A Guide to Living in France
Published on 25 October 2004
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An introduction to adjusting to life in France.
After mastering the art of speaking French, living in France life really will be what you make it!
France is a country where people from different social and cultural backgrounds and all walks of life can live side by side peacefully and happily.
If ‘France’ is your dream and you wish to settle in rural France and renovate a farmhouse, then so be it. If you would like to move into a chic apartment in Paris, no problem! France is a relaxed and beautiful country where anything goes - so long as you can speak the lingo!
In recent years, most of the British expats relocating to France have been drawn to rural or at least semi-rural France. Why? Because generally speaking the way of life there can offer them the complete antithesis to what they had in the UK.
With property prices in rural France still affordable in most regions, many expats can afford to buy their chosen property outright without the need for a suffocating mortgage.
Some British expats choose France because they find that there is far less crime there than ‘back home’, people can allow their children more freedom, the pace of life is slower, the cost of living is lower! The food is fresh and cheap, the wine is delicious and plentiful, the scenery is likely to be stunning, and the climate is likely to be far better.
Establishing a life in France is something that so many people dream of and more and more expats are making a reality for themselves.
Many are drawn by the classic French art of making all of life a pleasure. From their enjoyment of fine wine and cuisine to their laid back attitude to life, the French have mastered the art of good living and are happy to share their beautiful country and way of life with everyone.
Some practicalities of French living - the French education system is regarded as being one of best in the World.
The cost of living in France is generally about 25% lower than in Britain...though of course this tends to vary depending on where you have been living in the UK, the region of France you have moved to and your preferred standard of living!
It is still possible to find reasonably priced property in France - but always compare prices in the region you are interested in across estate agents. Some agents tend to price higher if they hear an English accent! Appoint local legal representation to look after your interests when it comes to making a property purchase.
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