I lived in France for a year back in 2000 and it was eye-opening to say the least. Although I'm Canadian, I agree 100% with your list. The thing that made the biggest impression on me while I was there is the work life balance. Once you understand why shops are closed on Monday and at lunch, you just adjust your plans. Great video Diane!
I'm from the UK, this year I have holidayed in Italy, France and Spain. Most definitely bread, cheese and wine is waaay superior in Europe but particularly in France. Shopping hours are far more civilised in that they open five days a week but may close on a weekday but will be open on a Saturday. You just need to be organised and know your opening times. Guns, well Europeans certainly do not have the obsessive fascination with guns that the Americans seem to have which we find weird!! 😁🇬🇧
As a french, I think we should show this video to a lot of french people to remind them how lucky we are to have our education and health system and to not keep that for granted. I'm 200% on your side, education and health are basic human rights ♥️
I was about to say the same ! What I hate the most in our country is the moaning, as if everything in France should be perfect ! When I tell french people how expensive college is in the US, they answer : "I don't care, I live in France, not in the US and our students are starving". OMG !
@@misstoujoursplus When I attended the University of California around 1970, I paid "student fees", it was not called tuition, of $300 per year. That would be less than $2000 today. Nowadays my old alma mater charges about $15,000.
French health public system and education have been deteriorating for years with all the neoliberal policies ... still being ahead of the US is not really something to be proud of... We could be proud of our system 40 years ago, even 30 years ago I was proud, but when there are constant resignations among the healthcare workers because they are disgusted by working and care conditions, when they are constantly forced to demonstrate to obtain the minimum of vital means to carry out their jobs (we still remember the healthcare workers who made blouses out of garbage bags during the Covid crisis as if we were a country of the third world) and when Macron responds to them with gas and baton blows every time, then no there is really nothing to be proud of anymore.
@@synkaan2167 I remember very well my childhood in the seventies : too many people were abusing the healthcare in France, running from one doctor to another without paying anything, moaning day and night because they didn't get first class care in a private hospital for free. Today, the same moaners blame the government for less healthcare ! Who's to blame ? The citizens. I knew women who had breast enlargement surgery for free because they knew someone who would do it for them, people who got thermal care in luxury hotels for free. Now, all this is more controlled and that's just fine. We pay today for all the waste of 40 years of neglect and abuse.
Don't forget that France (and the entire EU) ban most GM foods, growth hormones and other food additives. And they also vaccinate poultry, so salmonella is very rare.
I've noticed how well behaved children are in France. I haven't noticed the victim mentality that seems to be infecting much of the world. They seem to be more sensible about accepting responsibility for their own actions. Also, the French seem to behave in such a way that they don't impinge on others' enjoyment. I recently saw a video about why the French are not all that impressed with wealth that said the egalitarianism of the revolution still resonates with many people. I think people are more lauded for their accomplishments and character than for their wealth. Here's good one: museums are often free to French citizens. Even if there's an admission fee, it's waived for the unemployed because nobody should be deprived of culture. It's better to go to a museum than sit around doing nothing while you hope a job comes along. It's a matter of human dignity. What a concept, eh? Thanks for your great videos, Diane. They're always interesting and informative.
"The freedom of one ends where that of others begin". "Don't do to others what you wish others wouldn't do to you". These things are so obvious that no one really needed to utter them in France for the longest time. But things change. I had to send the Police to young people across the street, because they wouldn't shut it up at 3.00 on many occasions on saturday nights. They knew there were being obnoxious, but they refused to make silence. All they deserve is a massive fine, so that they get to learn how to be "well-behaved" one day, as you say. This is getting worse by the year, and the entitlement we hate so much is getting more and more widespread. I know why. But it may be more controversial to say it here than i wish to be.
I'm curious. Do tell. I know they have some child-rearing ideas that seem to encourage self-control and resilience. I know also that in general, the French have different manners than some who are more outgoing. However, what I said is only from my personal observation as a visitor.
@@KittyXCross It's really hard to pin down a lot of the cultural practices that you pointed out and make blanket statements. For example, parents and children can be bad and good. It depends. However, I can say with more certainty that your comments on wealth confuse French revolutionary rhetoric on equality with reality.France, like every other country I've been to, is, dominated by large fortunes and what many average French people perceive as a caste of social, political and economic elite. These elite have tremendous prestige in the country. Not to mention that the country that sits at the number one spot globally for payment of dividends to stock holders (rather than paying higher worker salaries). Beyond that, I think UA-cam channels often confuse the manerisms and reserved public persona of French midde-class urbanites and specifically Parisians with those of all French people. More rural, urban working class and poor, not to mention abundant immigrang communities are often overlooked.
Very interesting. Yes, of course, I made gross generalizations on an admittedly small sample size. It's really just what I noticed except for the wealth angle which I saw on a Paris fashion channel of all things. And yeah, 100% agree that wealthy people everywhere have greater influence (and power) than little people such as myself. Is this increasing or is it just more obvious to me as I get older, I wonder. Thank you for your interesting comments, Auxyray!
Hello from 🇨🇦,Diana. As a Canadian citizen visiting France a few times in past decade, I found a feeling of somehow belonging in this culture. It wasn’t the touristic spots and sights that drew me. It was a certain mentality of family and health care, eating and exercise and work life balance, caring for each other and community and land. It just fit where I belonged somehow. On our second and third visits this feeling was just reinforced more strongly. A sense of what I would term “ good sense” around all the above issues just pervaded the community and was evident in many areas I sensed even as an occasional visitor. As you say, no place is ever perfect because after all, we are all human beings learning to live and share no matter our age or culture, but even though I was very happy to be “home in Canada once more” , there is a sense of “I fit better in France” and I am careful to not let it colour my perspective of life “ in my country”.
As an American living in Massachusetts, I have had a lifelong fascination with France. My closest friend is French and he loves living here. He and his wife both become US citizens years ago. Everything you say is spot on. I plan to explore living there in retirement. Still working on getting fluent en français.
Thank you for saying the truth. Some of us, in the 🇺🇸, are under a myth that we are “better” than the rest of the world. This is why I love your channel, besides educating us about how is life in 🇫🇷, you also give it to us straight. Vive la France!
As a Frenchman (who lived in the US in the late 90's), what you said is a reminder of what seems natural for us and which is not. We're always complaining about how we could get things better but we forget that what we have is not common elsewhere. So let us know what's better in the US so we get arguments for requesting that for us too !
Thanks for “going there“, on not only guns, but education, paid family leave, and healthcare. Americans need to be told that there are places in the world where they don’t have to live in fear of mass shootings, they don’t have to be afraid to have children due to the cost of being out of work and of child care, and they don’t have to be burdened with a lifetime of college debt. We could look, by the way, not only to France, but to almost every other rich democracy in the world, all of which have lower healthcare costs, debt-free university, and in most cases, longer life expectancies. I hoist a glass of Muscadet to you.
I am retired now but worked for thirty years in academic medicine here in the US. When recruiting for clinical or research positions, those educated in the French higher education system were always viewed very favorably. France has an amazing reputation - both currently and historically - of educating and nurturing some of the finest scientific minds in history. I digress. For me, everyday life in France, from your morning coffee, lunch at the corner brasserie, apéro for a first date or with your BFF; well, you get the idea. A perfect life? Sam et Baptiste, a boutique realtor, have a couple of very appealing properties currently for sale. Perfect for summer. Then, I will get my tired old bones to Menton for the winter!
Yes! I love living in France from the States and it’s not the political aspect that I see in many of the comments but the focus on family that is so important to me. My kids are talked to and watched over by strangers that just enjoy children. If they see my little boy going to close to the street they will say something, at the park the dads are all interacting with the kids, pushing everyone on the swings. Sundays are for family. The schools focus on good social interaction with the canteen at lunch time. I don’t know if I want to go back to the USA. I’m really happy with all the interactions during our two years here. But ugh… I struggle learning to speak in full sentences.
You covered almost everything I would say. I would add in the elementary education system as well. My first experience of school kids in a mueum as a classroom stunned me. Kids were up close & personal with the art work. They were involved in actual discussions about the artist's work & his life, about how his work reflected the time in which he lived, about how his work was originally received & how we judge it now. Students would often be seen sitting in the floor in front of a work of art & copying it. I am not talking about university level kids--I am talking about as young as 5 & up. No school on Wednesdays as that was a day for kids to go to a museum.This also meant they went to school at least part of the day on Saturday. French patrimoins is not based on wealth. It is simply based on being French.
I just experience this at the Musee de Beaux Arts in Nice and was blown away by a class of elementary kids sitting quietly learning about the different artworks.
Hi Diane. I’m so glad that you posted this video. Most people in the US are unaware of these benefits in France compared to the US. And when you list these benefits most people have say “yea but what about those high taxes people pay in France?” In my experience the taxes we pay at the federal state are local government levels as well as sales taxes exceed those in France. As far as food goes, in my 35 days in France this fall, it astounded me how many major grocery stores are speciality shops are throughout France. The concept of “food desert” doesn’t exist in France but abounds in the US especially in the inner city. And I never felt unsafe during my travels and stays in six different towns. Unlike here in the US where gun violence and mass murders are commonplace. Please keep up your great work in educating people about how France is different and perhaps better than the US. Please take care and my best regards to Tom. Joe.
So you say the food is better in France? Are there less overweight people in France? If that is the case, obesity isn't caused by tasty food. Thank you for your input.
Gun violence and mass murder is not commonplace in the US. It was worse before the 1990s. My area is very safe. But it’s very disturbing to listen to my neighbors practice shooting their rapid fire weapons. I am in a rural area, and I do worry about these folks taking justice into their own hands. And my Sheriff is a Constitutional law sheriff, meaning he believes he is accountable to no one. And he is. He uses his power to harass women with different political views.
Diane, thank you for being my weekly amount of positivity towards France. Even when it's the reversed situation and it things the US does better, its always with respect towards both countries. As a french I am often overwhelmed by the amount of hateful comments done towards our country/people so thank you for always treating everything and everyone with respect 🩷
You're very welcome and I feel like kindness and respect should always lead the way. I appreciate you acknowledging the way I do things here. People who write hateful and nasty things seem to forget that their commentary says so much more about them than it does the person/country/thing they're talking about.
Like I said in a previous post, France can be amazing if it adopted more free enterprise policies. France does have another problem: antisemitism. But antisemitism is endemic through out the world.
@@Jimfrenchde no country is perfect but I don't think these make it less amazing, especially in the current situation. If I understand you well I think the french are very attached to their few state owned companies (train, mail, paris airport), firstly because German neighbors who tried to privatise some of them saw a huge increase in prices and second because it ensures some stability and control over the prices too. Last time they wanted to privatise a company (aéroports de Paris) Frenchies were mostly against. It's their culture it's how it works, why changing. Then for antisemitism what do you want me to do, clap in my hands and I will help the world? Unfortunately I can't I am sorry. Myself I have no problem with anyone, like most french people actually.... But since we always see the negativity...
Let's not forget that there are more deaths by gunshots in the US than in all the other countries of the G7 banded together (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the UK). Plus, it's affordable and easy to visit other countries if one wishes to as they're smaller countries than the US
I love your videos. So informative. I just got back to the states after spending a month in Nice, and everything you listed completely resonated. It’s a beautiful country and culture and really had me looking at everything we do in the US with a different perspective.
Hi Diane. Another great video! I'm retired and moving to Strasbourg from outside of Sacramento next month and will get to experience all of your points in all of your videos! I'm mainly moving for the healthcare (I'm 62), the seemingly healthier food and lifestyle. I know it won't be perfect. I've heard of the famous French bureaucracy! And it will take time to adjust. But I'm very excited. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
L'Alsace est une magnifique région, la nourriture y est excellente (ainsi que le vin) et il y a de très jolis villes et villages à découvrir. Vous avez bien choisi le lieu de votre retraite. Profitez en bien.
Nice! I'm almost jealous. 🙂 I spent a few years in Strasbourg, where I went to the University, and dream about returning there to work and live one day. One of the best cities in France. Relatively quiet, I mean a human scale city. The old city center is just stunning, the atmosphere unique in general and marvelous during Xmas time. If you like white wine, Alsace will make you forget french bureaucracy. 😂
If I may share a french point of vue : i don't find normal that we offer healthcare to a foreigner who hasn't pay taxes in France when he was at work, that's too easy (and basically going to make us bankrupt)
Bonjour tout le monde!! Right on target with the food Diane! Better quality food, more affordable....and here's the most important part: the people who prepare your food take great pride in their work. Local tip for Laval: Les 3 Petits Cochons. Thumbs way up on Diane's travel guide, a must get for first time travelers to France. A whole video could be done just on the baguette....it really is a thing.
Thank you for another interesting video. I moved to France farily recently and I'm surporised how much I feel at home here, like I belong here and I think the points you mention in your video help me to see why this is.
Awesome video! You made good points. I'm just back from 3 weeks visiting old friends in France. I hadn't been there for 44 years, not since I lived there as an exchange student in high school! I found many things to be much better, like roads, signage, public bathrooms! But the food was even better than ever and prices to buy fresh ingredients to cook at home were so much lower than what we can get here in Colorado. I can't wait to go back!
I can’t speak for France, however, I’m married to an Italian (from Italy, not Long Island as they joke here in NYC) and the Italian red tape and bureaucracy is maddening! Something the USA does better than Italy, for sure. I’ve heard France is similar but haven’t experienced it for myself. The lack of work life balance and 🇺🇸 gun culture are two things I know I won’t miss when I get my visa and am able to move to Europe with my husband.
100% agree except i can’t think of anything the US does better which is why I am hoping to retire in France. I don’t have a big retirement fund. In fact it’s minimal and 1 thing is clear is that I won’t be able to live off social security here but think I can in France since I prefer smaller towns and not big cities. Fingers crossed for me. 😊
@@stayfocused1041 no. Retirement income isn’t taxable. Rent is half the expense healthcare better and much less expensive than US. No need for car if you live in the right place. I could go on.
Well, have you tried to live in France for a couple of years already, or are you wishful thinking? Rent half the expense? The neighborhood must be interesting...Health care OK, although it's degrading rapidly. No car: if you like public transportation with constant harassing and insecurity... My best wishes to you, sincerely, but please, do your homework before moving. @@lollygee172
Great video and great points! Aside from the social aspects of life in france, the most memorable is definitely the affordable good wine and the BREAD, which is just unsurpassed by anywhere in the world I've been. We'll leave the amount of butter used for another day. 😅
Bonjour Diane, chapeau bas pour vous. This was a great presentation of all 7 things that are way better than the U.S. France acknowledges basic human rights i.e education, healthcare, social services... In the U.S., if you loose your job, you loose your health/dental/vision insurance (Double Whammy)! Higher Education is also prohibitive/luxuray in regards to tuition and related expenses. Public transportation is also lacking unless you live in big cities. Work/life balance has a special meaning in France/Europe. Keep up the great work!
Thanks Diane, we experienced some of the benefits of the French medical system during our one month stay in Montpellier in October…and this as a foreign visitor. Doctor visit was 25 euros, and medication was less than 8. All gotten within 3 hours on a Saturday morning.l. Definitely miss the bread, cheese, and affordable wine…and affordable coffee, which you did not mention.
I have an online friend that went to college to become a doctor, but flunked out. She has $300,000 in student debt, and is now working at home depot for minimum wage. She had a guy that was interested in marriage run away because he didn't want to get saddled with paying off all that debt.
As a resident of Paris and a US citizen who spends about half of each year in each country, I can attest that your observations are spot on. How refreshing. Relevant and truthful information. Bravo.
I recently returned from a trip to Paris. Aside from all the obviously wonderful things about this city, I never felt afraid that I would be a victim of a mass shooting. In the United States I never feel truly safe. The gun culture is something I can't understand and something we can't seem to get rid of here. Where guns aren't really a thing, it makes life so much more relaxed.
What a blissful state of ignorance. Apparently the massacre at the Bataclan never happened? The concomitant terrorist attacks at Stade de France? The stabbings (the most recent on December third), the beheading of a school teacher in Éragny-sur-Oise? Yikes.
In Canada Healthcare is government funded by our taxes. Dentists are not covered but most employers cover it wirh insurance. Maternity leave is 50 weeks, paternity is 5 though you can give some Maternity leave weeks to the father
It's crazy (scary?) how we're taught the US is the best country in the world. There is no "best" country and it definitely doesn't teach critical thinking.
@@xyz987123abcand you'll be right. In France, we are also taught that we are a great nation. 😅 Maybe not the best, but some believe we have the best food, best fashion, best education (though less and less), best ... 🤷🏻♂️
Although I have no plans to leave the US for full time life in our little apartment we have in France, I can’t disagree with anything you said. One thing I believe the US does better than France, however, is community involvement. Americans are always putting out calls for volunteers to do such a variety of things, from planting public gardens to cleaning neighborhood alleys to working in school libraries or feeding the hungry and they show up. Volunteering is a very American thing.
I believe the "one (wo)man one vote" French electoral laws , voting on a sunday , close to home (town hall, school near you) with paper ballots are much easier and reliable, and let's say it, fairer than the American way
No, most "fromages fermiers", real cheeses, are not allowed to be imported in the US. I have spent over 30 years trying to find good cheeses in the US, the equivalent of raw milk artisan cheeses in France, as well as the same kind of quality butter, it does not exist. I have put in contact shepherds of different areas such as Corsica and Pyrenees with cheeses US distributors and it is a matter of the US being paranoiac with raw milk. Plus, most cheeses in the US are wrapped in plastic, which is an abomination! @@jd3422
Bonjour Diane, and I absolutely agree with everything in your video. I've read and heard over and over again that a huge difference between the U.S. and many (most?) Western European countries is that in the U.S. the concept of government taking care of people mostly does not exist. The U.S. concept appears to be that it's up to the individual to figure out how to survive and if he or she can't survive then it's their own fault, whereas in France and other European countries the opposite is true, the government has a duty to care for people. By the way, I especially agree with what you said about America's "gun culture," it's an obsession. Thanks so much and best wishes to you and your husband for a very happy holiday.
I have to agree with you on these points. When I was in Paris last December, we spent time at the mall. At first, I was startled seeing Military on guard. But once I got over the shock, I have to say, it was a great experience not having my head on a swivel and looking for places to hide or run to if needed.
Yes! I think you got these exactly right and these probably are the biggest ones to my mind. Others ones might include farmers' markets (more and better in France than the US), respect for cyclists, Christmas markets, professionalization of restaurant waitstaff, better food at French McDonalds, protection against mass firing of workers, a culture of reading, and maybe transportation passes for seniors.
Bonjour Diane! I just arrived back in the US from France and wish I had never left. It was vacation and I know that makes a difference but if I work there I would gladly go back. ❤️❤️
To be in vacation in France, as in any country, and to live there is a total different story. I loved going back in vacation in France, but to live there again? Certainly not. The US is much safer, offers more freedom, a lot more space, much lower taxes and far less headache to start a business.
we are very lucky indeed to have this wonderful system of healthcare, education, public transporation... and this is the reason we must fight to keep it, and not abandon it.
La France a fait le choix de privilégier le bonheur du peuple à celui des milliardaires, mais la plupart des autres pays européens également. Il y a les pays qui sont allés sur la lune et ceux dont les citoyens peuvent aller chez le docteur.... Merci de reconnaître les bonnes choses de notre pays et de ne pas hésiter à relever les mauvaises, vous êtes juste et honnête.
@@stayfocused1041 Oui, mais ils payent ! Le moins possible certes mais bien plus que les milliardaires US qui, en plus , exploitent les salariés. Pas de salaire minimum décent, pas de congé, pas de sécu............ Les nôtres sont de petits joueurs à coté......
@@christianc9894 Hum... Vous vous bercez d'illusions, je crois. Des milliardaires comme Bolloré ou Drahi qui contrôlent les médias préparent le terrain à la droite extrême, et quand ça va arriver, le "bonheur du peuple" sera au mieux un souvenir. Il faut vous rappelez que si après guerre, nous avons réussi à obtenir autant d'avancées sociales (la sécurité sociale, la retraite...), c'est parce que les patrons milliardaires qui s'étaient vautrés dans la collaboration avec les nazis n'avaient plus la voix au chapitre à la libération. Mais ils préparent leur revanche depuis longtemps maintenant....
We have guns to hunt, but it's not allow to wear a gun without mission (private security allowed by Police authorities). The bullet and the gun have to be separate in their lock box, when you want to transport it as a civilian.
Well said, Dianne! Maybe the U. S. has a high standard of living, like being able to own a house, car, getting opportunities, and becoming rich hiding such factors as inequalities in pay, inability to afford a decent living, and realize that American dream, the net result of such a capitalist culture that enriches corporations, taints the government institutions, and lacks meaningful policies to do public good in general for the benefits to percolate to all sections of its people such as good affordable doctor visits, education, public transportation systems for all -that leads to disparities, and poor quality of living despite boasting high standards and wealth concentrated to upper echelons of the society. Mass shootings is rampant, leaders fail to address, they manage to get elected.
Mass shootings is rampant...where? Suburbs of Chicago where nobody sane would live? Knife murders and terrorism in France everyday everywhere, did you miss it?
Totally understand. Even if we are healthy, the fear of being without insurance is huge because one accident or surgery could financially ruin someone.
@@OuiInFrance Absolutely - it's terrifying! Also if you have a family on your health plan (I didn't) and/or a chronic condition (I did)... I remember a coworker being laid off who'd just had a baby, it broke my heart from hom! PS - I really enjoy your channel Diane, merci for your excellent work :)
Back in the days not working on sunday was the norm. Unfortunatly we followed USA path. So for french it is not that sometimes shops are closed on sunday, it is that sometimes shops are open on sunday.
I agree with everything you are saying. I live south of Boston and I never go to group activities anymore or to fireworks or parades, anyplace where it could be a "prime shooter opportunity." Wherever I go, I look for exits and places to hide if someone starts shooting. I no longer travel to states that have lax gun laws. I've left venues because I am nervous about someone's behavior and worry that they might have a gun. I think about the possibility of getting shot and killed every single day. It feels like it is just another aspect of life in the US now. Sadly, it is the new normal.
I guess I shouldn't be here as a French living around Paris but I really appreciated your video that makes me remember how lucky I am to take benefit of these eight essential points. Yes, we have five weeks but we aslo have the RTT (Réduction du Temps de Travail). 10 days more in a year ! Congratulations and I think I'll carry on treating my typical french grousing on your channel.
Bread and pastries are more and more made or ("pre-made") by big companies in France, so people complain about food losing its taste ; but we have still good workers knowing their job for now.
As a healthcare professional who suffered the burden of student loans (which I fully paid off myself), the main reason that education is so expensive is BECAUSE of the availability of student loans. Once a student has loan money available, it's like an open credit card that educational institutions can swipe with no thought of ever having to pay it back. It's all a racket.
Definitely agree with you. I think here in the US we need to Incorporate these tips in a lifestyle. There are so many thing I love about the lifestyle in France and Europe. I love my home, but so many things could be so much better. Thanks for sharing.
Except for food, most of the good things you mention about France actually are European features, with some minor differences. French healthcare system has its issues, as well as public transportation system. Maybe the main problem is that French people tend to complain about everything. Someone said that France is a paradise where people think they live in hell...
hi, i have lived in france for the past 16 years, originally from England: one thing i am very aware of is the culture of being in debt: In France it is difficult to get a credit card and an authorised loan from the bank: The French just make do and are not living above their means: Cheques can only be written if you have the money in the bank: also; the way they rent houses rather than buying:: loads of differences; but thanks for the videoxx*
There is a bit of a flaw it the French Health care. I have been in France since 2012 as well. I live in the country side. Yes there is still health care, but is very limited it the country side. Not enough doctors and especially specialists. Many times you have to trave 1 to 2 plus hours to go see a eye doctor for a checkup for example. Most of them have a very large client base and won't take on new clients. Far too many Doctors are retiring and not enough coming out of university's to take their place. Most do not want their own practice anymore and they work for a hospital instead. The only areas where it is easier access to health have is in major Cities or over priced wealthy towns on the coast of France. This is pretty much the same in country side in the USA as well. I do have to agree with you about that the healthcare system won't bankrupt me in France.
Yup, it's far from perfect. I have a bit of a medical desert out where I am and making appointments isn't always easy. Right now, Dec. 11, I tried to make a RDV w/my eye doctor and the next available slot is mid-April. And I'm not on a rural area. Dermatologists have the longest wait it seems.
Globally about France, I think that we consider more other persons as "humans" instead of "servant" compared to the US. Whenever you interact with someone, you say "Bonjour", it can seems like a meaningless politeness, but I think it's the first step to consider the one you're talking to as an equal and not a servant. That's the base of our system, "equality", and all the benefits we get, our culture of work and our way to enjoy life and accept the others to do so come from this.
Ugh, makes me want to leave the US (but that's been an ongoing thought) - healthcare alone is reason enough, guns a very close second. How on earth did this country get it so wrong?
Okay I need to know where that 42k figure came from. My state university which has a very strong reputation and is very old, has a one year tuition of 8k
Moving from NJ to Vendee by April 2024.......You nailed it when you talked about Guns, Health care being a Human Right, but I have to add that i have a 5 yr old daughter and women rights are being stripped away in the US. Time to leave.........
Wait until you see how French women are treated by the millions of unintegrated immigrants in France who value them less than a camel... After a while, you will wish that you had the right to have a gun.
What do you think of walkability in france? I have been learning french for 6 or 7 years, and can speak pretty well, and I am going to France next year with a travel group to experience the culture, food, etc. I used to like cars, but now I have transitioned into favoring dense and walkable towns and cities, and want to know your thoughts on the topic. Also on the topic of debt, in red states such as Missouri, we have a program where you get 2 free years of community college for 50 hours of community service, along with grants etc.
Most downtown's are without cars, as in most of Europe and it is very pleasant. However, in more and more places, the insecurity with the massive out-of-control immigration is now making downtown cities, towns and even villages unsafe: pickpockets, heavy harassment of women, knife attacks, and violent crimes of all kinds. Avoid wearing jewelry, showing your cell phone, close your handbag and keep it near you and stay alert to your environment. Wear a very loud whistle around your neck just in case. Do not count on immediate and effective police intervention as in the US. Do not count on other people around to help you if you get attacked. If you go to the police, they will most likely do nothing, just make you sign a "deposition". If the offender(s) are caught, they will not get punished and will do it again.
@@stayfocused1041 How stupid to tell a citizen of the USA, a country with around 50 million immigrants, to be afraid of immigrants in a country with barely 8 million! Of course there are bad neighborhoods in France like Porte de la Chapelle in Paris, the northern neighborhoods in Marseille, Les Mureaux or the St-Matthieu neighborhood in Perpignan, but they're no worse than Kensington avenue in Philadelphia, Altgeld Garden in Chicago or McCulloh street in Baltimore! These are places where tourists don't go anyway...
If you're in a city, you'll most likely be able to walk anywhere. Here in Paris, if our destination is within two or three metro stations and the weather is nice, we'll rather walk than take the metro or bus.
When i had my first daugther, i had just finished a fixed-term job. Still, i got 16 weeks of paid maternity leave (i was paid 16 weeks after the end of my contract) because France offers maternity leave to everyone that has worked a sufficient amount of hours before birth. It's a way to secure the mother and the child at a moment when it can be difficult to find a new job (and to work !)
A minimum of 5 weeks of holidays per year for everyone. It is not uncommon for French people to take 3 (or more) weeks in the summer. There is even a law that allow you to have 2 following weeks between May and October (the details are a bit complicated)! It does so much for your mental health, which I feel is a big topic in the US!
I have been following your channel for several years now. I really love your videos. As a French woman who has been living in the US for many years, your videos help me stay connected to some aspects of the French culture I may have forgotten. I agree with all what you said. Health & education should be rights, not privileges. I believe that France does it better with the rights & protection of workers as well, when it comes to terminate employees for example.
You should go for a visit. I personally wouldn't live there myself, but as a tourist there are some wonderful things to see and do. Plus you will find most of the people very friendly and helpful.
@@natnasci If I have the occasion, I will probably go, but that is not my first destination in mind. And I'm sure the people are lovely. that's just, when I see french people be like "I dream to go to the USA, to live here, to become big, to follow the American Dream", I am like ??????? Don't you see the mountain of issue going in the USA? Do you really think you will be the one of a million that will make it ??? Not saying that france is perfect, far from that, but I think we are better in France than in the USA.
The reason France doesn’t have a need for guns is due to all the cheap wine , meaning nobody could even shoot straight after the apéro 😁 As far as good bakeries and cheese goes , if the USA had such good things the average BMI would rise from 29 to 37
Education around food?? I heard that France instills nutritional knowledge/importance into their schools. That their school lunches that are provided are much more wholesome and nutritious than the USA. Thoughts on that? Is that correct?
Unfortunately, we're not taught nutrition in school. We do learn a bit about what protein, carbohydrate, fat and salt intake, but real nutrition? No. This being said, when you're used to a certain quality of food, you tend to look for it. Since our meals are nutritionally balanced, we kind of know that we need vegetable, carbohydrate and meat. So the teaching is rather everyday habit. But that's until college only. In college, you're free to choose pizza, French fries every day if you feel like it.
All these points are not a “win” for France. It’s a loss and shame for the USA. Coz all these things should be the minimum rights in a country that is supposed to be “a first world” or “a great nation” or “powerful” etc.
Above all, it is a victory for French workers. Social security did not appear one day by the will of a god, or because the bosses suddenly wanted to protect their workers. It took strikes, unions and very left-wing governments.
Definitely agree that the food in France is better than food in the USA. However, the more you pay, the better food you get in either country. I believe that about 20% of a French worker salary goes towards healthcare.
Bon jour. I agree with everything you mentioned. While France is vastly superior compared to the US with mass transit, rural areas in France struggle since bus and train service has been reduced/eliminated. There has been a slight increase in rural rail travel but not to the extent that is needed.
Everything you mentioned is awesome, but it comes with a lot a taxes ! Idk how it is in us, but here for a employee to receive 2000 euros/month, employer has to spend 4000/month. Basically we give more to the state and the state manages health education maternity etc for us. I prefear it like that personally. But it goes against the idea of « American dream », starting from zero building yourself up etc. Here everyone is equal, there no « you work more you deserve more », it’s more health and education are human right so we all give money for everyone to have it. Less individualistic I would say. Very much less success oriented culture also. We just want the good wine and a lot of cheese on our maternity leave :>
Bonjour! Another great vid! Visited in May, and looking forward to a return. Train and metro transportation very impressive. Food though... California wines always compete well. Was not blown away by the bread or pastries. French food bland for me. Will travel with packets of salt, pepper, mayo, and brown mustard next time. Good cheese. Smoother and milder than the same type in the us. Talking with a French citizen made me realize their pension system seemed pretty skimpy. No wonder they had a strike. Maybe need to plan on saving up more during their working years. A shocking difference to me...sidewalk weeds and graffiti.
Funny but you can find salt and pepper everywhere ! And remember : mustard but I must say moutarde is also everywhere. Dijon mustard : Dijon is in France, the capital of Burgundy region…😅
Salut! Your observations are correct. I will add the following. Regarding food, we tend to use less salt in our food than in the US or our German neighbours. It's a matter of habit. The government is currently trying to progressively lower salt amount in bread for instance. Personally, I find food in the US and Germany too salty and too sweet. You can add but never take back. As for the sidewalk weed, it wasn't like that in the past, but nowadays, we try to avoid cutting weed almost everywhere because of the biodiversity decline. Weed are insects' food. We keep the weed to feed the wildlife. As for graffiti 🤷🏻♂️ but if you visit some castle (like the Tarascon castle), you'll see that graffiti have always been drawn. And today, the old graffiti are preserved because they are also good source of knowledge. But yeah, they aren't all nice. 😅 Hope you'll come back to explore more!
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I lived in France for a year back in 2000 and it was eye-opening to say the least. Although I'm Canadian, I agree 100% with your list. The thing that made the biggest impression on me while I was there is the work life balance. Once you understand why shops are closed on Monday and at lunch, you just adjust your plans. Great video Diane!
I'm from the UK, this year I have holidayed in Italy, France and Spain. Most definitely bread, cheese and wine is waaay superior in Europe but particularly in France. Shopping hours are far more civilised in that they open five days a week but may close on a weekday but will be open on a Saturday. You just need to be organised and know your opening times. Guns, well Europeans certainly do not have the obsessive fascination with guns that the Americans seem to have which we find weird!! 😁🇬🇧
As a french, I think we should show this video to a lot of french people to remind them how lucky we are to have our education and health system and to not keep that for granted. I'm 200% on your side, education and health are basic human rights ♥️
I was about to say the same ! What I hate the most in our country is the moaning, as if everything in France should be perfect ! When I tell french people how expensive college is in the US, they answer : "I don't care, I live in France, not in the US and our students are starving". OMG !
@@misstoujoursplus When I attended the University of California around 1970, I paid "student fees", it was not called tuition, of $300 per year. That would be less than $2000 today. Nowadays my old alma mater charges about $15,000.
Definitely ,to all of Europe and the world .
French health public system and education have been deteriorating for years with all the neoliberal policies ... still being ahead of the US is not really something to be proud of...
We could be proud of our system 40 years ago, even 30 years ago I was proud, but when there are constant resignations among the healthcare workers because they are disgusted by working and care conditions, when they are constantly forced to demonstrate to obtain the minimum of vital means to carry out their jobs (we still remember the healthcare workers who made blouses out of garbage bags during the Covid crisis as if we were a country of the third world) and when Macron responds to them with gas and baton blows every time, then no there is really nothing to be proud of anymore.
@@synkaan2167 I remember very well my childhood in the seventies : too many people were abusing the healthcare in France, running from one doctor to another without paying anything, moaning day and night because they didn't get first class care in a private hospital for free. Today, the same moaners blame the government for less healthcare ! Who's to blame ? The citizens. I knew women who had breast enlargement surgery for free because they knew someone who would do it for them, people who got thermal care in luxury hotels for free. Now, all this is more controlled and that's just fine. We pay today for all the waste of 40 years of neglect and abuse.
Don't forget that France (and the entire EU) ban most GM foods, growth hormones and other food additives. And they also vaccinate poultry, so salmonella is very rare.
Wait. They don't vaccinate poultry in the US ?? I thought it was a global practice :o
Yeah but we also have poultry full of meds that we eat and not much like it
I've noticed how well behaved children are in France. I haven't noticed the victim mentality that seems to be infecting much of the world. They seem to be more sensible about accepting responsibility for their own actions. Also, the French seem to behave in such a way that they don't impinge on others' enjoyment. I recently saw a video about why the French are not all that impressed with wealth that said the egalitarianism of the revolution still resonates with many people. I think people are more lauded for their accomplishments and character than for their wealth. Here's good one: museums are often free to French citizens. Even if there's an admission fee, it's waived for the unemployed because nobody should be deprived of culture. It's better to go to a museum than sit around doing nothing while you hope a job comes along. It's a matter of human dignity. What a concept, eh? Thanks for your great videos, Diane. They're always interesting and informative.
"The freedom of one ends where that of others begin". "Don't do to others what you wish others wouldn't do to you". These things are so obvious that no one really needed to utter them in France for the longest time. But things change. I had to send the Police to young people across the street, because they wouldn't shut it up at 3.00 on many occasions on saturday nights. They knew there were being obnoxious, but they refused to make silence. All they deserve is a massive fine, so that they get to learn how to be "well-behaved" one day, as you say. This is getting worse by the year, and the entitlement we hate so much is getting more and more widespread. I know why. But it may be more controversial to say it here than i wish to be.
Your comment it misinformed
I'm curious. Do tell. I know they have some child-rearing ideas that seem to encourage self-control and resilience. I know also that in general, the French have different manners than some who are more outgoing. However, what I said is only from my personal observation as a visitor.
@@KittyXCross It's really hard to pin down a lot of the cultural practices that you pointed out and make blanket statements. For example, parents and children can be bad and good. It depends. However, I can say with more certainty that your comments on wealth confuse French revolutionary rhetoric on equality with reality.France, like every other country I've been to, is, dominated by large fortunes and what many average French people perceive as a caste of social, political and economic elite. These elite have tremendous prestige in the country. Not to mention that the country that sits at the number one spot globally for payment of dividends to stock holders (rather than paying higher worker salaries). Beyond that, I think UA-cam channels often confuse the manerisms and reserved public persona of French midde-class urbanites and specifically Parisians with those of all French people. More rural, urban working class and poor, not to mention abundant immigrang communities are often overlooked.
Very interesting. Yes, of course, I made gross generalizations on an admittedly small sample size. It's really just what I noticed except for the wealth angle which I saw on a Paris fashion channel of all things. And yeah, 100% agree that wealthy people everywhere have greater influence (and power) than little people such as myself. Is this increasing or is it just more obvious to me as I get older, I wonder. Thank you for your interesting comments, Auxyray!
Hello from 🇨🇦,Diana. As a Canadian citizen visiting France a few times in past decade, I found a feeling of somehow belonging in this culture. It wasn’t the touristic spots and sights that drew me. It was a certain mentality of family and health care, eating and exercise and work life balance, caring for each other and community and land. It just fit where I belonged somehow. On our second and third visits this feeling was just reinforced more strongly. A sense of what I would term “ good sense” around all the above issues just pervaded the community and was evident in many areas I sensed even as an occasional visitor. As you say, no place is ever perfect because after all, we are all human beings learning to live and share no matter our age or culture, but even though I was very happy to be “home in Canada once more” , there is a sense of “I fit better in France” and I am careful to not let it colour my perspective of life “ in my country”.
As an American living in Massachusetts, I have had a lifelong fascination with France. My closest friend is French and he loves living here. He and his wife both become US citizens years ago. Everything you say is spot on. I plan to explore living there in retirement. Still working on getting fluent en français.
Thank you for saying the truth. Some of us, in the 🇺🇸, are under a myth that we are “better” than the rest of the world. This is why I love your channel, besides educating us about how is life in 🇫🇷, you also give it to us straight. Vive la France!
The French have the same syndrome, they also think that they are better than the rest of the world. Even more than Americans. Je vous assure!
The French " elites " entertain the same illusion....
@@lioneldemun6033 The extreme right especially !
@@lilimaka3721 the extreme left rather
Feel free to move to France. In fact, we insist.
As a Frenchman (who lived in the US in the late 90's), what you said is a reminder of what seems natural for us and which is not.
We're always complaining about how we could get things better but we forget that what we have is not common elsewhere.
So let us know what's better in the US so we get arguments for requesting that for us too !
Thanks for “going there“, on not only guns, but education, paid family leave, and healthcare. Americans need to be told that there are places in the world where they don’t have to live in fear of mass shootings, they don’t have to be afraid to have children due to the cost of being out of work and of child care, and they don’t have to be burdened with a lifetime of college debt. We could look, by the way, not only to France, but to almost every other rich democracy in the world, all of which have lower healthcare costs, debt-free university, and in most cases, longer life expectancies. I hoist a glass of Muscadet to you.
The Muscadet, relative cold, is a very good choice ! 👍Hi from Vendée !
I am retired now but worked for thirty years in academic medicine here in the US. When recruiting for clinical or research positions, those educated in the French higher education system were always viewed very favorably. France has an amazing reputation - both currently and historically - of educating and nurturing some of the finest scientific minds in history. I digress. For me, everyday life in France, from your morning coffee, lunch at the corner brasserie, apéro for a first date or with your BFF; well, you get the idea. A perfect life? Sam et Baptiste, a boutique realtor, have a couple of very appealing properties currently for sale. Perfect for summer. Then, I will get my tired old bones to Menton for the winter!
Yes! I love living in France from the States and it’s not the political aspect that I see in many of the comments but the focus on family that is so important to me. My kids are talked to and watched over by strangers that just enjoy children. If they see my little boy going to close to the street they will say something, at the park the dads are all interacting with the kids, pushing everyone on the swings. Sundays are for family. The schools focus on good social interaction with the canteen at lunch time. I don’t know if I want to go back to the USA. I’m really happy with all the interactions during our two years here. But ugh… I struggle learning to speak in full sentences.
You covered almost everything I would say. I would add in the elementary education system as well. My first experience of school kids in a mueum as a classroom stunned me. Kids were up close & personal with the art work. They were involved in actual discussions about the artist's work & his life, about how his work reflected the time in which he lived, about how his work was originally received & how we judge it now. Students would often be seen sitting in the floor in front of a work of art & copying it. I am not talking about university level kids--I am talking about as young as 5 & up. No school on Wednesdays as that was a day for kids to go to a museum.This also meant they went to school at least part of the day on Saturday. French patrimoins is not based on wealth. It is simply based on being French.
I just experience this at the Musee de Beaux Arts in Nice and was blown away by a class of elementary kids sitting quietly learning about the different artworks.
@@thepreppypharaoh6389 There is at least one thing we can be proud of :)
Hi Diane. I’m so glad that you posted this video. Most people in the US are unaware of these benefits in France compared to the US. And when you list these benefits most people have say “yea but what about those high taxes people pay in France?”
In my experience the taxes we pay at the federal state are local government levels as well as sales taxes exceed those in France. As far as food goes, in my 35 days in France this fall, it astounded me how many major grocery stores are speciality shops are throughout France. The concept of “food desert” doesn’t exist in France but abounds in the US especially in the inner city.
And I never felt unsafe during my travels and stays in six different towns. Unlike here in the US where gun violence and mass murders are commonplace.
Please keep up your great work in educating people about how France is different and perhaps better than the US. Please take care and my best regards to Tom. Joe.
So you say the food is better in France? Are there less overweight people in France? If that is the case, obesity isn't caused by tasty food. Thank you for your input.
Gun violence and mass murder is not commonplace in the US. It was worse before the 1990s. My area is very safe. But it’s very disturbing to listen to my neighbors practice shooting their rapid fire weapons. I am in a rural area, and I do worry about these folks taking justice into their own hands. And my Sheriff is a Constitutional law sheriff, meaning he believes he is accountable to no one. And he is. He uses his power to harass women with different political views.
Diane, thank you for being my weekly amount of positivity towards France. Even when it's the reversed situation and it things the US does better, its always with respect towards both countries. As a french I am often overwhelmed by the amount of hateful comments done towards our country/people so thank you for always treating everything and everyone with respect 🩷
You're very welcome and I feel like kindness and respect should always lead the way. I appreciate you acknowledging the way I do things here. People who write hateful and nasty things seem to forget that their commentary says so much more about them than it does the person/country/thing they're talking about.
Like I said in a previous post, France can be amazing if it adopted more free enterprise policies. France does have another problem: antisemitism. But antisemitism is endemic through out the world.
@@Jimfrenchde no country is perfect but I don't think these make it less amazing, especially in the current situation. If I understand you well I think the french are very attached to their few state owned companies (train, mail, paris airport), firstly because German neighbors who tried to privatise some of them saw a huge increase in prices and second because it ensures some stability and control over the prices too. Last time they wanted to privatise a company (aéroports de Paris) Frenchies were mostly against. It's their culture it's how it works, why changing. Then for antisemitism what do you want me to do, clap in my hands and I will help the world? Unfortunately I can't I am sorry. Myself I have no problem with anyone, like most french people actually.... But since we always see the negativity...
@@Jimfrenchdea certain amount of ‘french’ people, sharing a religion that cannot be named here.
Of course you can't press a button and end antsemetism. Maybe if I visit France, you can show me around.@@cleog765
"I have no horse in that race", another cool expression I just learnt, thank you 😊
Let's not forget that there are more deaths by gunshots in the US than in all the other countries of the G7 banded together (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the UK). Plus, it's affordable and easy to visit other countries if one wishes to as they're smaller countries than the US
I love your videos. So informative. I just got back to the states after spending a month in Nice, and everything you listed completely resonated. It’s a beautiful country and culture and really had me looking at everything we do in the US with a different perspective.
Hi Diane. Another great video! I'm retired and moving to Strasbourg from outside of Sacramento next month and will get to experience all of your points in all of your videos! I'm mainly moving for the healthcare (I'm 62), the seemingly healthier food and lifestyle. I know it won't be perfect. I've heard of the famous French bureaucracy! And it will take time to adjust. But I'm very excited. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
L'Alsace est une magnifique région, la nourriture y est excellente (ainsi que le vin) et il y a de très jolis villes et villages à découvrir. Vous avez bien choisi le lieu de votre retraite. Profitez en bien.
You chose the best city !
@@mlomarechal6877 C'est très gentil! Merci beaucoup!
Nice! I'm almost jealous. 🙂 I spent a few years in Strasbourg, where I went to the University, and dream about returning there to work and live one day. One of the best cities in France. Relatively quiet, I mean a human scale city. The old city center is just stunning, the atmosphere unique in general and marvelous during Xmas time. If you like white wine, Alsace will make you forget french bureaucracy. 😂
If I may share a french point of vue : i don't find normal that we offer healthcare to a foreigner who hasn't pay taxes in France when he was at work, that's too easy (and basically going to make us bankrupt)
Bonjour tout le monde!! Right on target with the food Diane! Better quality food, more affordable....and here's the most important part: the people who prepare your food take great pride in their work. Local tip for Laval: Les 3 Petits Cochons. Thumbs way up on Diane's travel guide, a must get for first time travelers to France. A whole video could be done just on the baguette....it really is a thing.
Thank you for another interesting video.
I moved to France farily recently and I'm surporised how much I feel at home here, like I belong here and I think the points you mention in your video help me to see why this is.
Awesome video! You made good points.
I'm just back from 3 weeks visiting old friends in France. I hadn't been there for 44 years, not since I lived there as an exchange student in high school!
I found many things to be much better, like roads, signage, public bathrooms! But the food was even better than ever and prices to buy fresh ingredients to cook at home were so much lower than what we can get here in Colorado. I can't wait to go back!
I can’t speak for France, however, I’m married to an Italian (from Italy, not Long Island as they joke here in NYC) and the Italian red tape and bureaucracy is maddening! Something the USA does better than Italy, for sure. I’ve heard France is similar but haven’t experienced it for myself. The lack of work life balance and 🇺🇸 gun culture are two things I know I won’t miss when I get my visa and am able to move to Europe with my husband.
1 BILLION percent agree with you !!
100% agree except i can’t think of anything the US does better which is why I am hoping to retire in France. I don’t have a big retirement fund. In fact it’s minimal and 1 thing is clear is that I won’t be able to live off social security here but think I can in France since I prefer smaller towns and not big cities. Fingers crossed for me. 😊
The U.S. does social mobility better, but I don't think that will be an issue at your stage in life! ;)
@@stayfocused1041 no. Retirement income isn’t taxable. Rent is half the expense healthcare better and much less expensive than US. No need for car if you live in the right place. I could go on.
Well, have you tried to live in France for a couple of years already, or are you wishful thinking? Rent half the expense? The neighborhood must be interesting...Health care OK, although it's degrading rapidly. No car: if you like public transportation with constant harassing and insecurity... My best wishes to you, sincerely, but please, do your homework before moving. @@lollygee172
What are you waiting on?
Great video and great points! Aside from the social aspects of life in france, the most memorable is definitely the affordable good wine and the BREAD, which is just unsurpassed by anywhere in the world I've been. We'll leave the amount of butter used for another day. 😅
Bonjour Diane, chapeau bas pour vous. This was a great presentation of all 7 things that are way better than the U.S. France acknowledges basic human rights i.e education, healthcare, social services... In the U.S., if you loose your job, you loose your health/dental/vision insurance (Double Whammy)! Higher Education is also prohibitive/luxuray in regards to tuition and related expenses. Public transportation is also lacking unless you live in big cities. Work/life balance has a special meaning in France/Europe. Keep up the great work!
Thanks Diane, we experienced some of the benefits of the French medical system during our one month stay in Montpellier in October…and this as a foreign visitor. Doctor visit was 25 euros, and medication was less than 8. All gotten within 3 hours on a Saturday morning.l. Definitely miss the bread, cheese, and affordable wine…and affordable coffee, which you did not mention.
I have an online friend that went to college to become a doctor, but flunked out. She has $300,000 in student debt, and is now working at home depot for minimum wage. She had a guy that was interested in marriage run away because he didn't want to get saddled with paying off all that debt.
Oh man, to have that kind of debt with a minimum wage job is probably a lot to mentally handle. Ugh. I hope he/she is OK.
She is exploring other career options that pay a bit better, she is basically keeping a roof over her head until they pan out.@@OuiInFrance
As a resident of Paris and a US citizen who spends about half of each year in each country, I can attest that your observations are spot on. How refreshing. Relevant and truthful information. Bravo.
I recently returned from a trip to Paris. Aside from all the obviously wonderful things about this city, I never felt afraid that I would be a victim of a mass shooting. In the United States I never feel truly safe. The gun culture is something I can't understand and something we can't seem to get rid of here. Where guns aren't really a thing, it makes life so much more relaxed.
What a blissful state of ignorance. Apparently the massacre at the Bataclan never happened? The concomitant terrorist attacks at Stade de France? The stabbings (the most recent on December third), the beheading of a school teacher in Éragny-sur-Oise? Yikes.
@@charleshamilton9274 What a pity you don't distinguish between terrorist attacks and everyday life ...
Terrorists attacks ARE everyday life in France today. @@siranneau
So true, on everything you've said! I lived in Paris, and went to school there, in my early twenties. I agree with you on all these points.
In Canada Healthcare is government funded by our taxes. Dentists are not covered but most employers cover it wirh insurance. Maternity leave is 50 weeks, paternity is 5 though you can give some Maternity leave weeks to the father
Hola! I used to believe that the U.S. was the best country ever... until I met France :D
It's crazy (scary?) how we're taught the US is the best country in the world. There is no "best" country and it definitely doesn't teach critical thinking.
@@OuiInFrance Exactly 👍
@@OuiInFrance I suspect every nation teaches their children we, they, are the best.
@@xyz987123abcand you'll be right. In France, we are also taught that we are a great nation. 😅 Maybe not the best, but some believe we have the best food, best fashion, best education (though less and less), best ... 🤷🏻♂️
Thank you for all this great information! (And, as an aside, I love the new glasses, so becoming!)
Thank you!
Although I have no plans to leave the US for full time life in our little apartment we have in France, I can’t disagree with anything you said. One thing I believe the US does better than France, however, is community involvement. Americans are always putting out calls for volunteers to do such a variety of things, from planting public gardens to cleaning neighborhood alleys to working in school libraries or feeding the hungry and they show up. Volunteering is a very American thing.
I believe the "one (wo)man one vote" French electoral laws , voting on a sunday , close to home (town hall, school near you) with paper ballots are much easier and reliable, and let's say it, fairer than the American way
I agree. The
Cheese in the us isn’t even cheese compared to cheese in France.
It's easy to find excellent cheese in the USA. You just have to go a bit beyond Velveeta and Kraft Singles.
No, most "fromages fermiers", real cheeses, are not allowed to be imported in the US. I have spent over 30 years trying to find good cheeses in the US, the equivalent of raw milk artisan cheeses in France, as well as the same kind of quality butter, it does not exist. I have put in contact shepherds of different areas such as Corsica and Pyrenees with cheeses US distributors and it is a matter of the US being paranoiac with raw milk. Plus, most cheeses in the US are wrapped in plastic, which is an abomination! @@jd3422
100% and they love their dogs enough to make it not a big deal to include them in most everything!
Bonjour Diane, and I absolutely agree with everything in your video. I've read and heard over and over again that a huge difference between the U.S. and many (most?) Western European countries is that in the U.S. the concept of government taking care of people mostly does not exist. The U.S. concept appears to be that it's up to the individual to figure out how to survive and if he or she can't survive then it's their own fault, whereas in France and other European countries the opposite is true, the government has a duty to care for people. By the way, I especially agree with what you said about America's "gun culture," it's an obsession. Thanks so much and best wishes to you and your husband for a very happy holiday.
I have to agree with you on these points. When I was in Paris last December, we spent time at the mall. At first, I was startled seeing Military on guard. But once I got over the shock, I have to say, it was a great experience not having my head on a swivel and looking for places to hide or run to if needed.
Another great episode! Thank you Diane. 😊
Joyeux Noel. Great video!
Yes! I think you got these exactly right and these probably are the biggest ones to my mind. Others ones might include farmers' markets (more and better in France than the US), respect for cyclists, Christmas markets, professionalization of restaurant waitstaff, better food at French McDonalds, protection against mass firing of workers, a culture of reading, and maybe transportation passes for seniors.
I absolutely agree with you! 💯%
Love your analysis Diane ! Thank you for another informative video.
Bonjour Diane! I just arrived back in the US from France and wish I had never left. It was vacation and I know that makes a difference but if I work there I would gladly go back. ❤️❤️
To be in vacation in France, as in any country, and to live there is a total different story. I loved going back in vacation in France, but to live there again? Certainly not. The US is much safer, offers more freedom, a lot more space, much lower taxes and far less headache to start a business.
I never understood why Medicare doesn't include dental and maybe even vision, not sure about the last one.
we are very lucky indeed to have this wonderful system of healthcare, education, public transporation... and this is the reason we must fight to keep it, and not abandon it.
La France a fait le choix de privilégier le bonheur du peuple à celui des milliardaires, mais la plupart des autres pays européens également.
Il y a les pays qui sont allés sur la lune et ceux dont les citoyens peuvent aller chez le docteur....
Merci de reconnaître les bonnes choses de notre pays et de ne pas hésiter à relever les mauvaises, vous êtes juste et honnête.
Planete Bisounours.... Bernard Arnault, Francois Pinault et autres milliardaires francais rigolent bien....
@@stayfocused1041 Oui, mais ils payent !
Le moins possible certes mais bien plus que les milliardaires US qui, en plus , exploitent les salariés. Pas de salaire minimum décent, pas de congé, pas de sécu............ Les nôtres sont de petits joueurs à coté......
@@christianc9894 Hum... Vous vous bercez d'illusions, je crois. Des milliardaires comme Bolloré ou Drahi qui contrôlent les médias préparent le terrain à la droite extrême, et quand ça va arriver, le "bonheur du peuple" sera au mieux un souvenir. Il faut vous rappelez que si après guerre, nous avons réussi à obtenir autant d'avancées sociales (la sécurité sociale, la retraite...), c'est parce que les patrons milliardaires qui s'étaient vautrés dans la collaboration avec les nazis n'avaient plus la voix au chapitre à la libération. Mais ils préparent leur revanche depuis longtemps maintenant....
Kids in school also generally have Wednesdays off and two weeks off every 6 weeks :)
We have guns to hunt, but it's not allow to wear a gun without mission (private security allowed by Police authorities). The bullet and the gun have to be separate in their lock box, when you want to transport it as a civilian.
Well said, Dianne! Maybe the U. S. has a high standard of living, like being able to own a house, car, getting opportunities, and becoming rich hiding such factors as inequalities in pay, inability to afford a decent living, and realize that American dream, the net result of such a capitalist culture that enriches corporations, taints the government institutions, and lacks meaningful policies to do public good in general for the benefits to percolate to all sections of its people such as good affordable doctor visits, education, public transportation systems for all -that leads to disparities, and poor quality of living despite boasting high standards and wealth concentrated to upper echelons of the society. Mass shootings is rampant, leaders fail to address, they manage to get elected.
Mass shootings is rampant...where? Suburbs of Chicago where nobody sane would live? Knife murders and terrorism in France everyday everywhere, did you miss it?
When I lived in the US my biggest fear was losing my job and thus my healthcare.... seriously, it almost kept me up at night!
Totally understand. Even if we are healthy, the fear of being without insurance is huge because one accident or surgery could financially ruin someone.
@@OuiInFrance Absolutely - it's terrifying! Also if you have a family on your health plan (I didn't) and/or a chronic condition (I did)... I remember a coworker being laid off who'd just had a baby, it broke my heart from hom!
PS - I really enjoy your channel Diane, merci for your excellent work :)
Back in the days not working on sunday was the norm. Unfortunatly we followed USA path.
So for french it is not that sometimes shops are closed on sunday, it is that sometimes shops are open on sunday.
Very well explained! Factual and accurate.
Thank you!
Brave France,just like the rest of Europe❤😊
I agree with everything you are saying. I live south of Boston and I never go to group activities anymore or to fireworks or parades, anyplace where it could be a "prime shooter opportunity." Wherever I go, I look for exits and places to hide if someone starts shooting. I no longer travel to states that have lax gun laws. I've left venues because I am nervous about someone's behavior and worry that they might have a gun. I think about the possibility of getting shot and killed every single day. It feels like it is just another aspect of life in the US now. Sadly, it is the new normal.
I agree with eveything you said. Vive la France!
I guess I shouldn't be here as a French living around Paris but I really appreciated your video that makes me remember how lucky I am to take benefit of these eight essential points. Yes, we have five weeks but we aslo have the RTT (Réduction du Temps de Travail). 10 days more in a year ! Congratulations and I think I'll carry on treating my typical french grousing on your channel.
I agree with you hundred percent all the things you mentioned are very important and unfortunately America sucks at all of them .
Bread and pastries are more and more made or ("pre-made") by big companies in France, so people complain about food losing its taste ; but we have still good workers knowing their job for now.
As a healthcare professional who suffered the burden of student loans (which I fully paid off myself), the main reason that education is so expensive is BECAUSE of the availability of student loans. Once a student has loan money available, it's like an open credit card that educational institutions can swipe with no thought of ever having to pay it back. It's all a racket.
Definitely agree with you. I think here in the US we need to Incorporate these tips in a lifestyle. There are so many thing I love about the lifestyle in France and Europe. I love my home, but so many things could be so much better. Thanks for sharing.
Kudos Diane. You're so right on it isn't funny (almost sad when you really think about it) and very glad you 'went here'.
Except for food, most of the good things you mention about France actually are European features, with some minor differences.
French healthcare system has its issues, as well as public transportation system.
Maybe the main problem is that French people tend to complain about everything. Someone said that France is a paradise where people think they live in hell...
Je suis d’accord avec vous. Les Français se comportent comme des enfants gâtés et ingrats.
hi, i have lived in france for the past 16 years, originally from England: one thing i am very aware of is the culture of being in debt: In France it is difficult to get a credit card and an authorised loan from the bank: The French just make do and are not living above their means: Cheques can only be written if you have the money in the bank: also; the way they rent houses rather than buying:: loads of differences; but thanks for the videoxx*
Another great video! ❤
Libeerte, Egalite, Fraternite. Freedom, equality, brotherhood.
There is a bit of a flaw it the French Health care. I have been in France since 2012 as well. I live in the country side. Yes there is still health care, but is very limited it the country side. Not enough doctors and especially specialists. Many times you have to trave 1 to 2 plus hours to go see a eye doctor for a checkup for example. Most of them have a very large client base and won't take on new clients. Far too many Doctors are retiring and not enough coming out of university's to take their place. Most do not want their own practice anymore and they work for a hospital instead. The only areas where it is easier access to health have is in major Cities or over priced wealthy towns on the coast of France. This is pretty much the same in country side in the USA as well. I do have to agree with you about that the healthcare system won't bankrupt me in France.
Yup, it's far from perfect. I have a bit of a medical desert out where I am and making appointments isn't always easy. Right now, Dec. 11, I tried to make a RDV w/my eye doctor and the next available slot is mid-April. And I'm not on a rural area. Dermatologists have the longest wait it seems.
Agree
Appreciate you taking the time to watch!
You always get it right!
Thanks so much for watching. I'm definitely not always right haha but glad you can relate to what I'm saying ;-)
You are spot on with everything except how you pay for Metro in Paris. Need to get on something completely contactless like NYC or the tube!
Globally about France, I think that we consider more other persons as "humans" instead of "servant" compared to the US.
Whenever you interact with someone, you say "Bonjour", it can seems like a meaningless politeness, but I think it's the first step to consider the one you're talking to as an equal and not a servant. That's the base of our system, "equality", and all the benefits we get, our culture of work and our way to enjoy life and accept the others to do so come from this.
You are so right regarding healthcare. Even with insurance it's a challenge.
Ugh, makes me want to leave the US (but that's been an ongoing thought) - healthcare alone is reason enough, guns a very close second. How on earth did this country get it so wrong?
OMG. THE CHEESE and bread so good and no stomach pains ❤
Okay I need to know where that 42k figure came from. My state university which has a very strong reputation and is very old, has a one year tuition of 8k
Air France is better than the US carriers.
Yes , I find France cheese having more longer variety range of colour , shape , size and texture
Moving from NJ to Vendee by April 2024.......You nailed it when you talked about Guns, Health care being a Human Right, but I have to add that i have a 5 yr old daughter and women rights are being stripped away in the US.
Time to leave.........
Wait until you see how French women are treated by the millions of unintegrated immigrants in France who value them less than a camel... After a while, you will wish that you had the right to have a gun.
You're right ! Hello from Vendée !
Hello , Try " coteau du Layon " great wines !
What do you think of walkability in france?
I have been learning french for 6 or 7 years, and can speak pretty well, and I am going to France next year with a travel group to experience the culture, food, etc. I used to like cars, but now I have transitioned into favoring dense and walkable towns and cities, and want to know your thoughts on the topic.
Also on the topic of debt, in red states such as Missouri, we have a program where you get 2 free years of community college for 50 hours of community service, along with grants etc.
Most downtown's are without cars, as in most of Europe and it is very pleasant. However, in more and more places, the insecurity with the massive out-of-control immigration is now making downtown cities, towns and even villages unsafe: pickpockets, heavy harassment of women, knife attacks, and violent crimes of all kinds. Avoid wearing jewelry, showing your cell phone, close your handbag and keep it near you and stay alert to your environment. Wear a very loud whistle around your neck just in case. Do not count on immediate and effective police intervention as in the US. Do not count on other people around to help you if you get attacked. If you go to the police, they will most likely do nothing, just make you sign a "deposition". If the offender(s) are caught, they will not get punished and will do it again.
@@stayfocused1041 How stupid to tell a citizen of the USA, a country with around 50 million immigrants, to be afraid of immigrants in a country with barely 8 million!
Of course there are bad neighborhoods in France like Porte de la Chapelle in Paris, the northern neighborhoods in Marseille, Les Mureaux or the St-Matthieu neighborhood in Perpignan, but they're no worse than Kensington avenue in Philadelphia, Altgeld Garden in Chicago or McCulloh street in Baltimore! These are places where tourists don't go anyway...
If you're in a city, you'll most likely be able to walk anywhere. Here in Paris, if our destination is within two or three metro stations and the weather is nice, we'll rather walk than take the metro or bus.
Agree on on points!
Glad we're of similar minds. Although I know a lot of people will disagree as well and that's ok. ;-)
When i had my first daugther, i had just finished a fixed-term job. Still, i got 16 weeks of paid maternity leave (i was paid 16 weeks after the end of my contract) because France offers maternity leave to everyone that has worked a sufficient amount of hours before birth. It's a way to secure the mother and the child at a moment when it can be difficult to find a new job (and to work !)
A minimum of 5 weeks of holidays per year for everyone. It is not uncommon for French people to take 3 (or more) weeks in the summer. There is even a law that allow you to have 2 following weeks between May and October (the details are a bit complicated)! It does so much for your mental health, which I feel is a big topic in the US!
I have been following your channel for several years now. I really love your videos. As a French woman who has been living in the US for many years, your videos help me stay connected to some aspects of the French culture I may have forgotten. I agree with all what you said. Health & education should be rights, not privileges. I believe that France does it better with the rights & protection of workers as well, when it comes to terminate employees for example.
I’ve been having trouble being constant with learning French. Do you got any tips? Planning to move in one more year and I gotta lock in.
Great video, Diane.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I am French. I never dream to go to the USA, and you just resume ALL the things that make the USA unatractive to me 😅😅
By all means, stay away. You will not be missed.
You should go for a visit. I personally wouldn't live there myself, but as a tourist there are some wonderful things to see and do. Plus you will find most of the people very friendly and helpful.
@@natnasci If I have the occasion, I will probably go, but that is not my first destination in mind. And I'm sure the people are lovely. that's just, when I see french people be like "I dream to go to the USA, to live here, to become big, to follow the American Dream", I am like ??????? Don't you see the mountain of issue going in the USA? Do you really think you will be the one of a million that will make it ??? Not saying that france is perfect, far from that, but I think we are better in France than in the USA.
How can you emit a judgement on a country without having lived there at least 3 years? Worked there, be part of it?@@irina-ty1336
Good! We don’t want you!
The reason France doesn’t have a need for guns is due to all the cheap wine , meaning nobody could even shoot straight after the apéro 😁
As far as good bakeries and cheese goes , if the USA had such good things the average BMI would rise from 29 to 37
Education around food?? I heard that France instills nutritional knowledge/importance into their schools. That their school lunches that are provided are much more wholesome and nutritious than the USA. Thoughts on that? Is that correct?
Unfortunately, we're not taught nutrition in school. We do learn a bit about what protein, carbohydrate, fat and salt intake, but real nutrition? No.
This being said, when you're used to a certain quality of food, you tend to look for it. Since our meals are nutritionally balanced, we kind of know that we need vegetable, carbohydrate and meat. So the teaching is rather everyday habit. But that's until college only. In college, you're free to choose pizza, French fries every day if you feel like it.
Fashion, art/style, less obesity, bidet, architecture, and I'm sure there's more to appreciate about France than I can think of.
All these points are not a “win” for France. It’s a loss and shame for the USA. Coz all these things should be the minimum rights in a country that is supposed to be “a first world” or “a great nation” or “powerful” etc.
Above all, it is a victory for French workers. Social security did not appear one day by the will of a god, or because the bosses suddenly wanted to protect their workers.
It took strikes, unions and very left-wing governments.
Definitely agree that the food in France is better than food in the USA. However, the more you pay, the better food you get in either country.
I believe that about 20% of a French worker salary goes towards healthcare.
Been here two years and hope to never go back.
Bon jour. I agree with everything you mentioned. While France is vastly superior compared to the US with mass transit, rural areas in France struggle since bus and train service has been reduced/eliminated. There has been a slight increase in rural rail travel but not to the extent that is needed.
Everything you mentioned is awesome, but it comes with a lot a taxes ! Idk how it is in us, but here for a employee to receive 2000 euros/month, employer has to spend 4000/month. Basically we give more to the state and the state manages health education maternity etc for us. I prefear it like that personally. But it goes against the idea of « American dream », starting from zero building yourself up etc. Here everyone is equal, there no « you work more you deserve more », it’s more health and education are human right so we all give money for everyone to have it. Less individualistic I would say. Very much less success oriented culture also. We just want the good wine and a lot of cheese on our maternity leave :>
Bonjour! Another great vid! Visited in May, and looking forward to a return. Train and metro transportation very impressive. Food though... California wines always compete well. Was not blown away by the bread or pastries. French food bland for me. Will travel with packets of salt, pepper, mayo, and brown mustard next time. Good cheese. Smoother and milder than the same type in the us. Talking with a French citizen made me realize their pension system seemed pretty skimpy. No wonder they had a strike. Maybe need to plan on saving up more during their working years. A shocking difference to me...sidewalk weeds and graffiti.
Funny but you can find salt and pepper everywhere ! And remember : mustard but I must say moutarde is also everywhere. Dijon mustard : Dijon is in France, the capital of Burgundy region…😅
Salut! Your observations are correct. I will add the following.
Regarding food, we tend to use less salt in our food than in the US or our German neighbours. It's a matter of habit. The government is currently trying to progressively lower salt amount in bread for instance. Personally, I find food in the US and Germany too salty and too sweet. You can add but never take back.
As for the sidewalk weed, it wasn't like that in the past, but nowadays, we try to avoid cutting weed almost everywhere because of the biodiversity decline. Weed are insects' food. We keep the weed to feed the wildlife.
As for graffiti 🤷🏻♂️ but if you visit some castle (like the Tarascon castle), you'll see that graffiti have always been drawn. And today, the old graffiti are preserved because they are also good source of knowledge. But yeah, they aren't all nice. 😅
Hope you'll come back to explore more!