Bordeaux Expat Interview – Will Maley

Adelaide, Australia

Bordeaux Cauderan

Since October 2011

After living with my French wife in Adelaide for approximately 6 years we thought we would give life in France a try. I had visited Bordeaux for 1 day in 2010 and my wife had never been here. I loved the atmosphere the day I was there and with the coast, mountains, Spain, wine, etc all close by and the city not being too hectic we though it could be a great spot. 

The language. Learning later in life is never easy but the Bordeaux people are patient so it hasn’t been too bad. Otherwise not too much. Having a few people that we knew in the region before arriving probably would have helped us to settle a bit quicker also. 

As we moved here without jobs and had never rented in France we didn’t have much to present to the renters. We ended up finding a place though and whilst not ideal, served a purpose for us. 

I work for myself as a tour and event organiser for largely Australian, US and Canadians looking to organise a private business or leisure group to come to France, Italy and/or Spain. Having worked in travel for 10 years and having now great local contacts and extensive knowledge it helps to give them a unique product that is not on the standard tourist trail. The business is www.kangoeurope.com 

When I first arrived I worked for a small cycling tour operator as their commercial director. Being a start up it was challenging and also working with French associates for the first time had a learning curve to it but it was a great experience. I got that job by meeting the right people at the right time shortly after arriving in France. 

Finding work is not that easy, even for French people at the moment. Bordeaux has a fairly limited range of industry and is less English based than Paris so can take a while to find something. 

It has taken us time. We focused on integrating more with local people in order to try and be part of the community more so than exclusively with other expats. We know a good group of people but it takes time to build the really close long term relationships that you miss from back home. 

Not at all. The odd swear word was about the limit. Being here permanently makes a big difference to the progression. 

It is very affordable. Accommodation is not too expensive and eating out is very good value along with doing activities. The lifestyle is great and a real plus for Bordeaux. The city has a great vibe and there is so much on the doorstep when you want to get away. 

Heading to the markets on the Quai des Chartrons on a Sunday morning and staying on to eat oysters and drink white wine is hard to beat. 

Head to a restaurant. So much great food and variety at a good price. 

I think the proximity to everything (Pyrénées, coast, Spain, etc), the ambience of the city and the people are pretty easy going. I love that every time you go in to the city centre you feel like you are on holiday. 

Would have to be paperwork and administration. In a foreign language it is even more challenging. The diversity of work opportunities is also pretty limited. 

I coach the Bordeaux Bombers Australian Rules Football team. A the entire team is French so it great fun coaching them and sharing the sport. We play all over France so the away games are great. Anyone reading this, we are always recruiting so get in touch!www.bxbombers.fr

Bordeaux really is one of the world’s great cities and the more it develops the more the world is seeing it. The transition in recent years is incredible and it continues to progress. The trick is to not get caught up in the daily grind and make sure that we profit from all that the region has to offer.