France
Articles about France
Americans In France: Your Tax, Visa & Financial Questions AnsweredThinking about moving to France as an American? Watch three experts break down the visas, taxes, and money questions you…Read more
Growing Older In France – How To Stay Independent In Your Golden YearsPlanning to retire in France? Learn how to stay independent and make informed choices for later life.Read more
France Or Spain – Which Country Offers Better Healthcare For The Over-60s?Over 60 and planning to move abroad? Compare healthcare in France and Spain to find the best fit for your…Read more
The Most Popular And Most Affordable Places To Buy Property In FranceFrance, with its rich cultural heritage, excellent quality of life and diverse landscapes, has long been a favoured destination for…Read more
Retiring in France: Private Health Insurance Essentials for Expats Over 60France, with its idyllic countryside, world-class healthcare, rich culture, and sumptuous cuisine, is a dream retirement destination for many expats.…Read more
Understanding and Adapting to French Labor Laws as an Expat EmployeeNavigating the labor laws of a new country can be a complex and sometimes daunting task. When moving to France…Read more
From Paris To Marseille – An Expat Guide To French CitiesFrance, famous worldwide for its culture, cuisine, and sophistication, is a dream destination for many expats. The country boasts rich…Read more
Navigating The Vehicle Registration Process In FranceIn France, every car on the road must go through a mandatory registration process regulated by the 'Système d'Immatriculation des…Read more
Health Insurance In France: A Guide For American ExpatsMoving abroad is a tricky proposition from all angles, but healthcare is one of the main worries people state when…Read more
How To Get The Covid Vaccine As An Expat In FranceIf you are an expat resident in France, you are likely to be wondering about how your expat status affects…Read more
How To Open A Bank Account In FranceIn terms of banking, there are a few options open to expats living in France. Some choose to maintain an…Read more
How To Learn The Language In FranceIf you are intending to move to France to live and work, and are not currently a French speaker, how…Read more
How To Rent Or Buy Property In FranceIf you are looking to move to France, then you will need to consider your options in terms of accommodation.…Read more
How To Apply For A Visa In FranceLong-term residence in France is tied up with your type of visa; see ‘Residency’ below. Rules for work permits vary…Read more
How To Keep Your Health Insurance Costs Low In FranceFrance’s social healthcare system, l’assurance maladie, is fairly comprehensive and covers almost everyone. However, expats may still decide to take…Read more
How To Register With The French Health ServiceFrance offers healthcare for everyone living in the country, whether you are an expat on a short-term assignment or a…Read more
How To Rent Out Your Home In FranceAre you thinking about letting out your property in France? Before throwing open the doors of your dream property, here…Read more
How Might The Changes In French Driving Laws Affect You?For France, 2019 so far has been nothing but turbulent. Following President Macron’s announcement of plans to increase the costs…Read more
Gilets Jaunes: What’s Behind The Protests, And What Do They Mean For Expats?A widespread movement across France has gained global attention and been dominating the news. In fact, the protests organised and…Read more
France Implements Euthanasia Law: Will Other EU Countries Follow Suit?The topic of euthanasia is one that has long divided opinions. However, due to current happenings in France, the conversation…Read more
How To Find An Apartment In CannesThe French port of Cannes is a legendarily lovely place to live, with its silver screen associations and glamorous image.…Read more
How Will The New Carte De Sejour Rules Affect You?As Brexit continues to loom, it is strongly suggested that UK passport holders living in France apply for a carte…Read more
How Might The Changes To France’s Taxation System Affect You?A new year brings new changes to the French Tax system. They are not as dramatic as they have been…Read more
How Might The Changes To France’s Pension Reforms Affect You?The French government is in the process of a total pension revamp. Currently, there are two main compulsory pension plans:…Read more
How To Insure Your Pet In FranceAs expats, we know that each move to a new country means mountains of research and paperwork. You’ll have to…Read more
What Documentation Will You Need To Stay In France Following Brexit?Brexit: it’s been the topic on everyone’s minds ever since Article 50 was triggered by Theresa May on March 29th,…Read more
An Expat Guide to Car Insurance In FranceMoving abroad can be confusing at the best of times. There’s so much to learn with regards to properties, locations…Read more
Taxe Foncière And Taxe d’Habitation: What Expats Need To KnowWe know that one of the pitfalls of expat life can be wrapping your head around the taxes and paperwork…Read more
UK Expat Buying Property In France? Here’s What You Need To KnowDespite uncertainties over Brexit, buying property in France remains a popular choice for British expats, whether as a permanent residence,…Read more
Ten Signs You’ve Been Living In Paris For Too LongFew cities have the romantic allure of the City of Lights. The French capital has made names, broken hearts and…Read more
Working As A Micro-Entrepreneur In France: What You Need To KnowSo you’ve moved – or are moving to – France and plan to work for yourself. Registering under the micro-entrepreneur…Read more
How To Find The Right Expat Mortgage For You In FranceSome of us might be lucky enough to embark on a new life in France with the financial means to…Read more
Everything You Need To Know About The Carte VitaleThe Carte Vitale is the national French health insurance card. Expats who qualify to register with the service benefit from…Read more
A Vegetarian Guide To ParisParis has changed. The city looks much the same as it has for the past 100 years, but the French…Read more
The Unwritten Rules Of Living In ParisAh Paris, the city of sophistication. The everlasting location of romance, elegance and good taste. The muse of great artists…Read more
How To Pass The French Nationality TestAre you an expat looking to gain French nationality? Do you have questions about what the process entails? Or do…Read more
Renovating Rural Property In France – 10 Tips For First-Time BuyersWhen it comes to living in France, many people plan to move to expat hotspots such as the beautiful cities…Read more
Challenges Expats Face In France And How To Address ThemThere are probably very few people who have taken the leap to move to a new country that could tell…Read more
An Expat Guide To Allocations Familiales In FranceBeing a legal resident of France gives you access to a wide variety of benefits, including a number of childcare…Read more
The Top Ten French Cities For Buying PropertyFrance is known for many things. Its cuisine is renowned the world over, and some of the most sophisticated vintage…Read more
An Expat Guide To The French Education SystemSimilar to the French health system, education here is very reputable. If you and your family are thinking of moving…Read more
Top Tips For Expats Moving To FranceAs with all overseas assignments, research before moving to France is key and a short trip to learn more about…Read more
An Expat Guide To The Regions Of FranceThinking of moving to France? You'll join the many expats that have settled there. Whether it's the scenic coast line,…Read more
The Ultimate To-Do List For Expats In The South Of FranceThe South of France is the home of some of the most scenic places in the world. Besides the popular…Read more
A Gluten-Free Guide To ParisParis is synonymous with croissants, croques monsieur, palmiers and pains au chocolat. This isn’t such good news for those with…Read more
The Expat Tenant’s Guide To Renting Property In FranceIt is possible to enlist a real estate expert to help in finding a home that will meet requirements; this…Read more
A Brief Guide To Expat Pension Plans In FranceFrench pension rules are complex and have been changed in recent years – and more changes are planned.Typically, a French…Read more
A Expat Guide To Tax In FranceThis guide contains information on the following taxes: • Income Tax - Currently no PAYE system (due to be introduced…Read more
How Changes To The European S1 Scheme May Affect Your Expat Healthcare In FranceUnder the S1 agreement, the UK will pick up the healthcare bill for British expats in member states while other…Read more
A Simple Guide To The French Healthcare SystemOverview The French health system is rated one of the best in Europe. The state controls health expenditures funded by…Read more
Review: UncorkedWhen I first offered to review Uncorked, I did so because I thought it was a book about wine. The…Read more
France – Recommended Social Media AccountsAt Expat Focus, we like to be on the lookout for resources around the web that could help prospective expats…Read more
France’s Healthcare System Just Got Even Better For ExpatsA popular expat magnet, France has an excellent and robust healthcare system, with its wide network of public as well…Read more
How to Survive France As A VeganFrance: land of croissants, cheese and coq au vin… But can you find beef-less bourguignon or vegan bouillabaisse in France…Read more
The Expat Focus Guide To Healthcare In FranceNo one wants to be poorly and have to visit a doctor or hospital but expats living and working in…Read more
Beyond The Burkini Ban: Muslimah Fashion And French LawParis is often referred to as the Fashion Capital of the World. This is one of the reasons why people…Read more
Ten Historic Villages You Must Visit While Living In FranceFrance is a beloved nation for many different reasons. French cuisine is popular the world over. From delectable sauces to…Read more
Moving To Paris? Here’s How To Dress For Work And LeisureMany countries claim to be the fashion capital of the world. London boasts its Cool Britannia look, Milan is devoted…Read more
Are You Ready For Life In Rural France?Romantic wannabe expats who have read A Year in Provence or watched Chocolat one too many times may be swept…Read more
France – Recommended BlogsAt Expat Focus, we like to be on the lookout for resources around the web that could help prospective expats…Read more
An Expat Guide To The Arrondissements Of ParisIn every major city in the world it’s possible to find at least one confused-looking visitor, staring with furrowed brow…Read more
Interview With Rosemary Border RabsonRosemary, tell us a bit about yourself and how you came to be an expat. Everyone calls me Rosy. I…Read more
Ten French Foods You Probably Haven’t Heard OfFrench cuisine has a reputation across the world for being influential on modern Western cuisine, for being some sort of…Read more
20 Surprising Facts About FranceFor centuries, France has been a leading political power and a global centre of culture that has made major contributions…Read more
Living French: One Girl’s StruggleFirst, let me paint you a picture… of a very capable, very confident young english woman living in France, who…Read more
Interview with Stephen Clarke – Author of A Year In The Merde and How the French Won Waterloo (Or Think They Did)Expat Focus talks to Stephen Clarke author of his hilarious novel "A Year In The Merde", and "How the French…Read more
5 Things No One Tells You About Living In ParisLiving in Paris is like a dream come true for many expats. Every year, thousands of foreigners from Europe and…Read more
Five Things To Avoid Doing When You Move To FranceIn spite of its reputation as a place where people can be cold and unwelcoming, France is actually a wonderful…Read more
Fed Up Of Life In France As An Expat? Try These Suggestions!Expats sometimes experience a feeling of being fed up with the expat life, and many may yearn to return home.…Read more
5 Experiences You Must Try As An Expat In ParisParis is one of the most elegant and sophisticated cities in the world. The River Seine, which flows through the…Read more
Etiquette Faux Pas In France: How Not To ActFrance is a land of great cultural diversity. The heart of the country, the city of Paris, is a perfect…Read more
Shopping For The First Time In France? Here’s What You Need To KnowFrance is among the top shopping destinations in the world. There are shops and stores to suit every shopper’s needs,…Read more
Expat Family Friendly Things To Do In ParisWe all know of Paris as the city of love and romance, and many of us are also well aware…Read more
Useful Job Hunting Tips For Expats Moving To FranceA large number of foreigners move to France for work. Some may relocate on a job transfer, while others may…Read more
10 Websites Expats Need To Visit Before Moving To ParisFrance is popular with expats due to its favorable climate, rich food and culture and relaxed lifestyle. The capital city…Read more
Cost Of Living Facts For Expats Moving To FranceFrance is one of the most popular expat and tourist destinations in the world because of its rich culture, high…Read more
Cost of Living Facts For Expats Moving To ParisFrance has emerged as the number one destination for tourists as well as expats from around the world. Individuals of…Read more
5 Places you Might Want To Move To In France But Have Probably Never Heard OfLiving in France is probably like a dream come true for many Expats because of the quality and pace of…Read more
Dealing With Landlords In Paris – What Expats Need To Know Before RentingThere are many stories floating around about expats who move to Paris, search high and low for an apartment and…Read more
Why Moving To France Will (Probably) Make You HealthierThe French paradox, formulated by French epidemiologists, is the observation that despite the high intake of dietary cholesterol and saturated…Read more
Moving To Paris? Read Our Expat Guide To Travelling On Public TransportParis is known to have one of the most efficient public transport systems in the world. However public transport services…Read more
Starting A Small Business In France – 5 Things You Should KnowThe French government has made considerable efforts to promote a better entrepreneurial environment in the country, and this has comes…Read more
Driving In Paris – A Few Survival Tips For ExpatsDriving in Paris can be a nerve-wracking experience for many. The Étoile, for example, is the intersection of twelve major…Read more
5 Good Reasons You Should Move To France (And 1 Reason You Shouldn’t!)France, with its rich culture, beautiful landscapes, fine wine and scrumptious cuisine, is one of the most visited tourist destinations…Read more
France – Five Recommended Expat BlogsAt Expat Focus, we like to take a look around the internet and see who’s sharing interesting ideas and useful…Read more
An English Christmas – French StyleI must have blinked, just as I thought Autumn had arrived it was suddenly winter. Its now time to start…Read more
Freddy Rueda, Real Estate LanguedocPlease tell us a bit about yourself and your company Freddy Rueda's estate agency 'Real Estate Languedoc' has been helping…Read more
Simon Kerridge, Languedoc Property FindersPlease tell us a bit about yourself and your companyI have been in residential estate agency for over 20 years.…Read more
Sun, Sea & Savoir-Faire: Travel Focus on the French RivieraExpat Focus talks to Kim Defforge about her latest book, "Sun, Sea & Savoir-Faire: Travel Focus on the French Riviera",…Read more
Bored of Life in France? Visit a Vineyard!As the largest wine producer in the world, France manufactures up to eight millilon bottles per year. The rules surrounding…Read more
Brittany: A Short History for ExpatsBrittany is quickly becoming one of the most popular areas for expats. Close to the coast and not too far…Read more
Relocation Help – Schooling Options On The French Rivieraby Mellissa Wheeler on behalf of La Costa Properties MonacoFinding the perfect apartment in Monaco or on the French Riviera…Read more
Dealing with the French Health Insurance System as an ExpatOverall life expectancy at birth in France is 81.7 years and health is of an exceptionally high standard. In many…Read more
The Most Idyllic Places to Relocate in FranceAs mentioned elsewhere on this site, France is home to some of the most luxurious property on earth, a fact…Read more
Best Neighborhoods in Paris for Expat ProfessionalsThough most readers will know that world-class prestige does not come cheap, it is still worth mentioning the fact that…Read more
The British Who Move To FranceThe huge surge of British families pulling up roots and moving lock stock and barrel to France, has largely petered…Read more
Are Leaseback Schemes in France Too Good to be True?by Deborah KentFor UK buyers considering entering the French market, there is one purchase option that stands out in terms…Read more
What You Need to Know Before Moving to Parisby Kathryn Valdal FourieShortly after moving to Paris, the fascination with the city of lights and the capital of romance…Read more
Finding your dream home in France – Part 1Buying a home in France can be a complex process. From finding your dream home to relocating to France there…Read more
Employing tradespeople (artisans) legally in Franceby Ben Hermer, Artisan AnglaisSo many British citizens are now moving to France or buying a holiday home here that…Read more
Counselling in Franceby Anne PoultonA relatively new website for ex-patriates called "Counselling in France" can be accessed at www.counsellinginfrance.com.The site aims to…Read more