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Expat Exchange > France

France

  Coastal   Beaches  
Cost of Living: High
Train Access: Yes (sncf, tgv, rer, very safe)
Bus Service: Yes (RATP, Transdev, Keolis, relatively safe)

France, officially the French Republic, is a country whose territory consists of metropolitan France in Western Europe and several overseas regions and territories. The metropolitan area of France extends from the Mediterranean Sea to the English Channel and the North Sea, and from the Rhine to the Atlantic Ocean. It is bordered by Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco, Spain, and Andorra. France is known for its rich history, culture, and significant influence on art, science, and philosophy. It is the world's most popular tourist destination, receiving around 89 million foreign tourists annually pre-pandemic. Paris, France's capital, is famed for its fashion houses, classical art museums including the Louvre, and monuments like the Eiffel Tower. The country is also renowned for its wines and sophisticated cuisine. French is the official language, and the country is a semi-presidential republic. France is a founding member of the United Nations and serves as one of the permanent members of the UN Security Council. It is also a member of the European Union, the Eurozone, and the Schengen Area. The geography of France is diverse, with beaches along the coastlines, including the famous French Riviera, and mountain ranges such as the Alps and Pyrenees. The French countryside is dotted with quaint villages and sprawling vineyards, and the nation has several major rivers, including the Seine, the Loire, the Garonne, and the Rhône. The climate varies from region to region but can be categorized mainly as temperate with mild winters and warm summers in most parts of the country, although the coastal regions enjoy a Mediterranean climate. France has a strong economy, being one of the world's largest, and its influence spans across various sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and luxury goods. The country is also a global leader in the field of education and boasts several top-ranking universities and research institutions. France's political system has a significant impact on both European and global affairs, and its cultural heritage continues to be celebrated around the world. The French are known for their protection of the French language and promotion of "Francophonie" as a global community of French-speaking peoples. With its blend of historical legacy and contemporary innovation, France remains a key player on the international stage and a country of enduring fascination and allure.

French Riviera House Hunting - FRHFrench Riviera House Hunting - FRH
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We are the best possible negotiator to help our expatriate clients to safely, efficiently and effectively find the right property in the right place in the French Riviera. Whether buying or renting, French Riviera House Hunting's objective is to find the best place for you, making sure that there are no hidden problems in the acquisition or renting process!

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French Riviera House Hunting - FRHFrench Riviera House Hunting - FRH

We are the best possible negotiator to help our expatriate clients to safely, efficiently and effectively find the right property in the right place in the French Riviera. Whether buying or renting, French Riviera House Hunting's objective is to find the best place for you, making sure that there are no hidden problems in the acquisition or renting process!
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Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

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Podcasts

Finding the Good Life in France

Finding the Good Life in France

In this episode, Josh talks to Janine Marsh, publisher of The Good Life France. After buying a house in the French countryside on a whim, she turned her love of France into a bustling business she never even dreamed of having!
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Living in France

Movies Set: Amélie, Midnight in Paris, The Da Vinci Code, Ratatouille
Popular Foods: French cuisine is renowned worldwide for its finesse and flavor. Some of the most popular foods include baguettes, cheese, and croissants. Coq au vin and boeuf bourguignon are classic French dishes, while desserts like crème brûlée and macarons are beloved by many.
Unusual Eats: Andouillette is a sausage made from intestines and stomach of the pig that has a very strong odor, which can be off-putting to those not accustomed to it. Another unusual dish is tête de veau, which is a calf's head cooked and served with sauce gribiche.
Popular Sports: football, rugby, tennis, cycling
Popular Teams: Paris Saint-Germain (football), Olympique Lyonnais (football), AS Monaco (football), Stade Toulousain (rugby)
Cultural Faux Pas to Avoid: Speaking loudly in public or being overly assertive in conversation can be seen as rude in France. It's also a faux pas to cut the lettuce in a salad with a knife and fork instead of folding it with your fork alone. Visitors should also avoid discussing money or personal wealth, as these topics are considered private matters.

Best Places to Live in France

Discover the top-ranked towns in France. Click on the town's name for a full profile of each town.
1
Paris
2
Saint-Tropez
3
Arcachon
4
Bordeaux
5
French Riviera
6
Nice
7
Annecy
8
Aix-en-Provence
9
Lyon
10
Cannes
11
Maisons-Laffitte
12
Montpellier
13
Strasbourg
14
Dordogne
15
Orleans
Rankings are based on a combination of many factors including schools, recreation, family-friendliness, cost of living and crime.

Visa & Residency

Difficulty Obtaining: average
Popular Expat Visa/s: Talent Passport, Long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit (VLS-TS)
Popular Nomad Visa/s: Long-stay visa for visitors, which allows them to live in France for up to one year

Obtaining a residency in France involves several steps and can vary in complexity depending on the type of visa applied for. The Talent Passport is a popular choice for highly skilled expats, which is valid for four years and renewable. It is designed for various categories of professionals including researchers, artists, and business founders. Another common option is the Long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit (VLS-TS), which allows expats to live in France for up to a year without the need for a separate residence permit. Upon arrival in France, holders of this visa must validate it within three months. For digital nomads, the Long-stay visa for visitors is a suitable option. This visa does not permit employment in France but allows individuals to reside in the country for up to a year. Applicants must prove they have sufficient financial means, health insurance, and accommodation. The process generally starts with an application submitted to the French consulate or embassy in the applicant's home country. Required documentation typically includes a passport, application forms, photos, proof of financial means, health insurance, and a letter explaining the purpose of the stay. Some visas may require additional documents such as a job offer, proof of professional skills, or a business plan. Once the initial visa is granted and the individual arrives in France, they may need to undergo a medical examination and apply for a residence permit (carte de séjour) if planning to stay longer than the visa's validity. The difficulty of the process can vary, but France has made efforts to streamline visa applications for skilled professionals and entrepreneurs. However, navigating the French bureaucracy can still be challenging, and proficiency in French is often helpful. It is advisable to start the application process well in advance of the intended move date and to consult the official French visa website or a professional for the most current information and guidance.

Healthcare in France

The healthcare system in France is known for its high quality and is a hybrid system combining both public and private sectors. The public healthcare system is funded by the government through a system called Sécurité Sociale, which provides universal coverage to all residents, including expats who have entered the system. Private healthcare exists alongside the public system, offering additional services and shorter waiting times for those who can afford it. The quality of healthcare in France is generally excellent, with a high ratio of doctors to patients and modern facilities. Public healthcare is mostly free at the point of use, funded by taxation, while private healthcare costs can vary widely. Expats and digital nomads can gain access to public healthcare once they are registered in the French system, which typically involves having a job or being a resident in France.

"Hello, I am an American. My husband and I along with our 4 and 7 year old will be relocating for 1-2 years and need help on deciding on the best town. I will not be working, and would like to rely on walking or public transportation to get around. A short distance to the beach would be great - 30 minutes or less. Montpellier, Narbonne, Beziers, Sete, Nimes? Suggestions please? Thank you, Jennifer" - BOSTONBAT

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Cost of Living

The cost of living in France is considered high, especially in major cities like Paris, where housing, goods, and services can be quite expensive. However, the cost of living can be more moderate in smaller towns and rural areas.

Weather

France experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. The weather varies from region to region, with cooler temperatures in the north and warmer weather in the south. Winters can be cold with snow in some areas, while summers are generally warm and pleasant. Coastal regions benefit from milder weather due to the influence of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.

Educational System in France

The educational system in France is renowned for its rigorous curriculum and state control over educational standards. Education is compulsory for children aged 3 to 16, with many students continuing until they are 18. The system is divided into several stages: école maternelle (preschool), école élémentaire (elementary school), collège (middle school), and lycée (high school). Preschool, which is not mandatory, starts at age 3 and continues until age 6. Elementary school begins at age 6 and lasts for five years, after which students enter middle school at age 11. Middle school lasts for four years, and students receive a diploma called the Diplôme National du Brevet upon completion. High school is divided into the general, technological, and vocational paths, lasting three years. Students aim to pass the baccalauréat exam at the end of high school, which is necessary for university admission. The French educational system is known for its formal and structured approach, with a strong emphasis on academics, particularly in mathematics and literature. The state provides free education at public schools, though private schools are also available. The school year runs from September to July, with several holidays throughout. French schools are known for their long school days, often starting around 8:30 am and ending at 4:30 pm, with a longer lunch break. Wednesday afternoons are typically free for younger students. The quality of education is generally high, with a focus on critical thinking and in-depth subject knowledge.

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