An Expat Talks about Moving to Montpellier, France

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Montpellier

Name three things that you wish you had brought and three you wish you had left at home.

I wish I had brought ALL of my sewing things, ALL of our books, and my basket collection.

I wish I had left some of our furniture behind because the houses here are much smaller than in the states. I wish I had left a lot of our clothes at home because the closets are much smaller here, and people wear the same clothes more often here.

I also wish I had left some of my jewelry at home. I just don't wear it here.

BlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions
Get Quote

BlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions (BCBS) offers global health plans for international assignments or trips lasting 6 months or longer. With access to over 1.7M medical providers in 190 countries around the world, BCBS provides members with solutions and industry-leading digital services - ensuring top-quality coverage to people who live, work, study and travel internationally.

BlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions

BlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions (BCBS) offers global health plans for international assignments or trips lasting 6 months or longer. With access to over 1.7M medical providers in 190 countries around the world, BCBS provides members with solutions and industry-leading digital services - ensuring top-quality coverage to people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

What advice would you give someone preparing to move to your area about the actual move, choosing a neighborhood and finding a home?

Rent first until you know the area. Furnished rentals are the best for short-term, otherwise you are expected to take a 3-year lease.

Check out my information site on moving to France,at www.moving-to-france-made-easy.com.

What type of housing do you live in? Is this typical for most expats in your area?

House -- Some live in houses and some rent a townhouse type villa.

How did you choose your neighborhood and find your home or apartment?

word of mouth recommendation

Are your housing costs higher or lower than they were in your home country? What is the average cost of housing there?

They are somewhat cheaper than San Antonio, Texas, where we moved from. They have, however, gone up by at least 25% since we bought in the summer of 2000.