Moving to France
Last updated on Jun 10, 2024
Summary: Many expats and digital nomads move to France for its rich culture, beautiful scenery, and excellent quality of life. Additionally, France is known for its excellent healthcare system, strong economy, and vibrant cities. People looking for a place to live in France can search online for rental properties, or contact a real estate agent for assistance. The most popular cities for expats and digital nomads in France are Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, and Nice.
What do I need to know before moving to France?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to France, they said:
"Moving here was the best thing I've ever done. The French lifestyle suits me better, although there are plenty of things I miss. I was quite surprised when I learned how the people outside of the US view Americans and the American way of life. I felt suddenly very exposed. I suppose I had assumed that Americans amuse themselves with TV and movies, a lot of it being self-parodying and self-referencing, and that other countries did the same thing. What I wasn't prepared for is that the rest of the world sees and is interested in all that we do. That not only do they see the good stuff, but they see all of the silly, dumb things too (Cops, Dude, Where's My Car?, Jerry Springer). Then there's the stereotype of France which Americans harbor unconsciously. French people all seem to have a similar story of how some Americans came to visit, carrying with them every modern convenience (like toilet paper) in the belief that here in France, all they would find would be chamberpots and donkeys pulling vegetable carts. The fact that I too had this impression makes me feel both embarrassed for all Americans and closer to my fellow Americans that I've ever felt. I've noticed that small changes in culture can have profound significance on the psyche, while at the same time the world looks more and more homogenous," said one expat who made the move to Cannes.
How do I find a place to live in France?
We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:
"One way to find a place to live in France is to search online and compare different listings. You can search websites like Immobilier.fr and SeLoger.com to find property listings. Additionally, you can search for a French real estate agent who can help you find a property in your desired area. You can also look for online forums where people post about their experiences in France, as well as ask for advice from locals. Another way to find a place to live is to reach out to contacts in France; people you know can provide tips on the best places to look for rental properties. Once you have narrowed down your choices, you can contact the landlords to see if you can view the property before deciding if it's the right place for you," remarked one expat in France.
"My husband asked his new collegues about the neighborhoods. One of his collegues (from HR) helped us find our home, we did a lot ourselves and my father, who lives here already, helped us too," said one expat in Dijon.
What is a typical expat home or apartment like in France?
"I live in an apartment provided by the state as my husband is a government employee. This is definitely NOT typical of expats because most of them would not be allowed to have this kind of housing. Most american expats would want something in better condition. We are willing to do work ourselves though because the rent is less than half of what it would be normally. Also, we were on a waiting list for a LONG time before we got this place. Most expats don't have that much time. Most of them also make more money too. I love our huge terrace and the view of the Eiffel Tower! I love our neighborhood - no tourists, near a nice park, friendly neighbors. I like that the toilet is separate from the bathroom, but wish there was a sink in there with it. I hate how kitchens in France are completely empty and closets don't even have shelves or something to hang clothes on. I love that our apartment has a large walk-in closet, but he had to construct the inside ourselves," explained one expat living in Paris, France.
"When moving to the dept 62 pas de Calais, remember to bring wet weather clothing for all the year round, and at least warm clothing for the 6 months of winter," said one expat in France.
"Three storey town house with no garden - enables us to travel by car around Europe with no home-worries," said one expat who made the move to Eymet.
What is the average cost of housing in France?
If you are thinking about moving to France, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:
"Well, because it's a state home our rent is very cheap. Still you can't compare to all of America. Normally rent here is much cheaper than New York City. But it's still much higher than, say, in Tucson, Arizona where I also lived. I know before, apartments in Paris could run from 125 - 150 FF per square meter. You do the math for Euros," replied a member in Paris.
"The cost of housing in France varies greatly depending on the area and type of accommodation. Overall, it is generally more expensive to rent than to own property, although buying a property in France can be an expensive venture due to high taxes and notary fees. The cost of housing in Paris is particularly high, but in other parts of the country, prices can be quite affordable," commented one expat who made the move to France.
Should I buy or rent a home in France?
If you have not spent a lot of time in France, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision:
"We had bought our home in 2004 and spent all our holidays (winter and Summer) at the house making a few changes and keeping the garden in check. Like any purchase in a foreign country there are different rules and regulations so it is as well to ensure you have a reliable agent and notaire to guide the process. If French is not your first language, or you are not fluent,or your notaire is not bi-lingual, then it is a requirement to have an authorised translator at the signings," said one expat who made the move to Aude and Herault Departments.
"Buying a home in France is an attractive option for long-term residence and investments, but renting a home may make more sense for short-term stays. Renting can be more cost-effective when factoring in upfront costs and ongoing maintenance fees. You may also be able to find rentals that provide access to amenities that may not be available when purchasing a home. It all depends on your goals and budget. Renting can also provide you with some flexibility in case you decide you want to move to a different part of the country. Ultimately, it is important to do your research and consider both your goals and budget before making a decision," explained one expat living in France.
"I bought a 400 year old village house after living a year in an apartment in Montpellier. The process is difficult due to the searching and then the closing takes months," said one in Pezenas.
What should I pack when moving to France?
We asked people living in France to list three things they wish they had brought and three they wish they had left behind. They responded:
"When packing for a move to France, it is best to consider the climate and culture of the country. Pack warm clothing, including sweaters and coats, for cooler weather or rain. Bring a variety of comfortable clothing that is also suitable for semi-formal occasions. Items such as scarves and hats are always useful in France. Include personal items such as your passport, prescription medications, documents, and important contacts. If you are using a shipping company, pack all electronics, large appliances, art, furniture, and other breakable items. Don't forget to bring personal items such as books, music, photos and keepsakes," said one expat in France.
"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," said one expat who made the move to Montpellier.
"No regrets about this - we moved with personal possessions, but larger items we bought in France," explained one expat living in Eymet, France.

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What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in France?
We asked people in France if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!:
"It is important to remember not to make sudden physical contact without permission and to maintain a certain level of personal space. Making fun of the French language should also be avoided. Furthermore, dressing too casually and being discourteous or impatient in public can be seen as a sign of disrespect. Refraining from speaking loudly and using offensive language is also critical for avoiding cultural faux pas. Finally, always show politeness and gratitude by greeting people, learning a few local phrases, and using proper etiquette when dining," said one expat who made the move to France.
"Oh God yes! I once asked a guy about making a local dish. He told me his mother made the best. The next thing I know we're on his little moto going to her house -- where she gives me a cooking lesson, feeds me, and we spend the night learning why the local wine is better. People here are really nice, outgoing, sharing. If you break through the first barriers, you've made it. Another time I asked someone where they got a really nice shirt, the next day I got an all morning shopping tour," explained one expat living in Pezenas, France.
Why do people move to France?
When we asked people why foreigners move to France, they responded:
"Mostly for work or school. Epinal is home to the only public timber engineering school in France, and also houses some international companies such as Michelin," wrote one expat living in Epinal.
"The appeal of France to expats is largely due to its relaxed lifestyle, rich culture, and excellent infrastructure. Its long-standing reputation as a haven for artists and its sophisticated cities and stunning countryside provide endless opportunities for exploration and inspiration. From its stunning natural landscapes to its vibrant and diverse cities, France offers plenty of attractions that make it an attractive destination for expats. The high standard of living, great educational opportunities, and excellent healthcare system mean that expats can feel secure in the knowledge that they can enjoy France’s unique atmosphere and high quality of life. Additionally, the country's robust social security system and extensive job market open a wealth of opportunities for those looking to relocate. With its world-class culture, cuisine, and art, France has something for everyone, making it an ideal place for expats to call home," commented one expat living in France.

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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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How are healthcare services France?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in France, they replied:
"It's a small town, so most doctors don't use English much. If you must communicate in English, it would help to research some of the necessary terminology beforehand (perhaps write your questions in French)," wrote one expat living in Epinal.
What are medical services in France like?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in France, they replied:
"In France, medical services are generally of a high quality. The country has a comprehensive public health system, which provides free or low-cost healthcare to all citizens. The public system is supplemented by a range of private health insurance plans, which offer more comprehensive coverage. France also has a well-developed network of hospitals and clinics, staffed by highly trained medical professionals. In addition, France has a number of specialized medical centers, such as cancer treatment centers and research institutes," said one expat.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before moving to France?
- How do I find a place to live in France?
- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in France?
- What is the average cost of housing in France?
- Should I buy or rent a home in France?
- What should I pack when moving to France?
- What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in France?
- Why do people move to France?
- How are healthcare services in France?
- What are medical services in France like?
- What are typical rents in France?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?