Living in France

"If he has a family it is a good place to live. If he or she is single, I can't advise them since I don't know the single scene here. There is a big university here so they may be able to connect with the students there but I don't know anything about the clubs or other diversions for single people," commented one expat who made the move to Orleans.

"Well, firstly - great to hear that there is nothing to wait for. Just start learning some French...take few documents with yourself as France seems to like red tape very much and you need papers for everything! Take some birth certificates for sure. Don't worry about the accommodation because here in Lyon you will get many estate agencies to help you out and they speak English! And mostly...read some blogs, forums, expats websites which will provide you with the up to date info," remarked one expat living in Lyon, France.

"Nice town but speaking French is a big advantage as the most spoken languages are French (suprise, suprise) and German. Very few people speak much English that I have found so far," wrote one member in Strasbourg.

"Expats looking to retire in France should be aware that the country has a high cost of living and wages may not match those from their home country. Additionally, due to the language barrier, learning French is essential for effective communication. Retirees should also familiarize themselves with the various visa and residency requirements before embarking on the move. It is also helpful to research and know the cultural norms and customs in France as this will help them better integrate into the French lifestyle. Lastly, expats should consider the healthcare options they will have access to in the French system, and obtain coverage to avoid any medical expenses that are not covered," remarked one expat who made the move to France.

"Expats living in France often join clubs and activities that are specific to their interests. Depending on their location, expats can join French language groups, hiking groups, cultural immersion groups, book clubs, business groups, wine tasting groups, and more. Other ways that expats meet people when living in France include attending community events, finding volunteer opportunities, and connecting with local networks and expat communities," remarked one expat who made the move to France.

"I have been nicely surprised on how big the community of expats is in France. We are lucky to have: meetup.com/cities/fr/lyon/ - smaller groups of expats who organizes meetings close to their interests onlylyon.com - very useful for info and events happening in Lyon internations.org/start, which actively organizes events for expats," explained one expat living in Lyon, France.

"J'adore Lyon! It's an amazing place! Not only because of the history and landscape, but I especially love it because of the people. They are very authentic French! They love their city, they love their food, they enjoy life and they appreciate good quality of life. What I noticed is that they are very family oriented, they spend time together and do many activities, they care about the city and they appreciate it. They are very welcoming and helpful....and they will help you learn French as English is not popular here as in Paris ;-)," explained one expat living in Lyon, France.

"Since we are retired, our lives do not revolve around a job or company. We socialize with our neighbors and have developed some very close friends among them. Of course, it helps if you speak French. We socialize with families with children although we don't have children ourselves. There isn't any problem with that," said one expat in Orleans.

"LUNCH! French take their time over lunch so if you go shopping between 12:00 & 2:30, expect the shop to be shut or under staffed," said one expat who made the move to Strasbourg.

"Living as an expat or digital nomad in France can be a wonderful and exciting experience. The country offers a variety of cultures, cities and landscapes, with something for everyone. Expats in France will benefit from the rich history, culture, architecture and cuisine. In addition, many expats enjoy the convenient transport and communications infrastructure, which makes staying connected to family and home easy. Digital nomads can also benefit from affordable high-speed internet access, allowing for convenient and productive remote work opportunities. With rental and living costs generally lower than that of other European countries, France can be a great place to call home for expats and digital nomads alike," explained one expat living in France.

"There is some crime in France, but overall it is considered fairly safe, particularly compared to other countries. Crime rates in some major cities, such as Paris, are higher than in other parts of the country, with pickpocketing and other petty crimes being most common. There are also higher levels of organized crime, drug trafficking, and gang-related violence in some parts of the country. France has implemented various measures to combat crime, including increased police presence and tougher laws," remarked one expat who made the move to France.

"No, fortunately there is not. However, when the fair or circus is in town/the villages round and about then it is wise to be more careful when in the garden and to make sure all windows and doors are locked," explained one expat living in Aude and Herault Departments, France.

"In France, cultural diversity is embraced and celebrated. People in France are generally accepting of differences and individual cultures, including those of people from other countries. The French government is committed to promoting multiculturalism, and has created programmes and legislation to support diversity and protect minority rights. People of all backgrounds are welcomed and respected in France, enabling a vibrant and inclusive society," explained one expat living in France.

"Religion is never a topic of discussion so I don't know what religious beliefs our friends have. I see many Muslims here and there are many Catholic and Protestant churches and I'm sure there are Jewish temples as well. No one seems to express any opinion on one group of the other so there seems to be a lot of religious tolerance," said one expat in Orleans.

"There is no problems with this here. There are many churches different religious groups you can attend. I didn't feel any pressure but only welcomed in new communities," said one expat who made the move to Lyon.

"I would ask to meet the teachers. The team is strickingly dedicated and passionate. When we first visited, one of the primary teachers (who is a male for once) showed us the experiments they had been doing that afternoon; the children (6 or 7 year-olds) has been designing their own electric circuits ! The teacher was very keen to tell us all about it, and one child explained in a lot detail how he had built his circuit board (my husband and I were rather impressed)," said one parent with children at Forest International School in The western suburb in a town called Mareil Marly.

"That all depends on the size of the accommodation, and the lifestyle of the people concerned. Many people seen on the Homes in the Sun programmes buy old, 3 storey properties out in the sticks (beautiful views but not very sensible as you get older). Stay realistic about where you will be in 5 and 10yrs. time. If you are 60 now, then stairs will be a little more difficult in 10yrs. Easy access to daily shopping and living facilities shoul be the top prioriry. If possible, have all you need within walking distance - walking is good for you and makes more sense than getting the car out to get a loaf of bread or pop to the post office for 1 letter," remarked one expat who made the move to Aude and Herault Departments.

"Affordable. It's a small town, which means housing and food costs are low, but there's lots of cultural value to be had, which makes the living experience even more valuable," mentioned one expat inEpinal.

"France is generally considered to have a higher cost of living compared to the rest of Europe. Large cities - such as Paris, Nice, and Lyon - tend to have higher prices for accommodation, transportation, and dining compared to other parts of the country. The rent for a nice 1-bedroom apartment in France ranges from about 800 to 1,600 US Dollars (USD) per month, while a nice 2-bedroom apartment goes for 1,000 to 2,400 USD per month. On average, a dinner at a moderately priced restaurant can cost between 20 to 30 USD per person," commented one expat who moved to France.

"There are several youth and culture centers (MJCs: Maisons des Jeunes et de la Culture) that offer classes and social opportunities on topics like guitar, dance, English, pottery, martial arts, etc. There is also an Olympic pool, great hiking in nearby La Bresse, and several very nice parks within the city (the city rose garden, the park that houses the castle on top of the hill)," commented one expat living in Epinal, France.

"In France, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as public parks, beaches, and outdoor sports facilities. There are also many cultural attractions, such as museums, galleries, and theatres. For those who enjoy the outdoors, there are plenty of hiking and biking trails, as well as camping and fishing spots. For those who prefer indoor activities, there are bowling alleys, arcades, and indoor swimming pools. Additionally, France is home to a number of ski resorts, offering a variety of winter sports activities," remarked one expat living in France.

"Temperate. Winters are chilly but bearable, with not much snow. Summers are lovely," remarked one expat living in Epinal.

"The weather in France varies depending on the region. In the north, the climate is generally mild with cool summers and mild winters. In the south, the climate is more Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. In the mountainous regions, the weather can be quite cold and snowy in the winter months. Overall, France has a temperate climate with warm summers and mild winters," said one expat living in France.

"Le Petit Cler is a popular restaurant in Paris, France. Located in the heart of the city, this cozy bistro serves up classic French dishes like steak tartare, escargot, and duck confit. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the staff is friendly and attentive. The restaurant also offers a great selection of wines to pair with your meal. Le Grand Vefour is another favorite restaurant in France. Located in the Palais Royal in Paris, this Michelin-starred restaurant is known for its exquisite French cuisine. The menu features dishes like foie gras, lobster, and truffle-stuffed ravioli. The atmosphere is elegant and luxurious, and the service is impeccable. Le Chateaubriand is a popular restaurant in Paris. This trendy bistro serves up modern French cuisine with a twist. The menu features dishes like beef tartare, roasted duck, and sea bass. The atmosphere is lively and vibrant, and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. L'Astrance is a Michelin-starred restaurant in Paris. This upscale restaurant serves up modern French cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients. The menu features dishes like roasted quail, scallops, and foie gras. The atmosphere is elegant and refined, and the service is impeccable," mentioned an expat living in France.

"Mostly typical French cuisine. A few foreign cuisines like Italian, Chinese, Vietnamese. There aren't many bars at all. The main hangout is the Irish Pub, which is really small but a fun place to enjoy a beer," said an expat in Epinal.

"In the downtown area there's a MonoPrix and a Intermarche, and a bit further but still within town is a large E. LeClerq with plenty of selection, There's also a covered marketplace open on Sundays in town, where all the locals prefer to buy fresh cheese, fish, meat, produce, etc. And of course there are plenty of boulangeries for fresh bread and pastries," said one expat living in Epinal.

"People living in France typically buy groceries from supermarkets, local markets, and specialty stores. Other shopping can be done at department stores, boutiques, and online retailers," mentioned one expat inFrance.

"Carte de sejour/titre de sejour: residence card. This can be obtained through enrollment in a French university, sponsorship by an employer, marriage to a French citizen, or a few other ways. Details here https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/coming-to-france/getting-a-visa/," said one expat living in Epinal.

"In order to travel to and stay in France for a period of more than three months, non-EU citizens are required to obtain a visa and residency permit. Applying for a visa to travel to and stay in France is a multi-step process. Upon submission of the required documents, applicants must attend an in-person interview at the French embassy or consulate in their country of origin. Upon approval of the visa, travellers then must complete the residency registration process upon their arrival in France. This requires submitting an official application, passport, proof of employment, and proof of financial resources. Applicants may also have to provide proof of French public health insurance and housing. Once all documentation is approved, the applicant is issued a digital residency card," mentioned one expat inFrance.

"Healthcare in France is generally considered to be of high quality and is provided by the government. While the cost of healthcare is not free, it is heavily subsidized by the government and is generally considered to be affordable for most people. Health insurance in France is also subsidized by the government and is generally considered to be affordable for most people," mentioned an expat living in France.

"Very affordable, even before I was on the healthcare system I paid less than 100 euros for full x-rays and a cast for a broken wrist. With healthcare, it's simply covered thanks to higher taxes," said an expat in Epinal.

"I would first ask you to define 'expensive" because if you are American, health insurance and health care in Montpellier (and all over France, for that matter) are extremely affordable. France is well-known and respected for its wide access to high quality health care at an price. As a result, those from lower socio-economic sectors are able to access the French health care system. I'm 56 and Cigna recently quoted me $1,350 for a one-year plan with a $7,500 deductible and a $2 million per year limit. A visit to my primary care physician is 45 euros. Both of those would be completely unfathomable in the US," remarked one expat in Montpellier.