Every month, we introduce you to an interesting woman living in Languedoc. Curious as we are, we would like to find out why she lives in this beautiful region, what she does for a living, and some of her Languedoc favourites. This month’s La Ramoneta is writer Janice Macdonald, who left the United States 11 years ago to start a new adventure in the South of France.
Introduction
Originally from the Kent Coast in England, I emigrated to the United States with my mum at the age of 17 and lived there most of my life. My career path led me to a job as a Media Relations Director for a California healthcare organisation. But I’ve always wanted to write and at 50, I became a full-time writer publishing mostly travel and health articles. I also wrote nine books for Harlequin Enterprises, a major publisher.
First time visiting the region
France has always intrigued me. Although I’d only visited it a couple of times, after my mother died shortly after her 100th birthday, I decided to start a new chapter in my life and actually move to France. I was 68, knew no-one in the country and barely spoke the language. Eleven years later, I still think it was the best decision I’ve ever made.
Settling in Languedoc
Landing in the Languedoc, now Occitanie, was something of an accident. Online, I had found an apartment near Montpellier (1) and agreed, sight unseen, to a one-year lease. The ad described the place as a cosy cottage. Instead, it was more of a cave with plaster falling from the ceiling, concrete floors, and a very basic kitchen. Definitely not ideal, but still part of the adventure. I became familiar with ‘vide greniers’, and, with my ‘new’ second-hand furniture, managed to brighten up the place. Also, I was fortunate to become friends with the property owner. She introduced me to her friends, which helped me a lot integrate into French life. Finally, I found a new place in Laurens, where I still live.
Writer
Writing is my identity; I have to write (3 & 4). It helps organise my thoughts, and it’s creative. Instead of novels, I started writing about life in France and issues of old age. Both subjects were- and still are- foreign countries to me. I publish my articles on the website Medium. It’s a great platform for my articles, as it has over a million readers. Within a couple of months, I had a few hundred followers and now have more than 4,000. Apparently, people like reading about my French adventures. Through my writing, I met my English partner, who had read a couple of my posts and wanted to meet me. That was five years ago, we hit off and now live together.
Living in the South of France
As I didn’t want to live on the periphery of my children’s, grandchild’s, and great-grandchild’s lives, I decided to pick my own path. And I’m glad I did. There are so many things to like about living in France, especially its beautiful culture and sense of history. Foodwise, I love the French respect for the seasons. Also, the pace of the village life is wonderful. Not to mention the French sense of history. And, contrary to the stereotype of French aloofness, I’ve found French people very open and friendly and have some good friends in the village.
Perhaps one of the biggest challenges is learning the language- but it’s also a workout for the brain. And I feel a sense of accomplishment in being able to communicate- although still on a very basic level. Missing my friends and family is, of course, one of the other major obstacles of living abroad. Thanks to modern technology, we’re able to communicate frequently and enjoy visits either back in the States or here in France.
Some people called my move to France brave, and some called it stupid. Fact is that I didn’t overthink my move and just took the leap. Recently, I had a knee replacement. It made me realise I have been lucky not to get sick. It could have easily happened, at my age. But it worked out all fine and I have nothing but praise for the French health care system.
Best Languedoc wine
My village, Laurens is in the middle of the Faugères (2) wine appellation. There is a wine cellar with a bar and restaurant in Faugères, Les Grands Vins du Terroir, where you can attend wine evenings. Patrice explains the wines while his wife, Sharon, is an excellent cook.
Favourite restaurant
There are two restaurants in Béziers that I love. First, the creative tapas from Pica Pica (5) and La Maison de Petit Pierre (6), where chef Pierre Augé creates the most delicious dishes.
Perfect day out in Languedoc
I would get up early in the morning and join my partner in a long walk with the dog. And, of course, I would write. A perfect day for me is when I write a piece that I feel proud of. Every day offers material for writing, so I’m never short of inspiration.
