Is France a good place to live? 21 reasons why and why not

Whether France is a suitable place to reside relies heavily upon various individual factors, including preferences, priorities, and personal circumstances. Though there are absolutely certain aspects of living in France that I dislike, overall, I really enjoy being here. Don’t get me wrong.

Do you want to know if it’s the appropriate time for you to move to France? See my list of the top reasons why is France a good place to live, along with a few drawbacks you should be aware of before coming.

Is France a good place to live?

Well, I might have a bit of a bias, but I genuinely believe that France is an exceptional place to call home. I have made this country our residence for quite some time now, and whenever the question arises – “Is France a good place to live?” – our answer is always a resounding yes. Now, don’t get me wrong; it’s not flawless, and there are certain aspects of living in France that don’t entirely align with my preferences. However, all things considered, our affection for this place knows no bounds.

I am curious to know if relocating to France aligns with your aspirations?

Take a look at my insights into why living in France is a fantastic choice – along with a couple of drawbacks that you might want to be mindful of before making the big decision.

Looking for the pros and cons of moving to France?

Pros of living in France

The French have taken the art of living well to a new level. There’s something unique about the culture in everything from the food to the attire to the architecture.

Imagine waking up to freshly baked croissants every morning, relaxing with a glass of Bordeaux in the evenings, and having access to the best museums on the planet.

And these are just some of the advantages.

I’ll list every benefit of living here below so you know what you can expect.

1. HealthCare

Assurance Maladie, the French healthcare system, is among the greatest in the world. Anyone may access it, regardless of their work situation or economic level. It’s also reasonably priced!

The patients pay only a small portion (0–25%) of the total cost of hospital stays, prescription drugs, and doctor visits. For instance, a basic care physician typically bills €25 in France. Thus, the whole cost comes to just €7.50.

With first-rate facilities, highly skilled physicians, and extensive coverage, you may receive top-notch treatment without breaking the bank.

This really changed the game for me. I avoided going to the doctor when I resided in the United States. My go-to resource for self-diagnosis was WebMD.

I was relieved to relocate to France. I was aware that the national healthcare system would take care of me regardless of the doctor I saw. It has greatly improved my health.

This is the main benefit of living in France if I had to pick just one!

Useful Tip: Before you may use the public healthcare system in France, you must reside there for three months. During these three months, you are free to see a doctor, but you will not get payment. It is nonsense that, in comparison to the US, it only costs $750 for two people for a whole year. 

2. Work-life balance

Not only does France boast beautiful scenery and a rich history, but the quality of life there is unmatched. It also has to do with universal healthcare, work-life balance, and the value of savoring life’s small joys.

France consistently ranks in the top 100 countries in the world for the highest standard of living. This is not surprising, of course!

The French place a high value on leisure and relaxation, and they have plenty of time to enjoy themselves thanks to a 35-hour workweek. The nation has one of the greatest healthcare systems in the world, guaranteeing that everyone can get high-quality medical care.

The art of enjoying life, or “joie de vivre,” should also not be overlooked. Meals are viewed as a chance to unwind and enjoy delicious food and company in this place, where they can last for hours. What really sets living here apart is this healthy, well-balanced way of life.

Without question, France offers the highest quality of life when compared to all the other countries I’ve lived. There’s an unparalleled balance between work, health, and personal fulfilment.

3. Location

A fantastic starting point for visiting and learning about other European nations is France.

You’re only a quick train or plane journey away from your next shopping expedition in London or a brief vacation in Luxembourg.

It’s not only about taking quick trips abroad, either. There is enough variety in France to satiate your wanderlust.

There are a ton of locations you can visit without crossing borders, from the vibrant port city of Marseille to the ethereal Colmar.

I enjoy not having to schedule my travels a year ahead and am constantly searching for my next adventure. Therefore, France is the best home base for someone like myself.

4. Culture

Living as an expat in France is definitely attractive because of its rich culture. The nation is rich in history, culture, and delicious food.

There is a fragment of history just waiting to be discovered wherever you look. There are countless locations for history enthusiasts, ranging from Roman remains to Gothic churches.

Foodies savor buttery pastries, while art enthusiasts immerse themselves in Musée d’Orsay and other prestigious institutions.

And lastly, the architectural design. The magnificent Palace of Versailles and the breathtaking Eiffel Tower both serve as reminders of France’s illustrious history.

However, it’s not only these well-known sites. A stroll through a neighborhood in Nancy or a small village in Alsace might show a variety of styles from several historical periods.

Multiple festivals may be found throughout France. You’ll enjoy access to wine, cuisine, art, and music events all year round. It’s difficult to avoid this thriving center of culture.

5. Expat community

Your support system is one of the most crucial factors to take into account before relocating abroad. That applies to both your new nation and your home. Though there are other methods to create this kind of network, I’ve discovered that expat communities are the most effective.

Fortunately, there is a strong expat community in France. There is a club for everyone, ranging from participatory French courses to English-speaking gatherings. Additionally, they are all kind and helpful, which is a big help when you’re first settling in.

6. Varied landscape

There is no shortage of magnificent beauty in France if you enjoy the outdoors and the natural world. In the east, snow-capped Alps reach the sky, while in the south, sun-kissed beaches adorn the coast. Then there are endless wineries in between, rolling lavender fields, and verdant woodlands.

You don’t have to drive far to get to all these amazing locations. In just a few hours, you may travel from Paris or any other large city to the breathtaking views of Les Sables-d’Olonne or Annecy!

7. Convenient public transportation

In France, the public transit network is quite practical. Buses and trains run frequently and are generally dependable. Furthermore, one-way tickets and monthly passes are incredibly reasonably priced. You can even receive discounts and exclusive deals through some applications.

The best thing, though, is that 50% of your monthly expenditures must be covered by your company. It’s still a significant savings, even if it’s just for the commute you take to work!

I’ve resided in several French cities, including Paris and Strasbourg. I thus understand what it’s like to regularly utilize public transportation here. Furthermore, even while major cities like Paris have a more extensive network, smaller towns also have excellent transit choices.

8. Cuisine

The first thing that springs to mind when one thinks of France is its famed cuisine. French food, found in both informal brasseries and restaurants with Michelin stars, is renowned for its grace and sophistication.

However, more than only upscale dining establishments need recognition. Some of the greatest food in the nation may be found in the regular cafés and restaurants.

Even better, it’s reasonably priced. So why is French cuisine so delicious?

The calibre of the goods utilized holds the key to the solution. French cooks employ only the best ingredients because they are extremely proud of the food they produce. To guarantee that their recipes are flavorful, they make sure the food is in-season and fresh. Some of the most exquisite cuisine you’ll ever taste is the consequence of this meticulous attention to detail.

Useful Tip: The French Culinary Capital is Lyon!

9. Low cost of living

The extremely low cost of living in France is one of the factors contributing to its affordability. Transportation, food, and rent are all fairly priced. The majority of individuals can afford certain pleasures in addition to the essentials.

Naturally, a city’s cost of living affects one another. Furthermore, there are many affluent cities in France—I promise.

For instance, living in Paris is far more expensive than in Bordeaux or Toulouse, which are smaller towns. However, you can still locate inexpensive housing and eat out on a tight budget in Paris.

10. A lot of vacation

Upon moving to France, one of the first things I noticed was how many vacation days there were.

First off, 11 national holidays is a staggering quantity in my opinion. That surpasses the average annual vacation days taken by Americans!

And then there are the days you take for yourself. Two and a half days are guaranteed to you by law for each month that you work. The national average is therefore 25, although the majority of people are between 30 and 40.

Admittedly, I wasn’t used to taking so many days off, but I got used to it quite soon. I can enjoy my interests and yet find time to unwind since I have so many vacation days. I’m able to create a healthy work-life balance that I couldn’t do in any other way. Undoubtedly, one of the many advantages of residing in France!

12. Education

It might seem that education in France would be costly given the country’s prestigious colleges, such as the Sorbonne. However, that is not at all true.

In all of Europe, education costs are quite low in France. You won’t have to worry about paying exorbitant tuition if you want to relocate your family here or pursue an international education.

An equivalent degree would set you back around $3000 a year in France (for non-residents). And that’s without any scholarships or financial help. Approximately $200 is the typical annual expenditure for most people.

Both student accommodation and textbooks are provided for free or at a reduced cost.

Additionally, students are eligible for savings on museum passes, public transportation, and other things by about 50% with a student card.

Useful Tip: I was able to learn French in Lyon without breaking the bank because it’s so affordable. 

Cons of living in France

Although there are many amazing aspects of living in France, there are also many difficulties.

It’s critical to understand the drawbacks so that you can decide wisely.

Now let’s get started.

1. High taxes

France has some of the highest taxes in the world, no mystery about it. The income tax is a staggering 45% on its own. Furthermore, the taxes on housing, social security, and goods and services are not included in that.

Fortunately, everything returns to the nation. France spends over 31% of its GDP on social programs, such as healthcare and unemployment benefits. Therefore, even if it appears like a lot is being taken, it will go toward services that you will unavoidably need.

2. Endless attacks

The French are known for their intense enthusiasm. And a great deal of that fervor is shown in demonstrations, marches, and strikes. It appears to be their preferred negotiating strategy for any situation involving a job.

Furthermore, even if they increase awareness, they are cumbersome.

Strikes involving public transit cause the biggest disruption. Trams, metros, and trains will all abruptly and unexpectedly stop operating. More times than I can remember, train drivers have requested an additional vacation day, leaving me stranded in the middle of nowhere.

It goes without saying that I have no sympathy for them!

3. Pollution

One of the main drawbacks of living in France is pollution. Smog fills the air in cities, and being outside in the summer may be risky.

The pollution in Paris gave me a cough when I first got here. My health suffered as a result of my difficulty breathing. In the end, I made the decision to relocate to Strasbourg because of this.

Why then is it so awful?

There are several causes for this, but traffic is by far the biggest. Although public transit is an option, most people who can afford it choose to drive a car given the frequency of strikes.

The pollution grows worse as more and more people decide to drive. The city’s shoddy architecture also doesn’t help. The streets are narrow and frequently have just one direction.

Thus, it goes without saying that the stench of automobile exhaust is oppressive during rush hour!

Even with attempts to reduce pollution and improve traffic, pollution remains a significant issue in France.

4. People can be less welcoming

Living abroad might have challenges. However, living in France might make things much more difficult. Before you can be regarded as a “local,” you must become proficient in a plethora of unwritten laws and social customs.

After arriving, I quickly discovered that there was a “French way” of doing things. And I kept hearing people tell me, “This is how things are done in France!”

Every expat has to deal with it at some point, even though it can be alienating and annoying.

It’s also a far more serious issue in major cities like Lyon and Paris. Smaller towns, like Dijon, tend to have more hospitable and kind residents.

5. Accommodation is difficult to find

It might be difficult to find an apartment in France.

First off, those who currently reside in the county are preferred tenants for landlords.

In addition, you will not have a bank account, an employment contract, or a few other necessary paperwork when you get there.

Lastly, there is a lot of rivalry for homes. There are always people in need of an apartment, whether they are residents, students, or foreigners. Additionally, you might have to choose between your third and fourth choices if you want to reside in one of the more well-known cities.

For the first two years after moving to Strasbourg, I had to make do with renting a subpar accommodation. Finding something more spacious and reasonably priced than a studio took me months.

Not surprisingly, this is the tactic most newbies employ. It’s the greatest strategy to stay away from pricey hotels or vacation rentals.

6. Postal service is horrible

The mail service, or La Poste, is my least favorite aspect of France. Although I dislike using strong language, in this case, it is definitely justified.

Why mail is so hard to send and receive in France is beyond me. The system is complex in every way; figuring out Paris zip codes is particularly difficult.

I also don’t know why somebody thinks it’s necessary to take stuff from mailboxes. I haven’t been able to discover a solution to this persistent issue. Generally speaking, I make every effort to avoid utilizing the postal service. I employ expedited shipping services like FedEx or DHL as necessary.

7. Small stores may be frustrating

The dearth of retail variety is another drawback of living in France. There are a few chains that mimic supercenters, like Leclerc, but they are extremely sparse in number. To locate what I’m searching for, I sometimes have to visit two or three different stores.

In contrast, I could always find everything I needed at one store when I was in the United States. Not only that but there was an infinite variety. Cereal alone occupied whole aisles! There is no such thing as a luxury in France.

8. Strong Linguistic Barrier

Vote for your future, as the phrase “votez pour votre futur” suggests. You must learn French if you wish to reside in France.

One of the hardest things to get past in France is the language barrier. It’s also one of the hardest countries to relocate to only for that reason.

It is nearly hard to complete fundamental tasks like opening a bank account or renting an apartment without knowledge of French. Not to be overlooked is the bureaucracy. You will find it difficult to renew your visa if you are not fluent in French.

My life altered the moment I picked up French. It was all simpler. I was able to relate to my coworkers at work, make acquaintances, and perform simple administrative duties.

You will need to acquire French if you intend to relocate to France.

9. Wintertime is gloomy and grey.

One benefit and draw of living in France is the weather.

The winters are long, dark, and gloomy, but the summers are fantastic. It frequently rains and is overcast for weeks at a time. Furthermore, most snowfall is just a thin coating that melts quickly, leaving behind a chilly, slushy mess.

Even after living in France for so long, I still don’t feel at home. I used to love the long, cold, snowy winters in Illinois when I was a child. After sledging, I enjoy making snowmen and drinking hot chocolate. It’s far more enjoyable than strolling along a slick sidewalk.

Naturally, winters in different French cities are not the same. Winters are moderate in several cities around the Mediterranean coast. However, there are still more overcast days than bright ones.

10. Administration is Slow

The infamously sluggish nature of French bureaucracy is no secret. Each shape must be flawless; if not, you must begin again. Furthermore, how flawless is determined by the individual handling your paperwork. It appears that each of them has its own set of needs. Like Russian roulette, you never know what you’re going to get.

The worst scenario you’ll face is having to renew your visa. It may take many months from the time you submit your paperwork until you obtain your visa.

The prefecture “forgot” to tell me that my residence permit was available for pickup during my most recent ordeal.

If you want to live in France, you will have to put up with an endless hassle.

FAQs

1. Is it expensive to live in France?

Living in France can vary in cost depending on your location and lifestyle. Major cities like Paris tend to be more expensive, with higher rents and living expenses. However, rural areas may offer a more affordable lifestyle. Despite potential expenses, many expats find the unique experiences and cultural richness well worth the investment.

2. Is English enough to live in France?

While English is widely understood in urban areas and tourist destinations, proficiency in French enhances your overall experience. Engaging with locals, navigating bureaucratic processes, and fully immersing yourself in French culture is more enjoyable with a grasp of the language. Language resources, language exchange meet-ups, and language schools are readily available to help expats integrate seamlessly.

3. What to prepare for living in France?

• Internet Connectivity: Ensuring a smooth transition to life in France includes setting up reliable internet connectivity. Research and choose from the various internet service providers available. Most urban areas offer high-speed internet, while rural regions may have slightly different options. Set up your internet service promptly to stay connected and informed.
• eSIM for Expats: In today’s digital age, staying connected on your mobile device is essential. Consider using a France eSIM for your mobile connectivity needs. This virtual SIM card allows you to activate your mobile plan without the need for a physical card. Follow our step-by-step guide to easily activate your eSIM, ensuring you have seamless communication from day one.

Wrap up

Therefore, the excellent healthcare, low cost of living, location, food, and work-life balance more than make up for the unfavorable aspects of the city—even though strikes or bureaucracy are undoubtedly undesirable. Is France a good place to live? Yes, I think it most certainly is!