Profile of Sophie
The accidental expatriate blogger behind BirchBasinSpruce
Photo: BirchBasinSpruce
Hello, I am Sophie
I'm a project manager and a parent, living abroad in Paris, France.
Several years ago I moved here with my family, and what began as a short-term assignment gradually became a new chapter of life abroad.
Our Beginning
Relocating to France wasn’t part of the long-term plan. Like many expat moves, it began as a work opportunity and quickly became something much bigger.
The first months were intense — new systems, new routines, new expectations. Everyday tasks felt more complicated than they should.
The Transition Phase
There was culture shock, uncertainty, and a lot of learning by doing. But slowly, routines formed. We discovered places that worked for us, met other families, and started building something that felt stable.
What Prompted the Creation of BirchBasinSpruce
Most online content was either corporate relocation guidance or superficial tourist information. What was missing was a frank, everyday family viewpoint.
This site aims to bridge that gap—practical advice grounded in real life in France.
What This Site Is About (And Isn't)
This site is:
- Hands-on experience from living in France
- Centered on family life and day-to-day realities
- Updated whenever something truly changes
This site isn't:
- Not a tourism authority resource
- A platform for sponsored reviews
- An ordinary travel blog
Looking Forward
Our time in France continues, and so does the learning journey. As long as the information remains useful, I’ll continue documenting what we uncover.
If you have questions about family life in Paris or anywhere in France, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Best regards,
Sophie
Paris, France