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This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Gemma Bonham-Carter, a working mother in Ottawa, Canada. It’s been edited for brevity and clarity.
Contents
Dreaming of France
After welcoming our firstborn, my husband and I envisioned ourselves living in France. Our life before parenting had been spent abroad in England and New Zealand. Naturally, we wished our children to savour similar adventures.
Post-pandemic, a realisation struck — life is too brief for “one day” promises. While at my parents’ cottage in Ontario, gazing at the sun gently dissolving into the lake, a question surfaced: “If not now, when?”
Preparing for the Grand Move
By September 2023, we embarked on our journey with our two children, relocating to the South of France for a full year. My work involves teaching entrepreneurs to grow using marketing and AI tools. Our life was bustling: morning school runs, calls, gym sessions, school collections, and family duties.
Uprooting wasn’t entirely shocking due to our varied travels, yet doing so with our 8- and 10-year-olds introduced an additional layer of apprehension.
Beforehand, my husband took a sabbatical from his consulting role. I trimmed my work hours. We let our house to a single father who was also renovating.
Why France?
The choice of France was quite rational. We desired for our children to learn French, and the relaxed, community-oriented pace of southern France was appealing. My husband and I both spoke the language fluently.
Aix-en-Provence presented itself as an exemplary choice: sunny, walkable, abundant in culture and gastronomy. Discovering an apartment on SabbaticalHomes.com felt like serendipity.
There were naturally fears: securing visas, enrolling the children in school, and budgeting our $75,000 savings was overwhelming. But with prudent creativity — opting for walking, home cooking, weekend car rentals — we managed splendidly.
Experiencing French Life
Our abode, a three-bedroom apartment steeped in history, had slanted ceilings and a stunning view. The cathedral bells were our morning anthem. Local market finds and children’s art gave it a homely touch.
The landlord and her husband, acting like surrogate grandparents, were extraordinarily kind. They assisted with school enrolment and other nuances of French life.
A Year of Discovery
Our son, initially shy and a novice in French, found it challenging. I introduced our family via a local WhatsApp group. That very evening, he had seven new friends.
Daily routines transformed delightfully. Our mornings involved walking the children to school, fetching fresh bread, and café work sessions. Afternoons were for exploration; evenings were indulgent in culinary delights and leisurely strolls.
Weekends were dedicated to adventures, wandering through picturesque villages and landscapes. School holidays extended our travel horizons to Italy, Malta, Belgium, and Greece. Watching our children embrace culture was remarkably enchanting.
Personal Growth and Reflection
This year taught me immeasurable lessons. I thrived in a slower, intentional pace, free from consumer chaos. Embracing minimalism and walking everywhere unearthed a joy I hadn’t known.
Returning to Ottawa in August 2024 was bittersweet. Canada felt more subdued and dependent on cars. However, it made me fiercely guard our time and energy. I now design my work around life, not vice versa. Parenting changed too; I grant our children more freedom, trusting in their resilience.
On paper, daily life might appear unchanged — school runs, work, and family time — but the essence has transformed. Our breaks are deliberate; my husband’s career shift to join my work has enriched our family dynamics.
The Future Beckons
Ottawa will forever be home, but our year in France was transformative. We envisage, one day, owning a quaint fixer-upper in southern France.
Our experiences have stirred an insatiable urge for future escapades.
Do you have a gap year story to share? Reach out to the editor: akarplus@businessinsider.com.
