FRANCE

STUDY IN FRANCE

WHY CHOOSE FRANCE?
REQUIREMENTS
LIVING
COURSES
INSTITUTES
WHY CHOOSE FRANCE?

WHY STUDY IN FRANCE?

Are you considering studying in France? Maybe you’re looking into a study abroad programme in the country? Or maybe you’d like to do your entire degree in France? Whatever your situation, EDUopinions is here to help. In this article, we’ll discuss 6 reasons to study in France and explain what makes the country such a great place for students.

Want to study in France
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Is it a good idea to study in another country?

For many people, studying abroad is a great way to expand their horizons, learn about a new culture and meet new people—all while continuing your university education! Studying in another country can help develop confidence and teach you to be a problem-solver, both of which are important personal and professional skills. To learn more about studying in another country check out EDUopinions’ helpful resources like this article on the 10 best countries to study in Europe.

Do I need to speak French to study in France?

In short, yes and no. The French are not known for their impeccable English skills, so having a basic level in French can take you a long way. Knowing how to order food, communicate with shopkeepers and do basic administrative tasks in French is pretty essential, but not hard to learn!

If you have no knowledge of French, don’t let this stop you from studying in France—instead, think of it as an opportunity to learn. Many universities and business schools in France offer French lessons to students who don’t yet speak the language. As well, immersing yourself in a francophone environment is truly the best way to learn.

EDUopinions’ 6 Reasons to Study in France
International experience
International relations masters

The first on EDUopinions’ list of reasons to study in France is rather general, but very important. Studying in France, and any foreign country for that matter, provides you with international experience. Gaining international experience allows you to see the world in a new way, better understand cultural differences and adapt yourself to another way of life. For this reason, studying abroad can be considered an extremely enriching experience in terms of your own personal development.

Furthermore, international experience is more valuable than ever in today’s hyperconnected world. Businesses are always looking for professionals who have international experience, as it signals their willingness to grow, take risks and embrace different backgrounds. Even on its own, the chance to gain international experience is reason enough to study in France.

Learning a new language
France

As mentioned above, speaking French is fairly important in France. Because of this, the country is a great place to push yourself to learn a new language, as the opportunities to speak English or your native language may be limited compared to other European countries where English is more widely spoken. What’s more, many universities and business schools offer their students French classes.

Learning French has countless benefits. First, it allows you to communicate with the 300 million French speakers around the world. Second, it is a helpful language to speak for business and international relations purposes, with both fields using French as a working-language. Third, learning French can help you learn other Romance languages like Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and Romanian. For more reasons on why learning French may be a good idea, check out this government article on 10 good reasons to learn French.

Tradition of high-quality education
UniversiteParisSorbonneParisIV-logo

Another reason to study in France is the country’s century’s long tradition of high-quality education. Well-known schools like Université Paris – Sorbonne and Sciences Po have earned their excellent reputations for good reason, but France is home to countless other world-ranking education institutions in nearly every discipline. For law, Panthéon – Assas University and Université Paris Nanterre are incredible options. For fashion design, the Institut Français de la Mode is one of the best places in the world to study. And as detailed below, France is home to some of the world’s best business schools too. With so many excellent institutions of higher education, your learning potential in France unparalleled.

Business opportunities
GMAT podcasts

Next, France is one of the world’s most active markets for business opportunities and has access to the large European single market. Another great reason to study in France is to familiarise yourself with French business either through your studies or in a professional capacity. France is home to several of the world’s best business schools, meaning it is an ideal place to launch your career. Skema Business School, INSEAD Business School and HEC Paris are some of the highest ranked institutions of their kind and are known for their international student body and atmosphere.

For non-European students, the French government offers a temporary resident permit (autorisation provisoire de séjour) to recent graduates which lasts one year, allowing you to search for work in that time. All things considered, France is a great place to study if you want to pursue a career in business.

French culture
MBAs in France

Of course, studying in another country isn’t just academics and career planning—immersing yourself in the country’s culture and traditions is arguably even more enriching! In France, there is no shortage of cultural experiences to be had. Food and wine are a major focus of French culture and a good way to learn more about the country, its different regions and even its history. In addition to cuisine, other major aspects of French culture include art, fashion, history, literature and lifestyle of work-life balance.

Now, it is worth mentioning that while many people may associate French culture mostly with the country’s capital city of Paris, there is plenty to explore across all of France! Cities like Bordeaux, Lyon and Marseille have their own cultural heritage and are definitely worth exploring. As well, spending time in the countryside can be a great way to see another side of France. All in all, experiencing French culture can take many forms but will most definitely be a worthwhile adventure!

Support for students in France

Last but certainly not least, another reason to study in France is the high level of support offered to students. One of the biggest advantages of studying in France is that if you attend a public university, you will pay almost nothing in tuition! Public universities in France are tuition-free for the most part and require only a small administrative fee.

If you plan to study in a large city in France, the cost of living can be pretty high. Thankfully, the government and universities work hard to support students financially. To help offset the cost of rent, students can apply for aide personnalisée au lodgement and receive several hundred Euros per month. As well, most museums and cultural attractions are either free to students or offer significant discounts. Finally, university campuses are great places to access various resources like psychological support, immigration advice and more.

REQUIREMENTS

Requirements To Study In France

Since the language of instruction at French universities and colleges is French, you are required to prove your command over the language. International students are required to appear for French language tests.

For each course, a minimum academic record of 70% and above in Standard XII will be required. Foundations and Diploma programmes are available for students who have secured around 60%. The student should have completed 18 years of age before joining a degree programme.

It is important to note that these numbers are just for reference purpose, the actual numbers may differ from university to university.

The following documents also need to be submitted:

Attested copies of mark sheets of Standard X, XII, and the Bachelors degree (if applicable)
At least, two Academic reference letters from professors who have taught you most recently
If you have work experience then two letters of recommendation (LOR) from the employer/manager who knows you well and can comment on your professional abilities
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Resume
Photocopied score reports of language tests and GRE/GMAT (if applicable)
Portfolio (in case of students applying for art and design courses or architecture programmes)
Others (Certificates / achievements at the state and national level and extracurricular activities)
Proof of funds
Health insurance
A copy of your passport
Couple of passport size photographs; scanned
You might be interested in these free downloads
Timeline

Most of the colleges in France accept online applications. You will have to visit each college’s website to apply. In most cases you will have to make an account on the college website to provide your basic information, submit the scanned version of your documents, and pay application fees. You will be informed about the application process and stages through this account. Please refer to the website of the colleges of your choice to know the process of applying.

Application fee: All colleges require that you pay an application fee while applying. The fee amount will differ depending upon the college and course being applied to, so check with individual colleges about their application fee.

Steps: Given here are the common steps to applying for admission:

Search for colleges and courses
Contact schools and visit websites for information
Narrow down your list of schools
Take the entrance exams like French language tests, GMAT/GRE (IELTS/TOEFL if required)
Write SOPs and ask for LORs
Apply to the colleges which fit your interests
Appear for video interviews to the colleges who shortlisted you
If accepted, apply for student visa
SOP: A Statement of Purpose (SOP) is your introduction to the college and admission officers. It is always written in first person and describes the reason for applying to a particular college. It needs to highlight why you are a perfect fit for the college and why the college should accept you. The style of writing could differ from formal to casual, but it is important to remember that it should reflect your personality as well.

Essay: Essays are also required to be submitted by a prospective student. Essays are an important part of the university admissions process. Students may be required to write one or two essays, along with a few optional essays too. Common topics include career aspirations, strengths and weaknesses, skills, experiences, and reasons for considering a particular school.

LOR: A letter of recommendation (LOR) is a reference letter written by a third party describing the qualities, characteristics, and capabilities of the prospective student to recommend him to the college in terms of that individualâ??s ability to perform a particular task or function. The third party could be a professor, direct manager etc.

Intake seasons
The main intake season at all French universities is September. So the deadlines would be from February till May across different courses and universities. A few universities offer admissions in March as well. The deadlines for this intake would be from November till January.

Student Guide to France
Language exams
TCF (Test de connaissance du francais – Test of knowledge of French) and Le TEF (Test dâ Evaluation de francais – French assessment test) are the standardised language tests which are required to be taken for the purpose of getting admission to colleges in France. You can take both the TCF and Le TEF at a testing centre in India or in France. For complete information on the exam registration process contact Alliances francaise, as that is the official governing body for these exams in India.

Note: Students wishing to take an international degree programme which could be either Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD, may not have to take a French language test. The teaching language in these courses is usually English. To study a degree course in English, English language exams like TOEFL or IELTS may be required.

General exams
GMAT – Since almost all MBA programmes in France are in English, the language of teaching would be English with a bit of French thrown in. French B-schools like admitting multi-lingual candidates, so it will be a bonus if you know French as well. Because of the bilingual clause, GMAT is the standard exam for getting admitted into business schools. GMAT is used to measure the abilities of potential MBA aspirants to undertake higher education in the field of business or management. It measures mathematical, English, and reasoning skills of the student.

GRE – Some universities do recommend or require a GRE score, although it is not a mandatory requirement while considering a Masters in France. You will come across many options without GRE requirement.

Repetition and Fee: You can give GMAT unlimited number of times, subject to five times a year and a gap of 30 days between two tests. The cost of GMAT is Rs 16,000 and GRE is Rs 12,000.

Cost of living in France

The cost of living depends heavily on what part of France you will be living in along with how much you will socialise. Some of the basic elements for living as an international student in France are:

Accommodation rent (on-campus or off-campus)
Groceries and food
Utilities like power, water, gas, internet
Phone bills
Text and reference books
Airfare for traveling back to India
Other elements which may differ from person to person would be:

Dinning out
Travel and vacation
Car rent and car insurance
Cable TV connection
School expenses

The average tuition costs for attending a college in France will vary according to the school, the course and the city your school is located in. The average rates for tuition vary from about 150 EUR per term to 900 EUR per term. This amount varies and is based on a number of factors. The fees may be lower for EU residents and higher for international students. So make sure you check with the institute if there are different fees for international students.

In 2017 the average tuition fee in France was €189 annually for pursuing a bachelor’s degree, whereas it is €259 for pursuing a master’s degree and €393 for a Ph.D. Also, the average tuition fee for getting an engineering degree in 2017 was €611. For studying in France’s private universities one has to spend around €500-€600 annually, however, some the universities charge up to €10,000 annually.

For the academic year 2018-19, the fee for pursuing a License course us €170 for one year, whereas it is €243 per year for pursuing a master’s degree. Apart from this, a student has to pay €601 per year for getting engineering training in an institution run by the ministry of higher education.

Even though the amount of financial assistance and scholarships are limited for international students, the cost of attending university in France is considerably lower compared to other countries. This helps make up for the lack of financial aid assistance available.

Living expenses
On an average, an international student needs approximately 616 Euros per month in France. Prices differ a lot in the big cities and small towns all across France.

Particulars

Cost

Meal, inexpensive cafe

12.75 €

Milk (one litre)

0.95 €

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant

50.00 €

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

0.59 €

Apples (1kg)

2.33 €

Tomato (1kg)

2.38 €

Potato (1kg)

1.54 €

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

1.60 €

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

54.00 €

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data)

27.53 €

Basic expenses like Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage for an apartment for one month

139.70 €

1 bedroom apartment in city centre

655.68 €

1 bedroom apartment outside of Centre

523.75 €

1 Movie ticket

10.00 €

Health insurance
All international students in France are required to have mandatory health insurance, which could be either public or private. Many international students are eligible to take part in the universal health care coverage offered by the university, though this is dependent upon factors such as age, country of origin, and length of their degree program.

Scholarships
Fee waivers are awarded to international students on the criteria of merit and the need of it. Candidate with strong academics, good performance on standardised exams and extracurricular achievements would be eligible for scholarship awards and financial assistance. To benefit from these opportunities, one has to make sure to send all the required documents by particular deadlines. In addition to this, the presentation of the application is also important because one is judged by the image one projects.
Some of the scholarships available with academic institutions in France can cover partial or total expenses of attending college. Here are a few scholarships that students abroad can take advantage of:

The Michaela Farnum Memorial Scholarship by International Studies Abroad Inc. (ISA)
Dr. Carlos E. Memorial Scholarship by International Studies Abroad Inc.
Chateaubriand Fellowship by University of Illinois
IES Abroad Excellence in a Foreign Language Scholarship by Institute for the
International Education of Students
ISA Diversity Scholarship by International Studies Abroad Inc
GSE Summer Scholarship by Global Student Experience
GSE Language Development Scholarship by Global Student Experience
GSE Academic Scholarship by Global Student Experience
Boren Scholarships and fellowships by Boren Awards For International Study
Arcadia University Gilman Scholarships
Annette Kade Scholarships by International Student Exchange Program
Loans
Student Eligibility criteria: The first thing is to be aware of whether you are eligible to apply for the loan or not. The general eligibility criteria that are followed by all the banks are:

You should be an Indian national
You must have a strong academic record
You must be seeking admission to a professional, technical or other course of
study. Most banks maintain that the selected course should be job oriented
You must have secured admission to a foreign university/institution
You must be above the age of 18 years or else your parents can avail the loan
Eligibility of course: You may not get a loan on every course. Here are the kinds of courses that qualify for the education loan.

For Graduation: Job oriented professional or technical courses offered by reputed universities
For Post Graduation: MCA, MBA, MS or even diplomas
These courses could be from foreign universities or institutes approved by the state and central government
Loan amount: If your total fee is Rs 10 lakh, the bank may offer to give a loan of 80% of the amount and you will have to put in the balance 20%. This is called the margin amount. The maximum loan amount for studies abroad is generally around Rs 20 lakh by the bank. If your tuition fees amount is Rs 30 lakh, you’ll have to manage the rest of the funds by yourself. Some banks charge a processing fee, while others don’t. It may be a fixed amount or a percentage of the total loan amount. So if the bank charges you one per cent as processing fee, that will be an additional cost you’ll have to cover.

Documentation required: You will have to provide the acceptance letter sent by the university reflecting that you have been selected for the course and the schedule of fees. You will also need to show the mark sheet of the last qualifying examination to show your academic record.

All banks have different requirement for documentation, so you need to confirm with the bank first.

Repayment: Repayment starts only after the course period. If the student gets employed within one year after completion of the course, the repayment should start immediately after the expiry of one month from the date of employment.

If you do not secure a job within a year of completing the course, then repayment starts irrespective of whether or not you are employed. The loan is generally to be repaid in 5-7 years after commencement of repayment. If the student is not able to complete the course within the scheduled time extension for completion of course, he may be permitted for a maximum period of two years. Generally, you will get up to a maximum number of 10 years to repay the loan.

Student visa for France
Conditions
Submission of Visa application and collection of passports can be done only by the applicant himself or through a travel agent authorised by the Embassy of France, New Delhi.

Before submitting your application for a student visa at the French Consulate you must create an online CampusFrance registration file. You may contact the closest CampusFrance office for assistance or schedule an appointment through the online file or by calling the CampusFrance office. (CampusFrance is a service of the French Embassy in India to promote higher education in France)

You need to visit the VFS website to schedule an appointment at the visa application centre to submit your application.

In addition you should provide two sets of application photocopies containing the following documents:
1. Long stay application form for duration of more than 90 days
2. Two passport size photographs
3. A copy of Passport
4. A print out of your CampusFrance ID number
5. Letter of registration from the academic Institution
6. Cover letter explaining the study project and a CV/Resume
7. Proof of funds – tuition fees + a minimum of 615 Euros/month, for the complete academic term
8. Proof of medical insurance with coverage valid in France
9. Copy of your round trip airline ticket (if you are studying six months or less) or a one way ticket (if you are studying in France for more than six months)
10. OFII form (Office Francais de Immigration et de Integration)
11. Proof of residency in France such as a lease, electricity bill, title of property etc. for a minimum of three months or a Hotel reservation

Work permit
The French law allows students to do 964 hours of part-time work in a given year. International students are also eligible for student jobs at universities. Students are hired to provide assistance to incoming students, helping disabled students, tutoring, IT support and assistance, working in the career center etc.

Student employees are supposed to follow a work schedule that will not interfere with their studies. The terms and conditions of employment are adapted to the requirements of each student’s programme so as to ensure academic success while offering work experience.

Visa for spouse
Spouses and children may be permitted to reside in France while you study, but this is conditional. These conditions include having enough and appropriate financing and a living space. Cases are decided on an individual basis at the France embassy, and special consideration may be given to your case if you are able to explain your situation to the consulate effectively.

If you were accepted by a French university for a Bachelor’s degree (which is called a “Licence”), your spouse would not be given a visa to accompany you or be permitted to work in France unless s/he is a European citizen. The case might be different for Research or doctorate students. They may be allowed to take along their spouse or kids, but that depends on various terms and rules.

Note: The Embassy of France, New Delhi has implemented a change in arrangements for the collection of processed passport from visa application centres. With effect from 8th December 2014, it will no longer be possible for third parties to collect the documents on behalf of an applicant, except in the following cases:

Immediate family members (Parent, Child or sibling)
One member of a group collecting for the entire group
A person collecting on behalf of Govt. officials if authorized on the Govt. letter head or department
Representative of a company – Authorization letter on the letter head of the company and the official ID card of the representative.

LIVING

LIVING IN FRANCE

So you want to move to France? Mais oui! We can’t imagine a better life than one where you’re surrounded by brioches, wine, and magnifique art galleries like the Louvre and Pompidou. Whether you’re living in culturally vibrant Paris or the beautiful beach city of Nice, there’s plenty to see, do, and consume. And with dozens of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the rest of Europe on your doorstep, you’ll never be bored.

A woman living in France
This could be you, gazing out at the Seine with the Eiffel Tower in the background

So what are you waiting for? Fill in the form at the top of this page to receive up to six free shipping quotes, and see how much it would cost to make the exciting leap into life in France. Here are the five best reasons to start living in France:

You can tour vineyards and castles, hike or ski in the Alps, or just relax on any of France’s white-sand beaches.
The food and drink is world-class.
France has universal healthcare.
You can balance work with the rest of your life.
It’s different, but not too different – France’s laws, weather and food will all feel familiar to you.
But before you bid adieu and start living la vie en rose, you’ll need to be prepared. So to ensure that you’re singing “Non, je ne regrette rien” after you make the move to France, here are some tips and advice to make your bon voyage as smooth as possible.

1. Are you ready to increase your joie de vivre?

Just like Shakira’s hips, the stats don’t lie: 79% of people who move to France are generally satisfied they made the leap, according to InterNations’ 2018 Expat Insider survey.

Meanwhile, in HSBC’s Expat Explorer Survey 2018, France came third for how much people enjoyed family life – which should soften the blow of moving your loved ones to a new land. You can also look forward to living in a nation which ranked second for raising kids, and providing them with education and childcare. Plus, you’ll be that much closer to Disneyland Paris.

Life expectancy is higher in France too, according to World Health Organisation data from 2016. On average, people in France can look forward to spending 82.4 years on this earth – more than the UK’s 81.2, or the US’s upsettingly low 79.3.

2. France is great for your kids

Since all work and no play makes Jacques a dull boy, don’t fret: France has plenty of opportunities for kids to have adventures.

Lonely Planet reveals that if you’re living in Paris, there are many interactive museums to spark your children’s curiosity. This is made even better by the fact that entry to national museums is free for anyone under the age of 18. Fun also awaits with the Musée d’Orsay’s family-friendly treasure hunt, the Musée Grévin’s celebrity waxworks, and guided tours to teach families about prehistory, human evolution and world cultures.

Travel up north to Brittany or Normandy for a classic beach holiday or pirate adventure (depending on your imagination), or take your family to the Alps to enjoy winters in whatever way you want, from skiing to simple snowman-building.

You can also enjoy a summer holiday on the beaches of the French Riviera, or take a jaunt to Corsica, where you and the kids can go cycling, kayaking, sailing, or snorkelling to your hearts’ content.

As well as providing plenty of opportunities for travel and fun, the country is generally good for kids. HSBC’s Expat Explorer Survey 2018 found that 64% of expats said their children’s health and wellbeing was better in France.

3. If you love travel, France is a wonderful home

This is a special country for sheer variety. With stunning beaches in the south, hiking and skiing locations in the Alps, and fairytale castles in the north, France has something for everyone.

It also boasts the joint-fourth-most UNESCO World Heritage Sites of any country in the world, with 44 wonders for you to check off during your travels. These range from imposing man-made buildings, like the fortified city of Carcassonne and Palace of Versailles, to natural wonders like the Loire Valley and Mont Perdu.

France is, of course, just a stone’s throw from a host of other exciting European countries, bordering Spain, Italy, Germany, Belgium and Switzerland. Africa is also within easy reach – use a comparison website or two, and a trip to Algeria, Morocco, or Tunisia will leave you with plenty of spending money.

4. You’ve got good healthcare options

After being accepted for your sojourn to the land of Marie Antoinette and Johnny Hallyday, your mind will inevitably turn to protecting yourself. Thankfully, France has universal healthcare.

You can get around 70% of your medical costs reimbursed in France, thanks to a system which sees citizens and long-term residents pay a monthly contribution. And if you have a chronic condition like cancer, AIDS or a severe mental illness, the government will cover 100% of your medical expenses.

Changing country is never easy, but it’s always better when you can rest safe in the knowledge that should disaster strike, you and your family won’t be financially shipwrecked.

According to Expatica, to register for French healthcare, you’ll need:

To have lived in the country for three months
To show documents which may include your passport, ID card, and proof of long-term residence and income in France
Marriage and birth certificates, if you’re also registering your family
However, if you’re considering taking out some private medical cover before your big move, we can help – we’ve partnered with Cigna for private medical insurance in France. With four levels of annual cover to choose from and extra modules for more flexibility, Cigna will sort you out with a plan that suits your needs.

Start building a customised plan with a free quote to protect your most important assets – you and your family.

5. It’s not all about the money – but it helps
Speaking of cash

you’re also more likely to earn better by moving to France than other countries. One in three expats rake in a yearly household income of at least £77,000, according to InterNations’ 2018 Expat Insider survey, while HSBC’s Expat Explorer Survey 2018 places an expat’s average income at £61,500.

As far as taxes go, you’ll have to check with your employer whether you will continue to be taxed by the British government. If you’re planning on making France your main residence, then prepare to file a tax return – either at the end of May if you’re doing it offline, or the end of June if you’re online.

In another departure from British policies, the French government will take income tax from the amount your household earns, rather than from your individual earnings. That means a lower rate if you’re financially supporting children (who count as half a person each for these purposes), and/or a partner. For example, if you have three kids and a spouse who doesn’t work, your earnings will be divided by 3.5 before they’re taxed. The larger the family, the lower the tax rate.

If you’re moving to France with a partner, you can also enjoy all the legal benefits of marriage without having to actually tie the knot – and that’s not the only benefit of working in France.

If you’re about to move to France, you’ll probably need to convert some of your savings into euros.

However, it’s best to avoid using high street banks for this process, as you’ll usually have to pay high fees, and you won’t get the best exchange rate.

That’s why we’ve done our research and compared all the major money transfer services on the market, so you can choose the right one. Check out our expert ratings and find the best money transfer provider today.

6. Get ready for long lunchtimes at work

Depending on which city and company you’re working at, lunchtimes can stretch to anywhere from an hour and a half to two hours. French culture places a lot of importance on food and coffee, so it makes sense that lunch would be valued in this way.

In this vein, employers are obliged to provide you with either a kitchen or an on-site cafeteria that’s often subsidised – but in many cases, they simply hand out lunch vouchers. These tickets repas can take several euros off your lunch bill, meaning you can indulge yourself at fancy restaurants several times per week.

However your employer handles lunch, they may well expect you to eat a full meal with your colleagues every day – providing you with an excellent chance to get to know them while enjoying some delicious food.

Living in France and eating
Bond with your colleagues during France’s luxurious lunchtimes. Bon appétit

7. Working in France means more free time

As well as lengthy lunchtimes, people in France also enjoy a legally mandated 35-hour working week. If you’re moving from Britain, that means at least a 13-hour reduction. It’s a win-win-win-win (or gagner-gagner-gagner-gagner): work less, eat better, earn more, and increase the time you spend with your loved ones.

Even if you do end up staying at the office a bit longer each day, you’ll be compensated, with up to 22 days of holiday available for working extra hours. The amount of annual paid leave is also among the highest in the world, with workers entitled to 30 days off per year. Yes, you read that right – a whole month to be paid for doing nothing.

For many employees, this means taking the whole of August off. Spend a month in a sunny beach town with some local wines and cheeses, and you’ll never want to leave. And since you can never have too much paid time off, you’ll also be able to celebrate 11 public holidays in your new country – three more than the UK. Vive la France!

8. Eat and drink to your stomach’s delight, though maybe not your heart

With all your free time, you’ll have your pick of wonderful places to indulge your appetite. There are 27 restaurants in France with three Michelin stars – the most of any country in the world – and 632 restaurants with at least one star. Your stomach will say merci as you indulge your desire for crêpes, escargot, beef bourguignon, and more.

And of course, no mention of French cuisine would be complete without paying tribute to its wonderful wine, beer and champagne – not to mention the country’s more unique offerings like Chambord, Grand Marnier, Cointreau and Chartreuse, among other delicious drinks.

You can even take your family on picturesque tours of vineyards across the country, as well as try out the delicious cider from the northern regions of Brittany and Normandy. We don’t want to spark an international incident, but it’s safe to say that this product is roughly a million times better than British favourites like Strongbow and Bulmers.

9. Not only is it tastier, it’s also cheaper to live in Paris than London

No, we’re not pulling your jambe – you’re about to save a considerable amount of money by moving to France. As of May 2019, more than 1,000 people on Numbeo have contributed to the statistic that renting a three-bedroom flat in the centre of Paris is about one-third less wallet-destroying than it is in London, at around £2,180 per month.

If life outside of the city centre is more what you’re looking for, you should expect to pay somewhere in the region of £1,460 – which again is considerably less than in London. This will leave you with more euros to spend on beer and wine, which are also both cheaper in the French capital.

Be sure to also save some money by getting a monthly Metro pass for just £65 – not bad when you consider that the same pass on the London Underground can come to anywhere between £135 and £350. Be warned, though: meat, cheese and clothes can cost a pretty penny in Paris if you’re not careful, although these expenses should be more than offset by your other savings.

Select the size of your move to get free quotes
1 Bedroom
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10. Choose your new home carefully
This may sound obvious, but your experience living in a vibrant city like Paris will be hugely different to relaxing on the south coast in Cannes. If you’re moving for work, you’ll probably end up in one of the major cities – Paris, Marseille, Lyon or Toulouse, for instance – but even so, you’ll be able to choose between a variety of different homes.

Don’t assume that you’ll only be able to rent, either – purchasing prices are dramatically lower outside of Paris, falling by up to 70% in the cities listed above, according to Numbeo. The average wage is also lower, but not by nearly as much.

Wherever you land, it’s likely to be less hectic than where you’re coming from. While the likes of London, New York City and Sydney all have populations of more than 4 million, France only has one city with more than a million residents: Paris, at 2.1 million. As always, choose the location which matches your lifestyle.

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