We’re Andras and Lelaine, partners in life and now in a new adventure.
Andras was born in Hungary, came to the U.S. in 1987, and built a life as a craftsman and creator. Lelaine was born and raised in Washington State, where she raised her family and pursued her passion for teaching and the arts. Together, we share a love of ceramics, crafts, history, travel, and food.
After years of long-distance love, we moved in together, got engaged, and decided to make a bold move: building our future in southern France. We chose Toulouse for its culture, climate, and opportunities to continue teaching, creating, and living life fully.
This blog is where we’ll share our story — from the first steps of planning to the adventures that await us in France — for family, friends, and anyone dreaming of their own journey abroad.
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🌍 About Us
Who We Are
Hello, we’re Andras and Lelaine — partners in life, love, and new adventures.
Andras was born in Hungary and came to the United States in 1987 without speaking a word of English. Through immersion and determination, he learned the language, traveled widely across the U.S., and eventually settled in Washington State in 1990. For over a decade, he ran his own business as a knife maker, combining craft and creativity.
Life shifted in 2022, after his divorce, when he met Lelaine — a wonderful woman who would change everything. During a difficult time of illness, Andras spent six months at her home. With Lelaine’s care, and her mother’s encouragement, he discovered pottery, which soon became one of his greatest passions. Three years into their long-distance relationship, they moved in together, became engaged, and began planning their next chapter: building a new life in France.
Lelaine was born and raised in Washington State, where she raised four children and now enjoys being a grandmother. She is completing her master’s degree in English teaching for secondary schools, blending her love of language with her passion for education. Outside of teaching, she is a devoted crafter who creates what she calls “works of art” — junk journals, altered books, and a variety of paper creations that celebrate imagination and creativity.
Why France
After much research and reflection, we decided on France as the place to begin our next chapter together. Of all the countries in Europe, France called to us most strongly: the people, culture, and landscapes matched the vision we held for our retirement years.
We want these years to be about experiencing life fully — exploring new places, attending events, immersing ourselves in community, and enjoying the rhythm of everyday life. With Lelaine’s children grown, Andras retired, and Lelaine finishing her teaching degree, we’re both healthy, motivated, and ready for adventure.
We chose southern France, and the city of Montpellier, for its climate, its welcoming atmosphere, and the teaching opportunities available.
Our Passions
Together, we share a love of ceramics, woodworking, arts and crafts, antiques, history, travel, and cooking. These passions shape the way we experience the world and will guide the way we build our new life in France.
Lelaine also has a deep love for teaching, which she hopes to continue sharing abroad.
Why This Blog
We created Love Life France as a way to share our journey — both with our family and friends, and with others who may be dreaming of moving abroad, especially to France.
Here, we’ll document everything: the early steps of planning, our arrival in France, and the adventures that follow. We want this blog to be both a personal diary and a useful resource for others walking a similar path.
Words We Live By
Andras’ favorite quotes: “Doing the right thing when no one is looking”. and “Live long and prosper.”
Lelaine’s favorite quote: “And those who were dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.”