Ever dreamed of a fresh start in France? Chiara Adorno did, moving with her two cats for inspiration. But not long after arriving, her plans took an unexpected and emotional turn. What challenges do you think she faced in her new European life, and how did she adapt to a new culture and a profound personal loss?

Chiara Adorno, a spirited individual originally from Connecticut, embarked on a profound journey in October 2024, relocating her entire life—and her two beloved cats—from the United States to the picturesque landscapes of France. This significant decision was not impulsive, but rather the culmination of a deeply held desire for reinvention and a search for renewed inspiration, a sentiment she articulated as feeling “no longer inspired by anything in the US.” Her quest for new horizons led her to a continent she had only briefly experienced, yet felt a strong pull towards, anticipating a life rich with novel experiences and personal growth.

Adorno’s motivations were rooted in a profound sense of stagnation in her native country. Having felt she had achieved all she desired in the US, particularly from her base in Vallejo, California, she expressed a compelling need to “be looking forward” and to cultivate new goals and sources of inspiration. This yearning for change, she explained, had been a long-standing aspiration, reflecting a desire to continuously evolve and challenge herself, regardless of age. Her decision underscored a powerful message about pursuing personal fulfillment beyond conventional timelines.

Despite only a fleeting visit to Paris in 1994, Adorno possessed a foundational understanding of the French language, having studied it in high school and college. This linguistic background, coupled with her admiration for France’s rich architecture and diverse landscapes, made the country an attractive destination. Crucially, she successfully navigated the complexities of acquiring a France long-stay visa, a critical step that allowed her as a non-EU national to reside in the country for extended periods, renewable annually, thereby cementing her plans for a long-term relocation and expatriate life.

Preparing for such a monumental move involved considerable personal sacrifice, including divesting herself of cherished possessions, a process she described as “freeing.” Upon her arrival in France in October 2024, at the age of 66, Adorno opted for a unique approach to finding her permanent home. Instead of immediately settling, she embraced a “slow travel” strategy, hiring a car and journeying across France, staying in various Airbnbs with her feline companions, Willy and Puccini, to discover the region that resonated most with her spirit.

However, amidst the excitement of her new beginning, Adorno faced an unforeseen and heart-wrenching challenge. Shortly after their arrival in France, her cat Willy, who suffered from asthma, experienced a severe attack. Despite Adorno’s efforts, she tragically lost Willy, a devastating blow that forced her to confront the raw reality of pet loss in an unfamiliar land. This profoundly sad turn cast a somber shadow over her relocation, leaving her to continue her journey with only Puccini, a poignant reminder of the unexpected sorrows that can accompany even the most eagerly anticipated life changes.

Adapting to the nuances of French culture proved to be an intriguing aspect of her new life. Adorno quickly observed that the French people were not as “aloof” or “romantic” as often stereotyped by Americans, but rather genuinely enjoy engaging in conversation. Despite her self-professed “terrible” French, she utilized Google Translate as a vital communication tool, demonstrating a determined effort to integrate. She expressed a firm resolve to “buckle down” and become a fluent French speaker, eager to deepen her connection with her new community and truly immerse herself in her surroundings.

Beyond cultural immersion, Adorno has found immense relief and comfort in the French healthcare system, particularly as someone managing a chronic illness that causes pain and bleeding. Her experience has been overwhelmingly positive, describing how she is treated with exceptional care, likened to a “Fabergé egg.” This stark contrast to her previous healthcare experiences has been a significant and greatly appreciated benefit of her healthcare abroad, contributing profoundly to her overall well-being and sense of security in her adopted country.

Looking ahead, Adorno is now preparing to lease a permanent property in France, having initially delayed the decision while awaiting a more favorable exchange rate for the US dollar. Her journey continues to be one of discovery and resilience, illustrating a powerful narrative of self-reinvention and embracing new challenges later in life. Her story embodies the spirit of retirement travel and the courage required for a transatlantic France relocation, proving that inspiration and new beginnings can be found at any stage of life, even when faced with unexpected heartbreak.