Podcast Summary
Podcast: InnerFrench
Episode: E156 – Pourquoi Hugo s’est installé à Marseille ?
Date: October 23, 2024
Host: Hugo (InnerFrench)
Overview
In this solo episode, Hugo shares the personal journey and thought process behind his surprising decision to leave Poland after a decade and settle in Marseille, France. Far from a serious sociopolitical topic, this relaxed yet insightful episode explores themes of expatriate life, choosing a place to live, French stereotypes about cities, and the unexpected challenges and delights of relocation. Hugo also weaves in useful French expressions, practical vocabulary, and cultural reflections throughout his storytelling.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Why a Personal Episode?
- Hugo opens by noting that this will be a more relaxed, personal episode, recounting his experiences over the past months.
- He hopes listeners will learn “deux ou trois trucs” (a few things), especially about the French mindset and useful vocabulary. (00:03)
2. Ten Years Abroad: Life in Poland
- Hugo recalls moving to Poland with his best friend, initially for an indefinite period.
- Started a new career as a French teacher at the Institut français, before launching InnerFrench and his YouTube channel.
- Both Hugo and his partner Véronica became deeply involved in their professional and social lives in Warsaw.
- Despite frequent thoughts of moving, “la force d’inertie” (inertia) and increasing responsibilities made it harder to consider leaving.
“On n’avait pas l’espace mental pour envisager de partir.” (04:43)
- Observes comparison between Warsaw’s dynamic change and Paris’s more static nature, noting recent progress in Paris as well.
3. The Decision to Move: Catalysts
- COVID-19 lockdowns amplified their search for stability, leading to the “piège des annonces immobilières” (trap of browsing property listings).
“On essaye de se convaincre en se disant qu’on fait ça seulement pour s’amuser… et la machine est lancée.” (08:30)
- After buying and renovating an apartment in Warsaw, winters remained harsh and unappealing.
- Homesickness set in (“avoir le mal du pays”), making Hugo realize he missed France, family, and friends.
4. Where in France? – The (Over-)Abundance of Choice
- Thanks to “la malédiction du télétravail” (the curse of remote work), Hugo and Véronica could theoretically move anywhere in France—making the choice overwhelming.
- Paris was considered, but Hugo wanted a fresh start with better weather and more sunshine, especially compared to Paris or Warsaw.
- Initially drawn to the idea of rural life, influenced by post-COVID trends.
- Used podcasts targeted at Parisians emigrating to other parts of France for inspiration ("Ciao Paris" and "Paris, je te quitte").
“Ça peut être une bonne idée pour vous de les écouter parce que… il y a beaucoup de vocabulaire du quotidien.” (17:00)
5. The Data-Driven Search for the Perfect Village
- Hugo detailed how he used French websites full of statistics (age distribution, incomes, socioprofessional categories, etc.)
- Example: “Ville Idéale.”
- Researched further on town websites, associations, Facebook groups—everything feeding into an enormous Excel spreadsheet.
“J’ai créé un tableur Excel géant, une espèce de monstre digne d’un cabinet de conseil.” (21:10)
6. Real-Life Detours: Châteauroux and the Village Dream
- A family event prompted a temporary return to Châteauroux, his hometown in central France. There, Véronica struggled with the small-town atmosphere and the grim weather.
“Un hiver pourri… pire qu’à Varsovie.” (24:20)
- They concluded jumping from a big city to a remote village was too drastic a change.
- Decided to look for a larger city, ideally by the sea.
7. Tempted by the Basque Coast (and Let Down)
- Considered the very fashionable coastal region around Biarritz and Bayonne.
“Je m’imaginais déjà aller surfer le matin avant de travailler…” (29:50)
- Biarritz’s charm: architecture, beautiful sunsets, proximity to nature.
- Cons: Expensive, older population, limited activities, and too tourist-oriented.
“Au bout de trois jours, on avait déjà l’impression d’avoir fait le tour.” (31:00)
- Decided putting all hope in taking up surfing was risky: “Tout miser sur le surf… c’est un peu risqué.” (32:40)
8. A Chance Conversation Sets the Course for Marseille
- Over a holiday meal, Hugo speaks with an old friend who had settled in Marseille and had been similarly skeptical at first.
- Friend’s positive account (“week-ends au bord de la mer”, lively atmosphere) intrigues Hugo.
- More Marseille praise crops up in podcasts, media—Marseille has become “le nouveau hot spot en France.”
“Moi, comme je suis un bobo influençable, il ne m’en faut pas plus…” (36:40)
9. Instant Connection: Visiting and Choosing Marseille
- Hugo and Véronica visit Marseille and feel an immediate “coup de cœur” (crush/instant love) despite rainy, windy days.
- Impressions: Large, dynamic city; many young couples; multicultural; vibrant café and restaurant scene; 300 days of sunshine a year.
- Stayed in the trendy Andoum district, which Hugo compares to the 10th/11th Paris arrondissements, but with sun, sea, and fewer crowds.
“On voit à peu près les mêmes personnes que dans ces arrondissements de la capitale, mais Marseille garde un côté encore authentique.” (41:25)
10. The Charm (and Mistral) of Marseille
- The city’s topography—with its hills—offers spectacular views. The strong, famous Mistral wind is acknowledged as part of its character.
“Peut-être que… le Mistral m’aura rendu fou, mais en attendant, je trouve que ça fait partie du charme de la ville.” (44:00)
11. Final Thoughts: No Regrets (Yet)
- Hugo admits he’s just scratched the surface talking about Marseille and intends to do a dedicated episode or video on local life there.
- For now, he feels in a "lune de miel" (honeymoon phase) with Marseille and encourages feedback about personal episodes like this one.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On local bias and city stereotypes:
“Je pense que j’avais une vision assez biaisée [de Marseille], comme beaucoup de mes compatriotes.” (01:30)
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On why choosing is hard with remote work:
“La malédiction du télétravail… on pouvait s’installer n’importe où en France.” (14:10)
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On over-relying on statistics and preparation:
“J’ai créé un tableur Excel géant, une espèce de monstre…” (21:10)
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On the underwhelming reality of coastal tourist towns:
“Au bout de trois jours, on avait déjà l’impression d’avoir fait le tour.” (31:00)
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On susceptibility to trends:
“Moi, comme je suis un bobo influençable, il ne m’en faut pas plus…” (36:40)
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On the honeymoon phase in Marseille:
“J’ai l’impression qu’on est toujours en pleine lune de miel… on est toujours sous le charme de la ville.” (48:30)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 00:03 – Opening: Why this personal episode?
- 03:30 – Hugo’s years in Poland
- 08:30 – COVID, home-buying, and inertia
- 12:50 – Longing for France (mal du pays)
- 14:10 – The paralyzing freedom of remote work
- 17:00 – Using podcasts and quizzes to pick a city
- 21:10 – The spreadsheet and hyper-analytical approach
- 24:20 – The Châteauroux experience and the reality of small-town France
- 29:50 – Fantasies and realities of Biarritz and Pays Basque
- 32:40 – Why not to bet everything on surfing
- 36:40 – Hearing about Marseille and its new cool factor
- 39:50 – First impressions of Marseille and the Andoum neighborhood
- 44:00 – Marseille’s relief, weather, and the famous Mistral wind
- 48:30 – Reflections and looking forward
Conclusion
This lighthearted but reflective episode delivers more than just a personal relocation story; it’s a lesson in how our perceptions, aspirations, and circumstances shape where and how we live. Through humor, candid anecdotes, and insightful observations, Hugo demystifies a major French city while providing listeners with vocabulary, cultural context, and real-life linguistic examples—true to the InnerFrench mission.
Feedback is welcome—Hugo invites listeners to share if they prefer personal episodes or would rather he “arrête de raconter [sa] vie dans le podcast.” (49:10)