Getting Curious About Scots in France
Okay so I was chilling at this café in Bordeaux last month when I overheard bagpipes blasting from someone’s phone. Freaked me out cause we’re deep in wine country, right? Made me wonder – how many Scottish folks actually live in France? Grabbed my laptop right there and googled “Scottish communities France”.
Hunting Down Tartan Traces
First stop was Facebook groups – joined “Scots in France” and “Brittany Caledonia Society”. Scrolled for hours seeing posts about:
- Burns Night suppers happening in random French châteaus
- Ceilidh dance workshops in Paris basements
- This wild annual rugby match between “French Ecossais” teams
Checked French census sites too but surprise surprise – no “Scottish” category. Had to dig through expat forums and tourism blogs instead. Found out there’s whole Scottish clans hiding out in Dordogne of all places!
Train-Hopping to Meet Real Scottish Frenchies
Bought a cheap rail pass and started bouncing between towns. Near Tours I found Fiona who runs “Highland Fling Tea Room” – her scones could kill a man they’re so good. She showed me photos from the 80s when she first moved here without speaking French.
Then in Normandy stumbled upon Hamish restoring WWII planes. Dude switched from whisky to Calvados but still wears his kilt to weddings. Crazy stories about Scots smuggling single malts into France during prohibition times!
Discovering Their Secret Spots
These folks built little Scotland chunks everywhere:
- This pub in Pau with framed Rangers/Celtic scarves and haggis spring rolls
- Tiny Gaelic library in a Lyon apartment (three shelves but still counts!)
- Hidden whisky cave under a Strasbourg butcher shop – legit saw a Saltire flag down there
Why France? The Surprising Answers
When I asked why France over say Spain or Portugal, got wild replies:
“French actually understand our rain obsession” – Dave from Toulouse
“Try finding decent shortbread in Portugal” – Margaret who bakes for 12 grandkids
Biggest shock? Loads came during Brexit chaos saying “We’re European first, British second.”
Anyway wrapping up my notes smelling like whisky and Gauloises smoke. These Scots aren’t just expats – they’ve knitted themselves into France’s fabric. Might join their Bastille Day pipe march next summer!
