This as-told-to essay originates from an in-depth conversation with Dawn Belisle, a 56-year-old attorney who, driven by both courage and curiosity, relocated from the bustling city of Atlanta, Georgia, to the serene coastal town of Nice, France, in 2022. The discussion was carefully condensed and refined for clarity, ensuring that her remarkable journey and authentic voice remain intact.\n\nI am, by training and long-standing profession, an attorney from Atlanta. For three decades, the law defined my career and much of my daily rhythm—twenty-five years devoted to serving as a prosecutor, followed by an additional five in criminal defense. Yet, despite this rigorous and often high-pressure legal trajectory, I always harbored a creative impulse that refused to remain dormant. Baking and entertaining were my constant outlets—sources of personal joy and artistic expression. Friends who tasted my creations began not only to praise them but to commission desserts for special occasions, encouraging me to turn what was once a hobby into a viable business. That’s how *Delights by Dawn* was born, a small passion project that rapidly gained traction. My signature specialty—alcohol-infused cakes and cupcakes—distinguished my offerings from others in a crowded market and earned me considerable recognition.\n\nFrench desserts had always fascinated me, capturing my imagination with their elegance, precision, and subtle indulgence. Wanting to refine my craft and set my bakery apart, I decided to gift myself an unforgettable experience for my fiftieth birthday in 2019: a culinary pilgrimage to Paris. Immersing myself in a baking workshop there broadened my perspective not only on pastry but on life itself. It was during that trip that I fell in love with France—its spirit, its rhythm, and its quiet beauty. The peace I felt there was profound, something that words can barely capture. Life in France seemed to unfold at a gentler cadence: people strolled rather than rushed, savoring long conversations over coffee or wine at sunlit cafés. The collective embrace of leisure and presence contrasted sharply with the relentless pace of American hustle culture. That realization was transformative.\n\nIn 2021, after watching Netflix’s *Emily in Paris*, a seemingly lighthearted show rekindled my curiosity about life abroad and reignited the dream I had tucked away. I began to imagine a version of my life where I could continue doing meaningful work while nourishing my creative side in France. After extensive research, I discovered a pastry school that accepted international students and decided to take a tangible step toward that possibility. Taking a six-month leave from my legal career, I returned to France to pursue this newfound path. The program placed me in Cap d’Agde for three months of intensive pastry training, followed by an equal stretch traveling through various European regions—along the charming southern coast of France and beyond. That immersion confirmed what I had already begun to suspect: I was entirely capable of living abroad and thriving in a new environment.\n\nWhen I returned to the United States, my conviction crystallized. I told myself firmly that I would not wait several years—two, three, four, or more—to act on this dream. That decisiveness is simply part of my character; once I identify a goal that aligns with my intuition, I move swiftly and deliberately. Within a year of returning to Atlanta, I executed my plan and permanently relocated to France.\n\nTo my surprise, the transition unfolded with remarkable ease. The paperwork, visa process, and apartment-hunting, which so many warned would be daunting, came together smoothly. I settled right in the heart of Nice, a city whose atmosphere immediately resonated with me. If New York embodies nonstop energy in the United States, then Paris is its French equivalent. Nice, by contrast, mirrors the relaxed charm of the American South—balmy weather, slower rhythms, and, in my experience, genuine warmth, particularly toward those who make the effort to learn the language, as I have done. My apartment is situated in Carré d’Or, a lively yet refined neighborhood known for its proximity to the sea. Against all odds, I found a beautiful one-bedroom space within two months—a feat that feels nearly impossible now given the city’s soaring demand for housing. The apartment features modern renovations with an American flair, including abundant closet space (a rare luxury in France), and from my balcony I can glimpse a sliver of the glittering Mediterranean. The beach, only five minutes away on foot, satisfies my deep need to remain connected to nature.\n\nLife in Nice offers a quality of living that I had long sought but never fully accessed in the United States. My routine now includes leisurely visits to open-air markets for fresh fruits and vegetables, whose prices are not only reasonable but whose flavor and freshness exceed expectation. The overall environment encourages health and well-being; French people tend to stay active, vibrant, and socially engaged well into their later years, a testament to their balanced lifestyle. The healthcare system, comprehensive and accessible, provides reassurance that I will be cared for without the anxiety of financial uncertainty that often accompanies medical needs in the U.S., even for the insured.\n\nEqually liberating is the ease of travel. Living in France feels geographically and culturally connected—weekend trips across borders are as simple as a domestic getaway in America. Recently, for instance, I returned from a spontaneous visit to Belgrade, Serbia. There was no elaborate planning behind it—merely the openness to explore and the affordability to do so.\n\nOf course, no new life is without its imperfections, and I’m committed to honesty over idealization. French bureaucracy, while structured, can seem labyrinthine and inefficient, especially compared to the streamlined systems I grew accustomed to in the U.S. Technological processes sometimes lag behind as well. These aspects can test one’s patience, but they also provide an opportunity to adapt—to practice acceptance and humility within a different cultural framework.\n\nOne element that pleasantly surprised me was France’s diversity. People occasionally ask whether there are many Black individuals living here, and the answer is an emphatic yes. A strong community of Black expatriates exists, including many accomplished Black American women pursuing their own dreams abroad. Yet, the demographic balance differs from the U.S., meaning that one must be proactive and intentional about building community. When starting anew in a foreign country, especially without established social ties, you must have the courage to reach out—to join online groups, attend gatherings, and make the first move. I found Facebook groups invaluable; they offered both logistical support and introductions to like-minded expatriates. Over time, through shared experiences and mutual effort, I began forming genuine friendships—not only with fellow Americans but also with French locals and even Italians. Relationships here develop more slowly than in the U.S., as many Europeans are initially reserved, but once you are welcomed into someone’s circle, that bond is genuine and enduring. Today, I am surrounded by an incredibly supportive group of friends—essentially a chosen family abroad.\n\nIt has now been three years since I officially settled in France; I recently celebrated my anniversary just a few weeks ago. My professional and creative identity continues to evolve. While I no longer manage my pastry business in the traditional sense, *Delights by Dawn* has blossomed into something broader: a lifestyle brand that merges my love for baking, style, and travel. I share content that inspires others to pursue similar transformations and guide individuals who are contemplating their own relocation abroad. At the same time, I remain connected to the legal profession through consulting and training work for various offices and firms, mentoring younger attorneys and supporting governmental organizations that seek skilled guidance for their early-career lawyers.\n\nEvery time I glance at international headlines or the latest developments from the U.S., I feel profound gratitude for the serenity my life now holds. I deeply miss my son and granddaughters—the pull of family is timeless—but beyond that, I have little desire to return permanently. The peace I experience here in France is something I cannot overstate: it feels both grounding and liberating. Although I maintain a structured schedule filled with engagements and projects, I feel entirely in control of how I spend my time. I am no longer living solely to work; instead, I am working just enough to fully live—to savor, to explore, and to find beauty in both grand adventures and simple moments. To me, that is the truest definition of success.\n\nSome might describe my story as a manifestation journey—a vision spoken into existence and steadily realized through intention and courage. I once said in my thirties, half-dreaming and half-declaring, that I would not spend my entire life working in the U.S. That I would, instead, retire somewhere else and dedicate my later years to joy, creation, and peace. It brings me unshakable satisfaction to know that I have fulfilled that promise to myself.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/moving-from-atlanta-to-south-of-france-nice-pastry-chef-2025-10
