Living in France as an expat.

A practical, personal guide to settling into French life after your move

What does living in France actually feel like?

This guide covers everything you need to know about your first few months as an expat in France, with real-world tips, links to essential resources, and insight into the cultural differences you might face.

🛬 Life After the Move: What to Expect

Once you’ve arrived, the pace slows — but the to-do list doesn’t vanish. Expect the first few weeks to include:

Registering your residence (especially if you’re outside the EU)
Updating banking and tax details
Getting familiar with your commune (local area)
Handling basic bureaucracy (social security, vehicle registration, etc.)

New to France? Start with our Moving to France from the UK guide for a full relocation checklist.

🕑 Adjusting to the French Way of Life

Daily life in France can feel surprisingly different — even if you’ve visited before. Here’s what surprises many UK expats:

Shops often close mid-day (typically 12–2pm), especially outside major cities
Dining hours are later: lunch around 1pm, dinner closer to 8pm
Formal greetings matter — always say bonjour upon entering a shop
Paperwork can be slow — multiple appointments and documents are the norm

But for all the quirks, the lifestyle rewards are real: better work-life balance, great food culture, and more time outdoors.

🚇 Transport, Healthcare & Local Services

France’s infrastructure is solid, especially in urban areas:

Public transport is reliable in cities like Paris, Lyon, and Bordeaux
Healthcare is efficient — learn how it works in our Cost of Living France article
Many local services require a Carte Vitale (public health card) or proof of residence, so prioritise registration steps early

Need help moving key items post-arrival? Our Small Removals from France to UK service works both ways.

🧠 Language Barriers & Learning French

Not everyone in France speaks English fluently — especially in rural areas. To truly feel settled, learning basic French is essential.

Quick wins:

Use apps like Duolingo or Babbel
Practice with real-life tasks (grocery shopping, admin)
Watch French Netflix or YouTube with subtitles
Join local Facebook expat groups to find conversation partners

🐶 Pets, Paperwork & Culture Shocks

Bringing a pet with you? Learn more about pet relocation in our French Pet Passport post.

Common cultural curveballs for UK expats include:

Directness in conversation
Longer lunch breaks and slower admin
Tighter local community circles
But once you’re in the rhythm, it becomes one of the most fulfilling parts of French life.

💬 Final Thoughts: It Takes Time

The first 30–90 days in France aren’t about instant perfection — they’re about adjusting. Finding your local boulangerie, getting through your first appointment at the mairie, or learning how to deal with bin collection schedules — they all count as wins.

And if you’re not sure where to begin with budgeting, housing, or timelines? We’ve got you:

Cost of Living in France
Moving to France from the UK
French Pet Passport

💬 Questions about life in France? Or planning your move?

We’re a specialist European removals team who can help with every step — including customs paperwork, packing, and local tips.

👉 Get in touch today, or start your France removals quote.

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