France, famous worldwide for its culture, cuisine, and sophistication, is a dream destination for many expats. The country boasts rich historical cities, stunning landscapes, excellent food and wine, and a lifestyle that balances work and leisure. This article will navigate through some of France’s most expat-friendly cities, offering a deeper understanding of their unique character, … Read more

In France, every car on the road must go through a mandatory registration process regulated by the ‘Système d’Immatriculation des Véhicules’ (SIV). Managed by the French Ministry of the Interior, the SIV system is designed to ensure the traceability and accountability of all vehicles. As an expat, understanding this system will be crucial when purchasing … Read more

Moving abroad is a tricky proposition from all angles, but healthcare is one of the main worries people state when they are considering making an intercontinental move. If you’re moving from the USA to France, you might be wondering about the quality of healthcare available, how to sign up to the healthcare system there, and … Read more

In terms of banking, there are a few options open to expats living in France. Some choose to maintain an existing account in their home country, which can be useful for things like paying recurring bills back home. Others choose to open an international account with their existing bank, which may eliminate or reduce penalties … Read more

If you are intending to move to France to live and work, and are not currently a French speaker, how easy will you find it to communicate in the country? How widespread is the use of English throughout France? Which languages will you need in the workplace? We will answer some of your questions below.The … Read more

If you are looking to move to France, then you will need to consider your options in terms of accommodation. This article will take you through the renting process, as well as the buying process, from start to finish.Renting property There are three main options for those wanting to rent property in France. 1. Private … Read more

Long-term residence in France is tied up with your type of visa; see ‘Residency’ below. Rules for work permits vary depending on your country of origin; see ‘Work Permits’ below. Citizens of a country in the European Union or the European Economic Area can enter and remain in France as a tourist for any length … Read more

France’s social healthcare system, l’assurance maladie, is fairly comprehensive and covers almost everyone. However, expats may still decide to take out private health insurance in France for a number of reasons. Registering with the French health insurance system requires a three-month wait after arriving in the country, followed by up to another three months of … Read more

France offers healthcare for everyone living in the country, whether you are an expat on a short-term assignment or a life-long citizen. However, in order to reap the benefits of the health system, you will need to register first. L’assurance maladie is the term for the main French healthcare system, and it covers almost all … Read more

Are you thinking about letting out your property in France? Before throwing open the doors of your dream property, here is a handy checklist to assist you as you stumble through the quagmire of rules and regulations set out by the French government.If you haven’t already bought your ideal property, the best areas to check … Read more

For France, 2019 so far has been nothing but turbulent. Following President Macron’s announcement of plans to increase the costs of petrol and diesel at the end of last year, mass protests ensued that snowballed into violent riots. Of course, the Yellow Vest protests were not solely based on the fuel hikes, but also the … Read more

A widespread movement across France has gained global attention and been dominating the news. In fact, the protests organised and carried out by the gilets jaunes have become so colossal that the mouvement des gilets jaunes has become the longest running protest in France since the 1940s. The protests have been increasing in scale and … Read more

The topic of euthanasia is one that has long divided opinions. However, due to current happenings in France, the conversation surrounding the right to die debate has been reignited.This has come about due to the high-profile case of Vincent Lambert, a 42-year-old former nurse who was hospitalised in 2008 after suffering severe brain damage from … Read more

The French port of Cannes is a legendarily lovely place to live, with its silver screen associations and glamorous image. For many people, it’s the first place that comes to mind when they think of the South of France: yachts, beaches, sophisticated dining and shopping as well as the classic Mediterranean climate. It’s a place … Read more

As Brexit continues to loom, it is strongly suggested that UK passport holders living in France apply for a carte de séjour (French residency permit). This is not a current legal requirement, but if this is done before Brexit, it will give you the right to remain in France. This is a good time to … Read more

A new year brings new changes to the French Tax system. They are not as dramatic as they have been in some previous years, but there are still some significant changes.The biggest ones are the introduction of a PAYE system for income tax, and a reduction to social charges on investment income for many retired … Read more

The French government is in the process of a total pension revamp. Currently, there are two main compulsory pension plans: ARRCO and AGIRC. AGIRC applies primarily to white-collar employees, while ARRCO applies mostly to blue-collar staff. These French pension plans are funded by employer and employee social security contributions. Pension benefits for public sector workers … Read more

As expats, we know that each move to a new country means mountains of research and paperwork. You’ll have to open new bank accounts, fill in forms, and take out new insurance policies. If you’re shopping for insurance abroad, you need to have an idea of which providers to get quotes from, as well as … Read more

Brexit: it’s been the topic on everyone’s minds ever since Article 50 was triggered by Theresa May on March 29th, 2017. As the UK’s date to leave the European Union (EU) draws closer, speculation over what will happen with regards to trade, healthcare and visa agreements rages on.While nothing has yet been confirmed, countries are … Read more

Moving abroad can be confusing at the best of times. There’s so much to learn with regards to properties, locations and culture – and that’s before you add in the paperwork!However, when it comes to getting your documentation in place, insurance is one of those elements you need before something happens to save yourself from … Read more

We know that one of the pitfalls of expat life can be wrapping your head around the taxes and paperwork of your new home country. Let’s face it, taxes can be complicated enough even if you’ve lived in the same country for your whole life! So getting used to a whole new system that works … Read more

Despite uncertainties over Brexit, buying property in France remains a popular choice for British expats, whether as a permanent residence, an investment property, or a holiday home. In some regions, property is substantially cheaper than in the UK and British people are still welcome; for instance, the Occitanie area is home to a high proportion … Read more

Few cities have the romantic allure of the City of Lights. The French capital has made names, broken hearts and inspired geniuses. Ernest Hemingway, Pablo Picasso and George Orwell all found their artistic feet in Paris, the city they adopted as home.Perhaps this is why more than 20 percent of the city’s population were born … Read more

So you’ve moved – or are moving to – France and plan to work for yourself. Registering under the micro-entrepreneur (formerly known as ‘auto-entrepreneur’) banner is the easiest way to kick off your small business activities. This means that tax and accounting rules are simplified, and you can do all of your reporting online, without … Read more

Some of us might be lucky enough to embark on a new life in France with the financial means to buy a dream property outright. But for many, establishing a home in ‘the Hexagone’ requires a helping hand from the bank.So where do you start when it comes to looking at your borrowing options in … Read more

The Carte Vitale is the national French health insurance card. Expats who qualify to register with the service benefit from having around 60 to 70 percent of their medical costs, including appointments, scans and prescriptions, covered by the state.Here’s everything you need to know about this very useful – although sometimes elusive – green and … Read more

Paris has changed. The city looks much the same as it has for the past 100 years, but the French capital is experiencing somewhat of a renaissance when it comes to the humble vegetable. What once was a destination recognised for being one of the most difficult places in the world to be vegetarian or … Read more

Ah Paris, the city of sophistication. The everlasting location of romance, elegance and good taste. The muse of great artists and writers, the resting place of musicians and philosophers. The city of lights might have a bright reputation, but the drab reality of daily life can come as a disappointment to new arrivals. Finding out … Read more

Are you an expat looking to gain French nationality? Do you have questions about what the process entails? Or do you need clarification on whether you are eligible to apply? Perhaps you’ve already started the process, but need some tips on how to best prepare yourself for the nationality test.We’ve compiled this helpful guide to … Read more

When it comes to living in France, many people plan to move to expat hotspots such as the beautiful cities of Paris, Lyon or Nice. Others dream of escaping the bustling city life for a relaxed lifestyle in the French countryside, often with visions of a charming old stone house in one of the country’s … Read more

There are probably very few people who have taken the leap to move to a new country that could tell you it was all smooth sailing from start to finish. No matter how well prepared you are, you are bound to face a few challenges or obstacles at some point during your life as an … Read more

Being a legal resident of France gives you access to a wide variety of benefits, including a number of childcare facilities. As an expat family, you can make use of several family entitlements by applying for child allowance, family income support, single parent allowance or housing allowance. In certain cases (mainly family allowance), you may … Read more

France is known for many things. Its cuisine is renowned the world over, and some of the most sophisticated vintage wines can be found in France. The country has been an important center of art and is the abode of many famous artists. It is a tourist hotspot and is one of the most visited … Read more

Similar to the French health system, education here is very reputable. If you and your family are thinking of moving to France decisions will need to be made regarding the education of your child, and this guide will give you an insight into the options available.It is estimated that a child will be able to … Read more

As with all overseas assignments, research before moving to France is key and a short trip to learn more about a potential destination will be well advised. In addition, it is also good advice that anybody thinking of moving to France on a long-term basis should make some effort to learn the language; French is … Read more

Thinking of moving to France? You’ll join the many expats that have settled there. Whether it’s the scenic coast line, gorgeous countryside, the lifestyle or the delicious French cuisine that has prompted you take the plunge, you’ll be glad you’ve made that brave decision to make your dreams become reality. Below is a simple guide … Read more

The South of France is the home of some of the most scenic places in the world. Besides the popular cities such as Cannes and Nice, there are also other lesser known, but equally picturesque areas in the region. The best time to visit the South of France is during the summer or between May … Read more

Paris is synonymous with croissants, croques monsieur, palmiers and pains au chocolat. This isn’t such good news for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. However, upon doing a little bit of research, it is possible to find a number of gluten-free treats in this beautiful city. In fact, apart from the baguette that accompanies … Read more

It is possible to enlist a real estate expert to help in finding a home that will meet requirements; this is particularly useful for expat families looking for a property in big cities, for example. The property professional in France will have in-depth knowledge of the rental market and understand the renting process so the … Read more

French pension rules are complex and have been changed in recent years – and more changes are planned. Typically, a French pension is available to those expats who have lived and worked in the country for a number of years and meet a set of conditions. The French social security system, or sécurité sociale, is … Read more

This guide contains information on the following taxes: • Income Tax – Currently no PAYE system (due to be introduced in 2018)• Social security contributions (which will be automatically deducted by employer from your wage)• Inheritance tax• Tax on Goods and Services (VAT)• Capital gains taxAs a French resident you will have to pay tax … Read more

Under the S1 agreement, the UK will pick up the healthcare bill for British expats in member states while other European Union countries will pay for the healthcare of their citizens in the UK. The S1 is a certificate for health insurance cover for those EU citizens moving to another member state and runs alongside … Read more

Overview The French health system is rated one of the best in Europe. The state controls health expenditures funded by statutory health contributions. Statutory health insurance (SHI) is mainly financed by employer and employee taxes, but also taxes from tobacco and alcohol, health insurance companies and the pharmaceutical industry. Public health care is available to … Read more

When I first offered to review Uncorked, I did so because I thought it was a book about wine. The author replied that this wasn’t the case, and that he didn’t want me to get my hopes up and end up reading something I didn’t enjoy. I thought I’d give it a go anyway, because … Read more

At Expat Focus, we like to be on the lookout for resources around the web that could help prospective expats adjust to their new countries. Today, we’re taking a look at France and some of the social media accounts you should be following if you’re thinking of moving there.Learn French TogetherFacebook PageA Facebook page that … Read more

A popular expat magnet, France has an excellent and robust healthcare system, with its wide network of public as well as private facilities and staff. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), this country’s universal healthcare is among the best across Europe, as well as worldwide. This is only expected, since the government spends a … Read more

France: land of croissants, cheese and coq au vin… But can you find beef-less bourguignon or vegan bouillabaisse in France these days? France hardly has a reputation as being a vegan-friendly country. After all, this is the country whose government forces schools to include meat and fish in canteen meals most of the time, effectively … Read more

No one wants to be poorly and have to visit a doctor or hospital but expats living and working in France at least have access some of the best healthcare in the world. That’s the verdict from the World Health Organisation, which puts the French healthcare offering at first place. However, one reason why the … Read more

Paris is often referred to as the Fashion Capital of the World. This is one of the reasons why people from all around the world dream of living in France. Moreover, the French are known to be extremely open-minded when it comes to dress codes, especially the women. This is evident in the fact that … Read more

France is a beloved nation for many different reasons. French cuisine is popular the world over. From delectable sauces to scrumptious pastries, the country serves up some of the best fare, in homes and in its many restaurants and cafés. Art is cherished in France, and one of the most popular art movements in the … Read more

Many countries claim to be the fashion capital of the world. London boasts its Cool Britannia look, Milan is devoted to trend setting high fashion, and New York turns city streets into catwalks of effortless style. But there is another city to consider; one that is synonymous with chic, classy fashions and a refined, stylish … Read more

Romantic wannabe expats who have read A Year in Provence or watched Chocolat one too many times may be swept away with the daydream notion of moving to rural France. The French countryside is a gorgeous place to be; from the hedgerows of the Normandy farmland to the rugged Alsace and the gently rolling hills … Read more

At Expat Focus, we like to be on the lookout for resources around the web that could help prospective expats adjust to their new countries. Today, we’re taking a look at France and some of the blogs that might be useful for expats there.Renovation of a Derelict House in Brittany Francehttps://jennyandjohninbrittany.blogspot.co.uk/ The dream of every … Read more

In every major city in the world it’s possible to find at least one confused-looking visitor, staring with furrowed brow into a crumpled map. It’s not always easy to find your way around a strange town, especially if all the landmarks are spread out all over it. Paris on the other hand has an elegant … Read more

Rosemary, tell us a bit about yourself and how you came to be an expat. Everyone calls me Rosy. I am Rosemary Margaret and narrowly escaped being christened Margaret Rose after the Little Princess. I am 72 and have been married to John Rabson for 43 years. I have worked as an Open Competition civil … Read more

French cuisine has a reputation across the world for being influential on modern Western cuisine, for being some sort of pinnacle of food as art, and sometimes for being plain weird. Even among people who don’t know or care too much about food, the mention of French cuisine will evoke certain ideas and dishes. Whether … Read more

For centuries, France has been a leading political power and a global centre of culture that has made major contributions to the fields of science, philosophy and the arts. Even today, it remains one of the most powerful countries in the world, with a major influence on global affairs, arts, and culture. Because of its … Read more

First, let me paint you a picture… of a very capable, very confident young english woman living in France, who has conquered parking in very tiny spaces, mastered most of the accepted french hand gestures, perfected her ‘moelleux chocolat’, and has an A-Level in french don’t you know! So finding the pneumologist’s office in a … Read more

Expat Focus talks to Stephen Clarke author of his hilarious novel “A Year In The Merde”, and “How the French Won Waterloo – or Think They Did”. Stephen lives in Paris, where he divides his time between writing and not writing. His first novel, A Year in the Merde, originally became a word-of-mouth hit in … Read more

Living in Paris is like a dream come true for many expats. Every year, thousands of foreigners from Europe and America move to the “city of love” to live out their fantasy. The weather, scenic beauty and rich culture are some of the main factors that attract people to this place. However, Paris isn’t just … Read more

In spite of its reputation as a place where people can be cold and unwelcoming, France is actually a wonderful place to live. The food, the wine, and the French countryside are all fantastic, and the French people are great if you get to know them and show a little patience and initiative yourself. They’re … Read more

Expats sometimes experience a feeling of being fed up with the expat life, and many may yearn to return home. Although not all expats go through this, it can crop up suddenly, especially among those who have been living abroad for some time. If you’re living in France and getting that feeling of expat fatigue, … Read more

Paris is one of the most elegant and sophisticated cities in the world. The River Seine, which flows through the heart of the city, and the thirty-two bridges across it; the architecturally brilliant city squares; and the many grand monuments are all testament to a rich cultural heritage. But apart from the aesthetic appeal, Paris … Read more

France is a land of great cultural diversity. The heart of the country, the city of Paris, is a perfect reflection of this with its mix of people and ideas. But like every other country in the world, there are some inherent cultural customs that are practised by the locals. These social practices date back … Read more

France is among the top shopping destinations in the world. There are shops and stores to suit every shopper’s needs, and you can find everything here, from wines and cheese to high-end fashion. France also has its own traditional handicrafts, which are still produced in many villages. Products like handmade pottery and glass make great … Read more

We all know of Paris as the city of love and romance, and many of us are also well aware of its more raunchy side, with cabaret shows, an erotic museum, and a sex supermarket! But there’s a lot more to Paris than that. Paris truly is a city with something for everyone, and whether … Read more

A large number of foreigners move to France for work. Some may relocate on a job transfer, while others may relocate after securing employment. There are also those who hope to find a suitable job once they arrive in the country. If you’re among the latter, here are some job-hunting tips that may come in … Read more

France is popular with expats due to its favorable climate, rich food and culture and relaxed lifestyle. The capital city of Paris is an exciting blend of all these things and more. It is home to people of different nationalities, making it a truly international city. There’s a lot to do in Paris, from visiting … Read more

France is one of the most popular expat and tourist destinations in the world because of its rich culture, high standard of living, modern infrastructure and unique cuisine. However, compared to many other countries in Europe, the cost of living in France is considerably higher. One exception is the UK, which is more expensive than … Read more

France has emerged as the number one destination for tourists as well as expats from around the world. Individuals of all ages & nationalities are relocating to this country because of its rich heritage, beauty, culture, living standards, education, nightlife, entertainment and cuisine. While the retired expats are more likely to settle down in rural … Read more

Living in France is probably like a dream come true for many Expats because of the quality and pace of life. This country is the number one destination for expats of all nationalities and ages. There are several places in France that expats from the US and UK would like to move to, such as … Read more

There are many stories floating around about expats who move to Paris, search high and low for an apartment and then get caught in tons of paperwork. There’s also the matter of less than honest landlords who can make finding your dream apartment a distant dream. Although the home rental market in Paris is a … Read more

The French paradox, formulated by French epidemiologists, is the observation that despite the high intake of dietary cholesterol and saturated fat, the French population still displays a low incidence of coronary heart disease. This could mean either of two things; one, that the link between saturated fats to coronary heart disease is not entirely valid, … Read more

Paris is known to have one of the most efficient public transport systems in the world. However public transport services in Paris can become overcrowded since they are so popular with the people. The city also draws a steady throng of tourists, leading to further overcrowding in trains and buses. The good news is that … Read more

The French government has made considerable efforts to promote a better entrepreneurial environment in the country, and this has comes as a huge respite to expats, who, in the past, tended to get bogged down by restrictive legislation and tedious processes. Here are 5 things you should know when starting a business in France. Creating … Read more

Driving in Paris can be a nerve-wracking experience for many. The Étoile, for example, is the intersection of twelve major Parisian roads, and maneuvering a vehicle through this junction alone has given many foreigners the jitters. Most holiday-goers are advised to avoid driving in Paris at all costs because of the numerous hassles one is … Read more

France, with its rich culture, beautiful landscapes, fine wine and scrumptious cuisine, is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world. It probably doesn’t take much to make you want to pack your bags and head to the picturesque French countryside for a weeklong holiday. But moving to a foreign country is something … Read more

At Expat Focus, we like to take a look around the internet and see who’s sharing interesting ideas and useful tips for expatriate life all around the world. In our travels, we come across lots of blogs we’d like to recommend, and we’ll be featuring some of them over the coming months. Today we’re focusing … Read more

I must have blinked, just as I thought Autumn had arrived it was suddenly winter. Its now time to start planning my Christmas, well planning started in March when our turkeys arrived becoming the most pampered live stock here at Half Acre, with a diet of bread, corn and fresh veg. Now they’re ready to … Read more

Please tell us a bit about yourself and your company Freddy Rueda’s estate agency ‘Real Estate Languedoc’ has been helping clients find their dream property in the Languedoc region in the south of France since 1995. Specialising in the Hérault and Aude departments of this beautiful wine-producing region, our agency’s goal is to help our … Read more

Please tell us a bit about yourself and your company I have been in residential estate agency for over 20 years. I began in London in 1989 and moved to Pezenas in 2001. Languedoc Property Finders specialise in helping British buyers and sellers buy and sell property in the Languedoc region of France. We currently … Read more

Expat Focus talks to Kim Defforge about her latest book, "Sun, Sea & Savoir-Faire: Travel Focus on the French Riviera", a practical concise travel guide without the usual touristy fluff. Kim, please tell us a little bit about yourself I lived several years in the city of Nice on the French Riviera, before moving to … Read more

As the largest wine producer in the world, France manufactures up to eight millilon bottles per year. The rules surrounding winemaking are strict, with many falling under a protected destination of origin – they can only be produced in the specific area in which they originated. The most well-known of these is probably champagne, which … Read more

Brittany is quickly becoming one of the most popular areas for expats. Close to the coast and not too far from the English Channel, it’s a convenient residence for UK expatriates in particular, who may want to hop across the Celtic Sea from time to time to visit friends and family. A thriving expat population … Read more

by Mellissa Wheeler on behalf of La Costa Properties Monaco Finding the perfect apartment in Monaco or on the French Riviera could be a dream come true but moving abroad means careful planning and there’s a lot to organise. Relocating to a foreign country can have its challenges but what if there are children to … Read more

Overall life expectancy at birth in France is 81.7 years and health is of an exceptionally high standard. In many ways, it excels and overtakes healthcare in countries such as the UK, with better access to new drugs, less hospital infections and pioneering research. However, that said, there is a lot to be said for … Read more

As mentioned elsewhere on this site, France is home to some of the most luxurious property on earth, a fact that would still hold true even if the commercial center of Paris were excluded from the picture (some might say especially if Paris were excluded from the picture.) Destinations like the Côte d’Azur – more … Read more

Though most readers will know that world-class prestige does not come cheap, it is still worth mentioning the fact that residency in Paris can be at the pinnacle of the world ‘cost of living’ index. France, as a whole, remains the country with the world’s most expensive residential property (La Leopolda Villa on the French … Read more

The huge surge of British families pulling up roots and moving lock stock and barrel to France, has largely petered out. During the 1980s thousands of families re-located to France, mostly because property was so cheap – sometimes incredibly cheap – and the bargains seemed too good to miss. By the 1990s numbers started to … Read more

by Deborah Kent For UK buyers considering entering the French market, there is one purchase option that stands out in terms of investment potential and the ability to get on the property ladder despite the lack of an initial deposit. If this sounds too good to be true – read on! In actual fact, while … Read more

by Kathryn Valdal Fourie Shortly after moving to Paris, the fascination with the city of lights and the capital of romance can easily wear off. Your twinkling image of Paris can easily become the city of smoke filled bars, bad customer service and pavements covered with doggie doo. But if you move to Paris equipped … Read more

Buying a home in France can be a complex process. From finding your dream home to relocating to France there are many hurdles to overcome before you can relax and enjoy the lifestyle and beautiful environment that France is renowned for. In Part 1 of this series, Oliver Phillips of PFS France (http://www.propertyforsalefrance.co.uk/) walks you … Read more

by Ben Hermer, Artisan Anglais So many British citizens are now moving to France or buying a holiday home here that the demand is steadily growing for tradespeople, or artisans as they are known in France, to work on their houses, carry out groundwork or do any other job that may be needed. We Brits … Read more

by Anne Poulton A relatively new website for ex-patriates called “Counselling in France” can be accessed at www.counsellinginfrance.com. The site aims to put English speakers living in France in touch with English speaking counsellors and is the only service of its kind in France. The French authorities do not recognise the word ‘counsellor’ unless it’s … Read more