Profile of Sophie
The accidental expatriate blogger behind Zorli Celan Onym
Photo: Zorli Celan Onym
Hey, I'm Sophie
Project manager. Parent. An expat residing in Lyon, France.
A few years ago, I moved here with my family. What began as a short-term assignment gradually became a new chapter of life overseas.
How It Started
Relocating to France wasn’t part of the long-term plan. Like many expat moves, it began as a work opportunity and quickly became something much bigger.
The first months were intense — new systems, new routines, new expectations. Everyday tasks felt more complicated than they should.
The Adjustment Period
There was culture shock, uncertainty, and a lot of learning by doing. But slowly, routines formed. We discovered places that worked for us, met other families, and started building something that felt stable.
Why I Built Zorli Celan Onym
Most information online was either corporate-level relocation advice or surface-level tourism material. What was missing was honest, day-to-day family perspective.
This site exists to close that gap — practical guidance based on real life in France.
What This Site Is (And Isn't)
This site is:
- Real-world insights gained from living in France
- Centered on family life and daily realities
- Updated when things truly change
This site isn't:
- Not a tourism authority resource
- Not a sponsored review site
- Not a generic travel blog
Looking Ahead
Our stay in France continues, and so does the learning journey. As long as the information remains useful, I’ll keep documenting what we discover.
If you have questions about family life in Lyon or anywhere in France, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Cheers,
Sophie
Lyon, France