Bienvenue! Happy to have you here!
I’m Diane, the creator of Oui In France. Originally from the fine state of New Jersey, I now live in the Loire Valley with my French husband, Tom.
Oui In France launched in May 2012 and is a living abroad lifestyle blog and YouTube channel. It’s for those of you looking to learn more about living abroad, France, French culture, the language, and more. My blog is for people who don’t take themselves too seriously and aren’t afraid to go after what they want — wherever they live in the world.
Life is short, so why not make the best of it?
Many of my posts will have something to do with France/French culture and what it’s like living abroad. You’ll also see a heavy focus on healthy living, travel, and whatever else is on my mind — often with a dose of humor. One thing though, I don’t only show the great things about life abroad. This isn’t a blog about a romanticized life in France. It’s real life.
So… what about me? I’m a dog lover, fitness enthusiast, and an easily entertained homebody who tries to keep it real around here. I hope you’ll get a laugh on Oui In France, identify with things going on in my life and maybe learn a thing or two about navigating life abroad, language learning, and French culture.
Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about France and the French way of life and hope that my content will help you to be more prepared and confident in France.
I blog because it’s something I enjoy more than anything. I want to tell you all about the things that make me smile — and the things that don’t… because if you can’t tell it like it is on your blog, where can you? (Well, on my YouTube channel!)
If you want to know more of the backstory that brought me to France, click over to this post and there’s more about me here.
I also launched a shop featuring custom designed t-shirts, totes, wall art, and more for Francophiles. Check it out!
This cutie is Tom. He’s my husband who is the most amazing man in the world. Yeah, that’s cliché, but it’s true. Tom is open-minded and easy going, and although he never had a dog before, he was open to the idea of getting Dagny after we got married — and he loved her as much as I did. For that, I’ll be forever grateful.
He’s stereotypically French in a lot of ways: dresses “smart,” loves his cheese course and desserts with every meal, and appreciates the finer things in life. His dream car is an Aston Martin Vantage.
Tom is one half of Oui In France and he makes an appearance over on my Instagram feed from time to time. He also has his own series on the blog called Ask Tom Tuesdays where he answers your questions about all things French. Tom is majorly supportive of all things Oui In France and while he’s a bit camera shy, he’s always here behind the scenes helping out. Oh, and he has a cool accent!
Meet Dagny, a part-time writer and food critic who likes helping me with my day job. Either that or she just likes stealing my pens. Anyway, she’s a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and was born in September 2011. She is our baby and I don’t know what life would be like without her. On most days, she can be found soaking up the sun, chewing up tissues, or curled up next to me on the couch. She sadly passed away in March 2022 and life will never be the same for us.
To wrap this up, I’m truly thankful for where my life has taken me. Did I ever think I’d be married and living in France? No. Is living in France a piece of cake? No. I know I’m extremely fortunate to be where I am and I don’t take anything for granted. I wouldn’t change my life for anything.
So read my blog to get a laugh, to gain insight into life in France, learn a few things, and to see what we’re up to.
New reader? Start here for a listing of some of my favorite posts by category >>
Head over to the Oui In France shop:
