Près and Proche

Question

I have not seen this one addressed elsewhere, so I will post it and see if there is any advice. In all the exercises so far, "près de" is used. I am in Quebec and have been using "proche de", which seems to be commonly used.

So - the question: is there some subtle differences in the use of "près" or "proche" which I should learn?

Accepted Answer

Hi Herb,
https://progress.lawlessfrench.com/questions/view/can-one-say-plus-proche-de-quelqu-un-as-well-as-plus-pres#AnswerAddForm
Have a look above where a similar question was answered.
http://bdl.oqlf.gouv.qc.ca/bdl/index.aspx
Also, the above site may be of particular help given your location  --  simply enter each word and read the information  --  I think you will find this site very helpful.
Jim

Answer

Près de -- indicates spatial proximity to something
Il s'est assis près de moi. -- He sat down close to me.

Proche de -- indicates an emotional closeness, not a spatial one.
Il ne vit pas près de chez moi, bien qu'on soit très proches. -- He doesn't live near me even though we are quite close (friends).