A few different things… Tiny lettuce called “sucrette”, soft and sweet Mayo as a rule has dijon mustard as an ingredient. Not overpowering but adds dimension This is Moutard Ancienne, Ancient mustard. Loaded with unground mustard seeds, no French’s or Gouldens! Bread that is not white is usually complete, rustic, or brown(mountain). This is mountain bread Note the health score on the bread…. c’est normal, and keep the mfgs. Honest

Below is the official government link to the French healthcare system A vote was passed that there will be an announcement of a % of foreign living income, pensions, SSI for example will be subject to a tax, retroactive to January 1. The exact % has not been decided, but should be a maximum of 6.5% of gross, probably less. This is to “pay our fair share” as the system is being stressed with all of the new residents that pay nothing. This link will always give you the most current info. The process was very straightforward. https://www.ameli.fr/assure/english-pages The pictures are of a rustic path through part of the Ardennes… I was hoping to make it to Voisey, but the road ended Thats a horse that takes carrots from my mouth

With a checking account in America, perhaps others, there is a Routing, and Account number. With an account in France (and most of the EU) there is IBAN (international bank account number) You MUST have IBAN for many things, energy and internet billing, insurance, CPAM if enrolled These are the best institutions to deal with (suggestion from experience) ……..OPEN BEFORE COMING TO FRANCE……. WISE With offices in the US and Belgium, they have (it seems) best currency conversion individual rates You get an IBAN AND a US account number! It is accepted in all stores, gas stations, never an issue. This is not a credit card. Transfers are generally instant, any US pension, etc may be deposited. ….below affiliate link is to open a wise account, we both have benefits by using this. Image of promo below. https://wise.com/invite/ihpc/bruces473 …….OPEN WHILE YOU HAVE A US ADDRESS to get an account with both IBAN and US acct. AFTER ARRIVING and gaining a legal residence, proving with a utility bill or signed room mate agreement, etc… N26: A online bank with a French iban (FRXxxxxxxxx vs BEXxxxxxxxx) account is free, 10eur for a card Some services insist on a FR Iban for payment, but also other benefits… WISE has a 200eur per month cash ATM limit, there after is a fee and a %of withdrawal …N26 has a 1000eur limit, and after that the fee is much less ….below affiliate link to join, image has terms. There is no benefit for you, but happy to reimburse you 50%! ….Create your account today! https://n26.com/r/bruceals77000c?cid=WOX&lang=en PHYSICAL BANK some people have issues paying 20eur quarterly, for example to belong to a physical bank…. My opinion why 1. It connects you with your community and forges a business relationship 2. It shows your involvement as a citizen, and takes away the “nomad” vibe around financial things 3. The local bank relationship may be beneficial down the road 4. Its the normal thing to do?