France Index

More Articles about France

Moving with a Pet to France
Prepare for your move to France with a pet. Understand the vaccination needs, travel details, and item restrictions in France. This essential guide helps you navigate the process of moving with your pet and reduce the chance of unnecessary complications.

Christmas in France
Explore the festive traditions of Christmas and New Year in France, where the celebrations are marked by special foods, church ceremonies, the exchange of gifts, and an array of cultural customs.

Culture Shock in France
If you're planning a move to France, or have recently settled there, it's natural to encounter some culture shock as you adjust to your new surroundings. Our insightful article is designed to help you navigate this transition smoothly. It offers practical tips and draws on the experiences of fellow expats.who have successfully embraced the cultural nuances of France.

Homeschooling in France
If you're moving with kids to France and homeschooling is something you're considering, it's important to do your research and learn about homeschooling in France.

How to Enroll Your Children in School in France
If you're a newcomer in France and enrolling your children in school in France, here's how:

Educational System in France
The one tip that you hear expats.living in France repeatedly sharing with newcomers is not to buy a home when you first move to France. Rent for a few months or longer so that you have time to find the right neighborhood. Give yourself time to ensure that France is right for you for the long term. If you've already taken time to do those things and are ready to take the plunge and become a property owner, here are tips about buying a home in France.

10 Things to Know Before Moving to France
If you're planning a move to France, here are 10 things expats.living there wish they had known before moving to France.

How to Buy a Home in France
Seasoned expatriates recommend a cautious approach to newcomers eager to settle down—avoid the rush to purchase property upon arrival. Instead, consider the benefits of renting in France during your initial months. This strategy allows you the flexibility to explore various neighborhoods and truly decide if the local lifestyle aligns with your long-term expectations. Once you've acclimated and are certain that France is your future home, here are tips on how to buy a home in France.

How to Rent a Home in France
Renting a home in France for the first time can be daunting. You probably have so many questions: Do I need a lawyer? Do rentals come with appliances? How do I find good rentals? How do I choose the right neighborhood? The list goes on and on. Here are answers to some of the top questions plus insight from our members living in France.

How to Get a Driver's License in France
Here's a primer on how to get your driver's license in France.

Expat Survey: Expats Love France's Lifestyle for 2022
Expats in France report a not-surprising-at-all love for their international lifestyle.

Expat Survey: France Ranks Highest Among Expats
Surveys and reports conducted by Expat Exchange, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, indicate that expats.in France are more satisfied with their expatriate experience than any other country in the world.

Expats in France: 5 Movies to Get You Excited About Living in France
Here are 5 movies set in France - most are set in Paris - but one is not. They are modern and classic - enjoy them all and explore where they were filmed - if you're lucky enough to be an expat in France!

4 Reasons Expats Buy Property in Provence
Thinking of moving to or buying a second home in Provence? David King from Winkworth International shares 4 reasons why Provence is a great place for expats.to buy property.

7 Reasons Alsace is Such a Special Part of France
Expats in Alsace, France enjoy a unique French experience. Given the varied cultural influences and unique setting, it's a must see even if you are only traveling around the country.

How to Explore France on a Budget
Expats in France love to explore all of the wonderful destinations throughout the country, but it's expensive. Lyon-based blogger Aga Marchewka offers some great tips on how to soften the blow as you enjoy the sites and sounds of France!

5 Amazing Places to Ski in France
Skiing in the French Alps is breathtaking not only for the beautiful and varied terrain, but also the incredibly affordable cost when compared to ski resorts in the United States. Ski passes are available that grant access to multiple resorts that don't require any transportation from one to the next other than the two boards on your feet. Of course, if you want to splurge and spend more, luxury options abound!

Thanksgiving in Paris
If you're living in Paris and in search of a place to dine on Thanksgiving, we have several suggestions. If you're cooking Thanksgiving dinner, find out where you can order a turkey.

5 Affordable Places to Retire in France
The word affordable and France don't normally end up in the same sentence, but it's all relative and more affordable villages and cities do exist! They are often some of the most charming places to retire in France. Here are 5 affordable places to retire in France plus advice on how to find others.

7 Tips For Working In Paris
Our working in Paris guide offers information and tips for expats.and others who want to work in Paris.

5 Great Places to Retire in Western Europe
We asked expats.about great places to retire in Western Europe. While many Western European countries have prohibitively high living costs, there are a few areas that fit the retirement bill. These are some of the recommendations!

10 Tips for Living in France
Expats offer tips on health insurance, renting in Paris, culture shock, meeting people and more.

Moving to France: Buying Property in France
Did you know you typically need a blood test to get a mortgage in France? Did you know that Land for Sale with a "permission to build" is ideal?

Moving to Paris: Renting in Paris
If you're moving to Paris and planning to rent, Aurelia d'Andrea offers advice about renting in Paris.

Moving to Paris: Paris Fact-Finding Trip
If you're relocating to Paris and have a chance to take a pre-move fact-finding trip, author Aurelia d'Andrea provides a day-by-day itinerary that takes you to the most popular expat neighborhoods (arrondissement).

France Pension: French State Pensions – What's all the fuss about?
The riots over increasing the retirement age from 60 to 62 continue. Financial Consultant, Steven Grover, explains what's behind the riots and the impact this change would have.

Employment Contracts in France
Provides an overview of the three basic types of employment contracts in France.

Work Permit France
Describes the types of work permits that France offers to expat employees in France.

Taxes in France
Tax information for Americans in France. Overview of the foreign earned income exclusion and housing expense exclusion.

Cost of Living in France
The cost of living in France varies based upon where you are living. This article provides an overview of cost of living in Paris.

Finding the Right International School in France
Choosing an international school in France can be a difficult decision. This article provides an overview of some popular international schools in Paris and other areas of France.

Currency Exchange: Buying a Property in France
Buying a property in France. Bill Williams and his wife used a commission free foreign exchange and it helped them save money.

Now is the Time to Invest in Paris Real Estate
Your U.S. dollars have more buying power in euro-land right now than they've had in two years. And the market in Paris, for both sales and rentals, is soft, down, and falling.

New France-UK Double Taxation Treaty Signed - Could it Affect You?
Under the new agreement for the first five years after becoming a resident of France your wealth tax liability will only be based on French assets, with all other assets outside France not being taken into account.

QROPS - Is it the answer for Brits moving to France and wanting to have a pension in Euros?
QDROPS scheme has been specifically designed to enable non-UK resident individuals who have accrued pension benefits in the UK, to transfer these out once they have left the UK.

Driving Through France - Stay Safe and Legal Driving In France
Driving in France can be a breeze - especially in rural areas. Jeff Seems offers a helpful rundown of legal requirements, safety concerns and other basic advice.

Ten Things to Know About Fractional Ownership BEFORE You Invest
What is fractional ownership and is it a good option for you if you're interested in Paris real estate?

Assurance Vie: An Expatriate's Guide
The French have evolved and streamlined a product that is capable of both protecting accumulated wealth and promoting its development for the future enjoyment of the investor's heirs.

France's Cycle Network - An Expat's Dream
UK cycle author Richard Peace explores the fast developing French cycle route network and recommends his favourite areas.

French Holiday Property - Choosing The Right French Property For Your Holiday
There are many things to take into consideration when buying a French holiday property -- from location, to rental income potential to upkeep.

The Fools Way To Go About Buying A House In France
Foolish mistakes to avoid when buying a house in France.

Buy a House in France - Are There Any Drawbacks at All?
Jeff Seems, author of The French Property Buyer's Guide, is an Englishman whose bought a house in France. Having stumbled over most of the hurdles himself, he shares insight into a few drawbacks to buying property in France and how to overcome them.

Affordable French Property - Can You Still Buy French Property On A Budget?
There ARE still a few places in France where you can find property bargains. Find out where.

Ten Top Tips for Purchasing a Paris Apartment
Finding the right Paris apartment requires some compromise, but it can be done. Paris real estate expert, Stephanie Freedman, offers some helpful advice.

French Tax Laws: French Inheritance/Gift Tax changes
In 2007, the French Inheritance and French Gift Tax Laws changed. Steve Grover discusses the changes and how they may impact you.

Life in France: Around and Around We Go
Suzanne Saxe-Roux shares how she learned to navigate French roundabouts and enjoy them as much as the French do.

Life Abroad: What Makes Being Abroad Worthwhile?
James Beckley shares how living abroad has impacted his life.

Camping Holidays in France
If you're thinking about going camping in France, here are a few things to know before you go.

Property France: A Great French Estate Agent
Buying property in France? David Seymour offers advice on how to choose a good French estate agent.

Renovating French Properties
While many have successfully renovated French properties, be sure to do your research and know what you're getting into before deciding to purchase a property that needs extensive updates. David Seymour gives some insight.

Transitioning in France: How to prepare for a Smooth Move to France
Helpful guide for those moving to France and relocating within France. Information about setting up and terminating rental contracts, water, taxes, Carte Gris, electricity and gas service, insurance, telephone service, postal service and more.

Bordeaux Wines: Verdict on the Grapevine
The market for Bordeaux's prestigious top end wines has never been in question and continues to thrive, yet Bordeaux, like many other prominent French wine regions, has been experiencing a steady decline in its low to medium priced bottles.

A Guide to French Banking: Answers to an Expatriate's Questions
When opening a bank account in France there are numerous variables to consider, and often the language barrier only serves to complicate matters.

French Customs: Minding Your French Manners
Advice about French customs and minding your manners in France.

Confessions of An Expatriate Abroad: Update from Paris
Transferring your life overseas is a grand adventure... and a logistical challenge. Kathleen Peddicord shares advice from one of her international moves.

Jobs France: Searching for a Job in France
Searching for jobs in France can be time consuming. And, as with so many things in France, there is a set bureaucratic procedure which you must follow.

Moving to France: Diary of a Life Change
What's it like to give up your job, rent out your home, move to France and start a new life? Louise Hurren kept a diary in 2002, the year she, her partner and their son changed their lives radically.

Living in Paris: Life on the Island
Life in Ile Saint-Louis, one of Paris' chicest and most expensive locations.

Learning French: A Humbled Expat
Learning French in the classroom versus speaking French on the streets of Paris can be a humbling experience. Kathleen Peddicord shares her story.

Living in France: The Tarts of Alsace
Spend a weekend exploring Alsace, France and try the region's onion tarts.