About Sophie
The unintended expat blogger behind Clear Brook Lens
Photo: Clear Brook Lens
Hi, I’m Sophie
A project manager, a parent, and an expat living in Lyon, France.
A few years ago I moved here with my family. What began as a temporary assignment gradually became a new chapter of life abroad.
How It Started
Moving to France wasn’t part of the long-term plan. Like many expat journeys, it began with a work opportunity and soon grew into something far larger.
The early months were demanding — new systems, new routines, new expectations. Everyday tasks seemed more complicated than they ought to be.
The Adjustment Period
There was culture shock, uncertainty, and a lot of learning by doing. But gradually, routines formed. We found places that worked for us, connected with other families, and began building something that felt solid.
Why I Created Clear Brook Lens
Most information online was either corporate relocation guidance or superficial tourism material. What was missing was an honest, everyday family perspective.
This site exists to close that gap — practical guidance drawn from real life in France.
What this site covers (and what it does not)
This site is:
- Hands-on experience from living in France
- Centered on family life and day-to-day realities
- Updated only when meaningful changes occur
This site is not:
- Not a tourism authority resource
- A platform for sponsored reviews
- A generic travel blog
Looking forward
Our time 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, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Best regards,
Sophie
Lyon, France