In this series, we are interviewing members of our club, so that you can get to know each other a bit better. Today we talk with Roxana Dumitriu about her life and work in the region.
What brought you to the French Riviera?
When I first came to France I was living near Paris. It was a bit too much, too noisy and too crowded and in a continuous rush.Then I moved to the Provence which was wonderful but too quiet for a young person.
I later discovered Nice which was the perfect mix. That was in 2007 and never left since.
Could you tell us about your professional career? What do or did you do for work?
Although I am a political analyst and quite passionate about it, I have two companies in the real estate field.
First one, AEstates, is a management company that offers full property services to private clients.
Second one, Lafayette Transactions, is new and does real estate transactions. The new bussiness was born after I met my partner Alexis who is a local real estate agent.
And we realised that combining my international clientele expertise with his local knowledge could provide our clients a complete range of services.
Over the years I have specialised in providing property services to international clients. We help them settle in the South of France and navigate the French system in all the required domains.
Why did you decide to start your own business?
I have worked since 2010 as a property manager for several big companies in the South of France. They were all wonderful experiences and I owe a lot of what I know today to each of them.
Although it was great I always felt I needed to do things my way and take my own decisions and act without prior permission.
So I went out on my own!
Not an easy task and hard to deal at times but a lot more rewarding on a personal note.
What would be your best advice to others thinking about living or working on the French Riviera?
Be patient!
You need an enormous amount of patience to be able to do anything here. But trust me it is so rewarding when you actually get to the end of it!
I love the concept of the club. I have made wonderful connections and I apreciate most the mix of professional and casual atmosphere that the meetings provide.
My only regret is not having more time to attend more of your events.
Fun facts about Roxana Dumitriu!
Since when do you live on the French Riviera?
Since 2007.
Where are you originally from?
I am originally from Romania.
What languages do you speak?
I speak fluent Romanian, English and French and I have a conversation level in Italian and Spanish.
What is your favourite wine?
Any Chardonnay from Bourgogne 😊
What is your favourite spot on the French Riviera?
Too many!
To mention just a few : Nice and Saint Paul de Vence at the top, Saint Jean Cap Ferrat and the small mountains villages
What French word do you find difficult to pronounce?
Still after all these years the numbers between 80 and 100. I always have to pause and do the math in my head 😊
Would you like to be introduced on our website and social channels like Roxana Dumitriu as well? Sign up for the Business Membership or contact us for more information.
