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‘I considered myself lucky to be here’: Californian swaps Los Angeles for rural France
‘You pay maybe a quarter here of what you paid in LA’, says musician who now enjoys a slower pace of life
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An American musician swapped Los Angeles for rural France, saying he has no plans to return, despite missing California’s sunshine.
Thomas Gallmeier and his wife Nathalie moved to France in 2024 after spending most of their lives in the US.
The couple decided to buy a home and settle in Duras, a commune of around 1,200 people in Lot-et-Garonne.
“I actually never wanted to leave the US until Covid basically kicked in,” Mr Gallmeier told The Connexion.
The pandemic had a major impact on the music industry, while his wife, Nathalie, a graphic designer, saw her workload fall by around 80%.
Political tensions in the US also played a part in their decision. So, they decided to take their dog and leave shortly before the 2020 presidential election, moving elsewhere in Europe before coming to France, concerned about the possibility of Donald Trump winning another term.
“We thought, we don't want to stick around if that happens,” Mr Gallmeier said.
Although he still feels homesick at times, the political situation in recent years has reinforced his feeling that leaving was the right decision.
“For the past four years, when it has been really, really bad, I've considered myself lucky to be here,” he said.
A different pace of life
Of course, moving from Los Angeles to Duras was a big leap, but for Mr Gallmeier, it turned out to be easier than expected.
He has found everyday life in rural France much more laid-back.
“I go jogging with my dog and then I go to the studio to do some production or writing or recording and mixing, and enjoy life in the countryside,” he said.
“There's that saying: nobody drives, nobody walks in LA. And here the bakery is five minutes from my house.
“The supermarket is five minutes' walk away. The post office, bank, hardware store, everything is within walking distance.
“Everyone knows everyone. People greet each other in the street, and there's always a smile when you say ‘bonjour’,” he said.
What he misses about California
“The weather, no doubt. The sunshine.
“In France, we get maybe four months of summer, while in California, it's the reverse. You have maybe four months of autumn and winter and at least eight months of sunshine,” he said.
“There is so much sunshine and it's so pleasant.”
He also misses the opportunities offered by the Los Angeles area, where it is possible to go skiing in the afternoon and surfing in the evening.
Nevertheless, he said the financial advantages of living in rural France have been considerable.
“It's a fraction,” he said of the cost of living compared with Los Angeles.
“Believe it or not, in LA, a croissant is sort of a specialty item, a gourmet item. So if you want to have a decent croissant, it will cost you $4. A croissant here in our village is, I don't know, 75 cents or something.
“Living here in general, I would say that you pay maybe a quarter of what you paid in LA. A quarter or a fifth. It's huge. It's just unbelievable.
“The same goes for food, living expenses and healthcare. Healthcare is brilliant compared to America.”
A warning for Americans buying property in France
Having bought a house in rural France, Mr Gallmeier also has some advice for other Americans considering a similar move.
One of the most important things, he said, is to investigate property boundaries carefully before purchasing.
“Here, especially in rural France, they frequently just redraw property lines. And you have the wildest property lines,” he said.
“In some cases, they can go through your house. So part of your house is actually on your neighbour's property.”
He said historical family disputes and changes in ownership can sometimes leave complicated property boundaries that are not accurately reflected on older maps.
This is why he advised prospective buyers to hire an independent surveyor to examine the boundaries.
“That's basically the most crucial aspect of buying a house in France,” he said.
His wider advice to Americans considering a move is to make sure they understand what they are committing to.
“Make sure you know what you are doing, what you are getting into.
“Do a winter rental first. They're very affordable.
“You can come, live here for two months and experience what life in France is like before you pull the trigger.”
Today, Mr Gallmeier enjoys the countryside while working as a session musician, songwriter and producer, releasing original music under the name Mot & Krid. His next song, Breathe, featuring Cindy Gomez, is due out on November 23.
