Moving to France

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:

"The housing and neighborhoods south of the Loire river is more expensive but are nicer. When deciding where to live, think about the traffic you will face daily to get to and from work. All rental contracts in France allow the renter to get out with three month notice to the owner. If the owner wants to remove the tenant, he has to have a legimate reason such as non-payment of rent or he wants to move into the property himself. He can't just arbitrarily force you out even if he sells the property to another person. You can stay as long as your contract which is either 3 or 6 years. Read the book by David Hampshire entitled "Buying a Home in France"," commented one expat who made the move to Orleans.

"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," remarked one expat in Montpellier, France.

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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:

"Our first place was determined because it was close to my work in Geneva, Switzerland but on the French side of the border. Colleagues at work told us it was less expensive to live in France. When I retired we moved to the Orleans area to be close to Paris without living in Paris (too much traffic, noise, polution typical of any big city in the world). We found this house to rent on a French real estate website which was large (for France), in a quiet neighborhood and close to shopping and other services. The added benefit is that our neighbors are all very, very nice and welcoming," said one expat who made the move to Orleans.

"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," explained one expat living in Dijon, France.

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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.

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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.

SEARCH RENTALS

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," said one expat who made the move to Paris.

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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:

"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," said one expat in Saint Raphael.

"I know this house would rent for twice the 1000 Euros we pay monthly in the area we lived in Florida. I know because I had to arrange housing for our foreign executives and houses this size rented for $2,500 a month. I would say that Orleans is far less expensive that Paris but if you live in the country, you will naturally pay less. However, you won't have the conveniences we have," said one expat who made the move to Orleans.

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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:

"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," said one expat in France.

"I rent, this has been very easy. I avoid buying because I know I plant to move again in a few years and experience a new place," said one expat who made the move to Marseille.

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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:

"No regrets about this - we moved with personal possessions, but larger items we bought in France," said one expat in Eymet.

"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!)," remarked one expat who made the move to Saint Raphael.

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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!:

"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," remarked one expat who made the move to Pezenas.

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Why do people move to France?

When we asked people why foreigners move to France, they responded:

"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.

"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," commented one expat who moved to Epinal, France.

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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:

"Record keeping is your responsibility and you can't do it all online. Doctors don't keep a health file for you. Top-up supplemental insurance is needed to completely cover costs," offered one expat living in Bordeaux.

"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.

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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, healthcare is provided through a mix of public health insurance and private health insurance. All residents are required to have health insurance that covers their costs for hospital care, doctor visits, prescription medication, and other health services. The public health insurance system is largely funded by payroll and income taxes, and covers about 75% of costs for medically necessary services. Private health insurance companies are free to provide additional coverage for services not covered by the public system. France has a high-quality medical infrastructure, with access to some of the most advanced medical treatments and facilities in the world. The country has a strong commitment to preventive medicine and public health, and provides free vaccinations for children and free HIV and cancer screenings for adults. France also prioritizes access to mental health services, with a variety of specialized mental health clinics and centers throughout the country," commented one expat living in France.

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