Interview: Steve Kocheran
Welcome to the ‘MyFrenchLife™ Member Interview Series’ – interviews with savvy Francophiles from all around the world capturing their passion secrets and tips, all about their favourite places in France, from Paris to Provence.
- As you read these interviews you’ll become immersed in the individual member’s ‘French Life’.
- Learn why France is so special in their eyes & how they came to be so passionate about France.
- Discover so much more about France in the process and
- also you’ll personally benefit from the tips & discoveries these savvy Francophile frequent travellers generously share.
Introducing Steve Kocheran
As a former history teacher, originally from California, I took early retirement to live in Paris with my now-husband.
It was a decision made without ever having a single regret. I did—for a time—go back to teaching at an American International High School outside of Paris in Verneuil-sur-Seine. That was an experience I hold dear to my heart.
But, from the beginning, Paris was never my first choice. At first, I didn’t like it. It was dark, dreary sad, and people rude. Yet with each visit, I became more and more in tune with the spirit of Paris and France. I met my now-husband and that triggered my desire to live in France. I’ve always felt more of a connection in Europe than in the United States. In Europe, I was always—and continue to be—more content.
However, Paris has opened my eyes and my heart. Eric and I lived in the 14th arrondissement of Paris for nearly 15 years. He had lived there for over 30 and wanted to live outside of Paris where life is slower, the air is cleaner and the noise is less. Paris has its own beauty but we have discovered the beauty of Le Loiret. Paris allowed me to become the person I was meant to be; Le Loiret has allowed me to develop that person even more.
Recently, my husband and I decided to leave Paris for peace and quiet, clean air, and the freedom of country life. We chose a small village just over an hour south of Paris, not far from Fontainebleau. Our home is in a parklike setting and we are loving the love it gives back to us.
My first trip to France—becoming a Francophile
My first visit to Paris was in 1981.
Other than seeing the typical tourist sites and loving every minute of that, I was not impressed with the city and the people. I found it dirty, people rude and it seemed an unhappy place.
From that first time, I visited Paris between 25-30 times. With each visit a new sense of belonging overcame me. I got to see the transformation of the city itself and also the general population. It became brighter along with its spirit. It reached a point that I would often cry knowing I had to return home to California.
What I love – about Paris and France
Paris has allowed me to become the person I was meant to be. As a former history teacher, I was fascinated with French history, its museums, architecture and café life. Once a Francophile, you carry a spirit with you that resonates with everything you do.
Am I a different person in France?
Yes, I am! I’m me!
That original feeling of contentment has remained strong. I see and feel the history, the beauty! Right now my husband and I live in a small village with our home being in a smaller hamlet of 5 homes. At first, I wasn’t impressed with the village and the surrounding environment, but once I got on my bike and started to explore, I found the beauty. That’s what I mean by ‘carrying the spirit within’ it can mean a new discovery in Paris or a tiny village in the country.
My favourite locations in Paris
My favourite arrondissement is the 3rd in the Marais. It was my first home when I moved to Pairs and where my transformation would begin. It was here that I found the Parisian spirit and it became mine. We would eventually move to the 14th arrondissement and call it home for nearly 15 years. Here I continued to explore and find more and more beauty in this spectacular city.
My favourite places to eat
In the Marais…
Café Vito 12 rue des Archives 75004
Les Marroniers 18 rue des Archives 75004
Le Colimaçon 44 rue Vielle du Temple 75004
Elsewhere in Paris…
Kitchen Ter 26 blvd St. Germain 75005
Le Casse Noix 56 rue de la Fédération 75015
My favourite places to stroll in Paris
- The gardens of the National Archives which allows for quiet meditation, a place to have lunch with a friend, read a book, or just rest from hours of sightseeing.
- La Petite Ceinture which is an abandoned railway that circle Paris with the best option being ‘Passage de la Petite Ceinture’ near Parc Brassens in the 15th arrondissement.
- The beautiful covered passages of Paris, Passage du Grand Cerf, Passage des Panoramas, Galerie Vivienne to name a few.
- Boat ride on the Canal St. Martin
- Rue Cremieux in the 12th arrondissement
- Promenade Plantée
My best purchase ever
My small Baccarat collection from Cristal Room Baccarat 11 rue des Etats-Unis
Most notable recent experiences
Discovering hidden treasures and beauty near our new home in Le Loiret.
We live in a tiny hamlet and are surrounded by ‘villages caractère’ and some plus beaux villages de France.’ I’ve only recently begun to explore the area and am discovering its beauty and learning more of its history. The Loiret is a beautiful region near Paris, Orleans, and the Loire Valley.
Notable exhibitions
- Petit Palais is a beautiful venue to stroll and enjoy the collection ranging from early 20th century to antiquity.
- Musée Marmottan leaves me speechless every time. A Monet fan? Don’t miss it!
- Musée Carnavalet recently reopened and displays the history of Paris.
- Musée Bourdelle which was an accidental find many years ago and remains a favourite of mine and also to the many people I’ve recommended it. Beautiful permanent exhibition and lovely gardens.
- Musée Jacquemart-André has a beautiful collection in a stunning hotêl particulier
Tips and what I would like to share
- Come to Paris having done some research into the history, architecture, and culture.
- Once here you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy your choices even more.
- Stroll off the beaten path. It’s quite difficult to get lost!
- Use public transportation.
Thank you Steve for sharing such a wonderful story! There are many MyFrenchLife members who’d happily step in your shoes given even half a chance.
What a dream French Life! If you have any comments or questions for Steve please leave them below.
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Read more MyFrenchLife member interviews of inspiring Francophiles
1. Keith Van Sickle
2. Ray Johnstone
3. Henrie Richer
4. Janet Hulstrand
5. Virginia Jones
6. Gina Hunt
7. Jane S. Gabin
8. Susan Kiernan-Lewis
9. Elisabeth Sauvage-Callaghan
10. Grahame Elliott
11. Steve Kocheran (soon to come)
11. What is MyFrenchLife – MaVieFrancaise to you & how long have you been a member?
I love to see Paris or France through someone else’s eyes and heart.
About the Contributor
Judy MacMahon
