Pros and Cons of Moving to France

While relocating to France may be the opportunity of a lifetime, living in the land of cheese and wine comes with drawbacks and benefits.

Here are a few of our pros and cons of moving to France.

Accommodation in France

The biggest decision you’ll need to make when finding accommodation in France is whether to live in the countryside or the city. The countryside offers large areas of land, community living and more spacious homes. City living means that public transport is always close at hand, as are schools, shopping, hospitals and more.

+ PRO: Plenty of choice

You should find plenty of accommodation options no matter where in France you are. Most real estate agencies have property listings displayed in their windows and on their websites. Some estate agents might not be fluent in English, but they will do their best to communicate and find suitable options.

Alternatively, a simple internet search can provide listings of available apartments, houses or room-share options. Many French websites offer a translated English version. Some bed-and-breakfasts and holiday rentals also offer long-term stays, which are helpful while looking for permanent residence.

Accommodation in France

- CON: Older housing

Most apartments and houses in France are very old. While charming, they can lack proper insulation, have small rooms and contain only one bathroom. It’s not uncommon to find apartments or houses without light fixtures or kitchen appliances. Although some places will offer furnished kitchens and up-to-date features, these are more expensive and harder to find.

The French government has set goals for energy-related renovations, but the pace of improvement remains slow. Some grant programmes exist for home improvements, particularly for accessibility features like stair lifts.

- CON: Housing tax

All tenants living in a property must pay an annual French residence tax (taxe d’habitation), the amount of which depends on the area. If you’re renting a home in France and either physically resided in it as of January 1st or had it available to use, you’ll be liable for this tax. Newly built properties, substantial extensions, and fully renovated homes are exempt from property tax (taxe foncière) for the first two years following completion of work.

Lifestyle in France

+ PRO: Slower pace of life

Experiencing the lifestyle in France means adjusting to a different rhythm. The French generally enjoy one- to two-hour lunches every day, as well as ample coffee breaks. Most shops open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 8pm, with some now opening Sunday mornings in tourist areas. While this can be frustrating if you’re used to living a fast-paced life, it doesn’t take long to adjust to the slower rhythm. Great importance is placed on family, and you’ll soon enjoy spending Sundays with your loved ones at home.

- CON: Bureaucracy

Relocating to France involves various admin tasks, such as opening a bank account, changing a driving licence or dealing with visa paperwork.

These and several other tasks come with many requirements and forms. There will often be long lines at government offices, and you’ll have no choice but to wait and hope to be seen. The frustration of dealing with French bureaucracy is infamous and, unfortunately, an inevitable part of life in France.

The French government has established a network of France Services offices to help with administrative tasks, but the system remains complex. Recent immigration laws have also tightened language requirements for residency cards and citizenship.

Visas and Residence Permits in France

+ PRO: Many paid holidays

France is known for being a country with one of the highest numbers of paid holidays in the world. All employees are entitled to 2.5 days of paid leave for each month worked, resulting in 25 days annually (or 30 days by French calculation, as Saturday is considered a working day). Schools enjoy a week-long holiday every six or seven weeks, which allows families to enjoy a break together. Remember that most of the country has their holidays during the same period in mid-July, and planning ahead is necessary.

+ PRO: Accessible and convenient urban transport

Most cities offer a reliable bus, metro or tram system. Unlike many countries where public transit ridership is declining, France has seen increases every year since 2000. Some towns are even testing free public transport schemes. France also has a number of regional airports and train stations to help you travel within Europe.

If you’re relocating to rural France, note that you will likely need a car. A bus may go to a neighbouring city once or twice a day, but, for the most part, a vehicle will be required to get around the French countryside.

Transport, Driving and Driver's Licences in France

+ PRO: Fresh food and great wine

Every big city, small town or country village will have a regular fresh goods market. Most neighbourhoods have a local boulangerie, which sells fresh bread, as well as a butcher, cheese shop, or small grocery. France is known for its strict food regulations, which result in an extensive range of fresh and tasty nutritional options.

Of course, good wine is also an integral part of French life. Both lunch and dinner normally include a glass of wine or a bottle shared among friends. The traditional model of three synchronised meals a day is still followed by most people, with mealtimes remaining an important social ritual in French culture.

Cost of living in France

- CON: Cost of essentials

Understanding the cost of living in France is essential when planning your relocation. Many staples, such as fuel, food and clothes, are undeniably expensive. Value-added tax (VAT) at the standard rate of 20 percent applies to most goods and services, with reduced rates of 10, 5.5, and 2.1 percent for certain categories. This tax can add considerable cost to a large purchase, like a car.

Rent and home prices vary widely, with Paris and the south of France being the most expensive regions. The good news is that, on average, housing prices in France are one-third less than in the United States. If you’re looking for better value, consider regions like Brittany, Occitania, or Dordogne, which offer a high quality of life at more reasonable prices.

+ PRO: High quality of life

France consistently ranks well for quality of life metrics. Whether in bustling cities or peaceful rural settings, you’ll find high standards of healthcare, education, and civil liberties. Most expats report high overall satisfaction with life in France, with four in five saying they’re satisfied with their life abroad.

- CON: Cost of transport

There are many options for getting around France, but they are not all cheap. The TGV, or high-speed train, going in and out of Paris is quite pricey despite receiving state subsidies. Toll roads throughout France are also expensive, with some roads and bridges costing more than EUR 30 for a single trip.

Food costs also vary significantly between urban and rural areas. Grocery price inflation in rural areas has been higher than in cities. Shopping at local markets for fresh produce is a smart strategy to save on these expenses.

+ PRO: Tax benefits for expats

France offers several tax advantages for newcomers. A special expat exemption scheme provides partial income tax exemption for up to eight years, subject to certain conditions. To qualify, you must not have been a French resident for the past five tax years prior to your arrival.

Expats seconded to France may not be taxed on compensation items related to their assignment, such as housing cost reimbursements. Additionally, certain rental property owners benefit from significant tax rebates.

Education and childcare in France

+ PRO: Great school schedule

Choosing education and childcare in France means adapting to their distinctive schedule. Most schools start between 8.30am and 9am and end between 4.30pm and 5pm, with a generous 90-minute to two-hour lunch break. The typical school week runs four and a half days, with Wednesdays usually being the half day. French schools offer longer vacations than many other countries, with two-week breaks in fall, winter, and spring, plus two months in summer.

Education and Schools in France

- CON: Cost and availability of childcare

There are many childcare options in France, but these can be costly and sometimes difficult to secure. The most common forms include crèches (nurseries), nounous (childminders), and assistants maternels (state-licensed caregivers who accept up to four children in their home).

Nurseries across France have considerably long waiting lists, with experts recommending you register soon after falling pregnant. The enrollment rate for children aged 2 to 5 has increased from 40 percent in 1950 to over 70 percent today, and competition for spots is fierce, particularly in major cities.

+ PRO: Government assistance for families

France offers substantial financial support for childcare costs. The CMG childcare allowance is available to families whose children spend at least 16 hours monthly in daycare. Government subsidies can cover up to 85 percent of the cost for families employing certified nursery assistants. Support amounts are calculated based on your income, with higher thresholds for families with multiple children and for single parents.

+ PRO: Quality education options

The standard of education in France is generally high across all types of institutions. While public schools follow the national curriculum with its focus on academic rigour, international schools offer a blend of educational approaches, often with smaller class sizes. For families planning a long-term stay, the French system provides excellent foundations, while international schools might better suit those on shorter assignments.

Healthcare in France

+ PRO: World-class and affordable healthcare system

The healthcare system in France ranks among the best in the world, with 80 percent of expats praising the quality of medical care. After just three months of residency, you can access the French healthcare system, which operates on the principle of solidarity. This means the sickest patients typically pay the least for their care.

The system typically covers 70 percent of doctor fees and 80 percent of hospital costs. For major illnesses, the coverage extends to 100 percent of expenses. Medication coverage ranges from 15 to 100 percent, with most prescriptions reimbursed at around 65 percent.

Healthcare and Medical Insurance in France

Working in France

+ PRO: Work-life balance

Working in France offers one of the best work-life balances globally. The statutory 35-hour work week, implemented in the early 2000s, gives you more personal time than in many other countries. The French workplace culture generally respects the separation between professional and personal life, with many expats appreciating that the French work to live rather than live to work.

Working in France

Local culture in France

- CON: Language barrier challenges

The language barrier remains one of the biggest hurdles for expats in France. Learning French is the gateway to understanding the country’s rich social and cultural dynamics. Without adequate French skills, you may struggle with daily tasks, bureaucratic procedures, and meaningful social connections.

Many expats find practical immersion helpful – visiting local markets, bakeries, and cafés provides natural language practice. Others recommend watching French films with subtitles, reading translated books, and listening to French music. For job seekers, French proficiency often determines their career prospects, with bilingual positions offering more opportunities and typically higher compensation.

+ PRO: Established expat communities

France hosts numerous thriving expat communities, particularly in regions like Paris, Lyon, the French Riviera, and the Nouvelle Aquitaine (formerly Poitou-Charentes, Aquitaine, and Limousin). These established networks can ease your transition, providing practical advice, social connections, and cultural guidance.

Many online forums, social media groups, and local associations cater specifically to expats, offering everything from housing tips to language exchange opportunities. Whether you prefer integrating fully into French society or maintaining connections with fellow expats, you’ll find support for your chosen lifestyle in most regions of France.

Local Culture in France