there is plenty of space with three en suite guest bedrooms, spacious saloon and large sun deck.
What are the greatest advantages to living there?
The bakeries in every village with amazing bread and pastries, the beautiful countryside and fabulous local wines. Also Paris is only about an hour away by train.
Disadvantages?
Obviously the language – neither of us really spoke any French before we moved here and it’s still a struggle.
How expensive is it compared to New Zealand? How much is a beer?
Living costs are probably similar here in France. A beer can cost anywhere between 3 and 11 (NZ$5-18) depending on the brand and the bar.
What’s the local delicacy and would you recommend it?
Champagne! There are more than 1000 champagne houses, each producing their own unique house style, and with many priced between 15 and 30 (NZ$25-NZ$50). They’re fantastic value for money.
Easiest way to get around?
As a tourist the train and a bike is a great way to explore. For visiting the vineyards, consider a guided tour so no-one has to be the designated driver.
What’s the shopping like?
Shopping is limited in the smaller towns and almost all shops will close for up to two hours at lunch and are often shut on Monday, too.
Best after-dark activity?
Reims is a big student city so has quite a buzzing nightlife. But our favourite is chilling in the jacuzzi back on the boat, with a bottle of Champagne.
Best time of year to visit?
Visiting during the grape harvest (September) is fun but the downside is it’s the vineyards’ busiest two weeks of the year so you definitely need to prearrange visits. The region has pretty consistently warm weather from June to September.
What are the top three things you recommend for visitors?
Visiting the Grand Champagne houses in Reims or Epernay is a must. Reims is unmissable, particularly the stunning gothic cathedral, the art deco Villa Demoiselle and the museum commemorating where General Eisenhower received the German surrender in 1945.
Besides family and friends, what do you miss most about home?
Pies, rugby, L&P, food courts, Pad Thai and the coastline.
How easy is it for you to get back to New Zealand?
All the major airlines fly from Paris which is just over an hour away – then it’s a 24-hour flight back to New Zealand.
For Kiwis looking to move there, which industries are seeking fresh talent?
Obviously the wine industry is a major employer here, as is tourism, although speaking French is a must.