Thinking of Moving to France? 10 Things to Know Before You Go
Dreaming of a move to France? Learn 10 essential tips about French life, culture, bureaucracy, and language to help you settle in with confidence. A must-read for future expats.
🌍 Introduction: Before You Pack Your Bags, Read This
The thought of moving to France conjures up all kinds of romantic images: sipping espresso on a Parisian terrace, shopping for cheese at a sunny Provençal market, or living your best life along the Riviera. And for many Americans and other English speakers, the appeal is real. France offers high quality of life, gorgeous landscapes, world-famous cuisine, and a deep-rooted culture that blends tradition with intellectual flair.
But life in France is more than just buttery croissants and Eiffel Tower selfies.
Before making the leap, it’s important to understand how everyday life in France works—from healthcare and housing to cultural expectations and, of course, the language. France can be bureaucratic, traditional, and surprisingly different from what many newcomers expect. Whether you're planning a permanent move or a long-term stay, being prepared will make your transition smoother and far more rewarding.
This article walks you through 10 essential things you should know before moving to France. We’ll cover practical tips, cultural advice, and common expat surprises—plus how learning French before you go can make all the difference.
So grab a notebook (and maybe a glass of wine), and let’s dive in.
🌍 1. Learn the Language Before You Arrive
This may sound obvious, but it’s the most important thing you can do. While many French people speak some English, especially in Paris and tourist areas, everyday life in France is conducted in French. From reading your lease to setting up utilities, everything is easier if you have a solid grasp of the language.
Knowing French isn’t just about convenience—it’s also about respect. The French value their language and expect a basic level of effort from foreigners. Even if your grammar isn’t perfect, showing that you’re trying will open doors (and smiles) that might otherwise stay closed.
How to Prepare:
Start learning at least six months before your move
Focus on practical vocabulary: housing, shopping, healthcare
Take a beginner or intermediate course (online or in person)
Practice speaking with native speakers or tutors
Bonus Tip:
Get familiar with formal vs. informal language. In France, saying vous instead of tu can make or break a first impression.
📄 2. Expect Bureaucracy—and Lots of Paperwork
France is famous for its rich culture, amazing food... and overwhelming bureaucracy. As an expat, you’ll encounter this reality sooner than you might like. Whether it’s applying for a visa, opening a bank account, enrolling in the health system, or signing a lease, expect to fill out a lot of forms and provide a lot of documents.
What surprises many newcomers is that digital processes are still catching up. Many important tasks still require physical appointments, stamped documents, and waiting in line at a prefecture. Patience and persistence are key.
What You'll Likely Need:
Certified copies of your birth certificate (often translated)
Proof of income or employment
Utility bills or a lease in your name
Passport photos (carry extras)
Copies of everything—twice
Pro Tips:
Get a “justificatif de domicile” (proof of address) early—you’ll need it for almost everything
Always bring originals and copies to every appointment
Use a French-speaking friend or translator when dealing with official offices
It can be frustrating, but understanding that the system is slow (not personal) helps ease the stress. Eventually, you'll learn to navigate it like a local.
💸 3. Understand the Cost of Living—And What You Get for It
Many people assume that living in France, especially Paris, is unaffordable. While it’s true that big cities come with a price tag, the overall cost of living in France is often lower than in major U.S. cities. And you may be surprised at what you get for your euros.
For example, rent in Paris or Lyon may seem high, but it often includes proximity to public transport, cultural institutions, and well-maintained public spaces. And healthcare costs? Drastically lower than in the U.S., thanks to France's excellent universal system.
Things to Budget For:
Housing: More affordable in smaller cities like Nantes, Toulouse, or Montpellier
Food: Daily shopping at fresh markets is common and often cheaper than processed goods
Transportation: Public transport is widespread and subsidized
Entertainment: Museums, cinema, and concerts are very accessible
Healthcare: Doctor visits average €25 and are largely reimbursed once you're registered
Value You Might Not Expect:
Public parks and libraries are well-funded and widely used
Childcare, schooling, and higher education are affordable or free
Work-life balance is strongly protected by labor laws and cultural norms
So while France isn’t a budget destination, many expats find they enjoy a better quality of life for less money—especially when factoring in healthcare, time off, and community services.
⏰ 4. Rethink Work-Life Balance
One of the most refreshing (and sometimes surprising) aspects of life in France is how seriously people take le temps libre—free time. The French value personal time, long lunches, and extended vacations. In fact, full-time employees are entitled to a minimum of five weeks of paid vacation each year.
This cultural norm extends beyond vacation days. Work emails rarely arrive after hours. Many stores and offices close at lunchtime. Sundays are reserved for family, rest, and reflection.
What This Means for You:
Expect slower business hours, especially outside major cities
Build in time for rest—you’ll need to adjust to a slower pace
Appreciate the rhythm: meals are leisurely, conversations unhurried
While some newcomers may find the tempo frustrating at first, many grow to love it. Life in France isn't designed for hustle culture—it's about quality of experience. If you’re planning to work remotely or run a business, this mindset shift will be essential.
Bonus: your work-life balance isn’t just protected by culture—it’s also legally protected by strict labor laws.
In short, France teaches you to work to live, not live to work—and your well-being will likely thank you for it.
🤝 5. Social Customs Matter—A Lot
In France, manners are not optional. Greetings, politeness, and proper etiquette play a big role in daily interactions. While this can feel formal or rigid to newcomers, learning and practicing these customs will help you integrate more easily and avoid social faux pas.
Key Rules to Know:
Always say "Bonjour" or "Bonsoir" when entering a store, office, or waiting room
Say "Au revoir" when you leave—even in elevators or at the bakery
Use "Monsieur," "Madame," or "Mademoiselle" when addressing someone you don’t know
Wait for a formal invitation before using informal tu instead of vous
In France, politeness isn’t about being cheerful—it’s about respecting boundaries and roles. A quiet, reserved demeanor is often preferred to enthusiastic friendliness. Once trust is established, relationships tend to deepen quickly.
Cultural norms also apply to dining, hosting, and punctuality. Don’t arrive early to a dinner party (10-15 minutes late is standard). Always bring a small gift. And never cut cheese the wrong way—yes, there’s a right way.
Embracing French social codes isn’t about losing your identity. It’s about understanding how the culture works, so you can move through it smoothly and connect meaningfully.
💳 6. You'll Need a Bank Account—And It May Be Hard to Get
Opening a French bank account is essential if you plan to rent an apartment, get paid, or enroll in public services. But for non-EU citizens, the process can be surprisingly difficult—especially if you don't yet have proof of address, income, or a residence permit.
Banks are cautious about opening accounts for foreigners without a long-term visa or employment contract. Even basic tasks like wiring rent payments or setting up automatic withdrawals require a French RIB (bank ID number).
What You May Need:
Valid passport and visa
Proof of residence (lease, utility bill, or attestation from your host)
Proof of income or work contract
A French phone number (often required before opening an account!)
Alternatives:
Try online banks like N26, Revolut, or Wise for faster setup
Use your host’s address temporarily (with a signed letter)
Consider banks known for helping expats, like BNP Paribas or La Banque Postale
This is often one of the first (and most frustrating) hurdles for new arrivals. Be persistent, ask locals for advice, and prepare your documents carefully.
Once your account is open, you’ll find the French banking system quite stable and efficient—just expect a traditional approach, with lots of in-person appointments and physical paperwork.
💉 7. Healthcare Is Excellent—But You Need to Register
France has one of the best public healthcare systems in the world, offering affordable, high-quality care to residents. But it’s not automatic. To access the system, you need to register with l'Assurance Maladie (French social security) and receive your carte Vitale.
Once you're in the system, you pay a small fee for doctor visits (around €25), most of which is reimbursed. Prescriptions are also heavily subsidized. Many residents also carry a private top-up insurance policy (mutuelle) to cover the portion not reimbursed by the state.
How to Register:
Apply for a numéro de sécurité sociale (social security number)
Provide proof of long-term residency, address, ID, and income
Once approved, you'll receive your carte Vitale, which you present at all medical appointments
Tips:
New arrivals may need to pay out of pocket and claim reimbursement later
Bring a copy of your health records when moving
Learn key French medical terms in advance (it helps in appointments!)
The registration process can take several months, so start early. Until you’re officially in the system, you may need private expat health insurance.
Once enrolled, you’ll benefit from a system built on accessibility, prevention, and affordability—an aspect of French life that many expats say greatly improves their quality of life.
🏡 8. Housing Can Be Competitive—Especially in Cities
Finding an apartment or home in France isn’t impossible, but it can take time—especially in large cities like Paris, Lyon, and Bordeaux. Demand is high, paperwork is extensive, and landlords often require a full dossier (application package) that includes documents such as proof of income, ID, visa status, and guarantors.
What to Expect:
Many apartments are rented unfurnished, sometimes without even kitchen appliances
Landlords may ask for a French guarantor or three months of bank statements
Short-term furnished rentals are easier but more expensive
Tips for Success:
Start looking at least 2–3 months in advance
Prepare a rental dossier including:
Passport
Proof of income (pay slips or savings)
Visa or residency documents
French tax number if you have one
Use trusted websites like LeBonCoin, SeLoger, PAP, and Facebook expat groups
If you’re not fluent in French, consider working with a relocation agency or asking a bilingual friend to help during the process. In smaller towns and rural areas, the market is more relaxed, but properties move quickly across the country.
Patience and persistence are essential. Once settled, most expats report loving the charm and character of their French homes—even if they come with quirks like old plumbing or tiny elevators!
🏫 9. Schooling and Childcare Are High Quality—But Very French
France offers some of the most affordable and well-structured education and childcare in Europe. Public schools are free, secular, and academically rigorous, starting from age three. But the system can feel strict and formal compared to what many Anglophone families are used to.
Key Things to Know:
Maternelle (preschool) starts at age 3 and is part of the national education system
Public school days are long (8:30am to 4:30pm) but often include Wednesday afternoons off
Emphasis is placed on discipline, handwriting, and memorization
The structure and expectations can be an adjustment, but many families appreciate the strong academic foundation and affordable after-school care options. There are also bilingual and international schools, but these can be expensive and competitive to enter.
For Younger Children:
Crèches (daycare) are widely available and subsidized, but space can be limited
Assistantes maternelles (certified in-home caregivers) are another common option
Government subsidies help reduce costs based on income
If you’re moving with children, it’s worth researching schools and registering early. Be prepared for cultural differences, especially around grading systems, teacher-parent dynamics, and school meals (which are famously well-balanced and gourmet).
Overall, France is a great place to raise a family—as long as you’re ready to embrace a new educational philosophy.
🌟 10. Learning French Opens Every Door
If there's one investment that pays off again and again in France, it's learning the language. Fluency in French transforms your experience—from doing paperwork to making friends, from understanding cultural references to feeling truly at home.
Even if you're moving to a large city or joining an international community, speaking French allows you to connect with locals, integrate into your neighborhood, and participate fully in daily life. It shows respect for the culture and opens social and professional opportunities that would otherwise be closed.
What Learning French Helps With:
Navigating bureaucracy (and reading official documents)
Making friends and joining community events
Shopping, dining, and chatting in markets
Finding local jobs or volunteer work
Understanding French humor, values, and customs
How to Prepare:
Start learning months before you move
Practice speaking regularly with native speakers
Take a formal course at a language school (online or in person)
Watch French films, read simple books, and listen to podcasts
Even basic conversational skills can make a world of difference. And once you're living in France, your learning will accelerate naturally—especially if you make the effort to speak, even imperfectly.
At the end of the day, language is the bridge to belonging. The more you learn, the more France opens itself to you.
âť“ FAQs: Moving to France
Do I need to speak French to live in France?
Not necessarily—but it makes everything easier. Even basic conversation skills help with social integration and daily tasks.
How long can I stay in France without a visa?
U.S. citizens can stay up to 90 days in a 180-day period as tourists. Longer stays require a visa.
Is healthcare available to expats?
Yes. Once registered, you'll have access to France’s universal healthcare system. Private health insurance is also an option.
Is France expensive to live in?
It depends where you live. Paris is pricey, but many cities and rural areas offer an excellent quality of life for much less.
Is France safe for expats?
Yes. France is generally safe, with good infrastructure and public services. As with anywhere, urban areas require normal precautions.
What is the best city in France for expats?
That depends on your lifestyle. Paris for culture and work; Lyon for food and family; Montpellier or Bordeaux for charm and sun.
🏫 Learn French with Polyglottist Language Academy
Ready to turn your French dream into reality? At Polyglottist Language Academy, we specialize in helping future expats build the language skills and cultural knowledge they need to thrive in France.
Whether you're starting from scratch or brushing up before your move, we offer small group and private classes both online and in person in Berkeley. Our expert instructors focus on practical, real-life language so you can:
Navigate bureaucracy
Make friends
Shop, travel, and dine with confidence
Feel at home from the moment you arrive
🎓 Start learning French today and unlock your future in France.
👉 Sign up for our French classes now
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How To Think In French: 7 Mental Shifts That Will Change How You Learn
Moving to France is more than a move—it’s a mindset. And with the right tools, language, and expectations, it can be one of the most rewarding adventures of your life.