Profile of Claire
An unplanned expatriate sharing stories for Broad Linen Matrix
Photo: Broad Linen Matrix
Hey, I'm Claire
Project manager. Parent. An expat residing in Paris, France.
A few years back I moved here with my family. What began as a short-term assignment gradually became a new chapter of life abroad.
How It Started
Moving to France wasn't in the plans for the long haul. Like many international moves, it started as a job opportunity and soon grew into something far more significant.
The initial weeks were demanding — fresh processes, new routines, fresh expectations. Daily chores seemed more complex than expected.
The Adjustment Period
The Adjustment 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.Why I Built Broad Linen Matrix
Most information online was either corporate-level relocation advice or surface-level tourism material. What was missing was honest, day-to-day family perspective.
This site exists to close that gap — practical guidance based on real life in France.
What This Site Represents (And What It Doesn't)
This site IS:
- Hands-on experience from living in France
- Centered on family life and daily realities
- Updated whenever there is a genuine change
This site isn't:
- Not a tourism-board resource
- Not a sponsored review platform
- Not a generic travel blog
Looking Ahead
Our time in France continues, and so does the learning process. As long as the information remains helpful, I’ll keep documenting what we discover.
If you have questions about family life in Paris or elsewhere in France, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Best regards,
Claire
Paris, France