An Expat Talks about Moving to Saint Raphael, France
What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?
Saint Raphael
Name three things that you wish you had brought and three you wish you had left at home.
Three things I wish I had brought: I basically brought a little of everything. I wish I'd brought a portable DVD player, and blank CDs and DVDs (they're much more expensive here!).
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We've partnered with Homelike, to connect expats and newcomers with temporary accommodations in France. If you're moving to France, rent a short-term, furnished apartment or home for the first few months from Homelike and take your time figuring out the best place to live in France.
We've partnered with Homelike, to connect expats and newcomers with temporary accommodations in France. If you're moving to France, rent a short-term, furnished apartment or home for the first few months from Homelike and take your time figuring out the best place to live in France.
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What advice would you give someone preparing to move to your area about the actual move, choosing a neighborhood and finding a home?
Try to get an "in" with a local, or use the classifieds. You can stay cheaply in a hotel until you find a place, and you could easily come here and start looking in classifieds. It would be good to speak some French since the locals only know a few phrases, for the most part.
What type of housing do you live in? Is this typical for most expats in your area?
I live in an apartment that I share with someone else. Most of the few expats I know in my town also rent appartments, as buying is very expensive in this coastal town.
How did you choose your neighborhood and find your home or apartment?
I had an inside contact, so it was somewhat easy. If you aren't so lucky, I recommend a couple of websites: www.seloger.net and www.seloger.com and www.logic-immo.com. Local classified sections can be helpful, too. Var Matin and Nice Matin newspapers, etc.
Traveling Mailbox
Traveling Mailbox serves thousands of travelers, expats, digital nomads, businesses, individuals and others in over 47 Countries by scanning their postal mail so they can view it online anywhere in the world. They provide customer service 7 days a week so if you need assistance, it is just a phone call away. Traveling Mailbox works with Evernote, Bill.com and Dropbox. And, there are Traveling Mailbox apps available for iOS and Android devices.
Traveling Mailbox
Traveling Mailbox serves thousands of travelers, expats, digital nomads, businesses, individuals and others in over 47 Countries by scanning their postal mail so they can view it online anywhere in the world. They provide customer service 7 days a week so if you need assistance, it is just a phone call away. Traveling Mailbox works with Evernote, Bill.com and Dropbox. And, there are Traveling Mailbox apps available for iOS and Android devices.
Are your housing costs higher or lower than they were in your home country? What is the average cost of housing there?
Housing costs are lower here than in my home country, but high for France. For a studio, expect to pay about 400 euros, for a one to two bedroom, about 500-700 euros a month.
Additional Information:
- France Guide
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in France
- Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in France
- Best Places to Live in France
- Real Estate in France
- Guide to Real Estate in France
- Pros & Cons of Living in France
- Cost of Living in France
- Essential Guide to the Health System in France
- Expat Guide to Residency in France
- 11 Best Places to Live in France
- Healthcare in France
- Pros and Cons of Living in France 2024
- 2024 Guide to Moving to France