French-Paraguayan Adis Sophie Frémont (41) moved to Amsterdam from Paris in 2010. Today, she’s an entrepreneurial mother of two who loves her bakfiets, recommends renting a boat in sunny weather and loves the way the Dutch put their chairs out on the pavement and sit there with a glass of wine.

How did you end up in the Netherlands?
I landed here in December 2009, right at the start of my career when I was in importing and exporting plastic packaging material. Not something I ever intended to get into, you understand. It was post-financial crisis, and the Netherlands still had a lot of opportunities, unlike France, where I’m originally from. But beyond jobs, I was really looking for a different work culture. Something more international, more Anglo-Saxon in mindset.

When I was offered a job to relocate, I thought “Let’s try it for a year and see”.
Her I am, 16 years later, married to a Greek man, raising a family, running a business, and feeling deeply connected to this little country I now call home.

How do you describe yourself – an expat, lovepat, immigrant, international?
I’m half French, half Paraguayan. Grew up in France, lived in the UK, Finland, Spain, and China before settling in Amsterdam. Yes, I do tend to say Amsterdam rather that the Netherlands. I feel European, global, rooted in values more than geography.

How long do you plan to stay?
We’re quite settled here and plan to stay another 10-15 years. Though, we’re dreaming of a travel sabbatical as a family somewhere a bit more exotic, maybe for a few months. Longer term, we’ll probably split even more time between France and Greece, where both sides of our families are. We’d like a bit more sun in our lives. But Amsterdam will always be one of our “home bases”.

Do you speak Dutch and how did you learn?
We’re a true mix at home, four languages fly around our dinner table.The kids are fluent in Dutch, my partner is Greek, and technically, my husband and I have a B2 certificate, but we don’t practice often.

But I’ll be honest: I rarely practice. It’s one of those things that got deprioritized while raising kids and growing a business. Not my proudest confession.

What’s your favourite Dutch thing?
The bakfiets! I still love riding the kids to school in that big electric bike, it gives me this feeling of freedom and simplicity. We can go anywhere. Its like a small car but more environmentally-friendly. And no, I don’t wear a helmet.

Also, giving birth in water at a birth centre here was an experience I really treasure. And the education system? So many school options, including Montessori, which is a luxury where I come from. That kind of access is something I really appreciate as a parent.

How Dutch have you become?
I’ve now fully embraced the “three months ahead” planner mindset! I’m not sure that I like it but it’s just the way things are here. I was always quite direct, but living here amplified that trait. I’ve become more unapologetically honest, more structured… and strangely excited about a good agenda layout!

Which three Dutch people (dead or alive) would you most like to meet?

Eva Gouwens from Fairphone. I admire her mission and leadership. My background in sustainable packaging taught me the power of repair, reuse, and thoughtful consumption. Yes, I own a Fairphone, currently waiting for a well-deserved repair.

Queen Máxima, of course. Her global perspective and advocacy for women’s empowerment really align with what I do. I’d love to meet her, not just for the story, but to see if there’s space to collaborate on supporting women navigating change.

Carice van Houten, the actress from Game of Thrones. There’s something about how she embodies strength and complexity that I find fascinating.

What’s your top tourist tip?
Not so original and yet I would advise you to go to the Stedelijk or Rijksmuseum.
Drink a nice cappucino in one of the very many incredibly delicious coffee places the city has to offer like Bocca or Back to Black.

If the weather’s good, go on a boat ride or even just take ferry across to Amsterdam Noord. If it’s really good? Gather some friends, take a day boat out, and picnic. Simple pleasures, deep joy.

Tell us something surprising you’ve found out about the Netherlands
It used to surprise me how open people were, like literally, their windows. You can see right into their homes. But now I kind of love that transparency. And the street chairs! I adore that people just set one outside and sit. It says: I’m here. I’m part of this street. I’m present, let’s talk.

If you had just 24 hours left in the Netherlands, what would you do?
Eat some bitterballen, drink a beer in a brown café, walk along the canals, and just breathe in the “do-your-own-thing” vibe of Amsterdam. Be exactly who you are. That’s what this city lets you do.

Adis Sophie Frémont (41) is the founder of Beyond Boundaries and, since 2025, an official partner of Designing Your Life, a renowned method offering workshops for leaders and women. Find out more about her work.