Living in France

"Nice town but speaking French is a big advantage as the most spoken languages are French (suprise, suprise) and German. Very few people speak much English that I have found so far," remarked one expat living in Strasbourg, France.

"I just returned from Biarritz as I met my fiance there from Ukraine. We loved it. The scale and charm of the city is what we like and of course the beaches and the ocean. We took a day trip to San Sebastian and it's enough for us to get that "Spanish" experience we might need on occasion. The aquarium is amazing, the food is awesome and the French people are very delightful, even if you are American)). Have no idea what it costs to rent a place, so need to research further. I would suspect if you live in nearby Bidart ( a bit south of Biarritz) it might cost less. Everything is walkable and the airport is fairly nearby. Grocery stores everywhere in town and the prices are great. Euros buys you more so don't worry about the exchange rate for dollars as it stands now. If we get Biden out of office, the dollar will get stronger again," wrote one member in Biarritz.

"Well, firstly - great to hear that there is nothing to wait for. Just start learning some French...take few documents with yourself as France seems to like red tape very much and you need papers for everything! Take some birth certificates for sure. Don't worry about the accommodation because here in Lyon you will get many estate agencies to help you out and they speak English! And mostly...read some blogs, forums, expats websites which will provide you with the up to date info," remarked one expat who made the move to Lyon.

"There is a club for English speaking women which welcomes all nationalities of woman who speak English or want to improve their English. It's called the International Women's Club. They organize coffees, book reviews, activities for children and outings for the women members like visits to other cities," wrote a member in Orleans.

"I am still waiting to find this out. I have heard of an English library that may well be of benefit to visit," commented one expat who made the move to Strasbourg.

"Expats living in France often join clubs and activities that are specific to their interests. Depending on their location, expats can join French language groups, hiking groups, cultural immersion groups, book clubs, business groups, wine tasting groups, and more. Other ways that expats meet people when living in France include attending community events, finding volunteer opportunities, and connecting with local networks and expat communities," remarked one expat living in France.

"I am newly resident in Nice but have been coming and gong for years. I've met a few people by taking the initiative and striking up conversations with people I meet: shopkeepers, realtors, etc. (A great way to practice your language skills too!) While I've noticed that people here will almost never make the first move, they seem happy to chat once I've asked a question or made a comment, even if just about the weather. I like to return to the same places, especially if the person strikes me as someone I might like to know better, and once we've attained a level of familiarity I invite them for a coffee or aperitif, maybe in the context of being here alone and finding it hard to meet people. I've done this 4 times now and never been turned down. I've now got a regular Saturday lunch companion, occasional cups of tea or meals with 2 others, and one who didn't pan out. Next step is joining the hiking club and so on. Even the French who have come here from elsewhere have told me it took them 5 years to feel truly part of life here, so patience and persistence is definitely called for," wrote one member in France.

"Living as an expat or digital nomad in France can be a wonderful and exciting experience. The country offers a variety of cultures, cities and landscapes, with something for everyone. Expats in France will benefit from the rich history, culture, architecture and cuisine. In addition, many expats enjoy the convenient transport and communications infrastructure, which makes staying connected to family and home easy. Digital nomads can also benefit from affordable high-speed internet access, allowing for convenient and productive remote work opportunities. With rental and living costs generally lower than that of other European countries, France can be a great place to call home for expats and digital nomads alike," explained one expat living in France.

"No, fortunately there is not. However, when the fair or circus is in town/the villages round and about then it is wise to be more careful when in the garden and to make sure all windows and doors are locked," remarked one expat living in Aude and Herault Departments, France.

"Crime?? None that I'm aware of. If you drop a 20 euros bill on the sidewalk, somneone will stop you to tell you. Outside of Paris and the tourist areas people are very honest," wrote one member in Pezenas.

"There is no problems with this here. There are many churches different religious groups you can attend. I didn't feel any pressure but only welcomed in new communities," said one expat in Lyon.

"Religion is never a topic of discussion so I don't know what religious beliefs our friends have. I see many Muslims here and there are many Catholic and Protestant churches and I'm sure there are Jewish temples as well. No one seems to express any opinion on one group of the other so there seems to be a lot of religious tolerance," said one expat who made the move to Orleans.

"There are many nationalities here and I have not experienced ANY racial problems even with me being white and British, my daughter being brown and British/Jamaican and my partner being German," explained one expat living in Strasbourg, France.

"Lycée International de Saint Germain-en-Laye (LISG) is one of the best international schools in France, located in the affluent suburb of Saint Germain-en-Laye, just outside of Paris. Founded in 1953, LISG is an English medium international school and is accredited by several well-respected bodies including the Cambridge International Exam Board, the European Council of International Schools, and the French Ministry of Education. The school provides a unique curriculum, with a strong focus on international exchange and foreign language acquisition. It offers a variety of courses, ranging from French language and culture, to history and global studies. Additionally, LISG also provides students with many extracurricular activities, such as cultural activities, theater and sports. Another great international school in France is the International School of Paris (ISP). Founded in 1924, the International School of Paris is bilingual and offers both English and French programs. It is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and is a member of the European Council of International Schools and the US National Association of Independent Schools. ISP also has a strong academic program, as well as numerous diverse extracurricular activities like team sports, theater, music and even Model UN. Finally, the Lycée International de Lille is one of the most well-known bilingual schools in France. This international school offers an English-French bilingual curriculum and is accredited by the French Ministry of Education. The school offers a range of courses in the humanities, sciences, and economics and modern languages, as well as many extracurricular activities for students, making it a great option for both international and local students," commented one expat when asked about in France.

"Be ready for a small school enviornment. Which has both pros and cons. Be active and agressive to ensure childs progress and adjustment. Become involved in the school and community activities," explained one expat in St. Cloud, France with kids at The American School of Paris.

"I would ask to meet the teachers. The team is strickingly dedicated and passionate. When we first visited, one of the primary teachers (who is a male for once) showed us the experiments they had been doing that afternoon; the children (6 or 7 year-olds) has been designing their own electric circuits ! The teacher was very keen to tell us all about it, and one child explained in a lot detail how he had built his circuit board (my husband and I were rather impressed)," wrote an expat living in The western suburb in a town called Mareil Marly with children attending Forest International School.

"You can contact them to find out more. They regulary have open days so you can take a look at the school. So well worth a look! www.ebicaschool.com," said one commented one expat when asked about EBICA (Ecole Bilingue Internationale Côte d'Azur) in Nice.

"Comfort depends on your definition. If you expect to have servants, forget it. My income as a retiree is less than $35k and my lifestyle is simple. I travel as a retiree getting discounts where they are available. Often times travel agents will my age and then give me the discount without questions," remarked one expat living in Pezenas, France.

"The cost of living in France can vary greatly depending on which part of the country you are looking at, as well as where you choose to live. In general, the cost of basic foodstuffs, gasoline, and public transport is relatively affordable, and housing costs can vary depending on the area and availability. Non-food related expenses such as entertainment and personal care may cost more than in other countries. In comparison to other parts of Europe, France is generally more expensive," wrote one member in France.

"That all depends on the size of the accommodation, and the lifestyle of the people concerned. Many people seen on the Homes in the Sun programmes buy old, 3 storey properties out in the sticks (beautiful views but not very sensible as you get older). Stay realistic about where you will be in 5 and 10yrs. time. If you are 60 now, then stairs will be a little more difficult in 10yrs. Easy access to daily shopping and living facilities shoul be the top prioriry. If possible, have all you need within walking distance - walking is good for you and makes more sense than getting the car out to get a loaf of bread or pop to the post office for 1 letter," remarked one expat who made the move to Aude and Herault Departments.

"France is generally considered to have a higher cost of living compared to the rest of Europe. Large cities - such as Paris, Nice, and Lyon - tend to have higher prices for accommodation, transportation, and dining compared to other parts of the country. The rent for a nice 1-bedroom apartment in France ranges from about 800 to 1,600 US Dollars (USD) per month, while a nice 2-bedroom apartment goes for 1,000 to 2,400 USD per month. On average, a dinner at a moderately priced restaurant can cost between 20 to 30 USD per person," commented one expat who moved to France.

"Affordable. It's a small town, which means housing and food costs are low, but there's lots of cultural value to be had, which makes the living experience even more valuable," said one expat.

"In France, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as public parks, beaches, and outdoor sports facilities. There are also many cultural attractions, such as museums, galleries, and theatres. For those who enjoy the outdoors, there are plenty of hiking and biking trails, as well as camping and fishing spots. For those who prefer indoor activities, there are bowling alleys, arcades, and indoor swimming pools. Additionally, France is home to a number of ski resorts, offering a variety of winter sports activities," said an expat in France.

"There are several youth and culture centers (MJCs: Maisons des Jeunes et de la Culture) that offer classes and social opportunities on topics like guitar, dance, English, pottery, martial arts, etc. There is also an Olympic pool, great hiking in nearby La Bresse, and several very nice parks within the city (the city rose garden, the park that houses the castle on top of the hill)," remarked one expat in Epinal.

"Temperate. Winters are chilly but bearable, with not much snow. Summers are lovely," commented one expat who moved to Epinal.

"The weather in France varies depending on the region. In the north, the climate is generally mild with cool summers and mild winters. In the south, the climate is more Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. In the mountainous regions, the weather can be quite cold and snowy in the winter months. Overall, France has a temperate climate with warm summers and mild winters," said one expat.

"Mostly typical French cuisine. A few foreign cuisines like Italian, Chinese, Vietnamese. There aren't many bars at all. The main hangout is the Irish Pub, which is really small but a fun place to enjoy a beer," commented one expat living in Epinal, France.

"Le Petit Cler is a popular restaurant in Paris, France. Located in the heart of the city, this cozy bistro serves up classic French dishes like steak tartare, escargot, and duck confit. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the staff is friendly and attentive. The restaurant also offers a great selection of wines to pair with your meal. Le Grand Vefour is another favorite restaurant in France. Located in the Palais Royal in Paris, this Michelin-starred restaurant is known for its exquisite French cuisine. The menu features dishes like foie gras, lobster, and truffle-stuffed ravioli. The atmosphere is elegant and luxurious, and the service is impeccable. Le Chateaubriand is a popular restaurant in Paris. This trendy bistro serves up modern French cuisine with a twist. The menu features dishes like beef tartare, roasted duck, and sea bass. The atmosphere is lively and vibrant, and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. L'Astrance is a Michelin-starred restaurant in Paris. This upscale restaurant serves up modern French cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients. The menu features dishes like roasted quail, scallops, and foie gras. The atmosphere is elegant and refined, and the service is impeccable," remarked one expat living in France.

"In the downtown area there's a MonoPrix and a Intermarche, and a bit further but still within town is a large E. LeClerq with plenty of selection, There's also a covered marketplace open on Sundays in town, where all the locals prefer to buy fresh cheese, fish, meat, produce, etc. And of course there are plenty of boulangeries for fresh bread and pastries," remarked one expat in Epinal.

"People living in France typically buy groceries from supermarkets, local markets, and specialty stores. Other shopping can be done at department stores, boutiques, and online retailers," wrote one expat living in France.

"Carte de sejour/titre de sejour: residence card. This can be obtained through enrollment in a French university, sponsorship by an employer, marriage to a French citizen, or a few other ways. Details here https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/coming-to-france/getting-a-visa/," mentioned an expat living in Epinal.

"In order to travel to and stay in France for a period of more than three months, non-EU citizens are required to obtain a visa and residency permit. Applying for a visa to travel to and stay in France is a multi-step process. Upon submission of the required documents, applicants must attend an in-person interview at the French embassy or consulate in their country of origin. Upon approval of the visa, travellers then must complete the residency registration process upon their arrival in France. This requires submitting an official application, passport, proof of employment, and proof of financial resources. Applicants may also have to provide proof of French public health insurance and housing. Once all documentation is approved, the applicant is issued a digital residency card," said an expat in France.

"Healthcare in France is generally considered to be of high quality and is provided by the government. While the cost of healthcare is not free, it is heavily subsidized by the government and is generally considered to be affordable for most people. Health insurance in France is also subsidized by the government and is generally considered to be affordable for most people," remarked one expat in France.