Moving to France

You might dream of moving to France, enticed by visions of long restaurant lunches, people-watching at Parisian cafés, strolls in lavender-scented Provence, sunbathing on the beaches of Nice and being immersed in the cultural riches of art and haute couture.

Living in France as an expat

If you’re moving to France for work, prepare accordingly. Although the French are renowned for their ‘work to live, not live to work’ philosophy, the country claims one of the largest economies in the world, and France is a major player within the EU. Expats account for a significant percentage of the workforce in Paris – for instance, roughly 20 percent of the Île-de-France population – and businesspeople value the new skills you can bring as a foreigner.

There are both upsides and downsides to expat life in France. The country prides itself on its distinct culture and language, and you might initially struggle to find your niche and adapt to the social rules that apply to daily life. The language usually proves the most difficult barrier to cross, especially as the French prefer engaging in their local language.

Moving to Paris
Pros and Cons of Moving to France

Working in France

When working in France, you’ll discover that while the French take their work-life balance seriously, the business culture maintains high standards of professionalism. France boasts one of Europe’s strongest economies, with particular strengths in luxury goods, agriculture, and technological innovation. You’ll find that punctuality and proper business etiquette carry significant weight in French professional environments.

The French workplace typically operates under the 35-hour workweek policy – although this serves more as a threshold above which overtime pay kicks in rather than a strict limit. Standard working hours run from 8am to 4pm or 9am to 5pm, including a one-hour lunch break. The finance, healthcare, technology, and hospitality sectors currently offer the most opportunities for expats, with France facing shortages in over 90 occupations across various industries.

Finding a Job and Working in France

Local culture in France

When adjusting to local culture in France, you’ll need to navigate a society that deeply values its distinct cultural identity and traditions. The French take enormous pride in their language, and you’ll find your experience greatly enriched by making efforts to speak French, even at a basic level. Most French people appreciate it when foreigners try to speak their language, even if they themselves have some English skills.

Social etiquette carries significant weight in France. You’ll notice that greetings typically involve cheek kisses (la bise) among friends, while a handshake is appropriate in professional settings. Small talk isn’t as common as in some English-speaking countries, and the French often prefer substantive conversation about arts, politics, or philosophy. Adapting to these social customs typically takes between six months to a year for most newcomers.

Local Culture in France

Finding accommodation in France

When finding accommodation in France, you’ll discover varied options across different regions. In major cities like Paris, apartments predominate, while houses are more common in suburban and rural areas. Be prepared to make quick decisions when house-hunting, particularly in sought-after locations.

Rental agreements typically require extensive documentation for your dossier, including proof of income, employment contracts, and previous rental history. You’ll generally need a French bank account before signing a lease, which can present a catch-22 situation for new arrivals. Many landlords also require a guarantor who resides in France – a potential hurdle for expats just settling in, although you can pay for a rent guarantor provider to take their place.

Renting Accommodation in France

Cost of living in France

The cost of living in France is high, especially in large urban centres such as Paris, Lyon and Marseille. Your expenses will decrease considerably the further you go into the rural countryside, a result of both lower prices and fewer opportunities to splurge.

Many expats find themselves pleasantly surprised by France’s healthcare costs. The public system typically covers 70 percent of doctor’s fees and 80 percent of hospital costs, with private top-up insurance (mutuelle) available to cover the remaining portion. For value-minded expats, regions like Limousine, Dordogne, and Languedoc-Roussillon offer an attractive balance of lifestyle quality and affordability.

Cost of Living in France 

Living in France with children

If you’re moving to France with children, you’ll find a wonderful selection of attractions for families to enjoy together. Beyond the famous Disneyland Paris, family-friendly options abound: treasure hunts at the Louvre, hot air balloon rides over Burgundy’s countryside, and charming villages perfect for exploration. The French approach to family activities often involves children participating fully in adult experiences rather than separate ‘kids’ activities’.

Family benefits in France are income-adjusted and available to expats who meet residency requirements. Since January 2025, you’ll need to prove nine months of residence to qualify for these allowances. For non-French speaking children, the education system offers dedicated support through FLE (Français Langue Étrangère) programmes and transition classes designed to ease integration.

Finding a school in France

When finding a school in France, you’ll encounter various institution types, including public, private, bilingual and international schools. The 2024–2025 academic year recently brought significant reforms, including more assessments for primary school children. Most international schools accept applications year-round depending on space availability, and applying sooner is better.

The French educational system places a strong emphasis on academics and discipline. Public schools follow the national curriculum, which might present language challenges for expat children. Many schools offer dedicated support through Classe d’Accueil programmes and UPE2A (Unités Pédagogiques pour Élèves Allophones Arrivants) to help non-French speaking students integrate successfully.

International and bilingual schools provide alternatives that ease the transition, with the newly renamed BFI (Baccalauréat Français International) blending French and international curriculum elements. This dual approach has grown increasingly popular with expat families who want both French immersion and global educational standards.

School Types in France 

Getting around in France

Getting around in France is a matter of choosing between multiple convenient options suited to different lifestyles. The country boasts an extensive and efficient public transport network, particularly in urban areas. The high-speed TGV train system connects major cities.

If you prefer driving, you’ll find well-maintained roads throughout the country, although obtaining a French driver’s licence typically involves theoretical training and practical driving lessons. In Paris, car ownership is typically considered impractical due to traffic congestion and parking challenges, with public transport proving significantly faster for daily commutes.

Cycling has gained remarkable popularity, with Bordeaux earning its nickname ‘La Ville à Vélo’ thanks to extensive cycling lanes. Many cities are competing to become France’s premier cycling hub, with Paris seeing bike use (11 percent of commutes) now surpassing car use (4 percent). Living in rural areas often requires having your own vehicle.

Climate and weather in France

The weather in France varies dramatically across regions, from warm summers on the southern coast to wet, snowy winters in the Alpine areas. Each season brings distinctive experiences across different regions. Spring showcases gardens and festivals in Paris and Île-de-France, while autumn transforms wine regions with harvest activities and bright colours. The northern coast typically experiences cooler temperatures, with winter averages around 45°F (7°C), while the Mediterranean south enjoys milder conditions.

Weather in France

When you move to France, you can count on a slower, more enjoyable pace of living marked by innumerable little joys and seasonal celebrations that lead to a greater quality of life overall.