English
man on top of jeepny

A GUIDE FOR Moving TO

France

man on top of jeepny

A GUIDE FOR Moving TO

France

man on top of jeepny

A GUIDE FOR Moving TO

France

GUIDE FOR

Moving to France? Here is what you need to know

Moving to France? Here is what you need to know

France has long been one of the world’s most beloved destinations for expats, retirees, and digital nomads. With its charming villages, vibrant cities, world-renowned cuisine, and rich artistic heritage, France offers an exceptional lifestyle for newcomers. Whether you're drawn to Paris for its culture, Lyon for its gastronomy, Bordeaux for its wine country, or the French Riviera for sunshine and coastal living, France provides endless opportunities to live comfortably and beautifully.

To prepare for your move, it’s important to understand France’s culture, work environment, regional differences, and relocation logistics.
This guide gives you a complete overview of France, including cultural insights, work life, basic French phrases, and helpful tips for moving.

How much does it cost to move to France?

The cost of relocating to France varies depending on your origin country, shipment size, and transport method. Below are realistic price ranges to help you budget.

Average moving costs by region of origin

  • From within Europe: €1,200 – €4,000

  • From the UK: €1,800 – €4,500

  • From North America (USA/Canada): €4,500 – €8,500

  • From the Middle East: €3,000 – €6,000

  • From Asia/Oceania: €5,000 – €10,000

  • From Latin America: €6,000 – €12,000

Costs depend on shipment volume, transport type, and services such as packing, customs handling, insurance, or storage.

Factors that influence your moving cost

  • Distance and origin country

  • Volume of belongings (m³)

  • Transport method:

    • Sea freight – economical

    • Air freight – fast but costly

  • Time of year: peak demand in summer

  • Additional services: packing, insurance, vehicle shipping, customs assistance, pet relocation

Typical examples

  • Move from Germany to Paris with 10 m³: €1,500 – €2,500

  • Couple relocating from the USA to Lyon with 20 m³: €5,000 – €7,000

  • Family moving from Australia to Nice with 30 m³: €8,000 – €12,000

For the most accurate pricing, a customised moving quote is recommended.

A Glimpse into France

Geography and climate

France is one of Europe’s largest and most geographically diverse countries. Its landscapes include:

  • Mediterranean beaches in the south

  • Alpine mountains ideal for skiing and hiking

  • Rolling countryside in Normandy and Burgundy

  • Vineyards stretching across Bordeaux and Champagne

  • Bustling historic cities such as Paris, Marseille, and Toulouse

Climate varies by region:

  • North & west: mild, oceanic climate

  • South: Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters

  • Central France: continental climate with seasonal variation

  • Alps & Pyrenees: cold, snowy winters

Whether you prefer four seasons or endless sunshine, France has a region to suit your lifestyle.

A snapshot of history

France’s history is rich, influential, and deeply woven into global culture.

Key historical highlights:

  • Ancient Gaul: shaped by Celtic and Roman influence

  • Middle Ages: powerful kingdoms and Gothic architecture

  • French Revolution (1789): transformed France into a modern republic

  • 19th century: cultural and scientific innovation (Impressionists, Eiffel Tower)

  • World Wars: France played key roles in both conflicts

  • Today: a democratic nation known for arts, cuisine, science, and diplomacy

From medieval castles to modern museums, France’s past remains visible in everyday life.

Diving into French culture

French culture is elegant, expressive, and rooted in appreciation for food, art, conversation, and quality of life.

Food and drink

French cuisine is world-famous, and each region has its own specialties. Highlights include:

  • Baguettes & pastries

  • Cheeses (Camembert, Roquefort, Comté, and many more)

  • Coq au vin, ratatouille, cassoulet

  • Crêpes & galettes

  • Wines from Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Loire Valley

  • Champagne

Meals are social events, often enjoyed slowly and with multiple courses.

Festivals

France celebrates a mix of cultural, historical, and modern festivals:

  • Bastille Day (14 July): fireworks, parades, and national celebrations

  • Cannes Film Festival: global cinema event

  • Fête de la Musique: free concerts across the country

  • Christmas markets: especially in Alsace

  • Regional festivals: wine harvests, medieval fairs, and food celebrations

These events offer a great way to understand French traditions and community spirit.

Lifestyle and social norms

Life in France is shaped by:

  • Work–life balance: protected by strong labour laws

  • Appreciation for leisure: long meals, café culture, parks, and public spaces

  • Art & culture: museums, music, theatre, and galleries everywhere

  • Politeness: greetings and formalities matter

  • Direct communication: French people value clarity and thoughtful conversation

Understanding these norms helps newcomers integrate more seamlessly.

Working in France

France offers a structured, collaborative, and professional work environment, especially in urban areas.

Business culture

  • Formality in meetings and communication is common

  • Punctuality matters, though the atmosphere can be relaxed

  • Long lunch breaks still exist in many workplaces

  • Hierarchies are clear, but teamwork is highly valued

  • Negotiations and decision-making can be deliberate and detail-focused

Job opportunities for expats

  • Technology & engineering

  • Aerospace (Toulouse)

  • Luxury goods & fashion

  • Wine and gastronomy industries

  • Healthcare

  • Education

  • Tourism and hospitality

France also appeals to digital nomads thanks to strong infrastructure and numerous coworking spaces in big cities.

Français made simple

Learning basic French is essential for daily life, especially outside major cities. Even simple expressions help build rapport.

Common French phrases

English

French

Hello

Bonjour

Goodbye

Au revoir

Thank you

Merci

Please

S’il vous plaît

How are you?

Comment ça va ?

I don’t understand

Je ne comprends pas

Where is the nearest…?

Où est le/la plus proche… ?

Can you help me?

Pouvez-vous m’aider ?

How much does this cost?

Ça coûte combien ?

Do you speak English?

Parlez-vous anglais ?

A little French goes a long way, locals appreciate any effort to speak their language.

Final thoughts

France offers a rich blend of beauty, culture, comfort, and opportunity. Whether you're drawn to its vineyards, mountains, golden southern coastlines, or artistic urban centres, France promises an inspiring and rewarding life for newcomers.

Embrace its rhythms, enjoy its culinary delights, and discover why France continues to be one of the world’s most enchanting places to call home.

Bienvenue en France!

Sponsors

A + International

A + International

A + International

APRIL International is a global leader in international health insurance, providing coverage to over 150,000 policyholders worldwide in both their professional and personal lives. Our mission is to make healthcare easily accessible, no matter where you are.

Whether you're a student, an intern, on a working holiday, an employee, or a retiree traveling alone or with family APRIL International offers comprehensive and flexible insurance solutions designed to suit your unique needs and budget. With our expertise, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing you have access to quality healthcare wherever your journey takes you.

A Place in the Sun Currency

A Place in the Sun Currency

A Place in the Sun Currency

Our service is specifically designed for anyone making overseas payments to buy, maintain, or sell an overseas property. We understand the importance of an efficient and transparent currency service and have an experienced team in place to help make your money go further and secure your very own “place in the sun”.

Buying and transferring currency across borders is a critical part of any overseas property transaction to get right, and our personal account-manager led service is here to help you understand and navigate the process safely and securely, without incurring any unnecessary costs. You can benefit from our knowledge about both the currency markets, and the logistics of international payments.



Abroad Experience Recruitment

Abroad Experience Recruitment

Abroad Experience Recruitment

Abroad Experience specializes in connecting international professionals with exciting career opportunities in the Netherlands. With a focus on multilingual job seekers, we help candidates find roles that align with their skills, ambitions, and background.

From recent graduates to experienced professionals, we provide guidance throughout the recruitment process, offering job placements in fields such as customer service, finance, marketing, and more. Our goal is to make international job transitions seamless, ensuring candidates find the right opportunities while supporting them every step of the way.

It is of utmost importance to us that we offer a high level of service and build strong and trusting relationships with clients and candidates. As an international agency, we are devoted to international professionals in order to help them succeed on the Dutch labor market. As part of our recruitment services we can provide you with feedback on your CV & interview preparation sessions.

ActiveQuote Ltd

ActiveQuote Ltd

ActiveQuote Ltd

ActiveQuote is a leading comparison platform for health insurance, providing an easy way for individuals and businesses to compare health plans from a wide range of providers. With a focus on transparency, ActiveQuote helps customers find the best insurance coverage that suits their needs and budget, whether for personal or family health insurance, or for small businesses looking to provide benefits to employees.

By simplifying the process of comparing and purchasing health insurance, ActiveQuote offers a personalized experience, ensuring customers make informed decisions quickly and efficiently. With a commitment to excellent customer service and competitive pricing, ActiveQuote is dedicated to helping you secure the right health insurance coverage for your circumstances.

Aetna Health Insurance

Aetna Health Insurance

Aetna Health Insurance

Aetna is a leading global health insurance company providing a wide range of health plans and services for individuals, families, and businesses. With a strong presence in both the United States and internationally, Aetna focuses on improving health outcomes by offering affordable and accessible healthcare coverage.

Aetna provides a comprehensive range of products, including health, dental, vision, and disability insurance, as well as health management programs designed to support customers in leading healthier lives. With an emphasis on innovation and customer care, Aetna aims to deliver high-quality healthcare solutions that meet the needs of diverse populations worldwide.

Agato Visa & Immigration

Agato Visa & Immigration

Agato Visa & Immigration

Our life is full of metaphors; sometimes we don’t even notice them. However, if you look at today’s world through such a metaphorical lens, you understand why it can be compared to the river. It is dynamic, it is fast moving, every day it gets filled with new streams of ideas, tendencies, and innovations. Then, we can consider different organizations as banks of that river. They all have their traditions, cultural colors, and shades. That’s why there must be something to connect these banks, to make them united by common desires, ideas, business, strategies, language, etc. Therefore, our company come to serve as the bridge for that; we can build a connection between people, business organizations and various establishments. This singular belief makes ourselves and our clients’ products/services and international brand distinguishable amongst all of the rest.

All Luxury Apartments

All Luxury Apartments

All Luxury Apartments

Everyone deserves a good home. No matter where you are, you’ll need a place to return to a sanctuary where you can rest, recharge, and truly feel at home. At All Luxury Apartments, we believe that finding the perfect place shouldn’t be a challenge, which is why we connect you to the finest homes across the world.

Whether you’re traveling for business, leisure, or an extended stay, we strive to ensure that you have access to exceptional accommodations that suit your lifestyle and needs. From elegant city apartments to breathtaking villas, we’re here to make sure that wherever life takes you, you will always have a home—the kind you truly deserve!

Approach People Recruitment

Approach People Recruitment

Approach People Recruitment

Approach People is a network of consultants spread across our various agencies in Europe. Each Account Manager is an expert in their industry. They listen to you and advise you according to your specific needs. Thanks to a centralised European database, social media and partnerships with global job boards in Europe, your dedicated recruitment consultant quickly identifies potential talents. This expert will then assess and evaluate candidates before presenting you only the best profiles.

With a multilingual team and a deep understanding of global job markets, Approach People provides tailored recruitment solutions, from executive search to permanent and contract placements. Their commitment to excellence ensures a smooth hiring process for both employers and job seekers, making them a trusted recruitment partner worldwide.

April International

April International

April International

Global Health Insurance, 100% Online – Anytime, Anywhere!

Whether you're an expatriate, student, frequent traveler, au pair, or business, we offer flexible insurance solutions for anyone traveling abroad. From registration to reimbursement, we make it easy to manage your health needs worldwide!

As a global leader in international health insurance, APRIL International provides comprehensive coverage for individuals, families, and businesses. Specializing in expatriate insurance, we offer tailored health plans that ensure access to quality healthcare—whether for short-term trips, long-term stays, or corporate needs.

With a strong focus on innovation, digital services, and customer support, APRIL International simplifies international health coverage, giving you peace of mind wherever you are. Our commitment to accessibility and personalized service makes us a trusted partner for those living, working, or traveling abroad.

Apt Wealth Partners

Apt Wealth Partners

Apt Wealth Partners

Apt Wealth Partners is a trusted financial advisory firm based in Australia, providing expert wealth management, financial planning, and investment solutions. With a client-first approach, we help individuals, families, and businesses achieve their financial goals through tailored strategies and long-term planning.

From retirement planning and superannuation to tax-effective investment solutions, Apt Wealth Partners offers comprehensive financial guidance designed to build and protect wealth. Our focus is on delivering financial advice that allows us to become your personal CFO. Your finances will be tailored to your needs, allowing you to concentrate on living the life you want. We're privately owned and focus on providing the most transparent advice possible.

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