In Chocolat, what is the background of Vianne growing up?

This answer is going to use information from the book rather than the film.
In terms of Vianne’s background, there is not that much difference between the two pieces. Readers know from very early on in the story that Vianne frequently moves from place to place, but we don’t know why. Readers are eventually told about her background, and we see that Vianne is continuing the gypsy or vagabond lifestyle that her mother established many years before the book takes place. A big part of their travels is the wind. We are told several times that they move wherever the wind of “gypsy wanderlust” takes them. This is something that the film hits upon as well.
From her mother, Vianne learned all kinds of mystic sayings and practices. She has also learned multiple languages, worked multiple trades, and been to many different countries. Vianne’s mother died of cancer, and Vianne was left to continue the lifestyle with her young daughter, Anouk.