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," commented one expat who made the move to Cannes, France.
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It's impossible to confuse citizenM with any other hotel. We don't look or sound like anyone else. Bold, vibrant, and artistic - that's us. Our rooms cater to modern travelers - enormous ultra-comfortable beds, unlimited free Wi-Fi and 24/7 food and drinks always waiting at canteenM. And best of all, our ambassadors are every guest's best friend.
CitizenMIt's impossible to confuse citizenM with any other hotel. We don't look or sound like anyone else. Bold, vibrant, and artistic - that's us. Our rooms cater to modern travelers - enormous ultra-comfortable beds, unlimited free Wi-Fi and 24/7 food and drinks always waiting at canteenM. And best of all, our ambassadors are every guest's best friend.
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"So many beautiful areas in France - so many people spend months finding a house - stick to one area and search," remarked another expat in Eymet, France.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in France?
- How do I meet people in France?
- What is life like in France?
- Is there a lot of crime in France?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in France accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in France like?
- Is the cost of living in France high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in France?
- What are healthcare services like in France?
- Is the cost of living in France high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in France?
- What is the weather like in France?
- Are there good restaurants in France?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in France?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in France?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in France?
- What do I need to know when buying property in France?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in France?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What do I need to know before moving to France?
If you live in France, newcomers to France would love to hear your answer to this question.
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.

