The American couple who moved to France in 9 MONTHS | "It wasn't as scary as I thought"

By Richard Hammond | Published 2026-06-30

The American Couple Who Moved to France in 9 Months: "It Wasn't As Scary As I Thought"

Are you dreaming of a life in France but feel overwhelmed by the thought of the move? Perhaps you imagine it will take years of planning and mountains of paperwork. What if I told you it's possible to go from dreaming to living your French dream in less than nine months? In our latest YouTube video, I sit down with Bryan and Dezra, an American couple who did just that. Their story is not only inspiring but also packed with practical insights for anyone considering a similar journey.

⏱ Key Moments in This Video

Click any timestamp to jump directly to that section:

  1. 0:00 — Initial worries
  2. 0:24 — Meet Bryan and Dezra
  3. 1:05 — Why Bryan and Dezra moved to France from the USA
  4. 1:56 — How they found French Connections HCB on their search for help in moving to France
  5. 2:28 — Retiring from corporate America to France was easier than expected
  6. 3:17 — Enjoying life in Condom, southwestern France in the department of Gers
  7. 5:34 — Daily life in France and setting up their new home
  8. 5:58 — How they transported their belongings to France
  9. 6:12 — Cost of housing in France compared to the USA and videos of their home
  10. 7:15 — What they really wanted for their home in France
  11. 7:45 — How much did it cost them to move to France? A realistic budget including French Connections HCB costs
  12. 8:48 — How French Connections HCB helped them move to France
  13. 9:22 — Bringing three dogs to France from the USA
  14. 9:37 — French Connections HCB vs other competitors
  15. 10:57 — Choosing the right location in France with Region Matcher scouting trips
  16. 11:28 — Choosing properties with the help of French Connections HCB & associated fees
  17. 13:53 — Buying a house in France compared the USA
  18. 14:59 — Navigating the French Visa process
  19. 16:20 — Everyday life in France vs the USA
  20. 17:48 — Do they feel at home in France?
  21. 18:16 — Tips for people who want to move to France
  22. 19:40 — Mapping out the cost of moving to France and making a plan
  23. 20:35 — Worries about applying for their French residency cards
  24. 21:53 — Surviving in France without knowing French
  25. 22:45 — Moving to France in less than 9 months & enjoying their new life

Key Takeaways from This Video

Bryan and Dezra's Journey: From Pennsylvania to Paradise in Condom

Bryan and Dezra's story is a testament to what's possible when you combine a clear vision with expert help. They moved from the USA to France in less than nine months, a feat many might consider impossible. Their initial worries (0:00) quickly gave way to excitement as they embarked on their adventure. They explain why they chose France (1:05), citing a desire for a different pace of life and a rich cultural experience.

Finding the Right Support and Budgeting for the Move

One of the key elements of their success was finding the right support. Bryan and Dezra explain how they found French Connections HCB (1:56) and how our team helped them navigate the complexities of international relocation. They openly discuss the financial aspects of their move, providing a realistic budget including French Connections HCB costs (7:45). This transparency is invaluable for anyone planning their own move, helping to demystify the cost of moving to France.

They also delve into the practicalities of setting up their new home (5:34), including transporting their belongings to France (5:58). They highlight the difference in housing costs compared to the USA (6:12) and what they truly wanted in their French home (7:15). Their insights into buying a house in France compared to the USA (13:53) are particularly illuminating.

Navigating Visas, Pets, and Daily Life

The French visa process can often seem daunting. Bryan and Dezra share their experience (14:59), demonstrating that with the right guidance, it's a manageable step. For animal lovers, their account of bringing three dogs to France from the USA (9:22) offers reassurance and practical advice. They also touch upon the process of applying for their French residency cards (20:35), another crucial step in settling in.

Life in Condom, a charming town in southwestern France in the department of Gers, is clearly a joy for them (3:17). They discuss everyday life in France versus the USA (16:20) and whether they truly feel at home in France (17:48). A common concern for many is surviving in France without knowing French (21:53). Bryan and Dezra offer their perspective, proving it's entirely possible to thrive while learning the language.

Next Steps

Bryan and Dezra's story proves that moving to France doesn't have to be a distant dream. With careful planning and the right support, you too can make the move in a surprisingly short timeframe. If you're inspired by their journey and ready to explore your own French adventure, I invite you to take the next step.

Ready to turn your French dream into a reality? Get a personalised quote for our services today and let's start planning your move: