Embracing Change in Céret: A New Life in the French Pyrenees

In the south of France, Patricia C. Brooks’s days are bookended by the morning serenades of roosters and the evening calls of owls. Five years ago, Patricia left her home in Richmond, Virginia, to start a new life in Céret, France.

"Céret is lined with magnificent plane trees, and it’s got personality," Patricia says. "If you go one village to the east or west of Céret, there isn’t a lot to do. Here, we’ve got several restaurants and cafés, a couple of museums, and a vibrant art scene."

In the early 20th century, artists such as Picasso and Matisse flocked to Céret to create works of art, some of which are now on display in the town’s celebrated Museum of Modern Art. The town is located in the foothills of the Pyrenees, about 10 miles from the Spanish border. Canigou, a dramatic mountain peak considered sacred to the area’s Catalan residents, overlooks the town.

Patricia lives a few minutes from Céret’s centre-ville in a small apartment building with nine units. Her apartment has views of Mount Canigou and the historic town center. "The rooftops are red clay, and I can hear the church bell chiming in the distance, which warms my heart each time I hear it," she adds.

Before moving to France, Patricia worked as a project manager in the health insurance industry. In 2016, she became a Certified Professional Coach. Today, she helps people realize their dreams of moving overseas through her business, The Courage Catalyst.

"I help single women who want to live abroad, but who doubt it’s possible," she says. "I also offer one-on-one coaching to help them work through the challenges of moving abroad confidently and sustainably. I’ve had my practice here in France for just over a year now."

To start a business in France, Patricia transitioned from a long-stay visitor’s visa to a profession libérale visa, a process that she says was manageable. "While it required creating a detailed business plan with three years of revenue projections, the items required were pretty straightforward," she explains.

Patricia’s new career allows her to work from home and set her schedule. "It is very diverse, which is one thing I like about being an entrepreneur," Patricia says. Outside work, Patricia makes a habit of walking or hiking daily and meditating. She recently began flute lessons at the local music school, as well as Qi Gong.

Through persistence and hard work, Patricia has also become fluent in French, something she previously thought was impossible.

"In high school and college, I never believed I could be fluent, so I did just enough to pass the classes. But having the goal of living and integrating in France, I worked to change that belief which motivated me to be consistent with lessons," she says, adding that she used the Pimsleur Method and language lessons. Her tips?

"Practice every day, even when you don’t see progress. Progress is happening. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes or sound bad—it’s the only way."

Having created a business and acquired the language, Patricia intends to stay in France long-term. "Once I’ve saved up enough, I’d like to buy a house here," she says. "That said, who knows where this incredible journey called life will lead me?"