Chez Vous En France: Living and Working in France

Although I have been living and working in France for several years, I recently read this book and it has become a key for me to decode some of the secrets of working with the French. I encourage anyone planning to live and work in France to read this book. It's easy to read format, historical perpective and cultural explanations have helped me to better understand the French way of work and life.

I really enjoyed this book. Having just come back from living in France for 2 years, I wish I had read it before I left. What impressed me is that the info given is both accurate and very up-to-date. The book begins with a chapter called "The French Way" which basically introduces who the French are and gives humorous and insightful quotes about them. The book covers a wide range of topics including info on the French school system, healthcare in France, social legislation, "Bonjour" in daily life, and the essential things you need to know if you are planning to live and/or work in France. Although Brame is very much on target with her descriptions of France and the French, she never really explains why they are the way they are. If you are interested in the "why" you might want to read 'French or Foe' by Polly Platt or 'The French' by Theodore Zeldin. This is a great book for a person moving to France who was not a French major in college. If you speak French, read the French version of 'Chez vous' because the translation lacks just a bit. A curious tourist who truly wants to understand France would truly benefit from this handy reference.